Qass. Book. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS ^' WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA EMBRACING A Comprehensive Compendium of Local Biography-Memoirs of Representative Men and Women of the County Whose Works of Merit Have Made Their Names Imperishable, Special Articles Prepared by Hon. Hugh Dougherty, Evan T. Ch; P. A. Allen, xMrs. D. T. Smith, Hon. Joseph S. Dailey, George E. Fulton, M. D., and Thomas Sturgis, D. D. S. LaLUSTRATRD 1903 B. F. BOWEN, PUBLISHER LOGANSPORT, IND. lli>H jl 10 PREFACE. T N PLACING the Biographical Memoirs of ^Vells County before tlie citi.en. j the pubhsher can conscientiously claim that he has carried out in full every promise made in the prospectus. He points with pride to the elegance of the bmding of the ^■olume, and to the beauty of its typography, to the su- penonty of the paper on ^yhich the ^york is printed, and to the truthfulness depicted by its portraits and the high class of art in ^yhich they are finisl,ed. E^■ery biographical sketch has been submitted for correction and approval to the person for ^yhom it was written, and therefore any error of fact if there be an)-, is due solely to the person for whom the sketch was prepared. The sex-eral special articles frdm the pens of well known citizens of the county cannot fail but be of unusual interest, the writers touching upon those phases of the county's history with which they are most familiar. The pub- hsher would here ayail himself of the opportunity to thank the citizens of Wdh county for the uniform kindness with ^vhich they haye regarded this undertaking, and for their many services rendered in assisting in the gaining of necessary information. Confident that our efforts to please will fulh- mee't \yith the approlxation of the public. \ye are. Respectfully. B. F. BOWEN, Publisher. INDEX-PART I, Historical Resume 1° Industrial Progress of Wells County, by Hon. Hugh Dougherty ^2 Agricultural Progress in Wells County, by Evan T. Chalfant 43 Public Education, by P. A. Allen 49 Literature and Its Progress, by Mrs. D. T. Smith 62 The Bench and Bar, by Hon. Joseph S. Dailey 70 Medical History of Wells County, by George E. Fulton, M. D 78 Dentistry, bv Thomas Sturgis, D. D. S 86 INDEX-PART II. Abbott. A. S 423 Abbott, Daniel W 501 Abbott. William H 502 Abshire. Lewis C 25S Alberson. Charles 240 Alberson, Philip B 240 Allen. Hamon 592 Allen. P. A 425 Allen. Robert 592 Alspach, Daniel 200 Alspach, John A 311 Archbold. T. W 4S8 Archbold. William G 491 Arnold. Adam 361 Arnold. William C 547 Awkerman, Joseph 350 Awkerman. Joseph. Sr 350 Baker, John 165 Batson, Nathaniel 152 Batson. S. J 152 Beavans. James IGO Beavans, John W 160 Beberstein. Ferdinand 320 Beck, John M 344 Bevingrton. O. B ISO Bevington. R. A 180 Bickel, Simon B 504 Bierie, Christian 316 Bierie. Bli C 315 Bloxsom, James 24S Bloxsom, William 248 Blue, C. L., M. D 50S Blue, Hon. M. C 581 Bock, C. C. M 149 Bock, J. W 149 Booher. John 266 Botts. E. H., M. D 558 Bower. Joel 259 Bower. Henry 286 Bower, Simon 259 Bowman, William E 348 Brickley, George 158 Brickley. Peter 158 Brineman, C, S 236 Brineman, John 23G Brineman, Malachi 237 Brown, Mrs. Sarah E 593 Buck, John M 334 Buckner, Capt. Philip 567 Burns, Joseph 572 Campbell, Samuel 589 Caps, George L 305 Caps, George W 304 Carrysot, Adolphus 415 Chalfant, Evan L 490 Clark, Mrs. Frances 223 Clark, I. K 154 Clark, John 1 381 Clark, Matthew J 154 Clark, Robert 559 Clark. Rufus B 380 Clark. Sargeant 380 Cloud. Thomas C 117 Colbert, William 184 Cotton, George W 190 Cotton, Samuel G 190 Crites, Jesse 511 Crites, John 511 Dailey, Hon. Joseph S 96 Davis, Edwin R 518 Dawson, John 225 Deam, John C 486 Deam, John H 500 Deam. Lewis E 500 DeHaven. L. L 181 DeHaven, Walter B 182 Derr, Capt. E. E 460 Dettinger, John G 358 Dettmer, John D 480 Ditzler, John R 506 Donaldson, Robert 147 Donaldson, W. A 146 Dougherty, Hon. Hugh 89 Dulinsky, George 261 Dulinsky, William 261 Dunwiddie, William 345 Durr, John Henry 433 Dyson, Charles E 275 Dyson, George 296 Earl, George W 593 Ehret, William 493 Eichhorn, David 187 Eichhorn, Philip 187 Elick, Jonas 587 Elick, William 552 Elzey, Abner S 402 Engle, Robert M 206 Engle, William L 340 Falk, Joseph 453 Fatscher, Jacob 464 Feeser, John G 136 Feeser. Josiah 136 Fisher, Daniel 549 Fleming. Aaron 128 Ford, Charles H 179 Ford. Thomas 179 French. Amos 201 French. John G 201 Fry. Joel 421 Fulton, Hon. George E 104 Fulton, J. C, M. D 427 Punk, C. B 221 Funk. John B 366 Funk, Samuel D 221 Garton, Henry J 420 Garton, Marion 418 Gavin, George M 530 Gavin, J. B 384 Gavin, R, F 326 Gehrett, Amos 219 Gehrett, Mrs. Elizabeth 143 Gehrett, Henry S 144 Gesler, Lewis 441 INDEX— PART II. Clock, John 471 Goodyear, J. W 376 Green, James 254 Green, P. S 254 Haflich, Andrew J 551 Haflich, Eli 588 Haflich, Samuel A 586 Haiflich, Isaac 443 Haiflich, William 442 Hamilton, Augustus W 562 Hatfield, Adam 130 Hatfield, Adam, Jr 131 Hatfield, Hiram 131 Hatfield, Isaac N., M. D 138 Hatfield, James C 130 Hatfield, John 130 Heckley. Martin 494 Hedges, Elijah 571 Hedges. Robert M 571 Helm, George 381 Henline, Joseph H 400 Hogg, John H 454 Holcomb, J. H., M. D 438 Hoopengarner. George 514 Hower. B. F 424 Hower. John Y 580 Hudson Family 218 Hudson, Wilson 216 Huffman. David C, M, D.. . . 419 Huffman, George W 230 Huffman, Henry 192 Huffman, Levi 192 Hunsicker, Henry H 120 Hurst, Samuel 282 Hurst, Thaddeus S 282 Huyette, Prof. Arthur R 370 Huyette, Joseph R 370 Hyde, John S 168 Irwin, Robert C 544 Johns, Henry E 277 Johnson. Abraham W 519 Johnson, Jonas 441 Johnson, Lewis M 51S Johnson, Noah 556 Jones, John 515 Kain, B, F 595 Keefer, James H 352 Keller, David 143 Kemp, Joel 386 Kilander. Perry 197 Kilander, R. A 144 Kimble, George W 156 Kimble, Uzal 157 Kizer, Martin 285 Kizer, Martin, Sr 285 Kleinknight, William F 495 Knott, James 185 Knott, Samuel C 185 Krehl, Frederick 204 Krehl. Jacob F 204 Kreigh. Samuel M 470 Krewson. John S 466 Kunkel. Calvin 412 Kunkel. Michael 413 Kunkel. William A 326 Lancaster, Harvey B 456 Lancaster, Louis G 312 Lancaster, Nathan 313 Lassiter, H. H 557 Leavengood, Silas G 547 Lechner, George W 474 -T:e^, John 279 Lee, Jonathan R 176 Lee, William 176 Leist, George 521 Lesh, Jacob 445 Lipkey, William 368 Lobsiger, John 365 Lockwood, James E 227 Long, Michael 336 Lounsbury, Smith 141 Lounsbury, Sylvester 140 McAfee, Jacob 444 McAfee. John 437 McBride, James L., M. D 560 McBride. William W 583 McCollister, Henry C 33? WcCullick, H. C "378 McCullick, Lot 327 McDowell, William 360 McFarren, George F 332 McFarren, Harry 333 Mann, Henry A 166 Mann, Michael 166 Markley, John 383 Markley, Mrs. Jacob B 517 Markley, Jonathan J 447 Markley. William D 383 Mast, Abraham 498 Mast, Uriah 497 Matlack, David T 537 Matlack, William 537 Merriman, Alfred T 542 Metts, A. H., M. D 463 Metts, John 1., M. D 467 Meyer, Albert 575 Meyer, David 577 Meyer, Jonas 336 Meyer, Peter 375 Meyer. Peter 575 Miller. Andrew J 446 Miller. Charles M 398 Miller, G. W, G 357 Miller, Henry 232 Miller, Jacob 399 Miller, John A 505 Miller, Michael 232 Minnich, Jacob 125 Minnlch, John 125 Minniear, Joseph 528 Minniear, Lewis A 528 ! Mock, Daniel 106 Mock, Emsley 106 Mock, Hon. Levi 105 Moore, Cornelius 535 Moore, Joseph B 534 ! Morris, John Pickett 568 Morris, Thomas B., M. D 567 Mosure, Frank W 328 Mosure, Jonathan 328 Moiinsey, James P 539 Myers, Ludwig 484 Neff, Hercules H 510 Neff, John N 522 Neher, John 299 Neher, Samuel 299 Neher, Samuel 1 293 Nelson, James 163 Nelson. Solomon B 162 Nevius, George R 487 Niriter, George 481 Niriter, John 481 Nutter, Levi 310 Nutter, Louis A 310 Ochsenrider, David 314 Ochsenrider, Elias 314 Oppenheim, Albert 578 Oppenheim, Sigmund 578 Ormsby, Albert 553 Palmer, Samuel H 174 Park, Matthew J 452 Paxson, Mahlon 1 403 Perdue. James 118 Perdue, James, Sr 119 Poling. Silas 540 Popejoy. Lawson 550 Pouless, William 178 Prillaman, Lewis 103 Ralstian, William 329 INDEX— PART II. Rapp, Frederick 483 Reeves, Dennis 284 Reeves, John H 284 Rex, John 461 Rinear, Charles 354 Rinear, John W 354 Risley, Franlremises as to what the future is apt to be. I predict that our agricultural conditions will continue to improve in the coming years, not at so rapid a pace, perhaps, as in the past, but there will be continual improve- ment and advancement in knowledge and wisdom and skill and wealth and pleasure amongst the farming classes. In another quarter of a century every farmer will have his mail delivered to him every day. Most farmers will then be connected with each other and with the outside world by tele- phone. Electric cars will cross our coun- try in all directions and will give easy, cjuick and cheap transportation everywhere. Farmers' clubs, institutes and organiza- tions will be the rule instead of the excep- tion, as now. Farmers will have more leisure to devote to such institutions. They will then stand shoulder to shoulder and will work together for their mutual inter- ests and welfare. The best of stock will be found on e\'ery farm, and the lands will be so farmed as to make them yield their ut- most. Farmers will read and study more, and so will be better and more successful farmers, which will mean more wealth to them, and with more wealth will come more ease and comfort, more privileges and pleas- ures in life. Improvements in farm machin- ery will continue. Electricity, gasoline and wind will dci mure and more of the work on the farm. The homes will be lighted and heated by electricity, which will have been generated by wind power. The time is fast approaching when farming will lie the pleasantest. mi>st ])rofital")le and most WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. desirable pursuit to follow, as it is now the most healthful, least confining and most in- dependent of all the professions. Then many engaged in other professions will envy the farmer, his occupation, his lovely home and his ease and comfort and enjoy- ment in life, and will try to change their professions to farming, but will not be able to do so, as there will be no more farms to possess, and the farmers will not sell out and go to the hot, crowded, noisy cities to live, but will live on their farms all their days and then turn them over to their chil- dren. To bring about such results in farm- ing, the farmers must be better educated, better posted in their profession, more fully awake to their opportunities, more ready to make the best use of their privileges, and more in love with their farm life and work. And these qualities are becoming more and more common as the years roll by. There is a glorious future in store for the agricul- turists of our county and nation. The farmer is in partnership with the Lord, who made the soil, who waters it with rain and dews, who warms it with sunshine, who supplies it with air and life and beauty, and he must succeed. PUBLIC EDUCATION, BY P. A. ALLEN. The eaiiy beginnings always form an interesting chapter in any historical sketch, especially when it has to do with a subject which lies so near to the hearts of the people as does that of public education. In this important interest Wells county and the city of Bluffton have always occupied a place in the front rank and have for years enjoyed an enviable reputation throughout the state. In providing for the growth and efficiency of the schools, those who laid the foundation of the fine system which is a matter of just pride to our people, spared no pains or reasonable expense, and time has demonstrated that they "builded better than they knew." The foundation was laid broad and deep and will support well the superstructure which the later generations shall build upon it. While a study of the beginning has a charm and absorbing interest on account of the mist of years that surrounds it, it is a matter of keen regret that a record of this first period was not made at the time it was fresh in the minds of those who actively participated in it. So long a time has elapsed since the first steps were taken in public education in this county that there are few persons now living who were here in that pioneer period, and the infirmities of age have so impaired their powers of recol- lection that the incidents they are able to recall are so fragmentary and disconnected that nothing like a succinct account can be made from the information gleaned from those sources. That part of this chapter which is reminiscent in character was ob- tained by interviews with many persons who have been residents of their respective neighborhoods for many years and are well acquainted with the traditions of their local- ity. We realize that the best possible sketch to be written in this way will be open to the just criticism of being incomplete because of the omission of man}' most interesting things, and incorrect because of the defec- tive memories of many of our informants. With this understanding we will ask our readers to take it for what it is worth, be- lieving it will contain something of inter- est for all who are in any wa}- identified with the interests of the county. A school which is claimed b}- some to be the first in the county was taught by Jesse McGrew in 1837 in a school house which stood on the Adam Miller farm, southeast 50 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. of Bluffton, on Six Mile creek, on the south part of section 1 1, in Harrison township. Another of the early school houses of the county was near the one above mentioned, where David Powell's old tannery stood. It was a log building, eleven by eighteen feet in size, with clapboard roof held on with weight poles. The seats were ar- ranged in semi-circular form about the fire- place; the writing desks were of hewn slabs l)inned to the walls, and a row of backless benches in front of them for the use of the more advanced pupils. This was the typical school house of the period. The first school in the present limits of Elufifton was taught by Asa Cohoe, a Uni- ted Brethren minister, in the year 1839- 40. in a log school house on the north side of the Henry Thoma residence lot on Scott street. This house was like its con- temporaries in the country, in that it was provided with a huge fii'e place which occu- pied nearly all of one side of the room. It had a clay back wall and stick chimney. It took in logs of firewood ten feet long, and required a good-sized saw-log for the back- log. Mr. Cohoe taught school during the week, and preached to his congregation on Sundays. This log school house was suc- ceeded by a brick structure which was used for school purposes until the erection of the Central building in 1868. The following incident will illustrate the wilderness condition of the territory \\'hich is now the site of the city of Bluffton : Rev. Cohoe, the first teacher in the town, went hunting one day and was returning in the dusk of the evening. In trying to find his home, which was located at the corner of Market and Marion streets, he became hope- lessly lost and came to the conclusion that he was in the depths of the forest, he knew not how far from his home. Despairing of being able to find his home that night, he decided to make the best of the situation and prepared to spend the night in the woods. He crawled into a hollow log, and barricad- ed the entrance with logs and chunks to pro- tect himself from wolves, which were very plentiful at that time. He thus spent the night in safety, and in the morning was awakened by the crowing of roosters at the home of Nelson Kellogg, at the corner of Main and Cherry streets, only a block away. The log in which he had lain was where the George Harnish residence now stands on Cherry street. When we see Bluiifton as it now is, with all its metropolitan improve- ments. It seems almost incredible that the conditions only sixty-three years ago were such as that the abo\'e incident could have occurred. Some of the pupils of the first schools in the city were B. F. Wiley, Warren Mc- Bride, J. B. Plessinger, Gabriel Shrock, Nancy Spencer, Mrs. Fay, George and Newton Burwell, Josie Hall. Joel Kemp, Ruth McDowell, Abraham and David Thompson, James, Calvin and Frank Deam and their sister Elizabeth, afterward the wife of James Russell. In 1843 Nelson Kellogg taught a school in a shed-roofed building at the north end I if Johnson street, on the banks of the Wabash. J. B. Plessinger has occasion to remember that }-ear, as he froze his feet while gathering fire wood with which to keep the rest of the school from freezing to death. Ann Maria Hubbell, a niece of Ad- nah Hall, taught school in the same building later. The next winter George Brown taught school in the log court house, which WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. SI was the first temple of justice erected in the cijunty. Robinson McKinney taught school the next year in a double room which stood where the Studabaker bank and the Snyder shoe store now stand. Several men still living in this city, who were boys under the tuition of George Brown, can tell interest- ing stories of that gentleman's unsuccessful attempts to use formidable bundles of wil- low gads on the backs of the larger pupils. James Donaldson and James McOuade taught school at one time in a building at the east end of Market street on the river bank. Both these gentlemen are remem- liered not only for their profound scholastic attainments, l)ut for the severe means of discipline to which they resorted. Another of the early school buildings was a brick structure which stood on Miller street, just north of the old Baptist church. This is still standing and forms part of the residence of Arthur Linn. In this build- ing Rev. R. H. Jackson and wife were among the early teachers. Mr. Jackson was a Presbyterian minister and his wife was the first music teacher in the town. The third brick school house to be erected in the city was the two-story building at the cor- ner of Marion and Cherry streets, which was called the High School, not only be- cause of its imposing appearance, but for the reason that the larger scholars attended there. Two teachers were employed in this fjuilding. This was used for school pur- ])Oses until the erection of the present Cen- tral building, after which it was used as a corn-plantei' factory, and then as a resi- dence. It also served as the home of the free kindergarten for one year. .\mong the early teachers in the city re- membered bv our oldest citizens were Eliz- abeth Jane Burwell, who became the wife of Cyrus Burgan, Mrs. Wilson M. Bulger, Miss Belle Hanna, of Wooster, Ohio, Mrs. Martha Wilson, John J. Cooper, John Fore- man, Mr. Washburn, Jack Drummond, Crawford Marquis, Charles Cruikshank, Cynthia Parker, of Huntertown, Elizabeth Blackledge, now Mrs. E. M. C. Ninde, Liz- zie Cozier, of Pennsylvania, T. A. R. Eaton, John S. McCleery, Mrs. H. C. Arnold, Newton Burwell, Nelson Kellogg and Rev. Russ, a Presbyterian minister. Lewis S. Grove, the first county auditor, taught a school in a building on the hill where the Henry Oman house now stands. W. B. DeHaven, who came here in 1854, gives his school experience as follows : The first term I went to C. W. Beardsley in the Thoma brick school house. The next year I attended school in the United Brethren church, which stood at the corner of Scott and Market streets, and was taught by C. W. Beardsley and John H. Buckles. The next year I went to the "planter factory," as it is still called, and was under the tuition of Nathaniel Greenfield. The next year I went to the brick school on Miller street, which was presided over by Nicholas Van Horn. I finished my education the next year in the "planter factory," which was under the care of Prof. J. S. McCleery." This little sketch of Mr. DeHaven will recall to many others their own experience. We must not think of the school work in those days as a plain, unalloyed effort to master the subjects prescribed in the meager curriculum of that time. School life was varied by the introduction of many diver- sions, some of which are no longer to be found among the adjuncts of school work. Such were the spelling contests, literary 52 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. societies and school exhibitions. All these served their useful purposes before they were superseded by the ideas of today. The first school exhibition ever given in the city was under the direction of Mr. Fore- man, who has been mentioned in this sketch. It was held in the old Presbyterian church on East Washington street and consisted of songs, recitations and dialogues. It w-as regarded as a great affair at that time and enlisted the interest not only of the entire town but drew crowds from miles around. In 1 868 the first six rooms of the Central building were built and the other three school properties were disposed of. In the erection of this new building the school board came in for very sharp criticism. It was pronounced by many a very foolish piece of extravagance, and it was predicted that the time would never C(jnie when it would all be needed for school purposes. But time has justified the wisdom of those who planned and built at that time, for it was not long until the six rooms were over- crowded and it became necessary to build more nxims, making it the present ten- room building. After the erection of the Central building in 1868 all the pupils were brought together and were placed under the care of Prof. Reefy, the first city superin- tendent. Mr. Reefy was an excellent man for the place and soon had the school sys- tem of the city in successful and satisfactory operation. The magnificent maples which adorn the campus of the high school and Central buildings are a monument to his memory, as he planted them with his own hands the first year of his school work here. Since Mr. Reefy, the city superintendents have been as follows : Mr. Lilly, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Buckley, Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Gunder, Mr. Ernst, P. A. Allen, 1881 to 1891, W. P. Burris, 1891 to 1897, E. D. Walker, 1897 to 1899. W. A. Wirt, the present very eflicient superintendent, has been in this position since September, 1899. The increase in school accommodations has more than kept pace w'ith the growth of the city. The five school buildings now in use date as follows: Central building, six rooms, in 1868, to which four rooms were added in 1879. Two rooms of the Wash- ington Park building were erected in 1883 and the other two rooms were built in 1886. The high school building was built in 1890, and the Columbian building in 1893. The manual training department otcupies the old Baptist church on Wabash street. The high school was organized by P. A. Allen in 188 1, and in 1883 graduated its first class. It was commissioned in 1885, and the course has been strengthened from year to year by the addition of studies, and its work has been made more effective by the equipment of good chemical, physical and biological laljoratories. The high school has never failed to send out each year a fine class of graduates, the class of 1886 consisting of thirty-four young ladies and gentlemen, being the largest in the history of the school. The library was started in 1 88 1, and received additions each year of bo(jks purchased b_\- funds raised by means of various enterprises for the purpose and by collections taken in the different rooms. It had grown to se\-eral thousand volumes before it w-as changed to a public library and a tax levied for its maintenance. The present teaching force now numbers twenty-five in all the schools, and Superin- tendent Wirt is wonderfully successful in his administration of the various interests of WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. S3 tlie schdols under his care. Substantial ])nigress marks each year's \vi)rl<. Jilanual training has been introduced in several of the grades and that part of the work placed under the care of Prof. F. C. Whitcomb. The manual training building on \\'abash street is well fitted up with the necessa'ry e(|uipment for that line of work. The beginnings in the rural districts of the county are full of interest, but we are scrr}- to say that data for that part of the sketch is very meager. A comparatively few names were obtainable from the avail- able sources of information, and we regret we are not able to enrich this chapter with a- profusion of the incidents and happenings w hicli must have belonged to that time. The first school in Lancaster township, and probably the first in the county, was the one taught by A. B. Waugh, father of Representative A. A. Waugh. The building Avas made of round logs, and greased paper served for windows. It had in it the old fashioned school furniture of that i)eriod, and must have loeen very primiti\e indeed. Some of those who attended school at that time were O. F. Sutton, Jacob Harvey, Wil- liam Har\-ey, Tom Logan, Campbell Scott, ^\"illiam Metts, afterward a minister in the ^Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. J. L Metts. Mary Ellen Metts, now Mrs. T. A. Doan. It was a subscription school. One of the incidents of that first school was a law suit which grew out of a whipping -which was administered by Mr. Waugh to one of the big boys. It was inflicted by the use of a rule. The suit resulted in Mr. W'augh's favor, the court deciding that the punishment was not only deserved but reas- onable. Another incident of the first school, which illustrates the progress that has been made in temperance, occurred at the close of the term. It was known to be the cus- tom to treat the scholars on such occasions, and Mr. Waugh, in complying with this unwritten custom, provided a wash-tub full of egg-nog, and all present were invited to help themselves freely to this beverage. A natural result of the free use of this kind of refreshment was that several of the larger boys became too drunk to get home without assistance. The fact that this incident met only a slight protest from a very few of the stricter ones shows how ideas have changed in the past sixty-four years. The second school house in Lancaster township was built about ten years later, four miles east of Murray, on Allen Clark's land, not far from Souder's farm. A man from Ohio wais em- ployed to teach, but he encountered the con- ditions described in the "Hoosier School- master," and not having the grit and tact of Ralph Hartsock, was driven off by the larg- er boys before the school had progressed very far. The plan of these boys was to combine themselves whenever the teacher attempted to punish one of their nuiuber. After the Ohio man had been driven from the field, David Clark was employed, but he suffered the same fate as his predecessor. His father, Allen Clark, was then employed, but he fared no better than his son. As a fourth effort in that term Sutton Metts was engaged to teach the school out with the understanding that he must succeed or he would not get an)' money for his services. The third day it became necessary for him to punish one of the disturbers. At this juncture some of the other boys attempted to carry out the tactics which had proven so successful with the other teachers. But they met with a surprising and very eft'ect- 54 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ive defeat. Mr. Metts, determined to profit by the experience of his predecessors, had provided himself with a lot of short clubs, which he had hidden until needed. When the boys were beginning to concentrate their forces, Mr. Metts had recourse to his supply of clubs, which he used with such rapidity and skill over the heads of his assailants that they were effectually knocked out in the first round and the rumpus settled in short order. Mr. Metts taught the term out and it is said that there was never any more trouble in that district afterward. Another institution, aside from the public schools, which had great influence for good on that part of the country was the opening at Murray, in 1852, of an academy. This was held in the old Presbyterian church, wliich is still standing and is used for a barn on the McCleery property. The lead- ing spirit in this-^enterprise was Rev. Wil- son "SI. Donaldson, who was the pastor of the Presbyterian church at Bluffton and later at Ossian, Hiram Hatfield was a member of the board of that institution. The academy drew an attendance of young people from eight or teli miles around. The course of study provided was high for that time, and the academy left its impress upon the people of that generation in a marked degree. The principal was Joseph Ster- ling, of Pennsylvania, and the tuition was at the rate of five dollars per term of three months. Among those who were students at the academy were George E. Gardiner, Sam Ogden, Henry McLellan. R. F. Gavin. ;\Iary Cotton, A. H. Metts and many others. The institution continued in opera- tion until, in the early 'sixties, during the war, when it suspended operations. Among the early teachers in Lancaster township were Dr. J. I. Metts, who taught in the old Methodist church at Murray. Mc- Coy Smith taught at the Center in 185 1. Simeon Myers also taught at the Center. J. L. Myers taught in that township and also at Rock Creek Center and at the Far- ling school house. Slyvia Tobey, of New- ford, was the second teacher at Murray. Later teachers were Dr. Williams, Craw- ford Marquis, Johnson Marquis and Adam Davison. The first school in Jefferson township was taught by Isaac Hatfield, two miles northeast of Ossian. The second was in the Ogden neighborhood, southeast of Ossian. These were established a few years before the opening of any school at Ossian. The history of the schools of Jefferson township is closely identified with the official career of Dr. J. I. Metts, who served as trustee in all nearly twenty-two years. He was elected in 1859 and served until 1878, when a change in the state law limited the term of trustee and he was not eligible for re-elec- tion. He was again elected to the office af- ter an interval of four years, and served the ])rescribed limit, two years. It was under his administration that the township graded school was established at Ossian, the first one to be established in the county. He planned the brick building at Ossian and provided for its erection. His successor, James Gorrell, took up the work and carried it to completion in 1878. A class of four members was graduated from the Ossian high school in the spring of 188 1, which \\as the first class to be graduated in the county. One of the early schools in Jackson township was called the Colbert school, and was in the north part of the township. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 55 In 1 85 1 the teacher who had been selected for the place gave up the job and James R. Bennett \vas chosen, but declined to take the position, modestly contending that he was too young for the place. He was then asked if he would assist in case W. H. Parmerlee, living near Bluffton, should be chosen to take charge of the school. He agreed to this proposition, and accordingly took up the work of assistant to Mr. Parm- erlee, who was an old man and in ill health, which often occasioned his absence from school. ]\Ir. Bennett's duties were to solve all difficult problems, write all the copies and take full charge in the absence of Mr. Parmerlee. A year later the school at Dill- man was built of logs, and it was regarded as the finest school house in the county at that time. J. R. Bennett and R. L. McFad- den were among the number who helped to raise the building. Robert Alexander was the first teacher to have charge in this build- ing. Among the scholars in that first Dill- man school were R. L. McFadden. Frank McFadden, Martha McFadden. D. K. El- kins, Sarah Elkins, and the families of \Vm. Duckwall and Jacob Banter. Among the prominent teachers in the earlier days of the township were Eli Arnold, B. M. El- kins, Fanny Ricketts and Mr. Lockwood. It is remarked by one identified with the early days in Jackson township that the prevalent idea was "no lickin', to larnin'," and for that reason the gad was held in higli esteem by the teachers and regarded with great fear by the scholars. This was no doubt true of every township in the county. The same authority states that the people of the township prided themselves on their good spelling, and it was the highest ambi- tion of larger scholars to be able to master the old Webster's Elementarv Spelling Book. An old resident of Nottingham town- ship states that Stanton Scott, father of Thomas E. Scott, was actively identified with the school interests at the beginning of that township. Beginning with 1849 he was trustee and treasurer till the close of 1853. Jason R. Blackledge was a trustee and clerk during that period. An old rec- ord shows that the first election for school officers of the township was held in 1849. The enumeration of school children taken in September of that year showed that there were 149 children of school age in the town- ship, which was divided into nine school districts. The districts varied in the num- ber of school children from five to thirty- one. The enumeration taken three years later showed 168 school children in the township. At an election held in August, 185 1, to elect a trustee, but six votes were cast, the successful candidate receiving three of them. The clerk received twenty- five cents for taking the first enumeration, and later he received seventy-five cents for that service. The names of Gabriel Bur- gess, E. Harlan Philips, James S. Williams and others also appear as having been trus- tees. Martha Marmon was paid one dollar and a quarter for a half acre of ground on which to build a school-house at District No. 9, known as the Scott school. The first school in Union township was erected in 1848 or 1849. and was built of round logs, puncheon floor, stick and mud chimney, roof of clapboards held in place by weight poles. The seats were of linden or bass wood, from trees eight to ten inches in diameter, split in halves, with pegs in each end for supports. Such were the ma- 56 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tcTial and furnishings of Zion school house, or "Old Zion," as it was called, that stood line mile south of Zanes\-ille. Abraham Heaber, who then li\-ed three-fourths of a mile south, taught there the winter of 1850. Nothing now remains to show where this once great institution of learning stood. Ormsby's school, near the old Ormsby farm, was of the same class, as was "Center school" and "College Corner." At the lat- ter place the first school was during the winter of 1851-52 and was taught by a Mr. Hixon, a brother of John Hixon, the grand- father of Frank Hixon, of this city. The school house in the south part of the town- ship was Ijuilt in the woods somewhere near the present location of Jeremiah Roe's farm buildings. The late John Kain was largely instrumental in having it erected. He had a large family of boys and girls of school age, among them Re\-. D. F. Kain and Frank Kain, of this cit}-. James Jen- nings, who went west during the Pike's Peak gold excitement, was the first teacher. He was a brother of Peter Jennings, still a resident of Union township. E. J. Felts, w ho died in this city a few years ago, taught (he second term at Kain's school house. .Stephen D. Cartwright, who wielded the birch in the old log school house at Union- town, is yet an honored resident of the township. The furniture of all the schools taught was usually about the same; the teacher occupied a split-bottomed chair at the point in the room opposite the door, in his left hand he held a book, pen or slate, as might be required, while in his right hand he held the emblem of his power, a water beech gad from four to six feet long. First he called the little boys and girls, who came individually and stood by his knee while they said the a. b, c's. One book served all the boys and one the girls, if there were two: if not. one served for all. Then came the first spelling class, second spelling class, first, second, third and fourth reading classes in the order given. Scholars while reciting stood in line close to the wall oppo- site the teacher's seat. One or two books answered for half a dozen pupils. The leacher looked over the shoulders of one of the pupils, or if he had a book of his own, he looked on and assisted in pronouncing the hard words. If some boy or girl came across a "sum" that he could not "work," the teacher was called upon at any time to "do the sum," and woe to him if he refused tor any reason to comply. What was he ]^aid the enormous salary of one dollar per day for if not to do sums for the scholars? Before dismissing school all the scholars stood in a row and spelled a prepared les- son. The teacher pronounced the words and the scholar at one end of the row, called the head of the class, named the letters in their ]>roper order and pronounced each syllable. If this one failed, then the next one at- tempted the task, and so on until the word was correctly spelled and pronounced. The successful speller went above the first one to miss, and if he got to the head of the class and maintained that position until the end of the day's session, he w'as credited with a "head mark," and very up-to-date teachers of that time gave prizes at the end of the term to the scholars who secured the most of these marks. There was often lively competition at the beginning of the term among a numlier of pupils, Init later it narrowed down to two or three contestants, who actually competed for the prize, while the other pupils arrayed themselves as WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 57 friends of the one or the other of the leaders and aided or opposed tliem by means not always fair. The spelling school was the great social featnre of the school. Log- rollings, raisings, corn-huskings and wood- choppings were the social gatherings of the country, attended by young men and women and older persons, but it was at the spelling school that the small boy and girl were allowed to have sport, and felt them- selves a real part of the procession. Every week the pupils clamored or a "spellin"." ^^'hen the teacher, after roll call in the even- ing, announced that if candles could be furnished a spelling school would be held on a certain night during the week, there was immediate excitement. "We'll furnish one," called out a representatixe of some family, and then there was a whispering be- tween brothers and sisters, and it usually took all the resources of the district in that line to furnish the three or four candles nec- essar}- tn dimly light the room, and the teacher had to hold one in hand to "give out" by. The spelling school of those days is well described in the "Hoosier School- master." Pupils did their utmost to have the announcement made through their own and adjoining districts. "The more the mer- rier" was their motto, while the teacher who had to manage the crowd in the little 20x24 school room took an opposite \iew. Aside from the fun to be derived from the spelling school there was no little benefit. The rivalry between the different schools and the desire to be chosen among the first caused many a boy and girl to spend hours in their efforts to master all the words in the old Elementary Spelling Book. An- other social and intellectual feature of many of the schools was the debating societies. These were participated in by the boys and young men, and often the patrons of the district. Embryo statesmen, with all the fervor of actual combat in congressional halls, debated such questions as these: "Resohed. That the dog is of more use to man than the gun." "Resolved, That cattle are of greater use to mankind than the horse," "War is a greater evil than intem- perance," "The negro has greater cause to complain than the Indian." About the year 1854 township libraries \\ere established, which were kept at the homes of the trustees. As there were then three trustees in each township, when the books were divided among them, the}- were so distributed that every boy who wished to debate could have access to them, and every volume was carefully searched for material with which to down the other fel- lows in the great debates. There were few church buildings in the country and religious meetings of all kinds were held in the schoolhouses. The pro- tracted, or "big meetings." always conduct- ed in the winter, were often continued for a period of six consecutive weeks, evening meetings only being held excepting on Sun- day. Thus they took the place largely of the spelling school and debatiiTg society. Young people and old attended and even if not interested in their spiritual welfare, they met their friends and enjoyed a social hour together. If the small boys played "blackman" in the woods during the services it was because there was not room for them inside, at least that is what they told their mothers on going home, and it was often if not always the truth. If the sleighing was good most of the inhabitants of the township attended 58 WELLS COUNTY, INDLA.NA. the "big meetin'." In later years, since churches have been erected in ever}' neigh- borhood, the use of the school houses has been limited to educational purposes almost exclusively. L^p to the time of the Civil war few or no lady teachers were employed. It was then thought that "school marms" could not govern the big boys. What led to the introduction of lady teachers at this time was the fact that the big boys had mostly gone to the army, and consequently were not in attendance as pupils and could not be em- ployed as teachers. Teachers were a ne- cessity and this necessity was the school ma'am's opportunity. She was employed then and has ever since held her position. One of the first to take command at "Col- lege Corners" was a Miss Smith. The boys "reckoned they could run her (jut afore three weeks." They did not, however. The larger number of the scholars liked her and obeyed her for that reason. Those that did not soon found that she could lick with a stick just like a "master." She taught two or three terms at the same place and fully demonstrated that a school marm could keep "winter school." In the mean time school buildings had impro\ed. Hewed logs or frame buildings had taken the place of the little pens, blackboards and some maps and charts were installed, methods of teaching were improved and the old recog- nized truism, "no lickin", no larnin'," was questioned. It is the opinion of our in- formant that the teachers of Union town- ship were generally in advance of their pa- trons in the march of improvement. Pa- trons as well as pupils had to be educated. What was true of Union township was doubtless true of every township in the county. Had one of our present-day teachers introduced all his up-to-date meth- ods into the schools of Union township thirty years ago he would have been literally "fired over the transom." The teachers' institute was a very po- tent means of advancing both teachers and patrons. Many of those who taught in the township had attended the academy at Roanoke, of which Prof. Reefy, who later had charge of. the Bluffton schools, was the head. He attended the early institutes, and his teaching and talks reached every home and had much to do with placing the schools of the township in the very front of Wells county's schools. Among the old time teachers were the following named persons: Frank Hamilton, W. J. Beaty, John A. ^^'alker, Daniel K. Shoup, William Shoup, J. K. Rinehart, John Ormsby, James C. Kain. Elijah Sink, Henry My- grants and John L. Thomas. We must not fail to mention Noah Walker, who taught successfully in the early 'fifties, and who yet lives in the township. Henry Eichhorn, Wm. A. Wirt, J. Ed Ormsby and Ira Sink are representatives of a later period of im- proved methods, improved appliances and improved surroundings generally. The school ma'am, the up-to-date, handsome, cultivated, successful school ma'am, of Union township has robbed the male teach- er of his honor and glory and relegated him to a back seat. Instead of being sought and begged to take charge of a district school, he seeks the office of the trustee under a mantle of darkness to obscure him from the sight of the school ma'am and begs to be employed. "O, how the mighty schoolmaster has fal- len." The school ma'am has risen and the schools of Union township have been exalt- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 59 ed until they are considered the best among the best. The foregoing very full and interesting picture of the early conditions in Union township, furnished us by John K. Rine- hart, pictures the condition in the townships of the county at that period. The changing of a few names would make the sketch apply with equal accuracy to other communities. Notwithstanding the vigorous plainness of all these surroundings, the genius of those \vho availed themselves of the facilities af- forded was in no way suppressed. From such early environment came those who have carved out the history of the county and adorned with honor the various places in the business or the professional world. The schools of the county and city have kept pace with the advanced schools of the state. While laws have been subject to slight changes from time to time, these changes have proven beneficial as a rule. In the early days the teachers were licensed by an officer called a school examiner, and the work of ascertaining the fitness of applicants varied with the examiner. Sometimes a very few questions more or less remotely connected with school work were sufficient to secure the necessary license. While there were some who maintained a high standard in their respective counties, yet it was fre- quently the case that very crude scholarship passed all right before the examiner. As the law said very little about qualifications, the examining officer enjoyed very wide latitude in his discretion. Among those who were charged with the responsibility of ex- amining and licensing teachers in Wells county in the early times were David T. Smith, W. H. Parmerlee, Nelson Kellogg and J. S. AlcCleery. In 1873 the law was changed and the office of the county super- intendent was created, which superseded that of the examiner. Since that time the county superintendents have been as fol- lows : J. S. McCleery, John H. Ormsby, Smith Goodin, S. S. Roth, elected in 1877, W. H. Ernst, elected in 1888, W. A. Luce, in 1887, S. A. Shoemaker, in February, 1891, W. H. Eichhorn, in June, 1891, and R. W. Stine, the present incumbent, in August, 1893. During that period great progress has been made in the schools of the county. Well conducted county and township institutes have been great factors in helping to secure this advancement. The standard in examinations has been gradually raised until it is as high as can be found any- where. The last few years have been marked especially by the establishment of a number of township high schools, as well as the introduction of high school studies in some of the other graded schools. This very important step has been accomplished through the efforts of our very progressive county superintendent, R. W. Stine, work- ing in harmony with our enterprising and up-to-date township trustees. The first of these township high schools to be establish- ed was in Jefiferson township at Ossian, while Dr. J. I. Metts was trustee. It has a substantial eight-room building, is supplied with necessary apparatus and good work- ing library. Ajn excellent school spirit pre- vails in that community and the spirit of progress is apparent in all its educational af- fairs. Good classes are graduated every year from the school, which stands in high favor all over the township. Chester township took a great stride ahead in its school interests in 1896 when the fine township high school building was 6o WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. erected at Keystone. From tlie first tliis enterprise met with favor in nearly all quar- ters, although, as is the case nearly every- where, there was criticism from persons who thought that Trustee F. P. Risley had built a building much too large for the needs of the township. But it was not long until all the rooms were in use and well filled with earnest pupils under competent and enthusiastic instructors. All grounds of former criticism were removed and patrons all over the township were united in their support of and loyalty to the schools, which are the pride of the people. This school has been singularly fortunate in the selection of principal and assistant teachers. Principal A. R. Huyette has been in charge for the past several years and has inspired an interest which has been com- mendable and the work done in the high school, as well as in the various grades, is as thorough as can be found anywhere. W. C. Arnold, trustee of Liberty town- ship, kept pace with the spirit of progress and in 1896 erected the imposing township high school building at Liberty Center which has been a matter of pride to the en- tire township. Principal F. J. Haecker has been in charge the past two or three years and the school work has been characterized by great enthusiasm as well as thoroughness. More loyal patrons are not to be found any where than the people of Liberty Center and the township. The high school classes are well sustained and good classes complete the course each year. In 1899 the magnificent Lancaster township high school building was erected at Murray under the direction of Trustee N. E. Stafiford. The high school was at once organized and has been ever since maintained under capable princi])als and as- sistants. It seems eminently fitting that this place, one of the oldest settled places in the county, where the first school was established and where a flourishing academy was sustained for several years, long before a high school was thought nf at any other place in the county, should jinii in the pro- cession of this later progress and afford to the young people of the surrounding com- munity as fine a course of study as can be found anywhere outside of the cities. This school is at present under the very efficient care of Principal S. J. Brickley. Nottingham township, which has been the scene for the past few years of so much activity and progress in material things, is with others at the head of the procession in educational affairs. In 1899 Trustee Samuel Gehrett, after mature consideration, erected the Nottingham township high school near Petroleum. This is one of the finest school buildings in the county, jirovided with all the modern conveniences. Although it stands out in the country with not even a farm house close to it, its rooms have been thronged with a busy lot of pupils of all grades from all over the township. Since this building was erected when the town- ship high school idea had hardly passed the experimental stage, it is very gratifying to those who were interested in its organiza- tion that time has so thoroughly shown the wisdom of the enterprise. Principal Q. R. Tavines is directing the afl^airs of this school in a very able manner. Besides the five township high schools above mentioned, high school work is done in the schools of Vera Cruz, Craigville, Zanesville, Dillman and Poneto. All these schools are in charge of well qualified in- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 6r structors, who with their patrons and pu- pils are ambitious to expand the scope of study and influence of their respective schools. Wells county has 7,258 persons of school age, 3,749 males and 3,509 females. Dur- ing the past year there were 5,805 pupils enrolled in the schools, 2,986 males and 2,819 females, and the average daily attend- ance was 4,462. There is one commissioned high school, the one at Bluffton, five town- ship high schools, and five others in which high school work is done. There are eighty- nine school districts in each of which Ixit one teacher is employed. There are one hundred and six school buildings in the county, all of which are of brick. The value of the school buildings and apparatus is $241,375. There are 9,533 volumes in the various li- braries. The total assessment of taxable property in the county is $13,954,315. There are enrolled in the high schools of the county 355 students, of whom 146 are in the Bluffton high school and 209 in the townships. The present board of township trustees are as follows : Alva B. Sine, Jackson town- ship: Lot McCullick, Chester township; George M. Gavin, Liberty township ; W. A. Redding, Rock Creek township: W. H. Kain, Union township ; Andrew Sours, Not- tingham township; Benjamin P. Smith, Harrison township; Joel Fry, Lancaster township; Nicholas Shorts, Jefiferson town- ship. These gentlemen are thoroughly pro- gressive and admirably fitted for their po- sitions. They are looking well after the school interests, and see to it that not only the schools of the count}' take no backward steps, Init that tliey shall make forward strides every year. If they do not establish as many township high schools as were started the past five or six years, it is be- cause their predecessors did that before them. Their work is even more important, that of so providing instructors and equip- ment for these schools that they shall be es- tablished on a firm basis and continue to be an inspiration to the people of their respect- ive townships. It is one of the great bless- ings of this age that the young people are provided with a high school education equal to the college education of a quarter of a century ago, without going out of the bounds of their own township. To main- tain these schools and keep the standard all the time moving forward is the work that is being accomplished by our excellent board of township trustees. The Blufifton school board consists of Abram Simmons, president; George F. Markley, secretary, and Chas. H. Plessinger, treasurer. • These gentlemen are coupling their efforts with those of Superintendent W. A'. Wirt to keep our city schools in the front rank of the schools of the state. LITERATURE AND ITS PROGRESS. BY MRS. D. T. SMITH. It goes without saying that the pulpit, the press and the school form the corner- stone of the foundation upon which rests the superstructure of literature. Wherever these three educators are so intelligently conducted as to produce results which are of a progressive order, one may be sure to find persons of pronounced literary ability. The seed which the divine hand plants with- in the souls of the sons and daughters of men requires careful, patient culture in or- der that the blossom and the fruit may give satisfactory results. With first-class reading matter at one's command, rapid strides may be made in lit- erary advancement, but the full harvest re- quires that there shall be an interchange of ideas with persons of refinement and cul- ture. In newly-settled countries, where churches, schools and printing presses are few and far between, it is to the pioneer cler- gyman that many persons are indebted for assistance in literary pursuits. The hard- worked, poorly-paid preacher of the past paved the way to future success, fortunately for all concerned, when he was able to com- bine his chosen profession with that of the teacher, and left a lasting impression of spiritual and mental progress upon the hearts of the people among whom he la- bored. Wells county as it is known today has had its full quota of struggles with poverty, malaria, and dearth of schools, churches and newspapeVs. Of its earlier history I am not personally acquainted, since my knowledge of it dates no further back than June, 1857. Events that transpired- prior to that time have many of them been related to me by descendants of the old settlers who gave them to their families as portions of family history. Some of those have no bearing whatever upon the subject in hand. In many instances I have found much difficul- ty in securing correct dates of events that are both historical and biographical. So many of the old people of this county have passed the border land within the last dec- ade that comparatively few are left who can be truthfully called "old settlers." With this introductory, I will attempt to tell what I know of the first religious service which was held in Blufifton, and which I have been assured was the first of its kind ever held in Wells county. In November, 1888, the First Methodist Episcopal church of Blufifton celebrated its semi-centennial anniversary. At that time Rev. George W. WELLS COUNTY, LNDIANA. 63 Bowers, the minister who preached the first sermon in Bluffton, was present and led in all of the services of that important occa- sion. Fortunately for me I have preserved the invitation which was sent to me to at- tend those services, as it contains a brief history of the organization of the church. Quoting from this souvenir is the following statement: "About the middle of Novem- ber, 1838, the Rev. George W. Bowers, a young Methodist minister on what was at that time known as the Portland Mission, made his way down through the wilds of unpromising Wabash country to the town of Bluffton. Having called together a few of the settlers, he preached under an oak tree, on the bank of the Wabash, the first sermon ever delivered in Bluffton. After- wards he organized and established the first Methodist Episcopal church." The circuit upon which Rev. Bowers was assigned work embraced a large extent of territory. His appointments .were met under diffi- culties of which the present generation can form no adequate conception. His trips were made on horseback, o^er a country where Indians traveled, and where bears, deer, wolves and other wild animals had the pre-empted right of way. He rode through thickly wooded forests, guided by blazed trees which the settlers had thus marked, or over marsh and corduroy roads, varied occasionally by a turfy path over the flower-gemmed prairies. Li inclement weather weeks were consumed in making a round of his ciraiit. The settlers' cabins were far apart, and sometimes he rode many miles without seeing a human being or a habitation. His long absences from his home made it necessary for him to travel with his wardrobe and a portion of his library with him in order that he might not meet his ap- pointments and find himself without clean linen or hymn-book and Bible. Frequently he stopped for the night at some lonely log cabin where the greater number of the fam- ily were shaking with the ague, and the out- look for a good meal was not very cheerful. However, he was made welcome to such as the house afforded, and, in exchange for the hospitality of his host and hostess he not only gave them spiritual instruction, but he brought them news from the outside world, of which they heard only at rare intervals. It was a case of give and take, for while he partook of the hospitality of the settlers, he carried a rift of sunshine into their lives, through his scripture reading, his singing of hymns, and his knowledge of the arts and sciences. When Rev. Bowers rode into the little log settlement of Bluffton, situated upon the south bank of the Wabash, then a navigable river, he felt as if he was literally just out of the woods. The announcement of his coming had been duly made, and he was met with generous hospitality and warmly wel- comed. E\^ery home sent representatives to listen to his preaching, and as many of those living on farms within a few miles of town as could possibly do so helped to swell the numbers. This was a notable occasion, and men, women and children, on foot, on horseback, in farm wagons, and in carts which were drawn by slow-moving oxen, came to hear him. Many wore home-spun, home-made garments, of various styles and colors. Dame Fashion had few votaries there, for, with one accord, they came to hear the first sermon to which it had been their privilege to listen since they had left their old homes to settle in a new countrv. 64 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. It requires no vivid imagination to picture the honest, joyful greeting which was ex- tended to each new arrival, and which was, in turn, extended to the young preacher who was that day to hreak the bread of life to them. Conversation was carried for- ward in the Hoosier and Southern dialects mostly, and there was no one to criticise. On both sides of the Wabash river were giant trees of hickory, walnut, oak and maple. Through these forests deer, wild- cats, wolves, and occasionally a bear and other denizens of the forest, roamed at their own sweet will. And here the crack of the huntsman's rifle often broke the stillness, and some unwary prowler fell to welter in its own life's blood. But those groves, which were the pre-empted homes of wild animals, were dail}- being marred by the settler's ax. The groves being "God's first temples," and having no other sanctuary in which to worship the "Almighty Ruler of the Universe," the pioneers selected one of the giant oaks on the south bank of the river, under which to hold their services. Nature's artistic pencil had touched the fol- iage of trees and shrubs with the various shades of red, yellow and brown, while a few green spots still withstood the frosts which had brought down from their sum- mer leafy home the acorns, hickorynuts and walnuts, in lavish profusion. Here, without a pulpit, and with an improvised choir, the service, which to the most of those assem- bled was literally a soul service, was held. Rev. Bowers must have been at this time a young man of more than ordinary ability, for his one year's pastorate in the county was attended with excellent results, and he greatly endeared himself to his people. When, in 1888, he appeared before the Bluffton congregation, he was nearly eigh- ty years of age. It was conceded by all who heard him at that time, that the pulpit had never been filled by a brighter, wittier man, or one who could so effectually touch the hearts of his congregation to lead them to a better life. His language and address were excellent, and he showed familiarity with the writings of our best authors ; he also gave evidence of having been a minister who had helped to arouse the latent literary ability of the people wherever he had been assigned a charge. Perhaps it is to him that Wells county may trace' its forward march in literature. Of the schools, another factor in the ad- \ancement of literature, Mr. P. A. Allen, in another article, will gWe a full and com- prehensive account. I will merely say that the first house in which a public school was taught in Bluffton was built like a shed, with a sloping board roof, and stood almost upon the identical spot where the first ser- mon was preached. The press, that wonderful disseminator of literature, has wielded a powerful influ- ence in Wells county. To those who ha\e never lived where newspapers were not lib- erally circulated, it appears almost incred- ible that there ever was a time when such a publication had no existence. However, it was eleven years after Rev. Bowers preached his first sermon on the bank of the Wabash before Wells county had the first newspaper published within its borders. In 1849 Samuel Lupton issued the first number of the Bluffton Banner. This paper was devoted to the interests of the Democratic party, and has always been the official organ of the county. In its infancy it was a small four-paged paper with a limited circulation. WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 65 It has changed its editorial staff several times, and has been improved and enlarged in its appearance, but the name has never lieen changed. For over twd years past the Evening Banner, daily, has been issued from the same office. The present editor is George L. Saunders. In the early 'fifties Nelson Kellogg began the publication of a small paper called The People's Press. This paper was published in the interest of what was then the Whig par- ty. It has changed its editorial staff several times, and after the Civil war the name was changed to that of the Bluffton Chronicle, tlie leading Republican organ of the county. The present editor is D. H. Swaim, a na- tive of this county. For the past ten years the Evening News, a daily paper, has been issued from this office, and it has a large cir- culation. At this writing, there are five weekly and two daily newspapers published in this county. For many years after this county could claim its two weekly papers, the mail ser- vice was limited, in the rural districts a weekly mail being the limit. Even in Bluff- ton, the county seat, a tri-weekly or a bi- weekly mail prevailed lor nearh- thirty years. In the dearth of public libraries, the Banner and the Press were warmly wel- comed by the families when they made their weekly appearance. Every line of tlieir pages was read and talked over by all of the members of the families into which they found their way. The people of this county are certainly debtors to the two pioneer newspapers for their aid in dissem- inating good reading matter. After newspapers were an established fact in the county, the next step in literary work was that of securing public libraries where those so inclined could have access to the works of the best authors of history, biography, the arts and sciences, and of choice fiction. Long years before the world had heard of the benevolence of Andrew Carnegie, a public library was endowed in Bluffton ; the exact date I have not been able to obtain, but it was in the early 'fifties. I have also been informed that branch libraries were endowed in other townships in the county. This public benefactor was a man by the name of McClure, a wealthy citizen of the county, and the library was known by the name of McClure or Mechan- ic's Library. A library association was formed and about four hundred choice vol- umes were placed on the shelves or book- cases in the furniture rooms of Tribolet & Thoma. Those gentlemen were the librari- ans for about twenty-five years. Bv the terms of the endowment the books were subject to the drawing only of workingmen and their families. Later on, others be- sides the families of workingmen found a way to evade the terms, by securing the books through the services of those who were entitled to draw them. The McClure library was one of the prime factors which helped to arouse the people of the county to the cultivation of literary talent. The old log court house which stood on North Main street has been an historical landmark in other respects besides being the county hall of justice. Several religious denominations held their services and Sab- bath schools there until churches could be built, and lectures and singing schools were also held within its friendly walls. A de- bating society was organized there, and from among its members there have issued some of the brightest speakers of Wells countv. 66 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. After clnirches, newspapers, schools and libraries were an established fact, the young people began to talk about organizing lit- erary societies, where they could spend an evening each week both pleasantly and profit- ably. There being a greater number of young people in Blufifton than elsewhere in the county, they took the initiative and ex- tended invitations to others in the county to participate with them. From the very first the greatest interest was manifested, and rapid advancement was made. The regular program consisted of debates, recitations and essays. Besides these exercises, a man- uscript paper was occasionally issued by the members, the editorial department being usually conducted by some one of the lady members. The debates were often spirited, but they were carried forward in the best of humor, and the keenest of interest was man- ifested by all who were present. The meet- ings were free to all who cared to attend, and there was always a good audience. Among the most active members were three young men who followed "Old Glory" into the Civil war and gave their lives, either directly or indirectly, to their country's cause. I refer to L. \\'. Dailey, J. Sharpe Wisner and J. Parrish Blacklege. They are worthy of mention in this article. L. W. Dailey, a brother of our fellow-citizen. Judge J. S. Dailey. was born in this county and, for the most part of his life, was a res- ident of Blufifton. He was fine-looking, in- telligent and affable, and was a favorite with his companions and in social circles. .'\fter he had mastered the branches which embraced the curriculum of studies which were then taught in the Blufifton schools, he entered the Indiana University to pursue a course in law. In less than a year after- wards the call for volunteers was issued by President Lincoln, and young Dailey was among the first to don the soldier's blue and march away to the scene of strife. He won his way to promotion, and, but for the acci- dental discharge of his rifle, which caused a wound in his foot, causing his death, he would have had greater honors conferred upon him. The wound was not considered dangerous at first, but for lack of proper surgical care it proved mortal, and, after encountering almost insurmountable diffi- culties, his second lieutenant succeeded in accompanying his remains to his father's home. He was the first soldier who was buried with the honors of war in this county, and, although the weather was de- cidedly inclement, and the roads were al- most impassable, the people of the county were well represented at his grave to give honor to the bright young man who had so prematurely met his death. J. Sharpe Wis- ner was the son of Thomas L. Wisner and wife, who removed here from Ohio when their children were quite young. Sharpe, as he was usually called, was a bright schol- ar and won his way to precedence in his classes. He was also a practical printer, having learned the trade at the Banner of- fice. As a member of the literary society he was very efficient. Occasionally he is- sued from the Banner office a small paper which was full of witty paragraphs, and which helped to keep up the interest of the members of the society. He also followed "Old Glory" to the seat of war, and, after braving danger and privation, came home at the close of the war broken down in health. A few years later he was kissed to sleep by the death angel, and, "under the low, green tent whose curtain knows no WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 67 outward swing," in Fairview cemetery his dust now reposes. At each returning anni- versary of Decoration day loving and loyal hands crown his resting place with God's sweet messengers of love, the fair and fra- grant flowers. J. Parrish Blacklege was a native of Marietta, Ohio, but came with his father's family to Bluffton in the early 'fifties. He was a quiet young man of ex- emplary habits and a consistent and active member of the Methodist church. He was a fluent speaker, and in his easy, gentleman- ly way he was one of the most efficient members of the literary society. Some time after the other two young men took their lives in their hands and marched away to the front, young Blacklege also volun- teered. Not long afterwards he was killed in an engagement with the enemy, and he now "sleeps the sleep that knows no wak- ing" in an unmarked soldier's grave. Cap- tain E. Y. Sturgis was another one of the members of the literary society who donned the blue, and he is now the only one of the soldier members who is living here. When war spread its dark pall over the country, and almost every family was rep- resented in the army, social and literary gatherings were greatly interfered with. While the men were drilling, the women were preparing and sending supplies to their absent ones, and looking after the fam- ilies of those who had lain down their lives on the field of battle. When peace again spread her white wings over this mourning country, there was a general revival of busi- ness, amusements and educational pursuits. Again throughout Wells county the halls, churches and school houses echoed with speeches, songs and music. Professional men joined the ranks, and the teachers insisted upon their pupils devoting some time to lit- erature as well as in digging deep into the mysteries of science. Many of the teachers of the country schools took one or two terms of instruction in the Bluffton school, and became active and enthusiastic members of the flourishing literary society. Being thus impressed with the importance of a higher education, they urged their pupils to read carefully the writings of the best authors of the time. They further prompted them to write or recite in their own language the choice thoughts which they had gleaned from the printed pages. The result has been just what might have been expected. The Hoosier dialect is sel- dom heard, and backwoodsmen are few and far between. The pulpits of today are filled by men who are not only theological scholars, but are also thoroughly familiar with current events, and possess a liberal knowledge of the writings of our most popular authors. Our pulpit teachers impress their congrega- tions as being men who believe it to be the duty of every one to cultivate to the utmost of his or her ability all of the talents with which the Maker of the universe has liber- ally endowed them. Their teachings are emphasized by precept and example, and they are, many of them, ready writers. It has been very truly said that a home without a newspaper is one of literary dark- ness. To the honor of this county it can be said that there are but few homes within its boundaries where a newspaper does not find its way. These "black missionaries" cre- ate and perpetuate within the minds of their readers a desire for a more extensive knowledge of the best literature of the day. Since free rural mail deliverv has been estab- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. lished, all of the up-to-date fanners are kept in touch with the times hy the receipt of one or more daiUes, besides \veekl_v news- papers and magazines. A visit to the ses- sions of the Farmers' Listitute discloses the fact that the fanners" families are both readers and thinkers, and that they are pro- gressing rapidly. Of late years the public literary societies and debating clubs ha\e lieen gi\ing way to reading circles and clubs which are limited in tlieir membership. These circles and clubs have inspired their members to pursue a course of study which has de- veloped latent literary talent that is yielding a rich har\'est. Since literature has been added to the curriculum of studies of our public schools, on the shelves of our school libraries are to be found the works of our most noted auth- ors of poetry and prose, and that they are carefully read and utilized is a fact worthy of mention. It is impossible for me to es- timate the number of volumes in the public school libraries throughout the count}', but the BlufYton library alone contains over five thousand volumes. Man}- of these are from the McClure library, while additions arc made to the new books almost every year. In reviewing the progress which has been made in literature in this county during the last half century, while it would seem to be miraculous to one of our dead and gone pioneers, it is in strict keeping with the ap- pearance of prosperity which is manifested in all of the different lines of life. A ride over the countr}-, where hand- some farm houses, which are supplied witli all of the modern conveniences, have super- seded the log cabins of "lang syne," we look for and find culture within their walls. Handsome brick school houses, supplied with all kinds of aids necessary for teaching and illustrating the topics which are taught in the public schools, dot the country here and there, and are a credit to the community which supports them. Fine, well-kept gravel roads throughout the count}' have superseded corduroy roads and fathomless mud holes, and it is a source of pleasure to take a dri\-e ortv these pleasant thorough- fares. Farm telephones, with fuel and il- luminating gas simplifies the work and more time for reading and study is left to those who are anxious to move along with "the march of time." With all of these outward impro\'ements, our pastors, our teachers, our lawyers, our physicians, our business men and our me- chanics have taken Fxcelsior for their motto, and it is their aim and purpose to win. At each succeeding annual commence- ment of all schools throughout the county higher attainments are manifested, and our young people are making rapid strides in literary, scientific and musical advance- ment. The pastor who rode over miles of pole- bridges to meet his appointment, and who carried his tuning fork "to pitch the tunes," and who also lined the hymns, has already passed into memory as some fragment of early history. The teacher who, besides teaching the rudimentary branches, car- ried as a close companion the rod of correc- tion, and daily illustrated his lectures by cuts upon the persons of his pupils, is now as obsolete as Icbabod Crane, who is so graphically described by Washington Ir- ving. If. as Patrick Henry said, ''we have no means of judging the future but by the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 69 past," we may expect much from the com- future the laurels of fame will pass to the ing citizens of this county. The young peo- | coming men and women, and that those pie have already demonstrated their mental i who have won some celebrity in the literary ability, much of which is of a high order, j world, and who have paved the way for and which gives them rank with the young greater advancement, will soon cease to |)er)i)le of any county in the state of Indi- ! shine and will be known to the world only ana. It is safe to promise that in the near { as back numbers. THE BENCH AND BAR. BY HON. JOSEPH S. DAILEY. The first term of the circuit court of Wells county convened at the residence of Robert C. Bennett, where Bluffton is now situated, in October, 1837, with the follow- ing officers : Charles W. Ewing, judge ; John Swett and James R. Greer, associate judges; Bowen Hale, clerk; Isaac Covert, sheriff, and Thomas Johnson, prosecuting attorney. The first grand jury consisted of Abram McDowell, James Guthrie, James Mace, James Wright, James Cobbum, David Bennett, Christopher Miller, William Ray, William P. Davis, Henry Mace, Jere- miah Masterson, Nathaniel Batson, Isaac Dewitt, James Harvey, Isaac Wright, Isaac Lewellyn, Joseph Jones and Buell Baldwin ; the petit jurors were Joseph Sparks, John McCullick, Noah Tobey, John Seek, Newton Putnam, Allen Norcross, Andrew Brown, John Higgins, John Casebeer, Goldsmith Baldwin, Samuel Wallace, Conklin Master- son, Henry Miller, Henry Myers, Daniel Miller, John C. Whitman, James Jarrett, David Snyder, Mason Powell, William Concannon, Samuel Myers, Adam Miller, John Swett and James Greer, all of whom are now dead. The grand jurors previous to the April term, 1839, failed to present any one for crime, but at this term Jehu T. Elliott, of New Castle, Indiana, afterwards supreme judge, appeared as prosecuting at- torney and the first indictments in the county were then found and presented and the court made the following entry in rela- tion thereto, which will be found on page 21, Minute Book A: "Ordered by the court that in all bills of indictment found at the present term of this court for assaults and batteries, betting and selling and giving spirits to Indians, the defendants be re- quired to enter into recognizance in the sum of twenty-five dollars each and security in a like sum and in all indictments for grand larceny and for suffering gaming in grocery or taverns the defendants be required to en- ter into recognizance in the sum of one hun- dred dollars each with security in like sum." At the September term, 1839, Judge Ewing was succeeded on the bench by Hon. David Kilgore, df Muncie, afterward a speaker of the Indiana house of representa- tives and subsequently for two terms a member of congress from the "Old Burnt Dictrict." J^t this term, among others, the famous Moses Jenkinson, Judge Jeremiah Smith, of Winchester, and Judge Jacob B. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 71 Julian, recently of Indianapolis, were ad- mitted to practice in this court. The first criminal proceeding tried was against Asso- ciate Judge James R. Greer, who entered a plea of guilty to a charge of betting and was fined one dollar. It seems that the judges in those days dealt out justice impar- tially and in proof of this made one of their own number the first victim of the majesty of the law. At this term John Brownlee, of Grant county, since a leading member of the Marion bar, and who is now deceased, was the prosecuting attorney. The crim- inal docket contained fifty-two causes, of which forty-five were for betting, and most of the prominent citizens of the count}' were placed under indictment. At the March term, 1840, the late Jere- miah Smith appeared as prosecuting attor- ney. At the October term, 1840, the first di- vorce petition in the county was filed. Prior to that event domestic bliss and felicity seem to have reigned supreme. At the April term. 1841, Sahuel Og- den succeeded John Swett as associate judge, and at this term John P. Greer, who departed this life at an advanced age at To- peka, Kansas, became the first^ resident member of the Wells county bar and was one of its leading lights until his removal from the state in 1857. The first entry in the probate docket of the county was made by William- Wallace, probate judge, on No- vember 10, 1841, ordering a writ of habeas corpus for the body of one Martin Perry. At the March term, 1842, James W. Bor- den, of Fort Wayne, succeeded to the judgeship and Lucien P. Ferry, of the same place, appeared as prosecuting attorney. Borden, though only a moderate lawyer, was a man of fine physical proportions, an excellent conversationalist and spent the subsequent years of his life in office, having been a member of the constitutional conven- tion, judge of the court of common pleas, minister to the Sandwich Islands under Buchanan, again common pleas judge, and he died in the harness as judge of the Allen criminal court, many years ago. The court as then constituted had an equitable but ar- bitrary way of apportioning costs, and at this term, in the case of "Andy" Ferguson vs. Almon Case, where the jury found for the plaintiff in the sum of two dollars, the court ordered "that each party pay one-half the costs." The first attorney to locate in Bluffton was James Brownlee, afterwards a prom- inent member of the Grant county bar. He was then young in years, youthful in ap- pearance and it was his first venture in the legal profession. He swung his "shingle" in the clerk's office, which was surrounded by woods with a trail leading up to it. Art- ists were scarce in those days and Mr. Brownlee painted his own sign which read as follows : "James Brownlee, Eterny at Law." It had been up but a short time when a pioneer, more scholarly than the rest, suggested that he thought there was something wrong in the orthography and upon investigation this was discovered to be true. It was then finally decided that the counsellor who could not spell the word "attorney" knew little about his profession and the youthful barrister became the sub- ject of ridicule. They made his life so un- cornfortable that he "folded his tent" and sought a new field of usefulness. At the September term, 1842, the name of Horatio M. Slack, the second resident 72 WELLS COUNTY, n\DL'\NA. attorney of Bluffton, appears of record. At this term William H. Coombs, of Fort Wayne, appeared as prosecuting attorney. After having practiced at that city for more than one-half a century, he rounded off his career by a brief service on the supreme bench of this state. During this term the judge and ex- Prosecuting Attorney Ferry were jointly indicted on the novel charge of "aiding in the escape of prisoner." At the March term, 1843, tbe venerable David FI. Colerick appeared as prosecuting attorne}-. He was at his prime, a man of excellent delivery and surpassing eloquence, and several of his sons haNc inherited great ability in these respects. At this term, John W. Dawson, afterward editor of the Fort Wayne Times, and subsequently governor of Utah territory, was admitted to the bar. lie was a ready writer and a strong, ag- gressive man. Init his pilgrimage closed more than twenty years ago. Two impor- tant events occurred at this term, the con- viction of Associate Justice Greer for \-iolat- ing the revenue laws, and the indictment of S. G. Upton, the third resident attorney ad- mitted to the bar, for barratry, but to the credit of the fraternity let it be said that he was acquitted of the charge. At the September term. 1843. Robert B. Turner became associate judge with Greer, and Lewis Lynn was then sheriff. At the March term, 1844, Lysander C. Jacoby was special prosecutor. During this session Ezekiel Parker was convicted of obtaining goods under false pretense, which was the first successful prosecution of felony in the county. At the March term. 1845, Jonathan Gar- ton, the maternal grandfather of the writer, became associate judge and continued in this capacity with Greer until the office was abolished by the adoption of the new consti- tution in 1852. At this term James R. Slack, a Union general during the Rebellion and afterward judge of the twenty-eighth judicial circuit, acted as prosecuting attor- ney. He was a man of rugged sense and old-fashioned honesty. At the August term. 1845, and ALirch term, 1846, Elza A. McMahon, afterward judge of this circuit, but long a resident of Minnesota, acted as prosecuting attorney. In 1847 Isaac Covert again became sher- iff, but with this exception the same judge and officers continued until March. 1848, \\hen Samuel G. L'pton was commissioned prosecuting attorney. He was a straight, dignified New Yorker, prematurely gray, who thought his frosty head was the re- sult , of hard study, but who was never a radical lawyer. He engaged for a number of years in editing and publishing the Bluff- ton Banner, and was for a time postmaster at this place, but ended his career a number of years ago at New Orleans, Louisiana, at the advanced age of se\'enty-five years. In 1849 Isaac Covert retired from the shriev- alty and was succeeded by Amza White. At the December term, 1849, James L. Worden acted as prosecuting attorney. He was born in Massachusetts in 18 19. but lost his father in infancy, removed to Portage county, Ohio, when a child and was de- prived of the advantages of an early educa- tion. He was largely self-taught, and re- moved to Indiana, during his early man- hood, where, by his real merits, he gained rapid promotions, first to the office of pros- ecuting attorney, next to the nisi prius bench, and afterward to the supreme bench of Indiana, where he remained nineteen WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 73 years. His opinions were so much regarded that he was styled the ''old reliable" and the "John Marshall" of that court. At the March term, 1851. the accom- plished John R. Coffroth. since deceased, was admitted to practice here. Judges L. M. Xinde. William W. Carson, Jacob M. Haynes and Isaac Jenkinson were admitted at the same time, and Benedict Burns was added as the fourth resident member of the bar. At the March term, 185J. Amza White, an original character in his day, and Arthur W. Sanford. afterward a prominent clergy- man of Marion. Indiana, were admitted to the force of local counsel. At this term James L. W'orden acted as prosecuting at- torney, and in March, 1853. he produced his commission and qualified as prosecutor. ^^'illiam Porter was then added to the list of resident attorneys. In the earlier court practice they disposed of business in a sum- mary manner after the fashion of the old English "dusty foot" court, and while it was rough on the victim, little complaint was made of the law's delay. One notable instance of this kind was the trial of Detro and Brown, in 185 1, for the larceny of horses belonging to Daniel Miller. They had taken the stolen property into Ohio. The vigilance committee got upon their trail, pursued them to near the city of Day- ton, captured the thieves with their plun- der, and recrossed the state line without the aid of a requisition, brought the captives to Bluffton. and on the da}- of their arrival they were indicted, tried, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary, and on the morning of the next day the sheriff startefl with his prisoners to Jeffersonville to execute the judgment of the court. It was claimed that this was done in obedience to that clause in the organic law of the state which declares that "justice shall be admin- istered speedily and withmit delay." At the August term, 1853, Edwin R. Wilson, an expert and aggressive young- attorney, was admitted and became a resi^ dent member of the bar. Michael Miller succeeded White as sheriff, and at the Feb- ruary term, 1854. Edwin R. Wilson was prosecuting attorney. At the February term, 1855, Edwin R. ^Vilson■s brother, John L. Wilson, subse- cjuently on the common pleas bench at Mor- row, Ohio, was placed on the roll of local attorneys, and also the name of John N. Reynolds, an auctioneer and pettifogger of great tact, who "lost his grip" when he reached the circuit court. At the .-\ugust term, 1855, James L. \\'orilen qualified as circuit judge, and in the November following, George ^McDow- ell, a brother of the late Hon. James F. AIc- Dowell, of ;\Iarion, succeeded Bowen Hale as clerk, the latter having retired after a service of seventeen years. At the February term, 1857, Robert E. Hutcheson. afterward somewhat distin- guished at the Columbus, Ohio, bar, was added to the list of resident counsel, but he remained only a brief time. At this term, David T. Smith, who had been educated at Oxford, Ohio, came from Richmond to Bluffton to engage in the practice of law. He brought with him an excellent law library, and was so(jn in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice. In the midst of his suc- cess he became a victim for a time of chronic alcoholism, which nearly wrought his ruin. \\'hen in his cups he was given to flights of fanc}- in his speeches that astonished the 74 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. natives. In his peroration after an exhaus- tive argument in defense of a dient charged with a felony, he said: "Gentlemen of the jury, when this all-important trial is over, I hope I shall have the pleasure of taking my old friend and client by the hand and of congratulating him upon his escape from the just penalty of the law." On another occasion at a jubilee held on the public square, after his party had been successful in the state election, he used this significant language: "Ladies and gentlemen, our opponents in the last campaign have lied, stolen and cheated, and we have beaten them at their own game."' Mr. Smith, many years before his demise, reformed, became an active member of a Christian church, was mayor of the city of Bluffton, and later a justice of the peace, and died respected and esteemed !)}• the entire com- munity. .\t the February term. 1859, Reuben J. Dawson, of Albion, Indiana, became circuit judge, James F. McDowell, subsequently a member of congress from this district and a man of charming eloquence, was admitted to the bar, and George S. Brown, a schol- arly man of fine appearance, located here and was also admitted to the bar. He subse- quently located at Huntington, Indiana, where he for a time Avas engaged in busi- ness with Col. L. P. Alilligan, one of the finest logicians of the Wabash valley, and from there he removed to Topeka, Kansas, where, in the midst of a growing practice, he died of blood cancer. During this year, Newton Burwell, a fluent speaker, ready writer and well-read man, was admitted to the bar. and for many years was identified with much important litigation in our courts, but the hand of business adversity was laid heavily upon him, and after follow- ing a diversity of pursuits and rowing against the tide, he at last took up the line of march and drifted to Rapid City, Da- kota. He is now engaged in the practice of his profession at Enid, Oklahoma. At this term Nicholas Van Horn commenced the practice here, but being of a somewhat no- tional disposition, he has been alternately lawyer, preacher and doctor, and is now trying his hand at a variety of vocations in Texas. During this term one of the most important criminal trials occurred that has ever transpired in the history of the county. One Moses T. ]\Iurphy, a merchant of Vera Cruz, had gone into the country for the pur- pose of procuring teams to haul wheat to Fort Wayne, and while in the woods, be- tween the residences of John Linn and Har- vey Risley, he was slain. His continued absence excited the suspicion of his family, friends and neighbors, who instituted a thorough search for him. His body was found with marks of violence upon his head, indicating that he had been felled by some blunt instrument, and upon closer inspection it was ascertained that his jugular vein was severed. A club bespattered with blood and hair was also found near the body. Sus- picion at once, whether justly or otherwise, rested upon Dr. William Freeman, who was Mr. Murphy's neighbor. He was arrested and indicted for the crime, and, after an exciting trial, was acquitted. The case was ably prosecuted by Sanford J. Stoughton, prosecuting attorney, assisted by Messrs. Ninde and Wilson, and was defended by Messrs. McDowell, Milligan and Coffroth. Edwin R. Wilson became judge at the De- cember term, 1858, and James M. Defrees, of Goshen, who long since died, prosecuting WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 75 attorney. Thomas L. Wisner became clerk in November, 1859. At the February term, i860, John Cole- rick, a man of magnetic and persuasive elo- quence, succeeded to the office of prosecu- tor, and in February. 1861, was in turn succeeded by Augtistus A. Chapin, recent judge of the Allen superior court. On August 23, 1861, Thomas W.Wilson became a member of this bar, and Nathaniel DeHaven became sheriff. In November, 1864, James H. Schell became prosecutor and in the following February Robert Low- ry, a member of the forty-eighth and forty- ninth congresses from the Fort Wayne dis- trict, took his seat upon the bench. The i-bief business transacted in the courts of this county from the years 1861 to 1867 inclusive was by some general divorce agents residing at Fort Wayne, who oper- ated for the middle, eastern and New Eng- land states and Canada. Divorces under tlie lax laws then existing were ground out by the half-bushel. During the subsequent years of our juris- prudence the circuit court has been pro- vided with officers as follows: Judges — Robert Lowry, until April, 1873, when he was succeeded by Jacob M. Haynes, who continued until November, 1878, when his successor, James R. Bobo, qualified and con- tinued until April. 1885, at which time he was succeeded by Henry B. Sayler, who re- tired from the bench November 19, 1888, and was in turn succeeded by Joseph S. Dailey. The latter was promoted to the supreme bench of Indiana, on July 25, 1893, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Olds, and remained thereon until January 8, 1895. Edwin C. Vaughn, present incumbent, was appointed his successor as judge of the Wells county circuit court. James R. Mc- Cleery succeeded Wisner as clerk in Novem- ber, 1867, and continued as such until his death in April, 1874. Thomas L. Wisner was commissioned as his successor and held until November, 1874. William J. Craig was clerk from November, 1874, to November, 1882. His successor, John H. Ormsby, held this office from November, 1882, to November, 1890; Albert Oppenheim, from November, 1890, to November, 1894; Rob- ert F. Cummins, from November, 1894, to November, 1898, and was succeeded by the- present incumbent, James C. Hatfield, at said time. INIanual Chalfant was sheriff from 1865 to 1867 and from 1869 to 1871; Isaiah J. Covault, from 1867 to 1869 and from 1871 to 1873 ; William W. Weisell, from 1873 to 1877; James B. Plessinger, from 1877 to 1881; Marcellus M. Justus, from 1881 to 1885 ; Henry Kirkwood, from 1885 to 1889; James T. Dailey, from 1889 to 1893; George W. Huffman, from 1893 to 1897; William Higgins, from 1897 to January i, 1902, and since then James R. Johnston has been sheriff. This court has been supplied with the following prosecutors during the interim named: Thomas W. Wilson, from November, 1866, to November, 1868; Jos- eph S. Dailey. from November, 1868, to November. 1876; Joshua Bishop, from November, 1876. to November, 1877: Luther I. Baker, from November, 1877, to November, 1880; John T. France, from November, 1880, to November, 1884; Ed- win C. Vaughn, from November, 1884, to November, 1888; William A. Branyan, from November, 1888, to November. 1892; Samuel E. Cook, from November, 1892, to July, 1893 ; Jay A. Hindman, from 1893 to WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 1896: Aaron J\I. Waltz, fmm November, 1896, to November, lyoo, since which time John Burns has ocuupied this position. .\t the November term. 1870, James Gil- len was tried for the murder of WilHam J. McCleery. but was convicted of manslaugh- ter and sentenced to the penitentiary for tweh-e years. It was a case that created great excitement and much interest, and was ably conducted on both sides, by coun- sel many of whom were eminent in the law. The usually quiet and law-abiding county of Wells has been at times under great com- motion by reason of homicides in her midst. In her history John Strode was tried for the murder of Daniel Miller, an old pioneer of the county ; Mary M. Eddingfield for the alleged poisoning of her children ; Frank Hoopengarner, for killing Needham Mc- Bride; George W. King, for killing" Martin Thayer; WilHam Walker, for slaying George Shaw^ and John Siberry, for the killing of his wife. Some of these cases were of great moral turpitude, and are a blotch upon the otherwise fair escutcheon of the county : but a portion of the cases had many extenuating circumstances, and in the case of Hoopengarner the jury wisely found it to be one of justifiable homicide. We had the anomaly from 1853 to 1873 of a court of common pleas, erected and or- ganized with almost concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit court, and during its exist- ence it contained the following officers : Wilson B. Loughridge was judge from its organization to January, 1861, when he was succeeded by Joseph Brackenridge, who held until January, 1865 ; James W. Bor- den, from January, 1865, until January, 1868, when Robert S. Taylor, one of the most learned and best equipped attorneys of this state, was commissioned his succes- sor. David Studabaker. of Decatur, an able lawyer, succeeded him in January, 1869, but resigned in September, 1869, wdien Robert S. Taylor became his succes- sor. In January, 1871, William W. Carson succeeded Judge Taylor, who in turn was succeeded liy Samuel E. Sinclair, in Janu- ary. 1873, the latter holding this position until it was abolished as a needless expense aliout three months thereafter. The prose- cutors of this court were Benedict Burns, Newton Burwell, James G. Smith, David T. Smith, David Colerick, Joseph S. Dailey and Benjamin F. Ibach. During the first thirt}- years of our comi- ty's history the business transactions were limited, and one order book of fhis court embraces all the civil and criminal causes there tried from its organization up to and including the January term, 1859. During the subsequent period of our jurisprudence several parties were admitted to the local bar and for a time were engaged as coun- sel who no longer respond to the roll call. Among these was Thomas A. R. Eaton, now deceased: William J. Bright, who edited the Wells County Union. He was "bright" by name and nature, but died at the beginning of his career in our midst. In 1863 Daniel J. Callen. an eloquent orator and "word-painter," came and practiced here, but soon returned to his native state, Ohio, which he for a time served with dis- tinction in her legislative council. Mr. Callen has been in his gra\e for the last decade. Benjamin G. Shinn, now a prom- ineiit law-yer of Hartford City, was admit- ted to practice here on September 19, 1865. Hon. Daniel Waugh, former judge of the Tipton and Howard circuit, and more re- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 77 cently a member of congress, was admitted May 12. 1866, with the lamented Jacob J. Todd and James A. Cotton, now of New Castle, Lidiana, May 20. 1867. William J. Davis, a graduate of Washington College, Pennsylvania, located here and was admitted to the bar in 187 1 : later he removed to Go- shen. He is now a prominent attorney of that city and served his count}- with dis- tinction in the state senate. Capt. William J. Hilligass. who recently died at Muncie, was admitted in the succeeding year. Jos- eph W. Ady. who afterwards enjoyed a state-wide reputation in Kansas, and was Harrison's United States attorney for that state, was reared in Wells county, and ad- mitted to this bar. but shortly thereafter nbeyed the injunction of the "white-hatted l)hiliisiipher" who said, "^'oung man. go west." About the year 1870 Augustus N. Mar- tin, a young man from Butler county. Penn- sylvania, made his advent into this com- munity, began the study of law with Jacob J. Todd, and shortly thereafter became his partner in business. He served his adopted county in the house of representatives of this state from January, 1875. to January. 1877, was for four years thereafter reporter of the supreme court of Indiana, and from 1889 to 1895 was a member of the national congress, making for himself an excellent record therein. He died in 1901. Our present liar comprises a large per cent, of all the members who ever engaged as resident attorneys at this place, and em- braces the names of Joseph S. Dailey. Levi Mock, John K. Rinehart. James P. Hale, A. L. Sharpe, J. H. C. Smith, George W. Kimball. Abram Simmons. F. M. McFad- den. Charles E. Sturgis. Martin W. Wal- bert. George Mock. John ]\Iock. William H. Eichhorn. Frank C. Dailey. George A. Matlack. Nelson K. Todd, Augustus W. Hamilton. L. F. Spragi.ie and J. W. Lam- bright, and without particularizing or mak- ing any invidious distinctions, the writer with confidence states, that this list com- prises in its numbers a galaxy of attorneys as well qualified for the great work of the profession as can be found in any count}- in Indiana. Since the influx of railroads into the county, beginning in the autumn of 1869, it has nearly tripled in population and ma- terial wealth : two thousand miles of open ditches have been constructed and three hundred miles of free gravel roads. Many large manufacturing industries have been established in Blufifton. and all kinds of commercial pursuits are being con- ducted and the county is rapidly gaining a front rank as an educated, enterprising and public-spirited locality : as a result of the growth and development of her material in- terests, much litigation has necessarily fol- lowed in the last twenty years. But the \\'ells county bar have been erjual to the emergenc}-. fully equipped for the great work they have been called upon to per- form, and in their efforts to enforce rights and redress wrongs, they have been aided at all times by an intelligent and incorruptible judiciary. MEDICAL HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY. BY GEORGE E. FULTON, M. D. Ex-Member Indiana State Legislature ; Ex-Health Officer I WelLs Coiintv The medical history of Wells county has to do not only with the physicians who from the earliest pioneer days applied the healing art as best they could under the adverse circumstances of that early epoch, but deals with the people, the climate and the geo- graphical aspect of the territory out of which the county was carved by chain and com- pass. With a state and county map lying before me and with a fair practical knowl- edge of the surroundings from traveling at various times over the entire county, I would say that, approximately estimated. Wells county is fourteen miles from east to west and twenty-four miles from north to south, with the addition thereto of Jackson township on the extreme southwest with an area of six miles square, tlie said township being the equal in all respects to the rest of the county. The area embraced within the rugged outlines given is largely a level tract, covered originally with dense forest and in the low marshy lands with an exuberant growth of vegetation. The Wabash river, the main source of water supply, courses di- agonally across the county from the south- east to the northwest ; the second largest stream, the Salamonie river, crosses the southwestern portion of the county ; both of these streams are splendid water-ways, the bed of each stream is underlaid with a fine quality of lime-stone rock, sand and gravel, insuring abundance of building material for domestic and public purposes, while the water of said streams is pure and whole- some for man and beast. Other and smaller streams are frequent in the northern and south-central portions of the county. In the former. Eight-mile river, or creek, might be mentioned (now transformed into a large public ditch and the waste lands re- claimed to agricultural purposes). This stream had scarcely any channel or outlet and comprised originally a low marshy tract of land that lay for a long period of time practically useless, except as a rendez- vous in the heated season for frogs, mosqui- toes, stray cattle and wild hogs, and last, but not least, as a stronghold for the origin and spread of malarial germs, resulting in fever and ague. This area, like many others A\here the lowlands existed and the water WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 79 was more or less stagnant during the heated and ensuing autumnal season of the year, became the battleground of the "pioneer doctor." His services, with a liberal sup- ply of quinine, were in constant demand in every cabin, as malaria, resulting in chills and fever, afflicted almost every person, al- though not so virulent and destructive to life as many of the diseases that now visit the older and more densely populated com- munities, such as diphtheria, small-pox, scarlet fever, cerebro-spinal meningitis and typhoid fever. IMalaria was not so destruct- ive to life and devastating to the community as these, yet it was a great source of suffer- ing and its miasm caused many deaths and was a barrier in the way of the health and progress of the unacclimated pioneer inhabi- tants of the new country which was just emerging from the wilderness of chaos. All honor to the early practitioner of medicine who braved the storms and plung- ed into the dense forests with horse and spur and pillbags, winding his way by bridle path and blazed trees, and at times plung- ing his horse into swollen streams or cross- ing dangerous bridges, before arriving on his mission of healing at the little cabin in the "open" or "clearing." These were the days of marked hospitality and nothing was too good for the doctor or preacher, possibly the only visitors to enter the house for months- at a time, to cheer and comfort the hearts of the settlers. The twin professions, medicine and theology, have ever gone hand in hand and have served well their day and generation, from the earliest dawn to the present dav. and their responsibility and prominent parts enacted in the drama of life are ever widen- ing, ever increasing and must continue to do so while the world and the race lasts. With the foregoing as a ground work for the scenes and incidents that were to play a prominent part in the moral and physical development and life of the county, the tide of emigration began to flow steadily in and soon in many places the dense forest was felled by the woodman's ax and by and by in place thereof appeared fields of waving grain and pasture lands, dotted here and there with bleating sheep and lowing cattle, while orchard and vineyard were wont to fling out their blossoms and sweet perfume to laden the invigorating air. The best of all and crowning hope of the land, the school house and academy, appeared, gar- landed round about as with a girdle by the new generation of boys and girls, whose merry laughter, ringing voices, romp and frolic would seem to drive care and trouble forever to the remotest caverns of the earth. In these primitive institutions of learning the youthful brain was tutored with useful knowledge and the character was formu- lated and stocked with the underlying prin- ciples essential to good government, viz: industry, truth and sobriety. A good start is nine-tenths already won in life's battle. Surely the ultimate growth and achievement all along the line in the multitude of afifairs in the county indicate that the first settlers were of the right kind of stock and gave to us the right kind of a start, and so it then devolved upon us to carry out and fulfill, building upon the bed- rock foundation already laid for us. EARLY MEDICAL STATISTICS. From a personal interview with some of the pioneer citizens yet living, and others who have passed away, the writer has 8o WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. gleaned the following facts : Jacob R. Har- ve}-, who is yet living on his farm near Murray, informed us that he emigrated with his parents and settled near Murray in 1832 : he also stated that Allen and William Nor- cross settled here in 1830. Dr. John I. Metts. of Ossian. in an interview I held with him, stated that he settled in Wells county in 1836. These citizens reported to me that remnants of the Miami tribe of Indians were still here, but friendly in disposition. To my inquiry as to whether the Indians were sub- ject to chills and fever, they answered that they were. The first physician to settle in Wells county was Dr. John Knox, settling here in 1829 on the farm subsequently owned by Henry Miller, near Murray. The second physician was Dr. Williams, who located in Murray in 1838. The third physician in the county was Dr. William Fellows, a regular practitioner who settled some two 'miles south of Bluffton, on the David Studa- baker farm, in 1838. The birth of the only colored child born in the county occurred in BlufYton. on July 20, 1880. EARLY EPIDEMICS. An epidemic of typhoid fever occurred in 1845; an epidemic of scarlet fever in 1849; a case of cholera (Asiatic) in 1849; an epidemic of measles in 1849; a case of small pox occurred in BlufYton in 1854 : an epidemic of diphtheria in 1855. THE WELLS COUNTY MEDIC.VL SOCIETY. This society was organized April 9, 1878, with the following physicians as its officers: President, C. T. Melsheimer; sec- retarv, T. H. Crosbie; treasurer, T. Horton; censors, B. F. Cummins, W. R. S. Clark and L. A. Spaulding. A constitution and by-laws were framed j-nd adopted and articles of incorporation ■were filed and recorded within the records of Wells county. The organization adopted the code of ethics of the American Medical ■ \ssociation and is auxiliary to the Indiana State Medical Society, to wdiich it sends at each annual meeting delegates to represent the county society, the said delegates having a voice in all the deliberations of that body. The object of this society is to provide an organization through which the "regular physicians" of the county may be united in one professional fraternity, for the purpose of giving frecjuent and decided expressions to their views and the objects of the medical jjrofession : to de\'el(jp more efficient means than we have hatl hitherto for cultivating and raising to a higher plain the standard of medical knowledge ; for exciting and en- couraging unity of purpose among the members ; for enlightening and directing public opinion in reference to the duties, re- sponsibilities and requirements of medical men ; and for the promotion of all measures calculated to ameliorate the suffering and to improve the health and protect the lives of the community. The society does not embody a large membership, there being an average of from fifteen to twenty members, owing to death, removals, etc. Being com- posed of the leading physicians of the county it is as live and active, according to its mem- bers, as any like organization in the state. Tlie meetings of the society are held the sec- ond Tuesday of each month in Bluffton, with the exception of one meeting each year in the month of June, which is held in Ossian, the second city in size in the county. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. A standing invitation to attend each meet- ing is always gratuitously published by the press of Bluffton to all who may desire an examination and the advice of the members free, in response to which numerous per- sons from all parts of the county attend the meetings and embrace the opportunity of benefits tendered. A prominent feature of the society is the preparation and reading of original papers or essays on subjects per- taining to the science of medicine and sur- gery b}- the members in turn as their names occur on the roll in alphabetical order. Fol- lowing the delivery of such papers there is a rigid discussion, approving or disapprov- ing in a friendly and ethical way the re- spective merits of each. It is hoped that in the future of this so- ciety, as in the past, persons having unusu- ally rare cases or ailments will seek the gra- tuitous advice and counsel of the society, as in the "multitude of counsel there is wis- dom." Ordinarily a layman has but little interest, aside from curiosity, in attending the meetings of physicians and surgeons : as the friendly combats of the intellect are of intense interest to the, doctors, they offer about as much interest to the general pub- lic as would a theological debate conducted in Sanscrit, or the tedious discussion of a problem in abstract mathematics. In a meeting uf this kind there is innumerable reference to such unheard-of things as "lesions," internal extravasations," "me- dullas," "cystitis," "femurs," "aneurisms," and "articulations." to say nothing about "metabolic" and "pre-systolic." Every organization, like every house- hold, has its visitations of gloom; here we pause and drop the sympathetic tear in memory of those who on earth have applied their last healing unction. Five of the char- ter members have passed away by death; they are Drs. C. T. Melsheimer, T. H. Cros- bie, W. R. S. Clark, Theodore Horton and B. F. Cummins. The places in the ranks thus sadly made vacant were rapidly re- filled, so far as members are concerned, but to say excelled or outclassed so far as merit is taken as the unit of standard is a question the answer to which I will leave to the in- telligent scrutiny of a just public. Under the limited advantages of the earh' period in the development and progress of the science, they who preceded us wrought well and faithfully. It therefore remains to be seen whether, with the advanced position we now occupy, if the search-light of mod- ern investigation and research were turned on, it would disclose the fact that we occupy, relatively speaking, a higher altitude in the scale of attainments or not. The physicians of the pioneer days wrought according to the light and sur- roundings of the period in which they lived and we of these latter days have only done as much, while those who are to succeed us will perform well their part and doubtless pierce the hidden and mysterious forces yet latent so far as the intellect of man is con- cerned, but pregnant with untold wonders in the universe about us. This is said to be the "sanitary era," and it is certain that no period of time prior to the present has witnessed the activity dis- played along this line of prophylaxis. Leg- islation, both state and national, has been enacted and its beneficent results have de- scended even down to Wells county among the others. These laws have been carried out and enforced with a fair degree of suc- cess, reaching from the great and populous 82 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. municipalities down to the village and rural districts. As a result of the foregoing, con- tagious diseases such as diphtheria, scarlet fever, typhoid fever, small pox, and in some places tuberculosis and possible others, have been quarantined, thus saving countless numbers from exposure to disease and pos- sible death and thousands upon thousands of dollars to the commercial world. Wells county also shares in the benefits derived to her unfortunate subjects, in the establish- ing of state and county institutions which are maintained at great public expense for the comfort and relief of the insane, the inebriates, the epileptics and other unfor- tunates who come under the special care and protection of the benevolent institutions of our state. As to the prevention of contagious dis- eases, none is freighted with more import- ance to the human family than tuberculosis and its arrest and cure, if such a thing were possible. A number of eminent specialists have quite recently given valuable statistics relative to this disease, and have shown that more people die from this dread disease in every country on the face of the globe than from any other disease ; sixteen people die from it to each one from typhoid-fever ; eight to one of diphtheria. In Germany more die from consumption in four months than from yellow fever in thirty years. In the past year (1901) 18,763 people died of this disease alone in the ten principal cities of the United States. There is one hopeful aspect among the direful reports about this dis- ease and that is, that the universal agitation of the subject will result in greater informa- tion regarding the disease and its care and treatment, and thus the outlook is some- what better from this standpoint. Hospitals and sanitariums for tuberculosis patients should be established, and I think will be in the future, and maintained by county and state for the detention and cure of this class of cases. Great improvement has been made in the treatment and management of many diseases and in surgical operations and pro- cedure. For example the introduction of anti-toxine serum for the prevention and cure of diphtheria has actually lessened the mortality from that dread disease fifty per cent. Prof. Pasteur's discovery and method of innoculation for the prevention and cure of rabies (hydrophobia) has proven what as claimed for it. The wonderful achievement m the surgi- cal field is surprising and many and danger- ous operations only occasionally performed by the rarest experts in the large cities and liospitals are now successfully performed b}- the rural surgeons in every part of the land. Within the last few years the discovery has been made that malaria is a blood dis- ease due to a parasite, which gains entrance into the system through the bite of the "pesky little mosquito" and that it is not the result of a mysterious miasm, which was long thought to be the cause. Thanks to the scientific investigations of two English physicians, Drs. Manson and Ross, it has been clearly shown that malaria is contract- ed through the bite of the mosquito; when a person is thus bitten, certain minute needle-like spores pass into the poison sack, to be injected into the unfortunate person ; these spores then develop in the blood to full-fledged plasmodia and the malaria is thus communicated. This has later been verified by the medical records and reports of the Cuban war. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 83 WIDE SPREAD EPIDEMIC OF LA GRIPPE. Within the last few years the entire country, from Maine to CaHfornia, was brought under the bane of la grippe, trans- ported into this country from Europe. The number of cases ran up into the hundred thousands in the United States. From in- quiry among the leading physicians in the county, I should judge there must have been from six to eight thousand persons in Wells county attacked with the malad}-. The mor- tality from the effects of the scourge was not so great in itself, but many people who were subject to serious organic diseases and general debility were carried away or their health seriously undermined as a result of the complications directly traceable to la grippe. Other epidemics have prevailed throughout the county in recent years and, while not attended by large mortality, en- tailed considerable distress and inconven- ience and expense to the public, such as clos- ing of the public schools and churches in certain localities for a time. Prominent in the list of diseases constituting said epi- demics, were measles, scarlet fever, diph- theria and, more recently, small-pox : of the latter disease there were between eighty and ninety cases scattered throughout this county; only a death or two, however, oc- curred and these were due, it is claimed, from the complications, showing the mild- ness of the type and the effectiveness of vaccination and quarantine regulations. CHRISTIAN- SCIEXCE, OR FAITH CURE. This fanatical outburst has not had any extensive following in this county and it is hoped will not. The state legislature has taken the matter in hand and laws have been enacted to protect innocent and help- less children and others who may come un- der the influences of these fanatics. The law was formed to meet the emergenc)^ in such cases and provides a penalty or punish- ment for anyone having a person or persons under their especial care or guardianship, who shall refuse to procure for them proper medical aid in sickness. This is eminently right and proper. There can be no objec- tion whatever to all the praying that may be done for the sick ; we must not only pray, but work; we must use the proper means and resources at our command to counter- act disease and cure the patient. The question is frequently asked by the laity, "Doctor, there are more diseases now than there used to be ; we hardly ever heard of heart failure or appendicitis, and how does it come that the people didn't use to have these diseases?" Then the doctor be- gins to look wise and assume an attitude of dignity, mingled, however, with a slight tinge of uncertainty crowded in the back ground, and after clearing his throat of a rasping impediment, ventures in response, "What's that you say?" "You doctors," retorts the patient, "have a way of finding out new diseases and calling them by big names, then the people get scared, and you charge them big bills. Don't you, Doc?" \\'hatever wrong impressions may prevail on this subject, the doctor explains away these difficult questions as best he can, informing the people that, as there is a constant in- flux of emigrants from the European and Asiatic nations, representing but a small per cent, of the thrifty and desirable on the one hand and on the other an innumerable host of the illiterate and criminal, the very offscourings and refuse of hundreds of 84 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. )ears of degeneracy, from such sources of origin and consequent contamination of population come disease, pestilence and, I might add, crime, for crime comes in the main from a perverted or vitiated mind. The city of Bluffton, with its population of five thousand, has in the main excellent health, due largely, no douht, to its excel- lent hygienic surroundings. The city has several miles of asphalt streets and pave- ment, which is the most sanitary street that can be constructed; these streets are swept and kept free of dust and debris and are healthy. W^e also have a sewer system, put in at a cost to the city of seventy-five thousand dollars; the same empties into the Wabash river, which flows by and forms the north- ern boundary of the city. We have a splen- did system of public water works; the water is supplied by a number of deep wells drilled down into the rock, and is pure and of the most excellent quality, a fact of vital inter- est to the health of the citizens. On inquirv I ascertained from the engineer that the amount of water pumped for all purposes is six hundred and fifty thousand gallons per day. The commissioners of the county recently purchased a farm adjoining the poor farm and the good and charitable ladies of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union have had the farm-house on this new pur- chase remodeled and equipped as an or- phans' home, with a view to taking the lit- tle children out of the poor house and from among the hardened and wretched and hav- ing them cared for and taught separately and among pleasant and happy surround- ings. The medical jirofession has witnessed a revolution all along the line in inxentions and discoveries and in the practical applica- tion of these modern deductions to accom- plish ends heretofore inconceivable. . The discovery of licjuid air and its wonderful properties has startled the scientific world and while it is only emerging from the birth-throes, it awaits the hand of some genius to harness its forces that it may be- come an obedient servant, doing the will of mankind. With the X-ray, another power, the medical man is enabled to explore the interior of the living human system, while the heart continues to beat, the mind to act and life goes on uninterrupted, so that diseased conditions are determined, foreign bodies, as bullets or tumors, are located to a certainty and therefore are more readily treated or removed, as the respective cases require. The gold cure for inebriety has proven largely a success and the institutions established for that purpose have actually reclaimed thousands of lives from wreck and ruin back to family and home, and to a useful career in the world. The treatment for certain diseased conditions by "sugges- tion" has found favor with some, and of course will have its day and ardent devo- tees. .\s this article must draw to a close, I only have time and space to hint at some of the more important things in store for the future of the medical profession. The con- \'enience and dispatch \yith which the pro- fession is now able to receive calls and dis- charge the daily routine of visits and at- tendance on the sick is unique indeed. Electricity, too, lias wrought wonders. I'^ornierly the physician received the calls and filled the same from the country dis- tricts after messenger and himself had rid- den on horse-back manv. manv miles WELLS COUNTY, INDLA.NA. 85 througli the mud and swales : Iiut how dif- ferent today, and witli what lightning dispatch the same is accomplished now, in part at least, through the medium of the tel- ephone, the gravel roads and asphalt streets. A message is sent from the farmer's house to the physician's office and he is soon on the way to the patient, either going on the bicycle, the automobile or the electric car, which will bring him in an inconceivable short period of time to the door of the sick. It has even gone beyond this — it is now too long to await the stretching of the telephone wires, as "wireless telegraphy" has stepped in and — "presto change" — the message is received. Many and varied are the experi- ences of the phy^cian and surgeon. At times he is required to be as mute, unobserving and silent as the tomb, and at other times, observing and outspoken. He should have the eyes of an eagle, the hand and touch of a woman, and the heart and determination of a lion, as the occasion demands. THE DE.^TII. "While some may live and seem no grace to yield, Still some must die, though all their world complain. As if the One who harvests In the Field Would leave the weeds and garner unripe grain. THE CURE. To some 'tis given they must suffer pain; Another that he comes with skill to heal. And having healed goes calmly on his way, While those who suffered live and love again." Be kind and considerate and respectful to the doctor, for God has made you and you have need of him. DENTISTRY. BY THOMAS STURGIS, D. D. S. In this notice of the history of dentistry in our beautiful city of Blufifton it is likely to be quite a mixture, a gleaning here and a gleaning there; so we are likely to give you in these pages something unlike anything you have seen before, a cross, perhaps, be- tween an editor's special and a report of dis- cussion, and if the reader regards it as too much of a medley we can make him better understand our idea if in the war of the Re- bellion he ever reached the region visited by Gen. Turchin's brigade, by saying, "Here's your mule." This subject is far-reaching and comprehends tlie treatment of every or- gan contained in the oral cavity, for dentist- ry is a positive science as well as a practical art. But a free use of scientific terms will not pass for well expressed ideas nor re- dound half so much to the credit of the writer as the simple language which con- veys some useful, practical and appreciable thought. There have been located in Bluffton sev- enteen dentists, as follows : Drs. S. M. Cummins, O. W. Crow, Jack Ross, Ralph Fenton, Uranus Fenton, Thomas Sturgis, Earl B. Sturgis, P. L. Robinson, Homer E. Robinson, Evert Meriman, Forst Brenne- man, L. W. Dailey, Homer Clayton, O. K. Mucklev, O. F. Covert, F. \V. Karns and G. M. Kinsey. Those now located in our midst are: Sturgis & Sturgis, D. D. S., L.W. Dailey, D. D. S., Robinson & Robinson, D. D. S., and Homer Clayton, D. D. S. Of the others, three are known to be dead. Dr. Oliv- er S. Covert, died in Denver, Colorado, Feb- ruary 20, 1889; Dr. Fred Karns died in Bluffton June 19, 1895; Ralph Fenton died at Kokonio, Indiana. These died full of young manhood, and were an honor to their profession. In the mysterious providence of our Father in heaven they have gone to their reward ; peace to their ashes. Dr. S. M. Cummins, the first dentist to locate in Bluffton, is now at Elkhart, Indiana; Dr. Uranus Fenton, at Alliance, Ohio; Dr. O. K. Muckley, at Huntington, Indiana; Dr. Evert Merriman, at South Whitley, Indi- ana; Dr. Forst Brenneman, at Columbia City, Indiana ; Dr. G. M. Kinsey, at Toledo, Ohio. Our forefathers of forty years ago were handicapped in their work. Then equip- ments and instruments were not of the char- acter they are today; but we will have to admit they did some noble work and laid the foundation of one of the highest branches of science the world has ever known. Today we are foremost in this noble profession. We have at our com- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 87 mand all the advantages of science and in- vestigation worked out by our preceptors. Today operations are made easy by modern methods and equipments. The filling of teeth with gold, silver, cement, crowning of broken down teeth, bridge work, the best possible substitute for lost teeth, plates where all the teeth are gone — this work is done today with the greatest of satisfaction. Now, a word to mothers and those who have children under their care. The pres- ervation of the temporary teeth is by no means a matter of trifling importance. They demand prompt attention, and demand it more imperati\'ely than do the permanent teeth. The dicidious teeth, commonly known as baby teeth, are the first to appear in the mouth in infancy, being twenty in number. They begin to erupt about the fourth to the sixth month, and are complet- ed from the twentieth to twenty-fourth month. This cannot be said of all children, as they may erupt sooner or later than the designated time. After the eruption of these temporary organs in their respective places the dentist should be consulted at least once a year, or oftener, as the retention of the temporary teeth insures evenness and per- manency in the permanent set. At about the fifth to the sixth year, when the child begins to discard these temporary organs to accommodate a more substantial set of thirty-two teeth, the mother is often mis- led, especially in the first permanent molar, which erupts about the sixth year. Think- ing it a baby tooth, they allow it to decay until it is past the power of the dentist to restore. It should be a mother's ambition to care for the child's teeth until they reach an age when they are responsible for their own welfare. Li conclusion we desire to address a few words to our brothers in the practice. The dentist's duty to his profession is to main- tain its dignity, to increase its efficiency and to make it honorable in the eyes of men. Any course of action which will diminish public confidence in dentistry as a profession is a breach of duty and every breach of duty is an infraction of the code of ethics; hence poor practice, imperfect operations, unskill- ful treatment, whether resulting from care- lessness or ignorance, are unethical. In all your busy hours in operating rooms and laboratory, let me entreat you never to for- get the obligation resting upon you as mem- bers of society and as citizens of the state. The great law of reciprocity embodied in the injunction. "Bear ye one another's bur- dens," should always prevail. Society maintains you and the state protects you; be dutiful and loyal to both. Society today is profoundly agitated with questions, so- cial, economic and political, which reach to the very foundation of free government. You can not stand aloof and say that by reason of your particular occupation you have nothing to do with such matters; on the contrary they concern every man and you can not evade your responsibility; you must take part in the current daily discus- sions of your fellow citizens and help to form the general verdict of public opinion. Let your ballot be cast as conscientiously as you read your Bible, and let your influ- ence in the community always be equal to your ability and your opportunity. Now to the subject, farewell ; to the future, hail ; to honorable employment, welcome, and may you each and all be crowned with suc- cess and happiness. The writer of this article has practiced dentistry thirty years WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. continuously in Biuffton, Indiana. He is one of five brothers wlio saw service and plenty of it in the war of the Rebellion. All five are alive today; three of them passed through the struggle unscathed; two were wounded, Capt. E. Y. Sturgis at the battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi, and Capt. William Sturgis at the battle of Resaca, Georgia. Sergeant Thomas Sturgis, author of this article, was a member of Company A, Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He claims the distinction of having served the longest of the five brothers, having four vears and over five months to his credit. ^ fS^ ^^Z ^c PART II. BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. HON. HUGH DOUGHERTY. True biography has a more noble pur- pose than mere fulsome eulogy. The his- toric spirit, faithful to the record; the dis- cerning judgment, unmoved by prejudice, and uncolored by enthusiasm, are as essen- tial in giving the life of the individual as in writing the history of a people. Indeed, the ingenuousness of the former picture is even more vital, because the individual is the national unit, and if the unit be justly es- timated the complex organism will become correspondingly intelligible. The world today is what the leading men of tlie last generation have made it, and this rule must ever hold good. From the past comes the legacy of the present. Art, science, states- manship and government are accumula- tions. They constitute an inheritance upon which the present generation have entered, and the ad^-antages secured from so vast a bequeathment depend entirely upon the fidelity with which is conducted the study of the lives of the principle actors who have transmitted and are still transmitting the legacy. This is especially true of those whose influence has passed beyond the con- fines of locality and permeated the state or national life. To such a careful study are the life, character and services of Hugh Dougherty pre-eminently entitled, not only on the part of the student of biography but also of every citizen who. guided by exam- ple, would in the present wisely build for the future. Anv piece of biographical writing should have an autobiographic quality; should be an impression and interpretation, quite as much as a summary of facts. Facts, to be sure, are of use as wholesome correc- tion of prejudice or whimsy, but in the con- densed narrative of a life there is danger that they may tyrannize. In studying a clean-cut. sane, distinct character like that of the subject, interpretation follows fact in a straight line of derivation. There is a small use for indirection or puzzling. His character is the positive expression of a strong nature. A partial revelation of his prolific application. sturdy patriotism, wortliv ancestrv and eminentlv successful 90 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. life will be secured through a perusal of this brief tribute. Wells county may well be proud of such citizens as this popular and honored citizen of Blufifton. Hugh Dougherty is a native of that state concerning which Senator Depew spoke in the following amusing paraphrase : "Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some are born in Ohio." Mr. Dougherty was born on the parental home- stead, in Darke county, Ohio, on the 28th of July, 1844, his lineage showing the sturdy dual strains of the Irish and German extraction. He bears the full patronymic of his paternal grandfather, Hugh Dough- ert}-, who emigrated from the Emerald Isle and took up his abode in Pennsylvania in 18 1 8, and there, in 1820, was born Wil- liam Dougherty, the father of the subject. About a decade later, in 183 1, the family emigrated to Ohio and settled on a tract of unreclaimed land in Darke county, where the grandfather died in 1833. There Wil- liam grew to years of maturity and there, on the 7th of June, 1841, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Margaret Studabaker, who was born in that county in August, 1821, on the farm which her father had' taken up when that section of the Buckeye state was a veritable wilderness, and where there was the menace of Indians and wild beasts to fear, besides the endurance of the privations and vicissitudes incidental to the pioneer days. Grandfather Studabaker was compelled to keep his wife near him in the clearing while he was engaged in his ardu- ous toil, in order to protect her from prowl- ing bands of hostile Indians. He was of stanch German extraction, and the name was one which early became indentified with the history of the old Keystone state of Pennsylvania. Margaret (Studabaker) Dougherty passed her entire life in Darke county, where her death occurred on the 15th of August, i860. She was survived by six children. Her husband eventually removed to Wells county, Indiana, and set- tled on a farm near Bluffton, where his death occurred on the 2nd of June, 1879. These were folk of sterling character, and their lives were signally true and noble, though not lived on an exalted plane. Hugh Dougherty grew up under the sturdy and invigorating discipline and en- \ironment of the old home farm in Darke county, where he assisted in the farm work during the summer seasons and prosecuted his studies in the district schools during the winter months. However, his nature was self-reliant and positive, and he was not satisfied with the somewhat meager educational opportunities afforded him in his boyhood, and thus he so applied himself as to become eligible for pedagogic honors when seventeen years of age. He devoted his attention to teaching for some time, be- ing successful in his efforts, and was thus engaged when there came the clarion call to respond to the demands of higher duty, as the integrity of the nation was placed in jeopardy through armed rebellion. In Aug- ust, 1862, at the age of eighteen years, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Nine- ty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which his brother Abraham was already en- rolled, and within ten days after his enlist- ment the regiment proceeded, under orders, by rail to Lexington, Kentucky, and thence by march on toward Richmond, Kentucky, passing the old homestead of Henry Clay, on the Richmond & Lexington turnpike, and on the second day encountering the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Confederates, who were moving toward Lexington. In the engagement which en- sued Mr. Dougherty's intimate friend and messmate, Perry Weikle, was killed, and William H. Birely, of the same company, was severely wounded. The Union forces retreated to Lexington, and the remnant of the Ninety-fourth numbered about three hundred men, all the others having been killed, wounded or taken prisoners. The survivors fought their way back to Louis- ville, where they remained until the regi- ment was repleted and reorganized, when it was assigned to Buell's army and partic- ipated in the battle of Perryville, being in the thickest of the fray in this spirited en- gagement. The ranks of the regiment were again decimated by the large number killed, wounded and captured, and after this battle such of the members as were eligible for service marched to Nashville, where they remained twenty days and then proceeded to Stone ri\'er and took part in the battle at that point. During this engagement young Dougherty was stationed near Nolensville, guarding ammunition and stores, and the Confederate cavalry made a detour in the rear and captured him and others of the guard. They were immediately paroled, after subscribing to an oath of which the following is a copy : NoLEXSViLLE. Tenx., Dec. 30, 1862. I, Hugh Dougherty, private of Company F, Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry, U. S. A., do take a solemn oath not to take up arms against the Con- federate States troops, nor reveal anything I may have learned derogatory to the interests of the Confederate States of America, nor do any police or constabulary duties until I shall have been properly exchanged, under penalty of death. (Signed) Hugh Dougherty. Witness: Lieut.-Col. M. H. Hawkins, of General W^heeler's staff. Mr. Dougherty was then sent back to Nashville and thence to Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio, to remain until his ex- change could be accomplished. Learning of the critical illness of his soldier brother, Abraham, who had been sent home on sick furlough, he made a visit to his home, where he remained until his loved brother yielded up his life to the one invincible foe, death, after which he reported for duty, but was almost immediately attacked with a serious illness, which rendered him ineligi- ble for active service, so that he was soon afterward accorded an honorable discharge, by reason of disability. After his military career had been thus summarily terminated, Mr. Dougherty retdrned to his native state, and at Greenville found employment as dep- uty in the office of the recorder of Darke county, remaining in tenure of this position for a period of three years. His removal to Bluffton occurred immediately after his withdrawal from this office, and after his arrival here he was for six months em- ployed as salesman in a dry-goods estab- lishment. He then entered into a partner- ship association with his uncle, John Stud- abaker, in the grain and produce business, in which line he continued operations for a period of seven years, doing a large and suc- cessful commission business. In the mean- time he became assistant cashier in the First National Bank of Bluffton, of which his uncle previously mentioned was president, and this institution was subsequently merged into one of a private character, be- coming known as the Exchange Bank of John Studabaker & Co., the interested prin- cipals being Hon. John Studabaker, Major Peter Studabaker and Mr. Dougherty. The Studabakers were among the early settlers 92 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and most prominent and influential busi- ness men of Blufifton, as is noted in tlie gen- eral historical sketch appearing elsewhere in this work, and they are of the same fam- il}' line as the celebrated manufacturers of South Bend, this state, and Chicago. This banking firm transacted an extensive and representative business under the able and discriminating managemnt of Mr. Dough- erty, to whom all the executive details were entrusted. Major Peter Studabaker died on the 19th of May, 1888, and the surviv- ing partners decided that the demands placed upon their institution by the en- larged and still increasing business ren- dered a change of system and methods ex- pedient, and accordingly, on the ist of Jan- uary. 1895, the proposed changes were made and the institution was given title as the Studabaker Bank, Mr. Dougherty being chosen president, while other officers were selected for the minor executive duties. The institution is capitalized at one hundred and forty thousand dollars and Mr. Dougherty is still its presiding officer. The subject has not only gained recog- nition and prestige as one of the most able and discerning financiers and capable business men, but also has always had an abiding interest in all that touches the material progress and general prosperity of his home city, iDeing known as one of Bluff- ton's most progressive and public spirited citizens, and having contributed, both by influence and tangible aid. to all legitimate projects which have tended to conserve the best interests of the community. He was largely instrumental in pushing to final completion the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad and was superintendent of the construction of the section of the line between Bluffton and Fort Wayne. He was also signally interested in the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad and was as- sociated with James Crosbie in the building of the section between Bluffton and War- ren. He threw the weight of his influence and energy aggressively into the movement for the construction of turnpikes and gravel roads throughout Wells county, an im- provement whose \'alue to the county can not be overestimated. He has been active and liberal in the promotion of all material interests in his city and county and has been equally conspicuous in advancing the causes of education and morality. Mainly through his determined personal efforts, while a member of the board of school trustees, the handsome and commodious school building of Bluffton was secured. — in fact, it was through his individual credit that the money was procured for its construction, as no public funds were available at the time. In January, 1866, Mr. Dougherty became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in 187 1, when was essayed the task of providing for the erection of a new church edifice in Bluffton, he was selected as finan- cial manager during the period of building the spacious and beautiful structure, which met the requirements of a progressive church society for a score of years. The edifice proved finally inadequate for the de- mands placed upon it, and in 1892 it was re- built and greatly improved, very largely through the financial aid and active man- agement of the honored subject of this sketch. His name appears on a tablet, let into the interior walls of the church, and the inscription in the connection gives a perpetual evidence of his earnest and suc- cessful efforts in effecting the erection of the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 93 original building and also the new and im- posing edifice evolved from the former. In politics Mr. Dougherty has ever ac- corded an unequivocal allegiance to the Democratic party and for more than a quarter of a century he has been an acti\e and valued worker in behalf of its cause, prominent in the councils of its leaders. His advice and assistance in partisan affairs of the county and district have been freely sought and in his mature and conservative judgment great confidence has been placed. He was made a member of the Democratic executive committee of the state in 1890 and servefl in this capacity until 1896. In 1870 he was elected to the state senate, from the district embracing Wells and Huntington counties, and he served with signal acceptability for four years, doing much to further wise legislation and to ad- vance the interests of the state at large. He voted in favor of the famous Baxter bill, providing for the controlling of the liquor traffic in the state through local option on the part of the several counties, and in this action showed to a marked degree the cour- age of his convictions and that he could not be swerved by any matter of personal ex- pediency or political policy when the matter of conscience was involved, for his party was intensely opposed to the bill. He has had no occasion to regret his action in the premises, but, on the contrary, adheres firmly to the principles which he advocated in supporting that law. In 1878 he was a candidate in the nominating convention for member of congress, and was defeated by only five votes, after one hundred and four- teen ballots had been taken in the conven- tion. In the opinion of his friends he could have received the nomination in the conven- tion of 1886, had he not peremptorily de- clined when his name was presented. He was a delegate to the national convention of his party, in Chicago, in 1884, to that held in the same city in 1892, and also at Kansas City in 1900, in which he was a delegate at large from the state. Mr. Dougherty was nominated by the Democratic state con\-en- tion for the office of state treasurer, but went down to defeat with the balance of the ticket, though running over two thousand votes ahead of the ticket, the latter fact indi- cating his personal popularity. In 1887 Mr. Dougherty was appointed by a commission, composed of the governor and other state officers, as one of the com- missioners of the soldiers' monument, pro- vided for by act of the legislature and erected in the state capital, and though fully appreciative of the honor conferred he felt constrained to decline the appointment, by reason of impaired health and the insistent demands of his business. When the state tax board, under the law of 1891. under- took to require all banks to furnish to as- sessors a written statement giving the names of all the depositors, with the amounts of the respective deposits, the asso- ciated bankers of the state decided to resist the 'demand by legal process, deeming the action inquisitorial and unconstitutional. Mr. Dougherty was selected to represent the private banks, with Volney T. Malott, of Indianapolis, representing the national banks, and Philip C. Decker, of Evansville, representing the state banks, to test the con- stitutionality of the law. The result of the litigation was finally summed up in an or- der from the court vacating and setting aside the order of the state tax board — this showing the ability with which the three 94 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. representatives were enabled to present the case. The organization of a company in Bluff- ton for the development of natural gas, and its subsequent action, which resulted in sup- plying the city with such gas, were largely accomplished through the leadership and persistent energy of Mr. Dougherty. Pop- ular confidence in his judgment and extra- ordinary executive ability enabled the com- pany to raise in the town the capital of one hundred thousand dollars required to con- summate the project. He was selected by the associated gas companies of the state as one of a committee to direct the resistance of the Chicago Natural Gas Company to pipe gas out of the state, the result being that the movement was delayed for two years, though the Chicago company was eventually successful. In the autumn of 1894 the Bluff ton Gas Company was con- solidated with that of Fort Wayne and the stock passed into the hands of an eastern syndicate, which selected Mr. Dougherty as its Indiana representative on the board of directors, in which position he has contin- ued to serve until the present. He was at one time a part owner of the Indianapolis Sentinel, being one of the directors of the company. Mr. Dougherty is also president of the United Telephone Company, with an actual paid-in capital of three hundred thousand dollars, and of the Federal Union Surety Company of Indianapolis, with a paid-in capital of two liundred and fifty thousand dollars. In June, 1895, Governor Matthews ap- pointed Mr. Dougherty a member, from the state at large, on the commission to arrange for the proper celebration of the centennial anniversary of the organization of the ter- ritory of Indiana, and he made exceptional effort to make the laudable project mater- ialize in success, but owing to unfortunate apathy the observance of the centennial as a state function was finally abandoned. At a meeting of the Indiana Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, held at Evansville, Indiana, December 19, 1895, Col. Eli Lilly, of Indianapolis, of- fered a vigorous and interesting address in response to the toast, "One Hundred Years of Indiana," and incidentally incorporated the views — as expressed in an interview — of Mr. Dougherty as touching the centen- nial celebration of Indiana territory, and it is eminently appropriate that space be given to perpetuating these sentiments in this connection. Referring to the spirit which inspired the Indiana Centennial Commis- sion in its work. Colonel Lilly said : "I cannot do my subject, or the state, a better service than by quoting the words of our comrade, the Hon. Hugh Dougherty, com- missioner for the state at large:" Indiana is the pulse state of the Union. Through her the great throbbing veins of com- merce, which nourish every part of our national body. flow. Her geographical location and physi- cal features are such that the East and the West traverse her territory in passing to and fro. Her capital is the largest inland railroad center in the world. The center of our country's population is within her borders. Her position among her sis- ter states is unique, and her marvelous progress since her organization as a territory calls for a centennial jubilee of such character as will best enable her sons and daughters to appreciate the heritage of a hundred years. There is no way in which we could more effec- tively kindle that wholesome state pride which must underlie the noble action of her present and future citizenship than by a parade of her achieve- ments and a fresh revelation of her early strug- gles. The latter are now matters of recorded his- tory to most of us, and a retrospective view of the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 95 heroic struggles of our fathers would be an elo- quent lesson to patriotism. In their toils, their sufferings, their hardships, their conflicts, momen- tous questions were at stake and issues vital to the future world. In appearance they were insig- nificant at times, but in reality, copious and full of benevolent consequences. Acting at the springs of our future greatness, instruments otherwise weak became mighty for good, and our pioneer fathers, obscure to the world, proved to be agents of destiny. They entered an untamed wilderness with vast wastes of forest verdure to make a gar- den for their children, and the hills then silent in their primeval sleep now echo the music of happy homes of industry. Those hardy sons of toil, whose school was the forest, whose trade was barter with savages, whose social life was that of the camp-fire, whose daily lesson was self-sac- rifice, conquered the territory of Indiana for civi- lization. Such memories as these ought to kindle a burning enthusiasm in every loyal Hoosier breast to join in the proposed observance of our anniver- sary. Such an observance would be of more than lo- cal consequence. It would be a formal way in which our state could give evidence to the world of her worthiness of a place in the family of states com- prising our great republic. Our exhibit would say: "This is our achievement," and of this we need not be ashamed. With an agricultural pro- ductivity unsurpassed,; monumental manufactur- ing industries; natural resources inexhaustible, among which are lumber, stone, coal, natural gas and petroleum; a school system which is an object lesson to the world; an intelligent, industrious, patriotic. Christian citizenship; populous cities, with every modern improvement. — in fine, all that constitutes the highest degree of prosperity and civilization to be found on the globe, — the people of this great state may be exceedingly glad to make a representative exhibit of the fruit of their labors and say to the world; "Behold the heritage of a hundred years." Then, let us celebrate the event which has led to such marvelous consequences — an event con- temporaneous with the beginning of a century which has seen greater commercial development, more extensive manufacturing enterprises, more valuable invention and discovery, more fruitful agricultural activity, more widespread intelli- gence, more altruistic feeling, and more applica- tion to the agencies that make possible complete living than all the centuries that preceded; and in the observance of this historic event let us show that Indiana has contributed her full share toward achieving this unparalleled progress. Fraternally Mr. Dougherty is identi- fied with Lew Dailey Post No. 33, G. A. R., and through his active association with the organization he keeps in touch with his old comrades in arms and perpetuates the more grateful memories of the days when he was serving as a leal and loyal son of the repub- lic in the greatest internecine war known in the annals of history. In the midst of the thronging cares and demands of a busy life Mr. Dougherty is always approach- able, being gracious in his association with his fellow men and enjoying personal pop- ularity which is a natural result of his char- acteristics. He has gained a reputation as a man well equipped equally with the solid and the brilliant qualities essential to ma- terial success, but above this he has ordered his life on a high plane, having a deep sense of his stewardship and an appreciation of the responsibility that canopies every life. He is a man of fine intellectuality and is a wide and discriminating reader of the best literature, while as a writer and speaker he has facility and ease in the employing of choice and eflfective diction. He has been devoted to the public service and to the im- provement of his town and county, is be- loved by his friends and admired and es- teemed by the community. His generosit}', unswerving integrity and pronounced abil- ity have gained to him a distinctive position as one of the truest and best citizens of Bluffton. He has traveled extensively and has studied men and affairs with intelli- gence and interest. His career has been crowned with usefulness and sustained by genuine popular approval. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. On the 25tli of October, 1877. Mr. Dougherty was united in marriage to Miss Emma GilHland, the only daughter of The- odore F. and Ehzabeth (Sheldon) GilH- land, both of whom were natives of the state of New York and of stanch Scotch- , Irish extraction. Mrs. Dougherty was born in Sterling, Illinois, on the 22d of June, 1857, and is a woman of gentle re- finement and gracious presence, taking an active part in the social and religious life of her home city and holding the apprecia- tive regard of all who come within the sphere of lier kindly and helpful influence. Since her girlhood she has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty have one daughter, Elizabeth, who was born on the 23d of March, 1885, and who is one of the popular young ladies in the social circles of Bluff- ton. HON. JOSEPH S. DAILEY. An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the state to which they Ijelong, would stultify consis- tency were there failure to make prominent reference to the one whose name initiates this review. He holds distinctive prece- dence as an able lawyer and judge, having served with signal ability as associate jus- tice of the supreme court of the state of In- diana, is a man of recondite attainments and has ever borne himself with that honor and dignity whose natural offspring is un- equivocal confidence and esteem from ob- jective sources. He has been and is dis- tinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong men- tality, an invincible courage, a most deter- mined individuality, have so entered into his makeup as to render him a natural lead- er of men and director of opinion. Aside from his position in public and civic life, there is farther propriety in according him representation in this work, for he is a native son of Wells county, and this has been the scene of the greater part of his life's earnest labors, his home being in the attractive capital of the county, the city of Bluffton, where he is at the present time still actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. Joseph S. Dailey was born on a farm in Lancaster township. Wells county, Indi- ana, on the 31st of May, 1844, and is a rep- resentative of one of the worthy pioneer families of the state. He was the fifth in order of birth of the nine children of James and Lydia (Garton) Dailey, and of these children four died in infancy. His brother, Lewis W., died at the age of nineteen, while in command of a company of the Twenty- second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the war of the Rebellion. His sister, Mary A., died at the age 6f eighteen, and another sister, Mrs. Rachel L. Sowards, yet sur- vives. The genealogy in the agnatic line records, perhaps, the "short and simple an- nals of the poor," and yet betokens sterling manhood and noble womanhood, as one generation followed another onto the stage of action. As has been said in a previously published article referring to Judge Dailey, "His paternal ancestors were plain, unpre- tentious men who performed their several duties modestly and without ostentation. They were content to earn an honest living ^^^p ^^^ s WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 97 on the farm or in the shop, without seeking official honors or pubHc favor. He is of the fifth generation by direct Hneage from Den- i:is Dailey, who was a native of county Sh- go, Ireland, and who emigrated to America before the middle of the eighteenth centtiry, settling in New Jersey. Both of Judge Dailey's grandfathers attested their courage and patriotism by honorable service in the war of 1812, against England. Both of them were natives of New Jersey; both re- moved to Indiana and became early settlers of Franklin county. Here his father and mother were married and lived until their first three children were born ; they then re- moved to Allen county, where the fourth was born; thence to Wells county, which became their permanent home." Joseph S. Dailey secured his early edu- cational discipline in the public schools of Bluffton and then began his technical prep- aration for his chosen profession by enter- ing the law office of Newton Burwell, of this place, under whose direction he contin- ued his studies for two years. In order to secure the funds necessary to defraying his course in the law department of the state university, he devoted a portion of his time to teaching in the district schools of Wells county and also in the public schools of Bluffton. In 1865 he was duly matriculated in the law department of the university, where he was graduated in 1866. being ad- mitted to the bar of Indiana in that year. He forthwith entered into a profes- sional partnership with the late George S. Brown, who later removed to the state of Kansas, his death occurring in its capital city a number of years later. In October, 1866, within the first year of his active practice in Bluffton, Judge Dailey was elected to the office of district attorney for the court of common pleas, and two years later still further advancement came to him along the line of professional work, since in 1868 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the district in which Judge Lowry, of Fort Wayne, presided. That his services in this capacity met with favor is evident from the fact that he was re-elected in 1870. 1872 and 1874, thus serving four consecu- tive terms of two years each. Of his career in this office the following pertinent words have been written: "The position secure4 for the young lawyer not only a reasonable income, but also afforded the desired oppor- tunity for practice. Gaining familiarity with criminal statutes, in conducting inves- tigations before the grand jury, preparing indictments and prosecuting the cases in court, was not the only benefit derived from the service. There was constant incentive to thorough preparation in all the details of procedure. The defense was usually con- ducted by lawyers of ability and experience, with whom the prosecutor must cope in the preparation of indictments and pleadings, in the marshalling of evidence and the ex- amination of witnesses, and, finally, in the presentation of cases to a jury. This pro- fssional contact sharpens the intellect and stimulates the desire for superioritv. It tends to the cultivation of alertness, quick- ness of perception and self-confidence. If the young practitioner is favored by nature with the endowments essential to a reason- able degree of success he soon apprehends the futility of depending upon inspiration, and the importance of knowing all the ele- ments and features of his case. Profes- sional pride and persistent application are equally essential. Air. Dailey soon ac- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. quired a good practice. He was not with- out ambition. In 1878 he was nominated and elected a representative in the state legislature. His record in that body was that of a conservative working member, — always persistent, always moderate, yet courageous in the expression of his views. As a member of important committees, and in support of measures on the floor, he was influenced in formulating and securing the passage of much legislation. He was also potent in opposing much that was vic- ious and objectionable. His uniform cour- tesy and firmness won him the esteem of political opponents. His conscientious regard for public duty secured to him the confidence of all his colleagues and associ- ates. Once afterward he yielded to the im- portunities of partisan friends and became a candidate for political office. In 1882 he accepted the Democratic nomination for congress and made a race that was hopeless, because of the adverse partisan majority, though his canvass was highly creditable and entirely honorable. Settling down again to the practice of law, he secured a valuable clientage, extending over a large district. In 1888 he was elected judge of the twenty-eighth circuit, comprising the counties of Huntington and Wells, for a term of six years. His service on the bench was alike acceptable to the bar and the pop- ulace. He exercised wise discretion and commendable humanity in dealing with youth convicted of violating penal statutes. In most instances of first ofifense, if the ac- cused had previously borne a good reputa- tion, sentence was withheld and he was al- lowed to enjoy liberty, after timely advice and warning by the court, so long as good deportment was maintained. In this way boys were reclaimed and saved for good cit- izenship instead of a life of crime. Before the expiration of his term in the circuit Judge Dailey was appointed judge of the supreme court of the state, by Governor Matthews, receiving his commission to this exalted office July 25, 1893. His qualifi- cations for the office of judge, whether in the trial of causes or in the court of last re- sort, are unquestionable. First of all, he has the integrity of character. He possesses the natural ability and essential acquirements, the acrmien of the judicial temperament. He was able to divest himself of prejudice or favoritism and consider only the legal aspects of a question submitted. No labor was too great, however onerous; no appli- cation too exacting, however severe, if necessary to the complete understanding and correct determination of a question. These are, indeed, words of high praise, but the encomium is justified in every particu- lar, for the Judge has proved him a distinct man, in all the term implies, and its impli- fication is wide. Many of the decisions of the circuit and supreme courts bear the im- press of his patient investigation and his logical argument and deductions. As a practitioner he employs none of the arts and tricks of oratory, but his speeches are elo- quent in the clearness of statement, the broad common sense of reasoning, the force of logic, earnestness and power. His career on the bench and at the bar ofifers a noble example and an inspiration, while he has never been known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics which should ever characterize the mem- bers of the bar. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, his career reflects credit upon the judiciary and WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 99 bar of one of the sovereign commonwealths of the Union. Since his retirement from the bench Judge Dailey has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession in Bluffton, though his range of professional labor far transcends local limitations, as a matter of course. He has as associates in practice his eldest son, Frank C. Dailey, and Abraham Simmons, the large and im- portant business being conducted under the firm name of Dailey, Simmons & Dailey. The writer from whose signally able and appreciative estimate we have hitherto lib- erally quoted, continues farther, as fol- lows : "The Judge is favored in the pos- session of a healthful, vigorous constitu- tion, robust energy and marked vitality. He is in the prime of middle life, which is conducive to the most efifectual utilization of all the mental resources. Candid, earnest and sincere, he is a reliable counselor. His popularity as a citizen is the natural out- growth of confidence in his ability, integrity and soitnd judgment." The domestic chapter in the history of Judge Dailey has been one of ideal charac- ter, and it would be impertinence to more than lift the veil from the sacred precincts where much of his inspiration, courage and confidence ha\'e been born of the grateful influences supplied by the gracious woman- hood of his wife and the love and respect of his devoted children, to whom he has ac- corded the best possible educational advan- tages, finding ample recompense in the worthiness and usefulness of his children. On the 15th of March. 1870, Judge Dailey was united in marriage to Miss Emma Gute- lius, of Bluffton, who is of French extrac- tion in the agnatic line, which traces back to a distinguished surgeon in the French army. She was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, being a daughter of John P. and Hen- rietta Gutelius. Judge and Mrs. Dailey are the parents of four children, namely: Frank C, who was admitted to the bar of the state and is now associated with his father in practice, as previously noted ; Lewis W., who was graduated in the Lidi- anapolis Dental College in 1884, and who is now established in an excellent practice of his profession in Bluffton; Charles Gut- elius, who is incumbent of the position of principal of the Bluffton high school, and Blanche, who is studving at home. JOHN STUDABAKER. It is pleasing indulgence to write the bi- ography of a man who has been so promi- nently identified with the material activities of the nation as has John Studabaker, who stands conspicuously forward as one of the pioneers of Indiana and one whose connec- tion with the growth and substantial up- building of the thriving little city of Bluff- ton has been of such intimate nature and ex- tended over the course of many years. The name of John Studabaker, wherever known, passes current as a synonym for all that is upright and honorable. He came from Greenville, Ohio, to Bluffton in the year 1838, and here engaged in the mercantile business. Since that early date he has been a prominent figure in the county and city and for many years had a personal acquain- tance with nearly every adult person in the county. Mr. Studabaker is a native of Darke county, Ohio, where he was born on the 15th of August, 181 7, being the son of Abraham and Marv (Townsend) Studa- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. baker. The conditions of place and period were such as to afford him but hmited ad- vantages in tlie way of securing an educa- tion, since in tiiat early day there were but few schools of any importance throughout what is now the great state of Ohio. The old log school house, with its puncheon floor and slab seats, figaired as the seat of learn- ing in the locality of his birth, and it may be said that in these rude school houses ha\e been "graduated" some of the best and strongest men of the nation. The boyhood days of the subject were passed upon the parental farmstead, and when a young man he went to Greenville, Ohio, where he en- gaged as a clerk in the dry goods establish- ment of Henry Arnold, thus gaining his initial experience in practical business af- fairs and incidentally laying the foundation for his future success. Mr. Studabaker came to Wells county a single man, but he realized the truth of the scriptural injunction, that it is not well for man to be alone, and he accordingly re- turned to Darke county, Ohio, and there, on the 7th day of July, 1839, was united in marriage to Rebecca Angel, daughter of David Angel, one of the leading citizens of that count}-, ^^'it]l his bride he returned to Bluffton, making his wedding tour on horse back. Of the ten children born to this union only four are now living : Mary Jane, the eldest daughter, was married to Dwight Klinck, in 1863, and to them were born four children. While crossing the Atlantic ocean, in 1875, ^^^'- Klinck was drowned and in August, 1876, his widow became the wife of Jacob J. Todd, a prom- inent attorney of Bluffton. By this union two children were born. The third daugh- ter of the subject, Jeanette, became the wife of F. T. Waring and her death occurred in 1874. She left two children, who were entrusted to the care of her youngest sister, Martha, who, in 1875, also married F, T. Waring. The eldest son, David E. Studa- baker, is a prominent business man resid- ing in Bluffton. John A., the youngest son, married Edna Angel, of Dayton, Ohio, and has one child. Upon coming to Bluffton Mr. Studa- baker began his mercantile operations in a log cabin north of the public square. At that time the Indians were still largely in evidence and were numbered among his best customers. For many years he trans- ported his stock of goods from Cincinnati by means of wagons, fifteen to twenty days being required to make the round trip. During this time he was agent for the American Fur Company and bought all kinds of furs, having control of the counties of Adams, Jay, Wells and Blackford, and conducting extensive and profitable opera- tions in this line of industry which had so important bearing upon the commercial and material progress of the little pioneer com- munities. The countr}- increased rapidly in population, and in 1844 Mr. Studabaker found his previously adequate accommo- dations were not sufficient to meet the exi- gencies of his business, and he accordingly erected a two-story frame building in which to continue his mercantile enterprise, con- tinuing to utilize these quarters until 1852, when he erected a brick building on the same site where he reared his original cabin. In 1856 Mr. Studabaker disposed of his dry goods business and instituted banking operations, under the name of the Exchange Bank. In 1863 this institution was merged WELLS COUNTY, IXDL\NA. into the First National Bank, with the sub- ject as president. In 1868 tlie First Nation- al was discontinued, whereupon Mr. Studa- baker associated himself with his brother, Peter, and his nephew, Hugh Dougherty, in the organization of the Exchange Bank of John Studabaker & Company. This in- stitution is still in operation under the name of The Studabaker Bank, and is the lead- ing bank of Wells county, having a distinc- tive hold upon public favor and confidence. In connection wnth his banking business Air. Studabaker has continued in the grain and produce business on an extensive scale. From time to time he has invested his means in farm land, and today he is the owner of several fine farms, together with a large amount of town property, both improved and unimproved. He has made two or three additions to the city of Bluffton and has given much time and financial encour- agement to public improvement. In an early day he was interested with others in the Blufifton and Fort Wayne plank road, and in 185 1 was largely concerned with the putting through of the Fort Wayne & South- ern Railroad, w^hich was graded through Wells county, but which, by reason of the stringency of the money market, was not completed for a long term of years. In 1869 the project was revived and largely through the energy and well directed efforts of the subject the road was finally completed and put into active operation. In his political proclivities [Mr. Studa- baker was originally an advocate of the principles of the Whig party, which cause he supported until the organization of the Republican party, when he identified him- self with the latter, continuing his allegi- ance until the year 1876, w^hen he espoused the principles of the Greenback party, in which connection he was twice on its state ticket, also becoming a candidate for con- gress. His party being in the minority, he suflfered defeat on each occasion. During his entire life he has been an earnest advo- cate of temperance, and believing that no restriction of practical order could be ap- plied to the doing away of the obnoxious liquor traffic through the medium of the two dominant national parties, he placed himself stanchly in line as a supporter of the Prohibition party, identified himself there- with in 1884 and casting his vote for St. John for President. In 1843 Mr. Studabaker became a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and his daily life has show^n that his faith is one of earnestness and sincerity — a faith that makes faithful. In the spread of the gospel he has contributed liberally of his means, and he aided to a conspicuous extent in the erection of the fine edifice of the Alethodist church at Bluffton, the ground upon which the church is built being contributed by him. In his younger days he was an active worker in the Sunday school, but within late years he has felt that his advanced age has inca- pacitated him for activity in that branch of the Lord's work. Airs. Studabaker has been for more than half a century a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She is also an active worker in the cause of the ^^'o- man's Christian Temperance Union, and is a valuable helpmeet to her husband in his labor of love for humanity in fighting that great curse — the saloon evil. This review of the life of the honored subject is necessarily general in its char- acter. To enter fully into the interesting WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. details of his life, touching the struggles of his early manhood and successes of later days, would require almost a volume in it- self. Enough has been submitted, how- ever, to prove that he is entitled to a place in the front ranks of the brave, determined, energetic and self-made men of Indiana, those who by pluck, enterprise and un- swerving honor have wrought from the wil- derness a state second to none in the grand constellation comprising the Union, and the name of this patriarchal citizen will be re- vered in Blufifton for all time to come. PHILO ROGERS. The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Wells county and has b}' his enterprise and progressive meth- ods contributed in a material way to the in- dustrial and commercial advancement of the city and county. He has in the course of an honorable career been most success- ful in the business enterprises with which he has been and is now connected, and is well deserving of mention in a volume of this character. Philo Rogers was born in Huntington county, Indiana, on the 31st of March, 1850, and is the son of Nathan W. and Jane (Sparks) Rogers. The Rogers fam- ily is from Ohio, where the subject's father was a mail carrier in an early day, his route lying between Greenville, Ohio, and Hunt- ington, Indiana. The subject's maternal an- cestors were from Virginia, but came to Indiana and settled in Rock Creek township. \\'ells county, of which section they were pioneers. When the subject was but four months old his mother was removed by death. .Vt a very early age he was bound out to Amos Curry, the well-known mer- chant and banker of this county. In his youth he was given the advantages of a common school education, and as he was energetic and ambitious he took advantage of all the opportunities that came his way of adding to his store of knowledge, at length becoming a thoroughly well in- formed man. Mr. Rogers remained with Mr. Curry and when the latter went into the dry goods business in 1862 he remained with him as clerk, also working at times upon the farm. In 1865 Mr. Curry sold his store at Markel and came to Blufifton, where he engaged as a farmer, merchant and banker. By close association with his employer, a man of broad experience and splendid business qualifications, young Rogers acciuired splendid ideas as to up-to- date business methods and became in due time a valuable employee. In 1872 he was admitted into a partnership with Mr. Curry in the dry goods business, an arrangement which continued until 1876, at which time he entered the bank in the capacity of cash- ier. He remained in this position two years and then returned to his former business. In 1880 he went into business for himself in partnership with Henry Deam, but at the end of two years he assumed full control of the business until 1886. S. Bender then became a partner in the business, an ar- rangement which continued for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Rogers went into the hardware business and is at the present tim.e associated with Amos Cole. They carry a large and well-assorted stock WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 103 of shelf and heavy hardware and all kinds of agricultural implements, are both pleas- ant and agreeable in manner, accommodat- ing and courteous, and have built up a flat- tering patronage, their customers coming from distant points in this and adjoining- counties. In 1872 Mr. Rogers was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mariah Prillaman, the daughter of Lewis Prilla- man, and to them have been born three chil- dren. Lizzie, the wife of Dr. L. W. Dailey, Wharton W., a graduate of the Bluff ton high school, and Jessie, now deceased. Mrs. Rogers is a kind and pleasant lady, pos- sessed of those womanly graces which are so certain to win and retain friends, and she numbers her friends by the score. Politi- cally Mr. Rogers is a firm and uncom- promising Republican and takes a promi- nent part in advancing the interests of his party in Wells county. He is well read and watches closely the trend of passing events. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in the subordinate lodge at Bluffton. The family are members of the Baptist church and are faithful and consistent in the per- formance of their religious duties. The subject is a very public spirited citizen and has been foremost in every enterprise for ad- vancing the prosperity of his community, contributing liberally from his means and exercising his personal influence with others, and his name is a synonym for all that is good and true wherever it is known. ^Irs. Rogers' father, Lewis Prillaman, was born in Miami county, Ohio, March 26, 1825, and was the oldest son of nine children born to William and Sarah Prilla- man, both natives of Virginia, and the grandson of Christopher Prillaman. The latter was of German extraction, and his wife, whose maiden name was Obadiah Winter, was a native of New Jersey and of English parentage. William Prillaman moved with his family to Wells county May 14, 1838, and located in section 12, Harri- son township. He was a prominent and well known citizen and to marked extent held the confidence of the people. He served acceptably in the important ofifice of county commissioner, and in the winter of 1842-3 represented his county in the state legislature. He started in Wells county without means, but by the exercise of sound judgment, wise discrimination and economy became a well-to-do man. He and his wife were faithful and consistent members of the Christian church, whose simple doctrines they exemplified in their daily lives. He died March 16, 1855, and his wife died April 8, 1873. Lewis Prillaman was a lad of but thirteen years when brought by his parents to Wiells county, but even at that early age nobly performed his part in clear- ing up land and working it fit for cultiva- tion. His educational privileges were lim- ited, but he was of a studious disposition and ambitious, and all his leisure time was assiduously devoted to the acquiring of knowledge. In 1845 he was granted license to teach and taught school in this county for twelve dollars per month. He married Miss Maria Studabaker, the daughter of William Studabaker, and in 1853 he pur- chased his father's farm, to which he after- ward gave his attention. He and his wife became the parents of eleven children, Mrs. Rogers being the only child living of the first marriage. Mr. Prillaman was a mem- ber of the Christian church and was one of the substantial and highly esteemed resi- dents of his county. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. HON. GEORGE E. FULTON. Tlie family of which the subject of this review is an honorable representative has long been identified with the history of northeastern Indiana and in each succeed- ing generation it has furnished the business and professional world with men of eminent ability and sterling worth. Prominent among these is Hon. George E. Fulton, whose position as a distinguished physician and surgeon rests upon an assfired founda- tion and whose career as a legislator is cred- itable alike to himself and to the county honored by his citizenship. The Doctor is proud to claim the county of Wells as his native JTOme, having spent the greater part of his life and achieved his professional suc- cess within its borders. His father, John Fulton, and his mother, who bore the maid- en name of Sarah Egbert, were born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the former a son of James Fulton, of whose family history a more complete account will be found elsewhere in these pages. The subject was born in the town of Ossian on the 8th day of October, 1855, and at the age of three years lost his father, the mother dying when he was a lad of eight. The sev- ering of family ties by the ruthless hand of death caused the youth to find a home with relatives who took him to Illinois and later til Iowa, in which state liis early educational discipline was acquired. After completing the common school course he pursued his studies for some time in the Sioux City high school, after which he spent several years steamboating on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, finally stopping at the city of New Orleans, where for a period of three years he served in the capacity of hotel clerk. After these varied experiences it be- came necessary for him to make choice of some profession or vocation for a life work. His tastes and inclinations leading him to decide upon medicine, he took a prelimi- nary course of reading under the direction of competent instructors and then entered Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from w^hich he graduated with an honorable record in the year 1878. Receiving his de- gree, Dr. Fulton returned to his native city and entering the office of his brother, J. C. Fulton, at Murray, was soon in the enjoy- ment of a lucrative practice, which contin- ued unabated until his removal to a large and more inviting field at Blufifton four years later. During the last twenty years he has maintained an office in the latter place, building up an extensive business, second to that of no other medical man in this part of the state, and continually adding to his reputation as an eminent physician and surgeon. Dr. Fulton stands adiuittedly in the front ranks of Wells county's distin- guished professional men, possessing a thoroughly disciplined mind and keeping in close touch with the trend of modern thought relating to the noble calling to which his life and energies have been de- voted. He has ever maintained his high standing, never descending beneath the dig- nity of his profession nor compromising his usefulness by countenancing any but noble and legitimate practice. The apparent ease with which he has mounted to his present commanding position in the healing art marks him as the possessor of talents be- yond the majority of his professional brethren and, being a close and critical stu- dent, he experiences no difficulty in sustain- ing the high reputation which his profes- sional abilities and marked success have earned for him. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 105 While primarily interested in his life work. Dr. I-'ulton has not been unmindful of the duties which every citizen owes to the public. He has ever taken an active part in promoting the material welfare of his city and county, aiding with his influence and means ail enterprises with that object in view. In politics he is pronounced in his allegiance to the Democratic party and for a number of years has been one of its recog- nized leaders in this section of the state. He has never been an aspirant for official hon- ors, but in 1888, at the earnest solicitation of many friends, he permitted his name to be placed on the ticket as a candidate for representative to the lower house of the general assembly. He was easily elected and his career as a lawmaker proved emi- nently satisfactory to his constituency re- gardless of party affiliation, resulting in his re-election in 1890. While a member of the legislature he served on some of the most important committees, took not only an active but influential part in the general deliberations of the body, his ability as a public speaker always commanding the most respectful attention from both sides of the house. He introduced a number of bills which became laws, beside being instrumen- tal in bringing about much important legis- lation which has had a beneficial influence upon the state in many ways. Dr. Fulton is an accomplished campaigner, contribut- ing greatly to the success of the cause on the hustings as well as by judicious advice in party councils. While deeply interested in public matters in general, he does not let these things interfere with the success- ful prosecution of his professional duties. He holds himself in readiness to answer the numerous calls for services at all hours and rarely does he permit the matter of remun- eration to prevent him from alleviating suf- fering, be the patient ever so poor or hum- ble. Some years ago he served as health officer to Wells county and for the city of Blufifton for six years'. He is a member of the county and state medical societies, hav- ing served as president and secretary of the former, and not infrequently has he read before these bodies carefully prepared papers evincing ripe scholarship, critical analysis and original and profound investi- gation. For a period of twelve years he has been holding the position of surgeon for the Clover Leaf Railroad, during which time he has performed many delicate operations and saved lives which but for his skill w-ould have been lost. Fraternally the Doctor is a member of the Pythian order and relig- iously subscribes to the Presbyterian creed. Believing that religion is largely a matter of the conscience, he is tolerant in his opin- ion, believing all churches to be great moral and spiritual forces calculated to save men from their sins and win them to a high life here and an infinitely better and grander state of existence hereafter. Dr. Fulton was married in i88r to Miss Mary Mosy, who departed this life on the 20th day of June, 1892, the mother of two children, Anna and Jane, the latter dying January 16. 1892. The Doctor's present wife, whom he married in 1894. was formerly Miss Elizabeth Muth. HON. LEVI :\IOCK Among Indiana's distinguished sons and leading men of aflfairs the name of Hon. Levi Mock, of Blufifton, has long been pre- eminent. Of commanding intellectual [06 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ability and eminent professional attain- ments, he has been a forceful factor in the legal circles of the state, while as a direc- tor of thought and moulder of opinion he is duly recognized and appreciated by his fel- low citizens of Bluffton and Wells county. Paternally Mr. Mock is descended from German ancestry and inherits in a marked degree the sturdy characteristics and ster- ling qualities for which that nationality is distinguished among the peoples of the world. His great-grandfather, Devaulter Mock, was a native of the Fatherland, came to America in the time of the colonies and settled in North Carolina, where he reared a family and lived the life of an honest, in- dustrious and, to a considerable extent, a successful tiller of the soil. i\mong his children was a son by the name of Daniel, whose birth occurred in North Carolina, and whose marriage was also solemnized in that state. Shortly after taking to himself a wife Daniel Mock moved to Ohio, thence a little later migrated to what is now Ran- dolph county. Indiana, but at that time the western verge of civilization, settling in the beautiful valley of the Mississinnewa, where he afterwards entered lands and de- veloped a farm and became one of the most enterprising and progressive men of the community which he assisted to establish. It is a well authenticated fact that Mr. Mock was the third white man to locate a home within the present limits of Randolph county, and the part he took in the early growth and development of the country en- titles him to specific mention as one of its most aggressive pioneers. Physically he was almost a giant and moved among his fellows as one born to command. Five feet ten inches in height and measuring forty- five inches around the chest and correspond- ingly strong, he was a remarkable speci- men of symmetrically developed manhood, being as honest and honorable in his deal- ings and as unsullied in character as his bodily powers were vigorous. Possessing excellent judgment and strict integrity, he became useful to the early settlers in the ad- justment of their business affairs and his advice was eagerly sought and acted upon in matters of more than ordinary moment involving a knowledge of law. Daniel Mock was three times married and had children by each wife, the majority of whom grew to mature years and became useful in their various spheres of life. En- joying superb health, he lived to a good old age in possession of his physical and mental faculties, having never lost a tooth nor at any time attempted to aid his eyesight by the use of glasses. He departed this life at the age of eighty-four, honored and es- teemed by all who knew him, leaving to his descendants the memory of a name untarn- ished by the slightest suspicion of anything savoring of dishonor. Emsley Mock, son of Daniel Mock and father of the immediate subject of this re- view, was born in Ohio in 1813 and when a small boy accompanied his parents to the new home in the wilds of the Mississinne- wa. He was reared to young manhood amid the pioneer scenes of Randolph county, chose agriculture as the vocation best suited to his taste and inclinations and continued that pursuit near where the fam- ily originally settled until 1869 when he sold his possessions and divided the greater part of the proceeds among his children. By industry and good management he not only made a fine farm but succeeded in ac- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 107 cumulating an ample competence, with the residue of which he came to Wells county the above year and purchased a small estate near the city of Bluffton. Here he spent the remaining years of his life as a con- tented agriculturist until called ' from the scenes of his earthly labors on the 3rd day of January, 1877. Like his father before him, Emsley Mock was a man of herculean physique and strength, attaining a height of six feet five and one-half inches and weighing in health upon an average of two hundred and twenty-five pounds. He was superbly developed mentally as well as phys- ically, independent in thought and action, and the soul of honor in all that constituted true manhood and upright citizenship. His name was a synonym for integrity, his word among his fellows was taken in lieu of his bond in business transactions and the correctness and purity of his motives were never questioned by any one with whom he had dealings. A profound student of the sacred scriptures, he so believed in the good- ness and overreaching mercy of an allwise Father as to disassociate his name from the idea of everlasting punishment, a favorite doctrine at that time among orthodox churches and much more frequently dis- cussed than at the present day. His read- ing and investigation led him to accept the beautiful doctrine of the final salvation of the human race, as consistent with the na- ture and attributes of God, and he lived in that faith for a number of years, later in life becoming a spiritualist, a belief from which he also derived much pleasure and genuine satisfaction. The wife of Emsley Mock bore the maiden name of Ruth Wat- son; she was the daughter of James Wat- son, a native of Pennsvlvania, and first saw the light of day in that state, but grew to maturity near Jamestown, Ohio, where her father moved when she was quite a small child. The Watsons were of Irish lineage and members of the family achieved much more than local distinction in different pro- fessions and vocations. A brother of Mrs. Mock, Hon. Enos L. Watson, became an eminent member of the Indiana bar and practiced his profession at Winchester for a number of years with distinguished suc- cess. His son, Hon. James E. Watson, of that city, is one of the brilliant orators of the west and for four consecutive terms represented his district in the congress of the United States. Mrs. Mock was born in the year 18 16 and died at Bluffton in 1897. She became widely known as a leader among the spiritualists of Indiana, took ad- vanced grounds in the advocacy of that be- lief and for a number of years shone as one of the cult's most brilliant and influential stars. She was a lady of strong mentality, wide reading and beautiful moral charac- ter and her influence had much to do in forming the life and shaping the destiny of her distinguished son whose name fur- nishes the caption of this article. Emsley and Ruth Mock were the parents of three sons and one daughter; the latter's name was Rachel, and when a young woman she became the wife of Emanuel Trostel, of Randolph county, her death subsequently occurring in this city. John G., the second in order of birth, is a well known and pros- perous farmer now pursuing his vocation • in the county of Wells. The third in suc- cession is Levi, who is the immediate sub- ject of this review, after whom comes James D.. also a successful agriculturist of this countv. io8 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. Levi Mock was born April 20, 1840, in Randolph county, Indiana, and to him fell the good fortune of being reared in close touch with nature on the farm, that fruit- ful soil from which has sprung much of the nation's political sinew and moral fiber. With the exception of the time spent as a soldier, he remained on the home place un- til his twenty-sixth year, attending to the varied duties of the farm in the summer and of winter seasons prosecuting his studies in the public schools of the neighborhood. After completing the usual course he se- cured a teacher's license and for some years divided his time between teaching and at- tending school, devoting the fall months to the latter and the winter and early spring to the farm. Blessed with excellent par- entage, young Mock grew up with intelli- gent conceptions of life and the dignity of honest, honorable endeavor. Inheriting from his father the splendid physical and mental qualities for which the paternal branch of the family had long been noted, and from his mother equally marked intel- lectual traits, softened perhaps by the gentle feminine graces which were among her dis- tinguishing characteristics, he early devel- oped vigor of bod)' and independence of mind which enabled him to formulate plans for his future course of life and action. With a well defined object in view, he de- termined to make the most of his time and circumstances and that he succeeded in car- rying out these purposes and realizing in full the ambitious desires of his youthful days is attested by the distinguished course he has since pursued as an influential factor in the political arena and that eminent po- sition which he has attained in professional circles and in the world of affairs. When the national atmosphere became overcast with the approaching clouds of civil war. Mr. Mock did not long discuss the advisa- bility of tendering his services to the gov- ernment in its hour of need. Animated by patriotic motives, he laid aside his studies and on the 14th of August, 1862, enlisted in Company E, Eighty-fourth Indiana Volun- teer Infantry, which formed part of the Fourth Army Corps. He saw considerable active service in West Virginia and Ken- tucky, sharing with his comrades the vicis- situdes and fortunes of war until failing- health obliged him to leave the ranks and take treatment in a hospital. For a period of sixty-six days he was closely confined to one room and such were the sad effects which disease made upon his erstwhile vig- orous constitution that at the end of that time he was pronounced unfit for further effective duty, accordingly in April, 1863, he received his discharge and as soon as possible thereafter he returned to his old home, where, under more salutary influ- ences and surroundings, he in due time regained a goodly portion of his wonted health. As soon as sufficiently recovered >Ir. Mock resumed his studies, which, with teaching, engaged his time until 1866. when he began reading law under the guidance of his uncle, Hon. Enos L. Watson, of Win- chester. Much of his study was prosecuted at home during his hours of leisure and with such assiduity did he apply himself to his books that his Sundays were devoted ex- clusively to their perusal and not infre- quently would he pore over his text of nights until the still small hours of the morn- ing admonished him to recuperate his jaded energies with a little sleep. Meanwhile he WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 109 would recite to his uncle at stated intervals, receive his instruction, and in this way he continued his investigations in the realm of legal science until sufficiently advanced to engage in the practice. Mr. Mock's pre- liminary studies covered a period of about two years, at the expiration of which time he located at Bluffton where, in February. 1869, he was formally admitteil to the bar. Here he soon made his presence felt, not alone in his profession, but also in local poli- tics as is attested by the fact of his election as mayor of the city within nine months after his arrival. So ably did he dis- charge the duties of this position that he was retained in the office by successive re- elections from the year 1869 to 1873 inclu- sive, and in 1875 he was again made the city's chief executive, serving in all eight years, the last two under the amended char- ter which extended the term of mayor to two years. In 1870 Mr. Mock entered into a law partnership with Hon. Joseph S. Dai- ley, the firm thus constituted lasting for a period of eighteen years, during which time it built up a business second in volume and importance to that of no other legal firm in northeastern Indiana, the two distinguish- ed members easily ranking with the ablest and most successful lawyers in this section of the state. They represented either the plaintiff or defendant in nearl}- everv im- portant case tried in the courts of Wells county during the existence of the partner- ship, in addition to which their practice ex- tended to many other counties, also to the supreme and federal courts where the}- added to their already firmly established rep- utations as masters of their profession. The firm of Dailey & Mock was dissolved by the appointment of the former to the circuit judgeship, from which time Mr. Mock was with Abe Simmons in the practice until about 1895 when he took John and George, his two sons, who have since been partners, under the name of Mock & Sons. By the sheer force of his powerful per- sonality, as well by reason of combining within himself the essential elements of lead- ership, Mr. Mock forged to the front in the councils of the Democratic party and within a short time after locating at Bluffton be- came an acknowledged power in local and state politics. In 1882 he was elected joint representative from the counties of Adams, Jay and Wells to the general assembly, and two }ears later served in the legislature from Wells and Blackford counties and in 1886 was elected from Wells county. His career as a law maker fully justified the wisdom of his choice and with little or no exception met the high expectations of his constituents irrespective of party. He be- came one of the most influential members of the body and both in the committee room and on the floor did much towards mould- ing public thought and shaping legislation. Through his instrumentality many impor- tant laws were passed which have had a de- cidedly beneficial influence on the state and as a leader of the Democratic side of the house he was untiring in his efforts to strengthen party lines and promote a spirit of harmony in the organization throughout Indiana. For four years, beginning with the year 1889 and ending with 1893, Mr. Mock was a member of the board of directors of the Northern Indiana Prison at Michigan City, in which capacity his busi- ness-like methods and untiring efforts were of especial value to the state. He looked carefully after the interest of this institu- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tion and the welfare of its inmates, and took advanced grounds as to the proper manage- ment and treatment of the criminal classes. The board's report to the governor contains the following statement expressive of his views upon this important matter : "The board is of the opinion that crime is a dis- ease resulting from heredity and environ- ment, and that no man should be punished for what he does, but should be imprisoned to protect society, and while in prison it is the duty of the state to elevate his manhood to a higher standard if possible, which can only be done by moderate labor, kind treat- ment and moral suasion." This broad hu- manitarian view of one of the most difficult and perplexing pi-oblems that has been en- gaging the attention of the management of penal institutions, although in advance of the age, was not without a decided effect upon the chief executive and law-making power, for since the adoption of the report the Southern Prison has been made an in- firmary, thus revolutionizing the govern- ment of the two institutions which formerly obtained. Mr. Mock has long been interested in the agricultural development of his own and other counties and has done much to encourage and foster modern methods of farming and other industries growing out of husbandry. In 1879 ^^ was elected pres- ident of the Wells County Agricultural Society and during his incumbency devoted much time and energy to place the organi- zation upon a firm financial basis so that it would answer the noble purposes for which it was originally designed. Additional to the official stations already referred to, he has been identified at different times with various enterprises calculated to promote the industrial growth of Bluffton, while all movements having for their end the mater- ial prosperity of the city or county have been sure of his encouragement and sup- port. He is indeed public spirited, taking an active interest in whatever tends to the material advancement of the community and, having implicit faith in the future of the city of his residence, has done as much if not more than any of his fellow citizens to advertise its advantages to the world as a favorable business center, a safe place wherein to invest capital and a desirable residence location. Reference has already been made to Mr. Mock's power and influence as a politician. In every campaign his voice is heard and as a strong, logical and eloquent speaker he has few superiors on the hustings in the state. Thoroughly grounded in the basic princi- ples of jurisprudence and familiar with the intricacies of practice, he stands with few peers as an able and conscientious lawyer, looking upon his profession as the means by which wrongs may be righted, justice done and society and the state protected. .\t dif- ferent times he has been called to the bench and there, as liefore the court, his attain- ments have shone with peculiar luster, fully demonstrating a masterh- grasp of great le- gal questions and an ability to render decis- ions in strict harmony with the letter and the spirit of the law. He served as special judge in the courts of Wells, Adams, Jay, Blackford, Huntington, Allen and Grant counties, frequently occupying the bench for weeks at a time, and while serving thus his opinions were characterized by lucidity and great legal acumen, his rulings were fair and impartial and his decisions, devoid of technical verbiage, but clear, explicit, incis- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ive and embodying every point at issue, sel- dom if ever suffered reversal at the hands of the supreme court. Personally Mr. Mock is a gentleman of unblemished reputation and the strictest in- tegrity and his private character as well as his career in public places and as custodian of high and important trusts has always been above reproach. He is a vigorous as well as an independent thinker and has the courage of his convictions upon all subjects which he investigates. He is also strikingly original, prosecutes his researches after his own peculiar fashion and cares little for con- ventionalism or for the sanctity attaching to person or place by reason of artificial dis- tinction, accident of birth or tradition. He is essentially cosmopolitan in his ideas, a man of the people in all the term implies and in the best sense of the word a repre- sentative type of that strong, virile Ameri- can manhood which commands and retains respect by reason of inherent merit, sound sense and correct conduct. Like his father and grandfather before him, Mr. Mock is a man of heroic mould and superb physical proportions. His commanding height of six and a half feet and correspondingly large but well knit frame, weighing two hundred and sixty pounds, makes him a marked figure wherever he goes and he is sure to attract attention in an}' crowd or as- semblage as a man born to leadership. With his splendid build he likewise possesses al- most unlimited endurance and knows not by practical experience the meaning of weariness or fatigue such as the average mortal feels. Mr. Mock is a great lover of manly sports and nearly every year finds pleasure in hunting bear, deer and other game in the forests of Michigan, Arkansas, Minnesota and other western states and ter- ritories, frequently prolonging these ex- cursions for weeks and months in the pur- suit of his favorite pastime. He is usually accompanied by a few congenial spirits and in this way, far from the distractions of courts and the trammels of civilization, they throw care to the winds, forget their an- noyances in the joys of the hour and for one brief season at least get in close touch with nature by throwing off artificial re- straints and imbibing in some degree the un- seen spirit pervading the universe. Mr. Mock is a man of domestic tastes and takes a loving interest in ithe beautiful and attractive home of which he is the head. He was happily married on the 19th of No- vember, 187 1, to Miss Rebecca C. Patter- son, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Mc- Farlin) Patterson, who moved to this county in an early day from Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Mock was born. Mr. and Mrs. Mock are the par- ents of three children, John, George and Charles, the first two members of the Bluff- ton bar and associated with their father in the practice under the firm name of Mock & Sons. They read law under the father's direction and each was admitted to the bar on the day he attained his majority. Mr. Mock has been an active member of the Masonic fraternity for over thirty years and stands high in the order, having taken a number of degrees, including that of the Royal Arch. He is also identified with the Improved Order of Red Men, being a char- ter member of the camp meeting in Bluff- ion, and is also a charter member of the Elks. A careful and conscientious investi- gation of spiritualism led him to accept that beautiful and satisfactory belief and he is WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. now one of its most intelligent advocates, tiiough by no means narrow or intolerant in his views, according to everybody the same right of opinion which he claims for himself. CHARLES C. SIXBEY. It requires a master mind to rise super- ior to discouraging environments and estab- lish, successfully guide and control large and important industrial enterprises. The necessary ability to accomplish such results is possessed in an eminent degree by Charles C. Sixbey, one of Bluffton's leading- citizens and a typical western business man of tireless energy, unfaltering perseverance, keen discrimination and absolute reliabil- ity. Few men have done as much in the same length of time as he and it is fitting in this connection that a brief outline of his life and achievements be given, as his friends and acquaintances throughout the state are many and will no doubt gladly peruse the record. Mr. Sixbey's father was Col. John Sixbey, a native of New York, born and reared in what was formerly known as the Big North Woods, a section of country one hundred miles long by eigh- ty miles wide bordering on the St. Law- rence river in Herkimer county. For many years the men of that region were noted for their great physical strength and endur- ance and also for sturdiness of character and resoluteness of purpose in carrying to successful conclusion any undertaking to which they addressed themselves. Col. Sixbey and five sons, three of whom entered the service of their country in the late war and fell while bravely fight- ing to maintain the integrity of the union. John, the oldest, was killed in the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia; Nicholas fought un- der the brave Gen. Lyon at Wilson's Creek, Missouri, and met his death on that bloody field; Jerome received his death wound in the engagement at Nelson's farm ; Charles met with an accidental death at home in the year 1849; the subject of this sketch was named for the last mentioned. In ad- dition to the five sons, there were six daugh- ters in the family, the majority of whom grew to mature years and became well set- tled in life. Charles C. Sixbey was born in Salis- bur}', Herkimer county. New York, De- cember 22„ 1 85 1, and spent his early life on a farm, with the duties of which he soon be- came familiar. In addition to agricultural pursuits he also worked in a tannery and at times assisted his father in the lumber busi- ness, which the latter carried on for a num- ber of )'ears. By reason of his services be- ing required at home, his early educational training was somewhat limited, but later, about 1868, he entered Elgin Academy, Elgin, Illinois, which he attended one year, making rapid progress in his studies during that time. With his father's aid he after- wards supplemented the above course by attending for several sessions the Fairfield Academy, Fairfield, New York, where he laid a broad and deep foundation for his subsequent career of usefulness in the busi- ness and industrial world. When a young man Mr. Sixbey entered the employ of the Peters Box and Lumber Company. Fort Wayne, Indiana, with which he continued about two years and later worked for some time in a factory operated by ]\Ir. Pope. When he arri\-ed in that citv he could not y^Ap^^ WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. "3 boast the possession of a single dollar and some time elapsed before he found himself even in comfortable circumstances. While in Fort Wayne he was employed in differ- ent capacities, a part of the time being engaged with a luml:)er company and later working for a firm which manu- factured pails. During the year 1879 he was employed by one John Peters at eighty-five cents per day, but before quit- ting that gentleman's service he was pro- moted foreman of the establishment and in that capacity greatly enlarged the magni- tude and widened the scope of the business. \Miile exercising his duties as manager of the above concern Mr. Sixbey began deal- ing in wood on his own responsibility and after severing his connection with his em- ployer devoted his "attention for some time to the latter business. He ran a wood yard, which was well patronized, but later dis- posed of the same and in 188 1 embarked in the lumber business at the town of Sheldon. This venture not being remunerative, he dis- continued it after a short time and purchas- ing a separator, engaged in the threshing of grain, following the same for only a lim- ited period. Up to this time Mr. Sixbey's business enterprises had not been very successful and his financial condition was anything but en- couraging. On one occasion he was refused credit for a pair of shoes, but later had the satisfaction of opening a store hard by the one in which he requested the favor and be- came the unfeeling merchant's more formid- able competitor in the world of trade. Be- ginning on credit, he soon built up a large and lucrative trade, in due time becoming one of the most prosperous and successful merchants in the village of Sheldon. Dis- posing of his stock in 1883, Mr. Sixbey came to Bluffton and opened a mercantile estab- lishment in the building now occupied by the Williamson Hardware Company. En- joying first rate credit with the leading wholesale houses of Ft. Wayne, he purchased a large and carefully selected assortment of groceries, subsequently adding boots, shoes, dry goods and gents' furnishing goods, and within a comparatively short time his place became one of the best known and most ex- tensively patronized mercantile establish- ments in the city. He commanded a large trade not only in Bluffton and from all parts of Wells county, but extended patronage throughout adjoining counties, his sales for the first year amounting to considerably in excess of forty thousand dollars. The con- tmued increase of custom soon rendered necessary a building of enlarged proportions, accordingly he purchased the old Presbyter- ian church, which when thoroughly re- modeled afforded him a very capacious and convenient room in which to meet the de- mands of the trade. The continued growth of the city and the consequent advancement of his own mercantile interests led Mr. Six- bey afterwards to erect a still larger and more commodious brick edifice on Market street. The capital required in putting up this block and the business depression which almost immediately followed caused Mr. Sixbey considerable financial embarrass- ment. Like many other merchants at that period, he failed to realize on outstanding obligations and not being able to meet his own bills as they became due, decided after struggling earnestly and manfully against adverse circumstances to retire from mercan- tile business. By no means discouraged Mr. Sixbey at 14 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. once began to look around and contrive some means to retrieve his fortune. He was with- out means to embark again in merchandis- ing, having finally paid up his outstanding obligations in full, consequently he was obliged to seek some other undertaking. It was at this time that the idea first entered his mind of manufacturing a cloth mitten and glove, a strong, durable article, but so cheap as to be within the purchasing power of the poor as Avell as the better class of working people. To conceive the idea was with him equivalent to acting and it was not long un- til he began operations in a little old build- ing with a force consisting of two girls and one boy, beside himself. He put in a small machine and advertising the product to the world, began manufacturing at first for the local trade, but the superior quality of his goods soon created a demand at other places. From the outstart the enterprise proved suc- cessful beyond his most sanguine expecta- tions and within the first two years his trade had so grown as to require a larger building and a corresponding increase in the force of operators. His factory is now one of the largest and most important of Bluffton's in- dustries, containing one hundred and twenty machines and afifording steady employment to one hundred and fifty hands, exclusive of the large number of salesmen who represent the establishment in all of the western, mid- dle, southern and several of the eastern states and Canada. The constantly increasing de- mand for the "Zero Mittens," as they are called, taxing the original factory to its ut- most capacity, led Mr. Sixbey in 1901 to es- tablish a branch at Fort Wayne which now gives employment to eighty operators. Still later he opened a second branch at Bluffton, but such has been the high reputation of his goods that the three factories, running at full force every working day in the year, are not sufficient to fill the large number of or- ders which are constantly coming in. Mr. Sixbey has done much to promote the business and industrial growth of Bluff- ton by giving employment to a large force of laborers, all of whom spend their money in the city. The relations between himself and his employes have always been mutually pleasant and agreeable and such a condition of affairs as a strike or lockout has never been known or even contemplated in his es- tablishments. He is a natural leader and, pos- sessing executive abilities of a high order, manages his factories with consummate skill, winning the esteem of all in his employ as well as of those with whom he transacts busi- ness. He is widely known in commercial circles throughout the United States, enjoys unexceptional standing with the leading business agencies of the country and the re- markable advancement made since inaugur- ating his enterprises in Bluffton may be taken as an earnest of a still larger and more prosperous career in the future. Mr. Six- bey is one of the leading citizens and pro- gressive men of Wells county and occupies a conspicuous place in the estimation of his fellow townsmen. He takes an active interest in whatever tends to advance the ma- terial growth of the city, supports with a liberal hand all worthy enterprises having for their object the social and moral wel- fare of the community and his influence, always strong, has ever been exerted on the right side of all local issues. In politics he is a Republican, but the urgent nature of his business affairs has prevented him taking a very lively interest in party matters. Fra- ternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and his name also appears as a charter mem- ber of the Elks' lodge in Blufifton. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Mr. Sixbey has been twice married. While hving in Ft. Wayne he married Miss Edmee Miller, daughter of James Miller, of that city, a union blessed with five chil- dren, one son and four daughters. Some time after the death of the above wife Mr. Sixbey was united in marriage to Miss Anna Spake, of Bluffton. Mr. Sixbey's career has been one of great activity, in the main attended by remarkable business advancement and financial pros- perity. He is essentially progressive in all he undertakes and, endowed with the power and tact to mould circumstances to suit his purpose, his success in overriding adverse conditions and mounting to his present high and honorable station in the world of affairs is such as few attain. Of strong convictions, positive character and incorruptible integ- rity, he is classed with the most intelligent and energetic of Bluffton's representative men and holds a warm place in the hearts of his fellow citizens. HON. M. W. WALBERT. The student, possessed of the energy and wit to put the knowledge acquired by study to good use, need never have fears of failure. Knowledge secured by study is a good deal like money won by labor. Both are species of capital, which if judiciously invested must inevitably bring results. Some students are mere dreamers who have no further use for their knowledge once they have been thrilled by the pleasure of getting it. The miser with his gold, who has no further use for it outside of the pleasure of getting and having it, is very much like such a student with his knowledge. It is very rarely that one hears of the failure of a person possessed of judgment, energy and a taste for study. Success is the rule of people of that bend of mind, failure the ex- ception. A very striking illustration of this is given in the case of Hon. M. W. Walbert, of Bluffton. Beginning in very humble circumstances, the first years of his boyhood spent in the labors of the shop and the fac- tory, with little time even for a superficial knowledge of books, he nevertheless not only mastered the calling of a cooper, but fitted himself by his studies for the pro- fession of law and later was honored by his fellow citizens by being efevated to the po- sition of mayor of the city of Bluffton. His story reads not a little like that of the re- nowned Dick Whittington. who. through the instrumentality of his cat. became lord mayor of London. Hon. M. \\'. Walbert, the son of George and Mar}- Wetzel Walbert, was born Febru- ary 2, i860, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is asserted that the blood of the famous Indian fighters, the Wetzels, flowed in the veins of his mother, but of that Mr. Wal- bert is too democratic to make any boast. From the time he was six years of age un- til he attained the age of thirteen he at- tended the common school, becoming very proficient in all the common school branch- es. When not in school, late and early each da}-, he assisted his father in his cooper shop. Such was the knowledge of the busi- ness and such skill in the mechanical details of the craft had he acquired that at the age of fourteen years he won first prize at a county fair for the best specimen of cooper- age there exhibited. His competitors were men well along in years, who had spent WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. most of their lives at the business. Ever}' moment of his leisure time was devoted to reading, particularly in the line of history, ancient and modern, of which he was pas- sionately fond. Very often he trespassed upon the hours that should have been al- lotted to sleep to indulge his passion for books. It was through the fruits of his own industry that he was enabled in 1884 and 1885 to attend Franklin College, which gave him the opportunity of rounding out an education that might have been Iw many others considered already sufficient. He taught school one term and then, under di- rection of Hon. J. H. C. Smith, began the study of law. His studious habits, persist- ent application and retentive memory made this task, so discouragingly difficult to oth- ers, comparatively light for him. The in- tricacies of Blackstone, Kent, Greenfield and Story he mastered within a brief period of years and soon after passed examination, was admitted to the bar and regularly H- censed to practice. A ])artnership was then entered into with his preceptor, Hon. J. H. C. Smith, at Blufifton, which continued until 1 89 1. The firm was recognized as one of the ablest at the bar in that part of the state, had no lack of clients and met with the most gratifying success in every particular. In 1889 Mr. Walbert was elected mayor of Bluffton. He served the city in that ca- pacity until 1894, giving to the people an administration that wilt be long remember- ed for the improvements that were made. During this time the high school, a magnifi- cent structure, was erected, the city water works were altered, improved and extended and the principle of municipal ownership was advanced by the city purchasing the electric light plant. Many other good works and reforms were either entered upon or consummated during his administra- tion. During his term of office he sat as examining magistrate in three murder cases and in all species of litigation that came before him he showed that he was not only well versed in the law, but possessed a high order of judicial talent. He was mayor of Blufifton for a period of five years and four months. In politics Mr. Walbert is an active, zealous, conscientious Democrat. He is an orator of acknowledged ability and his services are always in demand on the stump during political campaigns. He has a mem- ory that may always be relied upon and is not excelled by any one in c|uoting from memory facts, figures, dates or any kind of statistics. He has never sought for or as- pired to office. Such public place as he has been elected to and filled has come to him wholly unsolicited. It has been saitl that "the law is a jeal- ous mistress," a statement which doubtless is true in the case of most of those who yearn for the smile of fame and fortune through her. Mr. Walbert, however, seems to be a law unto himself. He has stolen enough time from this jealous mistress to dally most successfully with literature. He is the author of a work on the national bank- ing system that is pronounced, by persons competent to judge, a most valuable work, not only on the particular system of which it treats, but also ui)on the general subject of finance. It has been highly compli- mented by the press generally and the book reviews have accorded it no little praise. The readiness and elegance with which he expressed himself on paper has cultivated in him a liking for newspaper work, so in mo- WELLS COUNTY, LNDIANA. 117 ments of relaxation from labors in the law- he indulges his taste for literature by the production of an article on some subject familiar to him, for either the local or met- ropolitan press. On relinquishing the of- fice of mayor he again resumed the practice of law, entering into partnership with J. K. Rinehart, of Bluffton. At present he is holding the office of justice of the peace, having been elected thereto in 1900. and is discharging the duties of the office in a sat- isfactory and creditable manner. June 24, 1891, Hon. M. W. Walbert was united in marriage to Miss Emma Da- vis, an accomplished lady of pleasing man- ners and high attainment. She is a graduate of the Bluffton high school and was a teacher of recognized ability. She is the daughter of Milton Davis, a prominent cit- izen of Wells county. They are the parents of two children, one of whom died in in- fancy; the other, Doratha, was born July 26. 1892. Having been a hard worker him- self all his life, Mr. Walbert deeply sympa- thizes with the cause of labor, is a member of the Federation and never lets an oppor- tunity escape unimproved whereby he can benefit the cause or anyone engaged in it. The star of the subject of this sketch is still in the ascendancy. Although having in years passed the meridian of life, in phys- ical and mental vigor he is still in his prime. The ardor of youth still characterizes his every movement and his life, as years ago when working at the cooper's bench in his father's shop. Personally he is honest, frank and candid, a man who appreciates and values a friend. He enjoys the high respect and warm admiration of the people of the city for which he did so much as its chief executive. THOMAS C. CLOUD. Thomas C. Cloud first saw the light April 7, 1823, in Clinton county, Ohio. He is the son of Joseph and Nancy Cloud, na- tives of Pennsylvania, the former a son of Thomas Cloud. Joseph and Nancy Cloud, after their marriage, settled in Clinton county, Ohio. He was a stone dresser and mason and worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, when it gave but small promise of the popu- lous city of today. They moved from Ohio to Rush county. Indiana, about 1828, and were there for about two years, when Joseph died, leaving a widow and nine children: Betsie, deceased; Peggie, deceased; John F., deceased ; Sallie, deceased, was the wife of William Duckwall ; Prudie, now a resident of Ohio; Thomas; Pricilla, a resident of Frankfort. Indiana; Keziah, deceased, and Nancy, now a resident of Warren, this .state. After the death of her husband Nancy Cloud removed her family to Grant count}-, Indiana, about the year 1841, her son. Thomas, who now acted as head of the fam- ily, having previously gone there and helped to build a cabin. They were there about thirteen years when they sold their place for five hundred dollars and came to Wells county and bought the farm where Thomas now lives, paying the same amount for forty acres of land on which there had never been an ax. This made it necessary to rent land on the river front until they could get some cleared. During the first three years Thomas Cloud cleared thirty acres and at- tended to his crops besides. He finally cleared up ninety acres on the farm, which had grown to a hundred and twenty acres. February 20, 1850, Thomas Cloud was mar- ii8 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ried to Rebecca A. Jones, a daughter of Daniel and Susie Jones, natives of Pennsyl- vania. Thomas and Rebecca A. Cloud are the parents of seven children, three of whom are yet living: Isaac, born January 20, 185 1, died July 8, 1874; Sarah D., born February 19, 1852, married John E. Dillman, Decem- ber 30, 1 877 : they are now keeping house for the wife's father. John Dillman is the father of nine children, seven of whom are still living, Charlie, deceased, Homer, Josie, Mary, George, deceased, Almeda, Thomas, Vergie and Hazel. Susan, the third child of Thomas and Rebecca Cloud, was born June 13, 1854, is the wife of Eli Rea, of McNatts, Indiana, and they are the parents of one child, Nellie A. Nancy was born August 8, 1856, is the wife of Calvin Alspach, and the mother of seven children : Laura, Daniel, Amos, Charlie, Clinton, Lucy and George, deceased. Daniel W. was born May 15, 1858, and died October 7, 1873, Delilah J. was born September 12, i860, and died May 25, 1864; Joseph L. was born March 23, 1864, died October 8, 1888, his death being caused by a fall from a horse; he married Rosa Minnich and a daughter, Josie, was born after his death. The subject has worked at the carpen- ter's trade at times, but has devoted most of his life to farming, though he has not done active farm work for eleven years. He has also been a general stock raiser, rather preferring iiogs as a specialty. Re- becca A. Cloud, his wife, died January i, 1900, and in the fall of 1902 his daughter, Sarah Dillman, moved into his home to care for her father in his old age. In the spring of 1900 Mr. Cloud suffered a stroke of paralysis which confined him to his bed for some time, but after a few weeks he was able to arise from his bed and is now able to walk about the yard of his home and other short distances. He and wife were consistent members of the Methodist Protes- tant church and he loves the Christian church. While he was in active life he al- ways manifested a lively interest in every- thing which had for its object the promotion or advancement of the class to which he be- longed. With this idea in view, he took an active part in the early Grange movement inaugurated by the farmers of the country. In politics Mr. Cloud has always been a Democrat. In character, as exemplified in his life, Thomas C. Cloud has set an ex- ample which is worthy of all commendation, and the success which has attended his la- bors and the estimation in which he is held in the closing years of a long and well spent life should prove an incentive to the youth of the land. Forced by the death of his father to assume the responsibilities of life at an earl}' age, he proved himself a strong reed, upon which his widowed mother with her large and fatherless family were able to lean. With filial care devoting himself to the general welfare of the family, he thus laid the foundation of his own fortunes and assured himself of a competency for his own old age. The success which has crowned the labors and life of Father Cloud proves that environment alone does not determine results ; that "Honor and fame from no con- ditions rise ; but in acting well your part, therein the honor lies." JAMES PERDUE. James Perdue was born in Delaware county, Indiana, February 28, 1834. His WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 119 father was James Perdue, Sr., a native of North Carolina, and who was a son of John Perdue, also a native of the same state. James Perdue, Sr., married Mary Price, who was likewise a native of North Caro- lina, a daughter of Ellen (Lowery) Price, the wedding taking place in North Carolina. The births of both parents took place on the site of the battle of Guilford Court House, North Carolina, where the British were commanded by Lord Cornwallis and the Americans by General Greene. James Per- due, Sr., settled down to farming, but later came to Indiana, stopping a while in Wayne county, about 1830, and then came to Del- aw^are county where he died, in November. 1833, before James, Jr., was born. While in Delaware county he farmed and taught school. James, Jr., has the instrument of writing, in his father's hand, that the latter made of the section of land set apart for the purpose of the school fund in the township where he settled. James, Sr., was the father of four children, of whom two are yet liv- ing : John, deceased ; Emily J. ; William, now residing in Warren. Indiana, and James. Mary, the widow of James Sr., married Francis McNairy in Delaware county and they later moved to Fayette county, Indiana, when James, Jr., was about ten years old, and the latter grew to man- hood in that county. He was educated in the public schools until he was about twenty years of age. The last term of school he attended was taught by a Presbyterian min- ister, who preached in the Ebenezer meet- ing house and taught a select term of school in an old log church. He had worked there during the summer, by the month, and boarded with the same man for whom he worked, attending the school during the following winter. He remained there the next summer, and in the fall returned to Delaware county and worked by the month for his stepfather, remaining with him that fall. He remained in Delaware county dur- ing the winter and worked until harvest the next summer. September 2, 1855, the sub- ject of this sketch was married to Mary Wall, a resident of Delaware county, Indi- ana, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Christian and Hannah (Moss) Wall. The parents of Mary removed to Delaware county in an early day, settling on the land before there was any house on it and when it was all in woods. The father improvised a sort of shelter tent with brush, in which he kept his family until he could build a house. Christian Wall was the father of six children : Amanda, deceased ; Alexander, deceased : John, deceased ; Margaret, de- ceased; David, probably dead, went to California and not heard from, and Mary, who married James Perdue, was born May 8, 1830. .Vfter his marriage James Perdue and wife settled in Fay- ette county, Indiana, where they re- mained for two years, when they removed back to Delaware county and farmed in that county from 1857 until the former date in- clusive. They came to Jackson township, W^ells county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Per- due had six children, three sons and three daughters, all deceased but two. Francis M. has two children, Frederick and Carl P. ; Walter L. was born August 23, 1861, and died September 13, 1862: William R. was born December 17, 1862, and died August 19, 1882; Mary L. was born March 8, 1865, and died December 23, 1873 : Olive, born November 7, 1866, died September 13, 1867; Hettie, born November 15, 1870, WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. married Darwin Lee, now a resident of Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana. They have two children, Jay and Burle. James Perdue and his wife are members of the Christian church at Perry Creek. He was an elder of the church in Delaware county for several years, also of the church at Dillman, Indiana, until it was disbanded several years ago. Mr. Perdue is a memlier of Lodge No. 392, I. O. O. F., of Warren, Indiana, and has passed the chairs twice : he has been sec- retary and representative to the grand lodge, and was also deputy grand master under D. B. Shideler. Mr. Perdue was for- merly a Democrat, voting for Buchanan and Douglas, but since that time he has been a Republican. He has never missed an op- portunity to vote since he was old enough and has been active in politics. He served as assessor five times in his native township in Delaware county and was at one time a candidate for treasurer of Wells county, Indiana. James Perdue has lived in this state all his life, a period of more than two-thirds of a century. He has been a citizen of three counties of Indiana and has been a witness of and aided in their de\'elopment. While his life has not been essentially that of the original pioneers of the state, he has been conversant with most of the changes through which they passed, and the im- proved methods which have been adopted, both in work and manner of li\-ing. He has witnessed the de\-elopment of the state of his nativity from a semi-border common- wealth until it occupies today a position mid- way in the great chain of highly cultivated agricultural domains which constitute the integral divisions of our wonderful coun- try. He has acted well his part in life, seek- ing to improve his own environments and in the performance of his duties as a good cit- izen and neighbor has added to the general welfare of the communities in which he has lived. HENRY H. HUNSICKER. It is with marked satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life of one who has attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness of purpose and determined ac- tion. Such a life, whether it be one of calm, consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accomplishments, must abound in both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to young men whose fortunes and destinies are still matters for the future to determine. The subject of this sketch is distinctively one of the representative business men of Bluiifton. For a number of years he directed his efiforts toward the goal of success and by patient continuance in well doing succeeded at last in o\-ercoming the many obstacles by which his pathway was beset. Henr}' H. Hunsicker is a native of Seneca county, Ohio, where he was born on the 22cl day of January, i860. His father, G. C. Hunsicker, was a native of Pennsyl- vania and a descendant of one of the old families of that commonwealth. When a young man he went to Ohio, settling in the county of Seneca, where he met and married Catherine Heiser, who had come to this country some years previously from Ger- many. About the year 1866 Mr. Hunsicker moved his family to Allen county, Indiana, locating at Monroeville, in which town the subject of this sketch spent the years of his WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. early youth. Henry H. Hunsicker was a lad ijf si.x when his parents became resi- dents of the Hoosier state. After acquiring a fair education in the public schools, he began working in a factory at Monroeville and from the time of securing employment until reaching the age of eighteen all of his wages were turned over to his parents. Dur- ing the three years preceding his majority he retained half of his earnings for his own' use, the other half being generously con- tributed to the support of the family, the father's circumstances being such as to make this addition to the general fund very accept- able. When twenty-one Mr. Hunsicker went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he soon found employment at good wages in a heading factory and later worked as a wood turner. In the fall of 1882 he came to Bluffton, In- diana, and accepted a position with a wood- working firm, continuing as head sawyer until the spring of 1885. Meantime, July I, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Johnston, daughter of John and Catherine ( Porter) Johnston, who were among the early settlers of Wells county. Mr. Johnston was one of the leading farm- ers of Harrison township for a number of years, and later became a prominent resident of Bluffton. Mrs. Hunsicker was born in the above township in February, 1863, and is one of five children, the names of the other livhig members of the family being Maggie, now Mrs. John Crosbie, and J. R. Johnston, the present sherifY of Wells county. In 1885 Mr. Hunsicker purchased drays and engaged in the transfer business, which he followed about two years. Disposing of his outfit, he worked for a short time in the factory where he had forinerl}^ been em- ployed. In 1887 he embarked in the grocery business in partnership with B. Bowman for a short time, afterward with A. Watson for about a year, then a few months with John Burgan, and for twelve years by him- self. August 6, 1901, Mr. Hunsicker sold his grocery business and purchased the over- all factory of which he has since been pro- prietor. Mr. Hunsicker's present enterprise has grown into one of the most important and successful manufacturing concerns in the city of Bluffton. Under his manage- ment its capacity has been greatly enlarged to meet the demands of the trade, and upon an average of from twenty-eight to thirty- five hands are given emplo}'ment every work- ing day of the year. The weekly pay roll amounts to about one hundred and sixty dol- lars, exclusive of the salary of the two sales- men who represent the factory in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. The output is about two hundred and fifty dozen every week, which finds ready sale, and such is the demand for these articles that it will soon become necessary to in- crease the productive capacity of the fac- tory and add to the force of operators. What success has come to Mr. Hunsicker, and it is by no means small, has been the re- sult of his own efforts, supplemented by a judgment and business capacity of a very high order. He inherited no wealth and began the struggle of life with no financial aid and little assistance from influential friends. The only heritage that came to him was a .sound constitution, an active mind, a thorough brand of American pluck and grit, and an intelligent comprehension of the way in which to put these to the best uses. With an inborn industrv and a WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. natural capacity for hard work, he has al- ways made the most of his opportunities, at the same time laid well his plans for the future, and ever labored with something better in view. Forseeing what should be done and doing it in the right time, together with the ability to mould circumstances to suit his purposes, have been the secrets of the success which has marked Mr. Hunsick- er's career since he became head of the flour- ishing enterprise which he now operates. As a citizen he stands deservedly high in public esteem, being interested in the prog- ress of his adopted city, and doing all within his power to promote its material, social and moral welfare. Like all progressive men, he takes a lively interest in politics, but has never been known as an active partisan or aspirant for public position. He votes the Democratic ticket in state and national af- fairs, but in matters purely local pays little attention to the dictates of party leaders. Mr. Hunsicker is an enthusiastic Odd Fel- low, having passed all the chairs in the subor- dinate lodge and encampment, besides be- longing to the Pythian brotherhood and a charter member of the Order of Red Men. Mrs. Hunsicker is a leading worker in the Rathbone Sisters, also the Rebekah degree, I. O. O. F., which she has represented in the grand lodge, and holds a prominent po- sition in the Woman's Relief Corps of Bluff- ton. Both are well known in society circles and are among the city's most intelligent and estimable people. THE SWAIM BROTHERS. So closely interwoven were the lives of David H. and William Thomas Toy Swaim that the history of one is practically the his- tory of both. Their relations during child- hood and youth, their school life and later their associations in a business way made their mutual interests complete. They are natives of Wells county, Indiana, born in the town of Ossian, David H, on the 17th of September, 1858, and William T. T. on the 1st day of April, 1861. They were reared to young manhood in the above vil- lage and only left there when ready to em- bark in business pursuits, meanwhile attend- ing the public schools, in which they re- ceived an intellectual discipline of no incon- siderable importance. Their parents were William and Hannah (Toy) Swaim, for many years well known and highly respect- ed residents of the community in which they lived. The father enlisted in an Indiana regiment at the breaking out of the late Civil war and received at the battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi, a mortal wound which resulted in his death on the 17th of June, 1863. His widow survived him a number of years, departing this life Febru- ary 28, 1895. After the father's death the mother, desirous of procuring for her chil- dren the best educational advantages ob- tainable, moved from the farm to Ossian, where in due time the brothers entered upon their school work. They continued their studies there until completing the prescribed course in 1879, in the spring of which year David H. became assistant to Superintend- ent P. A. Allen, in a select school which the two jointly conducted the year following. In 1880 the brothers entered Fort Wayne College, but before the end of the first year David withdrew in order to accept the posi- tion of assistant in a school at Ossian, Thomas remaining until he was graduated WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 123 in the latter part of the year following. Sub- sequently, 188 1 -2, David served as superin- tendent of the Ossian schools and during that time Thomas was employed as assistant in the schools of Bluffton, both earning en- viable reputations as educators. Having decided upon the legal profession as their life work, they entered, in the fall of 1882, the law department of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where they continued their studies until completing the full course, both graduating two years later with the degree of B. L. In September, 1884, they moved with their mother to Blufifton and, forming a partnership under the name of Swaim & Swaim, began the practice of their profession under most favorable auspices. They soon took high rank with the leading members of the Blufifton bar, built up a large and lucrative business in the courts of Wells and neighboring counties and con- tinued the practice until May, 1888, when they withdrew from the law and, in partner- ship with Asbury Duglay, purchased the Blufifton Chronicle. The Swaim brothers embarked upon the sea of journalism with a full appreciation of the difificulties which it entailed, coupled with a well defined pur- pose of making the enterprise a success as far as success under the circumstances could be attained. Briefly stated, the history of the paper of which the Swaim brothers be- came managers in the above year is as fol- lows : In 1853 ^^^^ People's Press, a Repub- lican organ, was established in Blufifton, by John Wilson and Michael Karnes, who em- ployed as editor a Mr. Knox, a newspaper man of considerable experience and a fair writer. Subsequently James Branigan and James Gorrell served as editors and under their management the paper continued to make its periodical appearance until 1857, when the plant was purchased by T. N. Kellogg and a Mr. Bixler, Nelson Kellogg taking charge of the editorial work. Messrs. Kellogg and Bixler ran the paper with fair success until 1861, when it passed into the hands of W. J. Bright, who changed the name to the Wells County Union, under which title it was issued until the stringent financial condition of the times caused its temporary suspension. After a time the enterprise was revived by Cephas Hogg, who, as editor and proprietor, labored against many obstacles until succeeded by J. H. Smith, under whose management the name of the paper was changed in 1866 to the Wells County Standard, the editorial department the meanwhile being in charge of James Sewell. Subsequently A. Callon and J. Sewell became owners and in 1S69 the title was a third time changed, the name of Blufifton Chronicle being substituted and S. Davenport becoming editor. Under the latter firm the Chronicle was issued un- til 1873, when the publication again sus- pended, but after a short period J. W. Ruck- man took charge of the plant and in due time established it upon a self-supporting basis. He managed the enterprise quite successfully until 1877, when he sold out to J. F. Pearson, who in turn disposed of the ofifice to C. A. Arnold, under whose control the paper continued to grow in influence and public favor until 1878. In that year George Arnold & Son became proprietors and during their ownership the paper was greatly improved in its editorial and mechanical makeup. Its circulation large- ly increased, the advertising patronage was quite liberal and as a political organ it was influential in shaping the policy of the Re- 124 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. piil)lican party in the county and contributed much to the success of the ticket in local af- fairs. The Messrs. Arnold in 1888 dis- posed of the Chronicle to Swaim Brothers & Duglay, as already stated, and under the management of the latter firm the paper took on new life and more than at any other period of its history became a power for good in the community. In August, 1891, Mr. Duglay died, after which event the Swaims purchased his interest in the plant and liecame sole proprietors. William T. T. Swaim died October 6, 1895, and after his death David became sole owner and manager of the enterprise. Since assuming sole control he has greatly enlarged the pa- per, changing it from a nine-column folio to a seven-column quarto, besides purchas- ing new engines and presses and supplying the office with all the latest and most ap- proved appliances used in the "art preserva- tive." The Chronicle is a model of typo- graphic art and within the last ten years its circulation and advertising patronage have so increased that it is now one of the best paying newspaper properties in northern Indiana. In its literary makeup it is de- signed to vibrate with the public pulse and be a reflex of the current thought of the day; politically it is staunchly Republican and. being recognized as the official organ of the party in Wells county, its influence in directing and controlling thought relative to leading issues has brought it prominently to the notice of the party throughout the state. As editorial writer Mr. Swaim is clear, forceful, elegant, at times trenchant, and in discussing the great questions of the day is a formidable but courteous antagon- ist. As a family newspaper the Chronicle enjoys a large measure of popularity and its periodical \isits are eagerly looked for- ward to by its many patrons in Wells county and elsewhere. On all matters of public policy it occupies no neutral ground, but fearlessly advocates honest convictions re- gardless of consequences. Its moral tone is of a high standard and while it is a me- dium through which the production of local writers as well as other correspondence is given publicity, nothing objectionable is permitted to appear in its columns. It is designed to answer the purpose of an edu- cational factor and such it has indeed be- come, as its contents, both political and gen- eral, tend to improve the mind and cultivate the taste rather than to appeal to passion and prejudice as is the manner of too many local sheets. Mr. Swaim has displayed commendable enterprise in the field of journalism, not only by improving the Chronicle and bringing it up to its present standard of excellence, but by giving to the public an additional paper. The Evening News, a bright daily, the first number of which made its appearance in 1893. Since that time the News has been regularly is- sued from the Chronicle office and that it is appreciated by the public is attested by the large and constantly increasing patronage which has marked its history from the first number to the present time. David H. Swaim is a public spirited man in all the term implies and personally as well as through the medium of the press is doing much to foster the industrial development and intellectual growth of the city and coun- ty besides exercising a potent influence in elevating the moral sentiment of the com- munity. He is a wide awake, broad minded man of the day, deeply interested in what- ever concerns the general welfare and ready WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 125 at all times to lend his influence and mater- ial aid to any movement with this object in \ie\v. David H. Swaim was married Septem- ber 15, 1885, to Miss E. Ala)' Gorrell, daughter of James and Mary Ann Gorrell, of this county. Airs. Swaim was born April 14, 1 86 1, graduated from the Ossian schools in 1880, and later became a teacher in the schools of Bluffton, where she labored successfully until the year of her marriage. She is a devoted member of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church of Bluffton and for a number of years has been a teacher in the Sunday school. On the 8th of June, 1890, David H. Swaim was appointed postmaster of Bluffton and discharged the duties of the position with his accustomed energy and business methods for a period of three years and two months, proving a capable and courteous oflicial and fully meeting the high expectation of his friends and the public generally. He also subscribes to the Meth- odist creed, having united with the church while prosecuting his legal studies at Ann Arbor. Mr. and Mrs. Swaim are the par- ents of two children, Helen, born Novem- ber 19, 1888, and Roger Gorrell, born March 6, 1897. JOHN MINNICH. John Minnich, who was born November 1 1. 1835, in Clark county, Ohio, is a son of Jac(jb Minnich, born July 24, 18 14, in Ohio, Jacol) being born after his father's death. The family was originally from the state of Pennsyhania. Jacob is yet living, at the age of eighty-eight years, and went through a siege of smallpox this last spring. The first wife of Jacob Minnich was Christiana Ebersole, a native of Ohio, but whose par- ents came from Virginia. Jacob married his first wife in Ohio, settled there and commenced farming, later remo\'ed his family to Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, settling in September, 1841, on the farm where he now lives. His wife, Christiana, died in February, 1855, leaving six children, as follows : John ; Phoeba, the wife of Peter Wright, a resident of Sum- mitville, Indiana; Sarah, deceased; Mary, the wife of Madison Irving, a resident of Warren, Indiana ; Peter, a resident of War- ren, Indiana ; Michael lives on the old home farm. Jacob Minnich moved from Clark county, Ohio, by wagon, it taking eight days to make the trip of about one hundred and ten miles. He had made a trip to Indi- ana and built a log cabin on his land before removing his family, though it had neither fire place nor door when he returned to it. Soon after arriving he was taken sick and was not out of the house until February of the next year. The subject was then only six years old. But luckily James Mclntyre had come with them and they managed to keep "soul and body together." His horses were out all winter without any kind of shelter save the brush and timber of the woods. They had at the time two head of horses, the same number of cattle and two dogs. At night the dogs were kept under the house through fear of the wolves, which were very plentiful in the country at that time. When the family removed from Ohio, they brought with them two barrels of flour, \vhich furnished all the bread they had until they had cleared the ground, planted and raised a crop of corn, and after- 126 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. wards of wheat. In the spring the father was able to work again, and they managed to get out sixty acres of a corn crop. They w-ere allowed to plant a piece of land on Mr. Batson's place, in return for the labor of burning the brush off it, raised corn enough the first year for their own use and had some to spare. They kept adding a little to the amount cleared until finally the whole farm was cleared up. Their meat they ob- tained from the forest : the usual manner of securing it was to secretly approach the deer along the river in a canoe at night, during the summer time, having the light in the canoe blinded by a board. Under such cir- cumstances the deer would stand and stare at the boat, their shining eyes making an easy mark for the hunter's rifle. The early settlers could usually also get plenty of good honey from wild bees in the fall of the year. John went to school in a log cabin, which had a stick chimney about six feet W'ide, with greased paper for window lights. He attended his last term of school when he was twenty-one years of age. The most of the schools which he attended were sub- scription schools, supplemented later by a few terms in the public school, which had then become better established. John re- mained at home with his father until he was twenty-two years of age, when, on Novem- ber 6, 1857, he was married to Mary M. Huffman. She was born in Ohio TNIarch 6, 1838. and is a daughter of John Huffman, a native of Ohio, and Susan (Myers) Huff- man. They were married in Ohio and came to Indiana in the fall of 1846. settled in Huntington county and remained there until John's death. Susan is yet living at the home of John Minnich at the age of eighty- six years. John Huffman was the father of seven children, all of whom are yet living: Mary M. married John Minnich; Louis .s a resident of Mt. Zion, Indiana; George H. is ex-sheriff of Wells county, Indiana; Rachel is the wife of Robert Campbell, a farmer of Liberty township: Martha is the wife of Sylvester Gephart; Elijah is now a resident of Mt. Zion, Indiana, and Jacob resides on the old home place in Hunting- ton county, Indiana. After their marriage John Minnich and his wife lived for two years in a house on his father's farm. In March, i860, they moved onto the place where he now lives, having purchased two or three years previously the eighty acres which constituted the farm. On March 8 he began the clearing of his land and the first year he got out seven acres of a crop, breaking up the land with a borrowed yoke of oxen, feeding them on potatoes while doing the work; he did some plowing for the owner for the use of the animals. During their first years on this farm Mrs. Minnich spun her own flax and wove the cloth for the use of the family. She did not purchase a dress from a store for six years. Steadily they toiled on, clearing and improving the farm ' little by little. Mr. Minnich had to haul wheat to the market in Huntington, which was more than twenty miles away, and over the roughest and muddiest roads conceivable, and after getting it there forty cents a bushel was the selling price. About twenty-two bushels of wheat was the limit for a load for a good team to haul to Huntington in those days. Huntington and Wells counties had no rail- roads at that time and the wheat and other products as well were transported to the general market at Toledo, Ohio, by way of the Wabash canal, which passed through WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 127 Huntington. The first salt that was brought into the communit)' cost thirteen dollars per barrel. It took three days to go to mill, as they had to go to Camden, in Jay county, where they had steam power. On one oc- casion Samuel Batson and John Minnich started to the mill at noon on Sunday and did not get back home until Thursday noon following. Mr. Minnich now has one hun- dred and fifty-eight acres of fine land, with eleven producing oil wells, which brought him a profit of about sixty dollars per month during the last year. He is a lover of farm stock, preferring Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle. He has not farmed any for the last seven years, having been laid up with rheumatism. He has been gardening for about eighteen or nineteen years, marketing his produce at Montpelier, Indiana, where Perman, Johnson & Com- pany get all his stock. He has devoted the most of his life to farming. During the war he worked at the carpenter's trade and made money enough to pay for an additional eighty acres of land. He also ran a black- smith shop for twenty years, but does not now try to do work of that kind. He is the father of four children : Louis, born Novem- ber 6, 1864, married Mamie J. Colbert, lives on his father's farm and has one son, Park F. ; Jacob, born May 5, 187 1, married Jennie E. Anderson, lives in Liberty township and has two children, Edna M. and Lillian C. ; Oliver was born April 11, 1879, married Maud Shadles and now resides in Chester township. Wells county, Indiana; they have one child. Don W. ; an infant son died un- named. They also reared and provided for three other children not their own. Mr. Minnich and wife are members of the German Baptist church and are active Christian workers. After the oil interest had been developed on his farm, he divided the income received in royalty, giving one- half of it in equal amounts to his children. In politics, Mr. Minnich was formerly a Re- publican, but is now a Democrat. He be- lieves, however, in voting for principle. John Minnich and his wife are essentially Indiana pioneers. Coming to the state with their parents when the section in which they settled was an almost unbroken wilderness, in which, at night, the howling of the preda- tory wolf was a frequent and familiar sound : when the roaming droves of deer in the forests furnished the few settlers with meat for their families and the hardy settler, with unerring eye, would course • the wild honey bee to his native hive in the cavity of some forest tree. Growing to manhood and womanhood amid all these early scenes, they were familiar with all the customs and modes of living in those pioneer days. After their marriage they moved onto land in the woods and were subject to all the vicissi- tudes and hardships which attended the earliest settlers in the country. Mrs. Min- nich was familiar with the use of the flax brake, the spinning wheel and the 'reel, and hand cards, for rolling the wool before spin- ning, which were implements of daily house- hold use in the family for several years. Mr. Minnich made the old fashioned spin- ning wheel and the reel which his wife had spun the wool on and they have these old relics in their home yet. But all this is changed ; they have lived to see the country, which at that time had no roads, except bridle paths and tracks cut through the timber, crossed arid recrossed by railroads and macadamized highways traversing a highly improved and finely cul- [28 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tivated country in every direction. Where there were towns at tliat time, there are now cities, and towns and villages now dot the country where there were forests and swamps. The log cabin, with its huge chimney and greased-paper windows, has given way to fine brick buildings dedicated to learning, and the spinning wheel, with the reel, etc., have been relegated to the at- tics of the palatial homes that have taken the place of the cabins on the farms and are now spoken of as antique. The actors in these scenes have also changed; instead of the buoyancy and in- spiration of youth with which they were then filled, their heads are now silvered by age and their forms are bent with the in- firmity of years. But they have done well their part in life, their labors have been blessed with a competency, and, surrounded by loving children and friends, and esteem- ed by all who know them, they confidently await the inevitable change. Mr. and Mrs. Minnich have in their possession an old parchment sheepskin deed, bearing the signature of President Martin Van Buren and dated August 20, 1838, one year after the great panic of 1837. AARON FLEMING. The gentleman whose name appears above is one of the brave, indomitable spirits to whom the present generation is indebted for the transformation of the wilderness of Indiana to a domain of civilization and en- lightenment. Endowed by nature with strong characteristics that have made him efificient in the mission he was to fulfill, he has done much to confer the blessings of progress upon this part of the state and is today one of the oldest living settlers in the county of \\'ells. Aaron Fleming is a native of JeiTerson county, Ohio, where his birth occurred on the 4th day of July, 18 17. His father, Absalom Fleming, was born in Maryland and the mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Wright, was a native of Virginia. These parents moved in an early day to Jefferson county, Ohio, where they became acquainted and married and some time thereafter they changed their residence to the county of Wayne. Absalom Flem- ing followed tilling the soil for a livelihood, but being poor in this world's goods was obliged to rear his family on rented land. As soon as the subject was old enough to be of practical service he was obliged to assist his father and as the greater part of his early life was spent in a comparatively new coun- try, he enjoyed no educational advantages worthy of mention before learning to read and write. Actuated by a sense of duty most commendable, he labored diligently for his parents and otherwise looked after their interests until reaching an age when young men are expected to sever home ties and branch out in the world for themselves. On attaining his majority he engaged with a man who moved to Indiana and the month of October, 1838, witnessed his arrival in the new and sparsely settled county of Wells. Pleased with the country, he soon purchased one hundred acres of land in Rock Creek township and paid for the same in due time out of his wages of one hundred dollars per year, which he saved with most rigid econ- omy. In order to meet the payments as they became due he was obliged to deny himself many privileges peculiarly dear to young men, doing without suitable raiment and AARON FLEMING. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. [29 withdrawing himself entirely from the so- cial gatherings which in those days af- forded sucii an agreeable break in the dull monotony of pioneer life. After spending some time in Wells county he returned to Ohio, where better wages for farm labor could be obtained. He spent one year in his native county, during which time he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bell Kirk- patrick and the following year moved to his new iiome, erected a rude log cabin and ad- dressed himself to the task of clearing and developing a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming set up their first domestic establishment in a very modest w-ay. Their house, which con- sisted of a single room, was sparsely fur- nished with articles of his own manufacture, including a few roughly-made chairs, a bed- stead of the most primitive pattern and a box which answered the purpose of a table. The first year Mr. Fleming cleared three acres of ground, which were planted in corn, potatoes and other vegetables, and while the little crop matured he continued his labors in the woods early and late until by the following spring there was a goodly area in readiness for tillage. After living on this place for a period of nine years and clearing with his own hands over fifty acres of ground, he sold the farm for twelve hundred dollars and purchased one hundred and fifty-one acres in the township of Lan- caster. Subsequently he added to the latter at intervals until he became one of the larg- est land owners in that part of the countv, his real estate at this time amounting to four hundred and seventy-seven acres, which with other property in his possession represents a fortune considerably in excess of thirty thousand dollars. Mr. Fleming made considerable money | by pasturing and feeding live stock, es- pecially cattle, in which business his success w^as most gratifying. As a farmer he early took rank among the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the county and in his various business transactions he was no less fortunate. He mounted rapidly the ladder of success, managed with masterly skill ever)- undertaking in which he engaged and from the small beginning alluded to has advanced step by step until he is n(jw the possessor of a competence of much greater magnitude than the majority of farmers at- tain. Clear perception, correct judgment, comprehensive thought and stainless honor have ever characterized his career and he stands today not only at the head of his voca- tion, but as a citizen ranks with the repre- sentative men of his adopted county. Air. Fleming possesses in a marked degree those traits and abilities which make men masters of their fate. Great industry and consecu- tive effort account largely for the success which has attended him, while his word has always been held as sacred as a written obli- gation. He has witnessed the remarkable growth knd development of Wells county along all lines of industrial activity and to the best of his ability he has contributed of brawn and brain to bring about the results that now exist. During a residence here covering a period of sixty-four years his character has ever been above reproach and his conduct in every relation of life has been that of the upright man and honorable citi- zen. No man in the county is better known and few occupy as conspicuous a place in the confidence and esteem of the people. In politics he has voted with the Republican party ever since its organization, but has never taken a very active part in public af- I30 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. fairs, preferring the plain, simple life of private citizenship to any official honors within the power of the people to bestow. His religious belief is embodied in the Pres- byterian creed and for a great many years he has been a faithful and earnest member of that communion. Originally he and wife belonged to the Pleasant Ridge church in Jefiferson township, but later their member- ship was transferred to the Murray congre- gation in which he held the ofBce of ruling elder and with which they are now identi- fied. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have been blessed with five children, namely: Mary J., wife of Albert Wilson; Sarah A., widow of the late Jere Sowl, of this county; Lydia Bell, who married James Wilson, of Lancaster township; Drusilla, now Mrs. Donaldson Wilson, and Martha Jeanette, widow of David Truesdale Wason. JAMES C. HATFIELD. In this utilitarian age, when there is so little just discrimination between decisive merit and shallow pretenses, when selfish as- surance is often better appreciated than modest, unpretending worth, it is a pleasure to contemplate the character and career of such a man as the subject of this review, a man who, though unassuming, has not been underestimated by the people and who in re- turn for their mark of favor has taught them how valuable may be those public services that must be sought for and are never ob- trusively displayed, as it were, on the po- litical auction block. Though a man with- out pretense, he possesses that magnetic force that silently attracts, those mental and moral qualities and personal characteristics that win strong friendships and that tact that make men and events subserve his just purpose. James Clement Hatfield is a scion of one of the oldest and most worthy pioneer fam- ilies of Wells county, his ancestors having been among the sturdy indomitable spirits that led the van of civilization into this sec- tion of the Hoosier state. Tracing the Hat- field genealogy, it is learned that the family originated in England, one of the first an- cestors of which there remains an authentic record being one John Hatfield, who in an early day engaged in the East India serv- ice and amassed an immense fortune by commerce and banking. He was twice mar- ried, the first wife, whose maiden name was Dorotha O'Neal, bearing him children as follows : Adam, Andrew, John and Sarah, all of whom came to America and spent the greater portion of their lives in this coun- try. The second wife of John Hatfield, Elizabeth Shippore, a native of England, died without issue. Mr. Hatfield died in India, leaving as was supposed a very large and valuable estate to his relations, but for some reason it was not properly ad- ministered on, the effect being that his law- ful heirs never obtained the possession due them. Adam Hatfield, founder of the Ameri- can branch of the family, came to this coun- try prior to the struggle for independence and settled in Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania. About the year 1772 he was united in marriage with Margaret Dilwo'rth, who bore him the following sons and daugh- ters: Elizabeth, John, Mary, Benjamin, Sarah, Margaret, Robert, Nancy, Joseph and Adam. In 1795 Adam Hatfield, with WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 131 his large family, migrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, then a mere frontier trading post, and departed this life there the following year. The family then returned to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where they made their home until 18 1 5, at which time Mrs. Hatfield and her sons, Robert, Adam and Joseph, re- moved to Wayne county, Ohio, settling near the town of Wooster. Adam Hatfield, Jr., married Miss Martha Kirkpatrick, a lady of great force of character, well fitted by nature and early training to bear the hard lot of pioneer life, and about the year 1839 moved to Wells county, Indiana, locating in Jefferson town- ship three miles north of the present site of Murray on a tract of four hundred and eighty acres of land which he had previously entered. Here he erected his log cabin, made a small clearing and entered upon that course of life which subsequently made him one of the leading farmers and prominent citizens of this part of the state. Adam Hatfield was a man of excellent parts and early took an active interest in public af- fairs, having been one of the first officials in Jefferson township. Although of limited education as far as a knowledge of books was concerned, he possessed a clear mind, quick perception, correct judgment, and was a leader of thought and moulder of opinion in his community. He also exerted a whole- some influence as a director of moral and religious sentiment among his neighbors and politically early took a decided stand as a Whig against the nefarious institution of human slavery. A Presbyterian in religion, he and his good wife may properly be termed the forerunners of that faith in the county of Wells. In their little cabin home were held the first religious services ever conducted in this part of the state, Rev. Isaac A. Ogden, of the Miami (Ohio) presbytery, officiating. The outgrowth of these services was a regularly organized church, the first in the county, of which Rev. John H. Russ was chosen pastor. In 1840 occurred the death of Mrs. Adam Hatfield and her re- mains were laid to rest in the old Miller burying ground. Subsequently the body was removed to the cemetery at Murray where now it lies awaiting the resurrection of the just. Adam Hatfield afterwards entered into the marriage relation with Mrs. Elizabeth Steward, who remained his faith- ful companion and helpmeet until his death, which occurred in 1848 at the age of fifty- five years. Hiram Hatfield, son of Adam and Martha (Kirkpatrick) Hatfield, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, but spent his child- hood and youth amid the pioneer scenes of Wells county. Indiana. Owing to the lack of educational facilities his advantages in the way of intellectual development were exceedingly limited, being confined to a small private school taught by Miss Mar- garet Hatfield in a little log cabin that for- merly stood on the Hatfield homestead. It is said that this lady received for her serv- ices the munificent sum of seventy-five cents per week and boarded among the patrons of the school, spending a week with each fam- ily in succession until the end of the term. Notwithstanding these unfavorable circum- stances Mr. Hatfield made the most of his opportunities and by much reading and close observation in after years became not only a good practical scholar, but a remarkably well informed man on many important sub- jects. In 1850 he chose a companion in the person of Miss Martha A. Egbert, who 132 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. entered into rest after two years of happy wedded life. Subsequently Mr. Hatfield married Miss Catherine K. Donaldson, daughter of Robert and Ann Donaldson, a union blessed with five children: Anna M., Victor M., James C, of this review, Jennie and Robert A. In 1852 Mr. Hatfield disposed of his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at Murray, where he enjoyed a large and lucrative trade for sixteen years. In 1867 he purchased a stock of goods at Ossian where he carried on a very successful busi- ness, the magnitude of which necessitated the erection of the large two-story brick structure which was completed and occupied in the year 1880. From that time to the great panic in 1893 h^s trade constantly in- creased until his establishment easily became the leading house of the kind in the county. He was the embodiment of Ii(.)nor in all of his dealings and his name shines with pe- culiar luster as one of the most successful as well as one of the kindest and most oblig- ing merchants that ever carried on business in this section of the state. He easily met all of his obligations in ordinary times, but when the cyclone of disaster swept over the country in 1893 it became impossible for him to realize on his securities and out- standing accounts, consequently he, with hundreds of others, was engulfed in the tide. To such a man as he this proved a very heavy blow, but no blame has ever attached to his good name nor was the rectitude of his intentions for a moment criticised by those familiar with the peculiar conditions (_)f the business situation at that time. Ex- tremely sensitive, the wreck of the splendid fortune representing the labors and self-de- nials of a life time prostrated him physically as well as financially. After a somewhat protracted illness he gently passed into the great unknown, departing this life on the 30th day of November, 1893, honored and respected by all who knew^ him. In addi- tion to his business career Mr. Hatfield had a military record, replete with duty faith- fully performed during the most momentous crisis in our national history. In 186 1 he responded to the President's call for volun- teers to defend the Union, joining the Twelfth Indiana Infantry, with which he served until Imnorably discharged at the ex- piration of his period of enlistment. When he entered the army it was to the great sacrifice of his business interests, but to one of his loyalty and true patriotic fervor the closing of his store for a few years and the consequent loss of custom was as nothing compared with the danger which at that time threatened the perpetuity of America's beloved institutions. Religiously he was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church and for many years served the local con- gregation to wdiich he belonged as ruling elder. Soundly orthodox in his belief, he gave liberally of his means for the support of the gospel at home and abroad and also championed every cause that had for its ob- ject the elevation of man to a higher stand- ard of moral and Christian living and honor- able citizenship. In the language of an- other, "He left the heritage of a good name to his descendants, a name untarnished by even a suspicion of bad intent or wrong doing, a name that will long live throughout Wells county without a peer for unvarying integrity and stability of character." Mrs. Hatfield survives her husband and is still living in the town of Ossian. James Clement Hatfield, the direct sub- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 33 ject of tills sketch, is a nati\e of Wells count}-, Indiana, born in the village of Mur- ray on the 31st day of Aligust, 1861. Much of character and success in life depends upon the right kind of parentage, in which respect the subject was peculiarly blessed. In early childhood there were implanted in his mind and heart principles of rectitude and honor which within the coin^se of years crx'stallized into C(jrrect moral fiber, grow- ing with his growth and developing into well defined purposes as he advanced to- wards manhood's estate. At the proper age he entered the public schools of his native town and by close application made substan- tial progress in his studies, laying broad and deep a sure foundation for the useful career which he has subsequently led as an enterprising business man and trusted serv- ant of the public. Meantime of mornings and evenings he assisted his father in the store and his vacations were always spent behind the counter where, by intelligent ob- servation, he soon became familiar with the details of business and well acquainted with the underlying principles and ethics of com- mercial life. Young Hatfield pursued his studies until about ready to complete the last }-ear of the high school course, when he yielded to his own and his father's in- clinations by entering the employ of the mercantile firm of Hatfield & Son. He also became a partner in the Ossian Cream- er}- Company and for one year managed that enterprise to the satisfaction of the stock- holders and others concerned. Mr. Hat- field experienced his full share of the finan- cial disaster which caused such consterna- tion in business circles in 1893, but, with an energy born of a determination not to be- come discouraged, he rallied from the ef- fects of the blow and in due time again found himself on the high road to prosper- ity and ultimate success. Early displaying decided interest as well as marked aptitude for public aflfairs, he became a politician in the best sense of the term. Reared a Re- publican and believing most earnestly in the principles of the party, he espoused the cause with all the ardor of his nature and it was not long until he was recognized as one of the energetic young leaders in the county of Wells. His services bringing him to public notice, he was elected chairman of his precinct and as such served with marked ability, contributing much to the success of the ticket. For a number of years he served as delegate to the various county, district and state conventions and by reason of valu- able services rendered the part}- as well as on account of his recognized fitness for the position, his friends, in 1898, nominated him for the ofifice of clerk of the Wells circuit court. This signal mark of fa^-or was pe- culiarly complimentary in that it came to Mr. Hatfield unsolicited on his part, the one case in a thousand where the ofiice seeks the man instead of the man seeking the office. Accepting the nomination in the spirit in which it was tendered, he went into the contest with the determination to win and notwithstanding the strength of the opposition his thorough canvass, aided largely by personal popularity, enabled him to vanquish his competitor and secure the office by a small majority. This victory speaks much for Mr. Hatfield's high stand- ing with the people when taking into con- sideration the overwhelming odds arrayed against him in the contest, the county being reliably Democratic. Mr. Hatfield entered upon the discharge of his duties with the 134 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. best wishes of the pubhc irrespective of part}' and that he has proven a most capable, courteous and obhging official is cheerfully conceded bj- all. His record thus far is with- out a blemish and such is his strength in his own county and district that his friends are justified in the prediction that the future awaits him with still higher honors which the people of the state at no distant day will take pride in conferring. It is not always easy to discover and de- fine the hidden forces that move a life of ceaseless activity; little more can be done than to note their manifestation in the in- dividual's career. In view of this fact the life of Mr. Hatfield affords a striking ex- ample of well defined purpose with the abil- ity to make that purpose subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow man as well. He has proven a useful member of the body politic and, rising high in the con- fidence and esteem of the public, has always acquitted himself honorably, never falling below the dignity of true manhood nor in any way resorting to the methods and wiles of the professional partisan or demagogue. He is essentially a man among men, mov- ing as one who commands respect by innate force as well as by acquired leadership. As a citizen he easily ranks with the most in- fluential of his county, as a politician he is above the suspicion of dishonorable prac- tice and all who have been favored with an intimate acquaintance with him are profuse in their praise of his upright course and manly virtues. Mr. Hatfield is a married man and the father of three children, whose names are Ethel, Hiram and Edgar. Mrs. Hatfield was formerly Miss Ella Gorrell, daughter of ^lilo and Marv Gorrell. and the ceremonv b}- which her name was changed to the one she now has was solemnized on the 13th day of September, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield are active members of the Presbyterian church, the former having served for a num- ber of years as superintendent of the Sun- day school, while both are deeply interested in disseminating the pure doctrines of Chris- tianity among men. Fraternally Mr. Hat- field is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason, and also a member of chapter, coun- cil and commandery of the York Rite, and is well and favorably known to the brother- hood throughout the state. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias and K. O. T. M., having been honored with important official positions in both organizations. He is also a charter member of Bluffton Lodge No. 796, B. P. O. E. NELSON KELLOGG TODD. Nelson Kellogg Todd, son of the late Jacob Jefferson Todd, is a native of Wells county. Indiana, born in the city of Bluff- ton on the loth day of February, 1867. His mother is Rachel J., daughter of Nelson Kellogg, one of the pioneers of his county. He early gave promise of intellectual pow- ers, and while still a youth made rapid prog- ress in his studies, completing the pre- scribed public school course when but six- teen years of age, graduating from the Bluffton high school in 1883. This was the first class ever graduated from that institu- tion and the subject was one of its young- est as well as one of its most creditable members. Having decided to make the law his profession, Mr. Todd began the study under his father's direction and in due time WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 135 was sufficiently grounded in its principles to entitle him to admission to the bar. Ac- cordingly in 1889 he passed the required examination in the principles of law be- fore Hon. Joseph S. Dailey, judge of the twenty-eighth judicial district, and after his formal admission entered upon the practice at Bluffton in the office of Wilson & Todd, with whom he remained until the death of the former, wlien he became associ- ated with his father under the firm name of Todd & Todd. This partnership continued until the death of the senior member in 1900. since which time the subject was alone in the practice until April i, 1902, when he formed a partnership with Frank W. Gordon, under the firm name of Todd & Gordon. Mr. Todd's recognized legal ability soon ■won him a large and lucrative practice and it was not long until he became one of the leading members of the BlufYton bar. His practice gradually extended into adjoining counties, and for a numlier of years his name has appeared in connection with the majority of important cases tried in the courts of his native county of Wells. As a lawyer he ranks with the ablest of his com- peers, being a safe and reliable counsellor, thoroughly skilled in the arts of practice. Being a man of quick mental processes, his reach and grasp of legal questions and prin- ciples are unusually wide and far-reaching. In his practice he never resorts to any of the devices of superficial men, but makes himself a necessity to those having compli- cated cases. Mr. Todd is unacquainted with the wiles to which the unscrupulous practi- tioner resorts to gain his end, and has noth- ing but scorn for the lawyer who by disrep- utable means lowers the dignity of the pro- fession which, as the conservator of justice, should command the unbounded respect and confidence of all. Actuated by correct and lofty motives, his reputation for honorable dealing with his associates and clients has won him a high place in the esteem of the public and, as already stated, he stands to- day among the leading and successful coun- sellors in a part of the state where legal abil- ity is recognized and appreciated at its true worth. Like his father before him, Mr. Todd is a politician, and as such has been an influential factor in the Republican part}' e\er since old enough to wield the elective franchise. He has been an untiring worker in the ranks, a judicious adviser in part}' councils and for a number of years past it has fallen to him to attend as a delegate the various conventions, county, state and dis- trict. In the year 1892 he was a candidate for the office of prosecuting attorney, but the county being nominally Democratic by a large majority, he, with the rest of the ticket, failed of election, although receiving much more than the strength of his party. Fraternally Mr. Todd has long been an ardent member of the Masonic order, in which he has risen to the degrees of chapter and council. He is also identified with var- ious other fraternal and benevolent organi- zations, in several of which he has been honored with high official station. He is an enthusiastic member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being a charter member of Blufifton Lodge No. 796. In early life Mr. Todd learned the printer's trade and after becoming an efficient work- man he set type in a number of offices in different states. At one time he seriously considered the advisability of devoting his life to journalism and had he done so he 136 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. doubtless would lia\e attained prominence and distinction in that useful field of en- deavor. As a citizen he is popular with all classes and conditions of people, inheriting many of the sterling characteristics and ad- mirable qualities for which his father was peculiarly distinguished. Public spirited, he gives countenance and support to all measures for the material advancement of his city and county, being greatly inter- ested in the industrial development of the country, as well as encouraging to the ex- tent of his ability the improvement of the community's social and moral conditions. ]\Ir. Todd's domestic relations are most pleasant and agreeable, being the head of a household which is presided over by a lady of culture and refinement to whom he was united in the bonds of wedlock on the i8th day of June, 189 1. Mrs. Todd was for- merly Miss Jeannette A. Patterson, daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Robert D. Patterson, of Adams county, this state. She is well known in the society circles of Bluffton, and is noted for her many virtues and excellent traits of character. Mr. and Mrs. Todd have one child, Margaret, whose birth occurred on the 28th of August, iSg:^. JOSIAH FEESER. The popular citizen and enterprising business man whose name furnishes the heading of this review needs no formal in- troduction to the people of BlufYton and Wells county. For many years identified with industrial interests and always taking active part in promoting the welfare of the public, he has risen to a high place in busi- ness circles, besides earning the reputation of one of the county's progressive men of af- fairs. Paternally Mr. Feeser is descended from German ancestry and traces his family history to an early period in the annals of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, where his father, John G. Feeser, was born and reared. By occupation John was a black- smith, in connection with which trade he also carried on the pursuit of agriculture in his native state, at one time owning four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land in the county of Lebanon. In i860 he disposed of his interests there and moved to Spring- field, Ohio, where he remained about three years, changing his residence about 1865 to Wells county. Indiana. In 1863 he enlisted in an Ohio regiment and served gallantly until the close of the war, shortly after which he opened a shop in Blufifton and be- gan working at his trade upon quite an ex- tensi\-e scale. He built up a large and lu- crative business in general blacksmithing, wagon and carriage making, in which his son, the subject of this sketch, subsequently became a partner, this establishment being the largest and most successful industr}' of the kind in the city, John G. Feeser was a man of high character, an excellent citizen and did much to promote the business inter- ests of Blufifton. He ser\-ed several terms in the town council and as a public oflicial was untiring in his efforts to subserve the material good of the county, at the same time proving a safe and conservative cus- todian of the people's interests. By untir- ing industry and correct business methods he accumulated an ample fortune, conserv- atively estimated at twenty-five thousand dollars, and continued to manage his affairs until advancing age obliged him to retire from active life. Politicallv he was a Demo- ^uJ^ Qj^7l2c^ WELLS COUNTY. INDL'\NA. ^Z7 crat, fraternally a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and in matters of re- ligion an earnest and devout worker in the Baptist church. He lived a long and use- ful life and entered into rest on the 7th day of April, 1900. at the age of seventy-five. Five children were born to John G. and Lydia (Weaver) Feeser. namely: John H., Josiah, Morris, Alfred and I^aura, all li\-- ing, the father being the first of the family to be called to the other life. Josiah Feeser was born in Lebanon county. Pennsylvania, on the 23rd day of December. 1855. He received his educa- tional training in the public schools of Springfield. Ohio, and Blufifton, Lidiana, and at the early age of twelve entered his father's shop for the purpose of learning blacksmithing. Naturally skilled in the use of tools, he soon became an efficient work- man and for a number of years was his father's able assistant, later, as already stated, becoming a partner in the business. In iSSo he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Josie Kretner. of Ft. Wayne, daughter of Joseph Kretner. and one year later became a member of the firm of Feeser & Son, which relationship continued until the father's death in 1900. Since the latter year Mr. Feeser has been sole proprietor of the establishment and has more than doubled its capacit}-. He employs a large number of skillful work- men, does all kinds of blacksmithing. manu- factures wagons, carriages, buggies and other vehicles, besides carrying on an ex- tensi\-e repair shop which has proven one of the most remunerative departments of his large and constantly increasing business. I-amiliar with every detail of his establish- ment and possessing executive ability of high order, Mr. Feeser has never met with a reverse of fortune. His career has been most satisfactory from a financial point of view, his business at this time being confined to Bluffton and adjacent country, although many of his vehicles are shipped to other cities in Indiana and adjoining states. ^Ir. Feeser's record as a business man is without a blemish, while his sterling worth as a neighbor and citizen has won for him a host of friends and given him a position among the leading men of his adopted city. Primarily interested in his own affairs, he has not been neglectful of his duties to the public, consequently his name is identified with all commendable enterprises for the general good of the community. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been honored with im- portant official positions in both subordinate lodge and encampment. He is also a lead- ing worker in the Pythian brotherhood and Improved Order of Red Men, belonging to the Uniform Rank in the former and fill- ing important stations in both organizations. Mr. Feeser is not only a devout believer in revealed religion, but exemplifies his faith in his daily walk and conversation. He holds membership in the Baptist church of Bluffton, as does also his wife, and is one of the pillars of the congregation, using his influence and expending his means liberally for its support. In his political views he is a pronounced Democrat and has long been an aggressive worker in the party. In 1896 he was one of six candidates for the office of county recorder, but failed of election by only eighty-one votes, running far in ad- vance of the rest of his ticket. All of Mr. Feeser's business life has been spent in Bluffton and his personal history 138 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. presents no pages blotted by unworthy ac- tions. Few men here are as weU and favor- ably known and none enjoy higher standing as a generous, obliging and self sacrificing friend. His hand is ever open to accommo- date the needy and no worthy object has ever appealed to him in vain for material assist- ance. To know him is to honor him, the large share of public esteem which he com- mands attesting his value to the community. Mr. and Mrs. Feeser have a beautiful home supplied with many of the conveniences and comforts of life, and their domestic relations are indeed most pleasant and agreeable. They are the parents of three children, whose names are Jasper, Jesse and Nina. ISAAC NEWTON HATFIELD, M. D. The subject of this sketch has attained an enviable position in the medical world, gaining distinguished repute which comes only through ability and skill, the legitimate reward of faithful and persistent efifort. Progressive in the broadest sense of the term, he keeps abreast the times in all mat- ters pertaining to his noble calling and his advanced methods and thorough under- standing have brought him not only eni- ment professional success but liberal finan- cial rewards as well. Dr. Isaac Newton Hatfield is a lineal descendant of John Hat- field, a noted banker and business man of England who figured prominently in the commercial and financial affairs of the East Indies about the middle of the eighteenth century. For particulars concerning the Hatfield genealogy the reader is respectfully referred to the sketch of James Clement Hatfield, in which the family history is given at some length. Adam Hatfield, son of the above John, came to America about tiiC year 1772 and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, subsequently moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where his death oc- curred. Among his children was a son by the name of Joseph who as early as 1839 came to Wells county, Indiana, and located in Jefiferson township where he cleared a farm and became a leading man of affairs. This was his home until his death, June 29, 1876, at the age of eighty-five years. He was twice married. B3' his first wife, Phelie Peppard, he had nine children : Margaret, Isaac, Elizabeth, Robert, Mary, Rebecca, John, David and Phoebe. By his second wife, Mary A. Marshall, he had two sons, Gilmore and Robison. The son John mar- ried Ann Harter and to this couple was born, on the i8th day of August, 1856, the subject of this biography. Isaac Newton Hatfield first saw the light of day in what is now Union township and received his early training in close touch with nature on his father's farm. During the summer months his employments were such as are common to country boys and after the harvests were gathered and the work of the year done he attended the public school in the neighborhood. To these early years, under the tutelage of parents whose ambition was to engraft upon the minds of the children such principles as would insure honor and usefulness, the Doctor is largely indebted for that integrity of character and well defined purpose that have pre-eminent- ly distinguished him in his life work. After finishing the common school course he en- tered the graded school of Blufifton where he pursued his studies with great assiduity. WELLS COUNTY, INDLAXA. 139 obtaining a knowledge of some of the high- er branches of learning. Actuated by a laudable desire to add to his educational dis- cipline, he subsequently became a student of the Northern Indiana Normal Univers- ity of Valparaiso and after spending two years in that institution entered Hanover College where he prosecuted his intellectual work about the same length of time. By reason of ill health he was obliged to quit his studies before completing the prescribed course, after which he traveled quite ex- tensively throughout the west with the ob- ject in view of recuperating his physical energies. In this way he not only satisfied his desire for seeing something of the vast extent of our country and learning of its wonderful resources, but added largely to his experience and increased those powers of mind which have since been often drawn upon in the requirements of the profession in which he has achieved such signal hon- ors. While acquiring his literary education the Doctor taught two terms of school in his natiA^e county and had he seen fit to con- tinue in that useful work he doubtless would have become distinguished as an educator. But there comes a time in every young man's life when the desire for a permanent calling rises superior to every other consideration and to this the subject was no exception. Having selected medicine as the profession best suited to his taste, he at once addressed himself to a preparatory course of discipline, after which, in 188 1, he entered the medical department of the Iowa University, at Iowa City. He prosecuted his studies and investi- gations in that institution until completing the course in 1884, meantime during the summer of the previous years doing special work in the College of Phvsicians and Sur- geons at Chicago. Immediately after gradu- ating. Dr. Hatfield began the practice of his profession at Osakee, Jefiferson county, Kansas, but after a residence of two and a half years at that place he was led to seek another location on account of his health, which had broken down under the unfavor- able influence of the climate and stress of professional duty. In 1887 he returned to his native county and opened an office at Bluffton, where he has since remained, meantime building up the large and lucra- tive practice which he now commands. Dr. Hatfield brought to his calling a mind well trained by severe intellectual and professional discipline and with an ambition to excel has steadily advanced until he is now easily the peer of any man in a city noted for the high order of its medical tal- ent. He has ever been a student and so ab- sorbing is his industry that he knows not what it is to eat the bread of idleness. In him are combined the essential qualities and characteristics of the ideal family physician, the kindly presence, the gentle touch, the courteous demeanor, which at once enlists the sympathy both of patient and friends and without which the most skillful treat- ment ofttimes proves unavailing. Equally proficient in medicine and surgery, his suc- cess in many critical cases and delicate opera- tions early brought him prominently to the notice of the public and now in addition to his home practice, which includes a wide range, he is frequently called to distant places to treat diseases which bafifle the skill of the ordinary physician. In order the more thoroughly to acquaint himself in the latest discoveries in medicinal science and to become familiar with the most approved methods of modern practice. Dr. Hatfield, [40 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. in the year 1892-3, took a post-graduate course in the PolycHnic College, Chicago, where, under the direction of some of the most distinguished professors of the land, he fitted h.mself for still greater usefulness as a healer of humanity. While in Kansa? lie was a member of the medical association of that state and since locating at Bluffton he has been identified with the Wells County Medical Society and the Medical Society of Indiana, having served as presi- dent of the former. \\'hile a student in the Iowa L^niversity Dr. Hatfield became acquainted with a young lady of culture and refinement by the name of Cora B. Watson, between whom and himself a warm attachment soon sprang up, which, ripening into love, eventually led to marriage. The ceremony which made the two husband and wife was solemnized on the 4th day of June. 1884, and the union has been lilessed with one child, a daugh- ter. Miss Nina, whose birth occurred Sep- tember 10, 1887. Mrs. Hatfield was born at West Liberty, Iowa, and is the daughter of Albert Watson, an enterprising and suc- cessful farmer of that state. While interested in all movements for the public good and taking a pardonable pride in the growth and welfare of Bluff- ton and Wells county, the Doctor has little time to devote to affairs outside his own profession. He is an exceedingly busy man, consequently has entertained no ambi- tion for political distinction nor has he ever been an aspirant for office of any kind. In politics he is a Republican, but beyond vot- ing for his party nominees he has little to do with the distraction of partisan strife. As stated in a preceding paragraph, the Doc- tor's financial success has been commensur- ate with his professional advancement and he is now in independent circumstances. He has a comfortable and attractive home on West Cherry street, where, after the busy cares of the day are over, he finds in an al- most ideal domestic circle that rest and re- creation which only a busy, energetic man of his mental and social character knows so well how to appreciate and enjoy. In addition to the members of his immediate household Dr. Hatfield has opened his home to his wife's nephew, an orphan boy, whom he is rearing and educating with the same attention he would bestow upon a child of his own. Religiously the Doctor and fam- ily are Presbyterians; socially they are fa- vorites in the best societ}- circles of the city. The foregoing is but a feeble attempt to out- line the career of this intelligent, broad minded and pre-eminently honorable man. Belonging to one of the oldest, best known and most respectable families of Wells county, his course in life has been such as to add to its honorable reputation and doubt- less he will leave to his descendants the same spotless name for which his ancestors were distinguished. He is now in the prime of manhood, physically and intellectually, with many years of usefulness yet before him, and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to state that there are few who can compete with him in all that goes to make up the pol- ished, courteous and praiseworthy gentle- men. SYLVESTER LOUNSBURY. Sylvester Lounsbury was born March 6, 1844, in Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana, in sight of the place where he now WELLS COUNTY, INDLA.NA. lives. His parents, Smith Lounsbury, born in 1 80 1, and Jeannett (Tomlinson) Louns- luiry, born in 1804, were natives of the state (if Connecticut. After Smith's marriage he first settled in Connecticut, engaged in farm work, remaining there until the year 183 1, when he emigrated with his family to Co- shocton county, Ohio, where he remained about two years. At that time, about 1833, he removed to Marion, Grant county, Indi- ana, when one or two log cabins constituted all there was of the now bustling and im- portant city on the banks of the Mississin- ewa. About 1840 he moved onto the Sali- nionie river in \\'ells Cfiunty, and here en- tered at one time about four hundred acres nf land in the woods. There were no roads at this time, but bridle paths led from Marion to his new possessions. In going to and returning from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where the land office was then located, he would lie down and sleep in the woods be- side the path when and wherever night would overtake him. Smith Lounsbury was the father of seven children, three of whom are yet living: Jane, born in Connecticut February 16, 1825, deceased; Truman, born in Connecticut, January 9, 1828, deceased: Nathan, born in Connecticut July 8, 1830, deceased; Hannah, born in Ohio October 5, 1832; Matilda, born in Marion, Indiana. July 22, 1835, deceased : Henrietta, born November 3, 1837, on Sugar creek in Grant county, widow of J. I. McGrew, Montpe- lier, Indiana, who is now deceased: Sylves- ter, the subject, born on Salimonie river in Wells county. The subject attended the district schools of Jackson township until he was twelve years of age. While he did not attend school after that early age, yet he is self- educated to an extent sufificient to enable him to attend to all kinds of business. He has been a commissioner of Wells county and is now serving as a justice of the peace and finds no difficulty in transacting the business appertaining to those positions. The elder Lounsbury died when the sub- ject was Init a child, and when the latter was seventeen years of age he assumed the man- agement of the farm, remaining home, car- ing for and supporting his mother. He con- tinued thus until he was about twenty years old. when he decided to do for himself, and went into Delaware county, working by the day and month three years in that and Henry county, spending also some time in this manner in Michigan. After working five years in this way, he returned home to again care for his mother and was with her until her death. The last two years of her life she was continually in a very poor state of health and the subject believes he spent five hundred nights during that time at her bedside, working on the farm during the daytime. Sylvester Lounsbury was married March 10. 1877, to Mahala Matlack, who was born November 14, 1856, in Preble county, Ohio. She was a daughter of Wil- liam and Catherine (Stambach) Matlack, William being a native of Pennsylvania and Catherine of Ohio. William was married and first settled in Ohio, but about the year 1857 they removed to Huntington county, Indiana, purchasing the old McFarren farm, on which they lived the remainder of their lives. William Matlack was the father of four children, all of whom are living : David T., farmer in Liberty town- ship. Wells county, married Mary E. Prid- dy and is the father of two sons, George A. 142 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and Edward ; Mary J. is the wife of Thomas Mounsey, a farmer of Liberty township, and is the mother of three children, Mahala, Debbie and Ehia ; Martha, wife of Thomas Weekly, a resident of Wells county, was first married to Palmer McKee, and is the mother of four children, David, Ida, Wil- liam and Mattie; Mahala, the wife of the subject. Mrs, Lounsbury was but a child when brought to Huntington county by her parents, and she was here reared, re- ceiving her education in the common schools. She is a lady of most pleasing ad- dress, of an affectionate nature, and has been a true and loving wife and mother. By her untiring efiforts she has assisted largely in the erection of their cosy and comfort- able home. After his marriage the subject settled on the farm he now occupies. He had at that time one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which he has since made many improvements and to which he has added by purchase two tracts of fifty-three acres and eighty acres respectively, and he now has a fine farm of two hundred and fifty-three acres in Wells county. He now has fourteen producing oil wells, which are probably yielding from sixty to sixty-five barrels of oil per day. . The subject devotes the greater part of his time to farming and especially to stock- raising. He has handled some western horses and has been greatly interested in cattle, especially of the shorthorrt variety. Of sheep he prefers the Shropshire breed. The subject is the father of eight children: Wells, born July 25, 1884, at home; Vaughn, born January 5, 1888, at home; Ralph, born May 15, 1886; Cletus, born February 16, 1890; Fern, born November 30, 1891 ; Earl, born February 5, 1893; Jeanette, born May 3, 1894; Winnie, born May 10, 1897. Mr. Lounsbury has always acted with the Democratic party and is a firm be- liever in the principles of that organization. He was elected, by his party about 1880, as one of the commissioners of Wells county, and served for three years, his colleagues being Studabaker and John Sowards, who died soon after the subject became a mem- ber of the board, Ephraim Middaugh being appointed to the vacancy for the unexpired term. The first official business transacted after the subject became a member of the board was the letting of the contract for the Wells county jail. The first gravel roads in the county were built during his term of office. At about the same time the iron bridges in the county were also built, the old wooden bridges going down at that time and iron ones being generally substi- tuted, the board advertising at one time for bids on as many as ten iron bridges for crossing streams in different parts of the county, but the board from some cause failed to receive a single bid on these bridges. The subject, as he says, "took the ox by the horns," contracted for the stone and hired men to build the bridges. Mr. Lounsbury was appointed and afterward elected assessor and land appraiser for Jack- son township, in which capacity he served for three years. Since November, 1901, he has been serving as justice of the peace of his township. It has been the lot of the subject of this sketch to live at a period of our national history which has enabled him to see many of the transitions of the country from that of the possession of simply the utilitarian necessities of a new countrv and a border WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 143 civilization to that of the luxuries and cul- ture which are the sequence of older and longer settled communities. His labors and experiences have partaken of the nature both of the pioneer and the recipients of the fruits of a yet earlier race of empire build- ers. Armed with the mental equipment se- cured in the common school, supported by the scant facilities of his early youth, he entered and bravely faced the battles of life. De- prived in childhood of a father's love and protection, he devoted years of his youth and young manhood to the filial care and support of his widowed mother. In the race of life, which his friends hope may not close for many j'cars, his native ability, sup- plemented by his self improvement and uni- ted with his strength of character, has en- abled him to win a competence and serve with honor in the several offices to which the esteem and confidence of his party friends has successively called him. He is a successful farmer and business man, a good citizen and neighbor and worthy of the high estimation in which he is held. Mr. and Mrs. Lounsbury have in their possession several relics of "ye olden days," among which are two double coverlets, and a counterpane woven or made by Mrs. Lounsbury's mother. They also have copies of the oldest almanacs extant, one, published in 1816, having been published by Cotton and called "New Virginia Alma- nack;" also an almanac of 1805, and a Bible printed about iSoo. MRS. ELIZABETH GEHRETT. Among the more prominent, refined and noble ladies of Bluffton and Wells county. Indiana, is Mrs. Elizabeth Gehrett, who was born about fifty-two years ago in Medina county, Ohio, a daughter of David and Christina (Shaffer) Keller, natives of Ger- many. David and Christina Keller were both children when brought to America by their respective parents, who settled in Me- dina coimty, Ohio, in close proximity to each other, and there the two children grew to maturity together and in due time were united in marriage. David Keller engaged largely in farming and stock raising in Medina county, Ohio, was a quiet and un- assuming gentleman, was held in the high- est esteem by his neighbors, and passed the remainder of his life on his farm. To David and Christina Keller were born eight children, of whom six are still living, two of the daughters being married to well-to-do farmers in Nottingham town- ship, Wells county. Elizabeth, one of these six survivors, was reared on the home farm and in her girlhood days was familiar with the duties pertaining to a rural home. Dur- ing the proper seasons of the year she was sent to the district school and, being bright and apt, easily acquired the knowledge with which her mind is so well stored today ; later on she attended the normal school and was trained to the technicalities of teaching. On coming from her native state to Wells county, Indiana, to visit an elder sister in Nottingham township, Elizabeth Keller was employed for several terms as a school teacher and while thus engaged she formed the acquaintance of Henry S. Gehrett, a native of the township and a son of Amos Gehrett. This acquaintanceship ripened into a warmer feeling and September 20, 1868, Henry S. Gehrett and Elizabeth Keller were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. 144 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Henry S. Gehrett was born in 1846 and was reared to farming and stock raising, but in early life he was given ample oppor- tunity to attend the district schools during the winter seasons and thus secured a very fair education. On reaching his majority he engaged in agriculture on his own ac- count and farmed on a very extensive scale and also raised great numbers of cattle and other live stock. He was a man of true worth and honesty and was ever recognized as one of the best citizens of Wells county. In 1889 Henry S. Gehrett withdrew from farming and took up his residence in Bluffton and engaged in the livery business, in which he continued the remainder of his life, dying March 31, 1894. Although not a member of any church. Mr. Gehrett was a liberal contributor to all the congregations in his neighborhood and was himself a strictly moral man, being guided in all his acts by the sublime lesson inculcated by the Master in his Sermon on the Mount and familiarly designated as the Golden Rule. In politics Mr. Gehrett was a Democrat and was active in the interests of his party, but preferred to devote his attention to his pri- vate affairs and the interests of his family. To Henry S. and Elizabeth (Shaffer) Gehrett were born three children, viz : Sarah A., deceased; Amos S. and Hugh L., also deceased. The departure of these chil- dren leaves Mrs. Gehrett somewhat forlorn in the decline of life, but she possesses ex- cellent business qualifications and ably manages her farm of two hundred and forty acres, eighty acres of which reach the in- corporated town of Bluffton and one hun- dred and sixty acres a little further away in Nottingham township. The residence of Mrs. Gehrett, however, is on East Market street, Bluffton, where she has a beautiful home. Mrs. Gehrett is a lady of culture and re- finement and is held in high esteem by the entire population of Harrison township as well as Bluffton. R. A. KILANDER. R. A. Kilander was born in Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana, and is a son of Perry and Elizabeth (Martin) Kilander, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of the state of Ohio. His parents were married in Ohio, where they settled and engaged in farming for a few years. In a very early day they removed to Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana, where the wife, Mary E., died March 14, 1901, and where the father is yet living on the old home place, at the venerable age of eighty years. Perry Kilander is the father of twelve children, ten of whom are living : Margaret, Maria, Elizabeth, deceased, Cal- vin, deceased, William, Mottrey, Olive, R. A., the subject, Rebecca, Jacob, Emma and John. Mr. Kilander attended the district schools in Jackson township. Wells county, until the age of eighteen years. He then went to school in Bluffton, Indiana, for two terms, one in the normal and the other in the city schools, while under the super- intendency of Colonel McCleary. He then secured license to teach, but never had much desire to enter that profession. He re- mained at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, at which time he was married, on March 25, 1882, to Emily McTntyre, who was born in West Virginia. R. A. KILANDER VIEW. WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 145 April 12. 1862. She was the daughter of A\"ilhani and Mary (Fearnow) Mclntyre, botli natives of Virg-inia. who later settled in Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, on the farm where the subject now lives, remaining there until they died. William Alclntyre's death occurred on December 2, 1900, and that of his wife December 11, 1890. W'illiam was the father of four chil- dren, two of whom are yet alive: Zelpha, born September 17. 1839, died May 26, 1842; Mary, born December 11. 1840, died ^lay 28, 1842 ; Richard, born August jj, 1842. and Emily, born April 12, 1862. After his marriage R. A. Kilander moved onto his father-in-law's farm and, farming on shares, he remained there until the death of both of his wife's parents, since which time he has had full control of the old Mc- lntyre farm. Mr. Kilander, together with his father-in-law, had previously purchased a one-half interest in the old Mclntyre farm, which up to that time belonged to Harrison Mclntyre, a brother of William. Some time previous to his death William had disposed of his interest in the farm to his children, reserving a life-time lease. Air. Kilander and wife now have three hundred and sixty and a half acres of fine land, one hundred and twenty acres of which is in Chester township. He has twenty-four producing oil wells on his farms and others are being drilled. In ]\Iarch, 1900, Mr. Kilander complet- ed the finest house in Wells county and one of the finest in the state, which cost about eight thousand dollars, the work on which he himself superintended. He had plans drawn, but no architect oversaw the build- ing. He had the finishing lumber which was used in the construction of the building laid away seasoning for twelve years. It is finished in different costly woods, showing the natural grain, and the house is heated and lighted by gas. It is constructed of brick and stone, with mansard roof. The furnishings of the house are costly and in elegant taste and the home is a credit to the state. Mr. Kilander is a breeder of both Chester White and Poland China hogs and a general class of cattle. He prefers, however, the shorthorn breed when he can obtain them. He farms, or at least oversees the farming of, the greater part of his lands. Mr. Kilander is the father of eight chil- dren, seven of whom are living: Charles E., born December 20, 1882, married Nannie E. Alexander and lives at home with his father ; Mary A., born March 9, 1884: William, born February 24, 1886; Carrie A., born September 10, 1889, died September 9, 1890; Lulu M., born June 30, 1891 ; Lela A., born April 23, 1895 ; Robb M., born Sep- tember 21, 1899. and Catherine L., born August 23. 1 90 1. The subject has always been a Democrat, although he was not reared in that political faith. He has been trustee of Jackson township for five years, the three preceding terms having been held by Re- publicans who had been elected by both Re- publicans and Populists. This fact proves his personal popularity among his neighbors. The subject is also superintendent of sev- enteen miles of gravel roads in this county, the appointment to which position is made by the county commissioners. R. A. Kilander is a representative of the energetic, go-ahead class of farmers of the state, a product of the farm life and the admirable system of our country and city schools. He is a citizen in whom any lo- cality might take pride. The capacity and 146 WELLS .COUNTY, INDIANA. aptitude for public affairs which he possesses and his own personal popularity, with the confidence of his neighbors and party friends in his integrity and executive ability, has al- ready enabled him to serve them in a public capacity, and the same conditions will no doubt in the future call him to other and higher trusts in the public service. Mr. and Mrs. Kilander have an old fashioned spinning wheel and reel of "ye old days" of their mothers. They have some of the old family records of the Mclntyre and Fearnow families which dates to 18 15 and 18 1 7, these beautiful records being exe- cuted with pen and ink. The great-grand- father of Mrs. Kilander has left his record also from Scotch-Irish ancestry, and dates back to 1754 and 1773. Mrs. Kilander has some of her grandmother's dishes, over a century old, and also double combs. W. A. DONALDSON. Among all branches of history, there is none more instructive or more eagerly sought after than that which truthfully de- lineates the rise and progress of the state, county or community in which the reader lives. There is pleasure as well as profit to every intelligent mind in contemplating the struggles of the early settlers in every portion of the great west ; how they encoun- tered and successfully overcame every species of trial, hardship and danger to which men in that stirring period were sub- jected. But these things strike us more forcibly and fill our minds with more imme- diate interest when confined to our own lo- cality where we can vet occasionallv meet with some of the silver haired actors in those early scenes, men whose bravery in encountering the manifold troubles and mis- fortunes incident to frontier times has borne an important part towards making Indiana what it now is and whose acts, in connection with hundreds of others in the first settling of our vast domain, have com- pelled the world to acknowledge the Amer- icans an invincible people. The early set- tlement of Wells county was marked by as much heroism and daring as characterized the frontier history of any other section of the state. Her pioneers were men of invin- cible courage, undaunted by no obstacle, and the results of their self-sacrificing labors are today seen in the wonderful achievements they wrought in laying the foundation upon which their successors have builded wisely and well. The great majority of these vet- terans of the early day long since finished their work and are now sleeping the peace- ful sleep which knows no waking on this side of the mystic stream of death. To meet and converse with the few living rep- resentatives of the pioneer period, those who came here as children or as very young men and women and are now fast approach- ing or have passed the allotted three score years and ten, stooped with age, venerable patriarchs mostly and their white haired companions and helpmeets, is one of the peculiar experiences and pleasing tasks which falls to the lot of the writers of these pages. To gather up the raveled and now mostly broken threads of the strange but simple stories of their lives, to catch the fleeting facts of their histories and hand them on to posterity, might well be the am- bitious labor of any man's life. Among the oldest surviving pioneers of WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 147 Wells county is the well known gentleman whose name furnishes the heading of this review. W. A. Donaldson came to Indiana nearly fifty-three years ago and from that time to the present his life has been very closely identified with the growth and devel- opment of Wells county. In his veins is mingled the blood of a long line of sturdy Scotch and Irish ancestors and he appears to have inherited many of the sterling char- acteristics which have made those nationali- ties noted among the people of the earth. From the most reliable information obtain- able the first representatives of the Donald- son family to visit the United States was one Isaac Donaldson, who left the shores of his native Scotland early in the colonial per- iod and found a home in eastern Pennsyl- vania when that part of the Keystone state was a wilderness iqfested by wild beasts and the scarcely less wild but more bloodthirsty red men. He became the father of three daughters and one son, the latter, James by name, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Not long after locating in Penn- sylvania the French and Indian war broke out and in the long and arduous struggle which followed the elder Donaldson took a l)ra\-e and active part. Joining a company of volunteers he participated in a number of bloody battles in one of which he lost his life, leaving his children to the care of his widow by whom they were reared to years of maturity. James Donaldson grew to manhood in Pennsylvania and there married Martha Reynolds, whose people were also among the early pioneers of that state. To this mar- riage were born sons and daughters, among whom was Robert Donaldson, the father of the subject. The famil}' achieved much more than local prominence in that several of the brothers of Robert became noted in dififerent walks of life, among their descend- ants being a minister of distinction, success- ful architects, well-to-do farmers and others who rose to leading public positions in their own and other states. Robert Donaldson was reared to agricultural pursuits, but early in life turned his attention to carpen- try and in due time became a skillful and successful builder. In 1850 he left West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, where he had previously lived, and came to Wells county, Indiana, settling in the deep woods of what is now the township of Lancaster, where he purchased land and began the task of its improvement. After erecting a small cabin of the most primitive pattern he addressed himself to the formidable work of clearing a farm, which in due sea- son was accomplished. After the death of his first wife he moved to Ossian, where some time later he took a second companion, and after her death he migrated to Iowa, of which state he was also a pioneer. Mr. Donaldson spent the remainder of his days in Iowa, dying there a number of years ago respected by all who knew him. Reared according to the strict teaching of the Pres- byterian church, he became a prominent member of that body and lived a life consis- tent with his religious profession. Gifted in music, he devoted his splendid talents to the worship of God and wherever he lived invariably led the singing in the churches with which he worshipped. He was a good man, just in all his dealings, kept himself unspotted from the world, and left to his descendants a character above reproach and a reputation for probity and godliness which they prize as a priceless heritage. 148 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Robert Donaldson was the father of five children, namely : James, Catherine, Wil- • Ham A., Jane and Samuel. William A. Donaldson, of this review, was a son b}' his father's first wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Felton. He was born in Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania, on the 19th of August, 1833, and at .he age of sixteen accompanied his par- ents to Indiana, growing to mature years in the county of Wells. Before leaving the home of his childhood he attended at in- tervals such schools as the community af- forded, but after coming to the new home in the wilderness his assistance was required in clearing and developing the farm, cc^n- sequently there was little time at his dis- posal to devote to educational discipline. He grew up strong of limb and lithe of body and while still a youth in his teens had become so inured to \-igorous exercise with the axe and other implements as to be able to do a man's work at all kinds of manual labor. ]\Ir. Donaldson remained with his par- ents until 1855, on August 9 of which year he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Karns and began farming upon his own responsibility. JNIrs. Donaldson is the daughter of Michael and Lucinda (Mann) Karns and was born in Ohio in the year 1834. She was brought to Wells county as early as 1842 and grew to young woman- hood near Ossian, later moving to Bluffton. She was educated in the common schools and for one term prior to her marriage taught in the Blufifton school, earning the reputation of a capable and popular teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson set up their first domestic establishment on the Donald- son homestead and nothing occurred to dis- turb or mar the serenity of their lives until the approaching clouds of the great Civil war. When the struggle began, Mr. Don- aldson, with true patriotic fervor, laid aside the implements of husbandry and tendered his services to his country. Enlisting at Wabash on the 22nd day of August, 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and First In- diana Infantry, he proceeded to Indianapo- lis, thence to the front, his regiment joining the force under Rosecrans in time to take part in the celebrated pursuit of Bragg through Tennessee and Kentucky. His first engagement of any note was the bloixly battle at Perryville, where his command faced the enemy in the thickest of the fight, after which, by reason of sickness brought on by exposure and overexertion he was sent to the hospital for treatment. So com- pletely broken down was he that five months elapsed before he was able to rejoin his com- mand and no sooner had he done so than he was discharged as being entirely unfit for active service. Returning home in March, 1863, Mr. Donaldson resumed farming, cheered by the delusive hope that a few months spent thus would so improve his health as to enable him again to join his regiment and assist in crushing the rebel- lion. To his great disappointment his ail- ment did not yield easily to treatment and he was obliged to forego the pleasure of participating in the final overthrow of the cause of the Confederacy. He has never entirely recovered from the disability con- tracted while in the service and still suffers therefrom, although able to look after his farm and manage successfully his various business interests. Mr. Donaldson continued agricultural pursuits with most gratifying result until WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 149 October, 1S97, meantime purchasing the old family homestead of one hundred and twen- ty acres, of which he made one of the best farms in the county of Wells. As a farmer he easily ranked with the most enterprising and successful in the township of Lancaster, bringing his place to a high state of tillage and carrying on his labors by the most ap- proved methods of modern agriculture. By reason of advancing age and increasing infirmities he finally concluded to abandon active labor and spend the rest of his lif« in the enjoyment of the well earned fruits of many years of honest toil ; accordingly in the year 1897, he turned his place over to the care of others, purchased a comfortable home in BlufTton and since that time has been living in honorable retirement. Air. and Mrs. Donaldson have been blessed with eight children, the oldest of whom, William W., died in infancy ; Lucy, whose birth occurred on the nth of April, 1858, died in the year 1880; Frank, born July I, i860, married Bessie Ward and is engaged in business in the state of Iowa; Luella, the ne.xt in order of birth, died when an infant; Samuel, born June 20, 1867, was one of the county's successful teachers and departed this life in November, 1887; Car- rie, born August 14, 1869. is the wife of Alexander Brickley and lives in Lancaster township on the old homestead; Jennie was born June 3, 1873, and died in January. 1899; she was a graduate of the Ossian high school, a popular teacher and a young lady of refinement and varied culture; Lewis, born August 29, 1875, is now substituting on a rural mail route with a promise of a regular route to be established soon. Mr. Donaldson spared no pains in providing his children with the best educational advan- tages obtainable and they in turn profited by his efforts in their behalf. He has always been a friend of whatever tended to benefit the community, materially, intellectually and socially, and in matters religious, like his ancestors before him, he has adhered strictly to the Presbyterian creed, holding the responsible position of ruling elder in the congregation to which he now belongs. Wliile an ardent Republican and earnest in the expression of his opinions, he has never been an active partisan, much lesb an aspir- ant for public distinction or official honors. Fraternally he is a member of Lew Dailey Post No. 33, G. .\. R., and is now holding the office of junior vice commander in that organization, his wife being an active work- er in the Woman's Relief Corps. ^Iv. and Mrs. Donaldson are among the old and highh' respected citizens of Wells county, and have seen the county developed from a primitive condition to its present advanced state of prosperity and civilization. In nu- merous ways they have contributed to the many remarkable changes that have taken place within the last half century and now in the evening of life, after having borne the burden and heat of the day, they are passing toward the twilight and the journey's end, loved and revered by their children and hon- ored by a large circle of friends, all of whom wish the \-enerable couple many more years in which to bless the world with their pres- ence. J. W. BOCK. J. W. Bock was born May 19. 1861, near Sulphur Springs, Henry county, Indi- ana. He is a son of C. C. M. Bock, a na- [50 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. ti\'e of Henry count}', wlio was a son of Michael and IVLargaret Bock. C. C. M. Bock married Eliza E. Benbow, of Henry county, a daughter of Adam and Abigail Benbow, both natives of North Carolina. Eliza died April 8, 1898, in Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, and C. C. M. Bock is now a resident of Marion, Indiana. He is the father of eleven children, of whom five are living: Jacob M., born November 16, 1859, is now a contractor in Sulphur Springs, Henry county, Indiana; J. W., born May 19, 1861 ; Willie P., born January 28, 1863, died March 7, 1863 : David A., born Janu- ary 29, 1864. now a resident of Wells county; Lena A., born September g, 1866, the wife of James Dove, of Warren, Indi- ana; Morris N., born September 11, 1869, died October 7, 1875, and Sarah A. and Margaret A., twins, born June 8, 1872; Sarah A. died August 30. 1872, and Margaret died March 16, 1874; Carl, born July 5, 1874, a resident of Jack- son township. Wells county, Indiana ; Ralph was born January 2, 1877, and died March 10, 1880; Chrisella, born September 7, 1881, married H. C. Ry- bolt, now a resident of Warren, Indiana. C. C. M. Bock was a soldier of the Civil war. He was discharged one year after his enlistment on account of disability, but later re-enlisted for three years and was in serv- ice until the close of the war. J. W. Bock attended the district school in Jefferson township, Henry county, Indi- ana, until he was fourteen years old. He dien entered the New Castle graded school, which he attended for two years, finishing his school life at the age of sixteen years. He then went with his parents, by wagon, to Cloud county, Kansas, starting Septem- ber 15, 1877, and arriving at their destina- tion November 19, stopping on the way for three weeks, two of which were spent in St. Joseph, Missouri. J. W. remained in Kan- sas until December 23, 1879, his parents in the meantime having moved to St. Joseph, ^Missouri. He was unable to go with them at the time of their removal on account of having a job of work on hand at the time for which he was to receive a hundred dol- lars for eight months' work. He considered this a good job, so remained and finished it, saving the money which he received for it. After his arrival at St. Joseph he re- turned with his parents to Henry county, In- diana. He remained in Henry county for two years, but was not satisfied, wishing to return to Kansas. In order to induce his parents to return to that state he went there again in 1882 and put out a crop of corn, also cultivating his uncle's corn in order to get the use of the team to attend to his own. Failing to induce his parents to come to him, he sold his corn crop, nine acres for sixty dollars, receiving twenty-five dollars of this amount at the time of sale and taking a mortgage on the buyer's three cows for the balance. Two days before he left the state the hot winds came and in two days more time the corn was burned up. He arrived at the home of his parents in Henry county, Indiana, again, in the fall of 1882. His father, having met with a serious accident while the family was living at St. Joseph, Missouri, was afterward more or less un- able to perform any labor. This being the case, after his return from Kansas with his parents in 1880, it fell to the lot of the sub- ject to help care for his father's family. He began working on the railroad, doing sec- tion work, but after three months, his health WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. failing, he had to give up that kind of labor. After his return from Kansas, in November, 1882, he met with an accident and was not able to walk without the aid of crutches until the following March. He was un- able to do much work during the following summer and spent his time until the next spring as an apprentice in a harness shop at Sulphur Springs, Indiana. He then spent the spring and summer of 1884 working on a farm near Point Isabel, Grant county, Indiana. September 16, 1884, he came to Wells county, Indiana, and began working by the month for Oliver Jones and James Cloud. In the following year, July 8, 1885, he was married to Sarilda Hudson, a daugh- ter of Sarah Hudson, who had been reared by John Jones, the father of Oliver P. Jones and Elizabeth Cloud. After John's death | his property was inherited by Oliver Jones and James Cloud, the husband of Elizabeth. These two families had lived together and with them Sarah Hudson and her daughter Sarilda also lived until the latter grew to W'Omanhood and married the subject of this sketch. After his marriage Mr. Bock and wife lived in the same house with the fam- ilies of Oliver B. Jones and James Cloud, making three families under the same roof. He worked by the month for three years and then began to receive a share of the crops for his labor, continuing in this way until the spring of igoi, when Oliver Jones and Elizabeth Cloud removed to Warren, In- diana, James Cloud having died on xA.pril 19, 1900. Since that time Mr. Bock has had full control of the farm of three hun- dred and sixty acres of land and gives his special attention to Mr. Jones' family. The families of Jones and Cloud were among the first settlers of Jackson town- ship, \\'ells county, Indiana. This land was purchased by John Jones and at his death it passed into the hands of his son Oliver, the title yet remaining vested in their names. Their doors were always open to the poor and they never turned a stranger away who sought either food or shelter. Among the most remarkable instances of the interest which they took in the welfare of the poor and unfortunate was in the taking of or- phan children into their homes, caring for and rearing them until they were able to provide for themselves. The number of those whom they thus fostered, educated and cared for was about sixteen and they all learned to look upon them as kind and gen- erous benefactors. They treated these waifs as kindly as if they had been their own chil- dren and those who survive remember them as tenderly as if they had been their own par- ents. The subject has been on the same farm for seventeen years; he is a general stock farmer, preferring shorthorn cattle, but breeds good stock of all classes. He is the father of four children : Leona May, born May 30, 1886, is at home with her par- ents; Milton T., born August 11, 1888; Ward v.. born November 6, 1893; Eliza E., born May 16, 1897. Both he and wife are members of the Christian church, with which they became connected December 17, 1886. He was chosen an elder in July, 1889, and served in that capacity until the dis- banding of the congregation on account of the dangerous condition of the church. The building was sold and the congregation in- tended to build another, but have not yet done so. The organization went down in 1894. after Mr. Bock had served eight years as an elder. He is also a member of Lodge No. 684, I. O. O. F., of lit Zion, Indiana, and No. 167, Encampment, of Warren, In- diana. He was elected assessor of Jackson 152 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. township. W'ells county. Indiana, by the Democratic party in tlie fall of 1892 and be- gan the active work of the office in the spring of 1894, retaining the office six years. He is now a member of the advisory board of his township: has always affiliated with the Democratic party, works some during campaigns and has represented his party as a delegate in various political conventions. J. W. Bock was born amid the excitement that attended the opening days of the Civil Avar, and is the son of a veteran, one of the grand army to which, as the passing years shed the glamour which dignifies and glori- fies historic events, rising generations will feel under greater and more lasting obliga- tions. He is of that class of ambitious Americans whose aspirations in youth in- spired him with the desire to identify him- self with the boundless opportunities of the wide spreading prairie lands of the west, and after making two trips to that country, worked one season and another farmed on his own account; he returned to his home in- Indiana with filial solicitude, to aid in taking care of his father, who had met with an accident previously, and of the family who needed his assistance. Thus he was prevented from realizing his ambitions ful- ly, perhaps, but he has the consciousness of having performed his duty, which he has ever done in all the relations of life as a citizen, neighbor and friend. s. T- ration: Samuel J. Batson, who was born Octo- ber 17, 1830, in Henry county, Indiana, is a son of Nathaniel Batson. born in Ohio, February 24, 1808. He was a son of Samuel Batson, a native of New Jersey and of Welsh descent. The maternal parent of the subject and wife of Nathaniel Batson was Nancy (Ralston) Batson, born in the state of Kentucky, January 9, 18 12. She was the daughter of James Ralston and came with her parents to Wayne county, Indiana. She grew to womanhood in Henry county, Indiana, where she met and married Nathaniel Batson, who had come to Henry county with his parents when he was fifteen years old, about the year 1823. Nathaniel Batson, after his marriage, settled in Henry county and engaged in farming there until the spring of 1837, when they removed to Wells county, Indi- ana, and there entered four hundred and sixty-two acres of land in section 11, Jack- son township. This land was in the woods, the nearest neighbor being distant one mile and the next nearest two miles away. Nathaniel and Nancy Batson spent the re- mainder of their lives in Wells county, where they both died, Nathaniel in 1878 and Nancy in 188 1. They were the parents of twelve children: Samuel J., the subject; Lavina, deceased : Esther, deceased ; Na- thaniel died in infancy : Andrew Jackson died in infancy: William died in Oklahoma; Mary, deceased ; Martin, now a resident of Bluffton, Indiana: Eliza Jane, the wife of Henry Roush, now living near ]\It. Zion, Indiana: Sarah, deceased; John, and Nancy, the wife of Andrew Gephart. The subject was schooled in the sub- scription schools in Jackson township, the present admirable common school sj'stem not- having been developed at that time in the locality. The sessions of the school where the subject attended were held in an MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL BATSON. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. '53 old log cabin with greased paper for window lights, slab seats and puncheon flooring. Samuel attended his last term of school when he was about nineteen years of age. He then remained at home with his father until his marriage. He was married Jan- uary 15. 1852, to Catherine Hufifman, born December 11, 1832. Her parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Eversole) Huffman, were natives of Clark county, Ohio, but settled later in Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana. Elizabeth died in Ohio and Henry in Wells county, Indiana. Henry was twice married, his second wife being Catherine Baker. To his first union four children were born, all of whom are yet living : Jacob, a resident of Huntington county, Indiana; Catherine, the wife of the subject; Sarah, the wife of Isaac Jones, and Peter, a resident of Ohio. To his second union ten children were born : Frederick, Mary S.. deceased, George. Samuel, Eveh-n, Levi. John, Lydia, Eliza and Henry. After his marriage the subject settled on the farm and in the same house in which he now lives ; he and his father hewed out the logs of which it is built. The house has had three roofs since it was built, the father shaving the shingles for the first, and the subject those for the second roofing, but he had to buy the ma- terial for the third and last covering, which is still in good condition. When the wife of the subject was a girl she was an adept in the accomplishments of weaving, .spinning, etc.. which were com- mon housewifely occupations in those days, when they made all their own clothing. She yet retains a spinning wheel which belonged to an aunt. The subject cleared up the land on which he now lives. .\s he says, he had to "dig it out." He is the father of nine children, seven of whom are yet living: Nathaniel, born August 9. 1853, married Mary Wyley September 28, 1882, and is the father of three boys. Firman, an oil pumper, Aubreye and Oris : Sarah, the second child, was born August i. 1855, and is now the wife of Henry Swaim : she was first married to William Smithson, to which union five children w^ere born, William E., Franklin, Lloyd, Clinton and Edith; to her second marriage two children have been born, Alva and Orval Swaim; the third child of the subject, Henry, was born December 27. 1857, married Sarah J. Sills, and they are the parents of three children, Dessa, Letha and Mary T. ; the fifth child, Nancy C, was born February 26, 1862, is the wife of Henry King and has one son, Frank ; Mary E. was born July 8, i860, and is the wife of A. J. Faust, a resident of Nottingham township. Wells county, and has three chil- dren, Ada May, Clara B. and Catharine; Ella M., born July 6, 1864, is the wife of Homer Knott, of Hartford City, Indiana, and they have two children, Winona and Inez ; Elnora. born July 21, 1867, was the wife of John Click, but died August 10, 1893. leaving one child, Orta; Laura A., born April 3. 1874, wife of Lawson J. Beavans, has four children, Leha, Fay, Jesse and James H. ; Clara Belle, born October 3. 1876. died August 28, 1891. Mr. Batson has been a general stock farmer. He is in the oil field and has on his farm six producing wells, making seven inches (tank measure) a day, which yields him a profit of fifteen or twenty dollars per month. He has devoted his whole life to farming, occasionally helping to run a threshing machine in the fall of the year. Mr. Batson now owns fortv acres of land [54 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. on which he hves. He and his wife are both connected with tlie CampbelHte (or Christian) church, of which they are con- sistent members. Politically the subject has always acted and voted with the Democratic party. He is of a class which is rapidly passing away and has witnessed all the stages of development of his locality from a comparative wilderness to its present highly improved and well cultivated condi- tion. He has seen the evolution in temples of learning from the log cabin with pun- cheon floors and greased paper window lights, and subscription schools, to the pala- tial buildings now devoted to the uses of the common schools of the country, and in all the multitudinous and laborious changes that have transformed the face of nature he has well borne his part. In the course of nature it will not be many years until the last of these hardy pioneers will be gathered to their fathers. While it is scarcely possible for the present generation to realize what they have passed, the greatest compliment they can pay to their memory is to emulate their example. I. K. CLARK. I. K. Clark was born in Maryland or Virginia about the year 1839. His father, Matthew J. Clark, was a native of Virginia and his mother, Fannie O'Terrel, of the state of Maryland, and were married and settled in Virginia in an early day. Mat- thew in his earlier days was a merchant or store keeper, but the latter part of his life he spent in the vocation of farming in the state of Virginia. He remained in that state until his death, his wife dying in But- ler countv, Pennsvlvania. He was twice married and had by his first wife five chil- dren, John G., ^^'illiam, Elizabeth, Cath- erine and James, all of whom are deceased. By his second marriage he was also the father of five children, three of whom are still alive: Frances, deceased, Avas the wife of Thomas Jacobs; Matthew J., Jr., is now a resident of Marietta, Ohio; M. G. was a resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, but now of Warren, Indiana; I. K., the subject, and Clemit, deceased. During the Civil war the southern army entered and ransacked Matthew Clark's house, destroying every- thing, including records, etc., he being ab- sent at the time as a soldier in the Federal army. I. K. Clark obtained his schooling in the state of Virginia by attending the subscrip- tion schools. He attended his last term of school when he was about twelve j'ears old and when he was thirteen years of age he began to do and care for himself by work- ing by the month. He continued to work in this Avay until his marriage, April 11, 1880, to Minerva Russell, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Lyon) Russell, the father a native of Pennsylvania and his wife of Ohio. Mrs. Clark came to Wells county with her parents in an early day (about 1843). Neither of her parents are now liv- ing, both having died in Wells county. The subject came to Delaware county, Indiana, about 1867, having a sister residing there. He began working by the month and was there for about two years. His sister, who had a tract of wild land in Liberty township, Wells county, made a proposition to him for the clearing of this land, which he accepted and came to Wells county and began work- ing by the day, and at odd spells on this clearing. After a few years he purchased WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. t55 forty acres of land of a Mr. Smith, which he also cleared up. He then purchased an additional forty, which he cleared, thus pos- sessing an improved farm of eighty acres in one body. He then purchased forty acres more, which he partially cleared, having then a hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Liberty township. Wells county, se- cured by the labor of his own hands. He continued his work, boarding at different times with John J. Kingon, James Davis, George \Vhite and Thomas Jacobs. Hav- ing gone in debt on his land, in order to make better wages he spent the harvest and corn-husking seasons in Delaware county, carrying his wheat cradle on his shoulder from A\"ells county to his field of labor, where he received twenty-five cents extra on the day's labor. At one time on his way across the country he had to stop over night. Telling his host he was looking for work, the farmer kept him over night with- out charge, but not wishing to impose upon the hospitality of his entertainer, the subject shouldered his cradle and proceeded break- fastless on his way. After traveling a couple of miles he came upon an old man and a boy who were just beginning to reap a field of ten acres of wheat. Entering the field, the subject inquired of the owner if he wanted a hand to help harvest his wheat. Being answered in the affirmative, a bargain was struck for putting the field of wheat in the swath for the sum of ten dollars. So anx- ious was the subject to complete his task that without mentioning the subject of breakfast, he set down his carpet sack and begun work, awaiting the regular noon hour for something to eat. He continued his work until the field of wheat was in the swath, received his pay and pursued his way. This incident is a striking example of the habits of industry, economy and sturdy independence that have character- ized his whole life. He found more work in the same settlement, and remained through the harvest, threshing and corn cutting seasons as well, and finally when cold weather came on he employed himself in "grubbing" and did not leave Delaware county until he had earned one hundred and fifty dollars, which he applied in payment on purchase of his first forty acres of land. At one time Mr. Clark asked a Mr. Smith what he would take for a certain forty-acre tract of land, and he replied seven hundred dollars. How much down, was the next in- quiry of the subject, who was desirous of adding to his vested possessions. "Oh," was the reply, "enough to pay the delin- quent taxes, about fifteen dollars, and the balance on the 15th of the following De- cember." Having fifteen dollars due him for a month's work for a man in Delaware county, the subject was thus able to make the first payment and accepted Smith's prop- osition, the deeds being drawn by Mr. Daily anlj the first payment of fifteen dollars duly paid in hand. Mr. Clark then went to Delaware county and borrowed the re- mainder of the money necessary to complete the purchase at ten per cent, and when the stipulated 15th of December came around he met his obligation by the payment of the balance of the purchase price, six hundred and eighty-five dollars. This transaction shows the comparative values put on land at that time with the present, and it also shows the tenacity of purpose and prompt and sagacious action of the subject in secur- ing that most valuable of assets in a new and growing county, well located and pro- iS6 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. ductive real estate. In 1880 Mr. Clark married and settled on the farm where he now lives in Jackson township and has been here ever since. He has devoted his entire life to the vocation of farming and allied interests. He has been a general stock farmer, breeding and handling hogs, cattle and sheep. In the line of hogs, he prefers the Chester White and Poland China va- rieties, while in cattle and sheep, "the short- horn and Shropshires respectively engage his fancy. He started in life without a dollar and is now the owner of three hun- dred and thirty-two acres of farm land and also two city lots in Muncie, Indiana. There are seventeen productive oil wells on his land, which at one time yielded him a profit of one hundred dollars a month. Mr. Clark raised an orphan child from about eighteen months of age, who is now twenty-one years of age and a member of his family. Her name is Alice Carman, a bright young lady, and Mr. and Mrs. Clark think as much of her as their own child. Politically the subject affiliates with the Republican party. The father of Mrs. Clark, Robert Russell, was born January 25, 1803, and died April 15, 1875. and her maternal parent, Elizabeth Russell, was born August 24, 1802, and died in September, 1882. The subject is an exemplar of the possibilities of our form of government, in which, however unfavorable may be the environments sur- rounding the actor in the labors of life, a determined purpose, with success the goal, coupled with habits of industry and thrift, is sure in the end to lead to compe- tency and public esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have in their posses- sion several valuable and curious relics of former days. Among them is a copper tea kettle, in a good state of preservation, which is over three centuries old. They also have an old bread toaster, a century old, a pair of snuffers, a pair of andirons, and a double coverlet woven by the grandmother of Mrs. Clark. Another quaint article of furniture in their home is an old "grandfather's," or Longfellew, clock, seven feet tall and eighty-five years old, and which still keeps accurate time. GEORGE W. KIMBLE. The gentleman whose brief biography is herewith presented has achieved success in various walks of civil life and at a criti- cal period in our national history, when the ship of state was almost stranded upon the rugged rock of disunion, proved his loyalty to his country by following the flag into the southland. The Kimble family had its origin in Holland, but for three or four gen- erations has been represented in various parts of the United States. From the most authentic sources, it appears that the progen- itor of the American branch settled in New Jersey in an early day, in which state at a subsequent period was born the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Some time after his marriage this ancestor moved to Ohio, where he died in Perry county a num- ber of years ago. Among his children was a son by the name of Uzal Kimble, who grew to maturity in the above county and there married Rachel McDaniel. Of this union were born four children, namely : Isa- bel, wife of John Harris ; George W., of this review ; Margaret, now Mrs. Thomas Shull, and William E., who married Rachel Brown, of Darke countv, Ohio. WELLS COUNTY, INDL'\NA. ^57 L'zal Kimble remained in his native state until 1850. when he disposed of his in- terests there and changed his residence to Wells county, Indiana, purchasing a farm in the township of Nottingham where he spent the remainder of his days. When a young man he united with the Christian church and later became an acceptable min- ister of that body, though seldom sustaining regtilar pastoral relations. He was a man of sincere convictions, an earnest and de- vout Christian and exercised a wholesome influence in the community by his upright conduct and correct deportment, as well as by the exercise of his public duties as an able preacher of the word. George W. Kimble, the direct subject of this article, was born on the 14th day of August, 1845. i" Athens county, Ohio, and until his seventeenth year assisted his father with the varied duties of the farm. His edu- cational training was acquired in a little log school house near the home of his child- hood and at the age of seventeen he left the farm for the purpose of learning the trade of blacksmithing. In due time he became an efficient mechanic, but shortly after be- ginning the work for himself President Lincoln issued his call for volunteers to as- sist in crushing the great Rebellion. Like thousands of other loyal sons of the north, young Kimble tendered his services to the government, enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana In- fantry, with which he shared the vicissitudes of war from 1864 until his regiment was mustered out of service. After his discharge he resumed blacksmithing in Wells county and continued working at the trade at va- rious places until 188 1. meanwhile devoting all of his leisure time to the study of law. for which he early manifested a very de- cided preference. The better to prepare him- self for the practice of the profession, he entered, the above year, the law department of the Northern Indiana Normal University at Valparaiso, where he prosecuted his legal studies for a period of two years, graduating in 1883 with the degree of LL. B. The same year in which he completed his course at the above institution, Mr. Kimble opened an office in Blufifton, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice, giving es- pecial attention to collections. He is well versed in the underlying principles of juris- prudence, has earned the reputation of a sound and discreet counsellor and occupies a prominent position among his professional brethren of the Blufifton bar. Politically Mr. Kimble is one of the leading Republicans of Wells count}' and is always ready to do his share in promoting the success of his party in local, state and national elections. He was for three years justice of the peace in the township of Nottingham, aside from which he has held no official position nor has any ambition to gratify in that direc- tion. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 145, F. & A. M., and to his credit be it said that he has tried to square his life in har- mony with the sublime principles of that order. In the year 1870 Air. Kimble was hap- pily married to Miss Lydia M. Goodin, daughter of Rev. Smith Goodin, formerly superintendent of the Wells county public schools. Mrs. Kimble was born in Ohio, but came to Indiana when young and grew to mature years in the county in which she was married. She received an excellent education, was a lady of varied culture and for a number of years enjoyed the reputa- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tion of being one of the most capable and popular teachers in the county of Wells. She taught in the schools of Bluffton for six years and was engaged in educational work up to the time of her marriage. After a happy wedded life of twenty-two years duration, Mr. Kimble's home was in- vaded by the angel of death who, on the 30th day of March, 1892, summoned the faithful and loving wife to her final rest. She was a devoted Christian, a member of the Baptist church and died in the faith which had afforded her so much consolation and solace during her life. As a citizen Mr. Kimble stands high in the esteem of the people of his city and all cheerfully concede his right to be called one of Wells county's representative men. Quiet and unassuming in manner and easily ap- proachable, he belongs to that large and emi- nently respectable class of people that make their presence felt by actions rather than by words, and in every relation of life his con- duct has been characteristic of the intelli- gent, enterprising man of affairs and true gentleman. PETER BRICKLEY, The subject of this sketch is among the oldest living settlers of Wells county, his residence of over a half a century covering the most important period in the history of this part of the state. He is a native of Ohio and the son of George and Belinda (Wolfe- call) Brickley, both parents born in Penn- sylvania and descendants of old pioneer families of that commonwealth. In an early day George Brickley moved to Ohio, where he lived a number of years, subsequently selling his possessions there and migrating to Wells county, Indiana, where he pur- chased a partially improved farm which he made his home for a considerable period. This place is situated in the township of Rock Creek and is now one of the oldest and best farms in that section of the coun- try. Late in life Mr. Brickley changed his residence to a farm a short distance south of Markle and it was there that he spent the remainder of his days, dying at a good old age, honored and respected by the people of his own and other communities. He is remembered as a man of enterprise and un- tiring energy, progressive in his ideas and successful in the accumulation of land and other property. Of his family of eleven children the following are still living in the county of Wells : Peter, Alfred. Lewis, Nancy Jane, Ogden and Laura. Peter is the second in order of birth and first saw the light of day at Lordstown, Ohio, August I, 1832. He was reared in his native state, received such educational discipline as the indifferent subscription schools of those times could impart and, while still a mere lad, was obliged to assist his father with the varied labors of the farm. He was early taught lessons of industry and economy and grew to manhood strong and healthy in body and with a fixed purpose of making the most of such opportunities as came his way. He remained on the home place until his twenty-second year and then began life's struggle for himself, choosing the time honored vocation of an agriculturist as the pursuit most suited to his tastes and inclinations. Mr. Brickley lived in Ohio un- til 185 1, after which he removed to Wells county with his parents, August 24, 1854. Mr. Bricklev married Mary Ann Smith, of WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 159 Rock Creek township. At this time he was given a farm of sixty acres by his father which he afterwards sold and with the pro- ceeds purchased a farm in Lancaster town- ship. Addressing himself to the task of im- proving his land, he was rewarded in due time with a finely developed farm, to which additions were made at intervals when fa- vorable opportunities presented themselves. Mr. Brickley's career in Wells county was signally successful from the beginning. He continued to increase his holdings until his real estate amounted to three hundred and twenty-five acres, all admirably situ- ated for agricultural purposes, and with the passing years and corresponding growth of the county these lands advanced in value un- til they now represent a fortune of no small magnitude. As a farmer he was enterpris- ing in all the term implies and soon earned the reputation of one of the county's most successful and progressive agriculturists. In addition to tilling the soil he added much to his capital by buying and shipping live stock, also made considerable money raising cattle of his own, a business in which his success was most encouraging. He has al- ways been a far-sighted business man and everything in which he engages seems to prosper. After acquiring a sufficiency of this world's goods to make him independ- ent, Mr. Brickley, in 1896, left the farm and moved to Blufifton where he has since lived in honorable retirement. Blessed with an abundance of everything calculated to min- ister to his material comfort, he is now pass- ing his declining years in the midst of friends and companions cheered by the thought that his competence was accumu- lated by honorable means and that his friendships were won by conduct above re- proach. Mr. Brickley was early led to take an active interest in political matters and ever since old enough to vote he has been an earn- est and uncompromising supporter of the Democratic party. He never missed an elec- tion when able to go to the polls and his activity and leadership have contributed much to the strength and success of Demo- cratic principles in Wells county during the fifty-two years of his residence therein. Early in the '70s he was elected justice of the peace of his township and continued to hold the office by successive elections until positively declining longer to serve, having held the position for a period of eight years. In 1890 he was nominated and elected a member of the board of county commission- ers, the most important office within the gift of the people, and discharged the duties in- cident thereto for six years, having been chosen his own successor in 1894. It was during Mr. Brickley's incumbency as a member of the commissioner's court that many of the most important public improve- ments were inaugurated and carried to suc- cessful completion. Among these were the purchase of one hundred and twenty acres for a county farm, and the erection of the necessary buildings thereon, the construc- tion of two large bridges across the Wabash, besides a general improvement of the public highways and other work of much import- ance to the people. Mr. Brickley's record as a public servant proved eminently satisfac- tory to the people, as well as affording him inward consciousness of having well and faithfully performed his duty. His judg- ment with respect to public matters was sel- dom if ever at fault, and his county is largely indebted to him for much of the prosperity which it now shares with its sister counties of the state. r6o WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Personally Mr. Brickley is a quiet and unassuming gentleman and his relations with his fellow citizens have always been of the most pleasant and agreeable character. He is not much given to speech making, but makes his presence felt by his actions, which have always been correct, and by his influ- ence, which has ever been on the right side of all great moral questions and issues. Hi: popularity with all classes of people is only bounded by the limits beyond which his name is not known and it is a compliment nobly earned and fittingly bestowed to class him with the best and most enterprising of the county's representative citizens. In the year 1900 Mr. Brickley suffered a sad bereavement in the death of his faith- ful and devoted wife, since which time he has made his home with a daughter living in Blufifton. Mrs. Brickley was a lady of beautiful moral character, a sincere mem- ber of the Presbyterian church and, with a Christian's faith to cheer her, she entered into rest on April 19 of the above year. She bore her husband twelve children, namely : Andrew J., for a number of years one of the county's successful teachers ; James ; Louisa M. ; Mary C. ; John Z., formerly a teacher in the public schools; Elzy M., Cora J.. Maggie, Frank, Arlie A. and Artha, all married except Artha and Maggie. JOHN W. BEAVANS. This young and thriving farmer of Jack- son township. Wells county, Indiana, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, March 27, 1862. Plis father, James Beavans, was born in Monmouthshire, England, November 12, 1828. He remained in his native countrv until about thirty years of age, when, on the 30th of April, 1859, he was united in mar- riage to Anne Williams, who was also a native of Monmouthshire. Soon after his marriage James Beavans came to the United States, landing at Portsmouth, Virginia, November 10, 1859, and soon afterward located in Clinton county, Ohio. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Blackford county, Indiana, remaining there until 1870, when he came to Jackson county, Indiana, and lo- cated first on a rented farm, from whence he subsequently removed to his late home in the same township. There, b}' industry and economy, he made for himself and family a home of comfort and plenty. He had in former years met with many reverses, which were very discouraging, but instead of yielding to their influences, it only awakened in him a determination to take a stronger hold upon the great possibilities of life. He was honest and upright with his fellow men ; his word was as good as his bond; he was a good neighbor, honored and respected by all who knew him. He united with the Methodist church in 1885 and remained a consistent member until death. As a Chris- tian he was not a sun that flashed and burned in mighty energy, but as a star that shone steadily in its constancy. For several years before his death his health and strength gradually failed, and he passed into the silent land February i, 1899, aged seventy years, two months and eighteen days. To James and Anne (Williams) Beavans were born seven children, named in order of birth as follows: Francis, now deceased; John W., in whose interest principally this l)iography is prepared; William E., at home with his mother; Horace A., deceased; David E., residing in Warren, Indiana; i Jyi-Ct^t^^ ■ (^ - Uj-^<:>c^'7/^cx^^y^- pi^.a^^ CcAy-CLyt'<>& WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Lawson J., farming in Jackson township, and Mary M., wife of B. F. McCoy, a resi- dent of Jefferson township, Huntington county, Indiana. John W. Beavans attended the district schools of Jackson township until about twenty-one years of age, and continued to assist on the home farm until he married, March 6, 1886, Miss Mary E. Alexander, who was born March 7, 1865, and is a daughter of Robert and Mary Jane (Jones) Alexander, natives of Ohio, but who were brought to Indiana when young by their parents. Robert and Mary Jane Alexander were the parents of nine children, namely : Rhoda Adeline, deceased; Susan; John T., a resi- dent of Salmonie township, Huntington county; Enoch, farming in Jackson town- ship. Wells county; William R., a resident of Jefferson township, Huntington county; Sarah, wife of Edward Fornshell ; Mary E., now Mrs. J. W. Beavans; Daniel, deceased, and an infant also deceased. When John W. Beavans started in life for himself his father assisted in buying him a team of colts and John W. himself bor- rowed one hundred dollars with which to purchase furniture. He located on a part of his father's farm, where he resided about a year and then moved to a log cabin al- ready standing on the farm he now occupies and here built his modern dwelling in 1894 and his substantial barn in 1901, and now owns one hundred and five acres of arable land and also twelve producing oil wells which in 1901 netted him a little over one hundred dollars per month ; but the supply is gradually diminishing and the income from these wells is now about seventy dollars monthly. His farming is of a general character, but he gives a great deal of atten- tion to live stock, making specialties of shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep and Po- land China hogs, in the breeding of all of which he has been remarkably successful. The marriage of John W. Beavans and Mary E. Alexander has been crowned by the birth of five children, namely : A daughter who was born March 2.2, 1887, and died un- named in infancy; Lawrence L., born Feb- ruary 26, 1889; Frederick E., born Septem- ber 9, 1894; Mabel M., born September 9, 1896, and Nora E., born February i. 1902. Mrs. Beavans is a member of the Meth- odist Protestant church and Mr. Beavans affiliates with the Jackson Center Lodge No. 769, I. O. O. F., at McNatts. In politics Mr. Beavans is a Democrat, but is not par- ticularly active save during the campaign season, when he warms up to his work as a party man. The Beavans family are held in very high esteem by their neighbors, Mrs. Beavans being a lady of many amiable domestic qualities and Mr. Beavans being recognized as one of the most upright as well as industrious young farmers in the township. As being- of special interest in connec- tion with the foregoing sketch, the follow- ing obituary notices are here reprinted : Anna, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Wil- liams, was born in Monmouthshire county. Eng- land, October 7. 1834. Departed this life July 18, 3 902. Was united in marriage to James Beavans April 30. 1859. To this union were born seven children, five of whom survive her, four sons and one daughter, her husband, one son and a daughter having preceded her to the glory land. She leaves two brothers, eleven grandchildren and a number of other relatives and friends. She united with the Church of England while in youth. She, with her husband, came to this country November 10, 1859, landing at Portsmouth, Virginia. They set- (62 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tied in Clinton county, Ohio, the same year, re- moving to Blackford county, Indiana, in the fall of 1864; removed to Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, in 1870; March 17. removed to where she lived at the time of her death. She united with the Methodist Protestant church at Union Chapel in 1S84 and remained a faithful member until her death. She was a kind and de- voted Christian mother and by her deeds of kind- ness she had won a great many friends and will be missed by the church and community in which she lived. The home circle is once more broken. Mother is gone, but not forgotten. In her declin- ing years the burden of her conversation was, "We cannot do too much for the Lord." She was aged sixty-seven years, nine months and eleven days. The funeral was conducted by her pastor. Rev. J. L. Barclay, at Union Chapel, before a large and sympathetic audience. Interment took place at Woodlawn cemetery, Warren, Indiana. Robert Alexander, son of John and Rhoda Alex- ander, was born in Brown county, Ohio, October 23, 1822: died March 24, 1897, aged seventy-four years, five months and one day. He moved with his parents from Ohio to Warren, Indiana, in 1841. He was married to Mary J. Jones in 1846, and to this union were born nine children. The wife, two sons and a daughter preceded him. Father Alex- der was the oldest of six brothers and three sisters. He leaves three sons, three daughters, three broth- ers, a sister and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He united with the Meth- odist Protestant church about thirty years ago and lived a true Christian life. He will be sadly missed in church, for as long as he was able his seat was seldom vacant. The funeral was held at Union Chapel, conducted by Rev. Tharp, assisted by Rev. Bundy. The text was, "Be ye faithful unto death and I v,'ill give you a crown of life." — Rev. 2:10. Faithfulness comes with charity, hope and love. The concourse of friends showed their last tribute of respect by being present at the funeral and interment in the Batson cemetery. Mary Jane Jones was born in Clinton county, Ohio, June 4, 1823, and departed this life Novem- ber 15, 1892, aged sixty-nine years, five months and eleven days. She came to Wells county, Indiana, in the year 1837. She was united in mar- riage to Robert Alexander January 8, 1846. Nine children blessed this union, five boys and four girls, three of whom — two boys and one girl — sleep in the city of the dead. Sister Alexander in early youth consecrated her life to God. At the age of nineteen years she joined the Methodist Episcopal church, where she remained a consistent member until 1846, when she united with the Methodist Protestant church, continuing a faithful member and an earnest Christian until death marked her his own and the God whom she loved to adore said: "Enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." Her sickness, though long and severe, was borne with patience. She was willing at all times to say, "Thy will, O God, not mine, be done." But she is gone. We will see her no more. She has left this world for the other shore. We will miss the work of her dear hands; we will miss her in the family band; we will see the paths she has trod, but It is a joy to think she rests with God. She leaves a husband three sons and three daughters to mourn her departure. Funeral ser- vices at Union Chapel, conducted by Rev. J. R. French; interment in the Batson cemetery. SOLOMON B. NELSON. Recurrences to the past, with the recol- lections and associations which cause it to pass in lifeHke review before our mental vision, will continue to be, as of yore, a source of satisfaction, especially when they connect themselves with facts and incidents reflected from our own experience. These reminders remain with the life of the partic- ipants when no landmarks remain to save us the pictures faintly delineated on the tab- lets of memory. To preserve from forget- fulness the leading facts in the lives of the pioneers and older citizens of our country is the work devolved upon the writers of this work. Biography fails in its mission when it fails to preserve these valuable facts committed to its care. More than any other form of history, it commands the most in- terested attention for the reason that it is largely a record of our own experiences as seen reflected from the careers of others WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 163 who ha\e traveled the rugged pathway of Hfe as our companions, acquaintances and friends. In the Hfe of the gentleman whose name introduces this article the reader will find much that is interesting and instructive. An honored resident of Wells county for over a half century and a gallant soldier in one of the greatest wars of history, he has borne well his part in life and now, when the shadows have deepened, he looks back over his long and useful career, finding in the retrospect little to condemn and much to commend. Solomon B. Nelson is a native of Ohio and the son of James and Sarah (Beals) Nelson, both parents born in Penn- sylvania. James Nelson was taken to Wayne county, Ohio, when a small boy, and there grew to maturity and married. Short- ly after taking to himself a helpmeet he re- mo\-ed to the county of Stark, where he owned a farm, and for some years lived in that section of the state, engaging in agri- culture and blacksmithing. About 1844 he disposed of his place and moved his family to Adams county, Indiana, where he pur- chased a quarter section of timber land, thirty-five acres of which were cleared and reduced to cultivation during the five years that followed. In 1849 Mr. Nelson sold this place at a good figiu'e and came to Wells county, locating in the township of Lancas- ter, where he bought an eighty-acre farm on which the remainder of his life was spent. In connection with agriculture he worked at blacksmithing and by industry and suc- cessful management succeeded in acaimu- lating a sufficiency of this world's goods to place himself in comfortable circumstances. James Nelson was a man of excellent parts, honest and industrious and the emI)odiment of all that was honorable and upright in citizenship. For many years he served as class leader in the Methodist church and he always tried to measure his life according to the high standard of excellence as found in the life and teachings of the man of Nazareth. In politics he was a Democrat and as such was elected to various local offices, among which was that of township trustee. James and Sarah Nelson were the parents of twelve children, all but one reaching the years of maturity, four sons, Solomon B., William, Silas and Sanford P., serving their country faithfully during the great Rebell- ion. Solomon B. Nelson was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 30, 1837. and was a lad of about eleven when his parents moved to the county of Wells. Aside from the daily routine of labor on the farm, varied of win- ter seasons by attending the common schools, his early life was marked by no striking incident or fact worthy of note. He grew up to the full requirement that man should earn his bread by honest toil and from his excellent parents learned those les- sons of duty and correct living which re- dounded so greatly to his advantage in after years. After completing the public school course he taught one term, but not caring to devote his attention exclusively to educa- tional work soon exchanged that calling for the vocation of farming. In April, i860, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Clark, a na- tive of Ohio w^ho came to Wells county with her parents as early as the j'ear 1839. Her father, Allen Clark, a native of Pennsyl- vania, was of Irish descent and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Florinda Mar- quis, was born and reared in Ohio. The childliood and vouthful vears of Mrs. Nel- [64 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. son were spent on the home farm in Lan- caster and after receiving a good common school education she taught for some time in the village of Eaglesville. Immediately following his marriage Mr. Nelson turned his attention to farming, but was not very long permitted to pursue that vocation un- disturbed. The President's call for volun- teers to crush the rebellion in tlie southern states so appealed to his patriotism that he at once tendered his services to his country in its time of need. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry, Captain William Swain, and after spending a short time at Ander- son, Indiana, proceeded to the front, meet- ing the enemy for the first time at New Madrid, Missouri. Subsequently the regi- ment was sent to Memphis. Tennessee, thence up White river to meet the force un- der General Curtis and later to Port Gib- son, on the Mississippi, where the subject took part in one of the hard fought battles of the war. Mr. Nelson shared with his comrades the vicissitudes and fortunes of war in a number of campaigns in different states and proved his bravery and loyalty under many trying circumstances. He par- ticipated in the bloody engagement at Cham- pion Hill. Mississippi, where his colonel was severely wounded, and some time there- after was obliged to take hospital treatment for disability brought on by exposure and over-exertion. At the expiration of his period of enlistment, December, 1863. he was discharged, but the following year re- enlisted and served until the close of the war, being mustered out the second time at New York City on the 26th of June, 1865. While in the service Mr. Nelson's eyes be- came seriously affected and at one time it was feared his sight would be lost. He has never recovered from this ailment, his vision being very greatly impaired at the present time, so much so in fact that it is impossible for him to perceive any but very large and distinct objects. For this mis- fortune he is partially reimbursed by a pension of seventy-two dollars per month, which, though quite liberal, by no means compensates him for the loss of vision. After the war Mr. Nelson took up his resi- dence at Eagleville, where he supported his family by various kinds of manual labor un- til his diminishing eyesight compelled him to retire from active life. When it became impossible for him to work, he moved to Bluffton and here he has resided since 1883, honored and respected by all who know him. He purchased a beautiful and comfortable home and, barring his disability, is well situ- ated to enjoy the many blessings of life by which he is surrounded. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have had five chil- dren, namely : Florence E., born January ■ 16, 1861. died at the age of twenty months; Rachel E., born January 15. 1865, married J. Z. Brickley and departed this life some years ago; Marion F. was born September 22, 1866, married Irene B. Cobbins and is now in the United States mail service, hav- ing charge of Rural Route No. 6; Martha J., born January i, 1869, died when seven vears old ; the youngest of the family, Allen C, whose birth occurred on the 6th day of May, 1878, is a compositor in the ofiice of the Bluffton Chronicle and News. Prior to the Rebellion Mr. Nelson was a Democrat, but after the war he joined the Republican party and has been one of its earnest supporters ever since, though not a partisaij in the sense the term is generally- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 165 understood. He belongs to the Grand Army post at Bluffton and takes an active inter- est in all of its deliberations. His religious creed is represented by the Presbyterian church, of which body he has been an earn- est and consistent member for many vears ; Mrs. Nelson also belongs to the same denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are among the oldest and best known residents of Wells county and all who are favored with their acquaintance speak in the highest terms of their many sterling cjualities of head and heart. They have lived long and well, have done their duty without fear or favor and the future awaits them with abundant rewards. JOHN BAKER. John Baker, who was born October 1 1 , 1845, '" Champaign county, Ohio, is a son of John and Susan (Hower) Baker, natives of Pennsylvania, who, when they were chil- dren, moved with their parents into Ohio, where they grew up and were married. John, Sr., was a cooper by trade and worked at that business until the end of his life, his death occurring in 1853 in Wells county. Indiana, on the farm where the subject now lives. The senior Baker and his family came to Wells county about the year 1850 and his wife died here in 1884. Mr. Baker was the father of eight children, six of whom are living : Sarah, the wife of Jacob Hufifman : Lydia, the wife of John Knott; Mary A., the wife of Andrew Bilbee ; Jacob, now a resident of Huntington county, Indiana ; John; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Neriah Hunnicott; Martin, now residing in Chester township. Wells count}-. Indiana, and an infant, deceased. John, Jr., attended the public schools of Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana, until he was eigh- teen years of age. He then enlisted in the army, becoming a member of Company E, Seventy-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, December 6, 1863, and remained in the serv- ice of his country until the close of the war, being discharged therefrom in August, 1865. He was with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. engaging in all the battles of that memorable march. After his return from the army he began to work at the carpen- ter's trade and continued at the business for about twelve years, or two years after his marriage. He was married October 31, 1848, in Wells county, Indiana, to a daugh- ter of Benjamin Hudson, a native of Mary- land, and Katie Ann Mullen, a native of Ohio. When Benjamin Hudson was a small boy his parents, Selby and Elizabeth Hud- son, came to Cincinnati, Ohio. Later on Selby removed his famil}' to Brown county, Ohio, and there Benjamin grew to man- hood. The parents of Katie Miller were Abram and Hannah Miller. Benjamin and Katie were married in Ohio and after a few years moved to Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana, where they spent the re- mainder of their days. Katie was born January 7, 1815, and died October 22, 1888. Benjamin Hudson was born December 26, 1808, and died February 11, 1897. He was twice married. To the first wife, Nancy S., two children were born, and to the second, Katie M., nine children were born. The children by his first marriage were James, a resident of Jackson township. Wells county, Indiana, and Sarah O. Of the sec- ond marriage the children are Lucinda, de- [66 WELLS COUNTY. IXDLVNA. ceased; \^'illiam. who died in the army; Lavina, deceased; EHzabeth, the wife of Alexander Little, of Montpelier, Indiana; Sophrona, deceased; Mollie, wife of John Baker; Selby, now a resident of Kansas; Abram, deceased; Belinda, the wife of Ross D. Dintman, deceased, and is now living in Kansas. After John Baker's marriage he settled on the farm where he now lives. He owned the south forty acres and after the death of his parents he purchased the remaining forty acres of the farm. He now owns two hundred and sixty-nine acres of fine land in Jackson township, eighty acres of which is in the home place. There are fourteen oil wells on his land, the production of which yields a profit of about two hundred dollars per month. Besides looking after his in- terests in this line, Mr. Baker also has the supervision of his farm. He is a general stock farmer and has devoted the greater portion of his life to farming and its allied interests. He has earned and accumulated the most of his wealth by his own efforts. He is the father of three children : James W., born May 23, 1876, married Anna Good and lives on a part of the home place and is now an oil pumper; they have one child, Maxie; Benjamin Franklin was born Sep- tember 23, 1876, married Mary H. Hay- ward, and lives on a part of his father's land, and is an oil pumper; he is the father of two children, Ethel and Hazel ; Oscar E., the youngest son, was born November 29, 1884, and is at home with his parents. Both Mr. Baker and wife were formerly members of the Christian church, but the congregation to which they were attached having disband- ed, they have not formed other church con- nections. He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 246 in Warren, Indiana. In politics Mr. Baker is a Democrat and has always voted that ticket in national and state afifairs. In local and municipal mat- ters, however, he believes in voting for the best man. without regard to the party to which he belongs. In i8g6 he built a very fine house on his farm and has it well fur- nished. He constructed his barn in 1901. The success which has attended the efforts of John Baker to improve his environments has again demonstrated the fact that in this country no life need be barren of results if directed by a definite purpose, accompanied by industrious habits and the moral recti- tude which gives stability and worth to char- acter. L'pon commencing in life, his plans, like those of so many thousands of others, were interrupted by the Civil war. which gave to the country a new and valuable ex- perience. As a patriotic citizen he perform- ed his duty as a soldier, and returned after peace had been declared to continue his pur- poses in life. After working a number of years as a carpenter, he became identified with the agricultural pursuits of the coun- try, the ground work of the nation's pros- perity. In this he has been eminently suc- cessful and, chiefly by his own labor and efforts, has secured a competence and a po- sition in his community which is highly creditable to him as a citizen and neigh- bor. HENRY A. MANN. Henry A. Alann was born in Monroe county, West Virginia, July 8. 1828. His father, Michael ]\Iann, was born in \'ir- ginia, August 12, 1795, his father being Jacob Mann, a native of Germany. The WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 167 maternal parent of the subject, Cynthia (Walker) Mann, was also a native of Vir- gmia, born January 5, 1797. The parents of the subject were married March 14, 18 16, and settled on a farm in Virginia, where the father engaged in farming, also conducting the business of blacksmithing. In 1833 they came to Henry county, Indi- ana, entering land in the new country where the wife died September 30, 187 1. Michael afterward married a second wife, who died prior to his own death, which occurred at Rensselaer. Indiana, December 21. 1889. Michael Mann was the father of the fol- lowing children: Jacob C, born July 20, 182 1, a resident of Howard county, Indi- ana; Christopher D., born December 11, 1830, now a resident of Marion, Indiana; Henry A.; Clayton W., born June 29, 18 19; Marinda, born July 5. 1823; Leroy, born March 7. 1826: Lucinda C. born October 6, 1833. Henry A. Mann attended the district schools of Henry county until he was about eighteen years of age, but at that period of time the terms of school were very brief and the most of his time until that age was spent in assisting his father on the farm. He also attended Franklin College, south of Indianapolis, for a short time in 1854 and at the age of twenty-one years began work for himself, a part of the time crop- ping on his father's place and a part of the time working for wages on the farm for his father. He made his home with his father until January 3. 1856, at which time he married Martha Allen, a daughter of Wil- liam and Sarah (Prathee) Allen, the father a native of North Carolina, born Septem- ber 7, 1798. and the mother a native of Vir- ginia, born October 8, 1806. William Allen was a son of Reuben Allen, also a native of North Carolina. \\'illiam and Sarah Allen were married October 19, 1826, in Wayne county, Indiana, where they settled, remaining there for a time. They then removed to Madison county, In- diana, where they lived the remainder of their lives. William was the father of eight children, four of whom are _\-et living : James, born July 30, 1827, died February 15, 1893; Thomas C, born September 10, 1829, died November 11, 1854; Martha, born October 16, 1831, the wife of the sub- ject; W. A., born in March, 1834, a physi- cian now practicing in Rochester, ]\Iinne- sota ; Jonathan P., born August 12. 1837, died January 5. 1862. of disease contracted in the army; Benjamin F., born February 6, 1840. now a dentist in Glencoe. Minne- sota; Mary E., born November 16, 1842. died September 19. 1845, and Rachel, born December 15, 1846, now the wife of C. W. Wymant, of Danville, Indiana. The sub- ject, after his marriage, settled in Henry county. Indiana, renting a farm for a period of three years. He then removed to Wells county, settling in Nottingham townshiji. purchasing one hundred acres of land, which he cleared and brought under culti- vation. After remaining on this farm sev- enteen years, he purchased eighty acres, where he now lives, also clearing the greater part of this place. The subject now owns one hundred and eighty acres of fine farm- ing land and, besides being a general stock farmer, is one of the four stockholders in- terested in the grain elevator at Poneto, Wells county. Mr. Mann is the father of two children, one of whom is yet living: Emma, born August 16. 1857, died September 2, 1859; WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. James ]\I.. born April 15, i860, married Sarah Stahl, and is now a resident of Not- tingham township, and is the father of one child, Lillie. The subject and family are connected with the Baptist church, of which he has been a clerk for thirty-one years and a deacon for about thirteen years. He answered his country's call during the great Rebellion, enlisting in the army on October 16, 1864, in Company K, Fifty-third Regi- ment Indiana Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. While the husband was absent in the army serving his country, his wife was left alone on the farm with her little son. then five years old. Owing to the absence of nearly all the men in the army she did her own plowing, but she says that her old horse knew more about the business than she did herself. In politics the subject of this sketch has been a Republican all his life, and, as in all the relations of life, he has performed his civic duties from conscientious motives of duty, and when he is convinced that he is right is hard to swerve from his course. He is a type of the solid, responsible yeomanry of our state, possessing all the traits of eco- nomic thrift and industry possessed by the German people. TORN S. HYDE John S. Hyde was born November 19, 1842, in White Water township, Franklin county, Lidiana, and is a son of Thomas Hyde, a native of Lancastershire, England, born near Manchester in 1808. Thomas Hyde came to the United States in 1839, finding his first stopping place near Mt. Car- mel, Franklin county, Lidiana. While in England he spent seven years as an ap- jarentice tii a surgeon. He began practice with his brother while in England and was with him two years. After coming to this country he again began practice and con- tinued in that vocation until his death, which occurred November 9, 1886, he being at that time the oldest practitioner in Frank- lin county. He was married to Esther Hall, February 22, 1842. After his marriage he bought a piece of land in Franklin county and began to devote some time to farming. He was the father of twelve children, six of whom are yet living: John S.. Edward, who is now a resident of Franklin county; Thomas F., deceased; James P.; Harrison M., deceased ; Eli E. ; Joel B. ; James died in infancy ; Esther died in childhood ; Eliza- beth, and an infant who died unnamed. John S. Hyde attended the schools in Franklin county, Indiana, until he was about twenty years of age, going about ten weeks in the year. He then taught one term of school. In 1864, when he was in his twen- ty-second year, he went west, stopping near Virginia City, Montana; he stopped there most of his time, although he spent four months where Butte City now stands. When he first went to Butte there were but two houses in the place, and one of those a mis- erable log hut. He spent eight years and nine months in mining, most of the time pn his own account. He had fair success and thinks he made more money than if he had remained in Indiana. In 1873 he came back to his old home in Franklin county, In- diana. After one year he, with his brother Edward, purchased one hun- dred and seventy-three acres of land in Franklin county and began farming in the spring of 1875, continuing it until. March, 1888. at which time he sold out and re- moved to Wells county and purchased a MRS. JOHN S. HYDE. JOHN S HYDE WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. t69 farm, to which he moved in August, 1888, and where he still resides. He now has one hundred and sixty acres of finely improved land, about one hundred and thirty of which are under cultivation. When he came onto the farm it had no improvements worth mentioning, but in 1900 Mr. Hyde built a very fine residence on the farm, in which he lives and which improvement adds material- ly to his surroundings. There are eleven productive oil wells on his farm, which are making about thirteen inches (tank meas- ure) daily. The territory on his farm is not yet fully, developed ; when it is, his oil wells will probably yield him a profit of one hundred dollars per month. He has been a general stock farmer and a breeder of Poland China hogs, but he has changed to the Duroc. and his preference is for shorthorn cattle. Mr. Hyde was married October 19, 1875, to Mary C. Campbell, who was born November 22, 1855, the daughter of David and Nancy (Laf forge) Campbell. The father of Mrs. Hyde is a native of Cincin- nati, Ohio, and her mother, of Brookville, Franklin county, Indiana, the daughter of Jacob and Katie (Hartman) Lafforge. David was the son of John Campbell, a na- tive of Scotland, and died when his daugh- ter, the wife of the subject of this sketch, was but a child. Mrs. Hyde attended the public schools of Franklin county, Indiana, until she was about fifteen years of age. Mr. anvork of a carpenter and contractor, which business he actively followed for a period of twenty-eight years, extending his operations over a territory embracing several • counties, cities, towns and neighborhoods. After engaging exclu- sively in this business for so long a period of time he, like many mechanics born in the country, yielded to his bucolic instincts and love of early associations, and in 1898 pur- chased a nice little farm of fifty odd acres. It has on it a number of oil wells, which yield him a nice little income, which he is supplementing by indulging his proclivities for fine stock, in the breeding of both hogs and cattle of the better grades. In this man- ner he has settled down to enjoy life, and, possessing the esteem of all his neighbors, his remaining years promise to pass in cheerful contentment. DAVID EICHHORN. For a number of years a representative farmer of Lancaster township, where he still has valuable possessions, but of late connected with the industrial interests of Bluffton, the subject of this sketch is en- titled to much more than passing notice in the biographical review of Wells county's progressive men. As may be inferred from the name, Mr. Eichhorn is of German line- age. His father, Philip Eichhorn, was born in the Fatherland, and when a youth came to the United States, the family settling in Crawford county, Ohio. The mother, who bore the maiden name of JMargaret Hass- ler, was also of German birth and her ar- rival in America was contemporary with that of her future husband. After their marriage the parents settled on a farm in Crawford county, and continued to reside there until the year 1864, when they moved to Wells county, Indiana, locating in Rock Creek township, where Philip Eichhorn be- came the owner of a large and valuable tract of land, numbering about eight hundred acres. He was a man of great energy and thrift, provided liberally for his family and at his death, which occurred not long after his arrival left a large estate much of which is still in possession of his descend- ants. The property was divided among the children, viz : Frederick, William, John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Mary, David, Margaret and Philip. David Eichhorn, whose name introduces this article, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 11, 1852. When about eleven years old he was brought to Indiana and from that time to the present his life has been very closely interwoven with the growth and development of Wells county. Blessed with excellent parentage and reared according to the democracy of the farm, he early developed strength of char- acter and definiteness of purpose, which served well as a foundation for the success- ful career which he has since led as an enter- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. prising fanner and business man and intel- ligent, broad minded member of the body politic. The public schools afforded him the means of a fair education, but by far the greater part of his knowledge is of that practical kind obtained by coming in contact with the world in the stern school of experi- ence. Until twenty-one years of age Mr. Eichhorn remained on the farm with his mother, whose interests he looked after as became a true and faithful son. On attain- ing his majority he began working for him- self and four years later was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary E. Griffin, the ceremony being solemnized on the 6th day of August, 1876. Mrs. Eichhorn was born in Wells county, her parents having been among the early and well known pioneers of this part of the state. Immediately following his marriage, Mr. Eichhorn moved to a quarter section of land in the county of Wells, which he still owns and on which he lived and pros- pered until October, 1901, when he turned the place over to the hands of others and moved to Bluffton, with the object in view of spending the remainder of his life in re- tirement. Mr. Eichhorn's career as an ag- riculturist was fortunate in every respect, as is attested by the ample competence ac- quired during the years of his active labor. He became one of the leading farmers of the county, also took high rank as a business man, while his standing as a citizen was sec- ond to that of no other man in the township of his residence. Shortly after moving to Bluffton he became associated with N. E. Stafford and G. A. Harnish in the manu- facture of flour, the partnership thus con- stituted being still in existence. This firm has completely rebuilt and remodeled the Wabash River Mill, furnished it with machinery for the manufactui-e of flour by the latest improved process and under the personal supervision of Mr. Stafford, a practical miller of many years' experience, the enterprise has become one of the city's most important industries. Mr. Eichhorn has long been interested in the progress of his adopted county, and his attitude to- wards all movements having for their ob- ject its material advancement has been that of a wide awake, enterprising and thor- oughly public spirited man. He has served his township in various official capacities, but has never been an office seeker, although for many years one of the leading Demo- crats of his part of the county. Believing the principles of Democracy to be for the best interests of the people, and having an abiding faith in the dignity of the party's mission, he has been active in supporting same, devoting much of his time to the cause in local, state and national contests. For some time he was a member of the township council and for a period of four years served as assessor, discharging the duties of both positions in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the public. Mr. Eichhorn holds fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to the lodge at Uniondale, which he has served in important official positions, besides rep- resenting it in the grand lodge of Indiana. He is an earnest believer in revealed relig- ion, and, like all true disciples, makes his daily life correspond with his profession. Reared according to the strict teachings of the German Reformed church, his early re- ligious instructions had a potent power in shaping his conduct, as is evident from the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. correct deportment and symmetrically de- veloped Christian character which has been manifest in all his relations with his fellow men. He has held office of deacon in the local church with which he is identified, his family also belonging to the German Re- formed communion. Mr. and Mrs. Eichhorn are the parents of six children, whose names are as follows : Ira T., born September 27, 1877. is unmar- ried and still a member of the home circle; Stella P., born June 18, 1880, is the wife of John H. Lesh; Orville D., whose birth oc- curred on the 27th of May, 1882, has never left the parental roof; Elva M., wife of T. P. Paxson, was born August 31, 1885; Floa L. was born November 29, i8gi. and Celia on the 27th day of October, 1893. Mr. Eichhorn is peculiarly blessed in his household and has so deported himself as to be a worthy example to his children. His life forcibly illustrates what can be accom- plished by concentration of purpose and in- domitable perseverance, directed and con- trolled by correct moral and religious prin- ciples. He is a fine representative of suc- cessful manhood, and possesses a character marked by integrity, true benevolence and a high sense of personal honor. HENRY SCHAFFTER. Notwithstanding the fact that the re- public of Switzerland is one of the smallest countries of the world, it has sent a large number of emigrants to the United States during the years that have elapsed since in- dependence was secured. The people of that country, appreciating the blessings of liberty, of which they had a strong example in their own land, were not slow to recog- nize the possibilities that opened out in splendid perspective before all who ventured across the Atlantic and settled down to the pursuit of happiness and a competence. They have here become among the most in- telligent, patriotic, industrious and upright of our great and wonderful cosmopolitan population. Henry Schaffter was born in Switzer- land May 12, 1818, and is the son of John H. Schafifter, also a native of that country. The father was an expert watchmaker and had a splendid reputation as a competent workman. He engaged in military service and was about to come to America to help fight for liberty and independence with Gen- eral Lafayette, in which war two of his brothers died. When the war closed he was sent to Spain and served twenty-four years under the French republic and the first em- pire, until the battle of Eiloo. He held rank as a commissioned officer, winning a high reputation as an able and gallant officer and was three times wounded. He was the father of four children, of whom the sub- ject is the only one now living. Henry Schafifter remained under the par- ental roof until he was sixteen years old, in the meantime attending the common schools and acquiring a fair education. Upon leaving school he was apprenticed to learn the trade of cabinetmaker, at wdiich he served two years. Upon the completion of his apprenticeship he worked for a time as a machinist, but afterward went to Ger- many and France and worked at the trade of cabinetmaking. In 1850, realizing that in America lay larger opportunities for a man of energy and ambition, he came to the I90 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. United States. Upon landing in this coun- try he came at once to Vera Cruz, Wells county, but shortly after his arrival he was taken sick and all his savings were soon used up in the payment of doctor's bills. Upon recovering his health he purchased a farm, consisting mostly of timber land, and at once went to work to clear the land and put the soil in a condition for cultivation. By persistent and indefatigable industry he brought the tract to a high state of excel- lence and in time possessed one of the choice farms of Wells county. He remained upon this place until 1902, when he removed to Blufifton and has since made his home there with his daughter. In 1847 M^r. Shaffter was united in mar- riage with Miss Marianne Boivin, whose death occurred in 1880. To them were born twelve children, of whom six are still living. There are also twenty-one grand- children and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Shaffter is a member of the Reformed church. In politics he is a stanch Republi- can, and in his younger days took a very active and prominent part in local politics. In many respects the career of Mr. Schaffter is peculiarly instructive and commendable. It is a complete triumph over apparently insurmountable obstacles by a young man with almost no means at his command but a determination to make the best of his opportunities, and how well he has succeeded in this laudable endeavor is demonstrated by the fact that he has accu- mulated in material things enough to make him independent for the rest of his days. He is one of the most popular men of his community, genial, companionable, ever ready to do a favor or make a sacrifice whereby his fellow men may he benefited or the country profited. GEORGE W. COTTON. In calling to mind the dealer in live stock, most persons will picture him as a hard- riding, hard-drinking, hard-swearing in- dividual, genial and kind enough in his way, but rough of language and uncouth of man- ners. Whether or not it is the life they lead in driving over the country, purchasing stock, driving them to the station to be shipped and keeping up a night-and-day vigilance upon them while in transit, that gives them the distinguishing traits of char- acter referred to, it would be difficult to as- sert. Certain it is, however, that the great majorit}' of those who actively engage in purchasing, driving and shipping live stock to the commercial centers of the country would never be called upon to impart in- structions in good breeding to the pupils of a young ladies' seminary. In this as in all other things there are some very notable exceptions. One of these is George W. Cotton, a resident of Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana, the subject of this' sketch. His career amply shows that a man may be truthful, honest and moral in any respect- ive calling; in other words, that to be pos- sessed of the virtues mentioned, including abstinence, it is not necessary to become a theological student or a minister of the gospel. The Cotton family was one of the first families tQ locate in Wells county. It is now more than sixty-two years since Samuel G. Cotton and his good wife Dianah, who were natives of Holmes county, Ohio, decided to make their home in that locality. After investing in a number of tracts of land in Rock Creek township, he finally pur- chased the farm which has since been known as the Cotton farm and by the labor WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 191 of his hands and the sweat of his brow, made it what it now is, one of the best im- proved and most productive pieces of land in the county. Here he hved until the latter part of his life, when he moved to Bluff- ton, where his wife died in 1895. His death occurred in Chicago May 21, 1902. He was widely known and because of his many ex- cellent qualities he possessed the esteem and regard of all who knew him. The county is largely indebted to him for its early devel- opment. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cotton, father and mother of George W. Cotton, were the parents of five sons and one daughter. George W., the subject hereof, was born August I. 185 1, and was the youngest child of the family. He was educated in the common schools of Rock Creek town- ship, later in the graded schools of Bluff- ton, eventually going to Marion, where edu- cational facilities were supposed to be bet- ter. Outside of the time occupied in his studies, he worked upon his father's farm until he attained his majority, when he en- gaged in business for himself, buying and selling live stock. He was, indeed is yet, what is termed in these latter days "a hust- ler," and the competitor who gathered in more animals than he did during the course of a year had to get up earlier in the morn- ing, move faster during business hours and prolong his labors later at night than the average stock buyer is in the habit of doing. His negotiations are conducted calmly, coolly and generally satisfactorily. He al- ways pays the highest price permitted by the conditions of the market and during the long and active life has paid to the farmers of W'ells and adjoining counties hundreds of thousands of dollars. At different times he was associated in business with his broth- ers, Cyrus and Frank, but for the last fif- teen years he has been alone. That he has been most successful is amply attested by the volume of business he has done. His shipments are made to Chicago, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Buffalo and other points. His long experience both as to the markets and the "stock, have brought to him a penetra- tion and judgment that seems almost infall- ible. April 27, 1875, ^ii"- Cotton was married to Miss Josephine McDonald, who is a na- tive of Noble county. Indiana. To them have been born eight children : Bessie, the first born, is the wife of Hamer yic- Kinney ; Marshall S. ; Ralph C. ; Franklin F. ; Hazel D., and Ruby ; two are dead. Mr. Cotton was a Republican and always voted with that party until 1884, when he trans- ferred his allegiance to the Prohibition party, with which he has since steadily voted. He has on two separate occasions occupied a place upon the county ticket of the Prohibition party, once for sheriff and at another time for representative, but in \V"ells county they seldom elect to office any other kind of people than Democrats. Pro- hibitionists are especially obnoxious to them, hence it is unnecessary to say that he was defeated each time. He and wife are members of the Baptist church of Bluffton, are zealous in all charitable and Christian work and give of their substance quite lib- erally to every worthy cause. While a moral, upright Christian man, Mr. Cotton is not a long-visaged, canting, pretending personage. He is warm-hearted, merry and jovial, a man whose friendship you would be induced to court and whose loyalty you would never question in any emergency,-. [92 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. LEVI HUFFMAN. Among the enterprising men of affairs whose life and character are famihar to nearly every citizen of Wells county, the name of Levi Huffman stands out clear and sharp. Distinctly a progressive man and as such deeply interested in everything pertain- ing to the material advancement of the county, and the promotion of its industrial growth, he fills no insignificant place in pub- lic esteem, but on the contrary enjoys much more than local repute in the various voca- tions with which he is identified. Mr. Huff- man is a native of Wells county and the son of Henry and Catharine (Baker) Huffman, the father born in Clark county, Ohio, and the mother in the state of Pennsylvania. The father of Henry was Adam Huffman, one of the earliest settlers of Clark county ; Mrs. Huffman was the daughter of Adam Baker, a representative of one of the oldest families in the part of Pennsylvania where he lived. In 1840 Henry Huffman came to \Yells county, Indiana, and entered the land in Jackson township now owned by the sub- ject and at once began the preliminary work of clearing a farm. Up to that time the land was as nature created it and the first thing necessary was some kind of a habitation for the family. In a short time a log cabin of the conventional type was erected and it served the purpose for which intended until replaced in 1867 by a frame, one of the first buildings of the kind in the township of Jackson. When Mr. Huffman took posses- sion of his place the woods were so dense that a person going fifteen rods from the house was in danger of getting lost. To clear away such growth and prepare the ground for tillage required an immense amount of hard labor, but by patient endur- ance the forest gradually disappeared before the woodman's sturdy strokes until in the course of time nearly all of the ninety and a half acres was in a fine state of cultivation. Later Mr. Huffman added to his original purchase until his place included one hun- dred and seventy acres of as fertile soil as the county could boast, and the farm is now considered one of the most valuable pieces of land in this part of the state. He made many substantial improvements and soon took high rank with the leading agriculturists of his township. Mr. Huffman died on this place in the fall of 1883, just four weeks and three days after the departure of his faithful com- panion. This was his second wife, his first having died a number of years previously, after bearing him four children, Jacob, Catherine, Sallie and Peter, all living at the present time. The maiden name of the first wife was Elizabeth Eversole. By the sec- ond marriage, to which reference is made in a preceding paragraph, Mr. Huffman was the father of ten children, whose names are as follows : Frederick, George, Henry, Lydia, John, Samuel, Levi, Eliza, Eva and Mary, all but the last named living. The death of but one in a family of fourteen children after they had grown to the years of maturity is perhaps unparalleled in the history of any other family in the state. It is evidence of a strong and vigorous ances- try, supplemented by correct habits of liv- ing on the part of the descendants, all of the children being fine specimens of physical manhood and womanhood. The birth of Levi Huffman occurred October 20, iS^o, on the farm which he now MRS. LEVI HUFFMAN. LEVI HUFFMAN. WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 193 owns and occupies. He inherited a strong constitution and by faithful outdoor exercise early developed a vigor of body which en- abled him while still a youth to perform a man' labor at all kinds of farm work. In the winter time he attended the public schools of Jackson township until his twentieth year, spending the other seasons as his father's assistant in carrying on the farm. He commenced life for himself by working a part of the home place on the shares, in ad- dition to which he also rented land of his neighbors and in this way succeeded within a few years in getting a very good start in the world. He continued to live under the parental roof until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 31st of December, 1874, with Miss Martha Coolman, daughter of William and Mary A. (McKee) Coolman, natives of Ohio, and early settlers of Hunt- ington county, Indiana. Soon after taking to himself a wife Mr. Huffman moved into a little old log house on a forty-acre tract of land which his father subsequently pur- chased and during the seven years following he lived on this place and prospered in his labors. At the expiration of that time he took charge of the home farm for the pur- pose of looking after his father, who by rea- son of old age and infirmities incident there- to was no longer able to manage the place or attend to his business affairs. With fil- ial devotion and affection most commend- able, the subject continued to care for his parents as long as they lived and after their death he sold a piece of land in Blackford county which lie had purchased the mean- time and bought the old family homestead. Since taking possession in 1883 Mr. Huff- man has made the farm one of the finest in the township and, as already stated, he soon became one of the most enterprising farmers and stockraisers in the county of Wells. Among the many valuable improve- ments which he has made are a large and commodious barn, erected in 1884, and the fine modern residence, built five years later, besides the other buildings which every first class farm contains. At the present time Mr. Huffman owns four hundred acres of land, ail lying in the Indiana oil fields, and on this are forty-seven producing wells which yield him the handsome income of seven hundred dollars per inonth. From this source alone he has become a wealthy man, the returns from his agricultural and live stock interests also adding very mater- ially to the large fortune now in his posses- sion. Mr. Huffman is a careful and conser- vative business man and has made many judicious investments, all of which return him a liberal margin. He owns a half inter- est in a large business block in the town of Warren and a number of dwellings and other property in Montpelier, and looks for- ward to making still greater investments in country and city real estate. He is now chiefly engaged in looking after his large business interests, but devotes a considera- ble portion of his time to the breeding and raising of fine live stock, in which indus- try he has a wide and growing rep- utation. 'Sir. Huffman pays especial atten- tion to shorthorn cattle, of which he keeps on hand a herd of from twenty-fi\^e to thirty-five, all first-class animals, many of them representing hundreds of dol- lars in value; he has also met with most encouraging success raising Poland China and Duroc breeds of hogs, supplying many of his neighbors and others with this valuable stock, besides marketing a large number every year, thus materially increas- ing his income. 194 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. \\'ith all his success as a farmer and busi- ness man, Mr. Huffman is quiet and unas- suming in demeanor, having no desire to boast of his achievements, realizing that worldly wealth does not constitute truest riches. In the best sense of the term he is a Christian and as such looks upon material possession only as a means of accomplish- ing good among his fellow men. A number of years ago he united with the German Baptist church and began that religious life which has since characterized him and he is now one of the most active workers in the congregation with which he worships. His wife is also a member of the same com- munion and in many ways has demonstrated her faith in good works among those with whom she mingles. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have been kind and charitable to the worthy poor and no legitimate enterprise for the moral advancement of the community has ever appealed for their assistance in vain. They are highly esteemed by the people of their neighborhood and those who know them best are the most profuse in their praise. Mr. Huffman reads much and has decided opinions on the leading questions of the day. He has been a pronounced Demo- crat all his life and takes an active interest in local and general politics, never missing an election, unless unavoidably detained, nor hesitating to express his opinions upon the questions at issue. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Huffman has been blessed with two children, the older of whom is Ardella, now the wife of Watson Hayward, who lives on the subject's farm in Huntington county; Josephine A., the younger, married Daniel Roscoe Hardman and lives with her parents, her husband hav- ing charge of the home farm. Mr. Huffman has in his possession an old parchment deed, dated August 5, 1837, and bearing the sig- nature of President Martin Van Buren. ISAAC MASON THARP. This enterprising farmer and ex-soldier of the Civil war, and a United Brethren clergyman, was born March i, 1846, in Wells county, Indiana, on the farm now oc- cupied by Amos Tharp. A. B. Tharp, father of Isaac M. Tharp, was a native of Virginia and was born June 12, 1820. His parents died in Virginia when he was but a lad, his father, mother and only brother dying within one week of each other, leaving A. B. alone in the w'orld at the age of nine years. He was brought by a Mr. Shaw to Ohio, where he was taken in charge by a distant relative and reared to manhood in Darke county. When he had attained his majority he came to Indiana and about 1841 or 1842 married Miss Irena Ricketts, a daughter of Mrs. Hannah Rick- etts, and at once entered forty acres of the land now owned by his son, A. S. Tharp. This land he paid for by day labor at the rate of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, cleared it up, built a log cabin, and also assisted in clearing off the brush to make way for the construction of the present Warren and Hartford gravel road. This was in the pioneer days, when market towns were far apart, and on one occasion he was obliged to travel eighty-two miles on horse- back to secure a sack of corn meal, and was glad to get it even at that great dis- advantage. Both A. B. and Irena Tharp passed the remainder of life on this farm, REV. ISAAC M. THARP. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 195 A. B. dying January 27, 1871. and Irena March 21, 1889. To the marriage of A. B. and Irena Tharp were born the large family of four- teen children, as follows: Elizabeth J., who died in infancy; William H., who enlisted in the Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteer In- fantry in 1861 and died of lung fever while in the service; Hannah M., widow of Samuel M. Click ; I. M., the subject proper of this biographical record; John W., a me- chanic of Jackson township; Mary C, wife of J. W. Bachelor, of Bluffton; R. R., now residing in Sidney. Colorado; Jonas G., of Jackson township. Wells county. Indiana ; Berthina, deceased, wife of James Ruble; Lucy S.. now Mrs. J. Lambert, of New Albany. Indiana; Sarah F., deceased; Ezra, deceased ; Amos S., on the old homestead, and M. JNI., on a farm of his own in Jackson township. Isaac M. Tharp recei\'ed his primary education in district school No. 4. of Jackson township, which he attended until eighteen years of age, when, on his birth- day, he was mustered into the service as a member of Company A, Forty-seventh In- diana Volunteer Infantry, in which he en- listed in February, 1864, under Col. John A. McLaughlin and Capt. E. Y. Sturges, of Blnffton. ]\Ir. Tharp served in the ex- jiedition up the Red river from start to finish, was in fourteen different engage- ments in all, including the sieges of Fort Blakely, Alabama, and Spanish Fort, in the same state, in the rear of Mobile, where he was under fire fourteen days, and had to mine or dig all the way before getting with- in speaking distance and in forcing the enemy to succumb. Mr. Tharp caught a severe cold, caused bv wet clothes, but was in the hospital only four days and three nights during his entire term of service., but during these four days suffered from an ex- cruciating earache, and still feels the effects of the attack, being somewhat dull of hear- ing. He was honorably mustered out No- vember 2^, 1865, about six months after the war had closed. On his return from the war. ^Ir. Tharp engaged in carpenter work with his father. January 14, 1869, he married Miss Mary A. Runkle, who was born August 22, 1843, in Perry county. Ohio, a daughter of Jere- miah and Anna (Leonard) Runkle, the for- mer a native of Ohio and the latter of France. Mr. and Mrs. Runkle were mar- ried in Perry county, Ohio, and soon after- wards settled in Wells county, Indiana, and had born to them eleven children, viz : Mary A., now Mrs. I. M. Tharp; Alphens, de- ceased; Charles, a mechanic in Jackson township; Maggie, wife of Samuel Griffith; Frances, married to Commodore Alexander ; Matthew, a resident of Dundee, Indiana; Peter, in Jersey City, New Jersey ; Ella, de- ceased; Clara, wife of Henry Blake, of Hartford City, Indiana; Alma, married to William Rhoads, of Santa Fe, Ohio ; Albert, deceased. Of this family of eleven children there is a difference of twenty-two years between the birth of the eldest and that of the youngest, both of whom were born on the same day of the month. Isaac M. Tharp at his marriage settled on forty acres of land, now owned by Mrs. Compton. He had saved five hundred dol- lars while in the army and this money had been handled li)- his father, who made the investment and had the land deeded to the son. Isaac M. cleared up thirty acres, which he placed under cultivation, but his inclina- 196 WELLS COUNTY, INDL'\NA. tion was more toward carpenter work than toward farm work, so he sold his farm in March, 1876, went to Hartsville, Bartholo- mew connt_y, Indiana, entered the college at that place, and was graduated three years later in theology. He then became a mem- ber of the White River conference in 1877, but it was not until 1879 that he entered upon active ministerial work. The first year of his ministry was in Clifty circuit and the second year in Fall creek circuit, about fifty miles from his home. One Friday after- noon lie left his home to keep an appoint- ment the following Sunday, and when with- in a half mile of his destination his horse ran away, throwing Mr. Tharp from his cart. This disaster occurred September 5, 1880, and in the fall of that year Mr. Tharp had one leg broken and the ankle joint in the other leg dislocated. On the 21st day of the same month the broken leg was ampu- tated and on October 13 a second amputa- tion was found to be necessary. These operations confined him to his bed for four months and it was thought by the physician last in attendance that death would be the result, but Mr. Tharp eventually recovered. Mr. Tharp next spent two years in Honey Creek circuit and then came to Sala- monie circuit in Wells county and here pass- ed two years, when he was elected presid- ing elder of Marion district for the same length of time : he was next on the Indian- apolis district for two years and then on the Dublin district for one year. He then went to the Williamsburg circuit of Wayne county, was next in the Salamonie circuit and was then re-elected presiding elder, in the meantime having officiated in the In- dianapolis and Dublin districts. He then was assigned to the Fairmount circuit, and later to the Hartford circuit, from which he retired to his farm in 1898, but still preaches about twice each month. Mr. Tharp's farm comprises forty acres, but this he rents out, as he has five very fair oil wells on his premises, the product of which, in forty-one months, sold for thirty- one thousand three hundred dollars and are now yielding him about seventy-five dollars per month. Rev. Tharp seems to have been a victim to accidental occurrences. Once while on his way from Honey Creek circuit to Sala- monie circuit his horse, at nine o'clock at night, took fright, backed off a bridge and fell a distance of fifteen feet, but provident- ially the rider escaped injury. Beside the serious injuries alluded to, Rev. Tharp has been in two railroad accidents, was on a steamboat when it sank, and on another when its boiler exploded, has fallen from several houses and once, when a boy, fell thirty feet from the limb of a hickory tree, but in every case was miracuously a'nd ap- l)aiently providentially saved for the useful life in the Master's vineyard which he has since led. To the marriage of Rev. Tharp have been born si.x children, viz : Charles, de- ceased; W. M., a pumper, who married Sallie Ritchie; Aurie A., wife of Charles Compton, a farmer of Jackson township, to whom she has borne five children, Clarence, Clinton, Effie, Josie, deceased, and Sylvia Bertha, deceased; Milton W., a pumper, married Minnie Williams, who has borne him three children, Vance, Treva and Audrey; the sixth child, Lizzie I., was the wife of Harvey Kline, but she is now de- ceased. In politics the Rev. Mr. Tharp has al- ways been of Republican proclivities, but has never been very aggressive. WELLS COUNTY, n\DL-\NA. 197 PERRY KILANDER. Perry Kilander was liorn June 10, 1823. in Brown county, Ohio. He was a son of Jacob Kilander, a native of Pennsyl- vania, whose ancestors were originally from Holland, and Polly Dillman Kilander, a native of the state of Kentucky. After their marriage they settled in Kentucky, later going to Brown county, Ohio, and from there they removed to Jackson town- ship, ^^'ells county, Lidiana, where they remained until death. Jacob was the father of seven children, the subject being the only one now living, at the age of eighty years. David, Dillman, Sarah, Sina and Calvin are all deceased. The subject attended school in Brown county, Ohio, on days which were too bad to work.. He began working for himself when he was about twenty-one years of age, remaining with his father and work- ing out, etc. At the age of twenty-three, on JMarch 17, 1846, he was married to Sar- ah Jane Martin, born in Brown county, Ohio, in November, 182 1, a daughter of George and Mary (Myers) Martin. After his marriage the subject began farming in Brown county, Ohio, remaining there five years, when he remi:i\ed to Wells county, Indiana, and purchased two hundred and eighty acres of unimproved land which he and a farm hand cleared up and iinproved. He afterward divided his land among his children, reserving eighty acres for himself. He has devoted his entire life to the inter- ests of farming. His faithful wife and helpmeet died March 14, 190 1. He is the father of twelve children, ten of whom are yet living: Polly M., born January 17, 1847, is the wife of Canada Griffith and they have three living children; the second child of the subject, Sarah E., was born August 28, 1848, and died November 14, 1900: the third, Maria E., born March 2, 1850, is the wife of John Verneder; Calvin v., born February 17, 1852, deceased; Wil- liam D.. born November 26, 1853, now re- siding in Kansas City; Montre C, born December 19, 1857, the wife of John Lee; Charlotte O., born November 19, 1858, the wife of Phanuel Mclntyre: Robert A., born March 2t,. 1861 ; Rebecca A., born Septem- ber 18, 1863, wife of Warner Welch ; Jacob M., born January 17. 1866; Emma R., born October 8, 1868, wife of Keaver Risinger, and John E., born December 28, 1872. Mr. Kilander has been a general stock farmer all his life, devoting his time dis- tinctly to his farming afTairs and has never taken an active interest in politics. In the person of the venerable subject we have a personage who has attained an age be- yond that of the most of his contempor- aries. Born in the first quarter of the last century, he has lived to see the wonderful development of the country and the applied inventions used as a means thereto which were undreamed of in his youth. He has been a pioneer of two states, aiding by the labor of his own hands in creating the con- ditions of prosperity which his environ- ments denote. He has lived to see the frui- tion of his labors in the days of his strong manhood in the possession by himself and children of the bounteous returns of the farms which he wrested so largely with his own hands from the virgin forests of a new countr)'. Those who have been witnesses to and aided in all the transitory changes which have attende4 our wonderful de\-el- opment will have soon gone hence, but their deeds will be enshrined in the hearts of com- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ing generations and sons and daughters will arise up on every hand and call them blessed. NELSON E. STAFFORD. Prominent among the enterprising men of Wells count)' is Nelson E. Stafford, who at this time is identified with one of the lead- ing industrial interests of the city of Bluff- ton. The Stafford family had its origin in Ireland and was first represented in the United States by the subject's grandfather, who crossed the ocean many years ago and settled in Pennsylvania. There he married and reared a family and it was in that state that his death also occurred. John Stafford, father of Nelson E., was born in Pennsyl- vania and at the early age of four years was left to make his own way in the world. He chose agriculture fur his life work and by industry and thrift succeeded in purchasing a farm, in addition to the culti\'ation of which he also earned considerable money as a plasterer. When a young man he mar- ried Miss L}'dia Eschleman, who bore him a large family of fifteen children, all of whom grew to maturity, five living at the present time. John Stafford provided well for those dependent upon him and assisted his children by every means within his power. He began life a poor orphan boy, but in time became quite well-to-do, having accumulated a competency of sufficient mag- nitude to place his family in comfortable circumstances. Nelson E. Stafford, of this review, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of March, 185 1. His early life includ- ed the usual experiences of country lads, and he grew to young manhood impressed with the idea that in this world no excellence is to be achieved without great labor. The farm is no place for an idler, as young Stafford early learned by practical experience. He assisted his father and older brothers with the work in the fields and of winter seasons attended the public schools, where he ac- quired suflicient education to enable him to pass the ref|uired examination and procure a teacher's license. After teaching three terms in his native county he decided to abandon educational work and turn his at- tention to a vocation more in harmony with his tastes and inclinations. In April, 1873, Mr. Stafford came to Indiana and entered a mill at Richmond with the object in view of learning how to manufacture flour. After re- maining in that city three years and becom- ing proficient at his trade, he changed his location to Wells county, arriving here in August, 1875. From that time until 1880 he operated the flouring-mill at Murray and did a fairly remunerative business, but the latter year purchased an interest in the Quaker City mills, which he retained for about one year. Disposing of his share in the above enterprise, Mr. Stafford, in the fall of 1882, returned to Wells county and bought the Murray mill, which he had for- merly operated, and ran the same until July, 1902, when he became associated with David Eichhorn and G. A. Harnish in the manufacture of flour at Bluffton. Purchas- ing the old river mill in this city, they re- built and completely remodeled the struc- ture, supplying it with the latest improved machinery, making it one of the best and most successful enterprises of the kind in this part of the state. ]\Ir. Stafford has thoroughly mastered the art of making WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 199 flour, as the superior brands which he now turns out abundantl}- attest. He gives per- sonal attention to every detail of the busi- ness and in order to meet the constantly in- creasing demand for his product both at home and elsewhere the mill is kept running at its full capacity. He has spared no pains to add to his efficiency as a miller, keeping in close touch with the latest improvements in the trade. 'Politically Mr. Stafford is a decided Democrat and for many years has been prominent in the councils of his party at the different places of his residence. In 1894 he was elected trustee of Lancaster township, which office he held for a period of five and a half years, proving a safe, con- servative and in every respect a most judi- cious and satisfactory public servant. While using his best endeavors to keep the levy at the lowest point conducive to the public good, he nevertheless did much for the township in the way of improving the high- ways, erecting school buildings and looking after other important interests. During his incumbency about eight miles of free turn- pike road were constructed, a fine graded four-room school building was erected at Murray and a structure containing two rooms built in the village of Craigville. Al- ways interested in the cause of education, he did much to advance the standard within his jurisdiction, and as long as he held the office of trustee none but teachers of schol- arship and well recognized professional ability were employed in the schools of Lan- caster township. Mr. Stafford is a man of progressive ideas and stands for enterprise and improvement in all the terms imply. He discharges the duties of citizenship as be- comes an intelligent, broad minded, loyal American and loses sight of self if by so do- ing he can in any legitimate way subserve the public good. Every object calculated to improve the material, social and intellect- ual condition of the communit}- is sure to find in him not only a zealous ad\'ocate but a liberal patron, and to the extent of his ability he has ever been a promoter of the general welfare of his city and county. Mr. Stafford has many friends and occupies a conspicuous place in the confidence and es- teem of all with whom he has had business or social relations. He is an excellent neighbor, earnest in his efforts to make life pleasant to those with whom he mingles and stands deservedly high in the list of Bluff- ton's representative men. On the 7th day of June, 1879, Mr. Staf- ford was happily married to Miss Louisa J. Eversole, daughter of Jacob Eversole, of Wells county, a union blessed with three children, namely : Frank, born June 7, 1879, was educated at the Northern Indi- ana Normal University at Valparaiso and the Marion Normal School at Marion, this state, has been one of the county's success- ful teachers, and is now with the firm of Stafford, Eichhorn & Co. ; Grace, whose birth occurred on the 7th of May, 1880, and who is now the wife of Samuel Brickley, \\-as educated in the home schools and at the Normal College at Angola; Roy, born Sep- tember 8. 188 1, is a miller by trade, work- ing also for his father in the city of Bluff- ton. Fraternally Mr. Stafford belongs to the Pythian brotherhood and religiously be- Iie\-es in the plain, simple teachings of the Christian church which takes the Bible alone for its creed and standard of faith and practice. He has held ■ the dual office of clerk and treasurer of the congregation wor- shipping in Murray, his wife being a com- municant of the same bodv. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. DANIEL ALSPACH. Daniel Alspach, deceased, was born August lo, 1842, in the state of Ohio. He was a son of Amos and Elizabeth (Fox) Alspach, who were natives of Ohio also. The grandfather was likewise named Dan- iel. Daniel, Jr., came with his parents to Wells county, Indiana, about the year 1852, entering the land now owned by Calvin Als- pach. Amos is yet living with his son Cal- vin, Elizabeth being deceased. Amos was the father of five children, one of whom is yet living : Elijah, deceased ; Daniel died May 5, 1893: John, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, and Calvin, now living on the old home farm. Daniel Alspach at- tended the public schools of Jackson town- ship. Wells county, Indiana, until he was about eighteen years old. He then enlisted in Company A, Forty-seventh Indiana Vol- unteers, and entered the service as a soldier of the Civil war. He first enlisted on the 25th day of September, 1861. to serve for three years, and re-enlisted as a veteran, on the 15th of December, 1863, being mustered out of service at the close of the war, Octo- ber 23, 1865. After his discharge from the army Daniel spent his time working on the farm of his father until his marriage, which event occurred December 25, 1867. On that day he was married to Henrietta Bevington, born November 3, 1850. She is a daughter of Reason and Catherine (Shadle) Beving- ton, both of whom are deceased. After his marriage Daniel and wife moved on to the farm where his widow yet resides, and where he died. He had saved money enough during his service in the army to purchase eighty acres of land in the woods. He cleared up and improved all this land before his death, which occurred May 5, 1893. He left, besides his widow, four sons, viz : John A., born March 10, 1863, mar- ried Ellen Jones, and they have five children, Delphos E., deceased, Frederick H., Ray- mond E., Mable and Nelson D. ; Asa B., born October 19, 1870, married Mamie Card, is an oil pumper and a farmer in Jack- son township, Wells county ; Orville F. was born May 21, 1876, married Lizzie Stoler. and is an oil pumper in Blackford county; Daniel Clyde was born December 18, 1887, and is yet attending the public schools, being in the sixth grade, and a great reader. Dan- iel Alspach was a general stock farmer, de- voting his time entirely to the interests of his farming operations. Both himself and wife were active members of the Wesleyan church and were consistent Christians. In politics the subject of this sketch was a Republican and an active worker in the ranks of his party, taking a lively interest in its success. At the time of his death he owned eighty acres of land, on which there are eight oil wells. There are five tanks on the farm, which will run a hundred dollars per month. His widow, Henrietta, has fifty acres of land, on which there are five wells, both places yielding a profit in roy- alties on oil of two hundred dollars per month. September 20, 1896, Henrietta, widow of Daniel, was married a second time, her present husband being Benjamin Snyder. Daniel Alspach was a member of that great army of patriotic youth of the land whose pulses were quickened by the call to arms when traitors threatened the disruption of our country. With multitudes of others, he answered the nation's call ; relinquishing his schools and youthful aspirations, he fJOa^^^v^jjL y^Ju^a^cyiL^ WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. donned a uniform and marched away, a soldier of that invincihle liost wlio had sworn that the union of states of our coun- try must and should not be severed. Mr. Alspach participated in some of the heaviest battles of the Trans-Mississippi valley cam- paign, viz: New Madrid, Missouri, Port Gibson, Mississippi, the great siege of Vicks- burg and possibly witnessed the surrender of General Pemberton to Grant ; was also on the Banks expedition up the Red river and the battles of Fort Blakel}- and Spanish Fort and Mobile, Alabama. During his entire service he was never taken prisoner nor was wounded. Much honor is due Mr. Alspach for his long service for his country. After serving his country faithfully un- til its sovereignty had been acknowledged and peace declared, he proudly passed in re- view with that great army before disband- ment and returned to his home, from which he had been absent for more than four long and anxious years. Having demonstrated the stability and purpose of his life, as but comparatively few others did, by saving his money earned in the army, he returned to the peaceful pursuits of a husbandman of the soil. Purchasing unimproved land, he married and he and his young wife devoted themselves to the carving out of the un- broken woodland a home for themselves and the children that should bless their union. He lived the life of an industrious, peaceful and Christian citizen, performing all the duties relating thereto with a conscientious regard of the rights of others and an in- nate self indorsement of the rectitude of his own actions. He died at the comparatively- early age of fifty-one years, as a result, no doubt, of the vicissitudes and hardships through which he had passed during his army life. He has left to his children the record of a Christian citizen and i)atri(.)tic soldier, and it can be said of him, that "the world is better for his having lived in it." AMOS FRENCH. The l)lessing bestowed upon the com- munity in general, and the afflicted in par- ticular, by the public institutions of the state are not appreciated as they should be by the public. The institution for the edu- cation of the deaf and dumb has accomplish- ed a w'ork iji Indiana the efifect of which will live long after this and many another gen- eration has passed away. Two of the stu- dents of that institution, some years ago, were Amos French, the subject of this sketch, and Harriett A. Adams, who are now and have been for many years husband and wife, residing on a farm in Nottingham township, Wells county, Indiana. Without the instruction, learning and training re- ceived by them in that splendid school their lives would be far less happy than they have been and the field of usefulness they have occupied and so faithfully and efficiently filled would have been short of the service of two energetic workers. Amos French was born March 23, 1852, in Adams county, Indiana. His father was John G. French, a native of Dearborn county, Indiana, whose parents were Joseph and Eliza (Beach) French, natives of Mass- achusetts. John G. French was born on the 27th of November, 1S24, and his wife's maiden name was Mary Ann Heller. They were married February 22, 1849, and became the parents of one child. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Mary A., who married George Mow- ery. The first Mrs. French died De- cember 25, 1849, having enjoyed less than a year of married life. On March 18, 185 1, John G. French was united in marriage to Lydia Weist. To this union nine children were born, two of whom preceded their father into eternity. The others are Amos, Eli, Henry, William, Eliza, John and Hat- tie. Amos is the subject of this sketch and will be more particularly referred to here- after; Eliza became the wife of John Gentis and is now deceased, and Hattie married Jethro Potter. In December, 1835, Joseph French, pa- ternal grandfather of the subject, moved with his family to Wells county. At that time John G., father of the subject, was quite young, but he had early become fa- miliar with hard work and learned to en- dure privation and hardship common to that period and locality. He was strong and muscular, wielded an ax with giant power and had few if any ec|uals in clearing the land. No one did more than he did toward wiping out the wilderness and converting the land into beautiful farms. Industry and energy, coupled with an economy in no sense approaching parsimony, enabled him to become the owner of considerable prop- erty. When because of old age he began to feel the ravages of time he decided to divide up his property among his children. He owned some five hundred acres of land and of this he gave each son and daughter an equal share. For himself he reserved a home, with his youngest daughter, Mrs. Jethro Potter. There he remained until his death, which occurred on his birthday, November 2j, 1897. His wife died October 18, 1895. John G. French was a man of wonderful memory and much intellectual ability and by dilligent reading had become possessed of a vast fund of useful information. He de- lighted to entertain his friends, particularly the young people, with stories of his early life and his experience in the days long gone by. There were few of his generation better posted on the current questions of the time than he and few could equal him in the discussion of any proposition. He was a lawyer, a member of the Wells county bar, but did not engage much in the prac- tice except in his immediate neighborhood before justices of the peace, where he won many signal victories. He was well known and highly respected in Bluffton and his children vied with each other in securing the pleasure of his company, even when age had greatly enfeebled him. The perversity and peevishness that generally comes with advancing years was unknown to him. Genial and kindly even unto the last, he ac- cepted the inevitable with a meekness and resignation that almost amounted to stoic- ism. Few men enjoy their old ages as he did. When Amos French was three years of age, through an attack of scarlet fever, he lost his hearing and in 1862, when he was ten years old, he entered the state institu- tion for the instruction of the deaf and dumb, at Indianapolis. He remained there ten years, until 1872, when he had completed his academic course in that institution. On August 14, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriett A. Adams, a native of Preble county, Ohio, born July 16, 1852. She was afflicted as he was and it was while securing an education at the state institu- tion that they became acquainted. Her parents were M. C. and Mary (Shewman) WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 203 Adams. M. C. Adams was born in Preble county. Ohio, July 16, 1830, and was the son of Samuel and Emily Adams, natives of Massachusetts. Mary Shewman was born April 10, 1832, in Hamburg, Preble county, Ohio, and was the daughter of Christopher and Anna Shewman, also natives of Preble county. M. C. Adams and Mary Shewman were united in marriage August 31, 1851, in Preble county, located there and remained for six years, when they moved to Cincin- nati and remained there six years. From there they moved to Lidianapolis, Indiana, where Mr. Adams engaged in the wholesale business for four years. In 1861 they moved to Galveston, Indiana, where they re- mained until his death, which occurred IMarch 13, 1887. His wife Mary is yet liv- ing at the age of seventy years. She lives in Kokomo, Indiana, with her son Grant. To them eight children were born, viz : Hattie, wife of the subject of this sketch, to whom more particular reference will be made hereafter; M. J., a resident of Hamil- ton, Ohio; Alice, widow of James Cox; Florence, wife of Eddie Leach, of Fairmont, Indiana ; Daniel, a resident of Illinois ; Lin- coln : Grant lives in Kokomo and Susie died in infancy. When only sixteen months old Harriett A. Adams, wife of the subject, was taken ill with the measles. It was a most severe attack and for a time the life of the little one was despaired of. Fortunately she dis- played far more vital force than she was credited with and she recovered, but the faculty of hearing was totally destroyed. She entered the state institution for people thus afflicted about the same time that her present husband did. They were members of the same class and as they grew older and pursued their studies, Cupid made his ap- pearance and smoothly played his customary part. Both graduated from school the same year and the year following were united in marriage. The young people established their first home on an eighty-acre tract of land the same on w^hich they now live in Nottingham township. On this only about twelve acres were cleared. Their home was an old log cabin, twenty by twenty-six feet, and their barn was a structure similar in character. Now fifty-five acres of the place are cleared, well drained, fenced and in fine tillable condition. In 1894 they erected a very comfortable house and commodious barn. To the work of the farm Mr. French devotes his entire time, carrying on general farming, raising grain and feeding live stock. With Poland China hogs he has been very successful. He has one pig which he is inclined to look upon as a mascot. It has five toes on each foot, but it is not likely that they will "save his bacon" wdien killing time comes. His cattle are of the general class. To -Mr. and Mrs. Amos French four children have been born, viz : Dorothy, born November 7, 1875, widow of Elmer ^^'ilIiams, is the mother of two children, Ralph and Raymond, the latter now dead; Ella, born March 25, 1878, married Charles Bierie, and they have one child, Elsie E. ; Bertha, born October 2~, 1883; Hubert, born December 12, 1889. All have received good common school education, are intelligent ' and capable, with none of their faculties in the least impaired. The wit of the family especially commends his parents for never having subjected them to jawing or scolding. The parents and some of the children are members of the Evangelical church and at- WELLS COUNTY, INDL-VNA. tend service at Krepps. Mr. French has al- ways been a man of good habits, ne\'er ha\'- ing drank Hquor, chewed tobacco or smoked. As he wittily expresses it, he prefers a full pocket to being full himself. In politics he is an independent Democrat, favoring the national platform of that party, but in local affairs he votes for the man who he con- siders best fitted to fill the office. The loss of one of their senses has not pre\'ented this model couple from accom- plishing a splendid life work. They have reared and educated a family of four tal- ented, even brilliant children, have man- aged their business affairs most commend- ably and accumulated considerable property. In the world of silence with which they are surrounded, silent themselves, they have played their part most nobly, far better than many with faculties complete. Despite their afflictions, they can leave their posterity names well worthy of hemg honored and revered for all time. JACOB FREDERICK KREHL. The subject of this review has been identified with the more important interests of Bluffton for many years, being one of the prime factors in the city's commercial pros- perity, besides gaining recognition as one of her representative and popular citizens, facts which clearly entitle him to consider- ation in this volume devoted to the lives of Wells county's successful men. As the name indicates, Mr. Krehl is of German birth. His parents, Frederick and Cath- erine (Flukfelder) Krehl, were natives of Poppenweiler, Wurtemberg, and it was in that farawa_\- kingdom that the subject first saw the light of day, June 4, 1845. When Jacob Frederick was about nine years old his parents decided to better their financial condition b}' seeking a home in the Linited States; accordingly, in December, 1853, the family embarked and in due time reached the port of A^ew York, from whence they went to Mahoning county, Ohio, where' they remained until the spring following. In April, 1854, Frederick Krehl moved his family to Dekalb county, Indiana, where he invested his small means, amounting to about two hundred dollars, in eighty acres of land, the only improvements on which consisted of a rude log cabin and about five acres partially cleared. Here he lived the remainder of his days, improving a good farm and adding to its area until it included one hundred and twenty acres and meeting with that success and financial prosperity which the strong limbed, industrious, hon- est German yeomanry know so well how to command. He lived a long and useful life, provided well for those dependent upon him and earned the reputation of an honorable man and loyal, enterprising citizen. He died in 1892 at the advanced age of eighty- two: his wife, who had so long been his faithful companion and true helpmeet through life's rugged journey, is still liv- ing, having reached the ripe old age of eighty-six years. Frederick and Catherine Krehl had seven children, the oldest of whom is Catherine, formerly the wife of John Bohnenberger, but now a widow liv- ing in Noble county, this state; William, the second of the number, is a farmer living in the county of Dekalb; Mary, the second daughter, married a cousin by the name of Frederick Krehl and resides in Girard, WELLS COUNTY, INDL-\NA. Ohio; Charles Hves in Steuben county, In- diana; Joseph follows agricultural pursuits in the county of Dekalb, and Elizabeth, who married John Hess, lives in Noble county. Jacob Frederick Krehl, the third in or- der of birth, was reared on the home farm in Dekalb county and there received those lessons of industry, economy and thrift which exercised such a controlling influence upon his subsequent life and conduct. He worked hard during the spring, summer and early autumn and during the winter seasons attended tiie country school, in which he acquired a fair knowledge oi the brandies which constituted the course. After remaining with his parents until his twenty-second year he left home and went to the town of Girard, Trumbull county, Ohio, where he engaged with a tanner to learn the art of making leather. From the start his services proved valuable to his em- ployer and the eight dollars per week paid him was at that time considered very liberal wages for an inexperienced hand. On be- coming more proficient his weekly pay was raised to twelve dollars, including board, and after remaining six years and demon- strating his ability as an industrious and skillful workman he was given a third in- terest in the business. The firm of Krehl, Houser & Co., of which the subject was the company partner, lasted four years, during which time it earned much more than a local reputation by reason of the superior quality of the different kinds of leather pro- duced and put upon the market. At the ex- piration of the above period Mr. Krehl sold out his interest in the tannery and coming to Bluffton, Indiana, began dealing in hides and leather, within a short time establish- ing quite a flourishing business, which con- tinued to grow in magnitude with each re- curring year. By close application and hon- orable dealing he laid the foundation of an ample fortune and became one of the enter- prising, wide awake and thoroughly up-to- date tradesmen in a city long noted for the progressive spirit of its business men. After continuing the hide and leather trade with success and financial profit until 1897, Mr. Krehl disposed of his stock and from that time to the present has devoted his atten- tion largely to dealing in real estate. Mr. Krehl was happily married on the nth of October, 1877, to Miss Maggie Er- ler, daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Engler) Erler, whose birth occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 19, 1855. Mrs. Krehl's father was a native of See- felden, Germany, and the mother was born and reared in Frauhenfeld, Switzerland. They came to the United States in 1853, settling first in New York, thence a little later mo\-ed to Philadelphia and from that city, in July, 1855, came to Wells county, Indiana, purchasing a home in Bluffton. By occupation Mr. Erler was a tailor up to i860, when he opened a grocery in Bluff- ton, in which business he continued until 1888, when he had accumulated a compe- tence by industry and good management. Mrs. Erler died at Bluffton in 1892, aged nearly sixty-nine years, leaving one daugh- ter, Mrs. Krehk who was the only child born to her parents' marriage. Mr. Erler is still living at a ripe old age and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Krehl have one child, Lillian, born April 23. 1879. The 29th day of Oc- tober. 1901, she became the wife of Eman- uel E. Moseman. a jeweler of Bluffton and a well known resident of Wells county, where he was born and raised. Since engaging in the real estate busi- io6 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ness Mr. Krehl has made a number of suc- cessful deals in Wells county and elsewhere, meeting with gratifying financial results in this as in his former undertaking. His judg- ment is clear and seldom at fault, his discrim- ination keen and alert and his business trans- actions have always been characterized by honorable methods and fair dealing. He manifests great interest in the growth and prosperity of his adopted city, encourages all enterprises having for their object the building up of the community and is also a warm friend and liberal patron of move- ments for the social and moral advancement of his fellow man. His long residence in Wells county has won him a wide and \'ar- ied acquaintance and it is eminently proper to state that he is among the best known and most highly respected German-Ameri- can citizens in this section of the state. In 1893 he built his present beautiful home at No. 2 1 1 West Cherry street, where he enter- tains his many friends with a generous old- fashioned hospitality which is greatly ap- preciated by all who share it. He is known as an intelligent, substantial citizen, belong- ing to the class that always builds up a com- munity and gives it character and stability from a moral point of view. Mr. Krehl represented his ward three times in the city council and proved an able, judicious and painstaking legislator, doing all within his power to promote the interests of the munici- pality, at the same time exercising due caution in the matter of public expenditures. In his religious views he subscribes to the Lutheran creed, his wife being a member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Krehl is a worthy helpmate of a worthy husband and deserves much credit for her faithfulness and sym- pathy in the management of the household and the execution of its multiplied duties and responsibilities. Both are popular with a large circle of friends and acquaintances ^tnd to say that they are among the city's most estimable people is to state a fact pat- ent to everybody within the range of their acquaintance. It means much to have the good will of the entire community and few can boast of this mark of universal esteem. Honorable and straightforward conduct in every relation of life is the sure passport to such standing and these with other equally praiseworthy qualities have been among the more pronounced characteristics distinguish- ing this excellent couple. They have lived well, made the world better by their pres- ence and the future, both in this life and in the life beyond the veil, has nothing which need cause them a moment of anxiety or fear. ROBERT M. ENGLE. It is an axiom demonstrated by all hu- man experience that industry is the key of prosperity. Success comes not to the man who idly waits for fortune's smiles, but to the faithful toiler who works with cheerful celerity and sleepless vigilance and takes ad- vantage of every circumstance calculated to advance his interests. Such a man is Rob- ert M. Engle, a well known and highly re- spected citizen of Nottingham township who within a comparatively few years has worked his way from an humble station in life to a proud position among the leading farmers of his community, besides winning for himself a name which all who know him hold in the highest esteem. Mr. Engle is a native of Wells county, Indiana, and has WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 207 spent all his life within its borders. He was born September 7, 1864, in the town- ship of Nottingham, and is a son of Isaac and Ann (Hopkins) Engle, who were among the substantial residents of- this part of the county. When a mere lad he was taught the necessity of honest toil as the only legitimate means of obtaining a live- lihood, consequently he grew up to the full stature of manhood imbued with the idea that idleness, if not a crime, is, to say the least, anything but honorable. When old enough to work to advantage he took his place by the side of his father in the fields and nobly did his part in running the farm and supporting the family. The district school in the neighborhood afforded him the means of acquiring a good practical ed- ucation and he attended the same of winter seasons until his twentieth year, making the most of every opportunity to add to his in- tellectual discipline. He remained at home as his father's assistant several years after reaching manhood's estate and it was not until his twenty-eighth year that he severed home ties and set up a domestic establish- ment of his own. Meantime, on the 13th of March, 1886, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Rosetta McClain, of Nottingham toAvnship, daughter of William and Emma (Fisher) McClain, and from that time until 1892 continued to live at home, getting little more than a living for himself and wife from his labor. In return for his filial devotion his father, in the latter year, assisted Robert to buy a farm of eighty acres, contributing one thousand dollars to- wards the purchase price, a sum which the son had much more than earned while man- aging the homestead and looking after his parents' interests. Only a part of the place was in cultivation when the subject took possession, but he has since cleared and otherwise improved the land until all but ten acres is susceptible to tillage. Mr. En- gle is a man of industrious habits and the result of his systematic labors is apparent in the fine condition to which he has brought his farm within the last ten years. He has put in many rods of tiling, to the great im- provement of the soil, built fine fences, be- sides erecting a comfortable dwelling to re- place the house destroyed by fire shortly after he moved to the farm. By reason bf the discovery of oil in this part of the coun- ty and the subsequent development of the industry, Mr. Engle's place has greatly in- creased in value, there being five wells on his land, from which he receives an income of over six hundred dollars per year. At the present time he does little on the farm besides superintending the work, now de- voting the greater part of his attention to pumping oil, which business he has fol- lowed more or less during the six years past. He also takes pride in the raising of fine live stock, a department of husbandry which has assumed considerable magnitude in Wells county and which promises to be- come more important with each succeeding }'ear. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Engle orig- inally consisted of four children, whose names are Howard, Esther, Edna and Har- vey, the first two deceased. In his politi- cal views Mr. Engle votes with the Repub- lican party and during campaign years takes an active interest in working for its success. He is identified with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge meeting at the village of Petro- leum. The qualities which have made Mr. 208 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Engle one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of his township have, also brought him the good will and esteem of his fellow citizens, for his career from the be- ginning has been one of well directed en- ergy, strong determination and honorable dealing. Endowed by nature with good mental powers and possessing the energy to direct his faculties into proper channels, he has become a man of resourceful capac- ity as the able management of his private afifairs and rapid advancement in material things abundantly demonstrates. Socially he is a most agreeable gentleman, always genial and pleasant in manner, a loyal friend, an excellent neighbor and as a citi- zen ranking with the best of his compeers. He has never been misled by political as- pirations to the neglect of his business inter- ests and has no ambition to gratify in the way of public distinction, wishing only to be known and recognized as a common man in the domain of private citizenship. AMOS SCHWOB. Amos Schwob was born in Germany, March 22, 1859. He is a son of John Schwob, a native of Germany, -born about 1835, and Mary (Miller) Schwob, also a native of Germany, in which country they were married. They settled and lived there for a time, John working at the shoemaker's trade. When he emigrated to this country they were thirty-seven days out from Ham- burg, Germany, to New York, where he landed in 1861, with his family and without money. He managed to get enough from some one to pay their way to Columbus, Ohio, where John began to work at his trade, and Mary, by the week, to earn money to repay that which he had borrowed to pay their way to that place. They re- mained in Columbus, Ohio, awhile, when they moved to a town in Fairfield county, Ohio. Here Mr. Schwob worked at his trade until about 1865, when they came to Huntington county, Indiana. He then rented Daniel Burman's farm and began farming, the owner of the land living at the time in Ohio. Mr. Schwob had met him while there, and in this way he became a resident of Huntington county. He trav- eled from Ohio to his destination in Indiana by wagon, arriving here during war times. After arriving in Huntington county he worked at his trade, also farming, which he continued more or less until about 1877. He then bought three acres of land, three miles north of Warren, Indiana, and built a log house on it. After owning that for about five years, he sold it, and bought for- ty-eight acres of the old Alexander Morgan farm in Huntington county. Later on he added twenty acres adjoining, and is now living on this farm. Mary having died about 1889, Mr. Schwob married Adeline Heenen- berger. To his marriage twelve children have been born, six of whom are yet alive : Amos; Mary, who is the wife of William J. Ellerman, a farmer of Huntington county, Indiana ; John, deceased ; Rosina is the wife of Augustus Ballhoffer, and they reside in Grant county, Indiana ; an infant, deceased ; Katherine, the wife of Leopold Ruef, a resi- dent of Huntington county ; Willie, de- ceased; Agnes, burned to death in child- hood ; Charlie, deceased ; Henry, a resident of Huntington county, Indiana; Luella is the wife of Harrv Posev, and thev are resi- ^\ / T^ » ^ i?^ mBiI^^ jH HI-<^"\ ''n iBl^tSSHK '' IH mm RESIDENCE OF AMOS SCHWOB. AMOS SCHWOB'S FIRST RESIDENCE. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 209 dents of Marion, Indiana, and an in- fant, deceased. When John Schwob start- ed life he had nothing and after coming to Indiana he had much sickness in his family, ague and other diseases incident to a new country. Amos Schwob was nine years old before he could speak English. Soon after coming to Huntington county, his mother decided that her son should have some schooling. She accordingly made him ready and pro- ceeded to take him to school herself, he cry- ing all the time on the way. At that time three months was the longest and only term taught in the common school during the year. Amos had to learn to speak English, and it was three years before he made much headway in his mastery of the common branches taught in the schools. He attended his last term of school when he was sixteen years old. Being the oldest in the family of children, he did not get more than two months schooling in each year during the time of his attendance in the district school. He is now a fair scholar, having picked up a great deal of scholastic knowledge since his school days, and speaks both the German and English languages fluently. Amos re- mained at home until he was eighteen years old, at which time his father told him he did need him any longer at home and that he might work out. The subject then engaged himself to Kale Wylie for nine months' work, but while he was gone to make his contract his father rented thirty acres more land for a corn crop and he found upon his return that his father had made arrange- ment to keep him home, consequently he had to break the contract for work which he had already made. In the new arrange- ment which he made with his father, the lat- ter was to give him a team of horses and a set of harness and a wagon if the son would remain at home until he was twenty-one years of age. January i, 1880, Amos was married, being at that time a few months under twenty-one years old. He got the team promised by his father, and took, instead of a wagon, a buggy- and harness. He still has one of the horses received from his father, which is now more than twenty-five years old. His wife, before her marriage, was Ella Wharton, born July 29, 1862, in Montgomery county, Ohio. She is a daugh- ter of Mark and Minerva (Dyke) Wharton, natives of Ohio, and she was born in Mont- gomery county, that state. They came to Huntington county, Indiana, about the year 1870, and both of them are still living in Warren, Indiana. Mark Wharton has de- voted his life to farming. He is the father of three children, Charlie, a resident of Gas City, Indiana, is a minister in the Church of Christ; Florence, the wife of Peter Lines, a resident uf Huntington county, Indiana, and Ella, wife of Amos Schwob. After their marriage, Amos Schwob and his wife went over to the Wabash river and rented the "Holt" place, a farm of one hun- dred and eighty acres. All they had was a team and the clothes which they wore. In the fall of 1879 Amos and his brother-in- law, William J. Ellerman, had rented this place and put in a wheat crop. He was not thinking of marriage at that time, but see- ing a good chance to start in life, he and Ella Wharton decided to consummate their union at once. While they were very poor, yet they were contented with their lot, and especially with themselves. They remained on this farm for three years, when he rented a farm from John Roach, but after putting WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. out a wheat crop on the farm, he sold his interest. He then traded his buggy and set of double harness which his father had given him, for a first payment on the purchase of forty acres of land and moved onto that. After remaining on this land for one sum- mer he sold his forty acres for the reason that he could not, as he had intended, buy after awhile an adjoining forty-acre tract. It was so situated, however, that it could not be sold. For that reason he did not desire to keep his tract ; added to this was the fact that he was making four hundred dollars in the deal, which of itself was no small incen- ti\e. He then moved on to the farm owned by his father-in-law, an eighty-acre tract, and was there for two years. He then bought eighty acres in Wells county, Indi- ana, where he now lives. In the fall of 1886, when he purchased this farm, Mr. Schwob assumed an indebt- edness of fourteen hundred dollars. At that time there was only a garden patch cleared on the land and the improvements in the way of building consisted of a log cabin only. He has since then cleared, fenced and im- proved it in everyiway, and he has now six- ty-five acres under a good state of cultiva- tion, having twenty-six hundred rods of til- ing on the eighty acres. Neither he nor his wife have ever had a dollar given to them. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in one body which, with the exception of his woodland, is all under a fine state of cultivation. He says that he has worked night and day for seven years, but thinks if it had not been for the chicken pro- duction he could not have bought a postal card. After the oil lioom came on, he was a pumper for eight years. His farm is in tlie oil territory and his income from that source will average probably fifty dollars per month. During the last one or two years he has engaged in the breeding of shorthorn cattle; he had previously bred Poland China hogs, ijut at present he has a variet}- of the latter stock, including Duroc, Poland China and Chester White breeds. He also has a house and lot in War- ren, Indiana, and eighteen acres of land ad- joining the town site. He has devoted his entire life to the vocation of farming, yet, as he says, he could make a boot. The sub- ject of the present sketch is the father of three children: Artie E., born April i, 1884, at home with parents, will take up high school work in Warren, Indiana: ,Vr- vie E., born April 19, 1889, and Eva E., born June 3, 1897. Both himself and wife are members of the Disciples church. Gen- erally speaking, he has been a Democrat in politics, warming up some and doing active work for his party during campaigns. Both his boys are in school and have done well in their school work, standing well in their respective grades. His youngest son will enter the eighth grade next year. In the personage of Amos Schwob we find the best type of the German American yeomanry and American citizenship, posses- sing in his make-up all the attributes of per- tinacious industry, patience and thrifty hab- its which characterize his German ancestry. He has risen from a condition of penury, through which his father struggled, sur- rounded by the adverse circumstances of an ignorance of our language and the serious diseases incident to a new country, to a plane of citizenship and a position in the community in which he lives which does him the highest honor. His labors have been rewarded in the possession of a competency WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and he has pride in the progress of his sons in the schools, which so far surpass his own meager opportunities. His own and his father's success, as portrayed in the present sketch, afford a striking illustration of the rewards that await, not only the industrious and worthy emigrant from a foreign shore, but every citizen in our favored land. ABRAHAM SPEHEGER. Some begin their business career most auspiciously, others with every obstacle, including poverty, to be overcome. It often happens that the former lags in the race for success, while the latter forges ahead, each successive year bringing a newer and grander success. Of the latter class Abraham Spehe- ger, of Nottingham township. Wells coun- ty, Indiana, the subject of this sketch, fur- nished a splendid example. Born in a for- eign land, living there until he was twelve years old, then coming to America and working for his parents until he was twen- ty-one without compensation, having little knowledge of the English language until he was twenty, it could hardly be expected that such a }Outh would accomplish as much by the time he was fifty as the youth who began life's Ijattle under circumstances more favorable. That he has is amply at- tested by a brief sketch of the life of the gentleman to whom reference is above made. Abraham Speheger was born in Berne, Switzerland, August 4, 1842, the son of John and Fannie (Burkholder) Spehe- ger, both natives of Switzerland. With his family. John Speheger emigrated to Amer- ica in 1854, locating in Wayne county. Ohio. He was by trade a carpenter and fol- lowed that calling most of his life. In 1862 he and his family moved to Adams county, Indiana, and there the remainder of his life and that of his wife was spent. They were the parents of five children, viz : Anna, wife of Samuel Riff, resides in Adams county ; John, a resident of Lancaster town- ship, Wells county ; Fannie, deceased ; ]\Iary, deceased; Abraham, the subject, who will hereafter be referred to more particu- larly. .Miraham went to school a number of years in his native land and after coming to America attended school here about three years. But the mysteries of the English language seemed unfathomable to him. His native tongue was spoken in the family and his busy life forbade him the privilege of learning English from playmates. He was twenty years of age before he could under- stand much of what was said to him and con- siderably older before he could make people understand him in the language of the United States. Thus handicapped, at the age of twenty-one, without a dollar in his pocket and a very meager supply of cloth- ing, he faced the world to win for himself a fortune and a home. His first employer was Christian Welty, for whom he began to work on the farm by the year, in W'ayne county, Ohio, and he worked for him seven years. He then hired to Henry Otis and was in his employ eight years. It was while he was working for him that he ac- quired the greater part of his knowledge of the popular language in America. They were educated people and one of his objects in hiring to them was to improve himself WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. in English. During this time he had given more than half of his earnings to his par- ents to help them along. Nevertheless, in 1869 he had saved five hundred dollars and was tlie owner of a hopse and buggy worth three hundred dollars. While working in Wayne county he became acquainted with a young lady, Miss Rebecca Fritz. Her parents were Jacob and Eliza (Coulter) Fritz, natives of Pennsylvania but of Ger- man, Irish and Scotch ancestry. When they moved to Ashland county, Indiana, Abraham was neither happy nor contented in Wayne. The result was inevitable. Re- becca's bright eyes were the guiding stars to him and he, too, was soon in Ashland county. They were married March 17, 1 87 1, the date (St. Patrick's day) doubtless being fixed out of deference to the Irish in the bride's composition. She was born in Pennsylvania, April 14, 1850. Soon after marriage the }'oung couple returned to Wayne county, where Abraham rented eighty acres of land, which he culti- vated for two years with the success that is invariably the reward of industry. He next rented one hundred and sixty acres which offered a much better opportunity both as to terms and extent. After remain- ing on this place three years he moved to another of one hundred and thirty acres, on which he remained five years. During all this time his savings were steadily in- creasing and he was approaching nearer the desired goal, i. e., a well improved, well cul- tivated farm of his ©wn. In 1881 he moved to Indiana, bringing with him about eigh- teen hundred dollars, every one of them having been earned by his own hard labor. For twenty-five hundred dollars he pur- chased one hundred acres of land in Harri- son township, paying seventeen hundred dollars and incurring an indebtedness of eight hundred dollars. He owned this place only about seven months when he got an opportunity of selling it. On this trans- action he made a small margin of profit and then purchased eighty-two and a half acres in Nottingham township, where he now lives. It cost him three thousand dollars, but it was improved to the extent of having upon it a good barn and nice orchard. He has improved it since by erecting a good house, commodious outbuildings, fencing, ditching, etc. He has also cleared twenty- five acres and has purchased a farm in Har- rison township of forty-six acres that is well improved and in a fine state of cultivation. He raises Poland China and Chester White hogs and shorthorn cattle. For a long time he made a practice to feed all his grain to his stock, but in later years he sells considerable on account of the uncertainty of hogs. All that they are possessed of, and it is no small or insignificant fortune, has been made by him and his faithful wife. Mr. and Mrs. Speheger are the parents of seven children, viz : Allen married Stella Nutter and lives on his father's farm in Har- rison township; Mary married John Bower and also resides in Nottingham township; John resides at home with his parents; Wil- liam is employed at Ruth, clerking; Anna, Ida and Fritz are still at home. They have each received as good an education as the district schools of the state afford. They are intelligent, well informed young men and women, with far better opportunities than their parents ever had and it remains to be seen whether or not they will achieve as much of success in life as have their par- ents. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 213 In religion both Mr. and Mrs. Spehe- ger are members of the EvangeHcal church and are active in cliurcli and charitable work. He is a steward and a teacher in the Sunday school. In politics he is nominally a Democrat, but in local affairs he is never bound by party ties. In this, as in other mat- ters, he acts independently. He is a man of kindly nature and generous disposition, there being nothing selfish or miserly about him. His success is wholly attributable to industry and good management. He has a determination and firmness of purpose that will overcome exery obstacle. J. E. SAUNDERS. M. D. In no field of human endea\-or is there opened a wider avenue of usefulness than in the medical profession. The true physician is in many ways a benefactor of his kind. He not only ministers to the suffering by al- leviating pain and curing disease, but to him is intrusted the responsibility of labor- ing for the development of a higher and nobler type of physical humanity than that which now obtains. No one should think of engaging in this noblest of all callings without natural endowments of a high or- der, supplemented by thorough intellectual discipline and the most careful and critical professional training. With little appreci- ation of the responsibilities which it en- tails many enter the profession, but the law of the survival of the fittest proves that few reach the goal of success and become true healers. Among the successful class it is eminently proper to include the subject of this sketch, who, though a young man, has by proper preparation and conscientious fidelity to duty risen to a position in the medical world with many older in years and of much greater experience have not at- tained. Dr. J. E. Saunders, of Petroleum, comes of a medical family, his father, C. B. Saun- ders, being one of the oldest and most suc- cessful practicing physicians of north- eastern Indiana. Dr. C. B. Saunders is a native of Ohio. He married in Indiana, Miss Harriet ]\Iorrical. and after preparing himself for his life work took up his residence on a farm in Jay county, Indiana, where he spent thirty years in the successful practice of the heal- ing art. Subsequently he changed his abode from the county to the town of Penn- ville, where for about twenty-fi\-e years he has ministered to the wants of suffering hu- manity, being, as already stated, one of the oldest if not the oldest practitioner in that part of the countrj'. In addition to his pro- fession, he also managed a farm for a num- ber of years, but made agriculture merely a side issue to his labors as a healer of men. The Doctor has been four times mar- ried and is the father of nine children, the oldest of whom, a son by the name of George, has been lost track of, his relatives not knowing whether he is alive or dead; William, the second of the family, is a resi- dent of British Columbia, as is also Charles, the next in order of birth; Celia is not liv- ing; Jesse E., the subject of this review; Joel E. is a physician and surgeon practic- ing his profession in Nottingham township, Wells county; Belle is the wife of John Van Horn, a resident of Pennville, Jay county, 214 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and Harry H. C, the youngest of the num- ber, lives with tlie father. Jesse E. Saunders was born Decem- ber 1 6, 1870, one mile south of Notting- ham. W^ells county, his mother, whose maiden name was Harriet Morrical, being his father's third wife. After attending the district schools until completing the pre- scribed course, he entered the high school at Pennville and while thus prosecuting his studies devoted the summer seasons to work on his father's farm. When a mere lad he conceived a great taste for medical liter- ature and every spare hour at his command he would spend poring over the books with which his father's library was plentifully stocked. -In this way and by assisting his father in the office he easily acquired a valuable practical knowledge of the profes- sion which proved of great benefit to him when he took up the study of medicine in regular course some years later. His younger brother, Joel E., was equally inter- ested with him in reading and otherwise ob- taining an insight into the mysteries of the h.ealing art. the two availing themselves of every opportunity to add to their knowl- edge, not alone by reading, but by tending tlie office, preparing their father's medicine case and not infrequently accompanying the latter on his professional rounds. Later the subject spent five years as a drug clerk, two in Pennville, two at Shideler and one at Poneta, and in this capacity became familiar with materia medica, besides acquiring a knowledge of practical business methods which has conserved a good purpose in his chosen calling. In the fall of 1893 Dr. Saunders entered the American Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, which he attended two years, and then finished his professional course at Marion, Indiana, beginning the practice at Hartford City in the latter part of 1895. The following spring l^e located at Pe- troleum, Wells county, and here he has since resided, meanwhile building up a large and lucrative business which has been as successful financially as it has been pro- fessionally. As already stated. Dr. Saun- ders grew up in a doctor's office, conse- quently he entered upon his life work with a confidence and self reliance which the great majority of beginners do not possess. This natural ability, supplemented by rigid professional discipline, peculiarly fitted him to discharge his duties and since opening an office his advancement has been so rapid that he is now accounted one of the most successful physicians and' surgeons in the county of Wells. He has spared neither pains nor expense in acquiring a thorough knowledge of his profession, as witness the fact that of his ha\-ing in the year 1900 at- tended the Chicago Polyclinic, from which he holds a post-graduate certificate, and re- ceiving in 1897 a certificate from the state board of medical registration which enables him to practice in any part of Indiana with- out further examination. His success has been commensurate with the ability and energy displayed in his practice and his pat- ronage today is perhaps larger and more re- munerative than that of any other physician of like experience in this part of the state. He is widely and favorably known in medi- cal circles throughout Wells and neighbor- ing counties and has a personal acquaint- cince with many of the most eminent profes- sional men of the country, among whom he WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 215 is considered as rapidly coming to the front as a profound student and successful healer. He has been a member of the American As- sociation of Physicians and Surgeons since 1897 and in this and many other ways keeps himself in close touch with the trend of modern thought relative to medicine and surgery, thus earning the confidence of his patrons. Financially the Doctor's success has more than met liis brightest anticipations. He has already accumulated a handsome competence and is well situated to enjoy life, owning the most beautiful and desir- able residence in the village of Petroleum, besides other valuable property, real and personal. Dr. Saunders is a great admirer of fine horses and gratifies his taste in this direction by keeping for his own use the finest animals obtainable. He has on his place a model barn, one of the most com- plete structures of the kind in the county, and he spares no pains in caring for his horses and keeping them in the best of con- dition possible. He also has a well equipped office, containing the most approved appli- ances used in the profession, a fine library of technical works and a large stock of drugs, representing at a conservative esti- mate considerably in excess of three hundred dollars. Dr. Saunders is a progressive man of broad and liberal \iews and maintains an active interest in all enterprises for the good of the community. In politics he is a Democrat, but so great have been the de- mands of his profession that he has never stepped aside to take a very active part in political affairs. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, holding membership with Lodge No. 721 at Petroleum. He was married on the 2 1st day of September, 1895. to IMiss Mary Wiseman, daughter of Daniel and ^lary A. (Butter) Wiseman, the father a native of Pennsylvania, the mother born in Fayette county, Indiana. After living for a number of years in the county of Fayette these parents moved to Blackford countv, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They had seven children, w^hose names are as follows : Martha, wife of Bud Bowman, a resident of Montpelier; Mary, deceased wife of Alexander Johnson, of Blackford county ; Frank, deceased ; Charles, deceased ; Mrs. May Saunders ; Belle, the wife of Frank Pruden, of Hartford City, and an infant that died unnamed. Dr. and Mrs. Saunders are the parents of three children, Ralph. Delorme and Twilo, a little daughter, the latter being the only one liv- ing. The following memorial notice is here reprinted as being of special interest in con- nection with mention of the subject's chil- dren: Ix Memoriam. — Delorme Saunders, little son of Dr. J. E. and B. M. Saunders, was born August 20,1899, ^"'^ died January 6, 1902, being two vears four months and seventeen days old, after a linger- ing illness of four and one-half weeks. Delorme was brighter than ordinary children of his age, and was loved by all who knew him. The last few minutes of his life, he knew something was wrong, but could not tell what it was. About fifteen minutes before he died he asked his father to take him. His father took him in his arms and the child looked up into his papa's face and said, "O, papa," wanting his papa to do something for him ; but the father with broken heart, could do nothing, and saw death clasp his little son. Then Delorme placed his arms around his father's neck and said, "Good-bye, papa," and all was over. The funeral occurred at 2 o'clock, January 7, at the United Brethren church at Petroleum, Bro. E. Polly officiating, and the remains were taken to Penr.ville and laid to rest in the Odd Fellows' cemetery. 2l6 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. WILSON HUDSON. Wilson Hudson was born on the stroke of midnight and it is yet an unsettled ques- tion whether his natal day should be cele- brated as the 9th or loth of July, 1836. His grandfather, being an old sea captain, claims that it is permissible to date back, but not forward. So, in accordance with his grand- father's dictum, this solution was adopted and he was named George, born July 9, and so recorded in his grandfather's record. After a few years his uncle Wilson was killed by a falling rail while climbing a fence and so his grandmother would have the boy's name changed to Wilson, born July 10, 1S36, in Clinton county, Ohio, and since that time he has been known and called by the name of Wilson. He came with his parents to Huntington county, Indiana, in 1853. He obtained the rudiments of his education in the country in Huntington couiity. He remained under his father's con- trol even to the extent of not being allowed to call upon young ladies, until he was twen- ty-three years old. As an instance of par- ental supervision, he relates that upon one occasion he with his father were cutting rail timber on a day the evening of which the subject had promised to call upon a young lady of the neighborhood. Being afraid his father might interpose objections, the young man invented an excuse to escape liis lynx- eyed parent and account for his absence. So he left the measuring pole some distance back, and telling his father he would return for it, he hastened to the house to don his best clothes and seek the presence of his in- amorata. After he had started, he heard his father calling him, and his mother answer- ing, seeking to cover his retreat, as mothers will in such cases, God bless them, inform- ing him that the young man had "dressed and gone." The father's only remark on the occasion was, "Why in the devil did he not say he was going," which would indi- cate that in this case young Lochinvar's fear was the chief element to discourage love's young dream. The subject was married May 20, i860, to Margaret L. Corey, who was born in Rush county, Indiana, July 9, 1838, the daughter of Stephen and Mary (Downard) Corey. After his marriage Mr. Hudson remained one year with his father, who still retained control over him, and even the second year after his marriage he could not say that he was his own boss. At this time he and wife moved to them- selves and rented land in Huntington county. He remained there for two" years, when he traded out and removed to the farm. where he now lives. In 1863 this farm was all in the woods except twelve acres which was chopped to eighteen inches. (It was the custom in clearing land in the early days of the state to remove everything under eighteen inches in diameter, deadening the larger timber by girdling, and farming the land, a few years before finally clearing it off.) There were thirty-seven trees lying across the fences surrounding this twelve acres. The improvements in the way of buildings consisted only of a log house and barn. He now has one hundred acres of cleared land with fine buildings, the house having been built in 1893. About 1880 the subject's father sold his farm in Hunting- ton county and moved onto a twenty-five- acre tract of land belonging to the subject. Here his parents remained for about ten years, when the son moved them into his own house where, after two years, the ^ ^^^^..e/'J^ . ^-^ ^^ c^-t-^ ^^^^^^^^-^^1^9^ (ro^X>t.-^{/i£ri^ \\^ELLS COUNTY, INDIANA, 217 mother died. The son then gave his father the choice of any room in his house he wanted. He chose and was freely given the bed room of the subject and remained with him the rest of his Hfe. He died very suddenly of heart disease at the home of Orlando Thorp, in Warren. Indiana. As is frequently the case, he had presentiments of his approaching end, and the changes at- tending the inevitable lot of all cast their shadows before. With the exception of three years dur- ing the war, which he spent in dealing in cattle, being known as a cattle broker, Wil- son Hudson has devoted his whole life to farming interests, and is also a general stock farmer. He has eight producing oil wells on his farm and says it is just like finding the money. The subject is the father of two children, both of whom died unnamed in infancy. Since then he has turned his attention to needy children, hav- ing at different times brought clothing for sixt3'-three children who were objects for the charitably inclined. To many of these children he gave the privilege of buying the kind of clothing they wanted. He always has from one to four orphan chil- dren around him and is indeed a father to the fatherless. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have served many years as live practical workers. Politically Mr. Hudson's affiliations have been with the Democratic party, and he has ever been true to church and party. Al- though many times solicited, he has never accepted public office. Believing that a public recognition of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship would be conducix'e to the moral well-being of his localitv, he with others have petitioned that the oil wells be closed down on Sunday, but they have not yet succeeded in bringing this about. While the owners of the wells on his farm are pumping on Sunday, he has decided to donate his royalties of that duty to charity, and the proceeds of his Sunday production for the first year amounted to the sum of sixty-eight dollars and ninety-four cents. He is ever ready to lend a helping hand to the deserving poor, in which he observes the scriptural injunction in giving, to not let the left hand know what the right hand doeth. In the past four years the subject has aided four different parties (only one of whom was a relative) to the amount of fifty dollars each. Mr. Hudson thinks that he might ha\e been wealthy if he had been a guardian. If it is more blessed to give than to receive, surely the subject is rich in the consciousness of good deeds well done. He has realized the proper use of money in creating happiness for others, thus setting a worthy example to others who are cloyed with the sordid practice of accumulation and hoarding, with the delusive hope that in the possession of money alone is happiness to be found. Airs. Hudson, the wife of the subject, was a maiden of nine }ears when she came with her parents to Grant county, receiving her education in that county. She has seen this part of Indiana when it was new, even when the wolves howled around their cabin door. She is one of those good, kind, af- fectionate, motherly ladies, whom it is pleas- ure to meet. She and her good husband's hospitable home is a haven for friend and stranger alike. Many hundreds have par- taken from their bountiful table, and been cheered by the happy smiling faces of father WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and mother Hudson. Mrs. Hudson has ever been her husband's companion in all the walks of life, ever ready to cheer him by her sweet presence, advice and counsel. To show their wonderful generosity and hospitality it is said that one year thirteen hundred people dined in their home. HUDSON FAMILY. Twenty-five Hudsons, among whom were five Johns, came from England and Ireland in the year 1600, the principal por- tion of this number landing in Pennsyl- vania. They were given between three and four thousand acres of land for their trans- portation and taking allegiance to the old country. The Johns aforementioned were distinguished from each other by John Pond, John Delight, etc., according as they happened to live by a pond, or other appel- lations suggested by surrounding circum- stances. They described their land as fol- lows : "On north side of marsh of Wicom- ico." This is a .sample of deed: "John Hudson, 'John Pond,' thirty-four acres, surveyed October 9, 1674, in Dorchester county, on the north side of a marsh of Wicomico river." Dennis Hudson, great- grandfather of the subject, was born in Ire- land. Grandfather Selby Hudson was a sea captain, commanding a vessel during the Revolutionary war. He was on his way to some point with a vessel loaded with sol- diers, when he met vessels returning with the news that peace had been declared. He then moved to Rochester county, Maryland, where he lived for several years, still retain- ing the position of sea captain, and made his stopping place at his home at Snow Hill, from which place he removed to Brown county, Ohio. He constructed the first steamboat that was built at Cincinnati, Ohio. He had two sisters, Margaret and Hester Ann, and three brothers, Melvin, Eli and Elibu ; Eli died in Jay county, Indiana. Selby Hudson was twice married. His first wife was Hettie Davis and to them were born two children who lived, Thomas and Katie Ann. His second wife was Eliz- abeth Richardson, by whom he had several children. To both marriages were born twenty-two children. When Selby Hud- son came to Cincinnati, Ohio, he moved his family there. James W. Hudson was born in Maryland, his father later removing his family onto a farm in Brown county, Ohio, when James W., the father of the subject, was a small boy. Soon after his removal to Brown county, Ohio, James was sent on an errand to his uncle's. He started, wearing a new pair of trousers. It being a custom- ary thing in those days to wear long shirts, he hung his trousers in a tree by the way- side and thus dressed in the usual costume for boys of the period, he continued his journey, performed his errand, and return- ing by the same way, he repossessed him- self of the, what seemed to him, unnecessary part of his apparel which he had left hang- ing in the tree and wore them back home. Selby Hudson died in Clinton county, Ohio, at the age of eighty years ; James W. grew up on the farm in Ohio, and there met and married Catherine Sharp, a daughter of Stockdale and Mary Sharp. After his marriage James W. Sharp settled in Ohio, where he remained until 1853, when he removed to Jefferson town- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 219 ship, Huntington county, Indiana. About 1885 he moved to Wells county and lived virtually with Wilson Hudson until his death. Catherine, his wife, died November I, 1894, aged eighty-two years ten months and twenty-two days. James W. died Aug- ust 19, 1899, aged eighty-seven years ten months and six days. AMOS GEHRETT. \\'ells count)- is characterized by her full share of the honest pioneer element who have done so much for the development of the county and the establishment of the in- stitutions of civilization in this fertile and well-favored section. A great work was ac- complished by the early settlers and it is granted by all that they builded wiser than they knew. Admit that as a rule, but few ever realized in the dimmest way the trans- cendant possibilities that rested upon their shoulders; grant it that their lives, in most instances, were somewhat narrow and that they realized but little the great results that ultimately crowned their efforts ; yet there exists the supreme fact that they followed their restless impulses, took their lives in their own hands, as it were, penetrated the wilderness and with a patient energy, reso- lution and self-sacrifice that stands alone and unparalleled, they worked out their al- lotted tasks, acomplished their destinies and today their descendants and others enjoy undisturbed the fruitage of their labors. A few of these honored old pioneers are yet living in the midst of the scenes of some of their former labors and are today enjoying the richly-merited honors and material re- wards which have come to them as the re- sult of their former endeavors. Among this class may be properly included the gentle- man whose name forms the caption to these Amos Gehrett is a native of Pennsyl- vania, having been born in Berks county, that state, in 1822. His father, Henry Gehrett, was also a native of the same state and was immediately descended from Rev- olutionary ancestry, the subject's paternal grandfather and two of the latter's broth- ers having given up their lives on the altar of their country's independence. Henry Gehrett grew to manhood in his native county and was there married to ]\Iiss Susan Feon. For some time after his mar- riage he remained there and pursued the occupation of farming. Subsequently he removed with his family to Fairfield county, Ohio, and there also engaged in the same occupation. He spent the most of his life there, but his last days were spent in Wells county, Indiana, where he made his home with his children, his wife having died during their residence in Ohio. They were the parents of thirteen children, briefly mentioned as follows : Benjamin, de- ceased ; Lydia, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceas- ed ; William, deceased ; Peter, deceased ; Samuel died while in the military service of his country ; Amos, the subject : Sarah, the widow of Jacob Warner; Susan, the widow of William Kirkwood ; Deborah, deceased; Henry and Rosetta, twins, of whom Henry is a resident of Ohio, and Rosetta is the wife of Reuben Stout, of Wells county: a son who died in infancy. Amos Gehrett did not receive very lib- eral educational advantages in his youth, but attended the public schools whenever it was possible for him to do so and at length became fairlv i)roficient in the common WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. branches. As soon as he was old enough he commenced working for his father on the Ohio farm and remained under the pa- rental roof until he was twenty-two years old, receiving for his labor his board, cloth- ing, etc. About 1844' he came to Wells county, Indiana, and settled on eighty acres of land comprising part of the farm which he still occupies, his father having entered the land some time previously. His ma- terial resources at this time were quite lim- ited, possessing very little besides a cow and a horse. He made his own bedstead and such other furniture as was absolutely necessary with which to engage in house- keeping. However he was not at all dis- couraged, but, filled with ambition and en- ergy, he at once went to work to create for himself a home. He at first erected a small log cabin, sixteen by eighteen feet in size, and the same season planted five acres of ground to corn. He worked for others whenever he could find work to do in order to obtain money and was also employed in the construction of the first railroad sur- veyed through the county. Meantime his spare time was steadily occupied in the task of clearing his land, which was eventually accomplished, and then, as rapidly as oppor- tunity offered and he had the means, he purchased other tracts. His first additional purchase was one hundred and sixty acres of timber land. He and his son cleared a part of this tract and he then disposed of it and bought another tract of one hundred and sixty acres which he gave to his son, Henry. Subsequently he bought one hun- dred- and sixty acres of the John Warner estate and also eighty acres of the Jacob Warner estate and forty acres belonging to his son, Henry. He is now the owner of three hundred and twentv acres in one bodv and also another tract of forty acres, all be- ing considered fine farming land. With the exception of eight hundred dollars which he received from his father's estate, all his property has been acquired as the result of his own industry and unremitting toil. He has carried on a general line of farming, and has also been engaged largely in the raising and selling of live stock, which has been, under his able management, a profit- able source of income. He breeds a general line of cattle, but gives special attention to Poland China hogs. He has been an inde- fatigable worker during all the years of his residence in this county, and his labor has been commensurately rewarded. He has, by a course of right living and strict attention to the ethics of life, won the warm esteem and high regard of his numerous ac- quaintances and few men in his locality have a larger circle of friends than he. In 1844 Mr. Gehrett was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Hufford, the daugh- ter of Daniel and Sarah Hufford, natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania. She was born in 1823, also in Berks county, and was brought by her parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, where she formed an acquaintance with the subject, an acquaintance which re- sulted in their marriage. They became the parents of one child, Henry S., who died on the 3rd of March, 1894, aged forty-sev- en years, seven months and five days. He married Elizabeth Keller and to their union were born three children, as follows : Sar- ah Alice died June 9, 1892; Hugh L. died March 17, 1894; Amos died !\Iarch 16. 1873. The subject has now no children or grandchildren living. Religiously the subject and his wife have been for a number of years earnest and faithful members of the German Baptist WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. church. PoHtically Mr. Gehrett is affili- ated with the Democratic party and votes that ticket on national elections, though in local electi stantial and commodious buildings and brought the place up to a high standard of excellence. When the town of Petroleum was organized Mr. Neher sold oiif ten acres of his land and later sold seventy-two acres to Cyrus Hoppers, retaining seventy-four acres of as fine and productive land as can be found in Nottingham township. For the past eight years he has rented this farm, but it is now managed by Mr. Neher's son-in- law, Charles Dyson, who lives on the place. Mr. Neher has upon this place nine produc- ing oil wells, which net him a comfortable income. He has all his life been a hard wiirking- man and l)y his perseverance and indefatigable industry has accomplished his full share of redeeming this part of the coun- trv from its original wildness. WELLS COUNTY. INDL\NA. 301 On the 20th of January. 1856, Samuel Xeher was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Nevel. Slie was born in Tuscara- was county. Ohio. April 4. 1838. the daugh- ter of John and Sokoonda (Bartholomew) Nevel. Her father, a native of Pennsyl- vania, was born May 12, 1796. and died in 1886. and her mother, a native of Germany, was born June 10. 1808. and died February 1 1. 1879. The union of the subject and his wife was blessed by the birth of eight chil- dren, briefly mentioned as follows : John married Lucinda Warner and the}- have two children, Erwin and Ora : Amos is deceased ; David married Alice Warner and is the father of three children, Oscar. Ethel and George; Mary became the wife of S. N. Burket and is the mother of these children : dren : Ollie. Estella, Effie. John. Charles, Raymond and Ralph ; Sarah became tlie wife of Clinton S. Ferguson and they have three children, Clara, Samuel and Roy. Jacob is deceased ; Samuel L married Ella Lockwood and has one child. Hugh : Ida is the wife of Charles Dyson and the mother of three chil- dren. Iva. \^irgil and Ethel. Politically Air. Neher has throughout his life been a firm supporter of the Republi- can party, but at the last election, feeling that the suppression of the liquor traffic was the most vital question before the American people, he cast his vote for the Prohibition candidates. While residing in Ohio he was elected to the position of supervisor and at one time declined to run for trustee in the face of the expressed wish of his friends. The religious principles of the subject and his wife are embodied in the creed of the Cierman Baptist church, of which they have for many years been active and influential members. Mr. Neher has continuouslv since 1863 held a license to preach and is still deeply interested in the material and spiritual welfare of his church. During his connection with the church in the capacity of a minister he has had pastoral oversight of as many as four charges at one time, though never receiving much compensation. Besides his ministerial labors, he maintained a careful supervision of his farming inter- ests and in all the varied activities of life he has demonstrated a large capacity for hard and consecuti\-e work, both physical and mental. He lives a quiet, peaceable life, con- secrated to his fellow man, and his words as well as his example have inspired others to noble deeds and greater activities in right living. To say that Mr, Neher is a good man and upright citizen and a devout Chris- tian is to express a fact of which his neigh- bors and fellow citizens are fully cognizant. His aim has always been to do the right and it is to such as he our country is indebted for the stability of its institutions and for the large measure of prosperity which it enjoys. GIFFON SNOW. The gentleman whose life history is em- bodied in this review enjoys distinction as an enterprising farmer and successful stock raiser, while his standing as a worthy citi- zen, with the good of the community ever at heart, is second to that of no other resi- dent of the township in which he lives. Giflfon Snow was born on the farm which he now owns and cultivates, August 8, 1865, being the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Booth) Snow, of wliom appropriate refer- ence will be found on another page of this 302 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. volume. Reared in the country and early taught the lessons of industry and thrift with which the majority of farm lads be- come familiar, young Snow grew up a sturdy youth, strong in his determination to be- come an honest and useful man and to make the world better by his presence. His ac- quaintance with practical life began at an early age and until his eighteenth year he assisted with the labors of the farm and contributed his full share to the maintenance of the family. His educational privileges were such as the district schools afforded and these he attended until his seventeenth vear, making the most of his opportunities the meanwhile. At the age of eighteen he entered into partnership with his brother to cultivate the home place, each to receive one- third of the proceeds of their labor, the father furnishing the stock and necessary implements for the prosecution of the work. Subsequently, on the death of the father, the two brothers took the farm on equal shares and in this way continued to run it until the place was divided and each received his part of the heritage. Mr. Snow prospered as a farmer and in due time was in a situation to set up a do- mestic establishment of his own; accord- ingly, on the 3rd day of September, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Goodin, daughter of J. D. Goodin, a well known citizen of Chester township. Mrs. Snow was born in Wells county, Indiana, January 21, 1873, and was an infant two weeks old when her mother died. She is a child by her father's first marriage and has two sisters living, viz: Elizabeth, wife of Thomas McGeath, and Nettie, wife of Dillon Hall, her only brother, Madison, dying some rears ago. By the second marriage Mr. Goodin had two children, Lawrence and Herman Goodin. For about eight months after his mar- riage yir. Snow lived on the home farm and during the succeeding year rented the Wil- son place in Chester township, which he cultivated with a fair measure of success until again taking up his residence on the old fam'ily homestead. He has brought his share of the farm to a high state of tillage, devotes his attention to general agriculture and by industry and successful management has accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in very comfortable cir- cumstances. As a breeder of live stock, es- pecially Galloway cattle, he has materially in- creased his income, as he raises for the market nearly every year quite a number of these animals and always receives for them the highest price which the best grade of cattle commands. Mr. Snow has voted the Democratic ticket ever since old enough to cast a ballot, but he cannot be called a politician, never stepping aside from his chosen calling to take a very active interest in party affairs. He is a gentleman of quiet, unassuming de- meanor, attends strictly to his own business and wherever known has always been un- assailable. Honest in all of his dealings and exceedingly sociable in his relations with his fellow men, he is esteemed an excellent neighbor and a loyal friend, and as a citizen no one stands higher or discharges his duty in a more praiseworthy manner. Mr. Snow is an intelligent gentleman and in matters of business is characterized by soundness of judgment which makes his opinions and ad- vice valuable to those who ask for them. Mrs. Snow is a consistent member of the Christian church ; while not identified with WELLS COUNTY, INDL'\NA. 303 any religious organization himself, Mr. Snow has profound respect for sacred things and to the extent of his ability contributed of his means for the moral and spiritual ad- vancement of his kind. He is a liberal pro- vider for his family, believes in using the good things of this world and to this end has supplied his home with many of the con- veniences and comforts which make rural life pleasant and desirable. Mr. and Mrs. Snow have one child, Vertner A., who was born on the 6th day of November, 1S94. EDWARD TERHUNE. Edward Terhune is a son of Garrett and Mary A. Terhune and was born in Miami county, Lidiana, January 11, 1854. He at- tended the common school in district No. 4, Chester township. Wells county, Indiana, until he was eighteen years of age, after which he remained with his father working for his board and clothes until he was twenty-one. He then continued to live with his father, working by the month for about five years. He spent some time in Illinois and in 1878 was in the state of Missouri. June 12, 1879, he was married to Ellen Mc- Cullick, a daughter of Henry, Sr., and Su- san (Truby) McCullick. and who was born August 29, 1858. The father, Henry, Sr., was a native of Virginia and the mother of the state of Ohio, and they were among the first settlers of Wells county, Indiana. Af- ter his marriage the subject remained at home for one year, and then, in the fall of 1880, settled on the farm where he now lives. Then the land was all in the woods, but has now about sixty-five acres of cleared land. His farm is in the oil field and con- tains nine very good wells. He is a general stock farmer and breeder, principally of Po- land China hogs and shorthorn cattle. He has been on the farm where he now lives since he first settled on it and has devoted his time wholly to his farming interests. He is the father of eight children, seven of whom are living, viz : Edith, born August 13. 1879, married James M. Mitchell, now a resident of Chester township. Wells county ; Charlie, born March 21, 188 1, died Febru- ary 26. 1899; Clayton, born December 22, 1882, at home with his parents; William O., born November i, 1884; Henry, born Aug- ust 17, 1886; Bertha, born July 27, 1889; Edward R., born December 21, 1893, and Grace, born January 31, 1900. The subject is the owner of eighty acres of fine farming land and a pleasant country home, where he resides surrounded by all the comforts attending successful farm life. His wife is connected with the Disciples church, to which he is a liberal con- tributor. He is a member of the Mt. Zion Lodge No. 684. I. O. O. F.. also of Oil City Encampment No. 182, at Montpelier, Indi- ana. He with his wife also belong to Para- dise Rebekah Lodge No. 83. at Blufifton, Indiana. He has passed through all the chairs of the subordinate lodge and has twice been a representative to the grand lodge. Mr. Terhune has been a Republican all his life and is an active party worker in all campaigns, national, state and county. The subject of this sketch is a worthy represent- ative of that class who stand midway as it were between the hardy pioneers, who first broke the primeval solitude of our virgin forest with intent to found homes for them- selves and posterity in its vast areas, and the 304 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. present generation who are so abundantly reaping the fruits of their labors — a class who in their half century of existence have ably supplemented the labors of their prede- cessors by a continuation of the reclamation of the remaining tracts of forest land, which stood as mute witnesses of the unfinished labor of a passing generation and an invita- tion to the ambitious and energetic of their sons to carve out for themselves homes be- side those of their sires. After availing him- self of the common schools, the subject set- tled on land in the woods and by his own efforts has builded a home which is an honor to himself and a credit to his vicinage. In doing this he has also found time to take an active and intelligent interest in public affairs and a participation in the social amen- ities as exemplified in the fraternal orders of his locality. He is an active and intelli- gent citizen, possessing the confidence of his neighbors and with an aptitude for the trans- action of public business. All honor to the class of whom Edward Terhune is a worthy representative. GEORGE W. CAPS. It is a fact patent to all that the United States can boast of no better or more law- abiding class of citizens than the great riumber of Germans who have found homes within her borders. Though holding dear a!id sacred the beloved fatherland, they are none the less devoted to the fair country of their adoption and should necessity require it would be willing to go forth to battle for the maintenance of its institutions. Among this large and highly respected class is the subject of this sketch, who for a number of years has taken precedence as one of the lead- ing citizens of Harrison township, \\'ells county, [ndiana. George W. Caps is the son of Christo- pher and Edna (Wertenberger) Caps and was born at Newsteadt, near Darmstadt, Germany, on the 13th of July, 1825. On the maternal side the subject is descended from .several families of France who, because of religious persecution, were dri\-en from that country and settled in Germany. The par- ents of the subject remained in the father- land all their lives and there reared a family of six children, of whom George W. was the youngest. The latter was reared in his native land and learned the trade of a bar- ber. In May, 1.854, becoming convinced that larger opportunities awaited him in the new world, he emigrated thither and upon landing in New York city at once went to work at his trade, at which he continued for a short time. Subsequently he came to \\^ens county and worked at tlie blacksmith trade, being in the employ of his brother for some time. He was energetic and ambitious and when out of regular employment worked at anything he could find to do. For a while he worked at common labor and then for some years was a renter. He went to Allen county and for some time carried on farm- ing operations in connection with his brother. In 1878 he. returned to Wells county and purchased the farm on which he now resides and has continued since to oper- ate it with success and financial profit. When he obtained the land it was cleared, but he has erected the present comfortable and commodious buildings and has other- wise in many ways improved the place, until it now stands as one of the best farms for MRS. GEORGE L. CAPS. GEORGE L. CAPS. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 305 its size in the township. He has always been a hard-working man, has e.xercised sound judgment in the management of his business, afYairs and has been able to save of his means so that today he is considered fairly well ofif. In 1855 Mr. Caps was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary E. Marks, a native also of Germany, and to this union were born nine children, of whom eight still sur- vive, as follows : John E., Rine, Tilla, Lydia, William, Dora, John C, George L. P., Amos died in infancy. Of these children, the following facts are noted : John E., a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, is, in com- pany W'ith three brothers, Rine, W^illiam and John C, engaged in the manufacture of printers' special machinery. He married Miss Myrtle Boger and is the father of one son, Joseph E. He also has two daughters by a previous marriage, Maud and Hortense. Rine, of Kansas City, married Miss Bertha Tusteron and they have two children, Arthur and Genevieve. Lydia is the w'lie of F. W. Paulsen, of Ft. \Vayne, who is con- nected with the Western Gas Company, and they are the parents of three children : Har- old, Freddie and Arthur E. William, a resident of Kansas City, wedded Miss Alice Taylor and by her has two children, Donald and Thelma. John C, of Kansas City, who married Miss Florence Fowler, has one son. Dean. Tilla was the wife of Moses Sawyer, deceased, and has one son, William Martin. Dora is the widow of John Ratlifif and the mother of three daughters, Alice, Ina and Evelyn. George L. is mentioned at length further on in this review. Religiously George W. Caps has for many years been a member of the German Reformed church and since residing in this country has affili- ated with the Democratic party in poli- tics. He received a thorough education in his native tongue and is well read and thoroughly informed on all the leading ques- tions of the day, taking at all times a keen interest in all things afifecting the best inter- ests of the community or nation. George L. Caps, son of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article, was reared upon the home place and in the common school received a fair education. He was early taught the secrets of success- ful agriculture and all his life has remained at home. He is now operating the farm and by the exercise of sound judgment, wise management and a thorough understanding of the advanced methods of agriculture has achieved a pronounced success in his calling. He is well known among the people of Har- rison township and has won for himself a legion of warm personal friends who es- teem him for his personal worth. For a helpmate on life's journey Mr. Caps chose Miss Louisa Linn, the daughter of Levi and Caroline Linn, and to them ha\-e been born two daughters, Gladys and Helen. In politics he is a firm and uncompromis- ing Democrat, ready at all times to defend his honest convictions on all matters afifect- ing the public welfare. Religiously he is a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, belonging to the congregation at Bethel. He is at pres- ent one of the trustees of his church and at the time of the erection of the present hand- some brick structure he took an active inter- est in its building and was one of the most liberal contributors towards its erection. He has served as superintendent of the Sunday school and in many other ways has shown a keen interest in the success of the various 3o6 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. church activities. His methods are in keep- ing with tlie progressive spirit of the twen- tieth century and his present prosperity is a monument to his thrift and well-directed efforts. He is a man of broad humanitarian principles, of earnest purpose and upright life, is widely known and is esteemed by all for his genuine worth. EDGAR C. WILLIAMS. Prominent among the successful farm- ers and stock raisers of Wells county is Ed- gar C. Williams, who was born in the town- ship of Nottingham on the loth day of Feb- ruary, 1862. His father was Thomas Wil- liams, a native of West Virginia, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary A. Taylor, was born in Old Virginia. These parents were taken to Ohio when quite young and grew to maturity in that state, marrying near the town of Bell Brook, Warren county. There Thomas Williams engaged in farming, but three years after his marriage moved to Wells county. Indiana, settling in March, 1856, on the farm now owned and occupied by the subject. His original purchase was w'holly timber land and when he reached the site of liis future home the snow lay twenty inches deep on the ground and a more gloomy and uninviting prospect than that which greeted the new comers would be difficult to imagine. He selected his place some time previous to the above date and erected thereon a log cabin, eighteen by twenty-four feet in size, the floor of which consisted of rough boards made with a whip-saw. Mr. Williams and fam- ily occupied this humble dwelling for three years, during which time he cleared a good- ly portion of his land besides making a num- ber of other improvements. At the expira- tion of the third year he changed his abode to what is known as the Whiteman farm, consisting of four hundred acres which he rented during the ten years following, re- turning at the end of that time to his own place where he continued to reside until his death, on the 15th day of July, 1897, at the age of seventy-nine. Mrs. Williams preced- ed her husband to the silent land by nearly twenty years, departing this life on the 15th of June, 1877, when fifty-four years old. Seven children were born to this excellent couple, three of whom are living at this time, namely : John, a farmer and stock raiser of Nottingham township; James F., also a resi- dent of Nottingham township, and Edgar, whose name introduces this review. The deceased members of the family were Eliza, wife of Solomon Shoemaker, Thomas C. and Theodore, twins, and Eber. The early life of Edgar C. Williams was similar in most respects to that of the general run of country boys, having been devoted to labor in the woods and fields in the summer time and to study in the district schools of winter seasons. His first educational ex- experience was in the school at Domestic, which he attended at intervals until his twentieth 3rear, and it is but just to state that he made commendable progress and became a good practical scholar. Reared on the, farm, he early learned the equally, if not more valuable, lessons of industry, thrift and self-reliance, so that before attaining his majority he found himself in a situation to support and properly care for a companion on life's journey. On the 25th day of Feb- ruary, 1882, he was joined in wedlock with WELLS COUNTY, nNDL\NA. 307 Miss Susannali Sa\v}-er, a native of Xotting- ham townsliip and daughter of Beniville and Sarah ( Reiff ) Sawyer, natives of Pennsyl- vania who came to Wells county about the year 1865. After his marriage Mr. Wil- liams rented the home farm, which he culti- vated with his father's assistance until the latter's death. He received two-thirds of the proceeds of the place and made a home for his father as long as he lived, looking cnrefully after his interests and ministering to his necessities and comfort with the most earnest and loving consideration. }ilr. ^^'illiams now owns eighty-five acres of the old homestead which he has brought to a successful state of tillage, and since taking possession of the same he has devoted his time and attention to agriculture and stock raising with handsome financial results. He raises fine varieties of short- horn cattle and the Poland China breed of swine and of recent years has given con- siderable attention to thoroughbred Shrop- shire sheep, which he raises and sells solely for breeding purposes. His reputation as a sheep raiser is second to that of no other stock raiser in the county and such is the high repute of his animals that there is al- ways a much larger demand for them than he can possibly supply. As a general farm- er he easily ranks with the most enterprising and successful men of his part of the county, as the condition of his buildings, fences, finely cultivated fields and other accessories abundantly attest. ]\Ir. Williams has not failed to reap his share of the benefits resulting from the dis- covery of oil in this part of Lidiana; his farm lies in one of the best producing fields of the county and from the six wells which have been drilled thereon he receives no in- considerable part of his income. He is deep- ly interested in this large and growing indus- try and hopes, with every reason of fulfill- ment, for still greater financial returns at no distant day. Mr. Williams is a progressive, wide- awake man of the times, and takes a pardon- able pride in the advancement of his town- ship and county along agricultural and in- dustrial lines. He is an excellent neighbor and a praiseworthy citizen, assists to the ex- tent of his ability all enterprises having for their object the moral and social welfare of his community and is invariably found on the right side of every question or issue of any public moment. In politics he is a Repub- lican on state and national issues, but when it comes to matters of a purely local nature he generally votes for the man instead of obey- ing the dictates of party leadership. Mr. Williams is a firm believer in the revealed religion of the Bible and wishes to be known simply as a Christian or Dis- ciple. Firmly convinced that the sacred scriptures are sufficient as a rule of faith and practice without the aid of man-made creeds or statements of doctrine, he united with the Christian church and is now one of the most active and influential members of the congre- gation worshiping at the village of Domes- tic. He has served as deacon for a number of years and is an ardent worker in the Sun- day school, where his services have been utilized both as teacher and ofificial. He has also held the position of trustee ever since the present house of worship was erected and in this as in other capacities proves his value and efficiency as a loyal disciple of the Christ. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are tJie parents of one child, a daughter bv the name of 3o8 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Amanda, who was born December 15, 1883 ; she is now the wife of Peter Coffman and the mother of two children, Leona P. and Len- ora. Mr. Coffman is a prosperous farmer and at tlie present time manages his father- in-law's place. Mrs. Williams was born in Nottingham township on the 2nd day of No- vember, 1862. and is one of the eight chil- dren comprising the family of Beniville and Sarah Sawyer, to whom reference is made in a preceding paragraph. The names of her brothers and sisters are as follows : Emeline, wife of Jerry French ; George ; John; Amanda, wife of Benjamin Green; David, Noah, and Eliza, now Mrs. Edward Baker. Mrs. and Mr. Sawyer moved from Wells county to Kansas in 1885 and after living four years in that state changed their residence to Carthage, Missouri ; where Mr. Sawyer spent the remainder of his days and where his widow still resides. ALBERT E. TERHUXE. \\'ells county is proud to number among its enterprising farmers and progressive men of affairs the' well known and highly esteemed gentleman to a brief review of whose life and achievements the reader's at- tention is here directed. Albert E. Ter- hune is a native of Miami county, Indiana, and the son of Garrett and Mary Ann (Davison) Terhune, the father born in Kentucky and the mother in the state of Pennsylvania. The maiden name of Mrs. Terhune was Davison. She was brought to Indiana when young, as was also Mr. Ter- hune, and their marriage was solemnized a number of years ago in the county of Wells. Subsequently they removed to Miami county and after living for some time in that part of the state, returned to Wells and located on the place now owned by William Ter- hune. where they spent the remainder of their lives, Mrs. Terhune dying November 2-/, 1900, and her husband on the 23rd of April, 1898. They reared a family of five children, all but one still living, the subject of this sketch being the first born ; the others are Edward, a farmer of Chester township, this county: Elizabeth, the wife of Peter Speece, of W'ells county ; Alice, deceased, was the wife of Robert Murray, and Wil- liam, who, as stated above, owns and culti- vates the family homestead in Chester town- ship. Albert E. Terhune was born on the 22nd day of July, 185 1. in ]\Iiami county, Indiana, and at the age of nine years was taken by his parents to Illinois. After spending two and a half years in that state, the family re- turned to Indiana and settled on a farm near McCullick Ford, Wells county, and it was on this place that the subject grew from youth to young manhood. Mr. Terhune's first educational experience was in Miami county and later he attended three terms of school in the state of Illinois. After mov- ing to Wells county he continued his studies in the winter time until about twenty years old, attending his last term at the Five Point school house in Chester township. On attaining his majority Mr. Terhune worked as a farm hand during the greater part of one year and then returned home for the purpose of looking after his parents' inter- ests. He remained with his father until about twenty-five years of age, when he took to himself a companion and helpmeet in the person of Miss Susan Jones, the ceremony WELLS COUNTY. INDL\NA. 309 by which the two were made husband and wife being solemnized on the 28th day of December, 1876., Airs. Terhune was born in Wells county, August 8, 1858, the daugh- ter of Isaac and Sarah (Huffman) Jones, natives of Ohio and early settlers of Jack- son township, this county, where they are still living. Isaac Jones came to Indiana when Wells county was a wilderness and took an active part in the material de\'elop- ment of the country; he reared a family of ten children, whose names are as follows : Susan, wife of the subject of this sketch; Alary, wife of Ira Brown; Daniel; Eliza, now Airs. Jacob Sills ; Alary C. married W. O. Terhune; Nora, wife of Charles Stinson; Amy, wife of O. F. Wliite; Ella, who mar- ried J. A. Alespaugh, and Alinnie, who be- came the wife of Willard Grover. Immediately following his marriage. Air. Terhune settled on a part of his father's place and during the succeeding three years followed agricultural pursuits there with gratifying results, at the expiration of that period moving to the Shull place, where he lived about the same length of time. He then cleared up a tract of wood and swamp land in Chester tow'nship on which no im- pro\-ements worth mentioning had been made and addressed himself to the task of clearing away the timber and draining the parts too wet for tillage. To redeem this land and transform it into one of the finest and most productive farms in Chester town- ship required a prodigious amount of hard labor, but in due time the forest disappeared and what was originally a wilderness of miry swamp and marsh is now the richest of black loam soil, producing abundantly ail the grain and vegetable crops grown in this lati- tude. Air. Terhune has good substantial buildings on his place, fine fences and every- thing pertaining to the premises indicating the home of an intelligent, progressive far- iuer who keeps in touch with modern agri- cultural methods. In addition to the income from his crops and the fine grades of live stock which he raises. Air. Terhune realizes considerable money each year from the four producing oil wells on his farm, his place lying in one of the richest oil districts of Indiana. In all that constitutes the enterprising, up-to-date farmer, the true and loyal citizen, the sub- ject of this review is the peer of any resident of the county : he maintains an abiding in- terest in whatever concerns the welfare of the community, takes an active part in its material and moral development and is ever ready to lend his influence or aid in a more substantial way any movements with these objects in view. He is a member of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 684 at Alt. Zion, having filled all the chairs in the same, be- sides representing the organization in the grand lodge during the session of 1898. In politics he has always been a Republican and in religion his belief is in accord with the plain, simple teachings of the Christian church. He and wife have been identified with this communion for a number of years and are among the most zealous members of the congregation to which they belong. Air. and Airs. Terhune have had twelve children, of whom nine are living at this time, namely: Cora, born June 15, 1879, is the wife of Irvin West and the mother of one child, Ota; Isaac, whose birth occurred August 10. 1881, lives on the home farm: Delia was born Alarcli 10, 1883, married James Hunnicutt and has one daughter. Ethel N. ; Ada A. was born October 6, 188 s. 3IO WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and is the wife of George C. Nefif; Daniel E. was born on the 8th day of April, 1887; Lela E., May 20, 1890; Ethel, March 15, 1892; Effie G., August 28, 1892; Ora, born on the 1st of April, 1894. and Gladys, the bab}", aged four years. The names of those deceased are Homer, born August 12, 1888, died June 13, 1899; Nora H., born Febru- ary 12, 1896, and died September 14, 1897. LOUIS A. NUTTER. One of the prosperous and steadily thriving farmers of Wells county, Indiana, is Louis A. Nutter, who is also largely en- gaged in stock breeding, especially hogs. Mr. Nutter was born in Hocking county, Ohio, December 9, 1848, and is a son of Levi and Sarah A. (Martin) Nutter. Levi Nutter, a native of Virginia, was a boy when he came to the Buckeye state with his widowed mother, and there he grew to manhood and met and married Miss Sarah A., daughter of Patrick and Cynthia Martin, and reared near Canton. Levi went to housekeeping on a farm in Hocking county, where he lived about ten years, and then came to Wells county, Indiana, and entered eighty acres of land in Nottingham town- ship. Two years later he returned to Hock- ing county, where he passed the remainder of his life, and at his death left his widow witli nine children, named as follows: Cyn- thia A., a widow now residing in Notting- ham township; Margaret, wife of Thomas Dyson, of Athens county, Ohio : Melissa, wife of George Dyson, of Nottingham township. Wells county, Indiana; Louis A., the subject proper of this sketch : Lydia, wife of Elijah Dyson, of Athens county, Ohio; Levi D., a resident of Reiffsburg, In- diana; Charles M., deceased; Calista Slo- cum, of Grant county, Indiana, and Jane, wife of Robert Kennedy, of Dixonton, Ohio. Louis A. Nutter attended the public schools and lived with his father until twen- ty-one years old and then began coal mining, at which he worked eleven years, during which period he married and located in Hocking county, Ohio. While mining he accumulated sufficient money to enable him to purchase a tract of eighty acres of farm-" ing land in Nottingham township, Wells county, Indiana, a portion of which was cleared. This land had belonged to an uncle, from whom Mr. Nutter purchased it, but at the death of this uncle it was dis- covered that the title was clouded and he lost his land, which is now owned l)y the Rhea family. Mr. Nutter, however, filed a claim against the estate of William Nutter and was awarded the eighty-acre tract on which he now lix'es, and to which he has since added twenty acres and now owns one hundred acres, all in one body. Of this property he took possession in 1881, and in 1890 erected a very handsome dwelling" and an excellent barn in 1901. He gives a great deal of his attention to the breeding of Duroc hogs and red polled cattle, as well as Oxford Down sheep, and feeds his corn mostly to his hogs. Louis A. Nutter was united in marriage in Hocking county, Ohio, June 11, 1874, with Miss Louisa Burgess, who was born in Wells county, Indiana, August 20, 1856, and is a daughter of Henson and Catherine (Haines) Burgess, the latter deceased. The Burgess family were old settlers of Adams countv, Ohio, but Henson is now a resident WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 311 of Hocking count}-. At the time they lo- cated in Wells county, Indiana, Bluffton contained one or two houses only, and Mr. Burgess maintained himself .and family as a professional deer hunter. To Mr. and Mrs. Burgess were born ten children, viz : Mary, Gabe, Richard (deceased), John (de- ceased), Philemon, Mark, Emanuel, George, Lavina and Louisa (now Mrs. Nutter). To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nutter have been born seven children, viz : Charles, deceased; Stella M., married to Allen Spoeheger, and now residing in Harrison township; Brenton F., at home; Bertram, deceased; Gardner, deceased; Alva H. and Luta V. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Reiffsburg and Mr. Nutter is a member of Lodge No. 752, I. O. O. F., at Poneto, in which he was initiated in 1873. He has filled all the chairs of his lodge and has twice represent- ed it in the grand lodge. In politics ^Ir. Nutter is a Democrat and takes an active part in the work of his party locally, and in society circles he and wife stand very high. JOHN A. ALSPACH. John A. Alspach first saw the light of day in Jackson township. Wells county. Indiana, March 10, 1869. He is a son of Daniel Alspach, a native of Perry county, Ohio, who came to Wells county with his parents, Amos and Elizabeth Alspach, na- tives of Ohio, when he was twenty-one years of age. Amos, the grandfather of the sub- ject, is still living at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. Daniel Alspach died May 2, 1893. His wife, Henrietta, a daughter of Reason and Catherine Bevington, natives of Ohio, was born in Wells county and is still living. Daniel Alspach was the father of four children, all of whom are living ; John A., subject of this sketch; Asa B., an oil pumper in Jackson township; Orval, an oil pumper in Blackford county; Daniel A., at home. John A. Alspach attended the public schools in Jackson township until he was fifteen and remained with his father until he was twenty-one years of age. April 18, 1 888, he was married to Sarah E. Jones, born in 1870, a daughter of Isaac and Sallie Jones, both of whom are yet living. After his marriage the subject settled on the Abi- gail Shadle farm in Chester township where he remained for one season, then locating on Daniel Jones" farm in Jackson town- ship, on which he remained for two years. He then moved on to Jane Bevington's farm in Jackson township which he cultivated for two years, when he removed to his mother's farm, remaining there until April, 1900. He then ga.\-e up farming and began as a pumper for the Ohio Oil Company on the G. Ter- hune lease. He is the father of five children, four of whom are still living: Delphos E., born May 2, 1890, died December 29, 1890; Fred H., born December 29, 1896; Ray- mond E., born January 3, 1898; Mabel D., born June 19, 1899, and Nelson D., born November 7, 1891. Politically Mr. Alspach is an ardent Re- publican, and during the campaign times, like a war horse, he "sniffs the battle from afar" and when the contest rages he is in his element and by his efforts for the success of his party does honor to his early teaching. The subject has the proud honor of being the son of a veteran of the Civil war. 312 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. his father, Daniel Alspach, having enhsted soon after tlie l:)eginning of hostihties in that splendid fighting regiment, the Forty-sev- enth Indiana, and was connected with it all through its glorious history of fifty-two months of arduous service for our country. Like thousands of others, he contracted dis- abilities in the service and his constitution was shattered, from the effects of which he died of consumption. John A. Alspach is a representative of the class which consti- tutes the bone and sinew of the country. Educated in the common schools and inherit- ing from a patriotic sire a hardy constitution and an innate love of his country's institu- tions, he has the brawn and muscle to wrest. a livelihood either as a cultivator of the soil or as a member of the great army of work- ers in the industries of the country, coupled with the mental capacity and inclination to a participation in the political activities which shape and determine our civic status in the sisterhood of states. LOUIS G. LANCASTER. Weak and futile is the effort of parents of foreign birth to keep their children as zealously German, Scandinavian, Bohemian, Italian or other nationality as they them- selves are. The first generation that comes across the water herd to themselves and may influence to some extent the first generation born in America, but even the first genera- tion is as intensely American as the Daugh- ters of the Revolution. The average citi- zen of the L^nited States, tracing back his family history, is surprised to discover how much German, Irish, Scotch, English and other blood it takes to make one good American. Louis G. Lancaster, the subject of this sketch, is just such an American. He is a resident of Keystone, Chester town- ship. Wells county, Indiana, and in that township he was born on October 28, 1863, the son of Nathan and Mary (Starr) Lan- caster. The paternal grandparents of Louis G. Lancaster were John and Ruth (Shields) Lancaster. She was of Irish parentage and was born in Virginia. He was born near Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, and was of English-Scotch ancestry, being, it is said, a descendant of the house of Lancaster which figured so prominently in English history, particularly during the wars of the Roses. In 1833 John and Ruth Lancaster settled in Grant count)-, Indiana, about where the soldiers' home is now located, the following year went to housekeeping, and in 1836 moved to a jxiint near where Van Buren now stands. In the fall of 1837 they settled in Wells county, purchasing the land which is now owned and occupied by Nathan Lancaster, father of the subject. In 1890 John and Ruth Lancaster moved to Hart- ford City, and there resided until his death. Tune 29, 1900. His widow still lives, at the age of eighty-seven years, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Miranda Cox. The subject had, a few years ago, his four grand- parents all living, the youngest of them being eighty-four years of age. Benjamin and Matilda (Popejoy) Starr, the maternal grandparents of Louis G. Lancaster, were Virginians Ijy birth, Init were among the earliest settlers of Welh county. He was born December 27, 1814, and died January 20, 1899; his wife was born December 6, 18 14, and died July 29, MRS. LOUIS LANCASTER LOUIS LANCASTER. WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 313 1898. From a ver}- small beginning they were quite prosperous and successful. The best years of their lives were spent in Wells county and there they remained until their deaths. Xathan Lancaster, father of Louis G.. was born in Van Buren township. Grant county, Indiana, October 25, 1836, and grew to manhood in Wells county. De- cember 18, 1862, he Avas united in marriage to Miss Mary Starr, a native of Wells county, born February 5. 1837. Their home was on a tract of land, eighty acres, which he purchased of his father, and they cleared it, improved it and made a farm of it, and this has been the home place ever since. They are now owners of five hundred and ninety acres of land, all in Chester township, of which two hundred and forty acres consti- tute the hi:me place. To Xathan and Mary (Starr) Lancaster seven children were born, viz : Louis G., the subject of this sketch ; Harvey B. received a liberal education and followed teaching for two years; Jennie L., wife of George A. Mason, a lawyer of Mont- pelier, Indiana, taught school a number of terms early in life ; John E. died at the age of twent}--six years; Matilda E. died at the age of seven years ; an infant died unnamed soon after birth; Orley L.. who still makes his home with his parents, is a teacher of much success and considerable prominence. Louis G. Lancaster grew to manhood in Chester township, W'ells county, attended the public schools until he was eighteen years of age and profited well by his oppor- tunities. He attended the normal four terms and studied under the instruction of Pro- fessors P. A. Allen, W. H. Ernst and Samuel McCrea. He began teaching at the age of eighteen and continued as an edu- cator for eight years. All those \-ears he was devoting what time he could spare from his duties in the school room to the assist- ance of his father on the farm. On July 3, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah S. Williams, who was born March 4, 1864. She was a daughter of Andrew B. and Mary (Bugh) Williams, both natives of Ohio, and early settlers of Blackford county. Indiana. The mother, who was born September 24, 1834, died November 29. 1874. when Mary, the daughter and wife of the subject, was only ten years of age, the fath.er. who was born October 6, 1822, dying on the 8th of October, 1881. They were the parents of ten children, viz : Henry, de- ceased ; Joseph resides in Blackford county ; Oliver is a resident of Blackford county; Jennie, wife of Scott Swartz, of Newton, Kansas ; Sarah, wife of the subject ; Andrew B., a resident of Chester township; Mary, the wife of Charles iMcGeath ; Emma, de- ceased ; James, deceased. After marriage the young couple went to housekeeping on his father's home place^ but remained there only one year. They then took up their abode at Montpelier. where he engaged in teaching, but subse- quently they moved to their present home. \\'hen this land was purchased by them it was wild, heavily timbered and wholly un- improved, but it is all cleared now, except- ing ten acres which is reserved for timber. On it Mr. Lancaster has dug all necessary ditches, built fences and the place is splen- didly cultivated. There are four producing oil wells on the place, yielding about a tank a month. Mr. and Mrs. Louis G. Lancaster are the parents of four children, viz ; ]\Iary Pearl. born April 6, 1889; Grace, born November 314 WELLS COUNTY, INDL'\NA. 15. 1892; and infant daughter who died un- named; an infant son, born May 20, 1902. The parents are members of the Friends church of Keystone, Indiana, and are active in church as well as in all other works. He is a member of and has filled all the chairs in Lodge No. 410, I. O. O. F., at Montpelier, having joined the order in 1883. In politics he is a Republican and is always sufficiently, interested in the success of his party to take part in the campaigns as they come around. He has served as delegate in many conven- tions, county, district and state, and has sel- dom faile"d to make his influence felt upon the proceedings. In 1900 he was commis- sioned a census taker and discharged the duties of the office with promptness and ef- ficiency. General farming and stock raising is the business which Mr. Lancaster follows. He always aims to keep sufficient stock on his premises to consume the crops, Poland China hogs, Shropshire sheep and shorthorn cattle being the breeds he prefers on his place. His personal property, at a fair valu- ation, amounts to not less than twelve hundred dollars. He is a man of bright in- tellect, acknowledged ability and, being still voung in years, gives promise of a future of which his relatives and friends will be proud. DAVID OCHSENRIDER. One of the thriving native-born farmers and successful educators of Wells county, Indiana, is David Ochsenrider, "who is just entering upon the prime of life. He was born November 15, 1854, on the farm which he now owns and occupies in Nottingham township, a son of Elias and Mary A. (Britegam) Ochsenrider, the former of whom was born in Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, December 14, 1825, and the latter also a native of the Keystone state. When Elias Ochsenrider was still a young man he sought a home further west, locating in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he met and married Miss Britegam. He was engaged in farming until about 1846, when he came to Indiana and bought eighty acres of land from the McClish Brothers in Not- tingham township. Wells county. Three houses had already been erected on this land, one of which was utilized as a school house, but there had been but three acres cleared off; however, Elias and his sons cleared up the whole place, with the exception of six acres on which a grove was left standing. On this new farm Mrs. Mary A. Ochsenrider passed the remainder of her life, and there Elias still resides at the age of seventy-seven years and is being filially cared for by his son David. To Elias and Mary A. Ochsenrider were horn nine children, namely : John H., a resi- dent of Nottingham township; William, living in Tazewell county, Illinois; Sarah A., deceased wife of Thomas Lyons, of Kansas ; Jacob, in Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana ; David ; Abraham, of Grant county, Indiana ; Emma, who was married to Joseph Reaser, but is now deceased; Lavina. who died at the age of twelve years, and a daugh- ter who died in infancy. David Ochsenrider was educated in the district schools of Nottingham township, \Vells county, primarily, and attended them until he was eighteen years of age, and then attended for two terms in the public schools of BlufYton. He then attended a normal WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 315 school taught by Prof. Goodwin, a Baptist clergyman and the county superintendent of education, after which he taught two con- secutive terms at the home school in Not- tingham township, and the next year served as school trustee and while acting as trustee taught in Harrison township. During tiie summer months Mr. Ochsenrider worked on the farm, except for two summers, which he spent in Poneto, conducting an ice cream parlor and a barber shop. In the spring of 1894 he taught his last term of school, and since then has devoted his time to farming and threshing. Mr. Ochsenrider was married April 28. 1875, to Miss Sarah M. Foust, a native of Madison county, Indiana, born May 25, 1856, and a daughter of Israel and Eliza- beth Foust, natives of Pennsylvania. After marriage Mr. Ochsenrider settled on the old home place, on which he has since lived with the exception of the two years spent in Poneto. To Mr. and Mrs. Ochsenrider have been born eleven children, to-wit : Elias, who married Lillie Leist and now resides in Montpelier, Indiana; William, who mar- ried Theress M. Kreps and resides on D. Ochsenrider's farm ; Mary, deceased ; Martha, at home ; Clara, also at home and a teacher in Nottingham township; Johnnie, deceased ; Levia, at home, as are also Lillie, Sherman, Dessie and Flossie. Mr. Ochsenrider is a member of Lodge No. 752, I. O. O. F., of Poneto, and in poli- tics is a Democrat. He has been honored by bis party by being elected constable; next, trustee of Nottingham township; in 1898 he was appointed truant officer for one term, and was then elected county commissioner from district No. 3, for a term of three years, and has always lieen very popular with his party and with his people in general. As a commissioner he at present is exercising his influence with the board to induce it to erect an orphans' home for the county. ELI C. BIERIE. Versatility is said to be one of the first requisities of genius. Many a man has been considered versatile in one or more callings and hence laid claim to be considered a genius. The genius of Napoleon is gener- ally conceded. He was versatile, but his ver- satility was almost wholly confined to plan- ning military movements, the winning of the battles and the subjugation of those rul- ers who incurred his displeasure or did not readily yield obedience to his dictation. Phillips says of Napoleon, "He was through all his vicissitudes the same indomitable, in- flexible self — the man without a model and without a shadow." Of Oliver Goldsmith, the poet, historian and dramatist. Dr. John- son said : "He left no species of literature untouched and touched nothing that he did not adorn." There is no doubt that he was a genius, whose versatility was amply de- monstrated. But true genius, indeed a better and more unquestionable type of genius, may be and often is displayed in the humbler walks of life. The man who can turn his hand to almost any calling may be a genius, bvit of this class the man who makes a success of all things to which he turns bis hand is the real genius. Such a man is the subject of this .sketch, Eli C. Bierie, an honored and well respected citizen of Blufifton, Indiana. Though still comparatively young, during 3i6 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. his brief business career he has engaged in something Hke a dozen different hnes of business. He has also been a farmer, meat dealer, general merchant, postmaster, no- tary public, undertaker and minister. In each and all of these various lines those who know him best will testify that he not only acquitted himself most creditably, but that in the pursuit of each he demonstrated a fa- miliarity with the requirements that would require years of patient study from most men to acquire conception- of. Success in any calling is to make it remunerative. Measured by this standard, the success of Mr. Bierie in every line of business he has thus far undertaken is beyond cavil or dis- pute. Eli C. Bierie was born in Nottingham township. Wells county, Indiana, June 28, 1867. He is the son of Christian and Anna (Sutter) Bierie. Christian Bierie was born June 2^, 1820, in Switzerland, and died November 10, 1899, near Domestic, Indiana, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, four months and ten days. Mr. Bierie came to this country when but four years of age, his parents settling in Wayne county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and was mar- ried at the age of twenty-eight years to Anna Sutter. About this time he removed to In- diana and settled in Adams county. Later he removed to Wells county, where he was among the early settlers of the county. Sev- enteen years ago Mr. Bierie's companion was taken from him by death, after having brought up a family of fifteen children, six of whom have since died. Nine children remain, four daughters and fi\e sons. They are John, Anna, Abraham, Mary, Emanuel, Sarah. Susanna, Eli C. and Jacob. John re- sides on the old home place: Mary is the wife of Marion Shinn; Emanuel li\-es in Nottingham township. Wells county; Sarah is the wife of Earnest Heche, a carpenter and joiner at Bluffton ; Susanna is the wife of Fred Blocher and Jacob resides in Not- tingham township. All are prosperous and well-to-do citizens who are highly respected for their worth and integrity. There also survive twenty-one grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The opportunities for acquiring an edu- cation were not as plentiful awa)- back in the 'seventies here in Indiana as they are today. Eli C. Bierie attended the district schools of his township }-ear after year until he was sixteen, that comprising the full ex- tent of the education he received. At that time his services upon the farm were very much in demand. Reluctantly he relin- quished his books and turned to the mul- tiplicity of duties always waiting the busy hand of the industrious agriculturist. For the next four years he devoted his entire time to tJie work of the farm, pursuing his labors with that penetration, intelligence and good judgment that has characterized his work in all the various callings he has undertaken to pursue. October 28, 1887, Mr. Bierie was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Beeler, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Ashbaucher) Beeler and born April 30. 1870. The mother of Mrs. Bierie is dead, but her father still lives, one of the respected patriarchs of Har- rison township. Soon after their marriage Mr. Bierie and his bride settled in Linn Grove. \\'here for two years he ver}- suc- cessfully conducted a meat market. Con- sidering the place too circumscribed and his business not sufficiently abundant in oppor- tunities, the familv moved to Domestic WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 317 wliere Mr. Bierie opened up a general store. In connection therewith he became post- master, was appointed notary pubhc, en- gaged in conveying, drafting contracts, writ- ing oil leases and such other work as is usually done in that particular line. Besides this, he was the undertaker of the locality. From away back in ante bellum da}s Wells county has been considered hopeless- ly Democratic. The result of each success- ive election was considered fully and com- pletely determined when the Democratic county convention had expressed its choice of candidates. Occasionally strifes, dissen- sions and soreness in the ranks of the op- position inspired a little hope in the breasts of the Republicans that they might elect at least a part of their county ticket, but the result was always the same — solidly Demo- cratic. In 1898, in casting about for some one to lead the forelorn hope of the Republi- cans as a candidate for county treasurer, the eyes of the party leaders were at once centered upon Eli C. Bierie, and after some persuasion he was indviced to accept the nomination. The canvass that followed was warm, even to the boiling point, but it re- sulted in the triumphant election of Mr. Bierie, the first Republican ever elected to that office in that county. His administra- tion of the office, like all of his other under- takings, was all that could be desired. Hav- ing disposed of his mercantile business on becoming a county official, he invested his funds in a well improved farm of one hundred acres of fine land, all under culti- vation except a sugar orchard of twelve acres that is so well cared for and managed that it is a delight to look upon. At the end of his term, when relieved of the cares, responsibilities and confinement of official life, he felt the necessity of outdoor exercise, hence he engaged for a time as a traveling salesman for Cline & Zimmer, ex- tensive implement dealers of Bluffton. In this vocation, also, success crowned his ef- forts, but being quite domestic in his tastes the days and nights spent away from home and family became very distasteful to him. After one season he gave up the business and moved his family to the farm, where they have taken up their abode and give at- tention to the rearing of pure bred stock. Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs are favorites with him. At present it is his in- tention to take up the undertaking business at his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bierie are the parents of three bright, interesting little daughters: Orilla Pearl was born April 28, 1888 ; Glen- na Leona, April 18. 1890, and Florence Alice, February g. 1893. The family i? connected with the Alethodist Episcopal church, of which denomination Mr. Bierie was the local minister at Bluffton, but is now a member of Salem Evangelical church. He is also a member of the board of directors of the State Sunday School As- sociation, and district president of the asso- ciation for the counties of Wells, Adams, Huntington and Allen. He is an active member of Lodge No. 683, I. O. O. F.. of Linn Gro^'e, a member of Encampment No. 114, of Bluffton and a zealous Knight of Pythias of the same place. He and his wife are members of the Rebekahs and she belongs to the Rathbone Sisters, of Bluffton. From 1900 to 1902 Mr. Bierie was presi- dent of the Wells County Sunday School As- sociation. From the foregoing it may readily be inferred that Eli C. Bierie is one of those WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. who lias lived and is living a life that may well be characterized as strenuous. The ar- dor with which he enters upon all of his undertakings bespeaks for each of them most gratifying success. Always ardent, never half hearted, when he once decides up- on the course to be pursued, there is no let- ting up or slowing down until the design has been fully and completely accomplished. The story of his life is a lesson to the youth of the land, a practical illustration of what may be accomplished by pluck, perseverance and energy, when properly directed and controlled by intelligent discernment. In connection with this sketch the fol- lowing extract referring to the life and death of Mrs. Elizabeth Beeler will be of undoubt- ed interest : Mrs. Elizabeth Beeler, nee Ashbaucher, wife of Daniel Beeler^, died at their home two and one-half miles south of Vera Cruz. For almost seven months she had suffered severely and during that time underwent an operation for an abscess, but found little relief. Her demise was due to a com- plication of diseases which finally developed into dropsy. Mrs. Beeler was born near Berne, Switzerland, October 18, 1842, and in 1855, when thirteen years old, came with her parents to America. They first settled in Wayne county, Ohio, and moved to Adams county, Indiana, in 1866. In 1868 she was united in marriage to Daniel Beeler and lived on their farm, near Kreps, until her death. T« this union were born seven daughters and one son, Mesdames Minerva Studabaker, Ida Studa- baker, Elizabeth Bierie, Mary Boyd, and Nancy Huffman, Misses Emma and Lillie Beeler, and Edward Beeler. all of whom, with the husband, remain to mourn her departure. The Ashbaucher bVothers of this city are brothers of {he de- ceased. She leaves six brothers, three sisters, nine grandchildren and a large number of rela- tives and friends. Her father and mother have preceded her to the spirit land. When but a girl she united with the Reformed church in Wayne county, Ohio, and later transferred her membership to the First Reformed church of Vera Cruz, and remained a faithful member until her death. She loved her church as she loved her home. Mrs. Beeler endured her long sickness with great patience and fortitude and was never heard to complain during her most intense suffering. A short time before her death she called her family to her side and bade each good-bye, imprinting the kiss of love and affection of a wife and mother on the lips of each. The children were asked to take good care of their father and live right so that they might meet her in the heavenly world. Soon afterward she sank into unconsciousness and peacefully passed to her rest in heaven. As a neighbor she was beloved by all who knew her, being at all times in perfect peace and harmony with them. No one knew her but to love her and she loved her family as her own life. PETER SCHOTT. The war of the Rebellion left its impress deep and lasting upon the life of many a youth who, when it broke out, was }-et in his teens. The call to arms found tens of thousands only too ready to respond. For the first time in their lives they found them- selves no longer restrained by parental con- trol. Rigid military discipline held them in check to some extent, but it did not prevent many from contracting dissolute and profli- gate habits, of which some have not been able to divest themselves even unto this day. Few. indeed, were as fortunate in this as Peter Schott, now of Domestic, Indiana, who entered the service when only nineteen years of age and who followed the fortunes of war until peace once more reigned throughout the land. George and Margaretta (Bowman) Schott were the parents of Peter Schott, the subject of this sketch. They were natives of Byron, Germany, but emigrated to America W'ELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 319 early in life and located in New York city, where they were married. Soon after they moved to Logan county, Ohio, where their children were born and where they con- tinued to reside until they took up their permanent residence in Lorain county. Sep- tember 20, 1844, the eyes of Peter Schott first looked upon the light of day. At the new home of his parents in Lorain county he grew to manhood, attending the public schools of the locality and acquiring a fair education in all of the common school branches then taught. In December. 1863, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volun- teers, and served faithfully until the close of the rebellion. Occasional attacks of in- flammatory rheumatism, which come around with recurring frequence as age advances, are the only ill-effects he experiences of the service he rendered his country during the days of her peril, when her destiny was poised, as it were, in a balance. For the first three years after leaving the L'nited States service Peter Schott occupied himself with the usual labors on the father's farm. Then, in company with his brother George, who had been a soldier in the same regiment, he located on a tract of land in the dense woods of Wells county, each taking eighty of the one hundred and sixty acres comprising the tract. While George attend- ed to the clearing, improving and cultivating of the land, Peter devoted himself to car- pentering and building, a calling in whicli he had become skilled during and after the war, his earnings furnishing the brothers with the means necessary to procure pro- visions and other supplies. By this arrange- ment the land was gradually cleared, ditch- ed, fenced and greath^ enhanced in value. October 25, 1868, Peter Schott was united in marriage to ]\Iartha Watson, who was born April 25, 1847. She is the daugh- ter of John M. and Eleanor (Winfield) Watson. They are natives of Ohio, but mioved to Wells county, Indiana, when their daughter Martha was only a year old, settling upon a farm on which their son John now resides. Eleven children were born to John M. and Eleanor Watson, viz : Mary J., William, Lawrence, Mark, Sarah E., Martha Ann, John R., Thomas, George, Amanda, Elizabeth and John. Of these, Mary J., William, Sarah E.. John R. and Thomas are dead. At the time of their marriage only about twelve acres of the eighty-acre tract of land which they owned was cleared. A log cabin, eighteen by twenty-four feet, was built, a short distance south of the one owned by his brother George. Here the young peo- ple took up their abode and here they ex- perienced all of the trials and hardships, mingled with the joys and happiness that comes into the lives of all youthful pioneers. About this time the brothers began to re- alize the possibilities for profit there might be in a good saw-mill, well operated. The shameful waste of fine timber, which was daily being consumed by fire in the clearings, first diverted their attention in this direc- tion and soon they interested their brother John in the matter. They pooled their is- sues with the result that within a short time they were operating a mill of good capacity and realizing their most sanguine expecta- tions as to the matter of profit. Soon after- ward Peter and George purchased the inter- est of John in the mill and continued to oper- ate it until about a year ago. when the}- sus- pended operations, though they are still the 320 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. owners of the machinery. While engaged in operating the mill Peter \vas obliged to keep hired help on the farm, but in due time the necessity for that was obviated, as his son had grown and was able to conduct the affairs of the farm far more satisfactorily than it ever was done by hired help. Of the original eighty acres in the farm all is now cleared land with the exception of about ten acres. Upon this tract there are now ten producing oil wells; eight were drilled by Mr. Schott and his sons, so that they control the entire output, from which they realize five hundred dollars per month. At one time the income from them ran up- wards of seven hundred dollars per month. With such an income, to say nothing of that which is realized from several other lines of business in which Mr. Schott is engaged, it would appear that he ought to experience but little difficulty in "keeping the wolf from the door." Li 1882 Mr. Schott erected a large and commodious barn upon his farm, which is well adapted to the line of farming in which he is engaged, general stock raising. A splendid home was erected on the farm in 1889, much of the work on both house and barn being done by Mr. Schott himself. He is the father of two children, John, born July 13, 1871, who is married to Sarah Terrell, lives on his father's farm and is di- rectly interested in all the business afifairs ; Amanda E., who was born May 8. 1875. But two grandchildren, Nattia Lurene and Mildred Liez, have been born to 'Slv. and Mrs. Schott. Although never aspiring to political preferment, Mr. Schott takes much interest in politics. He is a loyal Republican — one of those who believes in proving his loyalty by his activity when the campaign is on. His first vote was cast in 1864, while he was at the front helping to suppress the rebel- lion. Naturally he is xevy proud of that vote, for it was given for the great emanci- pator, Abraham Lincoln. From that time to the present he has never wavered in the faith. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, his post being at Geneva. He has frequently served his party as delegate to various conventions, always considering time and money well spent when it is devoted to Republican success. He and his Avife are members of the Chris- tian church and are very popular and highly respected in all religious circles. FERDINAND BEBERSTEIN. Of all the emigrants who reach the United States from the countries of Europe none show a greater aptitude in adapting themselves to our peculiar institutions than those who come from Switzerland. Having themselves lived in a country where one citizen is as good as another if he behaves himself as well, they almost immediately understand our political methods and cus- toms and appreciate the advantages which are offered by our laws. The result is that they are at once contented and straightway proceed to make the most of their new sur- roundings. After their home is established and they have attained some degree of com- fort, they look around and soon take a warm degree of interest in our form of govern- ment, in our schools, in our churches, in the affairs of our county administration, and so forth. People who come from some mon- MRS. FERDINAND BEBERSTEIN. FERDINAND BEBERSTEIN. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 321 archy require a considerable time to adjust their old ideas to the new conditions. Not so with emigrants from Switzerland, as was shown by the parents of the subject when they came here. They at once understood our form of government and at once were acting in conjunction with all our customs and laws. Ferdinand Beberstein is the son of Benedict Beberstein, who, with his wife, was born in Switzerland. In 1834 the father came to this country and at once bought a piece of land in Wayne county, af- ter which he returned to his native land and brought back his wife and children. He was an active and energetic man of sterling honesty, and soon acquired a splendid reputation because of his many fine qualities. He remained upon the original farm in Wayne county until his death. He was a member of the German Reformed church, in which faith he died. He was twice married. His first wife, who died in the old country, bore him two chil- dren, who both died young. For his sec- ond companion he chose Miss Rosanna Rit- ter, a native of Germany, and to this union there were born children as follows: Julia, Jacob, Ferdinand, Alexander, David, Rosanna, Louisa, May A., Lena, William, Philip and Emanuel. Of these, five are still living ; David died in the service of his coun- try in the war of the Rebellion, and Alexan- der is buried in California. Ferdinand Beberstein was reared upon his father's farm, but was so situated that he was deprived of the advantages of school- ing, so that at the time he attained his ma- jority he was comparatively ignorant of book learning. However, he has always been a keen observer of men and things and this, coupled with a naturally sharp intellect, has enabled him to acquire a fair knowledge of business methods and current events. At the age of twenty-one years he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he became very proficient. He came to Wells county, remaining here until 1854, when he returned to Wayne county and was married, remaining in that county two years. His financial condition was at that time at a low ebb and in r857 he returned to Vera Cruz, this county, and resumed work at the trade of carpenter. He built quite a number of residences in this section and was also en- gaged to some extent as a painter. By strict application to his business, wise judgment in conducting his affairs and rigid economy he was enabled to get ahead in the world so that in 1864 he was enabled to purchase a half interest in a saw-mill. He conducted this business for thirty-three years and was so successful that he was enabled to pur- chase a one-hundred-and-sixty-acre farm. In 1897 the saw-mill was destroyed by fire and Mr. Beberstein thereafter devoted his atten- tion to his farming interests. He is up-to- date in his methods and is winning an envi- able reputation as a successful and enter- prising farmer. On the 8th of April, 1855, Mr. Beber- stein was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Lydia Stoker and to them have been born the following children : William, born July 13, 1857, is a millwright and is em- ployed in a factory in Michigan ; Lena, born March 27, i860, is the wife of Peter Neis- wander, of this county ; Louisa is deceased ; Frances, born December 6, 1864, is un- married; John, born April 28, 1866, mar- ried Blanch Laptad, of Kansas, and is em- ployed as a stationary engineer by the 322 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Koran-Krup Company, at Battle Creek, Michigan; Edward, born May 6. 1867, is a carpenter residing at Berne, Minnesota ; Cal- vin, born March 6, 1870, is deceased ; Duleg, born October 9, 1875, '^ ^'''^ wife of Frank Muesbaum, a barber at Lynn Grove. Politically Mr. Beberstein is a Democrat and is one of the leaders of his party in this section of the county. He is an indefati- gable worker in the interest of the party, but has never asked for public office, content to do his part as a j^rixate citizen. Religiously he and his family- are members of the Ger- man Reformed church, of which he has been a trustee for a number of years. They are active workers in the Sunday school and take a keen interest in advancing all departments of the church. Mr. Beberstein has always been an honorable, upright man, industrious, temperate, economical, and in every way ex- emplary in his daily life and conduct. He has performed well his part as a factor of the body politic and no one questions his stand- ing as one of the leading farmers and enter- prising citizens of the township in which he lives. THEODORE TAYLOR. Theodore Taylor, farmer and stock raiser and a representative citizen of Wells county, was born July 3, 1859, on the farm in Nottingham township which he now owns. His parents, Theodore and Hannah (Silvers) Taylor, were natives of Ohio, the former the son of Joseph and Beulah Tay- lor, whose respective families were among the early settlers of that state. Theodore Taylor, Sr., moved to Indiana about the year 1849 and lived in Jay county until he could build a cabin on the land which he had pre- viously purchased in the county of Wells. This land was covered with a dense forest growth at the time and much hard labor was required to reduce it to a state of tillage. The original dwelling occupied by the fam- ily was a log cabin about eighteen by twenty- six feet in size, supplied with a few articles of furniture such as the pioneers of the early times used. Mr. Taylor cleared the greater part of his land and in the course of a few years became one of the most prosperous farmers of Nottingham township. He was a gentleman of intelligence and sterling worth and in a quiet and unobtrusive way did much to promote the material, social and moral welfare of the community in which he lived. His death occurred in November, 1879, his wife dying in the year 1888. Theodore and Hannah Taylor had seven children, namely: William H., deceased; Beulah, deceased; Joseph C. deceased; Sarah, wife of John Shoemaker, of Adams county, this state; Arbella. wife of Daniel Shoemaker, of the same county; Theodore,- of this review, and Robert Y., a farmer and stock raiser of Wells county. Theodore Taylor, the direct subject of this sketchy was reared on the home place in Nottingham township and until about eigh- teen years old divided his time between working on the farm and attending the dis- trict schools. He remained with his father until the latter's death, after which he rented the farm, his sister Arbella becoming his housekeeper and his brother Robert boarding with him. In this way the three lived untd 188 1, on September 18 of which year the subject took to himself a wife in the person of Miss Clara A. Gensel, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, August 14, 1862, WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 323 tlie daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Schoch) Gensel. The year following his marriage Mr. Taylor rented the home place and at the expiration of that time bought the other heirs' interests in eighty acres of the farm, going in debt for the entire amount of the purchase price. This heavy obligation resting upon him proved an incentive to greater effort and he labored with might and main until it was discharged, meanwhile clearing and draining his land until in point of productiveness and value it compared fa- vorably with any like area in the township. Nearly all of his farm was cleared from the green by his own hands, in addition to which labor he has also made quite a number of good improvements, his buildings of all kinds, fences, indeed the general appearance of the place, indicating tlie presence of a man who has followed agricultural pur- suits with the greatest possible success. Like the majority of progressive farmers, Mr. Taylor devoted much attention to the raising of live stock, especially shorthorn cattle, a fine breed of hogs and Shropshire sheep, his success in this industry being commen- surate with that achieved by tilling the soil. He is also in receipt of a liberal income from the four producing oil wells on his place, which, with that derived from other sources, has made him one of the financially strong men of his community. He possesses good business qualifications and has had consider- able dealings with his fellow-men, all of which have been characterized by an integ- rity and high sense of personal honor that have won for him the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. Mr. Taylor's political views are in harmony with the Re- publican party, in which he has been an ac- tive worker ever since old enough to cast a ballot. He has served a number of times as delegate to county and other conventions and in his own township is looked upon as a safe and conservative leader when cam- paigns are in progress. In matters religious the Christian (or Disciple) church repre- sents his creed. For some years he has been a member of the congregation meeting at Domestic, being one of the trustees of the church as w-ell as one of its leaders in good works. His wife and their oldest children also belong to the same religious body, w-hich fact demonstrates the interest he has taken in bringing up his family in the way they should go. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are the parents of eight children :. Oliver C, born August 20, 1882, is a student in the high school, but de- votes the time wlien not at his studies to work in the oil fields ; Ora E. was born ]\Iay 15, 1885; Oscar, April 20, 1887; Cora A., August 9, 1889; Robert F., November 6. 1891 ; Eva B., July 28, 1893 ; Fern, Novem- ber 13, 1897, and Victor was born on the 2nd day of April, 1900. Samuel and Catherine (Schoch) Gensel, the parents of Mrs. Taylor, were married in Ohio and a few years thereafter moved to Wells county, Indiana, settling in the town- ship of Harrison about the year i860. Af- ter spending twenty years there they went to Champaign county, Illinois, in which state their deaths subsequently occurred, Mrs. Gensel January 25, 1894, and Mr. Gensel August 30, 1 90 1. They had six children, all living at this time, whose names are Mrs. Margaret J. Connet; Zacharias; Evaline, wife of John Cofifum: Mrs. Clara Taylor; Martha E., who married Fred Survey and Chas. F., who wedded Mattie McFarland. Mr. Taylor possesses an old parchment deed. 3^4 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. bearing the signature of President Martin Van Buren and dated November lo, 1840, which bore title to land transferred to Joseph Taylor, the subject's grandfather. MARK WATSON. It must be very gratifying to a man who has advanced beyond the meridian of a well spent life to look back and contemplate the good work which, by patient industry and unremitting toil, he has accomplished. The men who, "back in the "sixties," in the bloom of youth, settled in the dense forests of In- diana, are now on the shady side of life. Many of them still live on the farms which by their labors have taken the place of the forests. Much of the work which the change necessitated was performed by their own hands. They have not made as much stir, strife or tumult in the world as some others, but the world is far better for their modest efforts than it is for the blatant zeal of some who believe themselves entitled to the laurel wreath of fame. Mark Watson, the subject of this sketch, is one of those who devoted his early man- hood to the subjugation of an Indiana forest, with a degree of success that must be very pleasing to his mature years. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, December 26, 1843, the son of John M. Watson, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America, with his parents, in the early part of the last cen- tury. The family settled in Virginia, where they remained until John grew to manhood, when they moved to Warren county, Ohio, where John married Miss Ellen Winfield, who had been born and reared in that county. Having become well skilled in iron and steel working, he opened a shop for the manufacture of articles in that line and prospered from the very first, at times ship- ping his wares in car-load lots. In April, 185 1, he closed out his business and with the proceeds moved his family to Nottingham township, Wells county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm, the one on which John Hecker now resides. Here he lived for four years, when he moved to the one now owned by his son, John Watson, where he remained until his death, his beloved wife having pre- ceded him through the portal of eternity. John M. and Ellen (Winfield) Watson were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are yet living. During his lifetime he accumulated considerable property and at his death left quite a valuable estate, owning some four hundred acres of valuable land, all in one body. Had he lived in times like these, that afford so much better opportuni- ties for the display and operation of such talents as he was known to have possessed, there is no doubt that he would have left the impress of his abilities upon the state, per- haps on the nation. As it was he passed away respected and beloved for the many virtues of head and heart with which he was endowed. The education of Mark Watson was neither as elaborate or complete as he would like to have had it. The best of the public schools of those days could stand no com- parison with the worst of the present. The terms were brief, usually two or three months in the year, and were open only dur- ing the months of most severe winter weath- er. Under those circumstances the student life of Mark Watson may readily be under- stood to have been brief. However, possess- \\'ELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 325 ed of good memory, an abundance of native wit and a fund of good, sound common- sense, he managed to acquire enough learn- ing, not wholly from books, to subserve every purpose, ^^'ith the exception of one year spent in the army, during the war, the first twenty-five years of Mark's life were placed at the disposal of his father and most industriously employed in the strenuous la- bors of that day on the farm. His military career was only one year's duration, but dur- ing that period the youthful soldier saw more real service than some who had been in the ranks from the beginning to the close of the war. He was with Sherman on the fa- mous march to the sea and was in the thick of the fighting in front of Atlanta. At dif- ferent times his clothing was shot through, but he seeming to bear a charmed life, es- caping without a scratch. The closest call he had was during a warm engagement when a rebel bullet passed so near his head, just above his left ear, as to give him a part of a very artistic hair-cut. The force of the bullet was sufficient to knock him down and James Hunter, a comrade, who was doing some splendid fighting near by, cried out, "God, Watson, are you dead?" Finding himself uninjured, he soon arose, resumed his place in the ranks and continued until the battle was v^on. He was mustered out in September, 1865, and returning home re- sumed work on his father's farm, where he remained until the fall of 1869. Mark Watson was married to Matilda Dunwiddie on the ist day of September, 1868. She was a native of Warren county, Ohio, where she was born October 25, 1844, and was the daughter of Peter and Eunice (Haines) Dunwiddie, also natives of Ohio. Thev settled in Wells countv, Indiana, about 1858, where they lived, honored and re- spected by all who knew them, until their deaths, which occurred a number of years ago. Mrs. Watson, their daughter, died June 13, 1896, after having lived the life of a devoted, faithful wife and mother for a period of eighteen years. One 3'ear after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Watson took up their abode upon a tract of forty acres of land, thirty acres of which was woods that had been recently pur- chased by the husband and on which he had erected a log cabin, fourteen by twenty-eight feet. This, with two colts, one cow, twenty young hogs and a limited supply of the rudest kind of household furniture, consti- tuted the entire worldly possessions of the young couple. From this humble beginning they continued to increase their possessions year by year until today Mr. Watson finds himself the owner of one of the most pro- ductive and best improved farms in eastern Indiana. Stockraising is the particular species of farming to which he devotes his time. A delightful home, commodious barn and substantial outbuildings add to the com- fort, convenience and value of the premises. The loss of his beloved wife, six years ago, is the great sorrow of Mr. Watson's life. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. \\'atson, Luella, who remains at home, skillfully managing the household affairs of her father, and George W., who also re- mains at home, assisting his father in all necessary farm work. He is a car- penter and builder and devotes much of his time to work in the oil fields. Mr. Watson is a member of John Por- ter Post No. 83, G. A. R., of Geneva, and is an ardent Republican in politics, but sufficiently liberal to prefer the man to the 326 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. party when it comes to local affairs. He is a man of good judgment, unswerving in- tegrity and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. His life has been a busy one, and while at times he feels that he has not accomplished a great deal, when he comes to traverse the past again in memory, he cannot help but feel that, for the oppor- tunities afforded him, he has done much. He lives in the consciousness of having faith- fully discharged every duty assigned to him as a worthy man and good citizen. Mr. Watson has in his possession an old parchment sheepskin deed, bearing the sig- nature of President Van Buren and executed February 12, 1838. WILLIAM A. KUNKEL. William A. Kunkel was born in Lancas- ter township. Wells county. Indiana, Janu- ary 31. 1868. He remained on the farm with his parents until the age of sixteen years was reached, attending the public schools and rounding out his education at the Bluffton high school, from which he graduated at the age of eighteen years, when he began looking about for an opportunity to acquire practical knowledge of business life through personal contact. Securing employment with a Bluffton clothing firm, he remained with them but a short time, the opportunities in that class of business being not sufficiently encouraging to come up to his ambitions. His next engagement was with the engineer of the Clover Leaf Rail- road as a rodman, in which his duties were of a responsible character. After returning from a dav's work with a crew of men, he was one day retained in the office to attend to some reports of considerable importance bearing upon the work in progress upon the road. So thorough and satisfactory was his work in this respect that Mr. Kunkel was thereafter retained in the offices of the com- pany, discharging his duties in a manner eminently satisfactory and at the same time developing remarkable business qualities which soon resulted in his promotion to the office of chief clerk to H. T. Porter, resident engineer to the Clover Leaf Railroad. Dur- ing this period of employment Mr. Kunkel had acquired considerable knowledge of civil engineering, being an apt and observant pu- pil, and this resulted later in the tender of a position in charge of an engineer corps engaged on the road, which was accepted, the young man at the same time being ac- corded the honor of being assistant to the resident engineer. Resigning this import- ant position in October, 1889, at twenty-one years of age, he became deputy surveyor of Wells county, the year following being elect- ed to the office of county surveyor on the Democratic ticket, his popularity being shown in his re-election to the same office in 1892. During his term of office there was made in the county over six hundred thousand dollars worth of improvements, principally upon the highways, which re- main as an evidence of the business ability of the young man. Meanwhile the petroleum developments had begun in the Hoosier state and the }'oung man was attracted to them by reason of the great inducements held out for quick returns to fortunate investors, and while in the county surveyor's office he, with other parties, dabbled to some extent in pro- duction of Trenton rock oil in different por- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. }>27 tions of tlie surrounding country. The fall of 1890 marked his induction into the oil business, though for the first four years his operations were not the most successful, owing to the lack of time in connection with his official duties to properly attend to his own business. In the fall of 1894 he gave his entire attention to his producing inter- ests, and during the next two years did a great deal of wildcatting, opening up several pools in Wells county, among them the Ogle pool, his investments netting him some profitable returns. In 1896 he accept- ed a responsible position with the Cudahy oil interests, having charge of the right of way and pipe line departments, holding that position until May. 1898. when he was given complete charge of the field producing inter- ests of the pipe lines of the Cudahys, re- taining this position one year after the en- tire Cudahy properties were sold to the Standard Oil Company, since which time he has been in the producing business in the Indiana field for himself. He is now stock- holder and director in the Midway, Senior, and Illinois and Indiana Oil Companies and a number of other oil properties in Indi- ana. Mr. Kunkel is a member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and a charter member of the Elks Lodge No. 796, also Bluffton Commercial Club. Mr. Kunkel was married June 24. 1891, to Miss Minnie A. Morgan, of Blufifton, Indiana, and to them three children have been born, William A., Jr., Kenneth M. and Marjorie. Mr. Kunkel makes his home in Blufifton. and in that place is regarded as one of the most prominent and progressive citizens. LOT McCULLICK. Lot McCullick was born in Chester township, Wells county, Indiana, April 24, 1855. The parents of Lot emigrated to and were married at an early date in Ches- ter township. Wells county, where his father is still living at the ripe old age of seventy- five years. The subject attended school in Chester township until he was about seven- teen years of age and remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-five. The year preceding his marriage he received one- third of the crops which he raised on his father's farm. December 25, 1879, the sub- ject was married to L. M. Ashbaugh. who was born in Ohio, December 9, 1855, the daughter of Andrew and Martha Ashbaugh, both of whom are now deceased. Lot, after his marriage, settled in Ches- ter township about one mile from where he now lives, renting a farm where he remained about one year. He then moved onto Mr. Bell's farm in Chester township and re- mained there for about two years. He then rented the Mollie Hall farm for money rent, where he remained for one year and then re- moved to the Kilander place in Chester township and was there for one year. In 1855 he removed to Harland county. Ne~ braska, where he remained for about two years, going then to Thomas county, Kan- sas. After remaining there about eight months, he returned to his first love, Ches- ter township, moving onto the place where he now lives and owns a fine farm of fifty acres of good land. The one well on his place proves its value as oil territory, but the possibilities in that line of his farm are yet undeveloped. When the subject was twenty-two years of age he made a trip into 328 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and through the state of Minnesota for eleven months. He is a wide-awake, general stock farmer. He is the father of seven chil- dren, five of which are still living: Harry, born October 7, 1880, now an oil pumper in Grant county; Ollie, born July 26, 1883, at home, graduated this year from the common schools; an infant, deceased, born July 12, 1884; Clarence, born in Thomas county, Kansas, September 24, 1886; Edna, born January 17, i8gi ; Mary, born August 17. 1894. In a religious way the family of the sub- ject are connected with the Christian church. In politics he is a Democrat and an active worker in the party. Mr. McCullick was elected trustee of Chester township in 1900 and has also held the office of justice of the peace for four years. He is a sample of the bright, energetic and restless American farmer, a class who honor the profession of husbandrv. FRANK W. MOSURE. The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to put upon record the v£rdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid ful- some encomium and extravagant praise ; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life — a life char- acterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well-defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pro- nounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well. Frank W. Mosure is the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Krill) Mosure and was born at Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana, Febru- ary 8, 1 86 1. Jonathan Mosure was a na- tive of Ohio, but in the early 'fifties came to Indiana and located in Bluffton. He was a blacksmith and, in partnership with John Shoemaker, ran a blacksmith shop, the one now owned by Josiah Freeser. He followed that occupation until 1865 and then moved to Vera Cruz, where he followed his trade and in connection therewith ran a buggy and carriage factory. He remained thus en- gaged for about twenty years, when he sold out and retired to a forty-acre farm which he had purchased in Adams county, where he still resides. He is widely known- and by all is highly esteemed. To him and his wife have been, born six children, as follows: Frank is the immediate subject ; John A. is a farmer and resides in Adams county ; Ed- ward is a blacksmith at Newville, Indiana; Ella is the wife of William Spade, a farmer living in Adams county; Mary is the wife of William Selby, of Adams county; Lulu is unmarried. All these children were given the benefit of a good common school edu- cation and have grown into strong and sturdy manhood and womanhood, an honor to their parents. Frank W. Mosure remained at the home at Bluffton until he was four years old, when he was taken to Vera Cruz, where he has since continued to make his home. He received a very good education, attending first the village school and later the county normal at Bluffton. In 1882 he commenced teaching school, an occupation which he fol- FRANK MOSURE. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 329 lowed for two terms, and then entered Union Christian College. He pursued his studies in that institution for one year and also attended Antioch College for two terms. His studies had all been directed towards his intended induction into the ministry, which he subsequently realized, being ordained as a minister of the Christian church and tak- ing up special work as an evangelist. He was devoted to his work and maintained an active connection with the pulpit until 1901. In 1892 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace and served until 1900, dis- charging the duties of the office in such a manner as to win the hearty commendation of all. He was also commissioned a notary public and is still serving in that capacity. During his ministry he was active in his efforts to carry the gospel tidings of salva- tion to all within his reach and the good he has done in the world can be only definitely measured in "that last great day." Of a pleasing personal presence, ready command of language, enthusiastic in his work, he wielded a powerful influence and was the means of inducing many to forsake the ways of sin and follow in the footsteps of the man of Nazareth. Mr. Mosure was united in marriage on the 1st of March, 1884, to Miss Rosa Geh- ring, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She possesses a good common school education and has proven to her husband a faithful and de- voted companion. To this union has been born one child, Dessie, the date of her birth being January 25, 1890. In politics Mr. Mosure is a firm and uncompromising Democrat, but aside from the exercise of his right of franchise he takes no very active part in political matters. He is now actively engaged in the real estate business and is known as one of Wells county's most active and energetic business men and is achieving for himself an enviable reputation for ster- ling honesty and a desire to do by others as he would be done by. His support has ever been given to all measures for the public good, he is a man of broad humanitarian principles, of earnest purpose and upright life, and does all in his power for the uplift- ing of his fellow men and the promotion of the moral welfare of his community. WILLIAM RALSTIAN. The years of the Civil war are often re- ferred to as "the days which tried men's souls." The men who went to the front to fight for the preservation of the Union, know that these years were indeed what they are characterized to be in the above saying. But not all of those who were soldiers of the great Civil war were obliged to go through the fiery ordeal. Some saw active, constant service almost from the moment of enlistment until peace was declared. Others, more fortunate, were only permitted to ac- quire a knowledge of military tactics and of camp life, without even a remote ac- quaintance with the odor of rebel powder. It will be readily seen by a perusal hereof that William Ralstian, of Geneva, Indiana, was not one of the latter species of soldier. Mr. Ralstian is a native of Lawrence county, Ohio, where he was born in Septem- ber, 1844. His father was James Ralstian, of Adams county, Ohio ; his mother's maid- en name was Mary A. Grubb, a native of the same state. After marriage they settled in Lawrence county, where William and his 330 WELLS COUNTY. INDIANA. brothers and sisters were born and where they continued to reside until the death of the father, James Ralstian, which occurred about 1854, when the subject of this sketch was ten years old. James and Mary Ral- stian were the parents of seven children, only two of whom are still living. Alexander, Angaline. Adaline and Ellison died com- paratively early in life. Smith passing away later. Of the seven children, only William and his brother Augustus, a resident of New Cordin, are the survivors. For some time after the death of her hus- band Mrs. Ralstian remained a widow, car- ing for her children to the best of her ability and sending them to the public schools of their native county. About the time William was thirteen years of age his mother married again, taking for her husband a man named Washington Katon. The family, about 1857, moved to Jay county. Indiana, but the mother did not remain long. She returned to Ohio, leaving the two older boys, William and Smith, to make their home in Indiana. William was entrusted to the guardianship of Wm. McDowell, a man who seems to have been kind and indulgent, for his ward was permitted, most of the time, to work out by the month. This he continued to do until October 6, 1861, when the call for volun- teers caused him to enroll himself among the defenders of his country. He enlisted as a private in Company A. Forty-seventh Regi- ment Indiana Volunteers. This was the regiment of Col. Jas. R. Slack and at differ- ent times during the war the youthful volun- teer served under Captains McLaughlin, Sturges and Huff. The five months follow- ing his enlistment were devoted to the ac- quisition of that knowledge which is con- sidered essential to the trained soldier. The 1st of March. 1862. found the regiment well to the front and a few days later it was con- fronting the enemy in battle array. From that time on to the cessation of hostilities the gallant Forty-seventh knew nothing of peace or quietness and experienced but little of rest or repose. Ardent, active, untiring and in- trepid, young Ralstian, but little more than seventeen years of age. never shirked or lag- ged behind. As may be seen by the list of battles, the regiment was always in the thick of the fight and the youthful Ralstian was with it in every engagement. Here is the list of battles: Fort Thompson, March 14, 1862 ; Riddles Point. Mississippi. March 18, 1862 ; Fort Pillow, May 19 to 23 and June 3 'to 5, 1862 ; Brown's Plantation, August 11, 1862; Fort Pemberton, March 11 to 16, 1863; Port Gibson, Mississippi, May i, 1863; Champion Hill, May 16, 1863; siege of Vicksburg, May 22 to July 4, 1863 : Jack- son, Mississippi, July 7 to 16, 1863 ; Grand Gulf, October, 1863; Alexander, May 5, 1864: Marksville Prairie, May 16, 1864; Atchafalaya, Louisiana, July 28, 1864; Fort Spanish. Alabama, April i to 5, 1865 ; Fort Blakely, April 2 to 9. 1865 ; Mobile, April 12, 1865. After an experience upon many fields of carnage, such as seldom falls to the lot of men during the period of a long life, William] Ralstian, yet scarce twenty-one years old, was mustered out of the service. While there was yet a shot to be fired he had re- mained, serving four long and trying years, only ceasing to be a soldier when his coun- try had no further use for his services in that capacity. His honorable discharge from the service was placed in his hand at Baton Rouge in the fall of 1865. Returning home to Adams county, after sojourning a short time in Indianapolis, the WELLS COUNTY, 1XDL\NA. 331 sword became a plow-share, the bayonet, a pruning hook. In other words, the bone and sinew and muscle that for four years had been devoted to the suppression of rebellion were now^ turning to the more agreeable calling of industry. From 1865 to 1S71 he actively engaged in the usual work of that period on the farm, including the clearing of land, making rails and erecting new fences. Those who had predicted that the soldier boys who had been schooled in war for four long years could never again con- tent themselves with the monotony of peace, were woefully mistaken. Hundreds of thousands like William Ralstian — the best soldiers that ever brought victory to an army — cjuietly settled down to the habits of peace with all the easy grace of men who had only been off the farm for a brief vacation. On March 18, 187 1, William Ralstian w-as married to IMiss Frances Fields, the daughter of Andrew and Clarissa Fields, both natives of Tennessee wdio had moved to Adams county, Indiana, where Frances was born. Mr. and Mrs. Fields are still living, making their home with their daughter and her husband, and are the oldest settlers of Adams county now living, Mr. Fields being eighty years old, his wife, seventy-six years. They are the parents of eleven children, five of whom are still living: William is a resi- dent of Oklahoma; Joseph resides in Stur- ges, Michigan ; Sarah is the wife of Daniel Shoemaker, of Portland. Indiana; Frances is the wife of William Ralstian ; Lydia A. is the wife of John L^pdegraph ; Hilinda, Alex- ander, Daniel, Julia, Andrew and Lovinda are dead. By his labors of the farm and his pay from the government in the field Mr. Ral- stian had saved enough money at the time of his marriage to pay for an eighty-acre tract of land, which he improved and on which he erected a residence. There he now resides, enjoying all of the happiness that good health, contentment and domestic fe- licity can bring. When this tract was bought only about ten acres were improved land, his first home upon it being a cabin, erected by himself, eighteen by twenty- four feet. With this home, a team of horses, a cow and a few pigs the young couple started to make their fortune. Now, seventy of the eighty acres are cleared and forty acres more of cleared land have been added to the tract, making a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Upon this they have six producing oil wells which are daily adding to their stock of wealth. Mr. Ralstian now devotes his en- tire time to the cultivation of this farm and to the rearing of fine stock. All his life, ex- cept while in the army, he has devoted to farming, in every branch of which he has Ijeen eminently successful. Mr. and Mrs. Ralstian are the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living. The oldest, Ruetta, was born December 28, 1871, is married to Joseph Wilson, of Adams county, and they are the parents of three children, Ora, Ottie and William; Emmet was born July 15, 1874, and mar- ried Ida Runyon; they also live in Adams county and are the parents of three children, Edith, \\'esley and Mary. The other chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Ralstian are Anthony, born March 18, 1877, died September 18, 1878; Amanda, born February 17, 1879, died January 7, 188 1; Andrew, born No- vember 19, 1880, died September 6, 1881; Luther, born September 28. 1882 ; Clifton, born September 16, 1884; Alice, born Janu- ary 18, 1886; Blanche, born December 31, 2,2>2 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 1888; Alta M., born March 15, 1890, died December 10, 1894. Luther, Chfton, Ahce and Blanche all live with their parents. Mrs. Ralstian is a member of and a zealous, active worker of the Friends church of White Oak. She is very solicitous as to the spiritual welfare of her family and never loses an opportunity of doing good in the in- terest of Christianity and for the welfare of humanity. Mr. Ralstian is an active mem- ber of John C. Porter Post No. 83, G. A. R., Geneva. He is a firm believer in the prin- ciples of the Republican party, and a liberal contributor to the dissemination and ad- vancement of those principles. In every walk of life he has acquitted himself most creditably. As a soldier, husband, father and citizen he has proven himself a man of whom any community may well be proud. GEORGE F. McFARREN. The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have con- ferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration and respect to those whose works and actions consti- tute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Wells county who are well known because of the part they have taken in public affairs is George F. McFarren, of Bluffton. Mr. McFarren was born in Salamonie township, Huntington county, Indiana, May 30, 1844. His parents were Jacob and Rachel McFarren, of the same township. Jacob was a prosperous, intelligent, well in- formed farmer, who was careful to see that his son received a good education. The early life of G. F. McFarren was spent upon the farm where he was born, employing his time when not in school in the usual farm work and making diligent use of his time in the winter months with his studies: In 1857 his parents moved to Wells count}' where he continued to pursue his studies in the pub- lic schools, eventuall}' qualifying himself for teaching. He taught several terms with gratifying success, never relinquishing his diligence in the pursuit of his own studies. Before he gave up the calling he was recog- nized as one of the ablest mathematicians in Wells county. In 1865 Mr. McFarren entered the Iron City Commercial College, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he took the regular course and became an expert bookkeeper. On returning to Bluffton he was offered, in 1866, the position of deputy county auditor, which he accepted and discharged the duties of the position with marked ability. How- ever, the enforced sedentary habits of an of- ficial position were not suitable to a person of his active temperament and he decided to embark in the mercantile business. He es- tablished a grocery store in Bluffton and conducted it with such signal ability as to secure the patronage of the best people and to extend far beyond the expectations of his most sanguine friends. This he continued until 1880, when, having in view an en- trance into another branch of business, he sold out and at a fair profit. At that time an old building stood on the corner of Main and Market streets. Finding the property could be purchased at reasonable figures, he bought it, tore down the old structure and WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 333 replaced it Avith a large brick block tbat at present adorns that corner. In this building he established himself in the clothing busi- ness, in which he has continued ever since, each succeeding year finding him with an in- creased patronage. Success seems to have attended every effort he has made in life. Some may attribute his achievements to good luck. Those who know best place the credit where it is justly due. Nothing is undertaken by him that is not first figiu^ed out according to well-established mathe- matical principles. George F. McFarren was twice married. On December 25, 1866, he was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Martha J. Miller, and to this union one daughter was born, Winnettie M., May 9, 1869. She is a graduate of the Bluffton high school in the class of 1886, and is now the wife of William S. Smith, of Bluffton. June 14, 1874, Mrs. Martha (Miller) McFarren de- parted this life. When time had assuaged his sorrow Mr. McFarren was, on the 28th of December, 1875, again united in mar- riage, this time to Miss Martha J. Bennett, born in Bluffton, September i, 1849. She was the daughter of Robert C. and Harriett Bennett, who were among the early pioneers of Wells county. To this union were born two sons, Harry, April 2, 1877, the junior member of the firm of G. F. McFarren & Son, and Earl, born May 15, 1884. W' hen the Wells County Bank was being organized George F. McFarren was a stock- holder, became a director and is still retained as a member of the board. In the Adams and Wells county oil fields he invested largely and profitably. Politically he is a Democrat, but neither active nor partisan. He is a careful observer of the trend of the times and rarely misses a guess as to re- sults. Religiously he and his famil;f are members of the Baptist church, regular at- tendants upon its services and liberal con- tributors to all worthy causes, religious or charitable. All legitimate enterprises hav- ing for their object the benefit of the city find in him a faithful friend and promoter. He has ever been the implacable foe of all schemes and jobs, and people with measures of that kind soon learned to give him a wide berth. Such enterprises as the asphalt pave- ments and the city water works received his hearty support and endorsement. The number of those who, with the lim- ited opportunities afforded, have accom- plished as much as George F. McFarren are very few. Beginning a poor boy on the farm, earning his bread by his daily toil, later teaching that he might obtain the money wherewith to pay the expense of being taught, and eventually, practically without capital, becoming one of the pros- perous merchants of the city of Bluffton, is an achievement that justly swells with pride the breasts of his relatives and friends. Many of the young men of his early ac- quaintance, with brighter prospects and op- portunities many fold better, he has far out- stripped in the race of life. With means to supply every want, he and his good wife may now pass their declining years in ease and comfort. Harry McFarren secured his education in the graded schools of Bluffton, and also took the regular course at the Valparaiso (Indiana) Commercial College. While still young he entered his father's store as clerk and assistant and readily absorbed a knowledge of the business. This occupation, however, was not permitted to interfere with 334 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. liis studies or encroach upon the time that should be employed in the school room. When he had completed the course at the Valparaiso Commercial College his father for a time employed him in the store, and later, when he had disclosed an aptitude for business rarely met with in one so young, made him a partner in the business. The firm is now styled G. F. McFarren & Son. On the 2 1 St of September, 1898, Harry McFarren was united in marriage to Miss Flo Morris, daughter of John and Etta (Powell) Morris, of Bluffton. Mr. Morris is an alderman of the city. To this union one child has been born, Harriet, the date of her birth being' March 3, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. McFarren are members of the Baptist church and are liberal contributors to its support, as they are of all worthy objects. In politics he is a member of the Democratic party, but has evinced no thirst for political preferment. He is a model young man, of domestic tastes and good habits. Now starting on the verge of a most promising business career, well equipped by nature and education for whatever may be required of him in the line he has undertaken, it remains to be seen whether or not he will equal or surpass the achievements of his worthy father. JOHN M. BUCK. This prominent manufacturer and head of one of Bluffton's leading industrial enter- prises is a native of Indiana, born at Alexan- dria, Madison county, on the 2d day of June, 1853. His father, Henry Buck, for- merly a land owner and farmer of the above countv, was of German descent, and the mother, whose maiden name was Jemima Chamness, comes from a long line of Quaker ancestors. For many years Henry Buck was not only one of the leading agriculturists of Madison county, but also achieved promi- nence as a local politician of the Republican party, having been one of the first men in his part of the state openly to avow and defend what was then the political heresy of aboli- tionism. He acquired some property, was twice married, and departed this life in the year 1867. His second wife, the mother ot the subject of this sketch, is still living. John M. Buck was the oldest of the chil- dren liorn to his father's second marriage. He was reared to maturity in close touch with nature and as a farm hand early learned by experience the true meaning of honest toil. His means for acquiring an education were such as a few months' attendance each year at the public schools afforded, conse- quently he is not a learned man in the sense of the term as generally understood, although possessing a fund of valuable prac- tical knowledge such as schools and col- leges do not impart. Young Buck assisted in cultivating the home farm until his twenty-fourth year, when he started into the world for himself^, first directing his atten- tion to buying and selling lumber and later taking up the trade of wood turning. He started, in 1890, a small establishment of his own in the town of Geneva. He spent about five years at the above place, when he found it necessary to secure a more favorable loca- tion, consequently he moved his establish- ment to the city of Bluffton. Since moving to the latter place in 1895 Mr. Buck has built up an extensive business and, as stated in the initial paragraph, the enterprise has become one of the largest and WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 335 most important of the city's industries. In addition to the plant at Bluffton. which gives employment to about twenty-five men and from three to five teams every working day of the year, he operates a branch factory at Auburn, this state, which, under his direc- tion, has steadily increased its output and grown in public favor. Mr. Buck manu- factures wooden tool handles. His weekly pay roll at Bluffton alone will average about two hundred and fifty dollars, in addition to which he pays each week to the farmers in the vicinity who urnish him, very satis- factorily, with raw material the sum of four hundred dollars. Mr. Buck began manufacturing in a very- small way and the large measure of success which has attended him is due entirely to his own energy, superior management and wise business foresight. At the outset he encountered many difficulties and numerous obstacles calculated to impede and discour- age, but with an inborn determination which hesitated at none of these impediments to his progress, he persevered, gradually removing everything in his pathway and gaining favor until he found himself upon a well estab- lished basis which made ultimate success a certainty. That he has achieved his aim is abundantly attested by the place his plant occupies among the industries of Bluffton, in the business circles of the city and throughout the state. The constantly in- creasing demands for his products necessi- tates the running of his several establish- ments at their full capacity, and, judging by present prospects, their enlargement or the building of additional plants is only a matter of time. Few men in Wells county stand higher in the esteem of their fellow citizens than Mr. Buck and none have better records for energy, honesty and sterling integrity. He is a man of actions rather than words, at- tends strictly to his own affairs, at the same time being not unmindful of the duty which every citizen owes to the public. He is es- sentially a business man and as such ranks with the most enterprising and progressive of his contemporaries, deserving of great credit for what he has done for this city in the way of giving employment to labor and providing a good market for the farmers with timber to dispose of. Mr. Buck sup- ports the Republican party, but aside from voting for the regular nominees takes little interest in political matters, having no ambi- tion to gratify in the way of public distinc- tion or official honors. He owns a beautiful and attractive home on the corner of Wabash and Market streets, where he welcomes and entertains his friends with a genuine hospi- tality. Mr. Buck was married in 1880 to Miss Caroline Pugh, of Alexandria, Madison county, this state, a union blessed with three children: Roland C, the eldest, was born on the 20th day of June. 188 1, served with Company M. Twent}--eightli Regiment United States Infantry, in the Philippines. and was shot and killed from ambush by native robbers on July 13, 1902: Clyde, the second of the family, was born December 7, 18S3; Alline, the youngest, is a student in the Bluffton high school. Mrs. Buck is a member of the Methodist church and well known in the best social circles of the city. \\'hile not identified with any religious or- ganization himself, Mr. Buck believes in the church as a great moral force among men and is liberal in his contributions to its sup- port. 336 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. JONAS MEYER. Jonas Meyer is a son of Peter and Eliza- beth (Mosure) Meyer, of whom mention is made on another page of this vohime, in the sketch of Albert Meyer. Jonas Meyer is the fourth child of a family of eight children and was reared to manhood on the home farm in Harrison township, where his birth took place November 28, 1869. He was educated in the district school, which he at- tended until sixteen years of age, but worked on the farm industriously .throughout his school days when not engaged in study, con- tinuing so to work until he was twenty-one years old. when he began working out at ditching and such other work as he could find to do, appropriating his earnings to his own use, but saving by far the greater por- tion. In 1894 he engaged in partnership with Daniel Gilliam in well drilling, work- ing in 1896 with his brother David and in 1897 with Wm. Engler, having saved dur- ing that time about two thousand five hundred dollars. Jonas Meyer Avas united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary Rich, a daughter of Joseph Rich, of Adams county, and about the same time he invested his means in an eighty-acre tract of land, for which he paid in full. This farm he has improved with a fine dwelling and also a well built barn, forty by seventy-six feet in dimensions, together with other farm build- ings of equally substantial construction. To the marriage of Jonas and Mary (Rich) Meyer have been born four children, namely: Joseph, February 21, 1895; Peter, November 21, 1897; LilHe, April 14, 1900, and Chance, born August 8, 1902. Though not active in politics, Mr. Meyer is of Demo- cratic proclivities and usually votes as suits his judgment, irrespective of party nomi- nations. He looks at both sides of a ques- tion, weighs the matter carefully and with deliberation, and having thoroughly digest- ed it mentally, arrives at a conclusion de- cisive and permanent, and this conclusion be- comes the rule for his future action. He thus weighs political issues and never per- mits his prior predilections to interfere with or bias his judgment. As a farmer, the success of Mr. Meyer has been phenomenal for so young a man, and this fact is but another evidence of the thoroughness with which he studies and weighs everything which comes under his control or his observation. His integrity has never been questioned, and he stands be- fore his fellow citizens the peer of all. MICHAEL LONG. The career of the gentleman whose name introduces this review illustrates most forcibly the possibilities that are open to a young man possessing sterling business qualifications, supplemented by the requis- ite amount of energy to direct the same in their proper channels. It also proves that ambitious perseverance in the face of oppos- ing circumstances, steadfast purpose and untiring industry, combined with sound judgment, will eventually be rewarded and that true success is the legitimate result of individual effort. Although a recent acces- sion to the population of Wells county, Mr. Long has already gained recognition and prestige as a shrewd, farsighted business man in one of the leading WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 337 industries of the state, while his stand- ing as a prominent and influential citi- zen is none the less honorable and assured. Mr. Long was born of poor but respectable parents May 30, 1852, and claims New York as his native commonwealth. The father came to this country from Ireland and, possessing but little worldly wealth, was unable to furnish his son with the ad- vantages which the majority of American lads enjoy. The subject's educational training was limited to a few months' at- tendance at the common school during his youth and while still a mere boy he was obliged to rely upon his own resources for a livelihood. At the age of fourteen he went to the oil fields of Pennsylvania, where he worked in various capacities during the ensuing four years, retaining only enough of his wages to meet living expenses, con- tributing the greater part to the support of his parents and younger members of the family. The year following his arrival in Pennsylvania he engaged with Capt. J. T. Jones, the largest oil producer of that day, and spent about fifteen years in his employ, during ten of which he served as foreman of a large force of workmen in the Bradford district. In this way Mr. Long soon be- came conversant with the oil industry in all its details and his valuable practical exper- ience finally led him to embark in the busi- ness as a producer instead of spending all of his time and knowledge acquiring wealth for others. Before severing his connection with his employer, he began operating in a modest way and in due time succeeded in obtaining quite a substantial start, accumu- lating, beside a complete outfit, considerable valuable oil property. By a sudden and un- fortunate experience he learned what so many long before his day had learned, that material wealth rests upon a very insecure foundation and is liable at any moment to take wings and vanish. This was very for- cibly brought to his mind by a fire which gained such headway that within a very short time his hard earned savings of sev- eral years disappeared in flames and smoke, leaving him as poor as when he began life's struggle. Considerably cast down, but by no means discouraged, he at once set about to retrieve his fortune and the better to carry out his plans decided to try the Indi- ana fields, which at that time held out many promising inducements. He first came to Geneva, Indiana, where he drilled six dry holes. In 1892 he came to Wells county, poor in purse but animated by a determina- tion to win success if it could be done by energy, backed by previous experience as an operator. For some time he labored against a formidable array of opposing cir- cumstances, losing considerable of his means in ineffectual drilling. Later he made a judicious investment in Nottingham town- ship where matters soon began to assume a more encouraging aspect. In due time he struck oil in that promising field and since then his success has not only been sure but rapid, his wells now- being among the most prolific producers in this part of the state. By close attention to business and thiorough management he has steadily come to the front as one of the leading oil men of Indiana, having accumulated within the last ten years through his own eflforts a fortune considerably in excess of seventy-five thousand dollars, while his future prospects point to still larger and longer continued returns. Mr. Long is conservative in his meth- 338 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ods. calculating with the greatest care be- fore embarking in an undertaking, but when once he addresses himself to an en- terprise it is prosecuted to successful issue with energy and dispatch. He possesses the rare power of foreseeing the end from the beginning and since commencing oper- ations in the Indiana fields his labors have seldom miscarried and his judgment has rarely been at fault. In the year 1896 he moved his family to Bluffton and now owns an elegant and well appointed home on West Cherry street, his place being one of the finest residence properties in the city. While residing at Bradford. Pennsyl- vania, Mr. Long was happily married to Miss Anna Flaherty, whose parents came to this country a number of years ago from their native home in Ireland. To this union five children have been born, all of whom are living and still members of the home fireside. In social life Mr. Long is a pleas- ant gentleman of agreeable presence, win- ning friends wherever he goes and standing high in the esteem of those with whom he mingles. His domestic habits are pure and strong and his home is the center of a gen- erous hospitality. There, surrounded by family and friends, he enjoys that repose which comes from cordial interchange of kindly deeds with those near to him and without which life would lose much of its charm. He also delights to meet with com- panions and kindred spirits in the fraternal organizations to which he belongs, viz., the Pythian brotherhood. Lodge No. 92, and Lodge No. 796, B. P. O. E., being a charter member of the latter society. His standing in the business world rests upon a sure foundation, as he is regarded today among the leading oil men of the country. Mr. Long has borne well his part in life, as his rise from poverty to his present posi- tion of affluence and prominence abundantly attests. HENRY C. McCOLLISTER. The career of the subject of this sketch forcibly illustrates the old axiom, "Where there is a will, there is a way." Becoming an independent factor in life at the early age of fourteen, with an empty pocket and no one to give him friendly counsel or advice, he resolutely faced the world and after a long and hard struggle, before which most young men would have retired in defeat, he finally succeeded in gaining a sure foothold and in time rose to the respectable position he now occupies. The name by which he is now known is not the one given him by his parents, but was assumed for a special rea- son. The family patronymic was Beabout and "by such he went until a youth in his teens. His father. Moses Beabout, was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Smallie, was born and reared in Mercer county, that state. The subject was born in the county of Mercer on the 28th of February, 1832, and remained under the parental roof until reaching the age of fourteen. Like many other youths, he became impatient of home restraint and for reasons which he cares not to explain decided to sever these ties and make his own way in the world. He car- ried this resolution into effect between two days and for fear his parents might appre- hend him, changed his name to McCollister and by this he has since been known. Mak- ing his way to Pittsburg, he there took a WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 339 boat for Cincinnati and after working at ^•arious vocations in the latter place made his way to Clinton county, Ohio, where he worked for several years as a farm hand. He also found employment for a while in a saw-mill and later entered the service of a railroad as brakeman. He continued rail- roading for quite a while in various capaci- ties and in this and other kinds of work finally earned sufficient money to enable him, as he supposed, to support a wife. Accord- ingly, on the 23d of December, 1855, he was married in Clinton county, Ohio, to Elizabeth Smith, daughter of James T. and Lydia AI. (Wait) Smith, the father a native of Delaware and the mother of the Buckeye slate. After his marriage ]Mr. McCollister set- tled down in Clinton county for a couple of years, but being quite poor in this world's goods he experienced considerable difficulty in making a livelihood, to say nothing of lay- ing aside the little surplus for the proverbial rainy day. His principal work during his residence in Ohio was sawing lumber, but this kind of employment not proving re- munerative, he finally moved with his father- in-law to Jay county, Indiana. There he rented land and followed agricultural pur- suits until 1866, at which time his wife's father purchased forty acres of land in Wells county and to this place the subject moved in February of the same year. The onh' improvement on the place at that time was a small log cabin and into this I\Ir. McCollis- ter mo\-ed his little family, after which he addressed himself to the work of clearing the land. One year later he returned to Jay county, but continued to de\-ote his spare time working on his own place until he had all but ten acres in ailtivation. At the end of three years he again took up his residence on his own soil and bent every eflfort to make a comfortable home for those dependent upon him. He worked in a saw-mill to pay for the lumber for a new house, later built a fine barn and, being blessed with health and strength, his progress from that time on was altogether satisfactory. In the course of ten years he not only brought his own little farm to a fine state of cultivation, but purchased eighty acres of good land in the county of Jay, which in due time became quite valuable in that it lies within one of the richest of the Indiana oil fields. Subse- quently he transferred the latter farm to his son, but he still owns forty acres in Jay which, with his home in Wells, leaves him an estate of eighty acres, more than sufficient for his needs seeing that he received everv year a handsome income from the five pro- ducing oil wells on his land. Mr. McCollister has always been an in- dustrious, hard working man and many times the world looked dark and the future held out nothing in the way of promise. Of a sanguine temperament and inclined to make the most of circumstances, he never allowed himself to be cast dow^n or become discouraged, but always looked on the bright side in the firm belief that the goal of suc- cess would eventually be reached. The sum total of his earthly possessions at the time of marriage was a very limited supply of in- ferior household goods and a cow, but with the assistance of his brave hearted, faithful wife, who was his sunshine in days of ad- versity and firm support under all circum- stances, he patiently endured the frowns of ill fortune, gradually surmounted unfavor- able environment and at last reaped the re- ward of his labors and waiting in the com- 340 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. fortable fortune which has placed him in in- dependent circumstances for the remainder of his days. Of recent years Mr. McCollis- ter has rented his land and lived a life of honorable retirement on the liberal income which he now receives. He enjoys his well earned rest as only such as he can and with his good wife is now bent upon filling up the measure of his days by helping his fel- low men and making the world better. Po- litically he is an earnest supporter of the Re- publican party and takes an active part in local and general public affairs, though never asking official position at the hands of his fellow citizens. Religiously he is a de- vout member of the United Brethren church, in which his wife is also a zealous and faith- ful worker. Mr. and Mrs. McCollister have had four children, only one of whom is liv- ing. The oldest of the family, James M., was born October 12, 1856, and died on the 26th of September, 1878; William, born May 16, 1858, married Jane Straley and is the father of two sons and two daughters, viz: Martha M., James L., Wilber and Esther; Rebecca, whose birth occurred on the 14th of December, i860, married Allen Wall and departed this life August 8, 1887, leaving six children, namely: William, Moses, John H., Hattie, Oscar and Fran- cis, the last two deceased ; Ella was born on the 26th day of February, 1863, and died November 18, 1887. She was the wife of Samuel Alberson and the mother of three children, Sophronia A., Nellie J. and Lulu M., the second and third twins. In the foregoing brief account are em- bodied the salient features in the career of a man whose life abounds in many practical lessons for the young and rising genera- tion. He is essentially a self-made man and his success has resulted from industry, in- domitable perseverance and the habit of doing well everything which he found to do. Integrity and a high sense of honor are among his more pronounced characteristics, to which may be added good judgment, keenness of perception and a desire always to do as he would be done by, without which principle no man's life can be called success- ful. He has lived according to his high standard of manhood and is ready when the time comes to enter that mysterious bourne to which all humanity is tending. WILLIAM L. ENGLE. A stranger traveling through Wells county, noting how largely the people are interested in the oil business and the num- ber of producing wells to be encountered in any direction he might turn, would naturally suppose that it is through them that it re- ceived its name of Wells county. Such, however, is not the case. W'ells county ac- quired its title long before any of its inhabi- tants ever thought of becoming oil produc- ers. Nevertheless, the industry has added much to the wealth, comfort and happiness of that locality. One of the first to engage in the production of oil in Wells county was William L. Engle, of Geneva, Indiana, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Not- tingham township. Wells county, Septem- ber 19, i860. His father was Isaac Engle, a native of Warren county, Ohio. His grandparents were William and Lutitia Engle, natives of New Jersey, who, early in the last century, moved to Randolph WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 341 county, Indiana. At this time Isaac Engle, father of Wilham, was a child of some eight years. The family resided in Indiana only about si.x years, when they again moved, this time locating in Warren county, Ohio. About the time he attained his majority, Isaac Engle was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hopkins, a native of Jay county, In- diana, and daughter of Hezekiah Hopkins. They went to Randolph county, Indiana, and, after a residence there of two years, mo\'ed to Wells county, where they pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the woods. A log cabin was their first home and the clearing and cultivation of the land was their life-work. Here they con- tinued to reside up to the time of their deaths. ]\Irs. Engle died March 7, 1891, and her husband survived her some five years, dying September 20, 1896. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are liv- ing. The dead are Prudence, Emma, Han- nah, Charles, Amanda and Richard ; the liv- ing. William L., R. M., James A., Martha A.. Daniel, Joseph C. and Arthur. William L. Engle attended the public schools of his native township until he was twenty years of age. He then took a course at the normal school at Bluffton and later at- tended school at Valparaiso. Having laid a good foundation by procuring a good liberal education, he sought and readily procured a license to engage in the profession of teach- ing. The next four years he spent in the schoolrooms of the township of his birth, engaged as an instructor. In this calling he was eminently successful, but soon found that the compensation was by no means com- mensurate with the care, labor and responsi- bility required. On September 28. 1883, William L. Engle was united in marriage to Mary A. Hilton, also a native of Nottingham town- ship and daughter of Daniel Hilton. Im- mediately thereafter he purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of choice land, much of it cleared, and some of it under cultivation. Upon this he erected a comfortable home, a commodious barn and substantial outbuild- ings and began to devote himself to the call- ing of a husbandman and breeder of fine stock. Prospecting for oil about this time becoming fashionable, Mr. Engle was not long in catching the fever, in which he was abundantly favored by fortune. Well after well was sunk upon his premises, until at this time he has eight splendid producers and is now making arrangements for drilling a number of others. His income from this source was such as to justify him in getting out of the stock business, and he now breeds Shropshire sheep exclusively, his oil inter- ests not admitting of his doing more. In the fall of 1 89 1 he invested in a fine flock of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep and it is his purpose to engage quite extensively in the breeding of these animals, already having met with much success. Within a short time he hopes to be able to supply any reasonable demand \\'hich may be made upon him for choice specimens of these animals. To this business, as to every other in which he has engaged, Mr. Engle has given much patient study and there is little doubt that he will be as successful in this as he has been in each of the others. February 9. 1896, Mr. Engle married his second wife, Effie J. Judy, a native of Adams county, Indiana. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Church of Christ, in which ]\Ir. Engle is and has been for four years an elder. In politics he has always been a Re- 342 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. publican, but is especially zealous on behalf of his party during political campaigns. His career is ample evidence that, despite all we hear about trusts, there are still many avenues to fame and fortune open to the poor, but ambitious, persevering and worthy youths of the land. G. B. SCHOTT. The story of the life of men who from the smallest and most insignificant begin- ning have accomplished much in the way of accumulating property and rearing in com- fort, even in luxury, large families, is al- ways encouraging to others beginning at the bottom round of the ladder of life with little more than good health and a deter- mined purpose out of which to carve suc- cess. Such a life story is that of G. B. Schott, of Domestic, Indiana. Born in Logan county, Ohio, on the I2th day of April, 1841, of German parentage, the greater part of his busy life has been spent within a few hundred miles of his birth place. His parents were both natives of Byron, Germany, the father, George Schott, emigrating to America when he was seventeen years of age. He was by trade a baker and worked at the business five years in the city of New York, where he landed. The maiden name of the mother of the sub- ject of this sketch was Margaretta Bowman, and she came to New York with her parents when quite young. Being from the same place in the Fatherland, the young people were not long in becoming acquainted and they were not long acquainted until they de- termined upon a closer and more sacred re- lationship. After an industrious residence of five years in America, George felt that he had accumulated enough to justify him in taking the important step in life. He was married in New York city and immediately determining to anticipate the advice of Horace Greeley to "go west and grow up with the country;" he did so, settling in Lo- gan county, Ohio. He there engaged in farming, prospering year after year, and in addition being blessed by the birth of a number of robust, healthy and vigorous sons. About the year 1844 he moved his family to Lorain county, Ohio, where he resided until his death, at the ripe age of eighty-four years, September i, 1902. His good wife, Margaretta, continued to bless her family with motherly care and af- fection until 1 86 1, when she bade farewell to earth and was gathered to her fathers. George and Margaretta Schott were the ])arents of four children, all of whom are living: G. B., the subject; Peter, a resident of Wells county, Indiana; John B., who has lived for many years in Missouri, and Henry F., whose residence is in Lorain county, Ohio. During the years of his boyhood G. B. Schott attended the district schools of Lorain county. He became very proficient in all the common school branches then taught, continuing in the task of acquiring an education until he was twenty years of age. The next year all his time was devoted to work on his father's farm, when he en- tered the employ of Dr. Underbill, of La- grange, Ohio, taking entire charge and hav- ing full and unrestricted control of the Doc- tor's farm. At this time the war of the Rebellion was in progress in all its fury, and few youths with spirit enough to be worthy WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 343 of mention could content themselves at home, away from the scene of active hostili- ties. In the fall of 1862 G. B. Schott en- listed in Company D, Huffman's Batallion, which afterwards became the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volun- teers. He saw much active service during the two years and nine months of his soldier- ing, continuing in the ranks until mustered out at the close of the Rebellion. The life of the average soldier is not particularly favorable to the accumulation of money. On returning from the front to his home in Ohio, G. B. Schott found him- self worse off financially than he was some three years before. Possessed of health and vigorous constitution, despite the exposure of his life at the fronts he turned his atten- tion to the first labor that offered itself. It was the season of the year when sheep were to be sheared and good wages were to be made by any one who could deftly and skill- fully handle the clippers. While the season lasted the ex-soldier occupied his time in re- lieving sheep of their winter fleeces and when nothing more was to be done in that Ime he found himself in possession of a lit- tle ready money. With this he moved to Wells county, Indiana, settled in the woods, built a small log cabin and began the clear- ing of the fine, productive farm upon which he now lives. Decem.ber i, 1865, Mr. Schott was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Keller, a native of Medina county, Ohio, and daugh- ter of Daniel Keller, who had emigrated to America from Wittenburg, Germany. To his humble cabin in the woods Mr. Schott brought his blushing bride soon after their marriage. The market value of all their worldly possessions could then be covered by a very few dollars, one horse lieing the sum and substance of their entire live stock. The furniture of their home was of the rudest and most primitive character. To il- lustrate: the bed upon which he slept was constructed of poles, fastened to the logs in one corner of the cabin. Upon these a straw tick was placed, which, with the usual cover- ing, formed a couch that would not be en- tirely to the fancy of many young people of the present day. Yet, it is safe to say, Mr. and Mrs. Schott now look back upon those days of unremitting toil and nights of re- freshing repose and hail them as the happiest of their lives. About half an acre, which he planted in potatoes, was all he had cleared on his own place the first year, but he rented and cultivated land on the farm of a neigh- bor, Thomas Williams. This he continued to do for two years, by which time he had enough of tillable land on his own place to occupy his time and attention. About this time his brother Peter, who was a carpenter and quite handy with edge tools of all kinds, came to live with the young couple. He was possessed of a little ready money which did much to relieve the pinching poverty, and with two men in the woods, where only one had toiled before, the tract of land soon began to take on all the appearance of a pro- ductive, well-kept farm. At this time pro- visions of all kind were inordinately high. A fair quality of flour brought fifteen dol- lars a barrel and other articles were in pro- portion. It need not therefore shock the reader to learn that what constituted the staff of life for most people in poor or mod- ern circumstances was nothing more nor less than good, old-fashioned, home-made corn bread. This, with genuine maple syrup, made in abundance by nearly every 344 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. family in the locality, formed the basis of quite palatable and enjoyable meals. About this time the almost criminal waste of the finest timber, thousands of feet of splendid logs being rollied together in heaps and consumed b}' fire to get them out of the way, induced the Schott brothers to invest in and operate a saw-mill. This they did about 1869 and continued in the busi- ness of manufacturing lumber until a few years ago. During the years they were in business they turned out from their mill millions of feet of hickory, ash and black walnut lumber, for which they always found a most ready sale. At the present time G. B. Schott is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of as fine land as can be found in the state. Eighty acres of this is the old home place on which he first settled, the other one hun- dred and sixty having been purchased since. Upon this land are eleven producing and productive oil wells, which alone make a very comfortable income for their owner. Back in 1883 a splendid home with modern conveniences was erected on the farm and in 1890 Mr. Schott built a large barn that is a model of convenience. This was neces- sary to accommodate the pure bred stock of cattle, hogs and shee]), in the rearing of which he is engaged. Mr. and Mrs. Schott are the parents of three children, Henry C, Sarah and Lillie. Sarah has been a teacher in the public schools for a number of years and Lillie is the wife of Dr. Runnels, of Montpelier, Indiana. The latter are the parents of one child, a promising little daughter, named Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Schott are both mem- bers of the New Light church, and are active and zealous in all Christian work. Mr. Schott is a member of John P. Porter Post, G. A. R., of Geneva, is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party and always votes the way he believes. This year he \\'as elected a delegate to the state conven- tion of his party and on two occasions here- tofore was honored with the nomination for county commissioner from his district. But Wells county is too well supplied with Democratic ^•oters to permit many Republi- cans to feast at the official crib, so Mr. Schott. as he expected, was defeated each time. There are, without doubt, many men in this country who have accomplished more during the span of their business career than has Mr. Schott, but certainly there are not many who, with such limited resources as he had at his command in the beginning, have excelled or even equalled him. JOHN M. BECK John M. Beck was born in \\'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, ]May 17. 1839. His father, Mathias Beck, was a native of Wur- temberg, Germany, and the son of a furrier. He had received only a common German edu- cation, as his father was unable to give him the advantage of the higher training. Being a cripple, he was not compelled to serve in the army, as was his more able bodied as- sociates, and was thus nurtured in a less hardy but purer atmosphere. He was married to Miss Rosanna Haley, and in order to secure a better home sold his possessions and came to America in 1830. settling in Westmore- land county, Penns3dvania, where he pur- chased a small farm. He remained in Pennsylvania eight years and then came to WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 345 Indiana, settling at Fort Wayne. About 184 1 he came to Wells count_v and bought two hundred and forty acres of land in the woods where he built one of the finest houses in this part of Wells count}-. This home, which was then considered little less than a mansion, was a large iiewed-log house of three rooms below and one above. Mr. Beck was a man of energy and was among those to encourage improvements, lending his aid to all movements for the benefit of his com- munity. He was a Democrat and a member of the German Lutheran church. He was the father of eight children, four of whom grew to maturity. John M. ; and Anna M. wife of Henry Foreman, at one time a furrier of Adams county, but now a retired farmer, are the only ones living. John M. Beck came with his parents to W^ells county when he was two and one- half years old and has since spent his entire life in this section. He received a common education in the country schools and spent his hours out of school working for his father, whom he assisted until he was twenty-seven years old. In Decem- ber, 1866, he married Miss Mary Mil- ler, whose parents came from Stark county, Ohio, and established a home of his own. This lady died in 1874 and the follow- ing year he married Miss Melissa J. Bennet, of Washington county, Iowa. She was ed- ucated in the Washingt(?n Academy, had been a teacher in Iowa and also in Wells county. Mr. Beck worked his father's farm for some years and two years later bought the old homestead, containing one hundred and forty acres, in the northeast part of Wells county. Being a careful manager and a progressive farmer, he has made money, being now considered one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of the community. By his first ^-ife he was the father of four children, viz : William M., who married Miss M. N. Snarr, is a farmer in Jefferson town- ship; Charles M., who married Miss Anna Bowers, is engaged in the hardware business at Fort Wayne; Rosa E. is the wife of Fred Tracy, of St. Joseph county, and Mary L. is the wife of M. E. Spencer, of Ossian. The present Mrs. Beck is the mother of two children, viz: Nora C. is the wife of Prof. I. C. Hamilton, a graduate of the State LTni- versity at Bloomington and a student of the Chicago University, both having taught in the Wells county schools; Ira D. W.. who is assisting his father on the farm. The subject of this sketch was formerly a member of the Democratic party and in his younger days he was an active worker in its ranks, though he now holds warm sympathy for the principles of the Prohi- bition movement, which he supports with his ballot. He is one of the most progressive and influential farmers in Jefferson town- ship and is known far and wide as an honest, upright, honorable citizen. WILLIAM DUNWIDDIE. Few of the men who joined the army during the Civil war and remained out any length of time returned very much impro\'ed financially. The precarious existence of a soldier, with the chance staring him in the face of having even that existence cut short at any moment, is not calculated to develop principles of either prudence or economy. \\'ho that is daily facing death in various forms cares to lay away money that, per- 346 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. chance, strangers may have the pleasure of spending? Hence tlie soldier spent while he had it to spend and Avas just as happy when "broke" as when he had abundance. A few there were, liowever, who held to a firm hope of being able to live another day and at another time when the devastation of war would no longer ravage the land. They practiced the virtues of peace amidst the dis- solution of war, and while most of their comrades returned poor indeed, they had oftentimes more than enough to supply im- mediate necessities. William Dunwiddie, of Nottingham township, Wells county. In- diana, the subject of this sketch, was such a soldier. He spent much as the others did, but he managed to save enough to enable him to purchase forty acres of land on his return from the front. William Dunwiddie was born in Warren county, Ohio, December 29. 1842. His pa- ternal grandparents were John and Ruth (Betts) Dunwiddie, the former born in Delaware in 1781 and the latter in New Jer- sey in 1785. His father was Peter Dun- widdie, a native of Greene county, Ohio, born April 5, 18 16. His wife, the mother of the subject, was Eunice Haines, a native of Warren county, born September 20, 181 7. They were married September i, 1836, and continued to reside in the county of their nativity until 1855, when they moved with their family to Wells county, Indiana. He was a minister of the gospel, but was much as those to whom he administered spiritual and religious consolation, having little more than enough to provide material sustenance for themselves. Thus he was obliged to oc- cupy his time during the week on the farm, preaching at least twice each Sunday. To them eleven children were born, viz : John H., born September 12, 1837, died May 26, 1843; Hannah G., born August i, 1839, de- ceased: Brook C., born August 24, 1841, died November 5, 1872; William, the sub- ject, who will hereafter be referred to more particularly ; Matilda, born October 25, 1844, deceased; John, born April 25, 1846, deceased ; Jacob, born September 23, 1847, deceased; Harrison B., born June 16, 1849, a resident of Reiffsburg; Mary E., born August 5, 1853, deceased; David, born March 25, 1855, died in infancy; Susan B., born November 2t,. 1857, wife of Sylvester Pontius ; Brooks C. served four years during the war in Company E, Fortieth Indiana Regiment; John served two years in the same company and regiment, and William was out three years, three months and five days during the same eventful period. John Dunwiddie, their paternal grandfather, served in the United States army during the war of 18 12. The parents of these children are both dead. William Dunwiddie received his educa- tion partly in Warren county, Ohio, and partly in Benton county. Indiana, whither he had gone and where he resided a number of years previous to the Civil war. When but nineteen years of age, in the early part of the war, in Oxford, Benton county, Indiana, he enlisted in Company C, Ninety-ninth In- diana Volunteer Infantry. Few regiments participated in more of the important battles of the war than did the Ninety-ninth In- diana. With his regiment, the subject fol- lowed the flag in the following engagements : Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, Mission Ridge, the Knoxville campaign, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, July 22 and 28, Jonesboro, Love- joy Station, Fort McAllister, Savannah, Co- WELLS COUNTY, INDL'^NA. 347 lunibia. Goldsboro and Raleigh. On the march to tlie sea William Dunwiddie was one of those detailed to do the foraging for the other members of the company. Food had to be gotten and it was at times so dif- ficult to provide that his ingenuity was often taxed to the utmost to find the supply of live stock, grain and provisions which the owners had hidden away. He was always so successful that his admiring comrades gave him a number of pet names which were neither euphonious nor pretty and which it is unnecessar}^ to mention here. During the entire term of his service he was not off duty more than three weeks and that was on ac- count of sickness. At the close of the war the regiment went to Washington City, where they took part in the grand review and where they were mustered out. The old flag they bore through many a battle was so torn and rent by shot and shell and soiled by the blood of its brave defenders that a new one was procurred in Washington on which was emblazoned a list of the battles in which the regiment took part, but when brought out it elicited no enthusiasm what- ever, the boys preferring the old tattered banner the}- had followed so long and so faithfully. It was brought out amid the cheers of its defenders and it and the regi- ment formed a very conspicuous portion of that historic parade. During its time of service the regiment traveled thirty-three hundred and ninety-eight miles, which does not include the steps taken by the subject in his foraging expeditions. All this was ac- complished on foot except a few hundred miles by rail and transport. For two years after William Dunwiddie"s return from the war he worked for his father, receiving as compensation only his board and clothes. \\'ith what little he was able to save during the days of his soldier- ing he bought forty acres of land, the same on which his brother-in-law, Mark Watson, now resides. For a year he worked in a saw-mill in western Indiana, then returned to Wells county and began clearing his land. The last hundred dollars he owed on the place he paid out of his earnings in the saw-mill. September 3, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Watson, a native of Adams county, Indiana, born February 19, 1846. Her parents were John and Margaret Watson, natives of England and early settlers of Adams county, but both are now deceased. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson, viz : Sarah, de- ceased ; Wesley died in the army during the Civil war; Mary J., wife of William Dun- widdie, the subject; Joseph, now a resident of Adams county; Phoebe C, wife of S. W. Skeels, now resides in Michigan ; Ruth, wife of ^^'illiam Heaston, of Geneva. At the time of the marriage, a log cabin and fifteen acres cleared were all the im- provements that had been made on the forty acres which Mr. Dunwiddie owned. How- ever,, they took up their abode in the log cabin and cultivated and improved the place for one year, when they rented the Josephus Marlin farm in Adams county. They remained there only one year, when the}- returned to Wells county, bought the west eighty acres of the old homestead, and proceeded to build a house thereon. In the meantime he had sold the first forty acres he had purchased, to his brother-in-law, Mark Watson, who is yet the owner and occupant thereof. On the new tract he had purchased he was obliged to incur an indebtedness of sixteen hundred dollars. At the time it 348 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. was bought the only improvements there were on the place was fifteen acres cleared. It is now all cleared but thirty acres, well ditched, fenced and provided with lasting and substantial improvements. He has purchased another eighty acres immediately adjoining, which gives him one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming land in one com- pact body. On this land are six producing oil wells, from which he now realizes about eighteen dollars per month, though there was a time when much more was realized on the output. To Mr. and IMrs. William Dunwiddie five children have been born, viz: Clara E., born in Adams county, January 24, 1871, wife of Jacob Bierrie; P. W., born in Wells county, September 27. 1873, married Hattie Brown, has one son, Harry, and resides in Adams county; Margaret J., born in Wells county July 30. 1876, married Lawrence Watson and they are residents of Notting- ham township ; Ruth E., born in Wells coun- ty, Augaist 8. 1 879, resides with her parents ; Benjamin H., born in Wells county, Janu- ary 27, 1882, is at home with his parents. Each have received a good common school education. Clara is a graduate of the Geneva high school and taught a number of terms, until compelled by failing health to cease. Mr. Dunwiddie has unlimited faith in the American hog. He believes that if properly handled it will pay more debts for its owner than any other animal. He as- serts that its capabilities for swelling a bank account are unrivaled and devotes his entire time to farming and stock raising. With Poland China hogs, shorthorn cattle and a general class of sheep, his farm is constantlv well stocked. All but two and a half years of his married life have been spent upon hia present farm and his present prosperous condition indicates clearly the success he has attained. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, except the hus- band and father. While having no ill will whatever toward religion, he is not con- nected with any denomination. He is a member of John P. Porter Post No. 83, G. A. R., of Geneva. In politics he is a Re- publican, has always been an active worker in the party and is recognized as a man of standing and influence in his locality, being generally a delegate in the conventions of his party. From an exceedingly small be- ginning he has accomplished far more than many others with better opportunities, which speaks well for the native merit of the man. WILLIAM E. BOWMAN. The average yearly accumulation of the American working man, in dollars and cents, is not large. The great majority find it im- possible to make any saving whatever. There are, however, a few who manage to lay aside a little and by its assistance, after years of privation, self-denial and the for- tunate investment of their hoardings, man- age to secure a competency. Few are able to accomplish what William E. Bowman, the subject of this sketch, did in seven years. With his own labor and that of a team of horses on a rented farm, he managed to pay expenses and save, in a period of seven years, the sum of three thousand eight hundred dollars, an average saving of about five hundred and forty-three dollars a year. William E. Bowman was born Novem- WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 349 ber 22, 1 86 1, in Stark county, Ohio. He is tlie son of Adam and Charlotte (Shick) Bowman, natives of Ohio, where they re- sided on a farm up to the time they moved to Elkhart county, Lidiana. Later they moved into Harrison township, Wells county, where they have resided ever since. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are living, viz : Charles, a resident of Elkhart: Samuel, a resident of Elkhart; 'William E.. the subject of this sketch: Anna, wife of Philip Househoulder, resides in Harrison township; John, a resident of Blufifton; Henry, a resident of Bluffton; Frank, a resident of Elkhart ; Adam, a resident of Cass county, Michigan; Ida, wife of James Cherry, of Bluffton ; Edward, a resident of Bluffton. When William E. Bowman was old enough to attend school he was more for- tunate than many who preceded him. in having good schools, comfortable school buildings, model text books and efificient teachers. He attended school in Harrison township each winter until he was eighteen years of age and profited by the instruction he received. He then began working for wages, making his home, however, with his parents. Up to the time of his marriage he worked by the day, week, month or job as he was able to secure employment. He was prudent and provident. He knew how he got his money and very little of it escaped from him without bringing him some re- turns. On the day of his marriage he was the owner of a good team of horses, a wagon and one hundred and ninety dollars in money. On the 22nd day of March, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Funk, a daughter of Absalom and Mar- garet A. (Bower) Funk, well-to-do resi- dents of Wells county. Immediately after marriage the young people took up their residence on the Funk farm, where they re- sided for six j-ears. He worked with his team and at such jobs as he could procure, doing only enough farming to procure feed for his team. After trying this for six years he discovered that there was little in it more than a bare living. This determined him to change his policy. He rented the Sol DeLong farm in Harrison township and devoted himself assiduously to the man- agement of that farm for seven years. At the end of that time he had saved enough money to justify him in purchasing an eighty-acre tract of land of his own. He selected a nice piece of land and bought it, paying three thousand eight hundred dollars cash for it, every dollar of which he accumu- lated during the seven years he had been liv- ing on rented farm. March i, 1901, he took up his residence on his new purchase and be- gan improving the land. Since then he has ditched, fenced and cleared this land, making it a most valuable farm. He carries on general farming, raising grain, hav, vege- tables and stock of all kinds. He gives his preference to shorthorn cattle, but considers the cross between the Poland China and Berkshire the most desirable in hogs. The greater part of his farm is now under culti- vation. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowman four children have been born, Carrie, Cora, Hugh and Bert. Mrs. Bowman is a member of the German Reformed church, a regular at- tendant upon its services and a liberal con- tributor to its support. Mr. Bowman is a member of Washington Council No. 5, Order of United American Mechanics, of Bluffton, is an active member and much in- 350 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. terested in tlie work. In politics he is a Re- publican, sufficiently liberal to accord to others the privilege he takes to himself, that of voting for whom he pleases. He and his brother-in-law, John Funk, have just re- turned from an extensive trip through the principal large cities of the east, where they saw much that was entertaining, instructive and amusing. They visited Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Jersey City, New York City, Brooklyn, Baltimore and Washington City, taking in all places of interest in each, return- ing by way of Cincinnati. The industry, prudence and thrift of Mr. Bowman is most commendable, all the more so because neither selfish nor parsimonious, but he ■wants to see proper, legitimate return for every dollar he expects. If all good citizens were equally careful in money matters, the latter days of many good men and women would not be, as they frequently are, em- bittered by poverty. JOSEPH AWKERMAN. One of the bravest ex-soldiers of the Civil war and now a respected resident of Liberty Center, Wells county, Indiana, is Joseph Awkerman, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, October i, 1839. His father, also named Joseph, was a native of Berne, Switzerland, came to America when still quite young, and married at a proper age Miss Mary Osenbaugh, a native of North- ampton county, Pennsylvania. He was called away, however, when but twenty-eight years of age, leaving Joseph, the subject proper of this sketch, then but three months old, to the care of his mother, who died when the son was only three and a half years of age. Joseph Awkerman, Sr., at the death of his mother was placed in the care of a so- called guardian, who never even furnished the child with a pair of shoes nor clothing enough to cover him decently. The case was so aggravated a one that the boy was persuaded to run away from his guardian by a friend who had secured a home for him, where his services were rewarded with good board and clothes and five dollars in cash per year, that is, the equivalent of five American dollars. He was an industrious and faithful lad, always found plenty of work to do, and as he grew older his pay was increased proportionately. The last year he worked in Switzerland he received twelve dollars per month, but the next year, when he demanded thirteen dollars, his de- mand was refused. About this time he was informed that there was a party being made up for migration to America and he de- cided to join it. In 18 17 he landed in New York, but for some reason he and his fel- low passengers were reshipped on the same vessel to Philadelphia, where he was landed with no funds whatever. A kind stranger, becoming aware of the fact, furnished the young Switzer with four dollars and with this sum the latter paid his passage to Pitts- burg, near which city he secured work on a farm, and remained thereon for two years. From Pennsylvania Mr. Awkerman re- moved to Ohio and for a while worked on a farm in Columbiana county, and later in a grist-mill for the same employer. He had made up his mind to come further west, when a proposition was made to him to clear up a fifteen-acre tract, a certain quan- tity of land to be given him as pay for his WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 351 labor. But he heard that land could be had from the government further west at a much lower figxire, and he accordingly gathered together all his available means and went to Wayne county, Ohio, where he en- tered eighty acres in the forest. There Mr. Awkerman built a cabin in which he lived alone four years, and then, about 1827, mar- ried Mary Osenbaugh, a daughter of Henry Osenbaugh, of Pennsylvania. Mary Osenbaugh was but fourteen years of age when her parents came from the east and first located in Fairfield county, Ohio, whence they removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where Henry Osenbaugh and wife passed the remainder of their days. After marriage Joseph and Mary (Osenbaugh) Awkerman settled on the farm he had en- tered, and there had eleven children born to them, namely: A daughter, who died in in- fancy; Sarah, who died when seven years old ; Elizabeth, who died at three ; Cather- ine, widow of David Shreiner, of Medina county, Ohio; Susanna, deceased wife of William H. Funk, of Blufifton, Indiana; John, of Medina county, Ohio; Anna, de- ceased ; Joseph, whose name opens this biog- raphy; Lovina, deceased; Rachael, wife of Levi Cross, of Michigan; and Henry, who has his residence also in Medina county, Ohio. Joseph Awkerman, the father of the above enumerated children, passed away November 23, 1863, and the mother Novem- ber IS, 1877. Joseph Awkerman, of this sketch, at- tended the district schools in Wayne county, Ohio, until twenty-one years of age and then worked at carpentering until the summer of 1862, when he enlisted, August 9. in Com- pany E, One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years. He never had a part in any, very severe battle, but participated in many lively skirmishes and was in one siege of four days' duration. He was honorably mustered out June 30, 1865, and Mr. Awkerman stoutly maintains that his com- pany never was conquered until it reached Todd's Barrack, at Columbus, Ohio, where it was completely routed by bed bugs and compelled to sleep in the yard. When Mr. Awkerman reached his home, he found that his father had passed away, and his mother was just preparing for har- vesting. Joseph therefore passed the re- mainder of the season in working for her and her neighbors, and the next year worked at his trade all summer. In the spring of 1867 he came to Liberty township, Wells county, Indiana, and in just two years and four days after arriving here purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he now lives and for which he paid nine hundred dollars, of which amount three hundred dollars was in cash ; for the balance, he gave three notes, of two hundred dollars respectively, at twelve, twenty-four and thirty-six months, two of which notes he paid promptly when due, but the third he was thirty-three dollars short just at the time, but made it all right in a few days. After purchasing his farm, Mr. Awkerman continued to work at his trade in summer and in a saw-mill and at other kind of labor in winter, and thus was able to earn the means with which to pay for his farm, continuing to work in the same manner for ten years. Mr. Awkerman was united in marriage, February i, 1877, at St. Mary's, Ohio, with Miss Cynthia B. Bireley, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, April 8, 1837, a daughter of Lewis and Mary Eire- 352 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ley, the former of whom was born in Mary- land, and the latter in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Cynthia B., the daughter of this respected and honored couple, was but seven years of age when taken to Ohio by her parents, who settled in Miami county, where she grew to maturity. There were fi\'e children in the Bireley family, born in the following order ; Elnora, now deceased ; Rebecca ; William, deceased : Susan, de- ceased, and Cyntliia B., now Mrs. Awker- man. At his marriage, Mr. Awkerman be- gan housekeeping in a log cabin, eighteen by twenty-four feet in dimension on the ground floor, with two rooms upstairs. They had made some bed clothing, on "the sly," and Mrs. Awkerman brought the bed, the chairs, a rocker, a cupboard, a table and several other little articles of household furniture. Mr. Awkerman had no team at that time, but in the following November bought two horses and a wagon and began farming, relinquishing carpenter work as much as pos- sible. Two or three years after marriage, on one occasion, Mr. Awkerman found him- self to be rather hard pressed for cash, but was told by his wife that it was absolutely necessary to have flour. The young hus- band was somewhat nonplussed, but put a bold face on and went to Poneta and se- cured some flour from John Penrod on credit, this being the only time in his life that he was really "hard up." Mr. Awkerman continued farming until 1884, when he succuml)e six children, named as follows : ^laurice, Frances, Ruth, Blanche, Harold and Harry. Mr. Rolli is favorably known through- out the township of Harrison. He is rec- ognized as a man of the strictest integrity, was never known to take an undue advan- tage of another or to make a misrepresenta- tion in a trade of any kind, something which cannot always be said of men in his line of business. It is true that he is shrewd and knows full well what he is about, but he never oversteps the rigid rules of honesty. He and his amiable helpmate are rearing their children to lives of usefulness and to be ornaments to the community in which they have their being, and to society at large. Mr. Rolli may be termed a self-made man in the business sense of the phrase, and counts his friends by the hundred in Wells county and the surrounding counties as well as in more distant parts of the state. NATHAN ROBERTS. Kentucky, which in its early history was known as "The Dark and Bloody Ground," furnished Indiana wnth some of its pioneer settlers in the early days, but very few of them found their way as far north as Wells county. A few families, however, have been traced to that locality, among them the Roberts family, to which Nathan Roberts, the subject of this sketch, belongs. He was born in Rock Creek town- ship. Wells county. October 17, 1851, but his father was a Kentuckian, having been born in that commonwealth February 23, 181 1. Robert and Abigail (Redding) Rob- erts were the parents of the subject hereof. In his native state of Kentucky Robert Rob- erts grew to manhood and on January 28, 1836, he married Miss Mary Brown. Two children were born to this union, but both are now dead. In 1837 he mo\-ed to Wells county, Indiana, where he entered one hun- dred and twenty acres of government land, in section 32, Rock Creek township, and upon this he built a home, cleared and im- proved the land and later added eighty acres, making him the owner of two hundred acres. August 10, 1840, he met his first great be- reavement in the death of his faithful wife. He was again united in marriage, his sec- ond wife being a widow, ^Irs. Abigail Sparks, whose maiden name was Redding, the date of her birth being December 12, 1815. To this union five children were born, three of whom are still living, viz : John, a resident of Rock Creek township; Nathan, of this sketch, and R. D., of Rock Creek township. Again the death angel visited the Roberts home and on April 8, 1862, Mrs. Abigail Roberts departed this life. Her loss was deeply felt and widely mourned. She was a kind, generous woman, of most ami- able disposition, wdiose sole object in life was to do good. For a third time Robert Rob- erts entered the bonds of matrimony, his third wife being Mahala Redding, who is still living on the old homestead. Her for- mer husband died February 5, 1880. He was a man who took an active part in all of the affairs of life, in politics was a Demo- crat and served a number of terms as town- ship trustee, besides occupying other local offices. He was a member of the New Light church. Up to the time he was twenty years old Nathan Roberts attended the public schools of Rock Creek township, when they were in 374 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. session, generally about three months in the year. In this way he secured a good com- mon school education, to which he has added much since by extensive reading. Until he \\ as twenty-one years of age, when not in school, he worked for his father on the farm. The five years next succeeding his majority were employed upon the same farm, cultivating it upon the shares, his part being one-fourth of all that was raised. On March 9, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Mossburg, who was born Feb- ruary 22, 1853. She was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Ware) Mossburg, na- tives of Henry county, Indiana, whose an- cestors were riatives of Maryland and Vir- ginia and members of the Christian church. Henry Mossburg, grandfather of Mrs. Rob- erts, came to Wells county, Indiana, in 1837, was the third settler in Liberty township and was the first white man buried in the township. He was a soldier of the war of 18 12 and died November 2, 1838. Henry Mossburg, the father of Mrs. Roberts, was twice married. First, August 2, 1845, to Rebecca Scotten. To this union five chil- dren were born, of whom only one child, Isaac, is living. His second wife, to whom he was married May 8, 1852,- was Mrs. Mary E. (Nau) Wiley. Ten children were born to this union, viz: Harriett A., La- Fayette, Ella May, William, Jane, Ara- mantha, Eddie, Lizzie, Walter and Milton, the latter dying when only four years old. When Nathan Roberts was twenty-three years of age his father gave him fort}' acres of land in Rock Creek township. This he held for about two years when he sold it. The proceeds he used as a part payment on one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty township which he purchased, going in debt for the balance, one thousand six hundred dollars. This land is located in section 3, was a wild and trackless forest at that time, but is now the well improved, productive farm upon which the Roberts family re- sides. Immediately after this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roberts took up their residence on this place and it has been their home ever since. Their first home was a little frame house built of green cottonwood lumber, whose tendency to warp was so marked as to remind one of the "crooked house" of Mother Goose fame. In 1886 he built a barn thirty-six by sixty feet, that is one of the most commodious and substantial struc- tures of the kind in the township. In 1890 he erected a handsome ten-room house, which is beautifully finished and has since been elegantly furnished, making a most enviable home. When he paid ofif the origi- nal indebtedness, he purchased another tract of forty acres adjoining his place on the east. This gives him two hundred acres, in one body, all choice farming land, well drained and under cultivation. By hard work, economy and thrift, Nathan Roberts and his faithful wife have accomplished this, be- sides putting together personal property of a value not less than two thousand dollars. The farm is well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs. From a very small and insignifi- cant beginning they have evolved all this and have done it within a period of twenty- five years. To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts two children have been born, viz : Rosa M. is the wife of William Johnson and they have one child, Harold N. X.; they reside on the Roberts farm; Nettie B. is well educated and ac- complished in music, residing with her par- ents. Mrs. Roberts is a Quaker, her church WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 375 being in Liberty Center, but both her daugh- ters are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Roberts is a member of Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., of Liberty Center, and of Atoka Tribe No. 226, I. O. R. M., at Rockford, Indiana. Whatever zeal he may lack in re- ligion, he makes up in activity in lodge work. In politics he is a Democrat, but never held or desired to hold office, though a number of times he has represented his township in various conventions. Most flattering success has never banished the na- tive modesty of Mr. Roberts. He is ever the same kind, genial and sympathetic man, one who loves his friends and treats his enemies with contempt. Mr. Roberts possesses an old parchment deed, signed by President ^Martin Van Buren. PETER MEYER. As far back as 1835 the Aleyer family came from Switzerland to America. Peter Meyer was a native of the unconquerable little republic, having had his nativity May 22, 1 83 1. He has since had his home in the grander republic of America, now being a resident of this country about sixty-seven years, or more than an ordinar}- life time. On coming to this country, Peter and Mar- garet Meyer, the parents of Peter, who is made the especial subject of this biographi- cal notice, first located in Starke county, Ohio, where they lived about one year, and whence Peter, the father, in company with John Buler, came on foot to Wells county, Indiana, in 1836. From here he went to Adams county with an ox-team and located in French township and lived on a farm in the midst of a forest for several years, sold the farm and came back to Wells county, where he died in the 'seventies, at the home of his son Abe. Peter Meyer, of this sketch, until twenty- one years old worked on his father's farm, and then began learning the carpen- ter's trade. Having finished learning his trade, he came to Vera Cruz and here mar- ried a Miss Mary Sauers, of Newville, but a native of Switzerland, who bore him one child; the child and the mother were both called away sometime late in the 'fifties. In i860 Mr. Meyer chose for a second wife Miss Elizabeth Mosure, who was likewise a native of Switzerland, and to this happy union have been born eight children, name- ly : Albert; Jonas; Sarah, wife of William Frauhiger; Betta, married to Philip Frau- higer ; David, a business man in Bluffton, and of whom more may be learned by a perusal of his life sketch on another page of this volume; Jacob, married, Elizabeth and Ida, still single. Although Peter Meyer was a poor man even until his having attained his majority and up to the time of his first marriage, he was always industrious and economical and a good manager of his earnings as they came to him. He used these earnings ju- diciously, and with unusual foresight in- vested them in such a manner that they were sure to bring him a satisfactory re- turn. He was filled with energy and cour- age, and in i860 made his first venture in real estate, buying eighty acres in an almost impenetrable forest in Wells county, but which he succeeded in developing into one of the best farms in Harrison township, taking into consideration its dimensions. But his industry and enterprise have not 376 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. been confined to this tract only, as he has owned as many as four hundred acres, which he has divided among his children as they grew to maturity and chose life partners for themselves. The fact stands forth as an evidence of his perseverance and he deserves the most commendable credit for the suc- cessful manner in which he has developed his own homestead. The Meyer family belong to the German Reformed church, and in politics Mr. Meyer has always been a Democrat. As a farmer, he stands today among the foremost of Har- rison township, and his strict integrity in all his dealings has made him one of the most honored men of his community as well as one of the most influential. J. W. GOODYEAR. The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of him- self and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict estab- lishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, use- ful and honorable life — a life character- ized by perseverance, energy, broad char- ity and well defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pro- nounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well. The Goodvear familv is an old one and is traced back through several centuries to its original location in Cumberland, Eng- land, where, close to the borders of Scot- land, the family flourished from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries. Eventually the members of the family became scatter- ed, the name being found in many parts of England and, according to old records still extant, a number went to London. At least three liranches of the family have mi- grated to America at diiiferent times, it 1)eing a matter of record that there arrived in America in 1637 Stephen Goodyear, who afterward became governor of New Ha\en colony. Another branch of the family went from England to Holland and Germany, their emigration being coinci- dent with that of the Puritans. This Ger- man branch of the family later came to America and from it is descended the fam- ily to which belongs the subject of this sketch. The first emigrant ancestors set- tled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in that state, on the 4th of April, 1789, was born Samuel Goodyear, who lived a long and useful life, dying at the advanced age of ninety years. His son, William James Goodyear, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1822, and ac- companied his parents upon their removal to Ohio in 1832. Ten years later, 1842, he came alone to Indiana, locating in Blufif- ton. Wells county, a section of country which did not at that time give much promise of the marked prosperity which has since characterized both city and county. He worked at the carpenter's and cooper's trades several years. He was here united in marriage, on the I7tli of February, 1850, with Miss Diana J. Sutton, a granddaughter of the Rev. Elijah Sut- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. m ton, one of the well known early pioneers of Wells county. This worthy couple lived to celebrate the golden anniversary of the ceremony which united them, the event being the occasion of a large gathering of their relatives and friends who joined in their efforts to make memorable the day. Mr. Goodyear died July lo, 1901, on the old homestead near Murray where he had made his home for half a century. To William and Diana Goodyear were born two children, Rhoda Fidelia, born Novem- ber 16, 1 85 1, and Jacob Webster, the subject. Jacob W. Goodyear was born July 13, 1862, was reared upon the old home farm near Murray and was early given the ad- vantage of attendance at the common schools, after which, during the years 1877-9, ^^ at- tended the normal school at Bluffton. In 1880 Mr. Goodyear entered Fort Wayne College, graduating in the commercial and business department the following year, and also graduating in the classical department in the same institution in 1883. In addition to pursuing his regular studies, he was en- gaged for two years in teaching bookkeep- ing and mathematics. After leaving school he w-as for a year occupied in can- vassing for the sale of books and then passed four years upon the farm. In 1888, upon the organization of the Wells County Bank, Mr. Goodyear was elected to the po- sition of cashier, in which capacity he has since served continuously. In 1903 he was elected to the position of vice-presi- dent of the institution and also made a member of the board of directors. He was still retained in the position of cashier and in these joint positions he has since had the active management of the bank's af- fairs. The bank, though but fifteen years old, has had a most creditable history and from a small institution has developed in- to one of the largest and most influential state banks in Indiana. It has a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, a surplus of ten thousand dollars and assets amount- ing to over seven hundred thousand dol- lars. There are seventy-five stockhold- ers, whose interests are looked after by nine directors. Mr. Goodyear has not confined his sole attention to his banking interests, as is shown by the fact that he is an of-ficer in and a director of four other institutions that have for their object the welfare and improvement of the city and county. For a number of years he has been a director, and in Januarj-, 1903, was elected the president, of the Commercial Club, an organization that has accomplish- ed much in building up the commercial interests of Blufi^ton, and he is also presi- dent of the library board, in the latter ca- pacity being in hearty accord with the proposition to erect a new library in this city in the near future, one that will be in thorough harmony with the other recent improvements in the city. Mr. Goodyear helped to organize and for the long period of tw^elve years has been treasurer of the People's Mutual Loan and Savings As- sociation and is also an incorporator and secretary of the new Elm Grove Cemetery Association, which has been started on most modern cemetery plans. In many ways not here mentioned Mr. Goodyear has exerted a silent, but none the less potent, influence upon the city's growth and development and among those best acquainted with the full scope of his ef- forts and accomplishments he occupies a 378 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. high position in their confidence and es- teem. Much of the present prosperity of this section of the country is directly trace- able to the impulse of the influence and ef- forts exerted by the subject. Mr. Good- year is free in his expression of gratitude to his parents and his sister for their un- selfish devotion to him, that he might ob- tain a good education and have a start in life. Through them the foundations were laid thoroughly and deeply and upon them he has builded wisely and well, so that to- day he occupies a position not only credit- able to himself, but reflecting honor to those who so carefully looked after him in the primal days of his life career. On the 26th of November, 1891, Mr. Goodyear was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Harriet Bennett, daughter of Robert C. and Harriet (Deam) Bennett. This union has been a most hap- py and congenial one and has been blessed by the birth of one child, Edith May, born ]\Iay 2T), 1896. Thus briefly have been set forth the salient facts in the life career of one of Wells county's intelligent men of affairs. His career and position illustrate most happily the fact that, if a young man possesses the proper attributes of mind and heart, he can attain to a position of unmistakable precedence and gain for himself an honored position among the men who are the foremost factors in shap- ing the destiny of cities, communities and states. His life proves that the only true success in this world depends upon per- sonal efifort and consecutive industry. It also demonstrates that the road to posi- tion is open to all who possess the courage to tread its pathway and serves as an in- spiration to the young of the present and future generations, teaching by incontro- \'ertil;)le facts that true success is ambition's legitimate answer. HENRY CLAY McCULLICK. One of the original pioneers to whom the present generation is indebted for the com- forts and blessings which attend the deni- zens of a well improved and highly cultivat- ed commonwealth is Henry C. McCullick, a son of Henry ]\IcCulIick, a native of Maryland, but of Scotch parentage. The father of the subject married for his first wife Martha Twible, a native of Maryland whose parents, John and Elizabeth Twible, were natives of Scotland, John, the father, having come to America with the British army. His inherent love of freedom, how- ever, later led him to desert the British and attach himself to the American cause and thereafter he fought in many battles for in- dependence, passing through many narrow escapes, having at different times had five bullet holes shot through his clothing and one through his hat. After his marriage the elder McCullick settled in Tyler county, Vir- ginia, where he remained until 1832 when he removed to Henry county, Ohio, remain- ing there until the fall of 1834, at which time he again removed to Wells county, In- diana. February 11, 1835, when the subject was seven years of age, Henry, Sr., became one of the first settlers of Chester township, Wells county, a typical pioneer belonging to that class to whom too much honor can not be accorded by succeeding generations. Upon his arrival in the new country Henrv, Sr., WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 379 settled upon land which is still in the fam- ily, being the farm now occupied l^y Isaac McCullick. At the first election held in Chester and Jackson townships there were but seven votes cast. Henry, Sr., was chosen for office and his oldest son was also elected to fill the ofifice of justice of the peace. The oldest brother of the subject of this sketch was the first man who took out a marriage license in the new county of Wells. When the sub- ject with his father's family came to Wells county, they moved into an Indian settle- ment of three hundred souls, with whom he run, played and slept and declares that they are the best class of citizens the United States ever had if they had only been let alone. Henry, Sr., was a soldier of the war of 1812, and died in 1863 at about the age of seventy-five years. His wife, Martha, died in 1847. The subject was three times married. To his first union nine children were born. John, deceased ; Rachel, deceased ; Josiah, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Lindy, deceased: Henry, the subject of this sketch; Mary J., the wife of St. Claire Raush, who is deceased; Penelope, the wife of Silas Jones ; William, who is a resident of Michigan and married to Margaret Good- frey. Henry, Sr., married the second time, and this wife dying, he chose for- his third wife Susie Hunt, the widow of Harvey Hunt. To this third union was born one child, Ellen, who married Edward Terhune. Henry Clay McCullick went to school but thirteen days, there being but few school facilities until after he had attained his ma- jority. His parents being uneducated, he, by his own efforts, learned to read, write and cipher. The first lesson he learned to read as a whole was the third chapter of INIatthew, after which he soon learned to read well, an accomplishment which he cultivated through life. He remained with his father until he was nearly twenty-five years of age. The latter having been confined to the house for fourteen years a sufferer from white swelling, Henry C. aided by his sister, Lindy A., cleared the farm, she working with him every day. Just before he was twenty-five years of age he put out the first crop, of which he received a share." which was one-fourth of the product. The next year he went to work on his own land, hav- ing traded a yoke of oxen, a one-horse wagon and a colt for a tract of land in the woods. He went to work clearing it up, and the first summer had cleared thirteen acres, built a house and got himself a wife. He moved into the house before it had any win- dows. This farm was in section 30, Chester township, on which he lived until 1872, when he purchased the Hammer farm and moved on to that. This farm is now occu- pied by Isaac ^McCullick. In the year 1870 he owned three hundred and fifty-five acres of land, which he sold for ten thousand dol- lars, but owing to the failure of the parties to meet the payment either of interest or principal he was compelled to take back the land. He moved onto the farm where he now lives in 1880. His present home is a farm of sixty and three-fourths acres of finely improved land. The subject has de- voted his time exclusively to farming, oc- cassionally shipping stock, etc. Mr. McCullick has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married November 23, 1850, was Elizabeth Ander- son, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Cochran) Anderson, natives of Virginia. I Elizabeth was bom in Alarch, 1827, and 38o WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. died March 7, 1875. As a result of this mar- riage nine children were born : Jasper, de- ceased; Nun, a resident of Montpelier, In- diana, acquired a high education ; Lot ; Wyley, deceased ; Isaac, a farmer in Chester township ; William, a resident of Wells county: Sarah J., deceased; Lucy, the wife of William Alexander, of Fairmount, Indi- ana. For his second wife Mr. McCullick married Mandania Mclntyre, the widow of Thomas Mclntyre and daughter of Robert Hathaway, this marriage occurring August 18, 1876. To this union one child was born, Emma, now living at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. McCullick are both workers in the church of Christ. Politically the sub- ject is a Prohibitionist, having never voted any other ticket save once when he voted for the Hon. A. N. Martin for congress. RUFUS B. CLARK. While in old England they boast of their ancestry back for twenty generations or more and in New England they lay claim to more than half as many, here in the west if we can look back upon our family tree a hundred years and see nothing to be ashamed of, we are liable to strut a little and feel some semblance of the aristocratic thrill that is supposed to bespeak the blue blood of no- bility. There are many in the west possess- ed of such a family tree. Some it impells to put on airs and af¥ect superiority. Others view it in the purely American sense, that a man's worth is neither increased or di- minished by what those who preceded him have or have not been. Of the latter class is the Clark family of Wells and Hunting- ton counties, one of whom is the subject of this sketch, Rufus B. Clark, of Liberty town- ship. Wells county, Indiana. He has a fam- ily of which he might boast, but he is too much interested in the affairs of his own life to waste time with such foolishness. He is a young man, but a very successful one. He was born in the township where he now resides January 9, 1874, and, though only in his twenty-ninth year, is as capable and thorough a business man as one can en- counter. The paternal grandparents of Rufus B. Clark were Sargeant and Eunice (Irwin) Clark, natives of North Carolina, who came in the winter of 1838-9 from their native state to Huntington county, Indiana, travel- ing the entire distance in a wagon. They entered a tract of eighty acres of govern- ment land in Salamonie township, and here built a home, cleared the land and reared their family. They were the parents of eight children, viz: Martha J., deceased; John I., who was the father of Rufus R., the subject: Rachael. wife of John Radcliff, of Newark, Ohio; Roscoe L., a resident of Huntington county, Indiana, residing on part of the old homestead; Landona, wife of Amos L. Carl, of Beamer, Indiana; Hannah, Lewis and Jasper. Of all the early in- habitants of Huntington county, non?! are remembered with kindlier feelings than Sar- geant and Eunice Clark. They were natur- ally unselfish, kind and generous, and to those gifts they added a benevolence and hospitality that is popularly supposed to be peculiarly prevalent in the south. They spent nearly as much time caring for neigh- bors in need as they did in looking after their own afifairs, yet did not slight or neglect the latter. Mr. Clark helped to build roads. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 381 bridges, churches and school houses, never exacting renumeration for his services; in- deed, he would felt offended if asked what his charge was. His good wife was con- stantly, in her motherly way, on some errand of mercy or charity. The maternal grandparents of Rufus B. Clark were George and Nancy (Hampton) Helm. They were natives of Tennessee, but came from that state, by wagon, in 1838, to Huntington county, Indiana, and settled on the bank of the Salamonie river about two miles below Warren. The most numerous inhabitants of the county at that time were Indians. There, in the depths of the wilder- ness, June 6, 1846. Nancy Helm, the mother of Rufus B. Clark, was born. Her birth place is now in the township of Jefferson. In the early days of the settlement the peo- ple were obliged to go to Preble county, Ohio, for supplies. It was a long, tedious journey, through the trackless woods. The round trip frequently required weeks in ac- complishment, especially during inclement weather or when the streams were swollen. On one such trip the husband and father, George Helm, was away six weeks and his intrepid little wife with her three small chil- dren remained alone in the cabin, during the day in the mortal dread of the red savages with whom the woods were peopled, and at night almost equally in fear of the wild beasts of the forest. Mr. Helm cleared and improved this land and made it his home up ti) the time of his death. George and Nancy Helm were the parents of eight children, viz : Lorinda, widow of James Gill ; John A. died on the old home place; William is a 'resident of Huntington, Indiana; Nancy, wife of John I. Clark; Sarah was the wife of Jacob Irwin, but is now de- ceased : Jane died at the age of sixteen years ; David at the age of seventeen and James died when he was but two years old. The parents were among the most enterpris- ing, public spirited and prosperous of the early settlers. Nancy Helm died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John I. Clark, in the fall of 1874. John I. Clark, father of the subject, grew to manhood on his father's farm in Salamonie township, attended the public schools and received a fair common school education. He worked by the day, week or job until he was twenty-three years of age, when he rented the farm of George Helm, making his home in the Helm family. For five years he continued on this farm, and was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Helm, a daughter of the family in which he had been boarding. He then purchased eighty acres of land in Liberty township. Wells county, Indiana, which was then unimproved, but now forms part of the farm owned by him and on which he still re- sides. The size of this farm has been con- stantly increased by purchase until it now comprises three hundred and twenty acres. It is well fenced, ditched and otherwise im- proved. In 1882 Mr. Clark built a barn, forty by eighty feet, which was added to in 1896 and it is now one hundred and five feet in length. In 1886 he erected a model home, large, commodious, well finished and hand- somely furnished, among the best in the en- tire county, while the other buildings on the farm correspond well with those mentioned. John I. and Nancy Clark are the parents of four children, viz : Viola P., wife of Albert Minniear, a resident of Liberty township; Rufus B. is the subject; Garnet E., wife of John C. Smith, a resident of Huntington; 382 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Lester E., the youngest of the family, is still unmarried and resides with his parents. In September, 1901, John I. Clark, the father of this family, was stricken with paralysis and has been helpless ever since. His good wife and youngest son, Lester, accord him every care and make him as comfortable and cheerful as possible in his affliction. Though still only a youth, Lester is much interested in the work of the farm and in the breeding and feeding of blooded stock. He is at- tending the graded school at Liberty Center and will finish the course this year. Both parents have been members of the Methodist Protestant church a number of years, at Beamer. During his entire career John I. Clark has been strictly a temperance man and was e\er ready to advance the work of churches and schools in the interest of mor- ality, religion and learning. In politics he was always a stanch Democrat, as was his father before him. Like the wise and provi- dent man that he is, he has made ample provision for his children, as after laying aside a farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres for his faithful wife, each of their children will be presented with a tract of forty acres. Rufus B. Clark attended the public schools of his native township until he was twenty years of age. He then, in connec- tion with Albert Minniear, his brother-in- law, began the cultivation of his father's farm, receiving for their services a share of the crop and for four years they contin- ued thus, steadily prospering. On the 4th day of December, 1898, Rufus B. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Zora A. Burman, a lady of intelligence and refinement, born in Franklin county, Ohio, October 4, 1874. She is a daughter of George W. and Lydia (Trimmer) Burman, natives of Ohio. The parents of George were Daniel and Harriett Burman. George was twice married, his first wife being Sallie Hempy, who accom- panied him to Indiana when he emigrated from Ohio. Two children were born to them, both of whom are now dead, as also is the mother. His second wife was Lydia A. Trimmer, a native of Ohio, where they were married and where they resided a number of years, when he returned with his wife to Huntington county, locating near Pleasant Plain. Both are still living, residents of Warren county, Indiana. Her parents were John and Sarah (Stumbaugh) Trimmer, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Fair- field county, Ohio, in the early 'forties. There they resided until the death of Mrs. Trimmer, when her husband came to Hunt- ington county, Indiana, and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Lydia A. Burman until his death, which occurred January i. 1892. To this marriage two children were born, viz : Etta, wife of Elsie Thompson, of Liberty township, and Zora A., wife of Rufus B. Clark. The place owned by Rufus B. Clark is known as the Hickory Grove Stock Farm. About the time of his marriage he erected a fine residence upon the place and in 1899 built a barn thirty-six by fifty-six feet, in 1892, increasing its size to fifty- four by fifty-six feet. He has cleared, fenced, ditched and otherwise improved the land un- til it is today one of the best kept farms in the county. The finest well in that lo- cality is on the premises, always supplied with abundance of pure healthful water for man or beast. He has also a large orchard of fine, thrifty young trees of all kinds. He breeds the Ohio Improved Chester hogs. WELLS COUNTY, INDL-\NA. 383 Hereford cattle and a general class of sheep, most of the cattle being thoroughbreds. He carries on general farming and always aims to feed more grain than he raises on the premises, not that he wants to raise less grain, but that he aims to feed more stock. He is the owner of stock and other personal property that will easily reach in value two thousand dollars. To Mr. and Mrs. Rufus B. Clark two children have been born, viz : Hazel F., born February 26, 1900, and Howard Russell, born August 14, 1902. The parents are members of the Methodist Protestant church of Beamer. having united with that denomination in May, 1902. He is a mem- ber of Lodge No. 747, L O. O. F., at Liberty Center, and in politics is a Democrat, active and zealous in all campaigns. There are few men in this country of whom it can truthfully be said they never drank intoxi- cating liquor, chewed tobacco, smoked, play- ed cards or indulged in any species of gamb- ling. That statement, however, can truth- fully be made regarding the subject of this sketch, Rufus B. Clark. He is a moral. model, manly man. If men of his kind were more numerous this country and this world would be greatly improved. WILLL^M D. MARKLEY. Among the prosperous native-born far- mers of Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, William D. Markley stands most prominent. He is a son of John and Ma- linda (Wilson) Markley, was born April 25, 1 84 1, and Harrison township has al- ways been his place of residence. John iMarkley, the father of William D., came from Madison county, Ohio, to Wells county, Indiana, in 1836, and entered one hundred and eighty-five acres of forest land in section 18, Harrison township, where there had about half a dozen settlers pre- ceded him, including Dan and Adam Miller, Thomas Van Horn and Higgins Gentry. Mr. Markley put up the inevitable log cabin for temporary shelter and set resolutely to work to clear up a farm, or rather to clear off the heavy timber surrounding his cabin. He added gradually to his possessions until he owned about six hundred acres, but con- tinued to make a dwelling of his original cabin the remainder of his life. He was a very public-spirited gentleman and did all his means would allow in assisting finan- cially the making of public improvements. He was well known throughout the county of Wells, although a quiet, unassuming man," and was recognized as a useful citizen and a good neighbor, being deeply mourned at his death, which took place in the faith of the Christian church, and his name is still kept green in the memory of his surviving relatives and friends. In politics he was a Republican, but never was officious or inter- meddling in forcing his views upon others, and as a farmer was one of the most success- ful stock raisers in his township. To John and Malinda (Wilson) Markley were born eleven children, of whom eight grew to ma- turity, namely : Rachel, now the wife of Stephen Adsit; Rev. J. J., of Lancaster township; William D.. with whose name this biographical record opens : Ellen, widow of Ben Studabaker; Matilda, married to Capt. E. Y. Sturgis; Lewis P., of this town- ship: Samuel, of Elwood, Indiana; Wilson, still in this township. 384 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. William D. Markley was reared to farm- ing on the old homestead, but was given an opportunity to attend school three months each year until he was eighteen years old. He was quite apt at his studies and on re- linquishing these engaged in teaching school in Wells county until he was twenty-three years of age, when, in 1864, he married Miss Mary E. Dougherty, a native of Darke county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Margaret (Studabaker) Dougherty, as well as a sister of the Hon. Hugh Dougherty. To the marriage of W. D. and Mary E. Markley were born five children, viz : Cora, who was a teacher in Wells county for several terms and was then married to Jules Meredith; Franklin, deceased; Carrie, wife of Earnest Morrow ; Anna, married to Arthur Markley, and Jane, wife of Gus Baker. Mrs. Mary E. (Dougherty) Mark- lev was called from earth in 1884, and Mr. Markley chose for a second helpmate Mar- garet Dellinger, whom he married in No- vember, 1891, and this union has been brightened by the birth of one child, Marie, born June 27, 1895. Mr. Markley is a member of the Chris- tian church at Six Mile and is also one of the trustees. He is very active in his church work, contributes liberally toward its sup- port and maintenance and lives strictly up to its teachings. In politics Mr. Markley is a stanch Republican in principle, but seldom takes an active part in advancing the inter- ests of the party, excepting in the way of regularly casting his vote in its favor, as he has never felt any desire for holding a pub- lic office, although he is very popular in his township and he and family are among the most prominent and respected residents of Wells county and Harrison township. J. B. GAVIN. The man who makes the greatest success in life is not always he who starts with the greatest advantages and best opportunities. This is well exemplified in the case of J. B. Gavin, the subject of this sketch. He was born in the county of Galway, Ireland, August 10, 1845, but only the first two years of his life were spent in his native land. In 1848 his parents, with all their children, emigrated to Arherica and located in Ross county, Ohio. They remained there six years, when, in 1854, they moved to Harrison township. Wells county, Indiana, where Mr. Gavin has since resided. The parents of J. B. Gavin were George and Mary (Benton) Gavin, natives of Ireland, as were their ancestors for many genera- tions. In his early manhood, in his native land, George Gavin was a member of the Royal Irish constabulary, or government po- lice force, and as such did duty in many of the cities of Ireland. On locating in Ameri- ca he devoted himself lo farming. He was a man of good education and during the winter months found plenty of employment teaching. After moving to Wells county, for three years he rented land, but finding that unprofitable he determined to purchase a place of his own. A tract of eighty acres was bought in Liberty township and as soon as a home was prepared thereon the family moved and occupied it. It is the same land on which his grandson and namesake now lives, and a debt was incurred for the great- er part of the purchase price. This land was cleared, improved and added to until it be- came a superb farm of two hundred and ten acres, all in one body. To George and Mary Gavin seven children were born, viz: WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 38s Robert, now a-resident of Liberty township; Mary was the wife of Joseph Cobbum, but is now deceased; Sarah is the wife of Harri- son Snow and they hve in Kansas ; J. B. is the subject of this sketch and will be more particularly referred to hereafter; Delilah died at the age of ten years ; Henry J. died at the age of eight years ; Henrietta died on the voyage from Ireland. The father of this family served a number of terms as town- ship trustee. He was a Democrat, took an active part in politics and made his influence widely felt. His death occurred December 12, 1882. J. B. Gavin attended the public schools of Liberty township until he was eighteen years of age. The yearly term was seldom longer than three months during the winter. George, the father, and Robert, the elder brother of J. B. Gavin, were both teachers and their attendance at school being con- sidered much more important than that of the latter, he was often required to remain at "ijome working when he should have been at school. His advantages for securing an education, therefore, did not equal those of the other children of the family. He, how- ever, was an apt pupil and when he did at- tend, it was to some purpose. When he reached the age of twenty his father ac- corded him a share of the crop raised on the farm, and this arrangement was con- tinued until his marriage and for five years thereafter. On March 31, 1870, James B. Gavin was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Hedges, who was born July 6, 1848, in Harrison township. Wells county, Indiana. She was the daughter of Robert and Sophia (Kirk- wood) Hedges. The father of Robert was Elijah Hedges, a native of Virginia, but the progenitor of the family came from Eng- land. Robert Hedges was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he married Sophia Kirkwood, a native of Pennsylvania, and there he devoted himself to farming for a number of years. He moved his family to Harrison township, Wells county, in 1846, and there he still lives at the age of eighty- five years. Sophia died in August, 1870. Robert and Sophia Hedges were the par- ents of thirteen children, all of whom were living at the time of their mother's death, though three have died since. These were the children : Mary J., wife of Alex. Lati- more; Luicinda was the wife of Daniel Tuttle, but is now dead; Jonas, deceased; Rebecca is the wife of J. B. Gavin, the subject; James married Eunice Neff; Elizabeth was the wife of Philip Ulmer, but is now dead ; William resides in Whitley county, Indiana; Julia, wife of George Ulmer, superintendent of the Orphans' Home ; Joseph ; George resides in Kansas; Lewis resides in Pulaski county, Indiana; Samuel resides in Liberty town- ship; John resides in Harrison township. Robert Hedges was three times married, a daughter, Alice, being born to him by his last marriage. For five years after their marriage ^Ir. and Mrs. J. B. Gavin resided on the Gavin homestead, in the family of his parents, he operating the farm for his father. In 1875 he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres where he now resides. The place was only partially cleared when pur- chased, and in buying it he incurred an in- debtedness of one thousand six hundred dollars. Through his industry and good management he paid off the debt within a very short time and purchased eighty acres WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. more, adjoining his farm on the north and unimproved. In 1881 he erected a barn seventy by forty feet, large, commodious and substantial. The following year he added another eighty acres to his already extensive farm, joining it on the west and later he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old home place. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of superb farming land, in one body, all well ditched and under cultivation. His three sons have each a portion of this land, which they cultivate, each having a comfortable residence on his portion, with good, substan- tial barn and outbuildings. In 1889 Mr. Gavin erected for himself and family a beau- tiful, spacious hiime of nine rooms, artistic- ally finished and richly furnished. It is such a home as one rarely meets with in the rural districts. From boyhood J. B. Gavin has devoted his life to farming and stockraising and has clearly demonstrated that a comfortable fortune can be amassed in that business in a few years. When he and his wife began housekeeping for themselves, in 1875, ^'''si'' home was a little two-room structure which it would be a misnomer to term a cottage. They were rich in nothing but health, strength, industry and perseverance. By coupling prudence and economy with other good gifts which nature had bestowed upon them, they have accomplished results that many would believe impossible. The latest assessment rolls of the county show the valuation of their personal property alone to be two thousand one hundred dollars. Mr. Gavin is one of Liberty township's heaviest taxpayers and also tlie owner of considerable property in Blufifton. the county seat. To Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Gavin eight chil- dren have been born, viz : George M., born May 23, 1 87 1, married Lucy Huffman, and they are the parents of one child, James Frederick; Charles B., born July 29, 1873, married Lydia Bays, resides on part of his father's farm and has four children, Harry, Cecil, George and Garrett; William J., born October 22, 1874, married Anna Howard, resides on part of his father's farm, and has two children, Victoria and Mary; Mary A., born November 25, 1876, is the wife of Benjamin Buckner and they have one child, William J.; Francis F., born June 27, 1879, resides at home with his parents; Minnie and Ninnie, born July 20, 1882 ; Minnie died July 25, 1882, and Ninnie died Sep- tember 12, 1887; Theopolis, born April 13, 1888. Mrs. Gavin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, an active work- er in all religious and charitable work and contributes liberally to every worthy cause. Mr. Gavin is a member of Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., at Liberty Center, and is much interested in lodge work. In politics he is a Democrat, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party, wielding an influence which aspirants for office are exceedingly anxious to secure. He is still practically in the prime of life. The weight of the fifty- seven years that he has seen sets lightly on his shoulders and his physical condition would indicate that existence had yet nearly half a century in store for him. Humanity is benefited bv such lives as his. JOEL KEMP. The importance that attaches to the lives, character and work of the early settlers of WELLS COUNTY, INDLA.NA. 387 \\'ells county and tlie influence they have exerted upon the cause of hu- manity and civiHzation is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of the local chronicler or historian. If great and beneficent results — results that endure and benefit mankind — are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the world's history that may take their places above the hardy pio- neer. To point out the way, to make pos- sible our present advancing civilization, its happy homes, its arts and sciences, its dis- coveries and inventions, its education, liter- ature and culture, its refinement and social life and joy, is to be the truly great bene- factors of mankind for all time. This was the great work accomplished by the early settlers and it is granted by all that they builded more wisely than they knew. Admit that but few ever realized in the dimmest way the transcendant possibilities tliat rest- ed upon their shoulders: grant it that their lives, except in certain instances, were some- what narrow and that they realized but little the great results that ultimately crowned their efforts : yet there exists the supreme fact that they followed their restless im- pulses, took their lives in their hands, pene- trated the wilderness and with a patient energy, resolution and self-sacrifice that stands alone and unparalleled, they worked out their allotted tasks, accomplished their destinies and today their descendants and others enjoy undisturbed the fruitage of their labors. Prominent among the worthy represen- tatives of the pioneer element in the county of Wells is the well-known gentleman to a review of whose life the attention of the reader is now directed. For manv vears Joel Kemp has been a forceful factor in the growth and prosperity of Harrison town- ship, and as such his name and reputation have extended far beyond the limits of the locality in which the greater part of his life has been spent. The subject's father was born in Maryland and his mother in Vir- ginia. Their respective families emigrated to Clark county, Ohio, and there Solomon Kemp and Elizabeth Baker were united in marriage. The former owned a farm in Ohio, but in 1839 he came to Wells county and there bought of Abe Studabaker a farm of two hundred and twelve acres situated in section 3, Harrison township, paying for the same one thousand dollars. He entered actively upon the operation of this farm and made it his home until his death in 1850. They were the parents of eight children, three boys and five girls, of whom there are now but two surviving, the subject and Amanda, the wife of Abe Xeuswander. The father willed all the land to the sub- ject. After his father's death Joel Kemp paid the other heirs for their interest in the home farm and he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-two acres of the original farm. In his youth the only educational ad- \-antages he received were those to be ob- tained in the subscription schools of the neighborhood, but to the limited mental training he there acquired he has added by wide reading and close observation of men and events, so that today he is a thoroughly well-informed man and able to converse in- teligently on all the leading questions of the day. At first the only habitation on the farm was a log cabin, but the subject later replaced that with the comfortable and com- modious residence in which he now lives. 388 WELLS COUNTY, INDL4NA. He made many inprovements upon the place and by long years of earnest toil and wise management brought it up to a high stand- ard of excellence. He has not confined him- self strictly to one line of farming, but has been diversified in his operations, as all pro- gressive agriculturists should be, and has found a comfortable competence in the prod- ucts of the soil. Mr. Kemp was united in marriage with Miss Mahala Deam, the daughter of John A. Deam. The" Deam family came from Montgomery county, Ohio, to Wells county, in February, 1839, but Mrs. Kemp was born in the former county. This union was bless- ed with one child, Alice Olive, who is now the wife of George Studabaker, ex-auditor of Wells county. Politically Mr. Kemp is a Democrat, but, while taking a keen interest in the party's success, bears no active part in its campaigns, being content with the casting of an honest ballot. Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the subordinate lodge at Bluffton. Mr. Kemp, by a life of right living and strenuous endeavor, has earned a warm place in the hearts of all who know him. He is a devout lover of all that is pure, true and good, and is ever ready to encourage that which is good and to support that which is best. All find in him a friend and helper. He is neighborly and brotherly, candid, frank, sincere and generous, as well as kind and courteous. By the exercise of these qualities he has been blessed with a large number of warm personal friends and even mere acquaintances respect him for his exemplary life. Mr. Kemp has in his pos- session two parchment deeds, executed No- vember 7, 1835, and bearing the signature of President Andrew Jackson. JACOB JEFFERSON TODD. Among the distinguished jurists of Indiana the name of the late Jacob Jefferson Todd, of Bluffton, has long ,been accorded a prominent place. As an erudite lawyer his standing at the head of the Wells county bar was never questioned, and as a public spirited man of affairs his place in the his- torj' of his county and state is prominently and permanently fixed. Few so impressed their personality upon the people and in every relation of life he moved among his fellow men as one born to leadership. In tracing the genealogy of Mr. Todd it is learned that he was descended from a long line of sturdy and honorable ancestors, which, both in the lineal and collateral branches, have been prominent in the history of the nation, the family having been identi- fied with colonial affairs for many years an- tecedent to the war for independence. His father, Jacob Todd, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1805, the youngest child of Samuel and Lucy (Shiv- ers) Todd, who were the parents of seven sons and seven daughters. Samuel Todd's father was Alexander Todd, one of the ear- liest settlers of Baltimore county, Maryland, and a man of much more than local reputa- tion. When a young man, Jacob Todd mar- ried Jane Thomas, whose birth occurred in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 2nd day of January, 1807, she being the eldest of a family of twelve children, three sons and nine daughters, born to Enos and Margaret (Cameron) Thomas, the former a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and a son of Seth and Martha (Kirk) Thomas, and the latter the daughter of Lewis and Francis (Suter) Cameron. Briefly stated, the origin WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 389 of the several elements in the genealogical line are as follows: The Todds were of Scotch-Irish extraction; the Shivers of Scotch origin. Seth Thomas was a native of Wales, while the Kirk family was of Quaker descent, its first American repre- sentatives having come from England in 1682 as members of William Penn's colony, which settled in Philadelphia. Louis Cam- eron was born and reared in the highlands of Scotland, his wife, Francis Suter, having been a native of Linconshire, England. The marriage of Jacob Todd and Jane Thomas was solemnized January 14, 1830, and their union was blessed with eleven children, con- cerning whom the following is a brief re- cord : ( I ) Samuel, the oldest son, was born October 24, 1830. married. May 11, 1853, Rebecca Isabelle, who bore him children, Lizzie J., wife of John C. Anderson, Samuel T., deceased, and two that died in infancy. Samuel T. Todd departed this life January II, 1850. (2) John Wesley, the second in order of birth, was born April ig, 1832, married Abigail Glas, who died August 24, 1859, leaving a daughter, Mary Jane; the only son of this marriage died in infancy unnamed. John W. Todd married for his ■second wife Angeline Biddle, who became the mother of three sons and five daughters. During the war of the Rebellion John W. served as second lieutenant in Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Infantry, and distinguished himself as a brave and gallant soldier. (3) Lucy was born Febru- ary II, 1834, and married Asa McDaniel, who died July 15, 1855, leaving one son, John T. Subsequently Mrs. McDaniel be- came the wife of Nathan Tobey and bore him four sons and two daughters. (4) Mar- garet Ann, born June 28, 1836, married Calvin Biddle, to whom she bore two sons and two daughters. (5) Uriah was born on the 5th of August, 1838, entered the mar- riage relation with Lois Smitley and died April 14, 1880, leaving two sons and two daughters, three having died in infancy. L'riah Todd was a soldier in the late Civil war, entering the army in 186 1 as private in Captain Barber's company. Fourteenth Ohio Cavalry, for the three months service. Later he became second lieutenant of Com- pany K, Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry, and w-as afterwards first lieutenant of Company H, First United States Regulars. It is a fact w'orthy of note that he was the first citizen of Wells county to enlist for service in the Union army. (6) Mary Jane was born September 26, 1840; she became the wife of Samuel Bowman, bore him nine children, three dying in infancy, and depart- ed this life on the 24th of April, 1878. (7) Jacob Jefiferson, whose name furnishes the caption of this article, was the seventh in order of birth. (8) Nancy, whose birth oc- curred October 9, 1845, married John V. Allen, a member of Company A, Thirty- fourth Indiana Infantry, in the late war, and became the mother of one son and one daughter. (9) Elizabeth Ellen, born De- cember 22, 1847, married Ransom Allen, a union resulting in the birth of two sons and two daughters. Mr. Allen was also a soldier during the late Rebellion, serving as a pri- vate in Company A, Thirteenth Indiana In- fantry. (10) Simpson was born August 5, 185 1 ; he took'to wife Harriet E. Hoover, who presented him with one son and one daughter. He departed this life in April, 1896. (11) Bathsheba Isodene, the young- est of the family, was born on the i8th day of September, 1885. By her marriage with 390 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. John A. Glass she had five children, of whom two sons and one daughter are living. , Immediately after their marriage Jacob and Jane Todd took up their abode on a farm in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and con- tinued to reside there until 185 1. In that year Mr. Todd disposed of his homestead and joined the tide of emigration to north- eastern and northwestern Indiana. The long journey to the new home was made in the primitive manner peculiar to that per- iod, the equipment consisting of a covered wagon and buggy and in this way, after en- countering many obstacles and meeting with many interesting experiences in the dense and in many places almost trackless forests, the family finally, on the 12th day of Octo- ber, 185 1, unloaded their few effects at what was destined to be their future place of abode. Mr. Todd settled on the northwest quarter of section 19, township 28 north, range 12 east, in what is now the highly favored and prosperous county of Wells. The farm upon which he located was yet a portion of an unbroken forest and the prospect at the time was anything but encouraging. Nothing daunted, however, every member of the fam- ily capable of doing manual labor set valiant- ly to work to improve and reclaim from nature's grasp the rich and bountiful benefices she had in store. Coming here a poor man, Mr. Todd was enabled by in- dustry, frugality and excellent management to develop a fine farm and attain a high de- gree of success in the pursuit of agriculture and the accumulation of wealth. He was a man of broad intelligence and progressive ideas and in many respects stood far in ad- vance of the majority of men of his neigh- borhood. While the average farmer of that period was content to follow the drudge- like work and give no thought to the future, his superior judgment far transcended such narrow and sordid limitation, his aim being to more than keep pace with progress and im- provement in the community, and he moved among his neighbors and fellow citizens as a natural leader. He was always honored for his unswerving integrity in thought, word and deed, for his vigorous and force- ful individuality and for his eminent spirit of justice and charity as exhibited in his daily intercourse with his fellow man. Mr. Todd was a symmetrically developed man, strong mentally, incorruptible morally and physically a prince among his fellows, being six feet one and a half inches and weighing about two hundred pounds. He lived a life of signal honor and usefulness, exerted a powerful influence for good in the com- munity and upon all with whom he came in contact, and in his death, which occurred on the 3rd of November, 186 1, the county lost one of its noblest pioneers and most in- telligent citizens, while to posterity was be- stowed the priceless heritage of a good name and an honorable reputation. Mr. Todd was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplified in his daily walk the faith which he professed. He and his wife became identified with the denomi- nation soon after their marriage, their re- spective parents having also been Methodists and noted for their piety and activity in dis- seminating the truths of revealed religion among those with whom the}' mingled. Mrs. Todd sur\-i\ed her husband a number of years, departing this life on the 5th of June, 1888, at the old homestead hallowed by so many tender recollections and sacred associ- ations. To her were accorded the filial solicitude and veneration of her children and WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 391 her children's children. Her life was one of signal purity and beauty and her generosity and sympathetic character endeared her to all who came within the sphere of her gentle, loving influence. Reverting specifically to the life of Jacob Jefferson Todd, it is learned that he was born on the old family homestead in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1843. When less than eight years of age he came with his parents to Wells county, Indiana, and grew to maturity amid the pioneer scenes of Jeffersini township, lending in his youth effective assistance in clearing and im- proving the eighty acres which constituted the original farm. His preliminary educa- tional advantages were such as the district schools afforded, after which he was enabled to prosecute his studies for a time in Roanoke Seminary. Huntington county, and still later in a college at Fort Wayne. His was not a nature to tolerate subjective inactivity, accordingly he forthwith pro- ceeded to put his intellectual acquirements to a practical test by engaging in the work of teaching, a vocation to which he devoted his attention during the winter months from 186 1 to 1866 inclusive, winning an enviable reputation as an able and popular educator. Essentially loyal and patriotic, j\Ir. Todd was one of the first of Wells county's brave sons to respond to President Lincoln's call for volunteers when the perpetuity of the government was threatened by the armed hosts of treason in i860. The thundering of the rebel guns against Fort Sumter struck a responsive protest in his heart, and his courage was that of his convictions, for in August. 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry. By reason of impaired health he was not able to pass the physical examination prerequisite to ad- mission to the service, which fact caused him no little disappointment and chagrin. Thus forced to limit his efforts to such assistance as he could render the cause aside from the scene of action, he was constrained to bide his time until he shoiild have sufficiently re- covered his health to go to the front. In April, 1864, he again enlisted, this time with better success, becoming a member of Com- pany D, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which, during the summer of that year, served under Gen. Milroy at Tullahoma ' and Duck River Bridge in the railroad defense department. He served with distinction until the follow- ing October wdien he was honorably dis- charged, after which he returned home and again resumed the peaceful pursuit of civil life. Having attained his majority, he cast his first ballot that fall for Oliver P. Morton, the war governor of Indiana, and the following November had the satisfaction of depositing a vote for Abraham Lincoln, \\-ho that year was elected for the second time President of the United States. In ]\Iarch, 1865, Mr. Todd was appoint- ed assessor of Jefferson township, in which capacity he served one year, this being the beginning of his public and official career. On the 4th of April following he began the work of preparing himself for the law, for which exacting profession he had previously decided. Reading under the direction of competent instructors, he pursued his studies with so much earnestness and zeal that he was able to secure admission to the bar on the 22nd day of May, 1866. It is a signifi- cant fact that he studied law in the same of- fice in which he afterwards practiced so successfully for a period of more than thirty 392 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. years, a case without parallel in the history of the Wells county bar. Opening an office in Bluffton in 1868, he gained prestige by rapidly successive degrees and soon built up a large and lucrative practice in the courts of Wells and neighboring counties, which always exemplified a clientele of represent- ative order. The interim between his ad- mission to the bar and the time of beginning the practive was ftlled by an incumbency as deputy internal revenue collector for Wells county, and in March, 1868, he was further honored by being elected clerk of the cor- poration of Bluffton, serving one year in the latter capacity. In his political affiliations Mr. Todd was a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, and his services were enlisted to good ef- fect in promoting and greatly furthering its interests. He early became a judicious counsellor and an industrious worker, while his leadership was duly recognized and fully appreciated during the many years of his ac- tive career as a forceful factor in local, state and national politics. He was appointed alternate delegate to the national Republi- can convention at Philadelphia in June, 1872, and was a delegate to the national convention at Chicago in 1880, which nomi- nated Garfield and Arthur, being a member of the committee on permanent organization. In 1882 he was a member of the committee on resolutions at the Republican state con- vention and he urged with great earnestness and vigor the adoption of the resolution for the submission of the prohibition amend- ment, his advocacy of this measure being confined not only to the convention but con- tinued upon the hustings throughout the ensuing campaign. In 1886 he was promi- nently and favorably mentioned as a most eligible candidate for the office of lieutenant governor, but would not allow his name to go before the nominating convention. By reason of his valuable services to his party Mr. Todd was tendered several im- portant appointive offices by the national ad- ministration, which for various reasons he saw fit to decline. Among these was that of townsite commissioner of Oklahoma terri- tory, tendered by President Harrison in 1890, a position of much importance and re- sponsibility and for the duties of which his sound judgment and pre-eminent business ability peculiarly fitted him. In February of the same year he was tendered, at the hand of Governor Alvin P. Hovey, the ap- pointment as member of the board of com- missioners to construct and furnish the asylums for the insane at Logansport. Rich- mond and Evansville, which position he ac- cepted and on which he served with signal ability and conscienti(ius fidelity until the completion of the allotted work. On the 6th of April, 1895, Governor Matthews ap- pointed him a member of the board of con- trol of the state hospital for the insane at Logansport and subsequently he was made president of the board, discharging his of- ficial functions with credit and dispatch. In June, 1894, Mr. Todd was nominated for judge of the twenty-eighth judicial cir- cuit, comprising the counties of Blackford and Wells,, and such was his great personal popularity as well as his recognized quali- fications for the bench that he was so far enable to reduce the overwhelming Demo- cratic majority as to fail of election by the small margin of fifty-six votes, receiving the largest number of votes ever cast for a Re- publican candidate in Wells county, running four hundred and fortv-nine ahead of the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 393 party ticket. In Octoljer, 1890, he was given distinctive consideration by President Har- rison, who tendered him the appointment as commissioner of allot lands in severalty to the Indians on the Puyallup reservation in the state of Washington, but the demands upon his time by other duties led him to de- cline the offer. Mr. Todd's last public po- sition was as member of the Indian com- mission to the North West Centennial held at Toledo in 1902, to which he was appoint- ed by Gov. James H. Mount and with which he was connected at the time of his death. In his relations to the Wells county bar and in the legal circles of the state, Mr. Todd stood high, having acquired distinctive prec- edence as an able and scholarly lawyer, and an honorable, judicious and eminently suc- cessful practitioner. He was a man of pro- nounced intellectuality, broad human sym- pathies and tolerance and imbued with fine sensibilities and clearly defined principles. Honor and integrity were synonyms with his name, and he occupied a conspicuous place in the confidence and regard of the people of the city and county in which the greater part of his life was passed and his distin- guished success achieved. The eminent dis- tinction he attained at the bar offers the best evidence of his capability in his pro- fession. Familiar with all the details of practice, to which may be added superior forensic abilities and remarkable influence over juries, he easily stood in the front rank of W^ells county's jurists and as an all- round, symmetrically developed lawyer, had few equals among the eminent legal minds of the state. Much of the success which at- tended him throughout his professional career was doubtless due to the thorough preparation with which he presented his cases in court and also to his absolute con- fidence in the justices of his client's cause. Basing his efforts upon these two con- siderations, from which there are unfortun- ately too many lapses in legal ranks, it natur- ally followed that he seldom lost a case in which his support was enlisted. Mr. Todd first started in practice by himself, but soon afterwards became as- sociated with Hon. B. G. Shinn, now of Hartford City. This firm was subsequently changed to Todd & Martin and still later to Todd and Rhinehart, Todd & Duglay, Wil- son & Todd and finally Todd & Todd, his associate in the firm last named being his son. Nelson Kellogg Todd, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this vol- ume. Referring to the domestic life of ]^Ir. Todd, the record states that he was married on the 17th day of April, 1866. to Aliss Rachel J. Kellogg, daughter of the late Nel- son Kellogg, of Bluffton, the union result- ing in the birth of the son whose name is mentioned above. Subsequently, August 12, 1876, he entered the marriage relation with Mrs. Mary J. Klinck, widow of Dwight Klinck, who was drowned on the illfated steamer Schiller, which went down while on a voyage to Europe on the 7th of ]\Iay, 1875. Mrs. Todd is the oldest daughter of John and Rebecca (Angel) Studabaker, of Bluffton, the father a well known and highly respected citizen noted for the energy and success with which he prosecuted all of his undertakings. The mother was especially noted for her generosity and acts of kind- ness and for her faithfulness as a worker in the cause of temperance, humanity and Christianity. Mrs. Todd was educated in Bluffton and at Ft. ^^'avne College. She is 394 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, greatly interested in the work of the Sunday school, as teacher and official, and for a number of years has been untiring in her efforts to advance the standard of morals in the community and disseminate the truths of religion among those with whom she mingles. She is a lady of refinement and varied culture and, while domestic in her tastes, is a recognized leader in social, liter- ary and religious circles. By her first mar- riage she had four daughters, ]\Iaggie, Bes- sie, Lucy and Mattie, the two older deceas- ed: Maggie, who married David A. Wal- mar, died October 17, 1886; Bessie, who be- came the wife of James W. B. Sale, departed this life September 7, 1884; Lucy is now Mrs. Chester Thorp and Mattie is the wife of Luster E. Roush. The second marriage of ]\Ir. Todd was blessed with two children, Mary, born August 9, 1878, and Ralph S., whose birth took place on the 5th of August, 1880. Mr. Todd united with the Alethodist Episcopal church when a mere }outh and re- mained a loyal and devoted member of the same until called from the church militant to the church triumphant. For thirty years he held various official positions in the local congregation to which he belonged, notably among which were those of steward, trustee and Sunday school superintendent. He was a member of the Northern Indiana lay con- ference in the years of 1876 and 1880, and in 1884 served as a lay delegate to the gen- eral conference which convened at Philadel- phia in May of that year. Until physical dis- ability overtook him he was one of the main stays and active in the Bluffton church and contributed liberally of his means to its financial support. In his fraternal relations, Mr. Todd had a state reputation. He was made a Mason in Ossian Lodge No. 297 and for a period of four years served as worshipful master of the lodge at Bluffton. In 1884 he was high priest of Bluffton Royal Arch Masons, in ad- dition to which important office he was also elected eminent commander of Bluffton Commandery, Knights Templar, when that body was chartered in this city. In the order of the Eastern Star, he was worthy patron of Crescent Chapter and in the state organ- ization served as grand lecturer, grand as- sociate patron and grand patron. In the grand lodge of Indiana Masons he passed the different chairs and in 1890 was honored by being elected grand master, the duties of which exalted station he discharged for one year. ]\Ir. Todd was a charter member of Lew Dailey Pest, G. A. R., at Bluffton, which he represented in 1891 in the grand encampment at Detroit. As a member of the committee appointed by the Grand Army of the Republic he aided in revising the his- tory of the late Civil war as outlined in the text books now used in the public schools, in this capacity rendering valuable service to the youth of the land in acquainting them with the underlying causes and wonderful results of that greatest of all rebellions against constituted authority. For five years Mr. Todd was cjuartermaster of the Fourth Regiment in the old Indiana National Guard and for some time served as a member of Governor Chase's staff with the rank of lieu- tenant colonel. His name adorns the char- ters of the Knights of Honor and the Tribe of Ben Hur in Bluffton and he filled the of- fice of past dictator in the former organiza- tion. Mr. Todd was ever a friend and liber- al patron of public improvements and aided WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 395 with his influence and means every enter- prise having for its object the material ad- vancement of Bluffton and Wells county. He was largely influential in securing the requisite encouragement and aid in building the Ft. Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville and the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Rail- roads through the county of Wells, in ad- dition to which his alert and progressive spirit proved a potent factor in promoting various local interests and manifold indus- tries. In every relation of life he was an enterprising, progressive, manly man, whose prominent aim was to do the right as he saw and understood the right. Of dignified but pleasant presence, he was easily ap- proachable by the humblest of his fellows, and thousands the county over can tell of his many acts of kindness, of the cheery grasp of the hand, the pleasant greeting, of some aid or favor when most needed, of friendly advice that set their footsteps aright or of the words of cheer or comfort extend- ed when the soul was bowed down in deep- est sorrow. His was not only a useful life, but a full life, replete with all that was cal- culated to elevate and ennoble humanity, and he was easily the peer of any of his fellows in the essential elements of true, virile man- hood and upright Christian citizenship. He adorned every station to which he was called and through many future generations his name and fame will be cherished by the peo- ple of his city and county as a jurist of pre-eminent ability, as an official whom no bribes could corrupt nor the tongue of flat- tery swerve from the path of duty, as a Christian without pretense and as i man who. seeing and understanding the right, strove by all means within his power to do the same as he would answer to his con- science and to his God. The sickness which finally terminated in the death of ^Ir. Todd was of long duration. but he endured his sufferings with heroic fortitude and sublime resignation. In hope of regaining his health, he sought medical aid at the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Michi- gan, and again at West Baden Springs, In- diana, but without avail, and it was only by the exercise of his indomitable will he was enabled to baffle the fell destroyer during the last twelve months of his life. He was anx- ious and determined to live and did not give up the struggle until within a few days before the end came. On the street ,at various times in pleasant weather he maintained the cheer}' disposition which was always one of his pronounced characteristics and in spite of his sufferings kept in close touch with the trend of events and gave personal attention to his business affairs until the summons came and he yielded up his great but gentle spirit to the God who gave it. He departed this life on a beautiful Sunday in the most beautiful month of the year. May 13, 1900, dying as he had lived, a Christian, firm in the faith of the Redeemer and with a knowl- edge that his departure was only a transition from pain and suffering to a realm of eternal ])eace and triumph. \Mien court was called the following Monday the bar of which he had long been an honored and distinguished member passed appropriate resolutions, con- taining complimentary references to his character -and standing as a lawyer. Eliminating the greater part of the bio- graphical mention, the resolutions adopted bv the bar were as follows : Jacob J. Todd was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1843. and died at Bluffton, Indiana, May 13, 1900, aged fifty-seven years, two months and one day. In early childhood he re- moved with his parents to Jefferson township, 396 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Wells county, Indiana, where he lived upon a farm until after he attained his majority. In early man- hood he taught country schools, but came to Bluff- ton in 1865, and became a student of the law. He entered upon the practice of his chosen profes- sion in 1866 and continued a member of the bar thirty-four years. During all this time he en- joyed a large and lucrative practice. He became quite familiar with statutory law and devoted himself very largely to probate practice, collections and general office work. In all these specialties of his profession he excelled. In the history of the bar, no more reliable, trustworthy and competent attorney in this line of labor ever practiced in Bluffton. He was an ideal husband and father and alive to the wants and necessities of the community and an active, untiring supporter of every enterprise calculated to promote the best in- terests of the city and county. For more than a third of a century Bluffton has been his home. Here he has lived honored and respected as few men have ever been by his townsmen; here he died at one o'clock, on Sunday, May 13, 1900, mourned by all his neighbors. The private character and life of Jacob J. Todd were without stain and above reproach. He was a man of deep religious convic- tions, devotedly attached to his church, but he was too liberal to be a bigot, and too just to be in- tolerant. He was a man of excellent social quali- ties, and his courtesy and kindness were unfailing. When such a man dies it is appropriate to mourn. Resolved. That we deplore the death of Jacob J. Todd because of his great worth as a man, a cit- izen and a brother. Resolved, That we present to the family of the departed our sincere sympathy and condolence in their bereavement. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread on record in the order book of the Wells circuit court. John K. Rineh.\rt. J. S. Dailet. Levi Mock. The following are the resolutions adopt- ed by the official board of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church of Bluffton, with which Mr. Todd had long been prominently identi- fied. We, the members of the official board of the Bluffton Methodist Episcopal church, feel most keenly the great loss we have sustained in the death of our Brother Jacob J. Todd. We find it difficult to realize that he is no more one of our number. He has been a member of this city for the past thirty-three years, and in that long period of usefulness his life has been before us as an open book. We can recall his many and valued qualities as a member of this board. Prominent among these was his intense loyalty to every interest of the church he loved so well. He was one prominent among us who held up the hands of the pastor and helped to lighten his burdens. As an evidence of this loyalty, every pastor who has ever served the Bluffton church has always felt the fullest freedom in partaking of the hospi- tality of Brother Todd's home. He possessed qualities which made him peculiarly valuable as a member of this board. How often has he infused his hopefulness and courage into our hearts and led us to look upon the bright side when we have been disposed to regard the future as dark and un- certain. Our Brother Todd took a broad and practical view of the work of the church, and his highest wish was that Zion should prosper in every line. He always lent a willing and helpful hand to every enterprise of the church. He was always jealous for the good name of the church, and did his part toward bringing all the work up to his high ideal. We shall miss his counsel and his help. In fact his death inflicts an irreparable loss upon the church and upon this board. We shall use due diligence in seeing to it that the influence of his life of devotion to a cause we all so much love shall not be lost upon us, but shall be treasured by us as one of the choicest memories of our service in the cause of the Master. P. A. Allen. J.4JtES P. H.VLE. D. H. Sw.^^iM. The funeral of Mr. Todd, conducted after the beautiful and sublime ceremonies of the Masonic fraternity, was attended by a large concourse of his sorrowing fellow citizens of Bluffton and Wells county, while many friends and admirers from a distance were present to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his memory. The Warren. Ossian and Decatur Masonic lodges were present in a body, while notice was received that representatives of the lodges from WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 397 Hartford City, Ft. W^ayne, Montpelier and Huntington were in attendance. Grand Master William Geake, of Ft. Wayne; Deputy Grand Master O. E. Halloway, Knightstown ; Senior Grand Warden O. W. Brownback, of Pendleton; Grand Secretary Wm. H. Smythe, Indianapolis, and Past Masters Edward O'Rourke, of Ft. Wayne, and Calvin W. Prather were present and had the ceremonies in charge. The pall bearers were as follows : W. H. Bassett, J. S. Dailey, J. P. Hale. W. L. Kiger, J. K. Rinehart, L. B. Stevens, D. H. Swaim and J. W. Tribolet. GEORGE L. SAUNDERS. \Miat a strange fascination the business of newspaper publishing has for all persons who have ever become skilled in the calling. Men have followed it "for years, cried out in anguish at the incessant grind, yearned for an opportunity to let go, even at a sacrifice, and when it came and they let go, reveled in their coveted liberty for only a few short weeks, when they were just as insistent in their desire to get back into the harness as they had been in the first place to get un- hitched. An old newspaper man who had followed the calling for more than fifty years prayed to be relieved of the tread-mill work that he had followed nearly all his life. His prayer was answered. He sold out at a figure that rendered him independent and then declared his intention of taking a good, long, well-earned rest. In less than six months he was pleading for the privilege of buying his old plant back again at an ad- vance, and when it was denied him he went into an adjoining county and bought another plant. In describing his feelings, he said, "A man suffers the pains of purgatory in the business, but he suffers the tortures of hell when out of it." That is not the experi- ence of one or a dozen, but of the many who have ever become wedded to the tripod. The subject of this sketch, George L. Saunders, of BlufTton,. is still comparatively young. He was born September i, 1866, in Muncie, Indiana, and hence is but little more than thirty-six years old. Neverthe- less, ten years ago he was afflicted with the newspaper fever and only secured permanent relief by buying an interest in the Blufftoit Banner. \\'illiam and Ellen Saunders were the parents of George L. Saunders. At the time of the birth of the latter they resided in Muncie, where they remained until 1868, when they removed to Green, Jay county, re- maining there until 1876, when the family moved to Portland, where the father still re- sides. There were five children in the fam- ily, but two of them, both girls, with their mother, are dead. In the common schools of Portland George L. Saunders received his education. In securing it he had the wis- dom to subordinate the ornamental to the useful. Realizing that his time in the school room must necessarily be brief, he endeavored to secure all the valuable knowl- edge he could in that time. On leaving school, he entered the office of the Portland Sun, for the purpose of learning the print- ing business. The paper was then edited by B. S. Gray, son of Hon. Isaac P. Gray, an ex-governor of Indiana and United States minister to Mexico under President Cleve- land. In this office Mr. Saunders continued until he became a skilled printer and news- 398 WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. paper man of recognized ability. In 1886 Afi. Gray retired from the publication of the Sun and upon his recommendation George L. Saunders secured a position in the government printing office at Washington. It speaks well for the native ability and apti- tude of Mr. Saunders that after so brief a time in a country printing office he was able to secure and hold for more than eight years, and until it was voluntarily surrendered, a position in an establishment of such magni- tude as that of the government printing of- fice. On resigning his governmental posi- tion, in 1894, he returned to Portland and purchased a half interest in the Sun office, in which he had secured his knowledge ol the printing business. His business 'partner was W. W. Timmonds, and for four years, or until 1898. this association continued. The Sun has always been a handsome, read- able and interesting publication, but during this period it was especially welcome in the homes of its patrons. Upon dissolution of the partnership Mr. Saunders disposed of his interests to his partner and retired from the publication. At the time of his retire- ment from the Portland Sun, Mr. Saunders had been connected with the printing busi- ness for nearly twenty years. To say that he was greatly relieved on getting out and that he enjoyed for a time his freedom, ex- presses it only mildly. Like other pubhsh- ers. he had wearied of the incessant, eternal grinding. Liberty was sweet and enjoyable, but it did not remain so. He engaged in different pursuits, in which he met with suc- cess and prospered, but there was that con- stant, unaccountable desire, that unreason- able yearning for the odor of the printing office. Forgetting that he had nothing to do with the news, except read what others published, he often caught himself outlining matters which came under his observation and which deserved to be written up. He had the newspaper faculty and not to exercise it was painful to him. The result was in- evitable. In January, 1902, he purchased an interest in the Blufifton Daily and Weekly Banner, a publication that has been regular- ly conducted for more than half a century. From its earliest infancy, in 1850, it has been recognized as one of the leading Demo- cratic newspapers in eastern Indiana and at different times its publishers have been some of the foremost men of the state. To write its history would be like writing the history of the Democratic party of the state. It is a splendid, prosperous publication with hosts of friends throughout the northern and eastern part of Indiana. On Octolaer 10, 1889, George L. Saun- ders was united in marriage to Miss Belle E\-ans, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. J. E\'ans, of Winchester, Indiana. She is a lady of refinement, many accomplishments and good education, being a graduate of the \\^inchester high school. To them have been born three daughters, one only of whom is living, the others having died in infancy. In their domestic relations Mr. and Mrs. Saun- ders are most happy, their home being a model American home. With a prosperous, perhaps a brilliant, business career before him, there is no reason why it should not continue to be all that it is at present. CHARLES M. MILLER. Charles M. Miller was born on a farm in the vicinity of the yillage of Murray. Wells county. Indiana, on the 20th of May. 185 1. being the sixth in order of birth of the ten WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 399 cliildren of Jacob and Mary A. (Sutton) Miller, the family comprising five sons and five daughters, of whom four of the sons and five of the daughters are living at the present time. Jacob ^filler was born in Pennsylvania, of stanch German ancestry, the name having been identified with the annals of the Keystone state from an early epoch in its history. He became one of the pioneers of Wells county, Indiana, whither he came as a young man in the year 1837. In his native state he had learned the trade of millwright, and to this he devoted his attention until after his marriage, when he took up his abode on a quarter section of land in Lancaster township, this county, ef- fectually reclaiming the same and developing a valuable farm, upon which he continued to reside for many years, the old homestead being the birthplace of all his children. In his declining days Jacob Miller retired from the farm and passed the golden evening of his life in the home of his eldest daughter, where he received that deep filial solicitude which was so justly due him. Here he died at the age of eighty-two years. The mother of the subject was a woman of noble and gracious attributes. She was a daughter of Rev. Elijah Sutton, a pioneer clergyman of the Baptist church in this section of the Union, and who is said to have preached the first sermon ever delivered in ^^^ells county. His descendants assembled each year in re- union on the old homestead farm, one and one-half miles north of Murray, this county, the twenty-fourth annual reunion having been held in the month of June, 1902. Charles M. Miller, whose name initiates this review, received his preliminary educa- tional training in the common schools of the village of Murray and continued to as- sist in the work of the old home farm until he had attained the age of about seventeen years. During the ensuing four years he devoted his attention, through the winter months, to teaching in the district schools of Lancaster township, while through the re- sults of such effort he was in the interim en- abled to defray his expenses while continuing his personal study in the graded schools of Blufifton. In, '.he spring of 1873 he entered into a partnership association with James Sewell and opened a general store at Alur- ray, the enterprise being conducted under the firm name of Miller & Sewell until the autumn following, when the junior mem ber was succeeded by L. F. Shreve, and the business was continued successfully under the title of Miller & Shreve, until April, 1879, when Mr. Miller sold his interest to his partner and removed to Blufifton, where he accepted a clerkship in the dry goods establishment of H. C. Arnold, with whom he remained consecutively until January. 1883, when he efifected in this city the pur- chase of the stock and business of Killer- man Brothers and established himself in the grocery and queensware business, which he continued until his election to public office. Ever according a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, Mr. Miller became an active and efficient worker in its ranks with- in a short time after taking up his resi- dence in Bluffton, and his zeal in the cause, as well as his unmistakable eligibility, re- ceived recognition of definite and gratifying order when he was made the nominee of his party for the office of county auditor, to which he was elected by a satisfactory and flattering majority in November, 1886. After his election he disposed of his gro- j eery business and in the interim of a year WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. which elapsed before his induction into of- fice he devoted his attention to buying grain for H. C. Arnold. In November, 1887, Mr. Miller entered upon the discharge of his du- ties as auditor, and served in this capacity for the ensuing four years. The import- ant work of constructing the fine new court house was consummated during his regime. With the discovery of natural gas in In- diana Mr. Miller became financially and ac- tively interested in the development of the gas fields, and thus was led to later identify himself with the concomitant industry of developing the oil wells of the state. He was one of the original members of the di- rectorate of the Bluiifton Light & Fuel Com- pany and for two years was secretary of the company. In 1893 he had engaged in the drug business in Bluffton, but in _i896 he disposed of this enterprise to devote his en- tire attention to his oil interests, which had greatly increased in scope and importance. Since the year last mentioned he has operat- ed extensively in the oil fields of the state, both individually and as an interested principal in various corporations, and his energy, discrimination and administrative ability have been the potent factors in in- suring him a high degree of success in this important field of productive enterprise. He was actively concerned in the organization of the Midway Oil Company, his interests in which he subsequently sold at a good profit, and he is now actively identified with a number of fine properties and the exploiting of new prospects of distinctive promise. On the 27th of September, 1877, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Liz- zie L. Burgan, daughter of George F. Bur- gan, now deceased, one of the first settlers of Bluffton and one of its most honored pio- neers. Mr. and Mrs. ^filler have three children, namely : Guy B., who was born July 18, 1878, is a traveling salesman for a wholesale drug house in Kansas City, Missouri; Dwight C, born April 29, 1887, and Edith, born January 28, 1891, remain at the parental home, which is recognized as a center of gracious hospitality. Fraternally Mr. Miller is identified with the time-honor- ed order of Freemasons, in which he takes a lively interest, being fully appreciative of the noble teachings and beneficent values of the fraternity. J. H. HEXLINE. This gentleman, although reared to agri- cultural pursuits, is now one of the most active and prosperous business men in the town of Ossian, Jefferson township. Wells county, Indiana. He is a native of the county and was born in Lancaster township, November 11, 1859, a son of Tobias and Rebecca (Kreigh) Henline, natives of Penn- sylvania and of German descent. Both the Henline and the Kreigh families, on leaving the Keystone state, first located in Ohio, from which state the Henlines came to Wells county, Indiana, in 1845, and the Kreighs shortly afterward, probably abolit 1847- Tobias Henline and Rebecca Kreigh were married in 1857 and made their home on the old farm in Lancaster township, where Tobias passed his life. He is de- ceased, but his wife has been spared and now lives in Tocsin, Wells county. Of their family of seven boys and three girls, five J. H. HENLINE. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 401 sons and three daughters stiU survive, and all have been reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which the mother is still a devoted member and not only be- lieves in and faithfully follows its teachings, but contributes liberally of her income to its support. J. H. Henline passed his boyhood days on the homestead and assisted on the farm as farmers' lads do, but during the inclement weather attended school at Eagleville, where he acquired a good English education. He was but a lad when his father died, but he possessed a great deal of energ\^ and pluck and vigorously attended to his farm duties until he attained his majority when he pur- chased a threshing machine and entered up- on the activities of life on his own account, and, as the sequel will show, made a gratify- ing success. For four years this thresher afforded him profitable and certain employ- ment each harvest, but being naturally a man of enterprise and business ability, he sought a more permanent line of business and estab- lished a tile factory in Jefferson township, which he conducted with unvarying success for five years, when he sold out to John Beck, Jr. He afterward opened a new fac- tory, covering eleven thousand five hundred and fifty-five square feet of ground, equipp- ed with a forty-horse-power engine and boiler, and was engaged in manufacturing tile, sawing lumber and making shingles, and also having a fully equipped planing mill and cider mill. September i, 1894, the entire plant was completely destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of over six thousand dollars, leaving Mr. Henline three thousand dollars worse off than nothing. He had many friends, however, and they did not de- sert him, so that through their assijtance he was able to start up again, though on a smaller scale. But misfortune still clung to him, as in the following January he was se- verely injured in his saw-mill, suffering a broken leg and other injuries. March 14, 1881, J. H. Henhne was hap- pily united in marriage with Miss Rosa D. Wagner, a native of Jefferson township and of German descent. This union has been favored with three children, namely : Martin S., born December 9, 1882, is a practical en- gineer in Wells county, is still unmarried and makes his home under the parental roof; Lester R., who was born July 14, 1887, has been well educated for a lad of his age, and Floyd, who was born January 16, 1889. Beside the tile factory above alluded to, Mr. Henline also conducted a portable saw- mill and a fully equipped saw and grist-mill, for about six years. In May, 1901, he locat- ed in Ossian, where he now owns a number of town lots and is doing a general mercan- tile business. Although Mr. Henline has met with several reverses, he is naturally a money maker and is very persistent in what- ever he undertakes, being now in comfort- able circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Henline are members of the Evangelical church, in which he has been a class leader for over three years, and was a Sunday school teacher for several years, and of the same church Mrs. Henline is a steward and the Sunday school superin- tendent. In politics Mr. Henline is a Demo- crat, as were his ancestors as far back as his recollection extends, but, as far as he is per- sonally concerned, he cares but little for po- litical work. He has a pleasant home in Ossian, where he carries on a general trade in agricultural implements, and also owns 402 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. five acres of quite valuable land in Jefferson township. The Henline family is one of the most respected in the town of Ossian and the township of JefTerson, and Mr. Henline is well known in the business circles of the county as a man of the strictest integrity. ABNER S. ELZEY. Few young men in Wells county and the town of Ossian, Indiana, have become so prominently identified with the business interests of the community in which he lives as has Abner S. Elzey. who was born in Adams county, Indiana, October 3, 1868, a son of Elisha and Rebekah (Pausle) Elzey. The Elzey family came from Maryland to Ohio and are of Scotch-Irish descent, and after some years' residence in the Buckeye state, the father moved to Adams county, Indiana, located on a farm north of De- catur, where he passed his life in moderate circumstances, and was highly respected by his neighbors as a quiet, unassuming gen- tleman. To him and wife were born seven children, of whom A. S. Elzey is the only survivor. Abner S. Elzey was. as far as his tender years permitted, instructed in the noble pur- suit of agriculture on the old homestead and also attended the district school until he was eight years of age, when he was taken by his father to Decatur, where he attended the common schools, and, being quick at acquir- ing knowledge, improved himself as far as his advantages would permit. But his thirst for knowledge was insatiable and he de- voted his time and means to a large extent to the accumulation of books, soon ing himself of a large and valuable library, made up of standard works on many branch- es of human knowledge. But a desire to make money early became paramount with Mr. Elzey, not for the sake of gold itself, but for the advantage it would afford him in doing good to others and in amplifying his power to carry out this laudable object. Therefore, while still young, and his mother ha\'ing passed away, Mr. Elzey left the pa- ternal roof and formed a partnership with another young man in Decatur, and soon proved to the world that, although but fif- teen years of age, he had a knowledge of business far superior to that possessed by most lads of his own age. A favorable op- portunity presenting itself, i\Ir. Elzey withdrew from the partnership he had formed and entered the employ of Shaffer & Brother. In 1892 Mr. Elzey was sent by his employers to Ossian with a stock of hardware well adapted to the wants of a rural community and an agricultural popula- tion, and within a year built up a very pros- perous trade. With his usual foresight, Mr. Elzey perceived his opportunity and formed a partnership with John Rex, and together they purchased the stock. Some time later Mr. Elzey bought out Mr. Rex, and con- tinued the business solely on his own ac- count, adding materially to his stock in trade, but later engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he found to be better adapted to his inclinations and more remunerative. Mr. Elzey is a public spirited gentleman as well as an enterprising citizen. He has made three additions to the town of Ossian and has built two business blocks, as well as remodeled others, and, taken altogether, his pu^h and enterprise have been most WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 403 commendable. Too mucii credit can hardly be awarded him for the great progress Os- sian has made under his auspices. In 1901 Mr. Elzey erected his present two-story and basement brick warehouse and salesroom in which he carries the best assorted stock of furniture, buggies and undertakers' ma- terials to be found in Wells county. His funeral cars are of the latest design and are fully up to date, and besides the two he owns in Ossian he holds an interest in six others at different towns in the country. By his courtesy and unvarying affability, which al- ways mark the true business man, Mr. Elzey has secured a permanent trade that in itself assures him a competency. Abner S. Elzey was united in marriage with Miss Siddie E. Linn. This lady was born in Indianapolis in 1866, and is the daughter of Solomon Linn, a prominent and wealthy contractor and builder, now resid- ing in Decatur, Indiana. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Elzey took place in Decatur, August 27, 1889, and this union has been blessed with two children, viz : How Ruth, born December 27, 1894, and Dale Edmond, born July 27, 1896, and it may be added that Mr. Elzey attributes much of his success in business and all of his domestic happiness to the influence of his amiable and accom- plished wife. Mr. Elzey and his family are members of the Evangelical church, in which they are true and earnest workers and to the support of which they are liberal contributors. Fraternally Mr. Elzey is a Knight of Pythias, of which he is the pres- ent efficient prelate. In politics he is a Re- publican, but is too wise a man to sacrifice his business interests in the vain pursuit of office. He has passed much of his life in acts that were sure to accrue to the benefit of his neighbors and of the community in which he has passed so many years of his useful life. MAHLON I. PAXSOX. In the general conduct of life, as well as in specific vocations, intelligence, energy and honorable motives are essential to the high- est success. With the two former qualities, a man may succeed in a certain sense, but that life is not a full or complete one into which the moral element does not enter as a controlling factor. The career of Mahlon I. Paxson, of Lancaster township, one of the largest land owners and most successful farmers of Wells county, is a forcible il- lustration of this fact, and it is a pleasant duty on the part of the publishers to present a brief review of his life and achievements. It is not known who was the founder of the Paxson family in America, but it is a well authenticated fact that the name was fa- miliar in various parts of Virginia at a very early period in the history of that common- wealth. Joseph Paxson, the subject's grand- father, was born in that state, but in early life was taken by his parents to Ohio where he married, subsequently moving to Indiana and entering land in Penn township. Jay county. He was one of the earliest settlers in the township of Penn, settling there in the year 1836. He cleared and developed a good farm there and died on the same a number of years ago at about the age of seventy-two. Among the children of Joseph and Martha Paxson was a son by the name of Joshua, whose birth occurred in Colum- biana county, Ohio, about the year 1820. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. When a youth in his teens he accompanied his parents to Jay county where he subse- quently married Mary Irey, daughter of Phineas Irey, one of the pioneers of Jay county and later a resident of the county of Wabash. After his marriage Joshua Pax- son settled on a farm in Penn township and in due time became a successful agriculturist and substantial citizen. He was an honest, hard working man and belonged to that large and eminently respectable class of yeomanry who in a quiet way add to the sta- bility and moral tone of the community. He lived a useful but uneventful life and finished his earthly course in November, 1878, his wife surviving until the year 1891. Eight children were born to Joshua and Mary Paxson, the subject of this sketch be- ing the second in order of birth ; the names of the others are Martha, wife of Morris Thompson; Philip, a resident of Pennville, Jay county; Eli lives at Winona, this state; David, the next in order of birth, was last heard of in Missouri and it is not known Avhether he is now living or dead; the old- est and youngest members of the family died in infancy unnamed. Mahlon I. Paxson was born in Penn township. Jay county, Indiana, November II, 1842. To him was accorded the privilege of growing to manhood on a farm, from whence has sprung not only the moral bone and sinew of the body politic, but also the majority of leaders in our industrial life and many men of eminence in the affairs of state. Inheriting a robust constitution and superb health, young Mahlon grew up a finely de- veloped lad and, being the oldest son, upon his shoulders early fell a large share of the family support. By reason of his services being required on the farm he had little op- portunity of acquiring an education, the sum total of his schooling consisting of only four or five terms and that before he had reached the age of seventeen. This deficiency he has largely made up in after years by read- ing and observation, while his contact with the world in various business capacities has given him a wide practical knowledge of much greater value than the learning ordi- narily derived from books. Mr. Paxson was a young man of nine- teen when the great Civil war broke out and, like thousands of other patriotic sons of the north, he tendered his services to the gov- ernment in the hour of its greatest need. On the 30th day of July, 1862, he was mustered into the service as a member of Company F, Seventy-fifth Regiment Indi- ana Infantry, and from that time until his discharge, in June, 1865, he did his duty as a brave and loyal soldier on a number of bloody battle fields. He first met the enemy at Hoover's Gap, Kentucky, and later was with General Thomas in the various cam- paigns which that intrepid commander con- ducted, participating in many engagements, notably among which was the terrible battle of Chickamauga, where so many brave men laid down their lives in defence of the Union. During Mr. Paxson's military ex- perience he was never in the hospital a day as a patient and, being ever ready for duty, he earned the good will of his officers and comrades. After his discharge he returned home and on February 27 of the following year was united in marriage with Miss Ma- tilda E. Keese, of Penn township, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Keese, who moved to Jay county, from Vermont, as early as 1838. Meantime Mr. Paxson had come into possession of a small farm of sixty acres WELLS COUNTY, INDL-YNA. 405 which he purchased with money saved while in the army, and to this place he moved his bride and set up his first domestic establish- ment. Within a short time he exchanged this farm for eighty acres of woodland on which he built a modest log dwelling, six- teen by eighteen feet in dimensions, and shortly after installing his wife therein he put up a blacksmith shop which proved a great benefit to the farmers of the vicinity. When not engaged in clearing his land he worked in the shop and soon had more than he could do, his earnings from this source constituting by far the larger part of his in- come. After clearing and reducing to culti- vation about fifty acres of his land, Mr. Paxson again made a good trade, exchang- ing the place for one hundred acres in Not- tingham township. Wells county, to which he moved about the year 1883. On Febru- ary 2, 1876, prior to moving to Wells count}-, he suffered a grievous bereavement in the loss of his wife, who died after bear- ing him four children, namely; Florence, now Mrs. David Kelly; Nathan, deceased; Nealy P.^ wife of George Lanning, of Kansas, and Adrian, who died in infancy. Later, on the 13th of October, 1878, Mr. Paxson chose a second wife in the person of Mrs. Rebecca Paxson, widow of the late Miles Paxson, of Jay county, and daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Walker, who were among the early settlers of that part of the state. ^Ir. Paxson's original farm in Notting- ham township lies about one mile and a half southw-est of the village of Petroleum and for many years was locally known as the Robert Smith place. He made many im- provements on this farm, including among others one of the largest barns in the town- ship and a beautiful two-story modern dwelling costing twenty-five hundred dol- lars. He brought the land to a high state of cultivation and by his energy, foresight and successful management added continually to his possessions until within a comparatively few years he was numbered among the wealthiest men in his part of the county. Li 1896 he purchased a fine residence in Bluffton, to which place he removed the same year, but after a short time there he returned to the country, subsequently trad- ing his city property for a farm in the town- ship of Lancaster. In 1898 he moved to the latter place and has since made it his home, although still retaining possession of his farm in Nottingham township. Mr. Paxson has been exceedingly for- tunate in his farming interests and business affairs, as witness the fact of his owning at this time seven hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable land, three hundred and twenty-four acres of which are in Lancaster township, one hundred in Nottingham, one hundred and sixty-eight in Jay county and one hundred and sixty in Stafford county, Kansas, and also six valuable lots in Penn- ville. Jay county. He is now looking after his large landed and agricultural interests, but does little manual labor himself, devot- ing considerable of his time to the raising of fine live stock in which his success has been most encouraging. He is a large breeder of Galloway cattle, of which he now has one hundred and twenty-three head, several of them thoroughbreds, while his herd of Jerseys cannot be excelled by any like num- ber of animals in this part of the state. He also buys and ships stock quite extensively and in this, as in his other business affairs, realizes handsome profits from his efforts. 4o6 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Mr. Paxson is a man of expedients, re- sorting to many different enterprises to in- crease his fortune. He owns a fine thresh- ing outfit, which yields him a Hberal profit on the investment, and also operates a shred- der at certain seasons of the year. He still keeps his blacksmith shop open, doing all of his work and as much for his neighbors as the capacity of his establishment will ad- mit. Mr. Paxson never addresses himself to an undertaking without careful consider- ing the consequences, but once engaged never stops short of successful completion. Thrown upon his own resources at an age when most boys are still under their father's care, he has made his way in the world un- aided and is indebted to nobody but himself for the large fortune which he now com- mands. He is probably as good a specimen as can be found of the extraordinary up- lifting and rebuilding process which Ameri- can institutions seem so well calculated to foster in the case of clever young men who in the midst of humble circumstances are not afraid to dare and do. There have been many hard knocks and rough experiences in his career^ but from the beginning he has been controlled by those high, manly princi- ples which, while according to every one his just dues, holds on to the right regard- less of conseciuences and in the end seldom if ever fails to reach the goal of success. Mr. Paxson is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Bluffton and is also identified with the Improved Order of Red Men, joining the latter organiza- tion at Keystone. In matters political he is absolutely independent, giving his alle- giance to the party whose principles in his judgment work for the best interest of the people. He supported the Greenback party while it was in existence and later became a Populist, but in local affairs he is free, vot- ing for the man regardless of his political affiliation. By his second marriage Mr. Paxson is the father of four children, namely : Telfer, who married Miss Elva Eihorn and lives on the farm in Nottingham township; Sherman married Clara Gregg, and lives on a part of his father's farm in Lancaster township; Orval, also a member of the home circle, and Ernest, who was accidentally shot and killed at the age of eleven j^ears. Mrs. Pax- son has been a member of the L^nited Brethren church ever since her childhood and is one of the active members in the con- gregation to which she now belongs. Mr. Paxson is not identified with any religious organization, but appreciating the value of the church to a community, gives liberally of his means to its support. His hand is ever open to a friend in need and his gener- ous hospitality is free to all who claim it. He is indeed one of the county's most ener- getic and enterprising men and his right to be classed with its representative citizens is cheerfully conceded by the public. THOMAS M. WASSON. A man whose days have been devoted to honorable endeavor and who has attained a high degree of success in life, it is peculiarly appropriate that attention be directed to one who has long been identified with the ma- terial and educational interests of Wells county. Thomas ^I. Wasson is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families in this part of the state and the township WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 407 in which he Hves can boast of few older citizens in point of continuous residence. On the loth day of January, 1845, his birth occurred in the township of Lancaster and from that date to the present time, a period of nearly fifty-eight years, his career has been very closely interwoven with the his- tory of this particular section of the county. His parents were George and Sarah (Ash) W'asson, who came to Wells county as early as the year 1841 and settled in Lancaster township, where they spent the remainder of their days. Thomas M. grew up in a comparatively new and undeveloped country and easily recalls the early days when the land was covered with a virgin forest into which but few pioneers had penetrated. An eye witness of the remarkable transforma- tion which has taken place between that period and the present, he is perhaps as well or better acquainted with the growth of the country and its advancement along all lines of development than any other man how liv- ing. Not only has he witnessed the many radical changes which have taken place with- in the last half century, but in many ways he has contributed to bring them about, hav- ing been an influential factor in the country's progress since old enough to exercise the functions and duties of citizenship. Reared on a farm at a time when hard work was the common lot of all, it is not strange that he early developed a capacity for labor of which boys of the present day have little or no conception and that he also learned while still a mere lad to rely upon himself in the great battle of life, proving the sound physical and mental make-up of a boy who knew how to take advantage of every op- portunity for his improvement. When old enough, he entered such schools as his neigh borhood afforded and such wa.s his progress that in a few years he stood at the head of all his classes and as a general thing greatly distanced the boys of his own age in study. In the summer time he helped run the farm and otherwise looked after the interests of his widowed mother, proving a full hand at all kinds of manual labor long before reach- ing his majority. The fall of 1868 marked the beginning of Mr. Wasson's long and useful career as a teacher in the public schools of Wells county. He had taught a term that year and the following summer attended a nor- mal school with the object in view of prepar- ing himself for greater efficiency in this no- ble field of endeavor. He continued educa- tional work without interruption until the year 1876, meanwhile establishing much more than local repute as a capable instruc- tor and efficient disciplinarian. Many of the boys and girls who received from him their first insight into the mysteries of learn- ing are now among the substantial men and women of this and other states, but they still retain fond remembrances of their teacher and think of him as one of their warmest friends and greatest benefactors. In 1876 Mr. Wasson abandoned teaching for a time and turned his attention to the im- provement of his farm. On the ist day of August, 1877, he took to himself a wife and helpmate in the person of Miss Angie \'ail, a native of Allen count}", Indiana, and daughter of Thomas and Martha Vail, who moved to this state in an early day from Ohio. Originally the Vails settled in Allen county, but later changed their abode to the county of Wells, locating near the vil- lage of Ossian, where the father's death sub- sequently occurred, the mother being stil' in the land of the living. Immediately following his marriage. Mr. 4o8 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Wasson moved to his present farm in Lan- caster township and began a systematic course of improvement, vi^hich in due time resulted in one of the most valuable and at- tractive homes in this section of the country. He cleared much of his land and by a suc- cessful system of drainage added greatly to its productive capacity as well as to its value in a financial point of view. He labored con- tinuously with success and profit for seven years, when an event occurred which not only interfered very materially with his plans, but for a time broke up his home and caused him the deepest sorrow a devoted husband can know. This was the death of his faithful and loving wife, which occurred on the 8th day of February, 1885, after she had presented him two sons, Clifton, born in April, 1882, now a resident of the city of South Bend, and Clem V., whose birth took place on the i6th of December, 1884, and who still lives on the home place. Breaking up housekeeping after the death of his companion. Mr. Wasson rented his land and again entered the educational field, in which he continued until his second marriage in 1891. On November 5, of that year, was solemnized the ceremony which bound him in the bonds of wedlock with Louisa Gephart, who was born in Allen county in the year 1855, her parents, George and Louisa Gephart. having long been resi- dents of this state. This marriage wit- nessed the termination of Mr. Wasson's ca- reer as a teacher and since 1891 he has de- voted his attention exclusively to the pur- suit of agriculture. He owns a fine farm of one hundred acres, of which seventy-five are in cultivation, and everything on the place, notably the well cultivated field, tile drainage, etc.. bespeak the presence of a man of progressive ideas who has indeed elevated husbandry to the dignity of a sci- ence. Mr. Wasson has made a careful study of soils and understands thoroughly their adaptability to the different crops raised in this latitude. He seldom fails to reap boun- tiful harvests and from the sale of the fine cattle and hogs which he raises he receives a liberal share of his yearly income. Mr. ^Vasson is a gentleman of much more than ordinary mental capacity and by keep- ing himself in close touch with the times on all the great questions before the public, has become to a large degree a leader of thought in his community. He is progressive in all the term implies, assists to the extent of his ability every measure for the material and moral advancement of his kind, and for a number of years past his activity in religious work has done much to build up the cause of Christianity in the locality where he re- sides. He is one of the pillars of the Chris- ian Union church in Lancaster township, holding at this time the office of trustee, be- sides being one of the most efficient teach- ers in the Sunday school connected with the congregation. Mrs. Wasson is also a mem- ber of the same body of worshipers and, like her husband, is deeply interested in re- ligious work both in her own community and elsewhere. Politically Mr. Wasson is a staunch Democrat, but he is not narrow in his views, according to everybody the same right of opinion which he claims for him- self. He served four years as precinct com- mitteeman and upon a number of occasions has represented his township in county and other conventions. He has never been an aspirant for public office, the only office he ever held being that of assessor, the duties of which he discharged in an able and busi- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 409 ness-like manner for a period of five years, besides serving two years as deputy assessor. Mr. Wasson's second marriage has been blessed with one child, a son, John L., who was born on the 21st day of August, 1893. JA^IES \\'ASSOX. For over sixty years the name of \\'asson has been familiar throughout the county of Wells, belonging as it does to one of the old- est and most highly esteemed families in this part of the state. The history of the family here has been closely entertwined with the history of the county, especially that part embraced within the present limits of Lancaster township, where the s\ibject's father settled as early as 1841. The Was- son family is of Irish origin. Alexander Wasson, the grandfather of James, was born and reared in the Emerald Isle and there married and reared a family. Among his children was a son by the name of George, who grew to maturity in his native countn- and married Sarah Ash. About the year 1829 George Wasson emigrated to the United States and settled in Wayne county, Ohio, where he took a lease to clear a cer- tain amount of land, after which he worked by the day at different vocations, principally farming. In the fall of 1841 he moved to Wells county, Indiana, and entered a quarter section of land in what is now the township of Lancaster, being one of the first settlers in this part of the country. Subsequently he purchased an eighty-acre tract now owned by the widow of John Wasson and, erecting a little log cabin, eighteen by twen- ty feet in size, containing a single room, be- gan in good earnest the work of carving out a home, an undertaking of great magnitude considering the almost impenetrable forests which up to that time but few white men had penetrated. For a year or two Mr. Wasson's humble home and the few acres of cleared land surrounding it looked like a mere niche in the dense wilderness and the difficulties and privations which the family endured were numerous and trying. By long continued toil, the forest gradually fell before the woodman's sturdy blows, the swamp lands were reclaimed by artificial drainage and in the course of time a fine farm and a comfortable home rewarded the efforts so heroically and patiently put forth. Mr. \\'asson became a successful agricultur- ist and added to his possessions until at one time he owned in the township of Lancaster two hundred and forty acres of excellent land, every foot of which was earned by the labor of his own hands. He was a splendid manager, seldom failed to carry to successful completion anything which he attempted, and in due time accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods to en- title him to a place in the front ranks of the county's well-to-do farmers and successful men of affairs. He was a man of strong personality and made his presence felt in this community, being respected for his honesty and integrity as well as for the enterprising manner with which he managed his business interests. He was an active member of the LTnited Presbyterian church and carried his religion into his secular con- cerns, proving by a life singularly free from fault the high practical value of applied Christianity. He lived a strenuous but use- ful life, and died in 1855, in the hope of a blessed immortality, leaving a widow and fi\-e children, the former following him to 4IO WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. the grave in 1895 at the advanced age of ninety years. The following are the names of the sons and daughters born to George and Sarah Wasson : John, Eliza J., widow of L'riah Nash, Isabella, James and Thomas ]\I.. all but the oldest living. James Wasson, the fourth of the above children, was born April 2, 1841, in Wayne county, OhiOj and was about six months old when his parents moved to their new home in the wilds of northeastern Indiana. He literally grew up in the woods and his earli- est recollections are of the modest cabin home, the primeval forest liy which it was surrotmded and the wild, free life, unhamp- ered by artificial restraint and unretarded by conventional usage. When a small boy he became experienced in all manner of wood- craft, and by wielding the ax and other im- plements used in the early day, developed a strong physique which enabled him to per- form with alacrity and ease his share of the farm work. His educational training was such as the indifferent subscription schools of the day could impart and at best he was permitted to attend these backwoods col- leges only a few months in the winter time until his eighteenth year. Mr. Wasson was in the full strength of vigorous young manhood when the war cloud darkened the national horizon and feeling it a duty encumbent upon him to aid the government in its extremity, he joined, in 1862, Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Infantry, which a short time thereafter was attached to the army under General Rosecrans. Subsequently he served under Generals Nelson and Thomas and took part in a number of campaigns which those three commanders conducted, receiving his first baptism of fire on the 20th day of March, 1863, at Milton, Tennessee, in an engagement with a Confederate force under General Morgan. In this battle he was struck in the leg by a musket ball, which necessitated his lying in the hospital for nearly two months. When sufficiently recov- ered he rejoined his command, after which he saw much active service in the Tennessee campaign, participating in numerous en- gagements, the most noted being the battle of Chickamauga, where he was again wounded, this time receiving a ball in the shoulder from the effects of which he was a long time reco\'ering. \\'ith many of his comrades, he fell into the enemy's hands at Chickamauga and from there w-as taken to Richmond, Virginia, where he remained a prisoner until his exchange, forty days later. After his release Mr. Wasson received hos- pital treatment at Annapolis, Maryland, un- til his w'ound was partially healed, after which he was sent to Indianapolis, thence came home on furlough until the middle of February, 1864. Returning to Indianapo- lis, he remained in the barracks there about one month and then went to Camp Chase, near Columbus, Ohio, where he remained until the following June, when he was hon- orably discharged from the service with a record of which any soldier might well feel proud. On quitting the army Mr. Wasson re- turned home, but the condition of his in- juries was such as to preclude the possibility of manual labor ; accordingly he entered that fall a school at Bluffton, taught by Prof. J. S. McClerv, which he attended one term with the object in view of fitting himself for teaching. The following winter he had charge of the Daily school in Lancaster township and the ne.xt fall again found him WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 411 prosecuting his studies at BlufTton under the direction of competent instructors. So suc- cessful had been his first attempt at teaching that he was chosen his own successor the ftjilowing year and during the ensuing eight years he devoted his time largely to educational work, meeting with the most encouraging success. Meanwhile he made his home with his brother on the old home- stead, assisting to the extent of his ability with the work of the farm_. besides doing considerable clearing and making various improvements on his own land. On the 1 6th day of Xovember. 1870, 'Mr. W'asson and Miss Sarah E. Sweeny were united in the bonds of matrimony. Mrs. Wasson was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 12th day of February, 1845, the daughter of Robert and Sarah Sweeny, both parents natives of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sweeny moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio a number of years ago, and spent the remainder of his days in the county of Wayne, following agricul- ture and carpentry for a livelihood. He died July 30, 1858, his wife's death occurring in the year i860. They had a family of thir- teen children, namely : William, deceased ; Mary, deceased ; Margaret, widow of David Clark; Robert C: Alexander R., deceased; Edith, deceased ; John \\'. ; Alfred, deceased ; Matilda, wife of J. P. Harris ; ^Liriah, wife of Ezra D. Mclntyre; Joseph, a soldier in the late Civil war, killed in the battle of Shiloh : Sarah E., wife of Mr. Wasson, and Rachael. deceased. Mrs. Wasson was educated in the schools of her native county and at the age of nineteen began teaching, which work she continued about six years in the counties of Wayne and Knox. Having a sister living in Wells county. Indiana, she came here in 1868 on a visit and during the ensuing three years taught in the schools of Lancaster township, meantime meeting the gentleman who af- terwards became her husband. A fact wor- thy of note in this connection is that the dis- trict in which Mrs. Wasson taught, their oldest son taught three terms in the same district, and Mr. Wasson three terms in the same school house; still later the youngest son took charge of a school in the district, but resigned by reason of ill health before the expiration of the term. Mrs. Wasson is a lady of culture and wide reading and as a teacher earned a reputation which placed her in the front rank of the county's suc- cessful educators. In the matters of do- mestic economy she is equally skilled and in all that constitutes a high type of American womanhood she stands on a plane which the the majority do not reach. In the year 187 1, Mr. Wasson moved to his present place in Lancaster township, and by industry and systematic management has made it one of the most productive as well as one of the most beautiful and attrac- tive farms cf its size in the county. By the labor of his own hands he cleared and. re- duced to a fine state of tillage fifty acres, be- sides enhancing the fertility of the entire farm by a thorough system of tile drainage. His first dwelling, a frame structure, erected in 1874, was destroyed by fire in 1895 and in the fall of the latter year he built his pres- ent residence, also a frame building of beau- tiful design and well supplied with the com- forts and conveniences of life. In 1889 he built a large barn, thirty by forty-eight feet in area and correspondingly high, a substan- tial and commodious structure which will answer the purposes for which intended as 412 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. long as the present owner sees fit to utilize it. Air. Wasson is a progressive farmer and stock raiser, as the present fine con- ditions of his place and the handsome for- tune now in his possession abundantly at- test. In the domain of citizenship he is easi- ly the peer of any of his fellows, taking an active part in the material advancement of his township and county and maintaining a lively interest in all enterprises looking to the moral good of the community. In poli- tics he is pronounced in his allegiance to the Democratic party and few men are as well informed as he upon current events and the great public questions of the day. In 1874 he was elected trustee of Lancaster town- ship, and as such served three and a half years to the satisfaction of all concerned, having previously . served four years as assessor. Fraternally he is a member of the G. A. R. post at Bluffton and religiously subscribes to the creed of the United Brethren denomination. He and his entire family belong to this church, the wife and one son being teachers in the Sunday school, Mr. Wasson holding a place on the official board of the local congregation with which he is identified. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Wasson consists of three children, the oldest of whom is Maggie A., now the wife of Frank Garton; she was born December 18, 1871, and has three offspring, Holdie, Harry and James Donald; George R., was born July 6, 1875, and is still a member of the home circle, being a teacher of recognized ability and one of the popular young men of the township in which he lives; Irvin W., born November 23, 1878, has also taught school, but at the present time devotes his attention to agricultural pursuits, owning a fine farm of eighty acres in the township of Lancas- ter. He is a married man, his wife, whose maiden name was Etta Sowards, being a native of this county. As stated in a preceding paragraph, Mr. Wasson is a representative of one of the oldest families of Wells county and few men can claim a longer residence in Lancaster township than himself. Sixty-two years have dissolved in the mists of the past since he was brought to Indiana, years fraught with momentous consequences, in tliat they ha\e witnessed the most signal in- dustrial developments and the most won- derful advances in civilization the world has ever known. In his own community he has been no passive spectator of these changes, but in numerous ways has been an influen- tial factor in bringing them about. What his hands have found to do, he has done with his might, while his strong brain and resourceful nature have contributed not a little to the moral and intellectual improve- ment of those with whom he has had re- lations. He is a splendid type of the sym- metrically developed western man, and a no- table example of intelligent and enterprising American citizenship. CALVIN KUNKEL. \\'ells county has every reason to feel proud of the large and eminently respecta- ble class of people who constitute her agri- cultural element. In each of the several townships are broad minded, energetic men whose names have added honor to the com- munities in which they live and perform their allotted work besides giving additional luster to the reputation which Weils enjoys WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 413 among her sister counties of the state. Holding worthy prestige in this class and deserving of specific mention in these pages is the well known gentlemen to a brief epit- ome of whose life these lines are devoted. Calvin Kunkel is an Indianian by adoption, having been born in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 1st day of February, 1846. His father, Michael Kunkel, was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother, whose family name was Mason, first saw the light of day in Ohio. Michael Kunkel became a resident of the latter state when a young man and was married in the county of Crawford. Four -children resulted from this union, namely : Samuel, who lives in Wells county: Sophia, the deceased wife of John Weesner; Lovisa, deceased; and Calvin w^hose name introduces this article. For his second wife, Michael Kunkel married yiary Ann Klineight, who bore him five children: John O. : Horton; ]\Iatilda, now Mrs. Thomas Sowders; Rebecca, wife of Henry Masterson, and William. ^lichael Kunkel continued to live the life of a farmer in Crawford county until 1848 when he disposed of his interests there and moved his family to Adams county. Indiana, where he purchased eighty acres of land which he cleared and reduced to cul- tivation. Later he sold his place and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Lancaster township, \Yd\s county, where the subject now lives, the country at the time being new and but little developed. Owing to a doubt as to where the road would eventually run, he built his house as he thought in the most suitable place, which accounts for its distance from the highwa}- at the present time. Mr. Kunkel worked hard, cleared a good farm and, while not becoming wealthy. he provided well for his family and suc- ceeded in accumulating a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in very com- fortable circumstances. He lived on the place where he originally settled until about two years prior to his death, when he retired from active life and moved to the city of Blufifton, where he purchased a good resi- dence property. Some years after his death, which occurred in Blufifton, his widow mar- ried Ephraim High and the two still live at the county seat. Calvin Kunkel was reared on the place which he now owns and cultivates and, be- ing one of the oldest of the family, was obliged, when a mere youth, to assume nc 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 de- sired, his educational discipline being limited to a few months of each winter sea- son from about his eighth year to the early teens. He assisted his father with the farm work until his marriage, which was solem- nized in the month of March, 1868, with Miss Sarah Plummer, and then moved to his father-in-law's place and began the pur- suit of agriculture upon his own respon- sibility. After a short time there he took up his residence in the town of Ossian and entered the employ of Dr. J. I. Metts, with whom he remained about five }-ears, during which time he purchased the several inter- ests in the old Plummer estate. Moving to the latter place, he cultivated it during the ensuing three years, but at the expiration of that period again took service with Dr. Metts and continued in his employ during the five years following. When his father moved to Blufifton, Mr. Kunkel rented the 414 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. home farm which, witli liis own ninety-fi\e acres of culti\-able land, gave him all he could do in the way of agriculture. Subse- quently he sold his farm of ninety-five acres for twenty-five hundred dollars and pur- chased of his step-mother the old homestead which for various reasons he now desired to own. He now has a beautiful farm of eigh- ty acres, seventy of which are in cultivation. While his place is not as large as some in the neighborhood, it is doubtful if there is a farm of the same area in the township which shows greater evidence of thrift and pros- perity. Mr. Kunkel is well situated to enjoy life, in that his home is unencumbered and he can look the world in the face with the satisfaction of owing no man. His comfort- able surroundings and everything else in his possession have been earned by the joint ef- forts of his good wife and himself and today that he has 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 is cheerfully conceded by those at all acquainted with his circumstances. Mr. Kunkel is recognized as possessing a strong sense of truth and justice and in every relation with his fellow men he has en- deavored to shape his life according to these principles. Industry is the key with which he unlocked the door to prosperity and his su!ccess has been commensurate with the energy and good judgment manifested in all of his undertakings. He has labored dili- gently to provide the necessary creature comforts for those dependent upon him, at the same time obtaining from life much sat- isfaction, being optimistic in his ideas and al- ways inclined to look on the sunny side of things. Mr. Kunkel is a man of consider- able personal force and impresses all with whom he comes in contact as a gentleman by nature and training, consequently enjoy- ing in full measure the confidence and es- teem of his fellow citizens. The family of which he is a representative is one of the old- est and most highly respected in this part of the country, and thus far in life he has done nothing calculated in the slightest de- gree to bring discredit upon the good name and reputation which his ancestors for so many years bore. His integrity has never been questioned and, wherever known, the word of Calvin Kunkel is as good as his signature to a written obligation. Mr. Kunkel is a member of the Masonic lodge at Ossian and in politics supports the Democratic party. He has no political as- piration and is by no means narrov^^ or in- tolerant in his views, respecting the opinions of others as he expects his own to be re- ceived in good faith. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and holds the "office of trustee in the local society to which he belongs; he is also a worker in the Sunday school and nothing but sickness or unavoidable circumstances are permitted to prevent his attendance at the house of God during seasons of worship. Mrs. Kunkel is the daughter of John Plum- mer, one of the pioneer settlers of Wells county, and in every way is fitted to be the companion and helpmeet of the husband whose name she so worthily bears. She is the mother of five children, all living but the oldest, who died in infancy: ]nhn E. mar- ried a Miss Tillman and at the present time holds an important clerical position in a large business house in the city of Marion; his wife has borne him two children, one of the name of Marine, who makes her home with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Kun- WELLS COUNTY, INDLA.NA. 415 kel, and the other, a son, that died when about one year old. The mother of these children is also deceased. Charles W., the third of the family, married Miss Cora Wise and is a farmer and stock raiser of Jefferson township, this county. Frank is also a mar- ried man and a resident of Wells county, his wife being formerly Miss Bessie Bender. He was a soldier in the Spanish-American war and saw two years of active service in the Philippines. Xellie, the youngest of the familv, has never left the home fireside. ADOLPHUS CARRYSOT. As the first blow is usually conceded to he half the battle, so beginning right is the surest precursor of success in life. The right start almost invariably makes the best finish. The truth of these statements is well exemplified in the case of the subject of this sketch, Adolphus Carrysot, of Lan- caster township, Wells county. His eyes first opened on the light of day in Switzer- land, August 22. 1848. Henry L. and Mary Ann ( Girod ) Carrysot were his parents and they and all of their ancestors were natives of the beautiful little mountain republic. Henr}' was by trade a shoemaker and fol- lowed that calling in his native land. In 1854 the family emigrated to America and located in Mount Eaton, Wayne county, Ohio, \\here the father found employment on a farm at the munificent salary of ten dollars per month, a somewhat slender allowance on which to support a family. Li July of that same }-ear, while at work in the liarvest field, he was overcome by the heat, rendered unconscious and died from the ef- fects of what is popularly termed "sun- stroke," before he could be removed from the wheat field. He left a widow and three little children, whose condition was really pitiable. Only a few months in America, unfamiliar with the language of the country and without any knowledge of the ways or customs of the people, the outlook was in- deed gloomy to the sorrowing mother with her three helpless little orphans, the oldest of whom was less than six years old. The sorrow of parting with her little ones was little less than the misery entailed by the original loss and she determined at all haz- ards to keep them together. The field of woman's work in those days was far nar- rower than it is at present, but she found employment, at a slender income, but suf- ficient to supply actual necessities for herself and children. She was young, comely, in- telligent and attractive, and when Peter Bourlier solicited the favor of her hand in marriage, she accepted him for her chil- dren's sake and upon his promise to prove a kind father to them. The children of the first marriage were Adolphus, the subject hereof, of wdiom more particular mention will be found hereafter ; Mary L. died at the age of thirteen years; Eugene, deceased; Paulina died in infancy. At the time of the second marriage the new husband moved the family to Holmes county, near Millersburgh, and there they lived until Adolphus was twelve years old. Mr. Bourlier then sold out and moved the family to Williams county, where the sub- ject grew to manhood. Meanwhile he had attended school during the winter months until he was fifteen years old. He was an apt pupil, readily gained and retained knowledge and has a much better education 4i6 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. than others with better opportunities. His first worldly possessions were two calves, presented to him by his stepfather when he was sixteen years of age. They represent- ed the total amount of compensation he was to receive for one year's work. With these he made his start in life. It was an excellent beginning for a boy and was a sure precur- sor of the success he has attained. For his next year's work he got a colt, and after sell- ing the calves he bought a colt with the pur- pose of having a team, but having the op- portunity of selling one at a good figure he secured enough cash with which to pur- chase his stepfather's team and at the age of eighteen years began farmng on his own account. When twenty years of age he made his first investment in real estate. He purchased forty acres of land adjoining his step-father's farm, incurring an indebted- ness of nine hundred dollars. He chopped wood during the winter months and culti- vated his steij-father's farm in summer, year by year steadily increasing his supply of ready money. After four years and after having cleared about half of his land, he got a chance to sell the place, receiving more money than he had ever owned up to that time. He immediately invested in another farm, going in debt two thousand dollars, and after two years sold that at a good profit. Having an ambition to be a mer- chant, he went to Archibald, Ohio, and, in partnership with his brother-in-law, A. L. Pierson, branched out in the grocery busi- ness. Six months sufficed to convince him that his talents were not intended for that vocation. He closed out and engaged in threshing grain the remainder of that sea- son. February 19, 1870, Mr. Carrysot was united in marriage to Miss Samantha Febu- ary, a native of France, born in that country June 15, 1848. Her parents were Isadore and Jeannette (Burnett) Febuary, both na- tives of France. Samantha was only one year old when her parents brought her to America. They settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where the father, Isadore, en- gaged in farming. Later they moved to Holmes county, where Isadore was killed by the falling of some timbers at a barn rais- ing, in 1858. He left a widow and three children, viz : Mary, widow of Alexander Pierson; Henry, a resident of Pennsylvania, and Samantha, wife of the subject. Left almost at the verge of destitution, the chil- dren were obliged to seek employment wherever they could get it. At the age of fourteen Samantha began working out by the week and continued doing so up to the time of her marriage. Her mother died in May, 1880. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Carrysot went to Kansas and purchased a quarter section of land, and in the following spring moved his family out, and took up his abode in a vacant house near by. He broke the entire quarter section and put it in cultivation, but never settled on it. In the meantime, he had bought a claim from a man by the name of David, near his other farm. This prop- erty had little improvements upon it and a fairly good house, and here he moved his family. His wife was not cointented in the land of sunflowers and gentle zephyrs, so he moved to Indiana, located at Fort Wayne and engaged in the wholesale meat business. He liked this business no better than selling groceries and remained with it no longer. By a little diplomatic dickering and a number of shrewd deals he succeeded WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 417 in getting rid of his Kansas possessions and in return therefor became the owner of one liundred and sixty acres of choice Wells county land, the same upon which he now resides. At the time of making his removal to Kansas he was accompanied by his wife's mother and brother. His step-father died in Williams county, Ohio, in 1878, and he then went there to settle up the estate, and after closing matters there, he returned to Kansas, bringing his mother with him. She died in that state, April 3, 1880. When Adolphus Carrysot mo^-ed to his present farm, those living in the vicinity pre- dicted that he would starve to death on it. Those people evidently did not know the manner of man they were talking about. He had been in the woods before and served an apprenticeship in getting rid of swamps. He applied himself assiduously to clearing, ditching and fencing and so far from starv- ing has he been that his finanical condition has been growing better every day since. He now has one hundred and forty acres cleared and in a fine state of cultivation. In 1888 he built a bank barn thirty-eight by si.xty-four feet, which cost him nineteen hundred dollars, and in the spring of 1901 he erected a farm residence of nine rooms at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars. The money that went into these structures simply represents the industry, economy and thrift of Adolphus Carrysot and his faithful wife, Samantha. To Mr. and Mrs. Carrysot five children have been born, viz : Mary A., born Feb- ruary 20. 1871, is the wife of Israel Raver; they reside in Rock Creek township and are the parents of four children, Vivian B., Leona V., Martha L., and an infant son, unnamed. Sarah died at the age of five weeks: Lena I., born May 28, 1879, is the wife of James W. Dowty, a resident of Lancaster township, and they are the par- ents of two children, June M. and Paul Adam Adolphus; Henry L., born Septem- ber 18, 1881, has a splendid business educa- tion and is now employed as bookkeeper and stenographer with a firm in Seattle, Wash. He married Iva E. Crook in Sep- tember, 1902; Edith L., born Februarv 14, 1892. During the "good roads era" in Indiana, when the bottomless mud roads of the state were in the process of conversion into fine turnpikes, in partnership with James Cros- by, Sr., Adolphus Carrysot secured a num- ber of gravel road contracts. They built portions of the following gravel roads : the Lee Davis road in Union township, the My- ers road in Harrison township and the Gar- rett road in Nottingham township, and Mr. Carrysot was superintendent of construc- tion of the "Bush" gravel road. In every public enterprise he has always been a lead- er and through his push, energy and tenaci- ty many worthy improvements have been forced to completion that otherwise might have failed. During all the life of the Republican party Adolphus Carrysot has been a firm believer in that political faith. In 1898 he was a candidate on the Republican county ticket for county commissioner. He has served as a delegate in many of the Repub- lican county and state conventions and in 1900 was census taker for Lancaster town- ship. For eight years he represented his township in the county central committee. Beginning life humbly at the foot of the lad- der of success, he has, by a course of manly and persistent endeavor, mounted to the 4i8 WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. top and now he can review his past record with the consciousness of having done his very best under all circumstances. He be- gan active life in the right manner and to this fact and the gifts of head and heart of which he- is possessed, he and his wife owe the splendid success they have attained. MARION GARTON. This young agriculturist and stock rais- er and one of the most enterprising resi- dents of Lancaster township. Wells county, Indiana, was born November 22, i860, on the farm his grandfather. Jonathan Garton, had entered many years ago in this town- ship and which is now owned by the widow Bowman. Marion Garton is a son of Henry J. and Anna Maria Garton. He was reared on the farm alluded to above until sixteen 3'ears of age, when he began clerking in a general store in Pugney, Indiana, where he passed some time, gaining a fair insight into mer-. cantile affairs. He there married, December II, 1878, Miss Nancy M. Wilkin, a daugh- ter of William and Mary (Trenary) Wil- kin, and a native of Lancaster township, born September 19, i860. After marriage, Marion Garton and his bride went to live with his father, for whom they kept house and assisted in farming the place for about five years, after which he engaged in the manufacture of tile for about ten years. Later he for three years employed himself in farming in conjunction with tilemaking, having in the meanwhile, in 1883, taken pos- session of the farm on which he no\\- makes his home. The farm comprises eighty acres. sixty acres of which he has cleared and well ditched and on which he has erected a substantial barn and other necessary out- buildings for the accommodation of his stock and other purposes. Mr. Garton de- votes the greater part of his attention to the breeding of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep and Chester White hogs, and is ready at all times to furnish buyers with thoroughbred breeding stock. To keep his graded animals well up to the mark, Mr. Garton purchased in 1902, a cow and calf for two hundred and twenty-five dol- lars and a bull for one hundred and fifteen dollars, and with these it is his hope to keep his graded animals in good supply and fully up to the mark. To Mr. and Mrs. Marion Garton have been born five children, in the following or- der : Chloe M., May 2, 1880; Emma D., January 26, 1882; Hiram F., July 19, 1884: Hazel A., April 25, 189 1, and Anna Fay, August 8, 1894. Fraternally Mr. Garton is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Tocsin, In- diana, and politically he is a Democrat of the most stalwart kind. He has served as delegate from his district to various con- ventions of his party and in 1899 was his party's candidate for sheriff of Wells county, but with the rest of the ticket was defeated by a small majority. He has also served as a grand juryman. Mr. Garton, it will have been perceived from the foregoing, has always been an ac- tive man of business, ready to turn his hand to anything that promised to bring him sat- isfactory returns, and as a rule he has been very successful in all his undertakings. If he has not altogether made all he possesses, he has at least made good use of everything WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 419 that has come into his hands and increased it in value. He has led a strictly upright life and has won the esteem of all who know him. He is honored not only for his industry and practical business methods, but for his many personal merits and in this general esteem his wife and children have a full share. In the social circles of Lan- caster township the Carton family stand deservedly high, the name is duly respected wherever known, and no men of Air. Car- ton's years can claim a higher standing among their fellow citizens. D.WID CROSS HUFFMAN. M. D. This already eminent, but still rising physician and surgeon of Craigville. Wells county. Indiana, was born in Clark county, Ohio, October 29, 1853. His father, Jacob Huffman, Jr.. was also a native of Clark county, Ohio, and was born in Mad River township in 1830, and died in 1877, of apo- plexy. The grandfather of the J)octor, Ja- cob Huffman, Sr., was born in Lancaster, county, Pennsylvania, a son of Henry Huff- man, and emigrated to Ohio in 1800, before the then territory was admitted to the Union as a state, later receiving a grant of two hundred and twent_y-fave acres of land, the title deed to which was signed by President Thomas Jefferson. Jacob Huffman, Jr., married Sarah Tennant, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1833, and now resides in Springfield, Ohio, and who bore her husband the following named children : Mrs. Emily H. Beavis. of De- troit, Michigan ; Dr. David C. : Jacob, de- ceased: Charles, a merchant in Davton, Ohio; Mrs. Martha Van Bird and Mrs. Laura Stickney, both of Springfield. Dr. David C. Huffman acquired his lit- erary education in the grammar and high schools of Springfield, and in 1876 entered Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1876. For the fol- lowing seven years he was actively employed in the practice of his profession in Spring- field, winning a high position among his fellow practitioners of that city, and conse- quently a fair remuneration for his service. He then came to Indiana and located at Mount Zion, Wells county, whence he moved in 1894 to Craigville, where he has since lieen busily engaged with his numer- ous patients and where he stands at the head and front of his profession. Dr. Huffman was united in marriage at Yellow Springs, Ohio, January 20, 1882, with Miss Anna Landaker, a daughter of Gideon Landaker and Hester (Stratton) Landaker, the former a merchant from \'irginia and an ex-soldier, antl the latter from College Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio. The union of the Doctor and his wife has been graced with three children, namely : Wor- den D., born April 20, 1887; Pansy, born January 2, 1889, and Gideon, born Novem- ber 5, 1890. Mrs. Huffman is a member of the United Brethren church, in the good work of which she takes an energetic and deeply interested part and to the mainte- nance of which both she and husband freely contribute financially. In politics the Doc- tor is a Democrat. Of the medical frater- nities the Doctor is a member of the Clark County (Ohio) Medical Society, of which he is secretary, and also a member of the Ijoard of censors while practicing in Spring- field: he is also a member of the Wells 420 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. County (Indiana) Medical Society, and to both of these associations he has contributed many vahiable papers on professional sub- jects. The Doctor has a very pleasant home in Craigville and in social circles he and ■wife fill a conspicuous position. They are especially esteemed for their many personal excellencies and deserve all the respect that is paid them HENRY J. CARTON. One of the prominent farmers of Lan- caster township, Wells county, Indiana, is Henry J. Carton, who was born in New Jer- sey, January 28, 1835, a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Souders) Carton, also natives of New Jersey and of Irish and Dutch de- scent. Jonathan and Elizabeth (Souders) Carton were married in New Jersey, and there made their home until 1837, when they remo\'ed to Franklin county, Indiana, and rented land for about five years, after which they came to Wells county, Indiana. He had come here the previous year and en- tered one hundred and sixty acres of gov- ernment land in Lancaster township, from which he developed an excellent farm on which he and his wife died some years ago, in the Universalist faith. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Cather- ine, who died at the age of twelve years; Eliza, deceased wife of Lemuel Paynter; Louis, a resident of Lancaster township; Lydia, deceased wife of James Dailey; Oliver P., deceased; Andrew J., deceased; Henry J., to whose interests this sketch is principally devoted, and a daughter that died in infancy. Jonathan Carton, the father of the above named children, was judge of the common pleas court for four or five years, and also served for several years as county commissioner, and likewise for a long time as justice of the peace. Henry J. Carton was but seven years of age when his parents settled in Lancaster township. Wells county. Here he attended school until twenty-one years of age and later supplemented the education thus ac- quired by study at home during the winters for some considerable time. At the age of nineteen he had begun to work for himself, and at the same time made an agreement with his father, under which there was fifty dollars a year to be turned over to that gen- tleman as long as this agreement remained mutually satisfactory. Under such circum- stances, Henry J. worked out at farm work by the day, or month, for three years or longer, and then rented the homestead, pay- ing for its use and occupancy one-half the products annually. This arrangement held good until 1864, but in the meantime, in 1 86 1, Henry J. had purchased eighty acres of the farm on which he now lives, but bought it on credit ; yet he worked at clear- ing it up during the winter months, and in 1864 had earned sufficient means from his labors on his father's place to pay for his own property. In 1865, Henry J. Carton moved upon his own place, eight acres of which he had cleared off. He at once erect- ed his present dwelling and put up a shanty for his horses and cattle and the same year he built his first frame barn; subsequently he put up another barn, and has since kept adding to his improvements until at the pres- ent time he has as neat and tidy a place as there is in Lancaster township. Of his own eighty-acre tract, secured by purchase, Mr. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Garton has cleared seventy-five acres and has placed it under cultivation and thoroughly ditched it. He also owns eighty acres of the old home place, seventy acres of which have been cleared, and thus has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all in one compact body. H. J. Garton was united in marriage January 5, i860, with ]\Iiss Anna M. Trul- lender, who was born in Lancaster town- ship, this county. October 2, 1842, and was a daughter of Hiram and Ruth Trullender, who came from New Jersey and settled here in an early day. Mrs. Anna M. Garton was a most amiable lady and a true helpmate to her husband, but was called hence July 31, 1878, having borne her husband six children: Marion, Ida, Adella, Robert, Lu- cinda and Frank. Of these children Marion married Nancy Wilkins, who has borne him five children; Chloe, Emma, Hiram, Hazel and Fay. The father of these chil- dren, Marion Garton, lives on and cultivates the southern eighty acres of the old home- stead. Ida. the second child, Delia, the third child, and Robert, the fourth child of Henry J. Garton and wife, as mentioned above, are all deceased; Lucinda. the fifth child, is the wife of Harvey Diehl. of Marion, Indiana; Frank, the sixth child, is married to Margaret Wasson, who has borne him three children : Haldie, Harry and Donald, and all make their home on the old home place. H. J. Garton is a Universalist in religion and in politics he is a Democrat. Socially he stands very high in the community, as he descends from one of the oldest families in the county, and his own personal merits have won for him an esteem which is seldom ac- corded spontaneously to any citizen. JOEL FRY. In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of a business or professional man there, is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the realit}' and meaning of human existence there are no- ble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled b}- correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adver- sity and, toiling on, finally wins, not only pecuniary independence but, what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his ac- tive years have been passed. Back in the early 'fifties there came to this country a sturdy Frenchman, Albert Fry by name, who was convinced of the possibili- ties and opportunities awaiting the man of ambition, pluck, and energy, in this land of freedom. He located in Wayne county, Ohio, and about 1856 was united in mar- riage with Susan Ashbaucher, the daughter of Peter Ashbaucher, a prominent farmer of Wayne county and a native of Switzerland. To this union there was born, on the 31st of Alarch, 1858, a son, Joel, the immediate subject of this sketch. While the latter was yet a babe, the war of the Rebellion was precipitated and Albert Fry was among the first of the brave volunteers from his county to offer their services, and lives if need be. that the integrity of the national government might be maintained. In 1864, after several years of active and arduous service, he was granted a furlough and started for home, but, like manv others, was 422 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. stricken with sickness and died before reach- ing his loved ones. Shortly after her husband's death Mrs. Fry and her son came to Indiana, locating in Adams county where, in 1869, Mrs. Fry was married to John Yost. Joel Fry re- mained with his mother until attaining man- hood, in the meantime attending the district schools of the neighborhood and acquiring a fair education. Until he was eighteen years of age he worked on his step-father's farm and acquired a thorough knowledge of agriculture. At the age mentioned he started out to earn his own living, possess- ing no capital other than a determination to succeed and an energy and capability for work which was bound to result in his favor. For a year he struggled, doing any work he could find to do, turning his back upon noth- ing that promised him an opportunity to earn an honest dollar. By strenuous en- deavor and rigid economy he was at length enabled to purchase a threshing machine in partnership with his uncle, Albert Yeager. and continued in the operation of this ma- chine until he was twenty-one years of age, when he sold his interest in the business to his partner. The following year he moved to Wells county and purchased a portable saw-mill and followed the lumber business for two years with a fair degree of profit. He had acquired a good working knowledge of business methods and had won for him- self a reputation for honesty and fair deal- ing which assisted him materially in his fu- ture operations. Feel'ing that the pursuit of agriculture offered the most independent life and the surest returns, if properly man- aged, he, in the fall of 1882, purchased the farm in section 31, Lancaster township, upon which he now resides. This farm comprises one hundred and five acres and has been developed and improved by the subject until it now ranks with the best farms of the township. Mr. Fry continued to operate the saw-mill in connection with his farm until the spring of 1902, when he ceased the operation of the former and has since devoted his entire attention to his farm. He bestows great care upon his fields and by closely studying the adaptability of the soil to the dififerent crops has brought his place up to its highest producing capaci- ty, never failing to realize abundant returns for the time and labor devoted to his chosen calling. On the 22d of February, 1880, Mr. Fry was united in marriage with Miss Sarah StaufTer, the daughter of Christian Stauffer, of Adams county. This union has been a most congenial one and ]\Irs. Fry has in many ways proven herself a helpmate in the truest sense of the word. They are the parents of six children, briefly mentioned as follows : Delia Belle, born April 7, 188 1 ; Arley Hiram, born December 26, 1882; Meadie, born .\pril 4, 1887; Ada Pearl, born February 18, 1890; Homer Franklin, born August 4, 1893, and Walter Edward, born March 23, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are endeavoring to give their children good educations and rear them in such a manner as will result in the highest standard of man- hood and womanhood. From the attainment of his majority Mr. Fry has been actively identified with the Democratic party and has always taken a keen interest in the advancement of his par- ty's interests. In the fall of 1900 he was nominated for the office of township trustee and at the ensuing election was successful at the polls and is now serving in this re- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 423 sponsible position. He is giving to the du- ties of this office the same careful attention to details as characterized his conduct of his own affairs and the wise discrimination and sound judgment evinced by him have al- ready won for him the hearty commendation of all people, regardless of party. Frater- nally Mr. Fry is a member of the Knights of Pvthias, having joined the order in the fall of 1902, in Bluffton Lodge No. 92. In 1897 the subject united with the First Re- formed church of Bluffton and has since been a faithful and devoted member of that congregation. He gives liberally of his means to all worthy objects and all move- ments having for their object the betterment of his fellow men receive his earnest sup- port. He is a man of quiet, gentlemanly de- meanor, highly esteemed by his neighbors and fellow citizens of the community and no one occupies a more conspicuous place in the minds and hearts of the people by whom he is known. His private character is above criticism and he has always aimed to keep his name and reputation unspotted. His has been an earnest life, fraught with much that tends to benefit his kind and his career in the humble sphere of private citizenship, as well as in public position, has added to the character and stability of the community in which he lives. A. S. ABBOTT. 'To be successful it is necessary that the person be adapted to the calling in which he engages. There are some people possessed of sufficient versatility to be seemingly suc- cessful in all they undertake, but the average man must be fitted for his calling. Some people flounder around half their lives, shifting from one vocation to another, be- fore they discover what they are fitted for; others strike, seemingly by accident, the business best suited to them, while still others almost intuitively take up the work in which they are destined to excell. A successful merchant might be a rank fail- ure as a mechanic, and instances where good mechanics are spoiled to make poor poli- ticians are numerous in nearly every com- munity. When Alfred Sherman Abbott, the subject of this sketch, quit his grand- father's home in Shelby county, Ohio, and came to Craigville, Wells county, Indiana, to engage in the general mercantile business with his father he struck a calling for which he is well fitted, as his experience of the past twelve years has disclosed. Alfred S. Abbott was born in Shelby county, Ohio, February 28, 1865. When he was seven years old his father, Daniel W. Abbott, who was a United Brethren minis- ter, was given a circuit in Jay county, Indi- ana, and thither the family was moved. In the district schools of Indiana young Ab- bott laid the foundation for a good, liberal education. Having taken the regular course there, he attended the high school at Ada, Ohio, acquiring a very thorough knowledge of all the branches there taught. On com- pleting his school course he for a time traveled about Ohio, seemingly undecided what would be best for him to engage in. In the summer of 1886 he turned up at the old home in Shelby county, Ohio, where his grandfather still lived, and was prevailed upon by the old gentleman to take up work on the farm. He was industrious and provi- dent, his crops and stock thrived and har- vests were abundant. April 15. 1888. he was united in mar- 424 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. riage to Miss Laura C. Rhoads, of Rock- ford. She was a lady of good education and many accomplishments, a teacher in the public schools of Mercer county. He con- tinued cultivating his grandfather's farm until the fall of i8go, when he was invited by his father to come to Craigville and en- gage with him in the mercantile business, as clerk and assistant, and, with some mis- givings, he accepted the invitation. The move proved to be a wise one. Rev. Ab- bott was postmaster under the Harrison ad- ministration, and most of the labor of the office devolved upon the subject. His ex- perience in the store and in the postoffice he found most beneficial, being a sort of com- mercial education in itself. Under the ad- ministration of President McKinley, in 1898, Alfred S. Abbott was appointed post- master, and in 1900 he purchased the store of his father and since then has conducted it alone. Under the present administration he has been reappointed postmaster, and his conduct of the office has given very general satisfaction. The business of the store con- tinues steadily to increase, trade being drawn from a large area of territory each successive year. Business is conducted in a prudent, systematic manner that cannot but win the favor of patrons, and prosperity is the inevitable result. Few young men be- ginning in the mercantile line without ex- perience, as A. S. Abbott did, have been as eminently successful as he has. In January, 1893, Mr. Abbott experi- enced his first real misfortune. His young wife bade farewell to earth, entrusting to her young husband the care of their two babes, Minnie M., who had been born Au- gust 26, 1890, the other Laura J., an infant of but a few days, born January 20,1893, but who survived her mother only about six months. These bereavements were most keenly felt by the young business man. He, however, applied himself only the more closely to business, endeavoring to forget his sorrows by smothering them with busi- ness cares. After a period of nearly two years he was again united in marriage, this time to Laura C. Reed, daughter of David and Elizabeth Reed, of Lancaster township. His present wife was also a school teacher, having taught a number of terms in the vi- cinity of their present home. To this latter marriage three children have been born : Bertha May, September 13, 1895; Loyd Allen, April 11, 1899, and Helen Margaret, January 12, 1901. Twice appointed postmaster, each time under a Republican administration, it seems superfluous to mention that Mr. Abbott is a Republican. Politics, however, is not in his line, business being the first consider- ation with him. He is a member and a regu- lar attendant at the services of the United Brethren church, has been one of its trus- tees for a number of years and is now super- intendent of the Sunday school. His stand- ing in the community is above reproach and there is scarcely a person in town or country surrounding that is not his personal friend. B. F. HOWER. The largest general store in Lancaster township. Wells county, Indiana, is that owned and conducted by Benjamin Frank- lin Hower in Craigville, of which town he was formerly the postmaster. He was born in Kirkland township, Adams county, Indi- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 425 ana, May 6, 1859, a son of Joseph and Rachael (Proctor) Hower. Joseph Hower, the father, a native of Champaign county, Ohio, was born in 1836, was reared a farmer, married Rachael Proctor in the spring of 1858 and in the fall of the same year settled in Kirkland township, Adams county. There he purchased a farm, on which he re- sided until his death, which occurred in January, 1873, '^"'^ ^^'^^ caused by that fell and insidious disorder, consumption. Not- withstanding the weakened condition of his system, brought on by this fatal disease, Joseph Hower bore its ravages with Chris- tian resignation, and when he was called away the community sincerel)' mourned his loss, while to his family it was irreparable. Benjamin F. Hower attended the dis- trict school of his native township until he reached the age of fourteen years, at \\hich age he lost his father. Benjamin then un- dertook the management of the homestead for his mother and operated it in her interest until his marriage, which took place Septem- ber 24, 188 1, to Miss Susan Baum, a daugh- ter of Benjamin and Susan Baum, of Adams county. Mr. Hower continued to reside on the old homestead for six years after his marriage, when in 1887 he removed to Craigville and embarked in his present busi- ness, which, considering the limited num- ber of inhabitants in the township, has reached mammoth proportions. He has shown himself to be a shirewd business man. keeping in touch with the people and clearly anticipating their needs. His stock in trade is invariably well selected and equally well assorted, so that the most fastidious patron may be thoroughly satisfied. Mr. Hower is also an accomplished salesman, a qualifica- tion that seems to be natural to him, and affability and courtesy are equally innate. When he once meets with a patron he, through his straightforward dealing and avoidance of misrepresentations of any kind, secures him for all time, and this is the true secret of all successful merchandis- ing. The Hower family of children number seven, to-wit : Minnie Pearl, born June 18, 1882, and married to Martin Kaufman, of Lancaster township; Gertha M., born March 26, 1886; Sarah Elizabeth, born February 15, 1890; Ada Belle, born February 16, 1892, and died September 7, 1892 ; Hattie Mabel, born October 11, 1895; Raymond, born April 6, 1897, and Herbert, born July 4, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Hower and their children of suitable age are members of the C. U. church at Craigville, to the mainten- ance of which they are most liberal con- tributors financially, and in whose doctrines they are sincere believers, being desirous that others, outside its pale, shall be brought within the fold. In politics Mr. Hower is a stanch Democrat and in the interests of his party never fails to make any reason- able sacrifice of his time and labor. In par- tial recognition of his devotion to his princi- ples and party, he was appointed, during President Cleveland's second administra- tion, postmaster of Craigville and for four years filled the office with ability and to the entire satisfaction of the postofiice department at ^^'ashington and to the gratification of the public of Lancaster township. PHILEMON A. ALLEN. Philemon A. Allen is a native of \\'hit- ley county, Indiana, and was born near Coesse on the 29th day of January, 1853. 426 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. being the eighth in order of birth of nine children of Nathaniel and Eliza (Force) Allen, both of whom were born in Akron, Ohio, representatives of honored pioneer families of the Buckeye state. They were reared in their native state, and in the year 1843 moved to Whitley county. Indiana, which section at that time was almost entire- ly unreclaimed from its primitive wilder- ness condition. The father at once located on a heavily timbered tract of land, which he began to clear and make ready for culti- vation. He erected a saw-mill, which was the first in the county, and was for that reason very much appreciated by the set- tlers. The family abode was at first a mod- est log cabin, typical of the place and the period, but the intelligence and progress- ive character of Nathaniel Allen was such as to secure advancement in temporal af- fairs, and he- contributed his full share of effort toward the development of the county. He and his wife were both active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and often in those days, before the erection of church buildings, their home was opened for re- ligious services, conducted by the pioneer circuit riders, and the preacher of that per- iod was sure of a welcome in the home whenever his long journey brought him in their vicinity. Of the nine children born to Nathaniel and Eliza Allen, three died in infancy, while the parents resided in Akron, Ohio. Those who lived to mature years were as follows : \\'i]liam A., Wesley W., H. Wallace, Cynthia J-. Philemon A. and Mary E. Cynthia became the wife of Isaac Hull and moved to Kansas, where she died, leav- ing several children. Mary E. became the wife of John W. Waugh and died in 1893, leaving five daughters and a son. William and Wesley both ser\'ed in the war of the Rebel- lion and are still living in Whitley county. Wallace went to Kansas in the '70s and still resides there. Philemon A. Allen grew to manhood in his native county, and the days of his boy- hood and youth were passed as the life of the average boy reared on the farm. He at- tended the common schools during the short terms they were in session each year and the rest of the time was spent in helping to cul- tivate the farm. At the age of seventeen \'ears he was qualified to teach and was first licensed by that pioneer educator, I. B. Mc- Donald. He taught two years in what was called the "Log London" school and one year in the Snyder school. He then took a course of study in the normal school at Leb- anon, Ohio, after which he went to Mason county, Illinois, where he taught for two years. In the spring of 1875 he took some special studies in the Fort Wayne College and a few months later was called to take charge of the normal department in that in- stitution, which he conducted very success- fully for two years. In the fall of 1877 he took charge of the schools at Ossian, Indi- ana, which position he held for four years and brought the school to a high standard of excellence. It was during his administration that the excellent high school at that place was organized, which has each year since then sent out fine classes of graduates. In the summer of 188 1 Mr. Allen took an exten- sive European trip, and among other things, made a study of the school system in the countries he visited. On his return from Eu- rope he took the superintendency of the schools at Blufi'ton, Indiana, which position he held for ten }-ears. On taking charge of the schools of that city he at once organized WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 427 the high school, whicli graduated its first class in June, 1883. Early in his adminis- tration the Bluffton high school was com- missioned and the entire school system of the city was brought to such a state of efficiency that it was recognized as one of the best in the state. At the close of an entire decade of service as superintendent nf the pjluffton schools, Mr. Allen resigned the position, hav- ing negotiated for the purchase of a half in- terest in the Bluffton Banner. The board of education was reluctant to accept his resigna- tion and endeavored to prevail upon him to continue in the position. But having for some time been desirous of engaging in journalism he adhered to his purpose, and in May, 189 1, he assumed editorial charge of the Banner and continued in that position until January, 1902, when he sold his interest in the paper to the present editor. Under his manage- ment the paper advanced rapidly in circu- lation and influence, and was noted for the high tone which characterized its editorial and news columns. Having always been iden- tified with the best and highest interests of the community and county in which he has resided for twenty-five years, he has never hesitated to make bold and effective attacks upon whatever was at war with those best in- terests. Duringthe eleven years of his connec- tion with the Bluffton Banner he maintained a lively interest in educational affairs, all school enterprises receiving ample and most complimentary notice in his columns. In politics Mr. Allen has always been an un- compromising Democrat and under his di- rection the Banner led the party to victory in several very closely contested local fights. On December 25, 1884, Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Georgiana Swaim, of Ossian, Indiana, a native of Troy, Ohiij. To them were born two children, For- rest, now in his eighteenth year, who will graduate from the Bluffton high school this year, and Lucile, who died February 6, 189 1, at the age of two years and four months. In fraternal relations Mr. Allen is identified with the Masonic order, being a member of Bluffton Lodge No. 145, F. & A. M., and also of the Royal Arch chapter. He has been from young manhood a zealous member of the ■Methodist Episcopal church, serving for many years on the board of trustees of the Bluffton church. He has been for a long time superintendent of the Sunday school of that church, having recently been elected to that office for the twentieth year. Mrs. Al- len and their son Forrest are also members of the same church. JOHN C. FULTON, M. D. The man who bears numerous relations to the public and in each of them acquits him- self not only with credit but with honor, is deser\ing of much at the hands of his biogra- pher, far more than is the worthy subject of this sketch. Dr. J. C. Fulton, of Bluffton, li- able to receive from the writer hereof, or in a work of as limited a scope as the present volume. The eminent Irish orator, Charles Phillips, described Napoleon Bonaparte as "a man without a model and without a shadow." The compliment is distinctively Irish, because it includes the evil as well as the good. Of Dr. Fulton no evil has been or can be said. His virtues are so many and so predominant over all of the weaknesses at- tributable to human nature that to mention them would be to insult the intelligence of 428 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. thousands of worthy citizens of Wells county, where for more than thirty-two years Dr. Fulton has practiced his profession as a physician and surgeon. Eulogy in his case is wholly superfluous. The old and the young, the feeble and the bold, the maimed and the sound, all alike, sing his praise. The Fultons are of Irish ancestry. The family in America sprang from four brothers who left their native land for America pre- vious to the war of the Revolution, in 1765. The brothers were James, Joseph, Robert and Abraham, the former being the great- great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Their two sisters. Margaret and Polly, accompanied them on that important trip to America. Here in America, Mar- garet became Mrs. Quinn and Polly became Mrs. Boyde. Four of the sons of the latter. John, James, Benjamin and Abraham, en- tered the Presbyterian ministry, and to their eloquence, religious earnestness and zeal much of the grand work accomplished by Presbyterianism in America is due. The Fulton family in Ireland were among the early members of that denomination in that country. James Fulton, the great-grandfather of Dr. J. C. Fulton, was the father of five sons and one daughter, viz: James, Abraham, . Robert, Cochran, Benjamin and Sarah, of whom Abraham is the grandfather of the subject hereof. His wife was Miss Anna Smith and they were the parents of seven sons, all of whom grew to manhood. James, the eldest of these seven brothers, died at the age of eighty-four years, without issue. Robert died at the age of seventy-eight years, leaving seven children. Abraham died when ninety years old, leaving seven children. John, who died at the age of forty-five years, was the father of eight children. David, who died aged eighty-two years, left a family of six children. Cochran died at the age of seventy-six, leaving a son and a daughter. Andrew passed away at the early age of thirty-three years, leaving five chil- dren. John, above mentioned, the father of the subject, was attacked with a malignant form of milk sickness, which caused his death in 1855. In certain sections of Indi- ana this disease was quite prevalent in the early days, but is now seldom heard of. John Fulton was married in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1838, to Miss Sarah Egbert and in 1840 they removed to Wells county, Indi- ana. The names of their eight children are as follows: Milton S., Martha A., John C, Alary E., Rachael A., Clara A., George E. and James C. With the exception of the last named, who died in infancy, the children all reached maturit}-, married and have children. Dr. J. C. Fulton, the subject of this re- A'iew, was born in Stark county, Ohio, on the 22d day of February, 1845, whilst his parents were temporarily spending the win- ter in that state. He was reared on a farm, attending school about three months of each year until the war of 1861-5, after which he attended Bluffton high school and later at- tended Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. Ohio. He began the practice of medicine in Murray, Wells county. Indiana, in 1870. The Doctor was married on the nth day of January, 1872, to Miss Jennie Belle Hanna, who died January 26, 1887, and on March 8, 1888, he was married to Mary J. (Routh) Lesh. John C. Fulton and Jennie Belle (Hanna) Fulton were the parents of four children, viz: Minnie U. Lesh, Mabel D., Allie A. and Jennie B. M. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 429 From the firing on Ft. Sumter, in April, 1861, until the following October, Dr. Ful- ton was making his arrangements to enter the service of his country. When the Twelfth Indiana Regiment was organized he became a member of Company G, and served until May 12, 1862, in the Army of the Potomac. He was mustered out in the city of Washington by reason of the expi- ration of his term of enlistment. His brief term of service convinced him that the rebel- lion was not to be crushed in the limited space of time predicted by many. He would have re-enlisted immediately, but desired to return home and make his arrangements for a much longer period of absence. In Au- gust, 1862, he joined Company G, One Hun- dred and First Indiana Regiment, and served until the close of the war, being mustered out in June, 1865. Upon the organization of the regiment it was taken by rail to Cin- cinnati, thence to Louisville, where the line of march to Perrysville was taken up. The subject was one of a detail supplied to guard the wagon train, a position he desired, as involving more peril and excitement. The ■battle of Milton, Tennessee, occurred March 20, 1863, and in this engagement the One Hundred and First Indiana took a promi- nent part. With his regiment, Dr. Fulton took part in the Rosecrans campaign of Chattanooga, Tennessee, which included also the campaign of Chickamauga, Geor- gia. In the hot fight at Mission Ridge Dr. Fulton participated and later did his whole duty in the Atlanta campaign. He was with the regiment until it reached Goldsborough, North Carolina.where he was taken ill. In the march through Georgia, from Atlanta to Savannah, the army was much in need of horses and mules. Dr. Fulton was one of the number detailed to forage along the line of march for ani- mals of this species. At one time they turned over to the government four hun- dred and eighty equines, many of them val" uable animals. At another time they en- countered, in the dark, a company of twelve Confederates having charge of over one hundred head of horses and mules. The southerners were ignorant of the location of the rebel camp and the Doctor and his com- pany kindly volunteered to show them. When they landed with their animals in the Federal instead of the Confederate camp they felt that they were indeed "from Jilis- souri" and had been "shown." The lieu- tenant in charge of the Confederates was greatly chagrined. He was a bright young fellow and felt mortified at being so easily tricked. In all of his army experience the Doctor was wounded but once, and then only slightly. For a period of thirty-two years Dr. Fulton has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Wells county, hav- ing been so engaged longer than any other man of his calling in the county, except Dr. J. I. Metts, of Ossian. That he has been most eminently successful is conceded on every hand. At his time of life he would like to be less active, to have more time that he might call his own, and has a number of times determined to retire from the more exacting duties of his calling. But old pa- trons to whom he has ministered for thirty years will not be turned away. He feels that he owes it to himself to take life easier, but those old friends — patients of a life-time— also feel that some obligation is due to them, with the usual result in Dr. Fulton's case, that self is sacrificed. Away 43° WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. in the dim past, when the various counties of the state knew nothing of a medical society, Dr. J. C. Fulton was one of the first to take the initiative in perfecting such an organi- zation in Wells county. He is now presi- dent of the Wells County Medical Society, a member of the State Medical Association and of the American Medical Association. Personally he is one of the most genial and companiable of men, one whose principles need never be questioned. In religion he is too broad in his views to be hemmed in, bound or circumscribed by any denomina- tional limits. He therefore belongs to no religious society, despite his Presbyterian ancestry. He is a member of Lew Dailey Post No. ;^;^. G. A. R., and was for many years its surgeon. While he never held and never could afford to hold a public office, he acknowledged his allegiance to the Republi- can party, believing that the policy ad- vocated by that party regarding govern- mental management the most conducive to the welfare of the American people. If, however, it transpired that a policy which he considered pernicious was advocated by that party, neither a jack-screw nor a derrick would be required to change him. He has always been a lover of life in any form and the useful domestic animals especially com- mend themselves to his favor. When the breeding of shorthorn cattle became the rage a number of years ago, he was one of the or- ganizers and for a number of years president of the Wells County Shorthorn Breeders' Association. It is now defunct, but it was a worthy movement and subserved a good purpose. He has a superbly improved farm of two hundred and twenty acres, six miles from the city. The barn alone on the prem- ises cost twenty-five hundred dollars. While never neglecting what is due from him, as a medical practitioner, to the general public, he is deeply interested in agriailture and stock raising. In all of the numerous re- lations he bears and has borne to the public, as citizen, soldier, physician, agriculturist and man, he has acquitted himself in a man- ner not only to merit and receive popular ap- probation, but is held in the highest esteem for a kindness and generosity that is inex- haustible and purely his own. HUGH D. STUDABAKER. The name of Studabaker is one which has been prominent in the annals of Wells county from the early pioneer era of its his- tory up to the present time, and of this fact numerous evidences are given within the pages of this publication, where will be found specific mention of various members (if the old and honored family. In the case at hand we have to do with the present in- amibent of the office of county clerk and one who is an able, representative young business man, commanding the high regard of the people of his native county, where he has passed practically his entire life. Hugh Dougherty Studabaker was born on a farm on the banks of the Wabash river, in Lancaster township. Wells county, Indiana, on the loth of September, 1869, being a son of Major Peter and Sarah (Morgan) Studabaker. Major Studabaker was born in Darke county, Ohio, on the 26th day of February, 1833, being a son of Abra- ham and Elizabeth (Hardman) Studabaker. In 1847 the Major came to Wells county, and in 185 1 entered into partnership with WELLS COUNTY, INDLA.NA. 431 his half brother, John Studabaker, in the dry goods business in Bkiffton. On the 28th of October of the following year, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Sarah Morgan, a daughter of John Morgan, who came from Lancaster county, Ohio, and \\ho was extensively engaged in the milling busi- ness. In 1858 Major' Studabaker was elect- ed treasurer of Wells county, and was chosen as his own successor in i860. On the 15th of August, 1862, he responded to the call for volunteers to aid in suppressing the Rebellion, and was commissioned cap- tain of his company, while on the ist of June, 1863, he received his commission as major. He enlisted as a member of Company B, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he rendered most valiant service, continuing at the front un- til victory crowned the Union arms and par ticipating in the grand review in the city of Washington, in May. 1865, while on the ' 24th of the succeeding month he was honor- ably discharged in Louisville, Kentucky, ar- ri\ing at his home on the 4th of the follow- ing July. In the battle of Kenesaw Moun- tain he received a severe wound in his left foot, and from the effects of this injury, which resulted in bone erysipelas, his death eventually occurred. He passed away on the 19th of May, 1888, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Thornburg. of Farm- land, Indiana. In 1866 he accepted a po- sition in the First National Bank of Bluff- ton, and two years later, in company with John Studabaker and Hugh Dougherty, in honor of the latter of whom the subject of this sketch was named, he became concerned in the organization and establishing of the Exchange Bank, and he continued to be ac- tively identified with this institution until his death. In 1874 he was elected to the office of county commissioner, and was re-, elected in 1876 and 1880. No man in the community held more uniform confidence and esteem, for he ordered his life on a high plane of rectitude and honor and had the kindliness and urbanity which ever make for the securing of warm and abiding friend- ships. His wife survived him by about a decade, passing away on the 24th of Octo- ber, 1899, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna Thornburg, in Bluffton. Mrs. Studa- baker was born on the 4th of September. 1835, so that she was nearly sixty-four years of age at the time of her demise. Of this union were born four sons and two daugh- ters, the subject of this review having been the sixth in order of birth. Of the other children we incorporate the following brief record: George W., who married Olive Kemp, in 1876, is now a resident of Blufif- ton: James M., who married Emma Ervin, in 1881. is now residing in Colorado; David was drowned in the Wabash river, on the loth of June, 1868, at the age of eleven years : Anna E. married John H. Thorn- burg, in 1882, and they now reside in Bluff- ton : and Alice S. married Charles E. Lacey, in 1887, and they reside in Crawfords- ville, Indiana. Hugh D. Studabaker received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Bluffton, being graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 18S6, no- table as having been the largest class ever graduated in the high school, its member- ship numbering thirty-six, while the super- intendent at the time was Professor Phile- mon A. Allen, who is still an honored resi- dent of Bluffton. Mr. Studabaker was sev- enteen years old at the time of his gradu- 432 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ation, and during his school days he con- tinued to reside on the home farm, near Bluffton, while from the age of eleven years until that of nineteen he incidentally con- ducted a milk business, supplying a repre- sentative line of patrons in the city. After the death of his father he went to the city of Chicago, where he was engaged in the basket business from December i, 1889, until the 1st of the following June, being associated in this enterprise with his cousin, William Studabaker, and his brother James M. He then returned to Bluffton, and in November, 1890, he here associated himself with Wil- liam A. Lipkey, under the firm name of Lip- key & Studabaker, and established himself in the meat market business, from which he withdrew in November, 1892, and became a stockholder in the North Furniture Com- pany, of Bluffton, simultaneously becoming actively identified with its operations in the manufacture of furniture. The enterprise, owing to the financial panic, was forced into the hands of a receiver in the latter part of the following year, entailing a loss of about two thousand dollars to Mr. Studabaker, while the other stockholders met with simi- lar relative losses. Thereafter the subject was again associated with Mr. Lipkey in the meat market business until March, 1895, when he turned his attention to the timber business, in which he became associated with Israel T. Allen, tmder the firm name of Allen & Studabaker. The firm furnished the timber utilized in the Indiana oil fields and continued until the depreciation in the prices of the local oil product, in 1896, when the venture proved no longer profitable, Indi- ana oil at that time being sold at as low a figure as forty cents a barrel. In the fall of 1896 Mr. Studabaker entered into partner- ship with Forrest Cummins and engaged in the insurance business, under the firm name of Cummins & Studabaker, and he was thus placed until the summer of 1897. At the fall election of 1898 Mr. Studabaker was de- feated by Clem Hatfield for the office of county clerk, his opponent receiving a ma- jority of only two votes, and this result be- ing accomplished by extraordinary political exigencies, involved in general dissatisfac- tion with the long continued power of the Democratic party in Wells county and through popular clamor for an investigation of the county records. On the ist of Febru- ary, 1899, Mr. Studabaker engaged in the grocery business in the Bennett store, on Market street, but in August of the same year he was forced out of business by a fire which practically destroyed his entire stock of goods. In November following he again engaged in the meat market business with his former partner, Mr. Lipkey, and this as- sociation continued until December, 1900, when Mr. Lipkey's interests were purchased by the subject's brother, George W., and the latter continued to be actively identified with this enterprise until the 4th of August, 1902, when he withdrew from the firm. In the meanwhile, on the i8th of the pre- ceding January, Mr. Studabaker was re- nominated for county clerk, as candidate on the Democratic ticket, securing a plur- ality of one hundred and thirty votes in the nominating convention, while at the Novem- ber election he received a gratifying majori- ty over the Republican candidate, Samuel P. Roush, his plurality being one hundred and ninety votes. From this fact it will be seen that the political status of the county had again become practically normal and that the popular disaffection had been overcome. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 433 Mr. Studabaker entered upon the active dis- charge of the duties of his office on the ist of January, 1902, and it is certain that his administration will be a careful and pains- taking one and one that will meet with popu- lar endorsement. Mr. Studabaker has ever been a staunch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party and has taken an active in- terest in local affairs of a public nature. Fraternally he is identified with the National L'nion, an insurance organization, is also a member of the Baptist church, while his wife holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal church. In the city of Bluffton, on the 4th of Au- gust, 1 89 1, at the residence of Henry Thomas, on East Cherry street. Rev. J. H. Jackson, pastor of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, solemnized the marriage of Mr. Studabaker to Miss Mary Rebecca Cook, who was named in honor of Mrs. John Studabaker, a par- ticular friend of her parents. She was born in Blufifton on the 31st of March, 1870, be- ing a daughter of John Henry Louis and Eliza (Deaver) Cook, the former of whom was born on the 226 of February, 1817, while his death occurred in Bluffton, on the 2d of January, 1879. His wife, who was born at Deavertown, Ohio, on the ist of June, 1833, still survives and makes her home with her daughter, the wife of the subject. Mr. Cook was born in the town of Rin- teln, province of Hessen, Prussia, his father being a government prosecutor and a man of influence and prominence. The son was educated in the University of Leipsic, and was a silk merchant in the fatherland prior to coming to America, in 1850, being there- after engaged in mercantile business during the balance of his active life. Of his chil- dren three sons and two daughters are still living, namely : Dr. Luzern H., who is en- gaged in the practice of his profession in Bluffton ; Henry Douglass, who is a grocer in Bluffton ; Arthur L., who is engaged in the furniture business in the city of Chicago; Bertha, who is the wife of Prof. William A. Wirt, of the Bluffton public schools, and Mary R., the wife of the subject. Mr. and Mrs. Studabaker have three children, namely : Alden Koch, who was born July 31, 1892, at the old Studabaker homestead, in Lancaster township, near Bluffton; Mildred Eleanor, who was born in the same home, on the ist of February, 1894, and Hugh Dougherty, Jr.. who was born at the northeast corner of IMiller and Williams streets. Bluffton, on the 19th of September, 1896. JOHN HENRY DURR. The business of cultivating the soil is looked upon as a calling that may be em- braced by any one, and it is currentl}- be- lieved that no amount of brains, intelligence or skill is necessary to be a successful farmer — he need only to put the seed in the ground and nature does the rest. These views are en- tertained by people who have no conception of either the labor required or the experience and intelligence necessary to conduct the affairs of a farm successfully. Their view of the farmer is well expressed by the author of "The Man with the Hoe" in the poem of that title. Those who have followed agri- culture as their life vocation know better, and those who, in their youth, got their first lesson in industry in the woods, the clearing and the field are better posted. To be sue- 434 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. cessful on the farm a man must have more industry, as much intelHgence and at the very least an equal amount of experience as is re- quired of men in other walks of life. There are few counties in Indiana pos- sessed of better' or more successful farmers than Wells county. The townships of Jeff- erson. Lancaster and Harrison are particu- larly well supplied with this class of farm- ers. Prominent among those of Lancaster township was John Henry Durr, deceased, who for more than fifty years lived in the same locality. He saw the region gradually change from wood and swamp to fertile fields and green pastures, and contributed his full share in time, labor and means, to- ward bringing about the important change. John Henry Durr was born in Lancaster township, Wells county, Indiana, February 18,1851, and was a son of Jacob and Mildred Durr, who were among the early pioneers of ^\'ells county. Upon the farm where he was born John Henry Durr spent the first twenty- six years of his life. Aside from the few brief months each year devoted to school, his en- tire time was occupied in the labor of the farm with liis father. His education was aljout the same as that of other boys of that time and locality. The few months spent in the school room each winter sufficed to give him an education that subserves every pur- pose. All of the common school branches were thoroughly mastered by him and with these as the key to the vast storehouse of learning, during his leisure hours he ab- sorbed an amount of information possessed by few persons in his position. On July 28, 1877, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Angeline Bowman, daughter of Gideon and Alvina Bowman, of Adams county, Indiana, and to this union were born five children, four of whom are living. Minnie and Carley (twins), were born Au- gust 20, 1878, the latter dying November i, 1880; Nettie, born February 11, 1880; OHe, born May 23, 1882; John Willard, born August 22, 1885. The wife and mother. Angeline Bowman Durr, died May 26, 1890, at the early age of thirty-three years. At the time of his marriage John H. Durr and his brother Ed were each pre- sented with eighty acres of woodland by their father. Anticipating his marriage, John selected a nice building site on his tract, cleared it and erected a comfortable home to which to take his bride. Settling down to the realities of pioneer life, he be- gan clearing and improving his land with the result that within a very few }-ears he had a well improved farm. In 1881 he pur- chased an additional forty acres from his sister, Mrs. Patterson. It also was woods, but having now acquired taste for the sub- jugation of the forest, Mr. Durr lost no time in reducing it also to fertility and produc- tiveness. He owned, at the time of his death, one hundred and twenty acres of as fine land as Indiana could boast of, ninety- five acres of which were cleared, drained and fenced by his own hand and constitutes a farm, whose superior, acre for acre, cannot be found in Wells count}'. Politically Mr. Durr was a Democrat, well posted in the principles of his party and always firm in the advocacy thereof. He took a deep interest in the work of each cam- paign and always did much, personally and with his means, to advance the interests of the ticket. He was a genial, kind, good natured gentlemen, who loved his friends and never lost an opportunity of doing a kind turn even to a stranger. His death. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 435 which occurred December 8, 1902, was mourned by his many friends, and was looked upon as the loss of one from their midst, whose life had been an example of all that was good and noble. JOHN E. STURGIS. The gentlemen to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Blufifton and has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the indus- trial and commercial advancement of the city and county. He has in the course of an honorable career been most successful in the business aflairs with which he has been identified, and is well deserving of mention in a book of this character. John E. Sturgis is a native of Ohio, ha\-- ing first seen the light of day in Wayne county, that state, on the 22d day of Alay, 1844. His father, Thomas Sturgis, was born near Lough Neagh, county Armagh, Ireland, December 25, 1802, and was a son of Rev. William and Elizabeth (Gratz) Sturgis. In 18 12 William Sturgis and fami- ly emigrated to America, landing at New York city on the 25th day of June of that year. Shortly afterwards they removed to Pennsylvania and settled at Shippensburg, where the father died soon afterward, leav- ing a widow and eight small children to mourn his loss. Thomas Sturgis, the father of the subject, when about eighteen years of age. began learning the hatter's trade, which he completed and followed for a number of years. He was married in Pennsylvania, August 5, 1826, to Elizabeth Brasier, who was born at Chambersburg, that state, and was a daughter of Rev. Jacob Brasier, a United Brethren minister. In 1834 Thomas Sturgis and family moved to Dalton, Ohio, where he followed his trade until 1853, in which year he moved to Wells county, Indiana, and purchased a partially improved farm in Lancaster township. On this place he settled and was there engaged in farming until his death, which occurred March 24, 1882. His demise was preceded but a short time by that bf his wife, hers occurring on February 5. 1882, after a happy wedded life of over fifty-five years. They left ten chil- dren, fifty-one grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. Both had lived long and useful Christian lives and were among the highly respected citizens of the county. Mr. Sturgis was a man of strong convictions and took great interest in the political issues of the day. He was a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party and cast his first presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson in 1824. In 1840. during the ex- citing contest between Van Buren and Har- rison, rather than lose his vote, as was threatened, he, with his brother Joseph, walked twenty-five miles to New Philadel- phia the evening before the election, secured their papers and returned home the next morning prepared for business at the polls. He was the father of eleven children, of whom one died in infancy, the others all growing to maturity. They were all well educated and became useful and respected members of society. Of the ten children who gained their majority, brief mention is made as follows : Charlotte, deceased, was the wife of W T. White, of Blufifton; Wil- liam is a resident of Missouri; Joseph re- 436 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. sides on the old homestead in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio ; EHzabeth is the wife of John Whitaker and resides in Wells county ; Elmer Y. is a resident of Bluffton ; Lemuel D. also resides in Wells county; Catherine is the wife of Jonathan Markley and lives in this county ; Thomas J. is a suc- cessful dentist of Bluffton; John E. is the subject of this review and Mary is the wife of Andrew Shoemaker, of Geneva, Adams county, Indiana. John E. Sturgis came to Wells county with his parents, being at the time but nine years old, and has practically made this his home ever since. In 1861, when the somber cloud of war hung over the country and the President called for volunteers to assist in the suppression of the rebellion, young Sturgis, though but a little past seventeen vears of age, was among the first to tender his services to his country, enlisting in Octo- ber, 186 1, in Company H, Forty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, un- der Capt. S. J. Keller, of Bluffton, and Col. James R. Slack, of Huntington. This company was organized at Huntington and immediately went to Indianapolis, where, in December, 1861, it was sworn into ser- vice and soon afterward went to the front. They were first sent to Camp Wickliff, Kentucky, and their first engagement of any note was at Island No. 10, on the Mis- souri river. Mr. Sturgis had a part in all the engagements in which his regiment par- ticipated, and was neither sick, wounded nor taken prisoner, being always ready for duty. They who are familiar with the his- torv of the Rebellion know what the Forty- seventh Indiana went through and can see readily that young Sturgis performed his full share in the defense of his country's flag in her hour of peril. He was fearless and brave and served gallantly until the close of the struggle, receiving an honorable dis- charge in December, 1865. Upon quitting the army Mr. Sturgis re- turned to Wells county and in the following spring he entered the Eastman Business Col- lege, at Chicago, where he pursued the regu- lar course, after which he again returned to Bluffton. In 1867 he went to Mendon, Mer- cer county, Ohio, and, in company with Dr. Daniel B. Roether, engaged in the drug busi- ness. In October of the same year he re- turned to Bluffton and was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Emeline E. Sander- son, who was born at Carlisle, Ohio, June 25. 1847, the daughter of Lemuel and Lu- cinda (Kinert) Sanderson. In 1868 Mr. Sturgis disposed of his drug business at Mendon, Ohio, and removed to Bluffton, where he engaged as clerk in the drug store of Stockton & Johnson, with whom he re- mained until 1872, in which year he opened up a drug store on his own account in Bluffton, conducting this successfully un- til 1886, at which time he was elected to the position of treasurer of Wells county. Dis- posing of his business, he took charge of the office, the duties of which he faithfully and efficiently performed for four years. At the close of his term of office, Mr. Sturgis again established himself in the drug business, in which he has since continued. He also served as city treasurer of Bluffton from 1877 to 1885, filling this position also with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In his political views Mr. Sturgis is a staunch Democrat and takes an active interest in the success of his party. In matters religious he and his wife sub- scribe to the Presbyterian faith, to the sup- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 437 port of which he contributes liberally of his means and in the local congregation of which he is one of the trustees. He is also a worthy member of Lodge No. 147, I. O. O. F., Bluffton. To Mr. and Airs. Sturgis have been born three children, Nina L., Estella E. and Ruby. Nina is unmarried and still makes her home under the parental roof ; Estella is the wife of AI. A. Stout, a prominent business man of Bluffton, and Ruby married Dr. Homer Robinson, one of Bluffton's most skilled and successful dentists. The Sturgis family was established in Wells county many years ago and has always been looked upon as one of the most enterprising and respected families in the county. The members of the family may look back with just pride to their ancestors, knowing that thus far no member of the family has been connected with any dishonorable transaction by which the family 'scutcheon might be marred. JOHN AIcAFEE. This native-born and respected farmer of Rock Creek township. Wells county, Indi- ana, was born January 6. 1854, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lesh) McAfee, of whom mention of greater length will be found on other pages of this volume. He was educated in the district school of his neighborhood, which he attended until about seventeen years of age, and then began work- ing on a farm by the month, the father ab- sorbing whatever compensation was granted to the son. At the age of twenty-one years, John McAfee was presented with a horse, as a capital with which to begin his business career in life, and, as the sequel will show, he did not misapply this small means toward advancing his future progress. In 1875 ^^ took a third interest in a saw-mill with his father and George Riley, but after a few months the father and son bought out the interest of Mr. Riley in this mill and for some time ran it on their mutual account. John, Jacob and Peter McAfee then bought the mill and conducted it for thirteen years, buying and cutting their timber, taking such contracts for custom sawing as they could secure, and disposing of their own outfit at a very fair profit. The father and son John each owned a one-hundred-and-sixty-acre tract of wooded land, valued at five thousand dollars per tract; but John was rather im- provident at that time and gave his obliga- tions for his investment, all of which he promptly met as they fell due. John McAfee next moved upon his pres- ent farm in section 17, Rock Creek township, on rural route No. 3 froin Bluffton, the greater part being then in the forest, but this portion he has since cleared up and improved and added to it until he owned four hundred and twenty acres. He later disposed of eighty, acres, so that he now owns a trifle less than three hundred and forty acres, which is valued at twent}-seven thou- sand dollars. He deals largely in hogs, but is also a farmer who looks well to what pays him best, and figures on about two thousand dollars net profit per an- num from his farm produce, most of which he invests in additional land. He is a scien- tific agriculturist and keeps himself well posted by reading the best farming journals. He also is quite regular in his attendance at farmers' institutes and is a good listener, but not an orator. He has never wandered far 438 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. from the spot where he was born and now lives within a mile of his birth place, of which he in fact owns a part. March 31, 1877, John iMcAfee was united in marriage with Miss Isabella Light, who was born in Jackson township, Wells county, November 12, 1856, and is a daugh- ter of Isaac W. and Phebe (Pouless) Light. The father was called away, however, and the mother became the wife of George Spraks. The marriage of John McAfee to Isabella Light has been crowned with four children, viz : Lillie, born August 25, 1878, who is now the wife of Charles W. Decker, a farmer in Rock Creek township; Earnest, born March 28, 1882, still unmarried; Win- nie, born August 21, 1885, is assisting in caring for the household; John, born June 12, 1887, is attending the district school. Mr. and Mrs. AIcAfee are members of St. Paul Lutheran church of Rock Creek township, of which Mr. McAfee is a deacon. He has alwa}'s been a liberal supporter of this church financially, and on its being re- built contributed very freely to the building fund. In his political views he is in sympa- thy with the Democratic party, but has never felt an)- ambition as to filling public office. Mr. and Mrs. McAfee are both very pleasant and afifable, and their advice upon farming and many other subjects is freely sought by their neighbors, far and near, as it can be implicitly relied upon as being honest and sincere. Samuel McAfee, the father of the gen- tleman whose name opens this record, and who now has his residence in Liberty town- ship, Wells county, was one of the patriots who gallantly went to the front during the dire need of the nation for defenders at the time of the Civil war. August 20, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Cap- tain Wilson, and took part, among others, in the following named serious engagements : Perrysville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga ; he was also all through the Atlanta campaign and at the siege and fall of that fated city ; was at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Bentonville, North Carolina; was present at the surrender of the rebel general, Johnston, and was honor- ably discharged at the close of the war at Louisville, Kentucky. Elizabeth (Lesh) McAfee was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, was married to Samuel McAfee in 185 1, and died at her home in Rock Creek township in September, 1894, truly honored by all who knew her. J. H. HOLCOMB, ^I. D. This eminent and still rising young phy- sician and surgeon of Rock Creek township. Wells county, Indiana, is a native of Yadkin county. North Carolina, and was born on the banks of the Yadkin river, September 2, 1867, a son of John D. and Sarah A. Hol- comb. The Holcomb family originated in Ireland and toward the close of the sixteenth century several of its members came to America and settled in North Carolina and from one of these colonists Dr. Holcomb, of this sketch, is a lineal descendant. The em- Ijryo physician passed his young days amid the hills and dales of the northwestern part of the Old North state in assisting his father on the homestead during the summer months and in attending school during the winter when the weather was too inclement for WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 439 farm work. At the age of sixteen he was graduated from the common school and next attended ■ tlie liigh school for two years. After his graduation from the latter he taught school for tw,o years, and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, took a full course as a student of medicine, and was graduated from that famous institution in the spring of 1892. He commenced the ac- tive practice of his profession in his native state, where he met with flattering success, his abilities being at once recognized, and continued to retain his patrons until he sought what he considered to be a broader and more remunerati\'e field in W'ells comity, Lidina, coming hither in 1894. On reaching Wells county. Dr. Holcomb selected Barber's JNlill as his place of residence and practice, and in the latter has met with a success that in some respects may be termed phenomenal. He has not only been most fortunate in his treatment of his numerous patients, but through his affability and genial disposition has drawn to himself a host of sincere per- sonal friends. Dr. J. Holcomb was united in marriage in 1889 with INIiss Charity A. Swain, a na- tive of North Carolina and a lady of good family and well educated. To this happy union have been born two children, viz: Bertha, in ]\Iay, 1890, and Effie May, in ]\Iarch, 1892. The parents are members of the Baptist church at Liberty Center, and the Doctor is a member of Bluff ton Lodge No. 145, F. & A. M., and is likewise a Royal Arch Alason. He is also a member of the Red Men's lodge at Barber's Mill, in which he has filled all the offices and which he has represented in the grand lodge. Dr. Holcomb is one of the substantial Democrats of Rock Creek township and Barber's Mill, but while he is sincere in his political convictions he takes little active interest in his party's work, outside of the exercise of his fran- chise. He is very popular personally and is widely known in Rock Creek township, as well as in Bluffton and throughout the country, to nearly all parts of which his prac- tice has extended. The Doctor is a mem- ber of the Wells County Medical Association and is medical examiner for the State Life Insurance Company and the Meridian Life & Trust Company of Indianapolis, and also for the Escanaba (Iowa) Life Insurance Company. Because of his extensive private prac- tice and his official professional duties, the Doctor's time is pretty well filled in, but he finds opportunity to pass many felicitous hours in the domestic circle, to which he is warmly attached, being an affectionate hus- band and an indulgent father. While the fortunate and successful professional man in many instances attains an enviable reputa- tion through fortuitous circumstances and empirical practices, it is the observant and re- flective practitioner, who mentally digests every clinical and even surgical case that comes within his observation or cognizance. He weighs all symptoms, which are often de- ceiving, diagnoses each case as it develops itself, and invariably reaches a conclusion that fully justifies his treatment of his pa- tient, irrespective of the practice of his sci- entific brethren who have had experience in similar cases in past time. While as a gen- eral rule, the combined experience of many exceeds that of a few, the discriminating judgment of such a man as Dr. Holcomb will at times strike facts that prove to be of wonderful influence in the profession, WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. otherwise wliy liave Eustace. Harve}' and Tenner become immortal ? WILLIAM SHEETS. \Miile a gentleman of most unassuming- habits, William Sheets is one of the very popular residents of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, where he owns three hundred and twenty-eight acres of good farming land, now worth at least twenty thousand dollars. He was born in Hunt- ington county, Indiana, August 4, 1848, is a son of John and Julia A. (Wyatt) Sheets, and is now in the prime of life. John Sheets, the father of William Sheets, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he went to Ohio, and a few years later came to Indiana and entered a tract of land, in 1S36, in Rock Creek township. Huntington county, of which he took posses- sion in 1838. On this farm he lived for a number of years and then removed to Hunt- ington, where he resided thirteen years, then returned to his farm and passed the remain- der of his life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary C. Lea veil, dying February 17, 1902. John Sheets was a remarkably en- terprising man and through his own indus- try had acquired at the time of his death three hundred and twenty acres of good land, all in Huntington county, Indiana. As a matter of retrospect, it may be stated that John Sheets was twice married. His first marriage took place July 12, 1838, and the second July 12, 1884, there being a space of forty-six years between the two marriage ceremonies. To the second mar- riage no children have lieen born, but to the first there were six, who were named and are now conditioned in life as follows : Frederick, residing in Salamonie township, Huntington county, Indiana; Sarah, who is married to Eli McCallister; Margaret married William Cariger, and is now de- ceased ; W^illiam is the subject of this rec- ord; ^lar}- C, wife of Frank Leavell, of Rock Creek township, Huntington county, and John M., deceased. William Sheets, of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Huntington count}-, received a very good education in the district schools and the Roanoke Semi- nary, and for some time taught school in Huntington county. On May 9, 1872, he married Miss Malissa J. Thompson, who was born in Huntington county, Indiana, December 29, 1854, and is a daughter of George S. and Lydia (Helton) Thompson, who were among the early pioneers of Hunt- ington county. To Mr. Sheets' union with Miss Thompson seven children have been born, namely : Mary A., now the wife of John O. Redding ; Minnie K., who was mar- ried to Irwin Guldin, but who, with her husband, is now deceased; Charles F., who is still unmarried; Stella married Oliver B. McAfee and resides in Wells county; Julia, Bessie and Josie are still single and reside at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets are also rear- ing a grandchild. Charley J. Guldin. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets are members of the Dis- ciples' church at Buckeye. Huntington county, to the support of which they are most liberal contributors and in the work of which they are among the most active par- takers. In politics Mr. Sheets is decidedly a Democrat and is a hard worker for his party in all its operations in Rock Creek township. He has served as a member of \\^ELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. the advisory board, but has never sought an office for the sake of honor or emolu- ment. He is, nevertheless, very popular as a citizen and a party man, and but few resi- dents of Rock Creek township are held in higher esteem by the general public than is the subject. LEWIS GESLER. As an instance of the unvarying success which follows intelligent industry, that of Lewis Gesler, of Rock Creek township, A\'ells county, Indiana, is quite notable, as the reader will glean from the facts w'hich are detailed in the following paragraphs. The parents of the subject were of German descent. Lewis Gesler was born October 30, 185 1, but the father was summoned to another world when the son was about six years old. The mother, -being in strait- ened circumstances, placed the lad out at work when he was about twelve years of age, but continued to provide him with clothing and other necessaries of minor character, retaining for her own use his small earnings. At the age of sixteen years Lewis Gesler came to Wells county, Indiana, and found employment with Henry Edris, for whom he worked two years at fourteen dollars per month, and in this time saved considerable money. He continued to work out by the month for other parties until he had acquired five hundred dollars, which he invested in eighty acres of his present farm in Rock Creek township, al- though he was obliged to go in debt to some extent. He worked for Wierly Lamb three years, then bought land until he owned at one time two hundred acres, all of which he paid for out of his own earnings with the exception of five hundred dollars received from home. In March, 1876, Lewis Gesler married Miss Calista Johnson, daughter of Jonas Johnson, and to this happy union four chil- dren have added to the felicity of the home of the parents,' and are named, in order of birth, as follows: Homer C, who had his nativit}' in 1879, is still unmarried and makes his residence with his parents, as do the younger three, Eva I., Wilna and Virgil. ]\Ir. Gesler has been one of the most enter- prising men of his township, and from almost impecuniousneSs has raised himself to affluence, being now worth at least twelve thousand dollars in land alone. He and wife have led a most happy life since marriage and are honored and beloved wherever known. Jonas Johnson, the father of Mrs. Lewis Gesler, deserves especial mention in this connection as being one of the oldest resi- dents of Rock Creek township. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, October 14, 1825, and is a son of Solomon and Sarah (Sanders) Johnson, who came from North Carolina, where the family had lived for generations, and, as was customary at the time, were slaveholders. The Johnson fam- ily reached Indiana prior to 1821, about three or four years after the state had been admitted to the union, and lived in ^^'ayne county about five years. They then removed to Delaware county, where they resided un- til the fall of 1835, when they came to Indi- ana and located where Montpelier now stands in Blackford county. They thence came to Wells county, at a time when there were no roads, they being obliged to cut their way through the woods in order to reach 442 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tlieir destination. The previous spring, however, the father of the family hjid visit- ed Wells county and had entered one hun- dred and twenty acres of wild land across the road from the place on which his son Jonas now lives; at that time Jacob Miller and David Snyder were the only residents 'of the neighborhood, as well as of the town- ship. On coming here, Mr. Johnson fir.«t put up a temporary shanty and shortly after built a log cabin and cultivated a patch of ground. He throve and finally bought one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Salamonie township, Huntington county, which he and his sons cleared up and con- verted into a fine farm, but later sold. Mr. Johnson became one of Wells county's most prominent and influential citizens. A Democrat in politics, he served on the first board of county commissioners, which was composed of David Bennett, James Scott and himself, after whom three streets in Blufifton have been named, Johnson street running north and south past the jail and engine house. Mr. Johnson was the father of twelve children, of whom five are still living, name- ly : Isabella, wife of John Cook, of Barber's Mills; Ermina, wife of George Strother, of Huntington; Sarah, wife of John Haggert, of southern Missouri; Henry ^M., of Okla- homa, and Jonas. Jonas Johnson was a lad of but nine years when brought b}- his parents to W'ells county, Indiana, of which county he has ever since been a resident. When twenty- one years of age he rented the home farm for a few years, and in 1849 married Miss L^rania Barber, daughter of Hallette Barber, after whom Barber's Mills \\ere named, as he had the first grist and saw-mill at this place. having come from Darke county, Ohio. Mr. Johnson was poor and for three years rented a farm and then his father-in-law's mill for seven years, after which he bought the eighty-acre farm on which he now resides. Here he erected a two-room house in the woods, which frame has been replaced by a modern and commodious dwelling. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born five children, namely ; Levetta, now the wife of James Knudson ; Deliscus, unmarried and living in Oregon; Glessner, who lives on the old farm; Calista, wife of Lewis Ges- ler, and Norah, wife of Adam Korn. Mr. Johnson was among the first members of the Seventh Day Adventist congregation of his township, was a Granger, and in politics was a Democrat until 1875, when he be- came independent, and for the past few years has abstained altogether from voting. It is now sixty-seven years since Mr. Johnson came to Wells county, and it may well be conceded that no resident is more sincerely honored. WILLIA^I HAIFLICH. The gentleman whose name opens this biographical notice is a member of one of the oldest settled families of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, being a son of Isaac and Catherine (Fletcher) Haiflich, but was born in Richland county, Ohio, April 12, 1837. The paternal grand- father as well as the parents of William Haiflich were natives &'f the Buckeye state. The Fletcher family came from Fennsyl- vania and early settled in Richland county, Ohio, also, and were agriculturists of the better class. WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 443 Isaac Haiflicli, after marriage, rented a farm in Ohio, on which he resided until about 1848 or '49, when he came to Wells county, Indiana, and settled in Rock Creek township, there being at that time but two houses in Murray and one house in Markle, the intervening distance between the two villages containing a solitary farm, that owned by Jacob Miller, but now occupied by William Coover. Isaac Haiflich here entered one hundred and sixty acres of wild woodland, which he lived upon and cleared up and developed it into one of the best farms in the township. In politics Mr. Haiflich was one of the leading Democrats of Rock Creek township, and his religious faith was that of the German Baptist church. He had led a pure and industrious life and through his personal labors acquired a fortune of eight thousand dollars. To Isaac Haiflich and Catherine (Fletcher) Haiflich thei-e was born the large family of twelve children, of whom there are five still living. \\'illiam Haiflich was reared in the woods of Rock Creek township, and was early inured to hard work, which has re- dounded eventually to his pecuniary benefit, as well as to his physical and mental de- velopment. Whatever may be said of the malarial conditions of the atmosphere in cer- tain portions of the state of Indiana, it may safely be said that Rock Creek township is blessed with an invigorating circumambient belt of ozone, or oxygen, very conducive to health and longevity, and under these favor- able circumstances Mr. Haiflich developed into the prominent and influential gentle- man he now is. As the early services of Air. Haiflich were called into requisition in clearing up the home farm, he had but few opportunities of attending school, yet the time he was per- mitted to devote to this purpose was not abused and he succeeded in acquiring an education adequate for all practical pur- poses. He has done as much work, in -all probability, in making Rock Creek township the paradise it now is as any man of his age within its boundaries. He managed the home place after lea^'ing school until he had attained his majority and at the age of twenty-two found himself with a wife and forty dollars in cash, with which to start in business as a renter of his father-in-law's farm. Mr. Haiflich was married, March 3, 1859, to Miss Sarah E. Sparks, daughter of Aaron and Huldah Sparks. She was born in Wells county, Indiana, February 14, 1843. To Mr. and ]\Irs. Haiflich have been born eight children, of whom six still sur- vive and are named as follows : Eli C, Almeda Ann, William A., Samuel H., Charles E. and Rosetta. After Mr. Haiflich's marriage he settled on the Sparks homestead, which he subse- quently purchased, and on which he resided until moving to his present farm in Novem- ber, 1897. j\lr. Haiflich owns at present three hundred and twenty acres of good, well improved land and is considered one of the well-to-do and substantial farmers of Wells county. In 1864 he responded to his country's call to arms and enlisted in Com- pany E, Twelfth Regiment Indiana Volun- teer Infantry. He took part in several bat- tles, served nine months, and was then hon- orably discharged, being now the recipient of a pension of twelve dollars per month. The Haiflich family are meml^ers of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church at Sparks WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Chapel, of whicli Mr. Haiflich has been a trustee for several years. He has served as class leader and also as Sunday school su- perintendent. In his political afifiliations he is a Democrat, but although he is a faithful worker in his party's interests he has never sought an office. Mr. and Mrs. Haiflich, as may well be inferred, are among the most highly respected residents of Rock Creek township, and it may be a gratification to the reader to refer to the biography of Eli Hai- flich, to be found on another page of this volume, for further information concerning this old-time familv. JACOB McAfee. One of the most extensive stock raisers and farmers of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, is Jacob McAfee, a native of this township, born February 26, 185 1, and a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lesh) McAfee. The McAfee family is of Irish origin and the American branch from which Jacob McAfee descended were early settlers in Virginia, where Samuel McAfee, father of Jacob, was born and reared, though he subsequently settled in Pennsylvania. Subse- quently both the McAfee and Lesh families came to Indiana and located in Rock Creek township. Wells county, where Samuel Mc- Afee spent the greater part of his life after moving to the county, though in later years he lived in Liberty township. The family of Samuel and Elizabeth McAfee comprised five sons and three daughters, of whom six still survive, viz : Jacob, John, Peter, Cath- erine, wife of Chester Scotton. Prescilla, wife of James Gordon, and Hattie, married to William D. Gordon. Jacob McAfee was reared to agricultural pursuits on the farm on which he had his nativity, and received a very good common school education. At the age of twenty-two he was first married, selecting for his help- mate Miss Jane Logan, daughter of the late John Logan, and to this union was born one child, Mollie, a resident of Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Jane ( Logan) McAfee was called away soon after the birth of her child, and Jacob McAfee in due course of time mar- ried Miss Amanda A. Lamm, daughter of Waverly Lamm, of Lancaster township, and this marriage has been crownetl by the birth of five boys and three girls, of whom five are still living, and all single. At the age of twenty-one years Jacob McAfee was a poor young man as far as this world's substantialities were concerned. But he was possessed of robust health, a clear and comprehensive intellect and an in- domitable spirit of enterprise, united with indefatigable industry. He first found a means of earning money b}- working out by the job at ditching, chopping and clearing, from which labor he realized about three hundred dollars, of which amount he was the possessor at the time of his first venture on the sea of matrimony. For two years after marriage Mr. McAfee engaged in farming, a pursuit to which he had been well trained, and next went into the saw-mill business, having by this time acc|uired a capital of seven hundred dollars. This mill, known as the McAfee Brothers' mill, was located near Rock Creek Center, in Wells county, and here Mr. McAfee did custom work, and also bought, cut and sold lum- ber for thirteen years, at the close of which period he was worth six thousand dollars and the owner of one hundred and forty WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. acres of good land, to which he has since added one hundred and eighty acres, and is now worth twenty-four thousand dollars. Mr. McAfee has also been largely engaged in stock raising, in which he has been very successful, as he has been, indeed, in all his undertakings, being what is usually known as a "hustler" and naturally a shrewd busi- ness man. In politics Mr. McAfee is one of the re- liable Democrats of Rock Creek township and is active in his support of his party, but has never sought to advance his personal in- terests by aspiring to public office. Mrs. ^McAfee is a member of the German Re- formed church, to the support of which both she and her husband are liberal contribu- tors. .\s the reader will naturally infer from the fact that Mr. and Mrs. McAfee are both natives of Wells county, the}- are widely and favorably known, and their upright walk through life has augmented the great respect in which they are held throughout the community in which they have their residence. JACOB LESH. Jacob Lesh is a native of Pennsylvania and was born in Berks county, September 2^. 1835, but has lived in Wells county, Indiana, since he was thirteen years old, when he was brought hither by his parents^ The Lesh family is of German origin, but the ancestors of the family from which the gentleman whose name opens this sketch descends, were among the early settlers of the Keystone state. It may be added, as a matter of honor to the Lesh family, that the grandfather of Jacob Lesh, Peter Lesh, was a participant in the war of the American Revolution. John Lesh, the father of the subject, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in the year iSoo. He married Miss Mary Suavely, who was a native of Lebanon county, the same state. She bore him six children, namely : Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Peter, Jonas and Daniel, twins, all of whom are now deceased except the subject. The mother of this family died when the subject was a small boy, and the father subsequently married Harriet McAfee, who bore him eight children, viz : Sarah, Catherine, de- ceased: Prescilla, deceased; Samuel, deceas- ed; James, Susan, Matilda and George W. After his father's death, John Lesh bought the old homestead, which he subsequently sold, and in 1848 moved to Indiana. He came b}- wagon, and was twenty-one days on the road, finally reaching L'nion City, whence he came to Rock Creek township. Wells county. Here he settled on eighty acres of land which he had purchased the year previous for nine hundred dollars and on which was a hewed-log house. Thirty acres had been placed under cultivation, and it was on this farm that he passed the re- mainder of his life, dying in 1864, in the faith of the Lutheran church. He was a Democrat in politics and always took an ac- tive interest in the success of his party, though never aspiring to public office. He was an honest, enterprising and hard work- ing man, and was highly respected by all who knew him. Jacob Lesh was educated in the district schools of Wells county and assisted on the home farm until twenty-one years old. He then worked at the carpenter's trade, which 446 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. he thoroughly learned. Later he purchased a threshing machine, and still later bought eighty acres of land, the farm on which he now resides. At the age of t\venty-fi\'e years, Jacob Lesh married Miss Mary A. Gregg, a sis- ter of the late W. H. Gregg, of whom men- tion is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Lesh, at his marriage, erected a small house, in which there was born to him one daugh- ter, Mary L., now the wife of A. J. Miller, and in which Mrs. Lesh died. The second marriage of Mr. Lesh took place November 9, 1872, to Miss Elizabeth Gilbert, a daugh- ter of Martin and Lydia A. (Houtz) Gil- bert, and who was born in Rock Creek township. Wells county, Indiana, October 6, 1832. To this union have been born six children, namely: Charles E.. born April 3, 1875, but now deceased: George L., born August 8, 1877, is married to Clara Far- ling and is farming in Rock Creek town- ship; Fred C, born June 22, 188 1, received his preliminary education in the district schools and was subsequently graduated from the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College at Valparaiso : Henry A., who was born March 29, 1884, was graduated from the common schools in 1901, and is pow a teacher in Chester town- ship; Maggie C. was born September 29, 1887, and Jessie Esther, July 5, 1893. ^^s. Lesh is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church in Rock Creek township, and in poli- tics Mr. Lesh is a Democrat. No family is more highly respected than that of Mr. and Mrs. Lesh, and if an upright and useful life entitles them to the high regard in which they are held, it may truthfully be said that no family is better entitled to it. Such peo- ple are a credit to any community. ANDREW J. MILLER. This well known business man, farmer and ex-assessor, whose residence is in Rock Creek township. Wells county, Indiana, was born in this township, June 8, 1859, a son of Isaac and Mary A. ( Bachtol ) Miller, who came from Stark county, Ohio, but whose parents came from Pennsylvania and were of German descent. Isaac Miller was born, reared and educated in Ohio, and married, about 1850, in Stark county, the same state. He first came to Wells county, Indiana, in 1853, ^"d purchased land, but returned to Ohio, where he resided a short time, and then moved his family out, settling on the land which he had purchased during his previous visit. In politics Isaac Miller was a Democrat and was a justice of the peace for several years. He cleared up his farm and made all the improvements, which are still standing, and here he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives and died in the faith of the Lutheran church. To them were born nine children, in the following or- der : David H., who resides in Markle, Huntington county, Indiana; Helen J., wife of W. H. Herron, of Wells county; Mary E., deceased; Andrew J., the subject of this sketch; Uriah, who makes his home with Andrew J.; Charles E., of Rock Creek township; Elmer I., a resident of Hunting- ton, Indiana; Alice L., wife of Sherman Johnson, a resident of Grant county, and Cora F., deceased. Andrew J. Miller was a child of but three years when his parents settled on the farm on which he now resides. He was educated in the district school and reared on the homestead, which he assisted in cultivating until he was nineteen years old. At the age WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 447 of twenty-two he engaged in the lumber busi- ness with J. H. Preskey, their saw-mill being located three miles east of Markle, Indiana. This partnership business contin- ued eight years, and realized them quite a handsome profit. Mr. Miller first rented the old homestead of eighty acres in the fall of 189 1, but later on purchased it. Andrew J . Miller was united in mar- riage, November i, 1883, with Miss Luella M. Lesh, a daughter of Jacob Lesh, of Rock Creek township, by his first wife, and who was educated in the district and Bluffton schools. The marriage of Andrew J. Mil- ler and Luella M. Lesh has been crowned with five children, namely : Herman L., born August 22, 1884, and now in his sen- ior year in the common school ; Lizzie, born August 20, 1886; Edna E., born February 15, 1889; Vera, born November 17, 1892, and Roy J., born November 18, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Lutheran church at Horeb, to the main- tenance of which they liberally contribute and otherwise aid, Mr. ^Miller having offi- ciated as elder for many years, and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. Fra- ternally Mr. Miller is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and is re- cording secretary of his lodge ; in politics he is one of the leading Democrats of Rock Creek township and Wells county. In 1894 he was elected tow^nship assessor and served with credit to himself and to the entire sat- isfaction of his party and his fellow citizens until 1900. He has also served as township committeeman for years, and likewise as delegate to several important Democratic conventions. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are among the prominent and influential resi- dents of Rock Creek township, and Mr. Mil- ler is honored as a public-spirited citizen, read}- at all times to aid with his advice and means every project desgned for the in- crease of the happiness and comfort of the community. He has recently been selected and served as a juror in the United States federal court for this district at Fort Wavne. JONATHAN J. MARKLEY. Each business or calling, if honorable, has its place in human existence, consti- tuting a part of the plan whereby life's methods are pursued and man reaches his ultimate destiny. Emerson said that "All are needed by each one." And that is as true in one avenue of life's activities as in another. However, the importance of a busi- ness or profession is in a very large meas- ure determined by its beneficence or use- fulness. So dependent is man upon his fel- low men that the worth of each individual is largely reckoned by what he has done for humanity. There is no class to whom great- er gratitude is due than to those self-sacri- ficing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose life work has been the elevation of their fellow men to a higher conception of God, their dut_\ to liim and their duty to their fellow men. There is no known stan- dard by which their beneficent influence can be measured, but it is certainly safe to say that to no class of men is the country today indebted for the present high moral and spiritual standard of the community in as large a degree as to the early ministers of the gospel, those earnest and consecrated men who, disregarding personal comfort, spread abroad a knowledge of the Christ 448 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and tauglit the great truths of the father- hood of God and the brotherhood of man. The subject of this sketch for many years labored faithfully in the cause of the Master and by a long life of earnest and self-deny- ing toil accomplished great good in this com- munity and now possesses the confidence and respect of all who know him. Because of the prominent part he took in the devel- opment of this region he is justly entitled to representation in a volume of this char- acter. The first ancestor of the subject of whom anything definite is now known was his great-grandfather, probably Gabriel Mark- ley by name, who was driven by re- ligious persecution from Holland in the year 1720. With a number of his fellow countrymen, he emigrated to ^America and settled first in Maryland. His son, Jonathan Markley, grandfather of the subject, was born in Maryland in 1760. In 18 1 5 he emigrated to Pennsylvania and after residing there a few years went to Madison county, Ohio, where he remained until his death. The subject's father, John Mark- lev, was born near the city of Baltimore, Maryland, ]\Iarch 10, 1809, and died De- cember IQ, 1870. His wife, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Melinda Wil- son, was born in Madison county, Ohio, January 12, 1816, and died April 20, 1888. John Markley remained upon the home farm during his boyhood, assisting his father in the clearing and development of the land, receiving in the meantime but little educa- tion. On the 2d of March, 1834, he was married to Melinda Wilson, the daughter of Valentine Wilson, reputed to be the wealthiest man in Madison county, Ohio In 1835, accompanied by his young wife and his brother Gabriel and wife, he emi- grated to Wells count}', Indiana, and located on the north bank of the Wabash river, five miles above where the city of Bluffton now stands. He entered there two hundred acres of land and proceeded at once to the task of clearing and developing it. He at first erected a rude log cabin, in which they made their home for a number of years and in which the subject was born. Subsequently Mr. Markley was enabled to purchase five hundred acres of additional land, which he cultivated with marked success for a number of years. He alwaj-s followed the pursuit of farming, in which he was prosperous, was honorable and straightforward in his intercourse with his fellow men and enjoyed the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and aa]uaintances. When he first went to that locality there were not enough settlers there to fill a jury and officer a court. In politics he was a Republican and took a keen and active interest in all things affecting the interests of his county. He and his wife were members of the Christian church and were consistent and faithful in the performance of their religious duties, bringing up their children in the light of the gospel and of their own examples. They were the parents of eleven children, briefly mentioned as follows : Valentine is deceased ; Rachael Ann is the wife of Stephen Adsit, of Hoopeston. Illinois: Jonathan J. is the subject; William D. lives at Vera Cruz, Harrison township, this county ; Hester is deceased; INIatilda J. is the wife of Capt. E. Y. Sturgis, of Bluffton; Amanda, deceased; Ellen is deceased; Louis P. lives at Vera Cruz, this county; Samuel T. resides at El- wood, Indiana, and Wilson A., of Harrison township, this county. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 449 Jonathan J. Markley, the immediate sub- ject of this biographical sketch, was born in Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, on the 7th of March, 1839, his birth taking place in the little log cabin which his father first erected on the clearing he had made there. The subject remained at home until he attained his majority, faithfully assisting his father in the arduous task of clearing the land and cultivating the soil, and developing at the same time that strength of body and those sturdy qualities of character which served him so well in the after years of his life. During his teens he received the ad- vantages of such mental training as was to be obtained in the common schools of the neighborhood. Not being satisfied with such education as he had received, after at- taining his majority he secured a position as teacher in the schools of Vera Cruz, holding this position for three years and also teaching one year in another school. In this way he earned enough money to enable him to enter Liber College in Jay county, this state, where he spent three years in earnest study. During his attendance at college he found it necessary to work out on Saturdays and in evenings in order to defray his ex- penses. He selected his studies with a view to entering the ministry and all his ambi- tions and efforts were centered upon that purpose. Upon leaving college he returned home, but after remaining there about two years he, in 1871, came to Lancaster town- ship and occupied forty acres of land which he had previously purchased. He was a member of the Christian church and in 1869 he began preaching, his first charge being the Christian church at Murray, Lancaster township. That his services in the capacity of a pastor and minister of the gospel were satisfactory is evidenced by the fact that he was retained in this one charge for the re- markably long period of thirty-one years, a period in which his influence in the com- munity was constantly manifest and ac- knowledged by all who were conversant with his labors. In 1900 Mr. Markley re- signed his ministerial work and retired from active pastorate, much to the regret of many who had sat under his preaching and been the recipients of his ministrations. During this long pastorate he labored earnestly and indefatigably for the uplifting of those with whom he came in contact and by an ex- emplary life influenced many to turn from sin and follow the teachings of the Nazarene. In 1898 Mr. Markley erected a hand- some large brick house and in 1900 he erected a fine new barn, being now the owner of one of the finest pieces of farm property in Wells county. From the original tract of forty acres he has, by thrift, economy and enterprise, been enabled to increase his hold- ings to two hundred and forty acres of as good land as can be found in Wells county. ]\Ir. Markley enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest ministers in the county and also of having married more couples and preached more sermons than any other preacher in the county. In politics he has been a lifelong Republican and has always taken a keen interest in the trend of public events, though at no time an aspirant for public office. A bit of early history is con- nected with Mr. Markley's home in the fact that where his house now stands occurred the first marriage ceremony performed in the county, a minister from Ft. Wayne of- ficiating. The couple then married are yet living at Buena Vista, the wife having cel- ebrated her eighty-fourth birthday during 450 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tlie first week in Jul_v, 1902. Another note- wortliy fact is tliat Mr. Markley officiated at the funerals of eight of his neighbors within two'years, all residing within sight of his home and their aggregate ages being six hundred and forty-three years. On the i8th of January, 187 1, Mr. Markley was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary M. Huffman, who was born August 18, 1840, the daugh- ter of Philip and Margarite Hufifman, of Blufifton. This union has been a most happy and congenial one and in many ways Mrs. Markley has proven her devotion and faith- fulness to her husband's best interests. A devout and consecrated Christian, she has always so lived as to cast no discredit upon the religion which she professes and by her many acts of charity and kindliness has en- deared herself to a host of warm and loyal friends. WILLIAM WILKIN. Sixty-si.x years' continuous residence in one county ought to be sufficient to en- title a person to fame, and when coupled with a most exemplary life, interspersed with much good work and the achievement of some success in all that was undertaken, it certainly does. William Wilkin, of Lan- caster township. Wells county, Indiana, may justly lay claim to all this. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, April 5, 1833. His father was Thomas P. Wilkin, who moved his family, consisting of two children and his mother, in 1836 from Harrison county, Ohio, to Wells county, Indiana. His wife had died in Harrison county, Ohio, in Octobei<, 1834. He settled upon two hundred and forty acres of government land in Lancaster township and afterward ac- quired three hundred and twenty acres in Jefferson township. For the first year and a half of his life in the Hoosier state he made his home at Murray, when he built upon his land in Jefferson township a comfortable log cabin, into which he moved his family and began life in regular pioneer style. After coming to Wells county he married Rhoda Sutton, but had no children by this lady. He proceeded to drain, clear and fence this land and as his means permitted erected suitable buildings. Up to the time of his death, wdiich ocairred November 19, 1873, he continued to improve this farm, and made it one of the best in that part of the county. He was a native of Virginia and was born January 9, 1800. His father died while he was still an infant in their Virginia home. His widowed mother was a woman of much force of character and unusual courage, and with her infant son she braved the perils and hardships of the long journey over mountain and stream, through forest and swamp to Harrison county, Ohio, where she continued to reside thereafter. Here Thomas P. grew to manhood, acquiring such education as could be had in those early times and tenderly caring, until her death, for the brave mother who had been so de- voted to him. When he was thirty-one years of age he married Mary Poland, daughter of James Poland, of Muskingtmi county. Ohio, and to them were born two children, William and Mary, the latter the widow of John Kleinknight. of Lancaster township. Wells county. In politics Thomas Wilkin was a Democrat, and took an active interest in the success of his party, though never aspiring to public office. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 451 William Wilkin, the subject of this re- view, was reared in his father's log cabin on the farm in Jefferson township. When sufficient strength had come to him it was utilized by his father in the clearing or in the field. He swung an ax in the forest, pulled a cross-cut saw in the clearing, wielded a spade in the ditch or followed a plow in the field. Thus he was trained in habits of in- dustry and thrift which he has ever found useful during the course of his long and active life. The opportunities for mental culture were, unfortunately, by no means equal to those ofifered for the development of the body in the times to which reference is made. Schools were then few and far between and books were esteemed almost priceless treasures. The era of numerous printing presses had not yet set in and indi- viduals were born, grew to maturity, passed to old age and died without ever experienc- ing the ecstatic delight of even once seeing their name in print. It may, therefore, be inferred that where people were depending for their education upon what fugitive pieces of printed matter might find their way out on the borders of civilization, they could hardly be expected to become particularly ripe scholars. By nature young W^ilkin was passionately fond of letters. Every scrap of paper that looked as if it had even a re- mote acquaintance with a printing press was carefully treasured up. and by the light of the light of the log fire in the big hearth, at night, was carefully gone over until its ut- terance became familiar. This was a hard way of getting an education, but it was a way that was quite likely to impress the possessor with the value of the education thus obtained. William Wilkin was united in marriage. on February 21, 1856, to Mary F. A. Tren- ary. daughter of Richard Trenary, of Jeffer- son township. This lady was born in Allen county, Indiana, July 4, 1838. A year pre- vious to his marriage Mr, Wilkin had pur- chased his father's farm, and taking up his residence there he continued to care for the old gentleman until the latter's death. To Mr. \\'ilkin"s first marriage were born nine children. They were Richard D., born Janu- ary 14, 1857; Mary E., January 2, 1859; Nancy M., September 19, i860; William A., April 4, 1862 ; Emma J., February 12, 1864 ; Alonzo D., March 8. 1867; Clarence V., April 19, 1869; Nelson S., February 7, 1872: Grace A., May 3, 1874. Richard, Mary, William and Grace are dead; Nancy M. is the wife of Marion Garton, and Emma is the wife of Charles Gillon. They all re- side in Wells county except Emma, who lives in Michigan. Mary T. Wilkin, mother of this interesting family, departed this life November 19, 1874. On July 13, 1884, Mr. Wilkin was united in marriage to Rachael A. Norton, daughter of Harvey W. and Sarah A. Norton, of Liberty township. Rachael (Norton) Wilkin was born May 12, 1850, in Chester township. Both are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Wilkin has been a trustee for over thirty years. Politically Mr. Wilkins is a very pro- nounced Democrat, working energetically for the success of the ticket in each succes- sive campaign. Defeat to his party is looked upon by him almost a personal calamity and his joy is correspondingly great over each success. It may be noted that the calamities have been monotonously frequent in recent years. He is a generous, kind hearted man, with a strong disposition to look carefully 452 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. after his own affairs and allow other people to do likewise. Ever}^ one who knows him is his friend, his popularity not being con- fined to any sex, class or calling. MATTHEW J. PARK. Among the most enterprising and suc- cessful agriculturists of Rock Creek town- ship. Wells county, Indiana, is found Mat- thew J. Park, who was born in county Don- egal, Ireland, January 26, 1853, a son of Matthew and Jane (Buchanan) Park, farm- ing people and quite well-to-do. Matthew Park, about 1850, having heard glowing descriptions of the success which attended a nimiber of his fellow countrymen who had made their homes in the United States, de- termined to follow their example. Accord- ingly he left his family behind him and came to America and lived two years in Wooster, Ohio, where he engaged at mason work with his cousin. He then returned to Ireland, and, in 1853, came back with his family to America, worked in Wooster three years and then came to Wells county, Indiana, settling in section 30, Lancaster township, on forty acres of wild land he had pur- chased in the woods. He cleared up a farm and there passed the remainder of his life. He was educated in a high school in the old country, and was an elder in his church. The latter fact implies that he was a moral man, and as his walk through life was modest and unassuming, it is inferable that he was deeply imbued with the teach- ings of his Divine Master. His death took place in April, 1893, and he was mourned by all who knew him. His widow still sur- vives and makes her home with the subject, being in her ninety-first year. To the mar- riage of Matthew and Jane (Buchanan) Park were born nine children, of whom the following attained mature years : Rebecca, now the widow of Joshua Perkins, of Mur- ray, this county: James A., who resides in Bluffton ; Ellen, deceased wife of John Bur- nett; Joseph W., a blacksmith in Murray; Rev. Robert H., a graduate from the Na- tional Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio, and from the Xenia Theological Seminary, and now officiating in \^alencia, Pennsyl- vania, and Matthew J., of this review, the next to the youngest member of the family and the youngest one who grew to maturity. Matthew J. Park was a child but ten weeks old when his parents started for America and not quite four years of age when brought to Wells county, Indiana. He was educated in the district schools and when old enough and strong enough was set to work as an assistant to his father on the home farm. He attended school, how- ever, until completing the graded school course of Bluffton and at the age of seven- teen years was licensed to teach, a vocation he followed in the winters of 1871 and 1872 in Harrison and Liberty townships. He then entered the National Normal Univer- sity at Lebanon, Ohio, where he took a teacher's course, the better to qualify himself for the profession he had chosen, and for ten years afterward met with eminent success in his calling in Wells county. On the 29th day of December, 1881, Mr. Park was joined in marriage with Miss Rachel O. Lee, a daughter of John Lee, a well known resi- dent of Rock Creek township. She was born in Wells county, Indiana, April 5, i860. Mr. Park had no money nor any other capital WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 453 save good healtli, energy and a determina- tion to win in the battle of life. He there- fore rented a farm, and, thoroughly under- standing the management of this line of industry, was able, at the close of fourteen years, in 1895, to purchase his present place of one hundred and four acres, but which place at that time was cleared off to the ex- tent of thirty acres only, with no buildings whatever. In 1896 ^Ir. Park erected his present substantial and handsome dwelling and in 1902 built his convenient barn, sixty- six by sixty-six feet in its ground plan, with a cement floor, and finished in a style tuisur- passed by that of an}- other barn in the county, the cost of erection reaching about sixteen hundred dollars. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. ^Matthew J. Park has been blessed with three children, namely : John C, who was born April 24, 1883, attended the common schools imtil about 1899, and in 1900 attended the high schools of Murray and is now in Purdue University; Harold M., born September 27, 1887, will graduate from the common schools this year, and Archie Glenn, the voungest of the three, was born August 24. 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Park are members of the United Presbyterian church at Murray, of which Mr. Park is an elder and a trustee. In politics he is a Republican, but has never been a seeker after office. Mr. Park has long been an active member of the Farmers' Institute and was its secretary in 1901, and in 1903 was elected president. He is at present the solicitor for the Rock Creek Township Mutual Insurance Association, which was organized in 1875 and has a real estate capital worth three million dollars. Mr. and Mrs. Park are classed among the most intelligent of the residents of Rock Creek township and consequently enjoy the respect and esteem of their neighbors to an unusual degree, and no words of commenda- tion that can here be added could enhance the esteem in which thev are held. JOSEPH FALK. This gallant ex-soldier of the late Civil war, but now one of the most peaceful and industrious residents and farmers of Rock Creek township, Wells county. Indiana, is a native of Richland county, Ohio. He was born June 29, 1838, and is a son of Albert and Catherine J. (Pfaff) Falk, who were married in their native country, Herholtz, Germany, and shortly afterward immigrated to America, and for some time lived in Richland county, Ohio, and in 1849 came to Wells county. Albert Falk first bought a tract of one hundred and sixt}^ acres of land in Rock Creek township, later pur- chased an additional tract of one hundred acres, and still later, purchased forty acres more, then fifty acres, and finally added ninety acres more, making in all four hun- dred and forty acres, which was considered to be quite a fortune in Wells county half a century ago, the first tract being that which Eli Houtz now owns. To Albert and Catherine J. (Pfaff) Falk there were born nine children, of whom seven are still living, viz : Joseph, Catherine, Mary, John. Wil- liam, Peter and Henry. Jacob, the eldest member of the famih-, and Susan are de- ceased. Mrs. Catherine Falk was called hence by death about 1857, and subsequently Albert Falk married Mrs. Rachel Fulton, 454 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. but to this union tliere liave been no children born. Joseph Falk, the gentleman with whom this biographical record has the most to do, was educated in the district school and Avas reared to hard labor on the home farm. He was thus employed at work when the fierce alarm of war was sounded throughout the country, and, inspired with patriotism, he at once offered his services, and life if need be, in his country's cause. He enlisted, August i8, 1862, in Company B, One Hun- dred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Peter Studabaker, and among the other actions in which he took part were the following: Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca and Dalton ; he was on the march through Georgia to the sea, and fought at Bentonville, North Carolina. He was hon- orably discharged June 24, 1865, and re- turned to his home in Rock Creek township and resumed his work on the farm. Joseph Falk was united in marriage No- vember 12, 1868, with Miss Catherine Bender, who was . born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1844, and is a daugh- ter of John and Barbra (Mast) Bender, who were among the early settlers of Wells county, Indiana. This union was crowned by the birth of three children, namely : Eliza J., born January 30, 1870, and now the wife of Archie W. Gordon, a stock dealer in Lib- erty Center, this county; William S., bo>-n February 23, 1878, married Ida V. Ludwig, and is a resident of Rock Creek township, and Philip S., who was born September 5, 1880, and died December 12, 1882. Mr. Falk was bereaved in the loss of his wife February 21,1 899. Mr. Falk in his boyhood was very hard working and economical and was early able to purchase a farm of eighty acres, but the land was wet and situated deep in a forest. Although a plasterer by trade, Mr. Falk had had considerable experience in his early life in agricultural pursuits and well knew what he was about when he purchased his farm. He cleared and ditched his place, which is in section 27, to which he added another tract of eighty acres in section 26. He had erected a handsome residence and substantial barn, forty by seventy-six feet, but had the misfortune to lose the latter by lightning. He at once replaced it by an equally good one, and in May, 1897, he had the misfortune of losing his house by fire, which he replaced by his present fine dwelling the same year. Since being bereft of his wife Mr. Falk has been living alone. Mrs. Falk was a member of the Lutheran church, while Mr. Falk is a member of Lew Dailey Post, G. A. R.. at Bluffton. In politics he is a Republi- can, but is not very active as a politician. He is a well read gentleman, of rare intelligence, and is one o the most public spirited citizens of Rock Creek township, where he is widely known and greatly respected by all classes. JOHN H. HOGG. One of the most diligent and enthusiastic young farmers of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, is John H. Hogg, a native of the place, born April 27, 1877, and the second of the three children, two sons and one daughter, that have graced the mar- riage of James and Elizabeth (Torrence) Hogg, the former of whom was born in Ireland, whence he came to America when a young man. Mrs. Elizabeth (Torrence) WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 455 Hogg was also horn on the Emerald Isle, but may almost claim America as the land of her nativity, as she was but one year of age when brought to the United States by her parents, who settled in Wooster, Ohio. James Hogg and Elizabeth Torrence were joined in matrimony in Wells county, Indi- ana, their union resulting in the birth of three ' children, alluded to above, who, in order of birth, were naiued as follows : Sar- ah, who is nciw the wife of W. D. Wood- ruff, of Liberty township. Wells county; John H., whose name stands at the head of this brief biographical record, and Francis W., an unmarried son, on his father's farm. John H. Hogg was born and reared on his father's farm, which he, at the proper age. began to assist in cultivating during the summer seasons, while his winters were devoted to attending school and acquiring a sound education. This was the life he led until his marriage, December 27, 1900, to Miss Gertrude Lee, a daughter of J. A. and Delia (Goodyear) Lee. She is also a native of Rock Creek township, this county, and was born April 13, 1880, and is the only child of her parents. Her mother is still living and resides in Bluffton with her own mother. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hogg are members of the United Presbyterian church at Bluffton. of which Mr. Hogg is one of the elders and members of the Sunday school. Both take great interest in the af- fairs of the church and are liberal contribu- tors toward its support. In politics Mr. Hogg is a stalwart Re- publican as to national affairs, but in local matters exercises his franchise in favor of the candidate best fitted in his judgment to perform the duties of the office which is to be filled, seldom making a mistake in se- lecting his candidate. Although still a very young man, Mr. Hogg has made a phenomenal success of his agricultural pursuits, and has proven himself a scientific and up-to-date agriculturist. He deals quite extensively in live stock, in which he handles only the best grades and has made a success in this line of business. Mr. and Mrs. Hogg, though still young in years, stand very high in the esteem of their neigh- bors, among whom they have lived all their days, and among whom they are looked upon with no small share of pride as being native born. CYRUS WALTERS. One of the youngest ex-soldiers of the late Civil war. but now a citizen of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, is Cyrus Walters, who was born in Kentucky, March 20, 1848. His parents, John C. and Elizabeth (Womer) Walters, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married and where they reared all their children with the exception of Cyrus. After the arrival of the family in Kentucky, the father engaged in his calling of an agriculturist, and here lost his wife, who died when their son Cyrus was quite small and while she was there on a visit, the family having moved to Indiana some years previous. John C. Walters again married and the early training of Cyrus was under the oversight of the step-mother, with whom he did not agree very well, deeming her to be unkind in many respects. However, he remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of six- teen years, when he ran away and, filled with an ardent love for his country, enlisted, in Allen county, Indiana, in Company G, Thir- teenth Indiana Cavalry, under Cajjt. J. C. 456 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Wilson. This was in the spring of 1864 and he, young as he was, proved to be a brave and gallant soldier, serving two years, principally with Gen. George H. Thomas, and taking part in many battles, including those of Huntsville, Alabama, Decatur, Ala- bama, and Nashville, Tennessee. The Walters family were residents of Adams county when Cyrus entered the army, and after an honorable discharge from the service, with a pension of six dollars per month, Cyrus returned to his father and step-mother and li\'ed with them a few months in Adams county, when, in June of the same year, he located in Allen county, Indiana, where for about eight months he was employed in cutting wood by the cord, and then \\'orked out by the month for awhile. In 1867 Cyrus W^alters was happily mar- ried to Miss Mary A. Wisehaupt, a native of Adams county, but at the time of the mar- riage ceremony a resident of Wells county, where the young couple rented a farm for about a year, or until November, 1868, They then lived on the James Metts farm about three years and then moved to the • Oldfather farm, on wdiich he lived about one year, thence to Ossian, where Mr. Walters was employed by Dr. Crouse for some time on his farm. Later Mr. Walters moved- to the northeast part of Jefferson township and lived on the Snarr farm for three years, and next went to Bluffton, in 1882, and en- gaged with John Studebaker on a farm for a short time, in the meantime carefully sav- ing his earnings. In 1890 Mr. Walters traded what property he owned for his pres- ent farm of forty acres in Rock Creek town- ship, the tract then being deep in the woods and possessing no improvements. This farm Mr. Walters has since cleared up and im- proved in every respect, including five hun- dred rods of tile ditch. To Mr. and Mrs. Walters have Ijeen born eleven children, of whom eight are still liv- ing, namely: Alfred; Ella, wife of George Bull ; Frank ; Eva, wife of William Sheets ; Charles, Millie, Ray and Wayne. The fam- ily attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents have long been mem- bers, and of which Mr. Walters is one of the trustees. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walters are active workers in this religious body, and fraternally Mr. Walters is a member of Lew Dailey Post, G. A. R., at Bluffton. In poli- tics he is a Republican and does faithful work for his party whenever his assistance is re- quired, but has never sought a reward of any kind. He is a gentleman of retiring habits and respected by all for his unswerving in- tegrity, for his industrious attention to his own affairs and for his kindly and equable disposition. HARVEY B. LANCASTER . Harvey B. Lancaster, born February 17, 1864, one-half mile south of Keystone, Wells county, Indiana, is a son of Nathan Lancas- ter, a native of Indiana, born in November, 1836, and Mary Starr, born on the old Starr farm in Chester township, Wells county, In- diana, both of whom are yet living in Ches- ter township. Nathan is a son of John and Ruth Lancaster, both natives of Ohio who settled in Grant county, Indiana, in an early day and later came to Wells county, Indiana, where John died in June, 1899. Ruth is yet living with a daughter, Mrs. Mollie Cox, in Hartford Citv, Indiana. Nathan Lancaster WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 457 is the father of seven children, four of whom are still living: L. G. ; H. B., the subject of this sketch ; Jennie, who is now the wife of G. A. Mason : J. E. Lancaster, deceased ; M. E., deceased; and O. L. Lancaster, now at home with his father. The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Keystone in Chester township until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered the normal school of Bluffton, Indiana, in which he remained for three years. He then taught two terms of school in Chester township, at schools Nos. 3 and 4. The subject remained with his father, working for his board, clothes, etc., until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming for himself. He spent one season on his grandfather Lancaster's farm and the next year, March 13, 1886, he married Miss Sarah Jarrett, born in November, 1866, a daughter of John and Mary (Sells) Jarrett. The parents of Sarah were both old settlers of Chester township. Wells county, and are now deceased. After his marriage the sub- ject settled on the farm where he now lives, which was then all in the woods. At the time of his purchase there were no improvements whatever on his land, but he now has seven- ty acres of it cleared, in a high state of culti- vation, and improved with good buildings. Mr. Lancaster has been a breeder of com- mon-grade stock and, being located in the oil fields, has devoted some time to his in- terests in that line. There are two wells on his farm which are producing five inches (tank measure) per day. Mrs. Lancaster is a member of the Friends' church in Keystone, and an amiable, intelligent Christian lady, devoted to her husband, home and children. The subject is is a Republican in politics and an active worker in the ranks of his party and especial- ly interested in all matters politically pertain- ing to his own county and township. The foregoing record of the subject establishes the fact that the old pioneers and first set- tlers cannot appropriate all the credit for subduing the wilderness and clearing up the country, and proves that a worthy descend- ant of that class to whom the present popula- tion owes so much even of the third genera- tion, after availing himself of the opportun- ities by obtaining an education, had the am- bition, energy and force of character to carve out for himself a farm and home from the virgin forest. His achievement and suc- cess in that line, as well as his efforts to im- prove the live stock interests of his locality, with his intelligent interest in public affairs, should prove an inspiraton to the young men of his vicinage to emulate his example in his aspiration to a higher citizenship. Such men as Harvey B. Lancaster are an honor to the state and wield an untold influence in moulding that higher commonwealth toward which we are tending. WILLIAM H. RUPRIGHT. Among the men of the northern part of Wells county who deserve special mention in this work is William H. Rupright, who was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 19, 1849, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Daugherty) Rupright, natives of Pensyl- vania, where the paternal grandfather was also born, being of German extraction. The Daugherty family were of Irish origin and were among the pioneers of Ohio, where the parents of William H. Rupright were mar- 458 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ried. Shortly afterward, in the fall of 1852, being in but indifferent circumstances, they came with their personal effects in the same wagon with another family to the eastern part of Jefferson township. Wells county, Indiana. They lived in an old barn until the father was able to secure eighty acres of land in Preble township, Adams county, and build a cabin. This was deep in the woods, but he was hopeful and industrious, and as the neighborhood began to develop he found plenty of work to do in clearing up his own place and in working as a carpenter, in which capacity he erected nearly all the frame dwellings in his vicinity. Though at first in debt for his land, he prospered and as he was able he added to his purchase until he now owns five hundred acres in Wells and Adams counties. During the Civil war he was an extensive buyer of horses, finding ready sale to the go\'ernment at a reasonable profit. John Rupright and wife still live on their original farm in Adams county, where he is widely and favorably known as a man of sturdy integrity, whose advice is considered worth having by his fellow citi- zens, who repose the most implicit confidence in his experience and judgment. In politics he was a Democrat and served for some years in earlier life as county assessor of Adams county. In 1883 he was elected coun- ty commissioner, and, meeting with no oppo- sition, at the expiration of his term, was unanimously re-elected, thus giving the pub- lic six years' service. The present court house and jail were erected under his watch- ful supervision, and many other important public improvements inaugurated. Mrs. Rupright is a member of the Chris- tian church, to the support of which Mr. Rupright is at least a liberal contributor, if not a communicant. To them were born seven children : William H. ; Granville W., who is one of the most extensive farmers in Adams county and is the present trustee of Preble township; Mary A., wife of Alexan- der White; Elizabeth, married to Samuel M. Kreigle; Susannah, wife of John W. Rex, of Decatur, Indiana ; Matilda, now Mrs. F. J. Summers; and Ida, wife of Sylves- ter Mills, of Lancaster township. William H. Rupright helped to clear up his father's farm and to perform such other duties as his strength and age permit- ted, though he was given the privileges of the common schools during the winter months. He remained on the home farm until twenty-one years old, being married August J I, 1870, to Miss Francina Arch- bold, a native of Jefferson township, and a daughter of Thomas Archbold. Mr. Rup- right then assumed charge of the old home- stead, also purchasing one hundred and six- ty acres of swamp land, for which he went into debt. This he ditched, converting it into fine farming land. He added to this property until he owned five hundred acres, but this he eventually sold and purchased one hundred acres southeast of Ossian and several properties in the village itself. To the maniage of Mr. Rupright and wife have been born five children, of whom one died in infancy and one at four years of age. The survivors are G. W. : Nellie, still at home; Lola M. was graduated from the Ossian high school in 1901 and is now the wife of Harry Beaty. Mr. Rupright is one of the leading Dem- ocrats of \\"ells county, and for years has been retained on the county central commit- tee of his party. He served as county com- missioner for seven years, during which per- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 459 iod tlie present court liouse was erected, tliree hundred miles of pike road constructed and an immense amount of public drainage done. He proved one of the most active and efficient commissioners Wells county has had and, like his father, was ever an advocate of such improvements as will not only enhance the money value of Wells county property, but make it a more desirable place of resi- dence. In 1 886 ^Ir. Rupright purchased a half interest in the Ossian Grist IMill and ran it for two years, when he sold out and returned to his farm. In 1895. however, he again came to Ossian and purchased the fine residence on Mill street which is the center of a generous hospitality. Mr. Rup- right has been repeatedly called upon to ad- minister important estates, an evidence of the confidence of his fellow citizens, and in every instance has ably and conscientiously executed the trust confided to him. He has devoted much of his time and attention to the buying and shipping of stock since 1875, and since 1895 has devoted his energies al- most exclusively to this line of business, no man having a wider or warmer acquaintance and business relation in this particular sphere of action. He is a member and treas- in-er of Ossian Lodge No. 297, F. & A. M. WILSON A. ^^^OODWARD. Among the prominent stockmen of Ossi- an and northern Wells county is found ex- postmaster \Mlson A. Woodward, who was born in Jeflferson township. August 2, 1866, and is a son of Abraham and Mary (Brick- ley) Woodward, natives of Trumbull coun- ty, Ohio, and who settled in Jefferson town- ship in 1850, where the father purchased a farm and in time became an extensive agri- culturist and stock breeder. They had ten children, who were born in the following or- der : An infant, deceased; Loretta, wife of George Wasson; Olive, deceased wife of William Beaty ; Laura J., the present wife of the same gentleman; George T., a prosper- ous farmer in Jefferson township; Saman- tha E.. wife of L. T. Fryback, of Warren, Indiana; William A., a thriving farmer and trader of Jefferson township: John W., a stockman of Ossian; Wilson A., and Allie, wife of Captain E. E. Derr. ^\'ilson A. Woodward was reared on his father's farm and acquired a good common school education. He remained with his father until he had attained his twenty-first vear. at about which time he was united in marriage with Miss Luella Summers, also a native of Jefferson township and a daughter of William Summers, a respected farmer. For a few years Mr. and Mrs. W^oodward resided on the farm, when they removed to Ossian, where he operated a grist-mill for a year and then opened a meat market, which he carried on for two years. Being a Demo- crat in politics, Mr. Woodward was appoint- ed, during the second term of President Cleveland, postmaster, a position he filled with credit to himself and the entire satis- faction of the public for four years, during that same period being associated with A. B. Davis in the drug business. Retiring from this partnership at the expiration of his offi- cial term, Mr. Woodward associated himself with G. A. ]\Iorton and A. M. Gibson in kty- ing and shipping live stock, in which busi- ness he is still engaged and with flattering success. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Woodward 460 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. are five children : Goldie, Garth, Dana, For- rest and Vada. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Ossian, and fraternally Mr. Woodward is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which he is a past chancellor and represent- ative to the grand lodge. He is also a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, being a trustee of his lodge, as also of the insurance department of the Knights of the Maccabees. He is one of the most ac- tive men in his line in Wells county, is a good neighbor, a broad-minded and progres- sive citizen, and enjoys to the fullest extent the esteem of every member of the commun- ity in which he lives. His life has been one of untiring industry and his fortune is of his own making, and he is generally regarded as one of the more substantial citizens of Wells countv. CAPT. E. E. DERR. Capt. E. E. Derr, of Ossian, is the son of H. B. and Clarinda Derr and was born in Wabash county, Indiana, September 30, 1866. The Derr family formerly lived in Pennsylvania, and are natives of that state. Years ago they migrated to Ohio and later to Indiana. They lived for a time in Wa- bash and Allen counties, eventually taking up their permanent residence in Wells county, though the greater part of the first six years of Capt. Derr's life was spent in Allen county. About the year 1872 the family mo\'ed to Wells county, locating at Ossian. Here he attended school, acquiring an edu- cation that has been most useful to him in his career of usefulness. Having passed through the high school with well earned honors, he took up the profession of teaching and, although quite successful, his experience was such as to make the vocation distasteful to him for many reasons, not the least of which was the meager compensation granted for the enormous amount of work required. For eight years he worked in Nimmon's fac- tory, becoming skillful in the work required of him and popular with his employers and his fellow workmen. Meanwhile he had ac- quired a knowledge of the barber's trade, and on June 5, 1886, he opened a barber shop at Ossian. In March, 1897, the indi- vidual who would predict that this country, in little more than a year, would be involved in war with one of the leading European powers, was liable to be brought before a commission of lunacy to have his sanity in- quired into, and yet it must have been some- tliing in the nature of a prophec)' that in- duced E. E. Derr, at that time, to organize a military company from among the young men of the town and surrounding country. He was made captain of the company, and when not actively engaged in the duties of his shop, devoted himself to the study of military tactics. The result was that, in February, 1898, when the battle ship "Maine" was treacherously destroyed in the harljor of Havana, and when the country from one extremity to the other was clamor- ing for war. Captain Derr, so far as drill and military discipline were concerned; had his company of vigorous, athletic youths on prime war footing. Most of the members of this company enlisted and were mustered into the United States service. May 12, 1898, as Company F, One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana Regiment. As might have been ex- pected, it proved to be one of the best be- ha\-ed, liest drilled, and most efficient com- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 461 panics of volunteers that entered the service during the Spanish-American war. After a sojourn of some time in the South, the reg- iment was transferred to Cuba, where it did valiant service until the close of the war. It was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, April 25. 1899. Returning to his home in Ossian, Captain Derr engaged for a time in the liver}' business at Warren, Indiana. Finding that calling not wholly to his taste, he embraced an opportunity of selling out and, returning to Ossian, resumed his old business of barber, in which calling he is now- engaged and meeting with that degree of prosperity whjch his abilities, judgment and genial dispositon so well deserve. In 1890 Captain Derr was united in mar- riage to Aliss Allie Woodward, daughter of Air. and Mrs. A. Woodward, and they are the parents of two sons, Dale and Russell, aged nine and six years respectively. Polit- ically Captain Derr is a Republican, and on a number of occasions has been selected as a delegate to various county and state conven- tions. He has served two full terms as clerk and treasurer of his township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Ossian Lodge No. 297, and of the Scot- tish Rite Masons at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also a Knight of Pythias and a Knight of the Alaccabees. JOHN REX. Among the oldest living representatives of the pioneer period in Wells county is John Rex, who has been an honored resident of this part of the state for over fifty-one years. Like many of the first settlers of the county, he is of Ohio birth, his parents, William and Susan (Sluss) Rex, having moved to Stark county, that state, from Pennsylvania, early in the last century. Mr. Rex is of German descent and inherits many of the character- istics of an ancestry long noted for industry, thrift and a high sense of personal honor. He was born in Stark county on the 25th day of January, 1828, and at the age of sixteen accompanied his parents to the county of Seneca, where he grew to young manhood on a farm. The lack of proper school facilities prevented him from acquiring any educa- tional training beyond a knowledge of the elementary branches, but a naturally bright mind and a desire for reading subsequently enabled him to make up for this deficiency. Young Rex assisted his father on the farm until reaching the years of manhood, when he severed home ties and engaged in farming upon his own responsibility. He began poor, but, with an inborn determination which hes- itated at no obstacles, he resolutely faced the future, resolved to win success if it could be done by energy, hard work and well directed thrift. The better to enable him to fight this world's battles, he chose a companion and helpmeet in the person of Miss Abigail Love, of Tiffin, Ohio, to whom he was married April 12, 1849, and in September, 1850, reached Wells county, Indiana, settling on an eighty-acre tract of unimproved land in the township of Jefferson. He built a small log cabin and for, several years experienced all the hardships and vicissitudes incident to life in the backwoods. Wild game of all kinds was plentiful and afforded the family an abundance of the choicest meats. Deer would frequently come close to the house and but little skill was required to kill one when it became necessary to replenish the larder. 462 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Wild turkeys were also numerous, while smaller game, such as ducks, rabbits, squir- rels, pheasants, quail, etc., were hardly worth the ammunition. Mr. and Mrs. Rex worked early and late, in the woods, felling trees, burning logs, and doing the hundred and one other things to fit the land for tillage. In due time he had sixty acres in cultivation and later added to his original purchase until he owned a quarter section, one-half of which lay across the line in the county of Adams. By industry and good management he made other additions from time to time, finally becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, all of which is admirably sit- uated and adapted for successful farming. Of this land ]\Ir. Rex cleared and developeci something like one hundred and forty acres himself, a task of sufficient magnitude to test the strength and endurance of the most vig- orous physique. In addition to cultivating the soil, he early turned his attention to the raising of live stock, and in this way realized more liberal returns than the income from his crops. Later he bought and shipped cat- tle for a time by the car load, which business also proved remunerative. As a farmer Mr. Rex always ranked with the first and as a business man he has few equals and no super- iors among the agriculturists and stock deal- ers of Wells county. His judgment has seldom been at fault, and his fore-thought often enabled him to take advantage of cir- cumstances which proved greatly to his financial advantage, without m the least com- promising his honor or interfering in any way with the good of those with whom he dealt. In all of his transactions his course has been open and straightforward, and no shade of suspicion has ever attached to his good name. In the year 1889 Mr. Rex left his farm and moved to the town of Ossian, where for one year he was associated with A. Mood- ward in the manufacture of flour. Shortly after remodeling the mill and installing the modern roller process, he inuxhased his part- ner's interest and continued the business as sole proprietor until ]\Iellin Harsh became his associate in 1896. In January, 1903, he pur- chased his partner's interest, thus again be- coming sole owner of the Rex Roller Mill, which has a capacity of sixty-five barrels of excellent flour. The mill is operated by an expert miller, a Mr. Kimbrook. Mr. Rex was also engaged in the hardware trade at Ossian for three years, with success and profit, selling his stock at the end of that time for the purpose of looking after his large ag- ricultural and live stock interests. For the last year and a half he has been living in retirement, though still managing his busi- ness affairs, which, in addition to his farm of ninety acres, includes a large tile factory in west Ossian, operated by a skillful fore- man, the demand exceeding the capacity. Mr. Rex comes from an old Democratic family, but e\-er since old enough to cast a ballot he has been a pronounced Republican in his own political views. He has been ac- tive in the support of his principles and keeps himself informed upon the leading questions and issues of the day. He is never absent from an electiim when able to get to the polls and his influence has done much to strengthen the cause of the party in the town- ship of his residence. In religion he sub- scribes to the United Brethren creed, of which body he has .been an earnest and de- voted member since early manhood. At this time he is steward and class leader of the Zion church, and for many years has been WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 463 one of the substantial and liberal supporters of the congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Rex are the parents of four children, namely : Wilson, deceased at twenty-three years ; Israel, a farmer of Jef- ferson township: John ^^^, dealer in li\-e stock at Decatur, and Susie, who was the wife of Ed. Numbers, of Texas, and died at the age of thirty-eight years. There are also twelve grandchildren and three great-grand- children. Few men in Jefferson township are as well known as "Uncle Johnny Rex," the name by which he is familiarly called. As a neighbor he is the soul of liberality and good fellowship, and as a citizen no man in the county stands higher in the esteem of the public. All who know him honor him for his many estimable traits of character and his friendship is most prized by those who meet him in the social circle around his own hospitable fireside. He has lived to a noble purpose, has made the world better by his presence and his example has been the means of influencing many young men to choose a proper course of life and conduct. DR. A. H. METTS. The practice of medicine in northeastern Indiana immediately succeeding the war of the Rebellion was by no means the lucrative and pleasant profession it has since grown to be. In the country districts especially the lot of ihe practicing physician and surgeon was particularly trying. Bad roads, a sparsely settled country, inclement weather and a class of patients whose financial condi- tion precluded the possibility of their being liberal, or even just, to their conscientious medical attendant, rendered the practice of medicine and surgery by nc means the desir- able calling it now is. Dr. A. H. Metts, of Ossian, Indiana, is the fifth son of James W. and Miranda (Sutton) Metts, and was born in Lancaster township, Wells county, De- cember 18, 1837. The family consisted of nine children, one of whom is dead. Those living are: William, John I., Rev. M. S., A.H., Norvel, E. B., Mary E., wife of T. A. Doan, Druzilla, wife of Archibald Serepta. Dr. Metts spent the years of his boyhood and those of his early manhood on his father's farm. From early youth his devotion to duty and assiduity to every work undertaken gave promise of the useful and honorable life he has unselfishly devoted to amelior- ating the condition of his fellow creatures. He attended the district schools to so good purpose that while still a youth he was granted a license to teach and for some time followed that calling in Allen and Adams counties. When he was twent}--three years of age lie began the study of medicine with his brother. Dr. John I. Metts. He. how- ever, had not progressed far in his medical studies, when they were interrupted by the excitement incident to the breaking out of the Rebellion. He enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteers, and was given little time for military train- ing, before the practical part of a soldier's life was thrust upon him. With his regi- ment, he took part in many of the hottest and most decisive battles of the war. Besides numerous skirmishes and several less import- ant battles, he was at Perryville, Kentucky, at the mill on Stone river, at Chattanooga and at Mission Ridge, where he was severely wounded and rendered incapable of further active service. Greatly to his regret, he was 464 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. obliged to accept of his discharge in the lat- ter part of 1864. He returned to Ossian, but his physical condition did not admit of im- mediate resumption of his medical studies. When he did, however, it was with character- istic zeal and energy. He took a course at that leading technical institution, Rush Med- ical College, Chicago, and, returning to Os- sian. began the practice of his profession in 1866, and has followed it uninterruptedly un- til a short time since, when he retired from active practice. He has a wide and merited reputation for his thorough and practical knowledge of medicine. His professional brethren are ever ready to avail themselves of his ability, and many an anxious parent, son. daughter, brother or sister has been greatly relieved when his advice is sought in consultation by their regular attendants. In June, 1866, Dr. Metts was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Burne. One daugh- ter, who died in infancy, was born to this marriage, and was not survived long by the mother, who died in 1868. The Doctor was subsequently married to Miss Jennie L. Swaim, daughter of Col. William Swaim. of the Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Vol- unteers, who had gone to the war as captain of Company A, which he organized, was made major and lieutenant-colonel, and in leading the regiment at Champion Hills was wounded, dying on the way home, near Memphis, on board a transport. The widow of Col. Swaim was, in her maidenhood. Miss Hannah Tog, a native of New Jersey, and she survived her husband until Febru- ary, 1895. The family were three sons and a daughter, viz : James, a farmer of near Ossian; David H., editor of the Chronicle at Bluffton, and Thomas T., who was also as- sociated with his brother in the publication of the Chronicle at his death at the age of thirty-six years. The daughter, Mrs. Metts, was reared in Ossian, and for several years was engaged in the millinery trade. Early in life Dr. Metts became a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and Mrs. Metts are members of the chapter of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of Wil- liam Swann Post, G. A. R., of which he is past commander. Mrs. Metts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and she is highly respected for her work in charitable fields, and for her liberality and Christian zeal. Dr. Metts is a zealous Republican and has served as trustee of his township. His devotion to his profession has prevented his accepting or undertaking more responsible or exacting public position, and he has pre- ferred to let less busy people devote them- selves to political work. Despite his sixty- five years of active, strenuous life and his injury in the cause of the Union, he is still a well-preserved man, with imimpaired mental faculties. Had he engaged in a less trying and exacting profession he might have re- mained in the harness many years to come. :\lay his declining years be all that the labors of his youth and middle age have richly earned for him. JACOB FATSCHER. The story of the life of Jacob Fatscher is an illustration of what may be accom- plished in America by a man of German birth and parentage. After all, the great majority of us are creatures of our sur- roundings and environment. Had Jacob Fatscher been taught early in life that money WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 465 was made only to be spent, that industry was something to be practiced only when forced upon him by necessity, and that economy was something intended solely for the mean, par- simonious and miserly, the story of his life would be far dififerent. Fortunate in the possession of parents conversant with the value of money, the necessity of close appli- cation in all business undertakings, and the essential truth that without industry suc- cess is doubtful, the lessons taught him were in themselves a most valuable capital with which to start out in life. Jacob Fatscher was born July 8, 1850. When he was two years old his parents emigrated to America, landing in New York city and taking up their abode in Brooklyn. His father was a skilled mer- chant tailor, and so was not long in procuring employment at remunerative wages. Fully cognizant of the value of an education, he took particular care to see that his children attended school reg- ularly. He was also energetic in fortify- ing himself with a knowledge of the lan- guage, habits, ways, customs and tastes of the people in the midst of whom he was destined to spend the remainder of his life. In 1865 he had accumulated sufficient capi- tal, educational as well financial, to justify him in branching out in business for him- self. His business steadily grew and before many years he was gratified to number among his patrons some of the very best peo- ple. Meanwhile the youthful Jacob had ac- quired a knowledge of the business. He en- tered his father's establishment, first as an ap- prentice, next as a workman and, disclosing such keen business foresight and thorough knowledge of the requirements of the calling, his father soon offered him a partnership. which was readily accepted. In this way the business was conducted successfully until the parents died. Both parents were members and workers in the German Reform church and died in the faith of its teachings. The father was a man of many sterling qualities, provident and thrifty, who husbanded his means, was prudent in his investments and at his death left an estate valued at fifteen thou- sand dollars. They were the parents of three children, one of whom, Minnie, is dead. The others are Jacob and Maggie, who is the wife of George Schoener, of Brooklyn. Remaining in Brooklyn after the death of his father in 1887 only long enough to wind up the affairs, Mr. Fatscher in 1889 emi- grated westward with his family, taking up his residence at Ossian. He is the pioneer tailor, being the first to locate and conduct that business there. His business is most satisfactory and constantly growing. He has invested in property in the town and identi- fied himself with all its various interests. In 1873 ^""^ was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bauman, and they are the parents of four children : Henry, who is associated with his father in business; Mamie, who is the wife of Adam Turner ; George, a black- smith in Bluffton, and Augusta M., at home. Mr. Fatscher is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the endowment rank of the same order : he is past chancellor and has been a representative to the grand lodge. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the encampment at Blufifton, and represented the subordinate lodge in the grand lodge. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a straight Republi- can and at the present time holds the office of clerk of the town of Ossian. While fi.xed 466 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. in his political convictions, he does not as- pire to official distinction. Personally he is a genial, affable, whole-souled man, a faith- ful husband, an indulgent father, kind friend, good neighbor and a liberal, patriotic citizen. JOHN S. KREWSON. The gentleman whose name heads these paragraphs is widely known as one of the honored citizens of Ossian. Indiana, where he has lived nearly all his life and for a num- ber of years has been actively identified with the varied interests of the community. His efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of any discouragementswhichmay seem to arise. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in con- tact, and a biographical history of Wells county \\-ould not be complete without a record of his career. John S. Krewson, who for almost twent}' years has occupied the position of notary public, is well known in the community, not onlv by reason of his professional services and the part he has taken in social and in- dustrial affairs, but also because of his many excellent personal qualities. He was born in Sarahsville, Noble county, Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1846. In his veins there flows both German and Irish blood, one of his grandparents having been a German who settled in New Jersey during the Revolu- tionary period, while the other was a native of Ireland. His parents, Simon and Marga- ret Krewson, with their three small children, Clarissa J., Thomas G. and John S., emi- grated to Wells county, Indiana, in Novem- ber, 1846. and settled in the woods on what was then called the Indian Reserve. A portion of this land still remains in the pos- session of the family and is known as the Krewson homestead. The mother with her small children spent the first two winters alone in their little cabin home, in the midst of the almost trackless forest, wild animals being their only visitors, while the father was employed at Fort Wayne, then a mere village. In the hope of bettering his condition he made two trips (1850 and 1853) to Califor- nia, going each time by the waj- of New York, as the overland route was considered too dangerous because of Indians and the lack of means of conveyance. At the out- break of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Indi- ana Volunteer Regiment, and sacrificed his life on the altar of his country, as he died at Gallatin, Tennessee, in March, 1863. and was buried in the Southland. Shortly af- terwards, however, his body was brought north and interred in Prospect cemetery, near his old home, where, on January 23, 1896, the wife and mother was laid to rest beside him. Upon his death she had nobly taken up the extra responsibility imposed upon her and bravely devoted her life and energies to the care and training of her children. The subject of this sketch was in early youth surrounded by almost insurmountable difficulties, conditions that would have utterly discouraged one less determined than he. At the age of fifteen he was afflicted with white WELLS COUNTY, INDLA.NA. 467 swelling, which left its effects upon him tliroughout life. At the age of twenty he had so far recovered as to be able to obtain a partial education. His preliminary educa- ti.on was obtained at the Ossian public schools after which he attended the ^lethodist Epis- copal College at Fort Wayne and at Oberlin, Ohio. He was of a studious disposition and made such progress that he was granted a license to teach, which profession he fol- lowed for eleven terms in one district, thus demonstrating his peculiar fitness for this most exacting of callings. Subsequently go- ing to Kansas he served in the capacity of deputy county recorder, after which he clerked for a time in a store. He then be- came the proprietor of a general store in Ossian, but in 1894 disposed of this business and purchased a stock of furniture. He later disposed of this, also, and retired to a small farm adjoining Ossian on the north, where he resides, enjoying the rest and quiet which is the reward of his former activity. Though comparatively retired from active commer- cial pursuits, Mr. Krewson's disposition will not allow of his remaining entirely impas- sive. He is engaged in notarial work, in- cluding special work in preparing and ad- justing evidence in pension claims, acting in conjunction with Todd & Todd, of Bluf¥- ton. He is at the head of a collection agency, is a dealer in real estate, a speculator in com- mercial paper, executor and administrator of many estates, and newspaper correspond- ent. He raises poultry, fine stock, fruits, berries and vegetables, finding pleasure and profit in thus getting in close touch with dame nature. Mr. Krewson was united in marriage, in Xovember, 1883, to Miss Mary E. Roe, the daughter of Ezekiel Roe, of near Ossian. This union has been a congenial one and has been blessed by the birth of three children, Fern, a graduate of the Ossian high school and still remaining under the parental roof, and twin boys, dying in infancy. Mr. Krew- son is an adherent of the Alethodist Episcopal church and was secretary of the building committee when the new church and parson- age were erected. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, but at the same time possesses strong and well-grounded con- victions in favor of prohibition. He is ready at all times to lend his aid to the support of any measure designed to advance the moral or material prosperity of his town or county, as well as to promote the welfare of mankind in general. As a business man he has been successful, the result of his prudence, fore- sight, industry, natural business sagacity and his unswerving integrity. JOHN I. METTS, M. D. The searcher for data to be used in pre- paring a history of the Indiana school system and its educational institutions must go back to the original log cabin and trace the evolu- tion through various stages to the imposing, commodious, well lighted, well ventilated structures that are now the pride of cities, towns, villages and rural districts. Such a history can never be properly written until full justice is done to a band of men who are seldom mentioned in connection with edu- cational work, and yet who have done more to shape the public school system of Indiana than any other element. Reference is made to those humble ofificials. mercilessly criti- cized, scandalously abused, vihly vilified, the township trustees of the early days of this WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. commonwealth. An account of the griev- ances, difficulties and obstacles they had to encounter, surmount and overcome in tlie development of the schools would alone form a volume. A few of these old time trustees are still living, but they are content to let their work alone speak of the good that they have done. One of them is Dr. John I. Metts, of Ossian, Wells county. Few of these humble officials were under fire longer or acquitted themselves more creditably than did he. For twenty-one years he held the office of trustee in the township of Jefiferson. at a time, nearly fifty years ago, when much was to be done and there was little to do with. Dr. John I. Metts was born in Licking county, Ohio, June i6, 1832. His grand- parents on both sides, became residents of Wells county and made it their home until their deaths. His grandfather was John C. Metts, who came to near Murray September 10, 1837, and there settled. The Doctor's maternal grandfather was Rev. Elijah Sut- ton, an old-school Baptist minister, and was one of the pioneer preachers through this section of the state. The Doctor's parents were James W. and Miranda (Sutton) Metts, who, September 10, 1837, moved the family from Licking county, Ohio, to Wells county, locating on government land just east of Murray. The only person then living in that section, and who still maintains his residence in the locality, was Jacob Haug. Such schools as were available in those early days were attended by the subject, and he improved his opportunities so well that at the age of seventeen he was enabled to begin teaching. His experience as a teacher cov- ered a period of four winter terms. With the means thus secured he attended school in the :Methodist College at Fort Wayne, and then entered the office of Dr. Davis, at Mur- ray, as a medical student, later taking a course of lectures at the Miami Medical Col- lege, Cincinnati. In the spring of 1855 he located at Ossian. At that time the greater part of Wells county was sparsely inhabited and the towns were only straggling hamlets, Ossian containing but a few cabins, which it were base flattery to call houses. The out- look was by no means promising for a young physician, but Dr. Metts felt himself equal to the emergency and determined to hang out his shingle. The entire Wabash valley, from the headwaters of the stream to where it empties into the Ohio, was notorious as the seat of billiousness, the home of fever and ague, and the later was the genuine old shaking kind at that. It is said that they had no use for the dentists in those times, for if teeth were to be extracted a well de- veloped case of ague and two or three sum- mary shakes of those times were sufficient to rattle out the finest and most deep rooted set of teeth that ever grew in the human jaw. Old settlers still residing along the Wabash assert, in all seriousness, that even the dogs have been known to shake with the disease. The treatment of malaria and malarial fevers was by no means as w^ell understood then as it is now. The young physician, knowing the prevailing malady he would have to en- counter, made the treatment a special study, with the result that he was soon able to break the most obstinate case, and eradicate the disease from the system. Before he had been in practice many months his services were in demand over a wide range of country. By frugality, economy and industry, he has ac- cumulated a handsome competency, two hundred and eighty fertile acres of Wells county soil being owned by him, besides WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 469 which he is the possessor of much other de- sirable property and is interested in a number of promising investments. He has now partially retired from the more active prac- tice of his profession, devoting more detailed attention to the conduct of his farm, upon which he has resided the greater part of the time. June 18, 1859, Dr. Metts was united in marriage to Miss Nancy C. Cartright, the daughter of John and Margaret Cartright, who located in Wells county in 1852. She received a good .education and for years had been a teacher in the Wells county schools. To them were born five children, three of whom are living. Josephine is the wife of D. A. Walmer, of Blufifton. She was a graduate of Fort Wayne College, and has taught in the country schools of Wells county and in the city schools of Ossian and Blufif- ton, Indiana, and Winfield, Kansas; J. W. is a graduate of the same college, taught school also, but relinquished the calling for the more remunerative, though more labor- ious, one of farming ; Fred chose the profes- sion of his father, graduated from the Fi^rt \\'ayne Medical College and is now actively engaged in the practice at Ossian. Dr. John I. Metts is a member of Ossian Lodge No. 297, F. & A. M., of which he was a charter member and for a time its worshipful master. He is a member of the Methodist church and has served almost continuously for forty years as one of its trustees. It often occurs that men receive least credit for the best work done. It is so with Dr. Metts. He is a Republican and has been from the earliest days of the party ; but this did not prevent his acquaintances, neigh- bors and friends from thrusting upon him the office of township trustee as early as 1858 and retaining him in it for a period of twenty-one years, nineteen of these being continuous service. His experience as a teacher was valuable, making him cognizant of the crying needs of the early schools, his own sympathies being in full accord with the more progressive teachers. When he became trustee the school houses were mere hovels. He constantly strove for better conditions and though progress was slow he soon had able supporters and a better line of buildings was secured, more competent teachers employed, greater interest aroused on part of pupils and patrons and suitable foundation laid for the present advanced ideas of educational progress. Before leaving office he had the satisfaction of having given to the township a graded school, among the finest of such in the state and the very first in Wells county. This work alone is worthy of Dr. John I. Metts. The people of today do not fully realize the grandeur of the work, but the rising generation and those yet un- born will do justice to men like Dr. Metts, who endured criticism and abuse in their efiForts to endow with learning the youths of their generation. Paying for every improve- ment as he went and never incurring debt without having the funds to pay it, he gave to Jefferson township a class of school build- ings and class of schools that were un- ecjualed in any other township in the county. Possessed of a disposition quiet and un- assuming, courteous and kind in every re- lation of life, nevertheless Dr. Metts is a man of great firmness and determination. He prizes the approbation of his fellow citizens, but, as is well attested by the salient features of his life, he will not sacrifice truth or hon- esty to secure popular approval. His recog- 470 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. nized probity and integrity have won for him that exalted esteem and confidence that mark him as one of the worthy builders and developers of this favored section of the state, his impress upon its civilization not only now being strongly apparent, but of that permanent nature as to have its molding force upon those generations who will live in the future and learn of the personality of such men only from the pages of such vol- umes as this. SAMUEL ^I. KREIGH. It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well-known farmer whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of the township where he has his home. Samuel M. Kreigh, one of the promi- nent and influential residents and farmers of this township, was born to Samuel and Magdaline (Beck) Kreigh in Jefferson township, October i6, 1851. He is a de- scendant of a sturdy race of Germans, his father's family being native Pennsylvani- ans, while the mother was a native Ger- man, having come to Pennsylvania as a child. The Kreigh and Beck famihes li\ed as neighbors in Jefferson township and in the course of time their children grew to maturity; little playfellows be- came sweethearts and the marriage of Samuel Kreigh and Magdaline Beck was the culmination of manv vears of friend- ship. The young couple first settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where their family was reared, the hus- band becoming one of the first threshers of this part of Wells county. In 1881 his wife died and he later removed to Walker- ville, Michigan, where he still lives at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. Their family consisted of eight children, five girls and three boys. Samuel M. Kreigh was early employed in his father's saw-mill, soon learning the business and became head sawyer. Being closely confined to his post at the mill, his education was limited to about six years' study in the county schools, necessitating his learning his arithmetic after he had reached the mature age of twenty-one. His wages amounted to two dollars and a half a day and on this salary he ventured into matrimony, being married November 17, 1S72, at the age of twenty-one, to ^liss Elizabeth S. Rupright, a daugh- ter of John Rupright and sister of W. H. Rupright. She was born September 20, 1865, and received a fair education in the common schools. Soon after his marriage Mr. Kreigh quit the mill busi- ness, which had been removed to Wil- liamsport, and rented the old farm and settled down to the life of a tiller of the soil. He later bought forty acres of it and, inheriting forty acres more, began in a modest way to accumulate property. He has made many improvements on the place, building substantial structures and putting his farm on a plane with the best in the county. For fifteen years he operated a threshing machine and made most of his living in that way. Of the subject's ten children, nine are WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 471 living: Albert A. married Alice Hoover and lives in Ossian ; Fstella E. is the wife of John Souards, of Lancaster township; Joseph Vernon is employed in the tile mill at Echo, Indiana; Wilson W. is teaching in the Jefferson township schools; Chancy C, Jerald Glenden, Ida A., Laura L. and Dale D. Mrs. Kreigh is a member of the Prebyterian church at Elhanan and has reared her children in that faith. Mr. Kreigh has served as supervisor of the township, and as a delegate to Demo- cratic conventions. Being a genial, big- hearted man, he is able to sway the thoughts of his associates and his party is well cared for when her affairs are put into his hands. ]\Ir. Kreigh suffered a great misfortune in the loss of his left hand, which was crushed in a corn husking ma- chine some eight years since, the loss plac- ing upon him a severe handicap in the con- duct of his farming operations. JOHN CLOCK. With German blood flowing in our veins and German courage surging in our hearts, we are in no wise surprised that the Ameri- can nation is coming to the front with a bound. The massive intellect of the German and his stoic determination, blended with the keener, finer perceptions of other races, has made of the Americans a people not to be surpassed, and of whom John Clock, of Jef- ferson township, ^^'ells county, Indiana, is a typical representative. John Clock, the son of Conrad and Rosena (Beck) Glock, first opened his eyes to the light of day in Jefferson county. March 9, 1844. His father was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, as was also his mother, both coming to this country with their parents when young. The Glock family settled in Jefferson township about 1838 and lived there until the death of the parents. The Clocks and Becks were neighbors in this new land and friendship soon grew into a stronger regard and Conrad Clock and Rosena Beck were soon married. They entered the farm, which is at present owned by their son, and began immediately to put it in condition for cultivation. When Con- rad Glock first entered his land from the government it was nearly all under water and his friends laughed at the idea that it could ever be made to produce anything. However, he was not discouraged, but went to work with a will and soon had his land so well drained that it was made to produce some of the best crops in the country. He was a quiet, unassuming man, but neverthe- less he was able to gather around him a host of friends. Six children were the result of the marriage of Conrad Glock and wife, viz : Fred, deceased; John; Eliza, the wife of J. M. Archibold; Martin, a resident of Roan- oke, Indiana ; Rose, the deceased wife of John M. Archibold, and Mary, the wife of William Schnitz, of Roanoke, Indiana. The early life of John Glock was spent on his father's farm, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. He recei\'ed a c(.immon school education and afterward learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed for thirty years. In 1869 he married Miss Caroline Miller, who was of German descent, being born near Canton, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob Miller, of Allen county, Indiana. She had only a common education, having received her training in 472 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. the country schools. Their two daughters are Rose A., who is the wife of John Shuey and hves on a farm in this township; Florence E., the wife of Lewis Nicklas, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. John Clock started out in life as a poor man, but by his energy and thrift has gained a comfortable position in life, at the present time being the owner of the old homestead, eighty acres of fine farm land, five miles east of Ossian. He never received any help from his family and it is owing to good management and hard work that he enjoys comparative ease today. Mr. Clock is a member of Ossian Lodge No. 719, I. O. O. F., being one of the charter members, and has filled every office in the lodge in successive order. In politics he is also active, being one of the substantial Dem- ocrats of Jefiferson township. - He is an in- fluential member of his party and has been a member of Wells county central committee, also serving on several occasions as inspector on the board of election. He is not only well known in Jefferson township, but throughout Wells county, and he has a host of enthusi- astic friends. He is prominent both politi- cally and socially and, besides being a good neighbor and excellent citizen, is a man of much thought and intellect, enjoying the highest regards of the residents of the com- munity in which he has spent his entire life. WILLIAM P. TAYLOR. There is no positive rule for achieving success, and yet in the life of the success- ful man there are always lessons which might well be followed. The man who gains prosperity is he who can see and utilize the opportunities that come in his path. The essential conditions of human life are ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differing but slightly, and when one man passes another on the high- way of life to reach the goal of prosperity before others who perhaps started out be- fore him, it is because he has the power to use advantages which probably encom- pass the whole human race. Today among the prominent citizens and suc- cessful agriculturists of Jefiferson town- ship, Wells county, Indiana, stands Wil- liam P. Taylor. The qualities of keen dis- crimination, sound judgment and execu- tive ability enter very largely into his make-up and have been contributing ele- ments to the material success which has come to him. William P. Taylor is a native of the Buckeye state, having first seen the light of day November 21, 1859, in Mahoning county, Ohio. His parents were Levi D. and Keziah (Callahan) Taylor, and were well- known and highly respected people. Levi D. Taylor was born in Pennsylvania on the 29th of June, 1823, and on the paternal side was descended from English ancestry. In 1832 he accompanied his parents upon their emigration to Mahoning county, Ohio, where they settled upon a farm. Upon the home Levi D. spent his youth and was early inured to the hard and in- cessant toil incident to a frontier farm in an early day. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood and acquired a fair training in the ordinary branches of learning. He loyally remained upon the home farm, assisting his father until he had attained his majority, when he learned the carriage and wagonmaker's trade, fol- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 473 lowing that occupation until 1861. In that year he sold his business and also disposed of a farm which he owned, and came to Wells county, Indiana, purchasing a farm in Jefferson township, one and a half miles south of Ossian. He remained upon this place until 1892, when he remo\ed to the town of Ossian where he has since made his home, being retired from active par- ticipation in business. By the exercise of sound judgment in all his business trans- actions, he has accumulated a plentiful share of this world's goods and is now en- abled to live in comparative ease in the en- joyment of the fruit of his former toil. Throughout his life Levi D. Taylor has borne a well-merited reputation for honor and probity of character, and has been at all times deeply interested in the material and moral welfare of the communities with which he has been identified. Mr. Taylor has been twice married, his first companion, whom he wedded in Ohio, died in this county, July 26, 1882, after ha\'ing borne him three children, men- tioned as follows: Mary is the wife of \\'. J. McAfee and resides in Ft. Wayne ; Enoch M. married Ella Newhart and re- sides in LTnion township, and William P. For his second wife Mr. Taylor wedded Miss Lizzie Cunningham, of Lordstown, Ohio, but no children ha\e been born to this union. Levi D. Taylor was progres- sive in the fullest sense of the term, and among other enterprises with which he was identified was the erection of the first grist-mill at Ossian and he also assisted largely in the erection of the First Presby- terian church of that place. In politics he is a stalwart and uncompromising Republi- can, but has never taken an active part in the campaign work of his party. From his childhood he has been a member of the Presbyterian church and has been faith- ful and consistent in the performance of his religious duties. William P. Taylor was a lad of but two years when brought by his parents to Jeff- erson township and his }'outhful }ears were spent upon the parental homestead. He was early initiated into the mysteries of agriculture and upon starting out in life for himself chose that occupation for his life pursuit. In the graded schools of Ossian he gained a good training and at the time of attaining his majority was fairly well equipped mentally for his life career. Desiring to commence operations in as fa- vorable a location as possible, he went on a trip through the west looking for a suit- able place, but at the end of a year re- turned to the old farm in Jefferson town- ship. His attention has been almost en- tirely devoted to agriculture, that most honorable of all employments, and by the exercise of those splendid qualities with which he was endowed he has been fairly successful in his calling. Starting out comparatively empty handed, he now pos- sesses a splendid farm of eighty acres, be- sides an interest in the homestead. He is thoroughly in touch with modern ideas touching the care of the soil, rotation of crops, etc., and that he gives careful atten- tion to the details of his business is indi- cated to even the casual observer by the splendid condition of his property and the abundant harvests which reward his efforts. Mr. Taylor has been twice married, his first companion being Miss Rachael Hoover, the daughter of Levi Hoover, a 474 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. prominent farmer and stock raiser of Jef- ferson township. This lady died after a three years' union, and for liis second wife Mr. Taylor chose Miss Hattie Ouacken- bush, the daughter of Peter Ouackenbush, of Jefferson township, the marriage occur- ring December 24, 1889. To this union have been born two daughters, Ethel L. and Bertha M. Mr. Ouackenbush was born and reared in New York city and as a young man came to Trumbull county, Ohio, coming to Wells county in 1887, and secured land from the government. He was married in Allen county in 1855 to Miss Mariah Mc- Laughlin and both are still living, aged eighty-three and sixty-nine years respec- tively, on the farm that he had improved from the wilderness. His parents. Wil- liam and Alary Ouackenbush, had spent their last years with him, his mother's death being the last to occur in the family, the circle, consisting of the parents and two chil- dren, not being broken for nearly forty years. All but one of the children are married and all reside within an hour's drive of the old home. Twenty-two grandchildren are living to honor their an- cestors. Politically Mr. Taylor is affiliated with the Republican party, believing the prin- ciples embodied in that platform to be those most conducive to the best interests of the American people. He takes a deep interest in the general trend of public events, but does not aspire to public office of any nature. Mrs. Taylor is an active and consistent member of the Christian (or Disciples) church, of which society he is a liberal supporter. Mr. Taylor is an unassuming man, yet he wields a quiet but strong influence in his community on the side of right living and for all that tends to promote the best interests of his neighbors. He is widely known and by all is esteemed for his genuine worth. GEORGE W. LECHNER. Among the prominent citizens and thriving farmers of Wells county, Indiana, is George W. Lechner, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 27, 1847, a son of Jeremiah and Pollie (Chapman) Lechner, the former of whom was a native of Germany and was brought to America in 1834 by his parents, who 'settled in Stark county, Ohio, where Jeremiah Lechner was reared to manhood on a farm. He there married Pollie Chapman, who was born in Pennsylvania, of English descent. He was a carpenter by trade, but made agriculture his calling, and followed the two lines of business in conjunction until his death, which occurred in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, at the age of seventy-one years. The family of Jeremiah and Pollie (Chapman) Lechner comprised four chil- dren, namely: John M., who lost his life in defense of his country's flag in 1863, and whose remains were interred in the na- tional burying ground at Nashville, Ten- nessee; George W. ; Elizabeth, wife of Asa King, a prominent farmer in Allen county. Indiana, and Joseph who died in childhood. George W. Lechner was but four years of age when, in 185 1, he was brought from Ohio to Indiana by his parents, who lo- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 475 cated in Allen county, where the mother died two years later. George \\'. was then taken in charge by his maternal grand- father, George Chapman, and reared by him in Allen county, Indiana, and was edu- cated in the district schools primarily, later entering Ft. Wayne College, where he was an industrious student and supple- mented his school training' by self instruc- tion. \\'hen his mother died the three children were all taken by the grandpar- ents,' where all grew to maturity and from where John entered the service. Jeremiah Lechner returned to Ohio and resided in Tuscarawas county until his death. He resided in Allen county for a period of about seven years. At the age of nineteen George W. Lechner was qualified as a teacher, and entered the schoolroom as such, continu- ing to follow that profession for thirteen years in Allen and Wells county. December 25, 1870, George W. Lech- ner was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Gibson, daughter of John and Deborah (Cartwright) Gibson, of Allen county, where they settled in 1854 when siie was two years old. The family are John A., who was graduated from the Os- sian high school in 1890, has himself taught three terms in Wells county and has his home under the parental roof; Nel- lie D., wife of A. E. Springer, a farmer in Allen county, Indiana ; Bertha, married to Charles Kreigh, a store keeper at Echo, Indiana, and Arthur F. Mr. Lechner is a Freemason in his fra- ternal relations and is a member of the lodge at Ossian, while his religious con- nection is with the Little River Christian church. In politics he has been an active Democrat ever since he was entitled to exercise his franchise, has always been popular with his party, and has served as a member of the Wells county Democratic central committee from Jefiferson town- ship for many years. In 1902 he was nominated for county commissioner, and was triumphantly elected, and his tenure of office has been most satisfactory up to the present time. He is an earnest advo- cate of public improvements, believing that good roads, good schools and com- fortable county buildings are essential fac- tors in the advancement of a community. Mr. Lechner, although he began life in comparatively poor circumstances, has through his own unaided efforts become in- dependent, now owning one hundred and six- ty-five acres of productive land in Wells and Allen counties, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. The es- teem of his fellow-citizens is altogether due to his personal merits, and certainly no fam- ily in Jefiferson township is more sincerely honored than that of George W. Lechner. LEWIS F. SXYDER. In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their own way to success through unfavorable environments we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which not only can en- dure so rough a test, but gain new strength in the fire of discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was unfavored by fortune, for both inherited wealth and the assistance of in- fluential friends were denied him, but in spite 476 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. of these discouragements, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life. Lewis F. Snyder, one of the prominent farmers and residents of Jefferson township, Wells county, Indiana, is a son of Henry and Mariah (Fertic) Snyder. He claims Allen county, Indiana, as his birth place and first saw the light of day February 23. 1849. The Snyder family were natives of Germany, where the grandfather, John Snyder, was born and reared. He came to America with a party of friends and settled in Pennsylvania, where he married Elizabeth McDannel, of Scotland. John Snyder and family came to Jefferson township in 1839, improved a farm and both died at tlie home of a son-in-law in Allen county, aged eighty-three and sixty- eight years respectively. Henry Snyder learned the cabinetmaker's trade in Ohio, where he worked until he came to Wells county in 1837. He settled in the northern part of Jefferson township and again took up his trade. He afterward re- turned to Ohio, where he remained but a short time, and returning to Allen county, Indiana, he purchased a farm in 1842 and be- gan the life of an agriculturalist. He lived on this farm for some years and then went to Elkhart county, Indiana, where he died in 1883. He was one of the best farmers in Allen county, but adverse circumstances caused him to lose heavily and he died as he had started, a poor man. He was the parent of ten children, of whom Lewis was the seventh. Lewis F. Snyder was the }'0ungest boy in a large family and at the age of seven, ow- ing to the death of his mother, was put out among strangers to make his own way, living with four families, mainlv with Caleb Prible of Allen county, until past fifteen. Then he was two years with his father. At the age of about se\'enteen, his father's family being broken up, Lewis was thrown entirely upon himself and worked at farm work in Allen county until the winter of 1867, when he was again with his father, who had married again and was living in Wells county. In the spring of 1868 he went to Iowa, sjjend- ing three years in that state at farm labor. In 1871 he and his brother Charles went to California, spending that season at farm labor, and joined a prospecting tour with a Los Angeles party to Arizona. After eight months thus spent he was left with nothing, having lost all his savings. The two left for Nevada with all they had left, a pack horse, where he made about one thousand dollars within ten months, working in a quartz mill. Again fortune smiled and after aii absence of two and one-half years he returned to Allen and Wells counties in 1873. In 1875 he settled on a farm in Jefferson township, and in 1894 purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, tiiree and one- half miles northeast of Ossian. He has made extensive impro\ements, now having a large and imposing residence and suitable out- buildings. He has laid upwards of two thousand rods of tile, and his farm is now considered one of the most desirable in the township. He also owns other rental prop- erty in the vicinity. Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Alary A. Caston, a resident of Wells county and a farmer's daughter. Seven children were born to them, one of whom. Celia J., is mirried. being the wife of John Shultz. The others are Harland V.. Dora A., Leary L., Dollie. Chloe Ann. and Charley, who died in 1881, aged fifteen months. Mr. Snyder is one of WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 477 the substantial Republicans of Wells county and Jefferson township, but has never taken a very prominent part in political af- fairs. He is an intelligent and trustworthy man and one of the best citizens of the countv. EZEKIEL ROE. It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things and very few- are great in many things. ^lany by a lucky stroke achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their communities. It is not a history of the lucky stroke that is of the most benefit to humanity, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. That which serves as a guide for the success of others is the preliminary work, the method, and it is that which should be praised and commended by the historian. Among those in this county whose success was achieved along steady lines of action is the subject of this memoir. Ezekiel Roe, one of the oldest and most prominent settlers of Jefferson towmship, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, Alay 3, 1823, iiis parents being Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Funk) Roe. The grandfather of the subject was a native of Ireland. The father and mother of the subject were both born in Pennsylvania, and there grew to maturity. Eventually they were married and walked to Indiana, where they lived for several years. Final- ly becoming tired of frontier life, they re- turned to Fayette county, Ohio, and took up their residence. It was on this farm in Randolph county, Indiana, that the subject, Ezekiel Roe. was reared. The scenes of rural life be- came familiar to him and it is small won- der that he followed the life to which he had been born. His education was re- ceived in the subscription school, which was held in an old log building, to- tally devoid of even the semblance of com- fort. The seats were benches hewed from logs, unplaned and minus the backs ; each student took care of his books, which con- sisted of a slate, spelling book and arith- metic, by placing them on the bench be- side him during the day and at night piling them up on the common desk around the wall. This common desk, or rather shelf, for it was no more than a shelf held to the wall by large pegs, w'as knowm to the students by the dignified name of "writer's bench," and, armed with a quill pen and a copy book, each sch(_)lar laboriously fash- ioned the letters as the teacher dictated each day. Despite such disadvantages, 3'oung Ezekiel stored his brain with much useful knowledge, which served him well in after years. He worked on the farm until he was of age, and then was hired by his father for a year at seven dollars per month. After working for his father for a year, he began to hire himself out to other farmers, receiving as a compensa- tion for his labors the paltry sunY of seven and nine dollars per month. Even with so small a salarv, he was able to lav 478 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. aside some money and in time invested his earnings in an eighty-acre tract of land, which he entered in Union township. Wells county, Indiana, and which is now owned by John A. Walker. On the 4th of July, 1852, Mr. Roe was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Puterbaugh, a daughter of Jacob and Re- becca Puterbaugh, of Elkhart county, Indiana. Mrs. Roe was born in Elkhart count}-, her parents having moved from Darke county, Ohio, at an early date. The father died in Elkhart county and the mother and young daughter were left to face the world alone. The mother did not long survive her husband and at the age of six years Catherine was left an orphan. She was then taken by an older brother, who reared her. Her opportunities being limited, she was forced to neglect her edu- cation and at a tender age, just when other girls were being anxiously cared for by fond mothers, she went out into the world to make her way. This she did by working by the week, receiving but seventy-five cents per week, and was able e\en with so meager a compensation to e\-entually save thirty-two dollars by the time she was married. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roe moved to a farm in the woods of Union township, where the young husband set to work to clear enough ground to enable him to make a living. In 1839. after he had suc- ceeded in clearing his land until it was in good condition for cultivation, he sold his farm and bought one hundred and sixty acres of uncleared land one-half mile north of Ossian. This land he improved and here he reared his family until, one by one, the birds left the nest, and now only the parents are left in the old home. Eight children, seven of whom are living, were born to them : Addison died at the age of eighteen years ; Andrew is a farmer in Jefferson township; Mary is the wife of J. S. Krewson: Maggie is the wife of Allison Bowman; Arthur F. is a farmer of Jefiferson township ; Anna is the wife of Joel Hunter; Ama is the wife of D. C. Gorrell, and Hampton is a merchant of Ossian, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are members of the German Baptist church and are active in church work. His entire life has been spent in active work and politics has for many years opened an avenue for this activity. The Democratic party has always profited by the subject's political efforts and he is counted by the party as one of its most faithful followers. j\Ir. and Mrs. Roe are among the best citizens of Jefiferson township, where they have resided most of their lives. They are a worthy couple, and no fitter compliment can be paid them than that given by their neighbors, who join in bestowing upon them their highest praise. NICHOLAS W. SHORTS. One of the respected of the younger generations of Jefferson township is Nicholas W. Shorts, the present township trustee, who was born in Lucas county, Ohio, May 19, 1855, and is a son of Hu- bert and Mary M. (Luther) Shorts. The father was born in Metz, Alsace, France, but to avoid service in the army of Louis Napoleon he turned his eyes toward the republic of America, coming hither in 1843- Hubert Shorts was a pianomaker by WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 479 trade and had worked as a journeyman for four years prior to coming to America, but on arriving in this country engaged in farming. On the breaking out of the war with Mexico, Mr. Shorts enhsted in the Fifteenth Regiment, United States Vol- unteers, and served under Gen. Zachary Taylor until the war closed, when he was honorably discharged, with a pension of twenty-four dollars per month on account of disabilities sustained. He then settled in Ohio and learned the stonecutter's trade. He was married at Clyde. San- dusky county, Ohio, his bride being a na- tive of that state, but of French parent- age. In politics Hubert Shorts was a Democrat and in religion was a Catholic and in this faith he was called away at the age of sixty-five. Hubert Shorts and wife were blessed with ten children, of whom two died in infancy. The survivors all live in Ohio with the exception of Nicholas W. and a sister who has resi- dence in Allen county. Nicholas W. Shorts was educated in the schools of his native village and be- gan his business life in a general country store, whence he went into a slack barrel factory. 'in which he worked until he was twenty years of age. He then, in 1875, came to Indiana and lived in Allen county until 1886, when he came to Wells county to make his home. He was married in Allen county, April 26, 1877, to Miss Mary A. Kreigh, daughter of Samuel Kreigh, a pioneer and now residing at Walkerville, Michigan. She was born in Jefferson township. Wells county. Being in but in- different circumstances at the date of his marriage, Mr. Shorts went to work in a saw-mill and succeeded in accumulating a little money, and was then appointed a mail-carrier on a star route, which position he held for three years. When he settled in \\'ells county he began farming, but subsequently sold his farm in Jefferson township and, in November, 1901, pur- chased his present farm of eighty-live acres, one and a half miles northeast of Ossian. Here he has since conducted gen- eral farming and has devoted considerable attention also to stock raising, in which he has been very successful, and his farm is one of the most productive, according to its size in the township. He has improved it with all modern conveniences and it pre- sents an attractive appearance to the pass- er-by or the welcomed guest, yet its chief interest lies in the products reaped from its well tilled fields. To Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas W. Shorts have been born six children, of whom one died in infancy, the survivors being Zulu, wife of D. B. Davidson, who lives in Jefferson town- ship. Earl, Fern, Hilma and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Shorts are members of the Elhanan Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and politically he is a Democrat. He was elected trustee of Jefferson township in 1900 and has since filled the position with great credit to him- self and to the entire satisfaction of the community. Jefferson township has thir- teen school houses, with eighteen teach- ers, six. being in the township graded school at Ossian. All the houses are brick, one being erected by Mr. Shorts in district No. i, at a cost of three thousand dollars and includes all modern conven- iences. He is giving special attention to the betterment of the roads, the township 48o WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. now having twenty-one miles graveled and turned over to the county and five miles in process of construction. Mr. Shorts is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, but is public spirited, and ever ready to aid with his means all improve- ments conducive to the comfort and wel- fare of his fellow citizens, by whom he and family are held in the utmost esteem. JOHN D. DETTMER. There is nothing that interests one more than to observe how different men begin and continue the duties of life. Hesitation marks the beginning of some and every obstacle which they encounter seems to them insurmountable. Others begin boldly, but after a time some defect in execution stamps them as unfit for the task to which they have set themselves. Others, again, commence with a steady grasp of the situation and show by their subsequent accomplishments that they have mastered the problem of life : to this latter class always comes success, and they are the men who leave Isehind them good names and large properties honorably won in life's battles. Of the old citizens and residents of Jefferson township. Wells county, Indiana, none are more respected than John D. Dettmer, who was born to John D. and Sophia (Bachman) Dettmer, in Germany, August 15, .T823. The Dettmer family were farmers in their native land and their son was given a thorough training in farm work before he came to America. He at- tended the common schools of his mother country until he was fourteen years old, having succeeded in that time in obtain- ing a fair education, and at this age he be- gan to work out by the year, receiving six dollars per year and his clothes. Later his wages were increased to eight dollars and he continued to work in this way until his salary amounted to eighteen dollars per year. When he was twenty-eight years old he concluded to come to Ameri- ca and try his fortune in the new land. He reached New York in September, 185 1, and soon obtained employment on a dairy farm. 'He stayed on this farm for five months, receiving twenty dollars per month as a remuneration for his labors. Later he left the dairy farm and again found employment as a farm hand in New York at nineteen dollars per month, working for such wages for fifteen years. In March, 1855, he married Miss Mary Englehart, who was also born in Ger- many and came to America in 1852. After his marriage he worked by the month and saved a considerable amount of his wages. In 1867 he came to Wells county, after having saved fourteen hundred dollars, which he immediately converted into farm land where he now lives, part of which was then in the woods. He cleared and im- proved his property, adding to it until he owned two hundred and twenty acres of fine farm land, all of which he made him- self. Of this he now has one hundred and four acres in the home farm, three miles northwest of Ossian ; -the remainder he gave to his son, John E. Dettmer, who now has a very desirable farm. Four girls and one son were born to him and his wife : Mary, wife of Leonard Springer ; Anna, wife of Charles Larman; Julia, de- JOHN D. DETTMER AND WIFE. WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 481 ceased ; Maggie, wife of Andy Springer. and John E., the only son, who was born in Orange county, New York, married Ida Maky and has eight children. St. Mark's German Lutlieran church of Allen county enrolls the Dettmer family among its members and more faithful workers she can not boast. Mr. Dettmer has been trustee and elder and discharged his duties honorably and to the entire satis- faction of the congregation. His political allegiance has always been given to the Republican party, which has been much benefited by his ardent work. With him politics comes second only to religion and he can always be found actively engaged in political work when his party is in need of his assistance. He is known as an hon- est, genial citizen with whom it is a pleas- ure to have business dealings, and he is held in the highest respect by the residents of Jefferson township. JOHN NIRITER. When the eyes of a child open here on earth for the first time, it would require a very potent spirit of prophecy to predict where, upon the face of the earth, it will be when the time comes for it to close its eyes in death. The subject of this sketch, John Niriter, was born in Hesse, Germany, September 21, 1827. At that time nearly every one of his ancestors for perhaps twenty generations had been born, lived and died in that country and there seemed little doubt, at that time, that the life of the infant would be spent very much as had been spent the lives of nearly all of his predecessors. But fate had a far less monotonous career in store for him, which began to develop when the lad was but seven years old. The parents of John Niriter were George and Elizabeth (Pepler) Niriter. Nine years of the life of George Niriter had been spent as a soldier, fighting the battles of people in whom he had little if any interest. The latter part of the eighteenth and early part of the nine- teenth century were fertile and prolific of wars. It includes the period of our own Revolution, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic wars, our second encounter with England and numerous other minor events of sanguinary strife. During the fifty years included in this period the world seemed to think of nothing but war and bloodshed. Rulers appeared to think that men were made for no other purpose than to bleed and die in the settlement of trivial grievances of state. It was the misfortune of George Niriter, the father of the subject, to live during this period and to be obliged to take part in much of the strife. Part of the time of his military life was spent in the ranks of the legions who fought under Napoleon. During the peace which followed the decisive battle of Waterloo, he returned to his home w^ith purpose of marrying and settling down to domestic happiness. He married Elizabeth Pepler, went to housekeeping and reared a family. But the spirit of adventure that had been bred within him during the wars could not be suppressed though he fought against it valiantly. He finally decided to move his family, which then consisted of a wife and five children, to America and seek his fortune in the new republic. Ac- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. cordingly, in 1834, they crossed the ocean and without much delay penetrated into the middle of the wilderness, locating in x\llen county, Indiana, near Ft. Wayne. There was very little in the place then to in- dicate that it would ever be a city. John Niriter, although but seven years old at the time, well remembers that the town then consisted of three stores, a few mean looking dwellings, a log jail and a small court house that, judging from its appear- ance, few would accuse of being a temple of justice. At that time the Wabash & Erie canal was in course of construction and most of the early settlers availed themselves of the opportunity of making a little ready money by working on the canal. George Niriter had a wife and seven children to support, hence, although an ex-soldier of Napoleon, he was not above wielding a shovel and pick in the interest of the inmates of his home. He continued in the work, making fair wages, until he had saved enough to purchase forty acres of land nine miles south of Ft. Wayne. On it he built a cabin in which to live and had partially cleared it when he got an oppor- tunity of selling out, which he did, and with the proceeds bought one hundred and sixty acres of land farther out. This he cleared, improved and occupied until his death. He and his wife were the parents of six children, only one of whom was born in America. Of these only three, Jonathan, Hartman and John, now sur- vive, the latter the only one who resides in Wells county. John Niriter was a small boy when his father located in Fort Wayne. He had never attended a school in his native land, and Indiana had not at that time acquired a reputation as an educational center. Oc- casionally a term of school was held at Ft. \\'a}-ne. but the diffident and backward children of George Niriter did not get over their timidity at the strangeness of the new country until they had moved away from the little town. Hence the education of the children was limited, but they were apt and intelligent and made up in observation, experience and com- mon sense what was denied them in book learning. When John Niriter was twelve years old he was taken by Hartman Smith, a farmer of Wells county and a friend of the Niriter family. He remained in the fam- ily of Mr. Smith until he was twenty-one years of age when, as a part of his wages, he was given fort}- acres of land situated in Jefferson township, which now consti- tutes a part of his present farm. On this tract only four acres were then cleared, but it has been added to until the farm now comprises one hundred two and a half acres and is as well improved as any tract of land in the vicinity. In 1857, when he was thirty years of age, John Niriter was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Rapp. She lived only long enough to present him with two chil- dren, both of whom are still living, mar- ried and enjoying domestic happiness of their own. They are Rosa, wife of Walter Clark, and Charles, who married Lizzie Keigh. The second wife of Mr. Niriter was Miss Ellen Ferguson, daugh- ter of Thomas Ferguson, and they were united in marriage October 20, 1870. She was born in Jefiferson township, March 23, 1840. Her father had settled on that farm in 1838, coming from Canada, though a WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 483 native of Scotland. He was married at Ft. Wayne to Jennette Youie. a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Two children have also been born to this marriage of the sub- ject: Andrew J., who married Miss Mar- garet Woodside and resides on the old farm, and his two children, Florence and an infant ; and Jeanette, a student of elo- cution in Ft. \\'ayne. In politics John Xiriter is a Democrat and, while a believer in the Democratic doctrine of "a tariff for revenue only," he is by no means one of those who take part in politics "for revenue only." The only public office he ever filled was that of road supervisor for two terms, and even that was not sought but thrust upon him. In religion he and wife are Presbyterians, be- longing to the church at Elhanan, and liberally contributing to the support of that denomination. In Jefferson township the greater part of the Hfe of John Niriter has been spent and there the people know him as an honest, upright citizen, a man whose word is never questioned. Here he is spending his declining years in ease and comfort, having accumulated enough to keep him far above want. As to the land of his nativity, he knows little and cares less. Every interest that he has is centered here in America and no doubt when his final summons comes it will find him here and readv. FREDERICK RAPP. Reared in the earlier days, when schools were few and an uncleared farm stared the settler in the face, it is little wonder that the majority of our pioneers had little time for school or books. But after the woodland had been converted in- to fields of waving grain and the little fam- ily had grown away from the grinding hardships of early life, then it was that the father set himself assiduously to work to rectify the_ neglect of his boyhood and in most cases he succeeded beyond his ex- pectations. Frederick Rapp was born to Frederick and Rosanna Rapp in Wurtem- berg, Germany, August 21, 1839. The Rapp family came to America and settled in Erie county, New York, where the father bought forty acres of land. Later he sold this and in 1853 brought his wife and children to Jefferson township, where he took one hundred acres of land in sec- tion I, which was partially cleared. He and his family lived on this farm until the death of the parents. Mr. Rapp was a C(uiet, unassuming man, who had a good education in German and believed that each man could take care of his own busi- ness better than could his neighbor.- Act- ing on this principle, he won many friends, whom he was able to assist with his ad- vice. Eight children were the fruits of this union, four of whom are now living. Frederick Rapp was reared in Ger- many, in New York and in Indiana. At an early age he helped clear their farm and later to cultivate it. His attendance at school was irregular, owing to the neces- sity of his being at work in the fields, his early education being thus much neglect- ed. He remained beneath his father's roof until after he was twenty-one, having farmed the place for a few years. Miss Sarah Stites became his wife January 22, 1869. She w-as born to Peter and Chris- 484 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tena (Hickler) Stites in Summit county, Ohio, March 12, 1844, and came with her parents to Wells county when she was a young girl. Four children blessed their union, namely: Effie A., Edna A., deceased, Jennie I., and Maud Pearl, deceased. Both Effie and Jennie were given the best ad- vantages of the county schools and are Hv- ing at home. Sometime after his marriage Mr. Rapp purchased eighty acres and es- tablished a home where he has since re- sided. He and wife and family are mem- bers of Bethlehem Evangelical church, the father being a trustee of the church, while the daughter, ]\Iiss Jennie, is the present organist, which position she has held for several years. In politics Mr. Rapp is a Republican, though before the war he voted with the Democratic party. The family are well and favorably known in this part of W'ells county and have the highest esteem of their acquaintances and neighbors. LUDWIG MYERS. To the ranks of the noble and useful belongs the subject of this sketch, Ludwig Myers. Reared on the frontier, without the advantages of a fine education, he has come to the front, not with the blare of the trumpets of fame, but with the milder tones of genuine nobility. Ludwig Myers, one of the old residents of Jefferson town- ship. Wells county, Indiana, is a son of Christian V. and Elizabeth (Leibrandt) Myers and was born in Seneca county, Ohio, April 13, 1836. He is of sturdy Ger- man descent, both parents having been born in the old country. Christian Myers was reared in Germany and came to America after he had reached manhood. He had a thorough knowledge of German and Latin, having been educated for the ministry, but he had no heart in his call- ing and later learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked until 1830, when he came to America. He first brought his wife and little family to Ohio and settled in Seneca county on a small farm, where he lived until 1838. when he came to Wells county, Indiana, and entered land from the government. This land lies in section 6, range 13, and at the time of his entering it it was covered with timber. The neigh- bors were few and lived miles away and the family lived a lonely life in their new home. He cleared his land with the aid of his boys, who were left to do most of the work, while their father worked at his trade. By hard work the family managed to get on in the world and as time passed really came to love the isolation of their life. The children had excellent home training and the family grew to be one of affluence. The father was a member of the Albright Evangelical church. To Christian and Elizabeth Myers were born seven children, only one of whom, Ludwig, lives in Wells county. Ludwig Myers was reared on his father's farm and attended the subscrip- tion schools, thus getting a limited, but practical education. He was given all the advantages which the limitations of the country would permit and made the best of his means. Although his knowledge of books was not very extensive, he was thoroughly versed in the ways of farm life and knew just how to clear the land and make rails. At this he was an expert. WELLS COUNTY, IXDL\NA. 485 but mechanical work had more fascination for him and he learned the cabinetmaker's trade in Noble county, devoting himself to carpentering after the death of his father in 1855. December 15. 1S59, Mr. Myers was married to ]\Iiss Agnes Ferguson, daugh- ter of James and Eliza (Hume) Ferguson, who was born near Quebec, Canada, Feb- ruary 23, 1838. When she was three months old she came to Indiana with her parents, who first settled in Fort \\'ayne, and later, in 1840. moved to Jefferson township, \\'ells county, Lidiana, where they lived until their deaths. She received her early training in the subscription and common schools and had sufficient educa- tion to teach one term. After their mar- riage ]\Ir. and Airs. Myers went onto the home farm, but in May, 1869, they moved to their present farm, which was only par- tially cleared. He has made some im- provements, run ditches and by dint of hard work has made of his one hundred acres one of the model farms of the town- ship. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. ]\Iyers, five of whom are living:. \\'illiam, though farming near by, is still at home ; Charley, who is married to Jose- phine Morton and operates the old home farm, has four children, Forrest Ludwig, Charles Everett. Cora Agnes and Opal May. Luella is the wife of Charles Ball and lives in Fort Wayne ; Edna, wife of Richard Morton, also lives in Fort Wayne, and Edith is the wife of Joseph Steinbau- cher. In political issues Mr. Myers has always voted independently in local affairs, but in national afifairs he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are old and respected residents of Jefferson township, where they have spent most of their lives, and, being members of the Presbyterian church at Elhanan, are much esteemed, JOHN M. SPRINGER. A native of Germany, born January 27, 1828, John M. Springer is now one of the prosperous farmers and prominent citizens of Jefferson township. He is a son of George L. and Maria C. (Mince) Springer, who were agriculturists, al- though he was also a blacksmith. They were the parents of six children, who in order of birth were named as follows : George L., John M., George i\I.. Chris- tina Barbara and Catherine, of whom Catherine is the wife of Conrad Theely and lives in Allen county, Indiana. John M. Springer received a fair edu- cation in his native land and there also learned the weaver's trade, at which he worked as a journeyman three years, serv- ing, like all German young men. the re- quired si-x years in the regular army. In 1858 he came to America and reached Pleasant township in June. He was ten dollars in debt, and worked at any thing he could find to do for four years, when he resumed his trade of weaver. August I. 1858, he married Miss Eva ]\I. Fuchs- luber, who was also born in Germany and came to Wells county with her parents in 1 83 1. To secure his marriage license Mr. Springer was compelled to borrow money, which he paid from his earnings at the looms. He now owns two hundred and ninety-four acres in Allen and Wells coun- ties, worth at least twenty thousand dol- 486 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. lars, and tlius presents another instance of what industry and persistent efifort can accompHsh under free institutions and by men who have a will of their own and or- dinary intelligence. To John M. and Eva M. Springer have been born six children, of whom two died young, the survivors being Frederick, who is a farmer in Jef?erson township and is married to Margaret Springer; Dan- iel, who is married to Rosa Laringler and lives in Allen county ; Maria, wife of Hen- ry Helsmael. of Fort Wayne, and David, who is still at home. Mr. Springer is a devout and consistent member of the Lu- theran church in Pleasant township, is an elder and has held some of^ces of more or less importance in the church for the past forty years. He takes no active part in political affairs, but his proclivities are de- cidedly Democratic. He has never felt any ambition to hold public office, but has devoted himself to the industrial pursuits which have resulted in placing him in the foremost rank of the agriculturists of Wells county and in making him one of its most substantial citizens. Although Mr. Springer never thrusts himself forward as an intermeddler in public affairs, he is public spirited and is ever ready to aid financially in promoting such public im- provements .as will conduce to the benefit of all his neighbors, by whom he is held in the highest possible esteem. His farm, while one of the largest, is also one of the best cultivated and one of the best im- proved in Wells county and is the pride of the neighborhood. Mr. Springer has led a straightforward and industrious Hfe and has ever had in view some useful purpose. Frivolities have never had a charm for him, though he is a good natured gentleman, a genial companion and a charitable, open- handed, open-hearted citizen, and well de- serves the high respect in which he is held by old and }'oung, rich and poor. JOHN C. DEAM. Prominent among the farmers and citi- zens of Jefferson township is John C. Deam, son of James and Ruth (McDow- ell) Deam, who was born on a farm one mile south of Ossian July 9, 1847. James Deam was a descendant of John A. Deam, who was a pioneer settler in Harrison township, Wells county, in 1836. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1820 and came to Wells county when he was but sixteen years old. He lived on the old farm with his father until 1844, when he was married. His father gave him one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wells county which he had entered from the government and to this home he brought his bride: He built a log cabin, cleared a small patch and entered upon the life of a frontierman. On this farm he lived until his death, in 1883. At that time he owned four hundred and twenty acres of land, besides considerable other property, as he was a natural financier. He was an active man in public affairs and ever ready to promote all public improve- ments. He cast his vote with the Demo- cratic party and was a stanch supporter of its platform. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Deam lived but two years after the demise of her husband, her death occur- ring in 1885. They were the parents of WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 487 nine children: Elizabeth, John C, Cathe- rine, Belle, George, Mary, Emma, Adam and Madison. John C. Deam attended the county schools and assisted his father until he was twenty-three years old. September i, 1870, he became the husband of Miss Amanda Beardsley, who was the daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth (Wilch) Beards- ley, and was born in Bluffton, Indiana, July 8. 1853. Her education was received in the graded schools and for some time she was a teacher in the schools of Jeffer- son township. Her father, a wagonmaker by trade, served during the Civil war in the Seventy-fifth Indiana Regiment. Mr. Deam started with but forty acres of land, but by careful management and industry he has added one hundred and sixty more acres to his farm. Most of his money was made from hogs, they be- ing his principle source of income. Mr. and Mrs. Deam are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living : Grace is the wife of Bert Archbold; Lulu, the wife of A. Wilson Hoopengartner, was a teacher in the Wells county schools for eight years ; \\'arner graduated from the Ossian high school, taught for a time and was sergeant of Company F, One Hun- dred and Sixtieth Indiana Regiment, dur- ing the Spanish-American war. At pres- ent he holds a responsible position with a telephone company in the South ; Charles was a corporal in the same company and is now at home assisting in the operation of his father's farm ; Marion, a graduate of the Ossian high school, is teaching in an adjoining district; Augusta, who grad- uated from the Ossian high school with the class of 1902; Areta and Hugh. They are members of the Presbyterian church at Ossian, both Mr. and Mrs. Deam being workers in the church and exerting a healthy influence upon their associates. Politically Mr. Deam is a Democrat and has always been an active worker in his party, serving it as committeeman and delegate to conventions, and holds the re- spect and confidence of his associates to a high degree. Mr. and ]\Irs. Deam are among the progressive and influential people of JefTerson township and take a prominent part in both the social and po- litical affairs of this community. They are excellent neighbors and superior citi- zens, being held in the highest esteem by all within a wide circle of acquaintances. GEORGE R. NEVIUS. George R. Nevius, son of James and Nancy (McClelland) Nevius, was born in Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, Virginia (now West Virginia), December 22, 1842. James Nevius was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia, but was of New Jersey parentage, the family having settled in Virginia in an early day where his father was a slaveholder and by trade a black- smith. He died in the Old Dominion in 1840, his widow surviving him for ten years. In 1842 James Nevius removed to Charleston, West Virginia, where he was employed at his trade of blacksmith. He was a man of great physical strength and for a number of years was accustomed to work nineteen hours per day. He was of the strictest integrity and for half a cen- tury was a member of the Presbyterian WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. church, in the faitli of which he died in 1882. His family numbered nine children, of whom five are still living. George R. being the only resident of Wells county. George R. Nevius was educated in the military school at Charlottesville, Vir- ginia, after an attendance in an academy at Washington Court House, Ohio. In 1 86 1 he came to southern Indiana and September 21,, 1862, enlisted at Brook- ville in the First Indiana Cavalry and fought in the Missouri campaigns under Gens. Fremont and Curtis. He was a true soldier, never shirking his duty, and took part in all the marches, skirmishes and battles in which his regiment was en- gaged, his service expiring while stationed at Helena, Arkansas. On his discharge, in 1864, he located in Franklin county, Indiana, where he was engaged in farm- ing for a short time and then for two years was a grain dealer at Oxford, Ohio, and then embarked in the same business at New Castle, Indiana, where he had an ex- tensive trade. In 1869 Mr. Nevius came to Green- wood, Wells county, and conducted a lu- crative lumber trade until 1896, operating a saw-mill here for nearly thirty years. Mr. Nevius was united in marriage De- cember 24, 1863. with Miss Emma Mur- phy, of Franklin county, Indiana, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Ida, who is the wife of C. W. Eastman, of Winchester, Indiana; Bur- ton B., the present marshal of Hunting- ton, Indiana; Minnie, wife of Woodson Archbold, and James D.. who is a fireman on the Erie railroad. George R. Nevius held allegiance for many years to the Republican party, though exercising his own common sense and right to think for himself, he decided, in 1896, to support the Democratic party, though he today is what may be termed an independent. He is plain and straight- forward in expressing his views and is thus termed a plain-spoken man ; but what he says is based upon sound, logical rea- soning. He judges for himself and is will- ing to grant the same privilege to every- body else, but never indulges a sense of animosity on account of a difference in honest convictions. THOMAS W. ARCHBOLD. It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well known farmer whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be hard to find within the limits of the township in which he resides. He is one of the old settlers of Jefferson town- ship. Wells county, Indiana, and was born to Joseph and Elwyla (Van Horn) Arch- bold, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Octo- ber 4, 1834. The Archbold family are of Irish descent, the grandfather, Patrick Archbold, having been born and reared in that country. In early manhood he emi- grated to America, the Mecca for all ex- panding young life, and settled in Harri- son county. Ohio, where he met and mar- ried Miss Francina McClain, a fellow coun- try-woman. Becoming dissatisfied with his life in Ohio, he brought his wife to WELLS COUNTY, INDL^^^NA. 489 Jefferson township, Indiana, in the spring of 1848, remaining here nntii liis death at up- wards of eighty years old. Joseph x\rch- bold had come to Jefferson township in October, 1847, j"st one year before the emigration of his father, and entered land in section thirty and immediately began to improve it, residing there until his death. He had alwa_\'s been a hard work- ing man and it was owing to his industry that during his life he was able to accumu- late a comfortable fortune, being the pos- sessor of one hundred and fifty-two acres of fine farm land. He was a Presbyterian of strict belief and died in the faith which in life he had supported. His children numbered fourteen, nine daughters and five sons, namely: Isaac, Patrick, William J., Thomas W., Rachael, Lucinda and Ma- linda (twins), Francina, Lucina, Catha- rine, Elizabeth, Ellen and Barbara. Bar- bara was the most fortunate member of this large family of children. Being the youngest, she was able to obtain many educational advantages which were de- nied the others and it was through the efforts of her brother, Thomas, that her education was cared for. For some time she followed the vocation of teaching with success and always looked to her brother who had been the means of obtaining for her the advantage of an education, as her best friend and guide. She is now the wife of John Engle. Thomas W. Archbold was reared on his father's farm and, owing to a large family of which he was one of the eldest, he received almost no education. In those days the older boys were kept at home clearing the farm and tending the crops in order that the family might ex- ist in the great wilderness and he was.no exception to the rule for he kept steadily at work on the home place, carefully nur- turing his longing for the knowledge that had been denied him, until he was twenty- six years old, when he took a short term with M. C. Blue as teacher and later en- tered the Roanoke Academy, where he attended three terms, getting a sufficient education to enable him to teach in the common schools of \\'ells county. He continued to teach in the Jeft'erson town- ship schools for ten years. March 14, 1867, Mr. Archbold was married to Miss Matilda C. Miller, daugh- ter of Henry and Xancy (Kunkel) Miller. Mrs. Archbold was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1850 and had received a common school education. They were the parents of seven children : Alonzo H., resides at Markle, Indiana; Nancy, wife of N. O. Hildenbrand ; Lydia, wife of Charles Crowel ; Clayton, \\'illiam, Stella and Clifton. Mr. Archbold was poor when he mar- ried, having only a small farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres which he sold and later purchased the old Johnson farm two and one-half miles south of Ossian where he now resides. His advancement was due not to a lucky stroke of fickle fortune, but by his own untiring efforts and his de- termination to win. He was a teamster for one year during the Civil war. In the early days he had been a great hunter and trapper in Wells county, especially along the Eight Mile. He is a most moral man and, while not a church worker, having never united with any denomination, yet he commends all good works be they of a religious or secular nature. In political 490 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. affairs he has ever been identified with the Democratic party, being an active and ardent worker for the cause, ahhough never having been an office seeker. He was at one time a member of the Wells county central committee and has also served on the election board for twenty- five years. He is not only well and favor- ably known in Jefferson township but throughout Wells county. He is known as a man of unimpeachable honor and in- tegrity, honest motives and intelligence. He is one of the best citizens of the county and enjoys the highest regards of his ac- quaintances. EVAN L. CHALFANT. This prominent and widely known young agriculturist, journalist and teach- er, is now considered one of the most prosperous and successful farmers in Jeff- erson township. He was born in Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania, ]March 22, 1859, and the first eight years of his life were spent amongst the hills and streams of that state. In 1867 he came with his par- ents, James and Amanda H. (Barber) Chal- fant, to Wells county, Indiana. After com- pleting the common school studies, and some of the higher branches in the Ossian graded schools, he began to teach, which occupation he followed in Wells county for nineteen years, meantime being en- gaged in his father's saw-mill and being familiar with all departments, especially that of head sawyer. He then settled down to what he considers his life occu- pation, farming. He takes great interest in this, his chosen calling, reads many farm journals and books on agricultural subjects and is also a contributor to sev- eral farm papers. At the present time he is chairman of the Wells County Farmers' Institute Association. He is also a jus- tice of the peace, having been elected the second time to that position as the nomi- nee of the Republican party. In the month of May, 1886, Evan L. Chalfant was united in marriage to Miss Flora E. Benedict, daughter of Luther and Julia Benedict, and who also for elev- en years had been a teacher in the public schools. They have one child, Beth E. Mr. Chalfant and wife are members of the Kingsland Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder and trustee, clerk of the session and secretary of the congre- gation. They are both likewise teachers in the Sunday school, of which he was su- ]3erinteiident for some years, Mrs. Chal- fant of the primary class and he of the young ladies' Bible class. Of fraternal or- ders Mr. Chalfant is a member of the Un- iondale Lodge. K. P., and of the Ossian Lodge K. O. T. M. Air. and ]\Irs. Chalfant mingle with the best people of Jefferson township and Wells county, by whom they are greatly esteemed and with whom his graphic and trenchant pen wields a potent influence. His habits of close observation and his retentive memory are valuable aids in the preparation of his numerous contributions to the press. These articles are read with interest by all on account of lucidity of expression and valuable informatidn which they impart to the reader and seek- er after agricultural knowledge, and are also widely quoted. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 491 WILLIA^I G. ARCHBOLD. Among the prominent farmers of Jeffer- son township. Wells county, Indiana, is Wil- liam G. Archbold, who was born in Tuscara- was county, Ohio, July 6, 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Gibson) Archbold, who came respectively from Ohio and Penn- sylvania families. They were married in Tus- carawas county, coming subsequently to In- diana and locating in Adams county, where John Archbold purchased two hundred and five acres of wild land, which he partially cleared and to a great extent improved, but later removed to Decatur, Indiana, where they passed the remainder of their days. William G. Archbold was reared on the farm on which his parents settled and was well trained in the details of agriculture, though his opportifnities for a scholastic training were somewhat meager. Neverthe- less he acquired a sufficient knowledge of books to qualify him for a good position in society and for the understanding of every- thing that' books could impart touching his calling and the current events of the day as recorded by the press. ]Mr. Archbold was first married, in 1863, to Miss Elmira Ruby, a native of Ohio, but who was early brought to Indiana by her parents. To this union \yere born two chil- dren, namely: James W., who married Min- nie Mills, and lives in Union township, and Marv E., now the wife of A. E. Ormsby, of Union township, and has four children liv- ing, Ralph, Argus, Brice and Dale. The sec- ond marriage of Mr. Archbold was with INIary C. Sommei's, born in Adams county, ]\Iay 9, 1843, who has borne him three chil- dren, viz : David A., who is married to Grace Deam, daughter of John C. and Amanda (Beadsley) Deam, and has one son, Law- rence, who assists his father in operating the farm ; Sylvester, who died in infancy, and loda, who is still with her parents. The parents of Mrs. Mary C. (Sommers) Arch- bold removed from Adams county to Allen county, Indiana, whence they came to Wells county, and here the father died at Ossian in 1898, his death being greatly deplored by all who knew him. Mr. Archbold in his political affiliations is a Democrat, but he has never been a strong partisan, much less an office seeker. He start- ed in life poor, and has made all he has by in- domitable persistence and skill. His farm is one of the best of its size in Jefferson township and everything about it denotes thrift, enterprise and good management. All or nearly all the improvements on the place have been made by himself, and all are of the most modern and substantial character. He is widely and favorably known throughout his township and is recognized as a public- spirited and liberal-hearted gentleman, ready at all times to promote every project designed for the good of the public. He is one of the best of neighbors, his name being synony- mous with truth, fidelitv and charitv. ARTHUR F. ROE. The world bows to the young and en- thusiastic ; humanity is swayed by their dictations. It is the young man who moves the world forward and places each succeeding decade of her history on a higher pedestal than she has ever before occupied; it is the young man who causes the older generation to wonder at the 492 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. present and the present to stand in awe of the more glorious future. His en- vironments make this possible, for as each generation nears the meridian, and then the close of life, the burden of the world's destiny is shifted, almost unconsciously, from their shoulders to those of the suc- ceeding generation, which takes up the march and steadil}- proceeds tu a higher goal. Of the present progressive gener- ation, Jefferson township can boast no better than Arthur F. Roe. who is the son of Ezekiel and Catharine (Puderbaugh) Roe. He was born in Jefferson township, April 9. 1862, and was reared on the old Roe farm, one half mile north of Ossian. His early education was received in the graded schools of Ossian, after leaving which he began to teach. He taught his first term at Lancaster Center, and at the same time studying the Latin course of the Ossian high school, from which he graduated with the class of 1882. In 1884 he entered the Methodist Episcopal Col- lege at Fort Wayne, after having taught two more terms at Lancaster Center. He graduated in the literary course from that institution in 1886. After spending one year in the West on account of health he returned to Wells county in 1887 and learned telegraphy at Ossian during the fall and winter of that year. He was given charge of the office of the Lake Erie & \\'estern Railroad, at Hamilton, Indiana, for one year, when he was transferred to Ossian. After retaining this position three years he accepted the office of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad at De- catur, Indiana, and after nearly a year there was transferred to Wayland, Michi- gan, at which place he was stationed three years. He resigned this position in April, 1893, and. in company with John S. Krewson and N. W. Newman, op- ened a general stock of merchandise at Ossian. H. O. Stine then beicame a partner, Krewson and Newman retiring after the first year, and two years later he sold his interest to E. H. Roe, the firm be- coming Roe Brothers, whose department store is justly considered the leading mer- cantile establishment of this thriving little city. Roe Brothers carry a stock valued at about four thousand dollars, in depart- ments devoted to dry goods, notions, boots and shoes and groceries, and do an annual business of fifteen thousand dol- lars. In the fall of 1897. owing to a deli- cate state of health, Mr. Roe bought the old William Somer's farm, one-half mile south and one half mile east of Ossian, where he finds congenial employment in the attention demanded by the many de- tails of a successfully conducted farm. Mr. Roe was married April 28, 1886, to Miss May Stine, the daughter of Wil- liam and Nancy (Spence) Stine. She was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 21, 1863, receiving her education in the Os- sian high schools, from which she gradu- ated in 1882. She then taught in the dis- trict and high schools for three years. Both husband and wife are members of the Presbyterian cliurch, in which he has been an elder for several years. He is also superintendent of the Sunday school, of which he has had charge for nearly thir- teen years, and takes commendable pride in the schools, ranking with any in the county. To tliis couple five children were born, namely: Opal, a student in the freshman class of the Ossian high school ; WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 493 Harold, Orin, Mary and Helen. In poli- tics, although reared a Democrat, he has given his own support to the Republicans, being one of the most active and enthusi- astic workers of the party in Jefferson township, being one of the precinct com- mitteemen of the township. He also served one term as councilman of Ossian just after its incorporation, in which posi- tion he earnestly advocated such public impro\ements as would benefit the com- munity. He is a man of intelligence, is an excellent citizen, a good neighbor and enjoys the highest esteem of his acquaint- ances. WILLIA^I EHRET. To the pioneer let us offer due credit, especially to the pioneer farmer, who cleared tlie wilderness and suffered the many priva- tions of frontier life. The subject of this sketch is one of these, having come to this country with his parents when a babe, help- ing to clear his father's land when a young man and assisting in the growth of the com- munity until interrupted by the call of his country, which he faithfully served for three years. Having discharged his duty as a soldier, he again took up the laborious work of developing his community and how well he has fulfilled his charge let this sketch pro- claim. William Ehret was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, March ^o. 1826. His par- ents were Simon and Catherine (Miller) Ehret, and sprang from a sturdy race of ancestors whose strength and courage have been transmitted to the present generation. Simon Ehret was born, reared and married in Germany, where he served his apprentice- ship at the blacksmith's trade. He came to America in 1829 and joined the German comnumity at Zoar, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. He remained there, working at his trade nine years, going next to Chillicothe, Ohio, where for five years he worked at the anvil. He then returned to Bolivar, but later moved to Canal Fulton, Ohio. In the spring of 1848 he brought his family to Wells county and purchased eighty acres of land in section 2^, Jefferson township, where he established a rude home in the woods. As the country was new the Ehrets were obliged, until their own cabin could be erected, to move into the house of a neighbor, Jake Burns, where they remained for five weeks. He had decided to ply his trade even in the wilderness and for that purpose erected a shop, working as a smith while ^\'illiam, his son, did the clearing. William Ehret was then twenty-two years old and was a man of rugged appear- ance. He was a rail splitter of no mean re- pute and held his own at the log rollings in the neighborhood. He continued to work on his father's farm until 1857, when he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Niblick, of Adams county, and established a home of his own. His w'ife was ten years his junior having been born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1836. At the age of nine months she was brought to Adams county by her parents. Robert and Syden Niblick. While Mr. Ehret was thus getting a start in life, our country was tottering between freedom and slavery, and, imbued with pa- triotism, he felt that he w^as needed in the defense of Old Glory, and. leaving his young wife and four children, he offered his services and enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Regiment, under Captain 494 WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. Trusedale, being mustered into service at Indianapolis, in August, 1862. He served three years and was mustered out in July, J 865. Tlie regiment left for the South soon after its organization and was soon in active service, the first engagement being at the battle of Perryville, Iventucky. He also participated in battles at Hartsville, Milton, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge. Graysville, Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, Cassville, Auk- worth, Picket Mills. New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Culp's Farm, Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain, Marietta, Kenesaw Mountain, Sm}Tna, Peach Tree Cfeek. Chattahoochee River, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Utoy Creek and Jonesboro. He was in Sherman's march to the sea, at Savannah, Ebenezer Church, Barnwell Court House, through the Caro- linas, Fayetteville, Averysboro, Bentonville and Smithfield. During his service Mr. Ehret was confined in the hospital two nights and a day, besides being obliged to spend a short time in the convalescent camp. He had many narrow escapes, and for his services receives a pension of twelve dollars per month. After an absence of three years from his family he returned home and re- sumed life on the farm, where he has con- tinued to reside. He has become a farmer and stock raiser of some note. He is a lover of fine stock and in his county is an authority on good horses, having bred several fine ani- mals which took premiums at the county fairs held in Wells and adjoining counties. In politics he has always voted with the Democratic party and in his younger days was an active and ardent worker in his party. As a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public he is popular with his comrades in the William Swaim Post at Ossian, In- diana. Mr. and Mrs. Ehret are highly respected in Jefferson township, where they ha\^e spent all their married life. They are the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are liv- ing. They are good neighbors, excellent citizens and are held in high esteem by all who know them. They are Presbyterians in faith, Ijeing members of the church at Elhanan, and are much respected by their associates. Mr. Ehret is a whole-souled, genial man and is so known far and wide in Wells county, while his wife also has the love and respect of all. MARTIN HECKLEY. The present solid prosperity enjoyed in this country may be attributed largely to her pioneers. In the days of her maid- enhood, when the only welcome tendered a stranger was a wilderness, those who settled here had little to encourage them and much to discourage them in their enormous undertaking. But the sturdy settlers came not only with the determi- nation to succeed, but to succeed honest- ly, and worked persistently until, late in life, they became jirosperous and honor- able citizens of their locality. Martin Heckley, who is one of Jeffer- son township's prominent and prosperous farmers, was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, September 15, 1836. He was the son of Martin and Mary (Beck) Heckley, po'or but respected German citizens. As a boy he attended the schools of Germany and, while his education was not polished. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 495 yet it was sufficient to enable him to make his way in the world without much diffi- culty. When he was seventeen years old he was apprenticed as a ropemaker, at which trade he worked until he came to America, in 1855, at the age of nineteen. He came directly to Jefferson town- ship and for some time made his home with his uncle, Mathias Beck. At the time of his arrival in Wells county he was indebted to his uncle to the amount of seventy dollars, which had been sent him for the purpose of defraying the expense of his passage to America, and being of an energetic disposition he immediately went to work to repay this money. He worked fourteen months for his uncle in order to discharge his indebtedness and when freed from this load hired himself out to a farmer for a period of five years, receiving one hundred and twenty-five dollars per year as a remuneration. Dur- ing that time he managed to save five hundred and twenty-five dollars and, after sending twenty-five dollars to his people in Germany, he bought eighty acres of woodland, his present homestead, which he proceeded at once to clear and im- prove. In 1861 Mr. Heckley was united in marriage with Miss Eliza ^loyer and took her immediately to the new home in the woods. This house was later remodeled and is the present home of the family. He is now the possessor of three hundred and sixty-five acres of as fine land as the county affords, it being divided into six farms estimated to be worth about twenty thousand dol- lars. In March, 1889, his first wife di^d and he was again married, September 16, 189 1, to Mrs. Eugenia McDowell, who was born in Bluffton, Indiana, in April, 1858. His first wife bore him seven chil- dren; Malinda, wife of Dan Miller; Mary, wife of Jacob Shoe; John married Clara Kleineigh ; Sam, the husband of Zoe Judd ; Rosa, wife of Charles Isnogle; Martin, Jr., married to Agnes Hunt; and Frank, whose wife was Catherine Judd. Mr. and Mrs. Heckley are both highly respected church members, he being a member of the Presbyterian faith, while the wife is enrolled with the United Brethren. They are active and enthusi- astic church workers and are depended upon by their fellow workers in all church affairs. Mrs. Heckley is also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, in which in- stitution she is quite prominent. Mr. Heckley has all his life voted the Demo- cratic ticket. The Heckleys are well re- spected citizens of Wells county, where they have a host of acquaintances, and their influence, which has been felt by friends and strangers alike, can be said to be uplifting. Mr. Heckley's home is pleasantly sit- uated four and one-half miles east of Os- sian and its doors are ever open in genial hospitality to rich and poor alike, Mr. Heckley ne\"er forgetting the days of his own struggles and privations when the kind words and welcome of others were highly appreciated. WTLLIAM F. KLEIXKXIGHT. Of German descent. William F. Klein- knight was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, February 2S. 1830, hut is now one of the 496 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. prominent farmers of Jefferson township. Wells county. Indiana. His parents were John M. and Anna (Isenhart) Kleinknight, the former of whom, a native of Wurtem- berg. Germany, was born October 24, 1794, and the latter, a native of the same country, was born in 1788. These parents were mar- ried in Pennsylvania and were in but indiffer- ent circumstances as far as the goods of this world were concerned", although there existed a legendary rumor in an early day that one or both had been left a small legacy. John M. Kleinknight received an excellent education in his native land. He was reared to the blacksmith's trade, was a man of prudence and from his savings paid his passage to the United States about the year 1819, but on the \\a.y over, a fellow passenger, a young lady, Miss Anna Isenhart, was taken sick, and in her fate Mr. Kleinknight became greatly interested. His attentions to this young lady created a warm friendship between the two which culminated in a still warmer feeling, of the nature of which the reader will readily surmise. On the arrival of their gallant bark at Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Kleinknight found employment at his trade and Miss Isenhart secured a position as a domestic in one of the German families of the Monu- mental city and for some time the young lovers became separated, but were finally re- stored to each other and about 182 1 were united in marriage. For a few years the young couple continued to reside in Balti- more and then changed from place to place until Mr. Kleinknight purchased a small piece of land in IMiddletown, a hamlet lying between Gallon and Crestline, Ohio, where he built a shop and followed his trade until 1849, i" the spring of which year, in com- pany with Michael Kunkel, of whom further mention will be made, he came to Wells county, Indiana, and entered a tract of land in section 31, Jefferson township, one-half mile north of Tocsin. These gentlemen then returned to Crawford county, Ohio, where they liquidated their debts, disposed of their various interests and came back to the wilds of Jefferson township, Wells county, In- diana. On reaching Wells county, Mr. Klein- knight had a capital of about two hundred and seventy-five dollars in cash, realized from his earnings when he lived in Ohio, and from this amount he invested one hundred and twenty in land in Jefferson township. In the fall of 1849 he loaded up his household goods in two covered wagons, of which one team belonged to himself and the other was hired. To the east of the point of destina- tion was a large swamp, but, nothing dis- couraged, the party made a long detour to the south and in a roundabout way eventu- ally reached the new home. As no prepara- tion had been made here for their shelter, they were hospitably welcomed to the neigh- borhood by David Myers, who opened the door of his one-roomed cabin and entertained them until they could prepare a patch of land on which to erect a cabin, a task that re- quired about two weeks time. The usual frontier experiences were gone through and on this farm his wife died in 1859, his own death occurring at the home of his son-in- law, :\Iichael Kunkel, in the fall of 1867. The family born to John M. and Anna Kleinknight comprised the following named children: Jacob and Peter (twins), born January 20, 1822, and both now deceased; John, born January 22, 1825, deceased; Mary A., born December 31, 1827, was mar- ried first to Michael Kunkel and after his WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 497 death became the wife of Eph. High, of Bluffton : Wilham F., whose name opens this biographical record; Lydia J., born April 6, 1832. and now the wife of Charles S. High, of Bluffton. In 1854 Mr. Kleinknight turned over the management of his farm to his son, William F., with the understanding that the latter was to pay fifty dollars to each of the other heirs and retain the property. \\niile still a resident of Baltimore, Mr. Kleinknight had joined the LTnited Brethren church and soon after his arrival in Wells county, Indiana, organized Salem class, a societ}' which is still in existence, as the Tocsin church. Of this class the following persons constituted the members : John M. Kleinknight and wife, J. C. Johnson and wife, David Gilliland and wife, Nancy Miller, Christopher Graham and wife. Mr. Klein- knight was the first class leader and offici- ated in some capacity in the church until the day of his death, revered and beloved by all' William F. Kleinknight had assisted his father in the shop in Ohio until nineteen \-ears old, when the two came to Wells coun- ty, Indiana, and here he attended school and thus acquired a fair education. On reaching Wells county he continued to assist his father for about two years in clearing up the farm and in cultivating it, and was then united in marriage, at the age of twenty-two years, with Miss Nancy Amrette Richey, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, October 25, 1833, and in 1836 came to Wells county, In- diana, with her parents, who settled in Lan- caster township, near Murray. Here the little girl had but few opportunities to at- tend school, but she was blessed with a reten- tive memory, was a constant reader and be- came well versed in biblical knowledge and current history. This marriage has been crowned with children as follows : John M., who was born December 20, 1854, and died January i, 1875; Ivan O., born January 6, 1858, married Serena Smith, and is one of the leading farmers of Lancaster township; Albert C, born November 11, 1859, died June 17, 1881 ; Norville J., born January 17, 1863, was educated in the district schools and in the Ossian graded schools and at the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valpa- raiso, was a teacher of high repute in Wells county for many years and is now a well- to-do farmer in Lancaster township, and married to Sade W^asson; William M. mar- ried Minnie Sowards and is a prosperous farmer in Jefferson township; Lydia A., born in November, 1867, is the wife of Mil- ton Reed, and Anna, who wa-s born Septem- ber 14, 1873, is the wife of Henry Schoch. W. F. Kleinknight has been a member of the Tocsin United Brethren church since 1870, but his wife joined as far back as 1854. Both are ardent and untiring in church work and are well known throughout Jefferson township for their piety and excellent per- sonal qualities. The Kleinknight home- stead now contains sixty-seven and one-half acres, and it is all cleared, well tiled and well impro\-ed with substantial buildings and makes one of the desirable homes of the township. Mr. Kleinknight is a Republican, though formerly a Democrat; however, his greater activity in political work was in ear- lier life. URIAH IMAST. One of the leading farmers and an ex- business man of Rock Creek township. 498 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Wells county, Indiana, is Uriah Mast, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, February 26, 1847, and is a son of Abra- ham and Elizabeth (Albert) Mast, the former of whom was a native of Pennsyl- vania, born in Lebanon county, and who, when about twenty-three years old. mi- grated to Ohio and located in Montgom- ery county, where he renewed his friend- shi]) for the Albert family, with whom he had been acquainted before leaving Penn- sylvania, and, although a poor young man at that time, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth. About 1853 Abraham Mast brought his family to Wells county, Indiana. He had previously been to \\'ells county and purchased a tract of land in Rock Creek township, in section 22, but did not then settle on this land. He first moved in with his mother- in-law, Mrs. Albert, who resided in Rock Creek township, on section 14, and at first rented her farm, which he afterwards purchased and on which he resided until moving to Blufifton. where his death took place in June, 1891, his wife having passed to the other world three weeks previous. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mast com- prised eight children, named as follows: David, who is now a resident of Iowa ; Uriah, whose name opens this biographi- cal record; Amanda, deceased; Ehza, widow of John Eichhorn; Laura, unmar- ried; Lucinda, wife of Edward Souers, of Bluffton ; Jennie, wife of Abe Simmons, of BlufTton, and Ida, wife of Benjamin Ash- baucher. Uriah Mast was a child of about six years of age when he came with his par- ents to Wells county, Indiana, and here, at the proper age, he was placed in the district school, which he attended during the winter seasons until twenty-one years old. but in the summer seasons dutifully assisted in caring for the home farm, and for a year after attaining his majority he worked for his father on the same con- ditions as would a hired hand, after which he went to Illinois and remained some time. On his return to Wells county, In- diana, he rented the home farm, which he conducted for a couple of years. In 1874 Uriah Mast was united in mar- riage with Miss Maggie Eichhorn, a daughter of Philip and Margaret (Host- ler) Eichhorn. She was born in Ohio and when about eleven years old was brought to Wells county, Indiana. She did not, however, long sur\'ive the ceremony which made her a wife and within one year there- after was called to rest. The second mar- riage of Mr. Mast took place November 4. 1878, to Mrs. Lucetta Brehm, widow of John Brehm, but who had borne the maid- en name of Cassel. No children, however, were born to either of these two mar- riages. Mr. and Mrs. Mast are devoted members of the Reform church at St. Paul, in which Mr. Mast had officiated as elder and deacon for many years. In poli- tics Mr. Mast is a Democrat in principle, but has never been particularly active in the afifairs of his party. Fraternally he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men at Bluffton. The doctrine or theory that agricul- ture is the veritable source of wealth has been exemplified in the experience of Mr. Mast. Abaut the year 1887, he left his farm and went to Bluffton, and for eigh- teen months was identified with the Studabaker, Sale & Company warehouse, WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 499 then also for eighteen months was with Jacob Brown. Next, he rented the H. Frieze feed barn for five years; but al- though he did a fairly paying business, he was not as well satisfied as when farming, and so returned to his home place in Rock Creek township, where he is now one of the leading farmers and most respected citizens. LEVI SCH\\^\RTZ. The Schwartz family of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, is of German extraction and its most promi- nent representative in this county is Levi Schwartz, one of the well-to-do farmers of Rock Creek township. The grandfather of Levi Schwartz was the founder of the family in America, being one of the early settlers in Pennsylvania. Levi Schwartz, son of Michael and Mollie (Houtz) Schwartz, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1846. Michael, the father, was reared on a farm and was educated in the German schools of the Keystone state, where he lived until 1850, when he came to Indiana and first located in Shelby county, remained there until the spring of 1852 and then came to Rock Creek township, Wells county, pur- chased eighty acres of what is now the Eichhorn farm, which was deep in the for- est, and there passed the remainder of his life, dying in i860. To him and wife were born two sons and three daughters, of whom the following named still survive : Levi, whose name opens this biographical record ; Eli ; Caroline, wife of William Rarhar. and Elmira, wife of Samuel Crum. When a lad of about six years of age, Levi Schwartz was brought to Rock Creek township. Wells county, Indiana, by his parents and there attended at the log school house for three terms, acquir- ing a very good education for pioneer days, and also assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farm. About one year after the death of his father Levi began to work out by the day on a farm in his neighborhood and continued to follow this class of labor until he had attained his twenty-first year, when, in 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Farling, a daughter of Jacob Farling, this marriage resulting in the birth of eleven children : Ida, deceased ; Jacob ; Thomas ; Ann, wife of Elmer Price; John, deceased; Edward, Effie, Margaret and four that died in infancy, unnamed. At the time of his marriage Mr. Schwartz had but seventy-five dollars, but he was industrious and frugal, continued to work out as a farm hand and is now the owner of a good farm of fifty-five acres on which he lives, and also owns a business room at Murray, and a saw-mill at Murray, which he ran for one year. He likewise owns one of the best stone quarries in his part of the country, all of which property he has secured entirely through his per- sonal exertions. In fact, Mr. Schwartz is a natural born mechanic, has erected sev- eral substantial buildings, and is able to turn his hand to anything requiring skill and ingenuity in its construction. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the Lutheran church, in the faith of which his wife, who was also a devoted member, was called away October 28, 1902. Frater- nallv 'Sir. Schwartz is a member of Red 500 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Men's Lodge No. 82. at Bluffton. In politics Mr. Schwartz is one of the sub- stantial Democrats of Rock Creek town- ship, and although he is a faithful worker in the interests of his party and a strong advocate of its principles, he has never sought a favor at its hand, as he has al- ways found himself too busy with his own affairs to devote his time to the precarious pursuit of ofSce. The active life led by Mr. Schwartz is but another instance of the success that ever attends industry, economy and the skillful application of means to secure an end, coupled with strict integrity. These virtues are possessed in an eminent de- gree by 'Sir. Schwartz, and the high standing he now occupies in the com- munity in which he has passed so many years of his busy life is but a just recog- nition of his personal worth. L. E. DEAM. Agriculture has been an honored voca- tion from the earliest ages, and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane im- pulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free outdoor life of the farm has a decided ten- dency to foster and develop that indepen- dence of mind and self-reliance which char- acterize true manhood and no greater bless- ing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, life-in- spiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of our nation's great warriors, wise statesmen, renowned scholars and distin- guished men of letters were born on the farm and are indebted to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained. Among the enterprising, influential and well-known agriculturists of Wells county, Indiana, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this brief review. The subject's grandfather, John A. Deam. was one of the early settlers in Wells county, having come here from Montgomery county, Ohio, in February, 1839. Upon ar- riving here he at once entered a tract of land bordering on the Wabash river, about one- half mile east of Blufifton. This tract con- sisted of over thirteen hundred acres of land and on this place he later erected a large and comfortable brick house which is still stand- ing. In connection with farming, he was also extensively engaged in stock raising, and found both branches of industry very profitable. He was a public-spirited man, was at the head of many enterprises of a pub- lic nature and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was twice married, and by his first wife had three children and by his second five. The lady to whom he was last married was in her maidenhood Catherine Booher, and of the children born to this union with her, John H., the youngest, was the father of the subject. John H. was reared upon the home farm and in his youth was given the advantages of a good common school education. Upon attaining his maturity he was united in mar- riage with Martha Welcheimer, a union which was blessed by the birth of two sons. The eldest, Charles C, was born August 30, 1865, and attended the common schools of his neighborhood, after which he graduated from the Bluffton high school in the class of WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 501 1884. Entering DePauw University, he took a thorough course in pharmacy and is now one of the leading druggists of Bluff- ton. He was granted a license to teach and taught two terms of school in this county. He was united in marriage with Miss Stella IMullen, of Valley Mills, Indiana. Lewis E. Deam, the immediate subject, was born June 20, 1867, and spent his boy- hood days upon the paternal homestead. He attended the common schools and the graded schools at Bluffton, and upon the completion of his education chose farming as his life occupation. That this was a wise choice is evidenced by the pronounced suc- cess which has accompanied his sulDsequent operations. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods and has kept his property up to the highest standard of excellence, having now one of the best and most highly im- proved farms in Harrison township. In August, 1892, Mr. Deam was married to Miss Clara A. Sawyer, the daughter of John A. Sawyer, a farmer and stone-mason. She is a native of the township in which she now resides, her birth dating from July 27, 1873, and she received the advantages of a good common school education. Their mar- riage has been blessed with one daughter, Leota L., born December 28, 1896. Mr. Deam and his wife belong to the Six Mile Christian church and are useful and influen- tial members of the organization. In polit- ical matters the subject is affiliated with the Democratic party and takes an intelligent interest in the trend of public events, though never taking an active part in the campaign work of his party. Mr. Deam has met with flattering success as a farmer and raiser of live stock. In his business relations he keeps in accord with the ethics of life, and the correctness of his moti\es has never been questioned by those with whom he has had any dealing. Person- ally he stands high among his neighbors and fellow citizens and no one has more warm friends or fewer enemies than has he. Emi- nently warm hearted and generous, he dis- charges alll his duties with fidelity and zeal, and to the best of his ability lives up to his highest conception of what constitutes true manhood. D. \V. ABBOTT. In these days of strenuous exertion one often hears the ministry spoken of as "a lazy man's job." While there is a vast difference of opinion on this subject at the present time, there was, in the history of Indiana, a time when the ministry requir- ed, if not much learning, certainly more in the way of health, physical endurance and strength of purpose, body and mind than any of the learned professions. Ref- erence is made to the time when the "circuit rider" was the popular preacher in Indiana. Rugged in nature and often un- couth in manner, he it was who ad- ministered consolation to the sick and hope to the dying. His circuit comprised a number of local congregations, each separated many miles from the others, the distance being generally covered by the minister on the back of a horse rarely noted for the smoothness of his gait. The circuit had to be ridden in all kinds of weather, so that the bodily soundness of the minister was a necessary accompani- ment to the soundness of his doctrine. One of these earlv ministers was Daniel 502 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. William Abbott, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Shelby county, Ohio, Sep- tember 19. 1841. the son of William H. Abbott, who was born in the Lehigh valley, Pennsylvania, January 18, 18 18. His mother was Susannah Woodring, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. William H. Abbott was a man of remarkable abil- ity. Even before he had attained his ma- jority he was elected supervisor of Dins- more township, Shelby county, and dis- charged the duties of the office very satis- factorily to his constituents. He was a man whose advantages for education had been limited, but he was sagacious, intel- ligent, observant, and by home study he so improved his mind that many of those with far better advantages were by no means his equal either in learning or abil- ity. He was only seven years of age when the family moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and located in Dinsmore township, on a piece of government land. Very soon after the organization of the Republican party William H. Abbott became a warm advocate of the principles of that party and he never afterward wavered in the faith. The violation of the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska trouble deter- mined him in his choice. He and his wife were both members of the German Re- form church of Dinsmore township and among the most regular attendants there- of. Their home was about eight miles from the church, with the roads of those early days scarcely ever in an inviting con- dition, yet they rarely missed a service though frequently it took them all day to make the trip and return home. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was also named W'illiam Abbott. At his home in Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Lehigh river, he was one of the pioneer tavern-keepers of the latter part of the eighteenth century. He was a man of wide acquaintance and unbounded hos- pitality. He had faith in God and the promise that he would provide. Truly, therefore, did he lend to the Lord by un- grudgingly giving to the poor. The chil- dren of William H. and Susannah (Wood- ring) Abbott were six in number, four girls and two boys. Catherine is the widow of the late Robert Botkin, of Ada, Ohio; Sarah is the wife of Rev. David Morgan, of Macy, Indiana; Daniel W. is the subject of this sketch; Eli is a teacher and farmer of Maplewood, Ohio; Mary Jane, deceased wife of Robert Turner; Margaret, wife of Demus Swim, of Bot- kin, Ohio. All those living are prosperous and well-to-do people of standing and worth in the respective communities where they reside. The early years of Daniel W. Abbott were spent on the farm. He received the benefits of a common school education, ap- plying himself assiduously to his studies with a view to qualifying himself for a teacher. He applied for and received a certificate to teach, but the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion greatly altered his plans. He was destined to carry a musket instead of wielding a birch and the prospective teacher was evolved into the soldier. August 13, 1862, at Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, he enlisted as a pri- vate in Company H, Ninety-ninth Ohio A'olunteers, and continued in the service under Capt. Wyman, until discharged for disability. Returning to his home in Ohio about the time the draft was in progress. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 503 he was declared subject to it and although desiring the privilege of re-enlisting, it was denied him for some cause. He was enrolled in Company K. Twenty-ninth Ohio Regiment, and served until the close of the war. December 31, 1863, Daniel W. Abbott was united in marriage to Jane Lambert, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Lam- bert, of Shelby county. Ohio. On the re- turn of Mr. Abbott from the war, at the close of hostilities, he turned his attention to farming, w^hich he continued success- fully and with profit until 1872. when he entered the ministry of the United Breth- ren church, where he was granted a quar- terly conference license to preach. In 1872 he was appointed by Rev. William Bay, to fill a vacancy that occurred on the Pleas- ant circuit and in 1873, upon the recom- mendation of Rev. William Bay, presiding elder of the West district, and Rev. J. L. Luttrel. presiding elder of the East dis- trict, where Mr. Abbott held his member- ship, he was received into the annual con- ference and was given his first charge, the ^\'abash circuit in Jay county, Indiana. Five years after his entrance into ministry he completed his studies and was regularly ordained as an elder in the church. For the next seventeen years he was almost continuously engaged in the work of the gospel. December 15, 1900, on account of failing health, he was obliged to retire from the work. During active service in the ministry he had charge of various cir- cuits both in Indiana and Ohio and in every instance his ministry was blessed by the accomplishment of much good. In most instances when a change was made his people were very reluctant to part from him and on manv occasions he was dele- gated to hold quarterly conference for the presiding elder. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott are the parents of eight children, six' sons and two daugh- ters : Alfred Sherman resides in Craig- ville; Elmer lives in Lancaster township; Emma Ellen is the wife of Charles Warth- man, of Lancaster township ; Rosa Arretta is the wife of Amos Hetrick, Jr., and also resides in Lancaster township ; Nelson Wallace; Arthur Newton, of Bluffton; J\Ierritt Calvin, of Craigville, and Edgar Clark, still living at home. About 1890 Mr. Abbott engaged in the mercantile business in Craigville, though he continu- ed his chosen calling, allowing his sons to look after the store. His popularity and fair dealing soon established for him good trade and he continued in the mercantile business, being fairly prosperous, until two years ago, when he sold the store and turned the business over to his son, Alfred S. Abbott. In every undertaking of his life Mr. Abbott has been quite successful. He is the owner of several acres of land in ^^'ells county, is possessed of an elegant home in Craigville and a number of profit- able investments add materially to his yearly income. In politics he is a Republi- can and, although liberal and conservative in his views, is, nevertheless, very firm in his convictions. He likes to do good for the sake of that which is good, is kind and gentle in disposition, and charitable al- most to a fault. He loves his home and family, his friends and neighbors, and is never happier than when he is benefitting others, even at an outlay of time, trouble or money to himself. There is no kinder father, more loving husband or better citi- zen than Rev. Daniel W. Abbott, the name of whose friends is legion. 504 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. SIMON B. BICKEL. Among the well known citizens of Harri- son township, Wells county, Indiana, is Simon B. Bickel, who was born in Darke count}-, Ohio, June ly. 1848, and is a son of John and Margaret (Moyer) Bickel, the for- mer a native of Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania, and the latter of Butler count}^, Ohio. John Bickel was reared to farming in his na- ti\e county, receiving the education usually imparted to farmer's lads. From Pennsyl- vania he removed to Butler county, Ohio, with his parents, and was there married to Miss Moyer. He later moved to Darke county, Ohio, where he purchased a tract of five hundred acres of land and for some years was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but later in life conducted a hotel at Hill Grove, Ohio, where his wife passed away, at the age of seventy-five years, and w'here his own death occurred when he had reached the good old age of eighty-eight. Mr. Bickel was a member of the Masonic fraternity and his earthly possessions were quite extensive, he being considered one of the wealthiest men in his part of Ohio. To John Bickel and wife was born a family of eight boys and four girls, viz : Lewis, deceased, John W., Su- san, deceased, Henry, Mary Catherine, Simon B. and Alexander (twins), Franklin, William, Minur\-a J., deceased, and Harri- son. Simon B. Bickel was reared to farming on the family homestead, receiving in the meantime a district school education. On February 23, 1871, he married, in Darke county, Ohio, Miss Sarah J. Dougherty, the accomplished daughter of William and Mar- garet (Studabaker) Dougherty, and sister of Hugh Dougherty, president of the Studa- baker Bank. In :\L'irch, 1875, :^Ir. Bickel brought his young famil)- from Ohio to Wells county, Indiana, and here agriculture and stock raising have since occupied his attention, in both of which he has met with abundant success in the townships of Lan- caster and Harrison. The children born to Simon B. and Sarah J. (Dougherty) Bickel are numbered four, Hugh D., Margaret E., deceased, Bessie E. and Gertrude E. Of these, Hugh married Carrie Swasher ; Bessie is the wife of Charles Porter, and Gertrude is still single; she was graduated from the BlufTton high school and also from the Huntington Business College, of Huntington, Indiana. Mr. Bickel is a member of the Ancient Order of United W'orkmen, in which he holds an insurance policy on his life for two thousand dollars, believing in the wisdom of making ample provisions for his family at a minimum cost. Mr. and iMrs. Bickel are de- voted members of Six Mile Christian church, to the maintenance of which they are liberal contributors and in the promulgation of whose doctrines they feel an earnest interest. In 1902 Mr. Bickel represented his congre- gation as a delegate to the Eel River con- ference at Goshen, and is at all times ready to devote his time and means to the promo- tion of the welfare of the Six Mile church in particular, as well as that of the church in general. The political creed of Mr. Bickel is to be found in the platform of the Demo- cratic party, and he is as active and as en- ergetic in caring for and promoting its in- terests as he is in advancing to a prosper- ous consummation every thing he under- takes. Mr. Bickel's farm is situated in sec- tions 2 and II, Harrison township. Wells WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 505 count}-, and on this place are several sand and gravel pits, from which has been dug the material necessary for the use of the city of Blufifton for the past twenty years, and since he settled here, in 1892, he has sold the product of his pits to the amount of sixteen thousand dollars. Mr. Bickel cannot and does not complain of the man- ner in which Dame Fortune has treated him since he has been a resident of Wells county, but he must be awarded the credit of having to a great extent been the directing genius which pointed out to the gentle goddess the course she should take in seeking the road to ultimate success. JOHN A. AIILLER. The man who was in the business of raising stock at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion was in a position to realize handsomely upon his possessions. An immense army had to be raised, equip- ped and supplied. Beef, pork and mutton were in such demand that the animals out of \\hich to convert the meat at once enhanced greatly in value. Horses and mules, too, were necessary and their value appreciated with a rapidity that furnished a most agreeable surprise to the owners. The "father of John A. Miller, the subject of this sketch, was at that time an exten- sive farmer and a large stock raiser. He was already wealthy when the war broke out, but the advancement of prices then added greatly to his possessions. John A. Miller was born in Darke county, Ohio, August 15, 1836. the son of Daniel and Elenore (Graves) Miller. His father was an Ohioian by birth, but his grandfather was a native of Germany. Daniel Miller was only a boy when his par- ents moved to Darke county, Ohio, taking the lad with them. There he grew to man- hood, married, and was preparing to en- joy domestic life when his wife died, leav- ing him childless. Miss Elenore Graves was his second wife. The famih- moved from Darke county to Adams county and in about 1838 moved to Wells county. In- diana, entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, built a home and proceeded to carve a farm out of the trackless wilderness. To this farm piece after piece was added until it became a tract of eight hundred acres. Seven children were born to Daniel and Elenore Miller, of whom John A. was the oldest. He was only two years old when his par- ents mo\"ed to \\'ells county, and has since made this county his home. His father died in 1864, a rich man, his estate being valued at more than thirty thousand dol- lars. He was shot In- a horse thief while trying to arrest the latter, and died about six hours later from the effects of the wound. The education of John A. Miller was received in the district school of Wells county. He attended regularly when there was school during the winter months, was studious and attentive and profited by the instruction received. \Mien not in school he worked on the farm for his father until he was twenty-two years old. when he be- gan dealing in stock on his own account. To this branch of business he took very kindly, learned early to form a correct es- timate of an animal or number of animals and was always prepared to accept or re- fuse any proposition that might be made by a prospecti\"e seller, without bringing 5o6 WELLS COUNTY. INDIANA. to his assistance the use of scales. While yet a young man, he was one of the lead- ing stock buyers and shippers of Bluffton, and it is needless to say that under those circumstances he accumulated money rap- idly. In 1867 Mr. Miller was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah Martin, daughter of Josephus Martin, a native of Adams coun- ty, Indiana. To this union were born eight sons, six of whom are living. They are Frank, Robert, John, Josephus, Rufus and Harry. All of the boys have received good liberal educations, though Robert and Harry have taken especially to books and learning, attending school in IndianapoHs. At the time of his marriage Mr. Miller was possessed of but little property. He bought a quarter section of land and kept adding to it until he is now the owner of a farm of four hundred acres, estimated to be worth twenty-one thousand dollars, his entire estate 'footing up more than twenty-three thousand dollars. Personally Mr. Miller is an honest, candid man. What he has to say is always said with the most commendable frank- ness, pretences and subterfuges being to him most odious. He makes money eas- ily and rapidly and is liberal and generous with it. His home is one of the most hospit- able places in the county, and no man ever leaves his threshold hungry or in want. He is a member of Lodge No. 114, I. O. O. F., at BlufYton: In politics he has always been an unswerving Republican, but in local affairs he always recognizes the man above the party. Throughout the county his acquaintance is quite extensive, his honesty, candor and fairness in all his dealings having established for him a pop- ularity throughout the county that few possess. He is a model man in every re- lation of life, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. JOHN R. DITZLER. The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are instructive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what it is in the power of each to accom- plish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life ; apparently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances awaken- ed their dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate suc- cess. The instances of success in the face of ad\erse fate would seem almost to justi- fy the conclusion that self-reliance, with a half chance, can accomplish any reason- able object. The gentleman whose life history is herewith outlined is a man who has lived to good purpose and achieved a much greater degree of success than falls to the lot of the average individual. By a straightforward and commendable course he has made his way to a respect- able position in the world, winning the hearty admiration of the people of his county and earning a reputation as an en- terprising, progressive man of afifairs which the public has not been slow to rec- ognize and appreciate. John R. Ditzler, the present superin- tendent of the Wells county infirmary, was born in Galion, Crawford county, Ohio, October 9, 1853, and is the son of WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 507 George and Elizabeth (Saurbaugh) Ditz- ler. The Ditzler family is from Reading, Pennsylvania, and there George Ditzler was reared. Upon attaining maturity he learned the trade of a carpenter and also carried on farming. He was married in Ins native state and afterward moved to Crawford county, Ohio. He had run a grist-mill in Pennsylvania, but upon his removal to Ohio he sold the mill and at Gallon he was engaged in farming and also worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1863 he emigrated to Rock Creek township, W'ells county, Indiana, bought a farm and made that his home during the remainder of his life, dying May 6, 1892. He was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land and on this he made most of the im- provements and achieved an enviable rep- utation as a progressive and successful agriculturist. He was the father of the fol- lowing children : George married Lillie Teeple and now resides near Markle. Indi- ana ; Frank married Lula Sechler, daughter of Benjamin Sechler ; Susana is a resident of this county, and the wife of Henry Biggans ; Mary, now Mrs. Samuel Schoch ; Sarah is the wife of Jacob Alshouse; Belinda is the wife of Lemuel Lyons; Elizabeth is the wife of John Haiflich, and Alice is the wife of John Taylor. John R. Ditzler was reared upon the home farm and was early inured to the toil and incessant labor incident to the life of the average farmer. He was given the advantage of such educational facilities as were afforded in the common schools of the neighborhood. Upon attaining his maturity he was married and at once com- menced to farm for himself, which occu- pation he followed until his appointment as superintendent of the New Lancaster and Markle gravel road, a position which he very satisfactorily filled for twelve years. At that time the state law was changed so that the county was divided into three districts and in the spring of 1895 he was appointed to the oversight of one district, filling this position for about eighteen months. His performance of the duties of these positions was eminently satisfactory and reflected great credit upon him. So strongly did he intrench himself in the confidence of the people that, in 1898. he was appointed by the county commissioners to the responsible position of superintendent of the Wells county infirmary, being chosen over thir- ty-five other applicants for the position. So wise and discriminating has been his management of the institution that he has been successively reappointed to succeed himself and is still occupying the position. He is good natured, kind hearted and sympathetic and accomplished much to- wards the alleviation of the condition of the inmates of the institution over which he presides, and by his sound judgment, wise discrimination and careful economy has kept the expense account down to the minimum, at the same time taking proper care that the inmates are properly pro- vided for in all their requirements. John R. Ditzler was united in marriage September 14, 1873. with Miss Malinda Brickley, daughter of Alfred Brickley. ex- trustee of Rock Creek township. This union lias been a most happy and congen- ial one and has been blessed by the birth of the following children : Etta is the wife of John A. Miller; John C. married Miss Mary Hawkins and resides in Rock Creek WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. township, this county; Nora and Pearl are unmarried and still have their home under the paternal roof. Besides these children Mr. and Mrs. Ditzler are rearing an or- phan child, Inez Guardhnour, and are giv- ing to her the same loving care and atten- tion the}' gave to their own children. Politically Mr. Ditzler has always affil- iated with the Democratic party and has lieen an acti\e and influential worker in the interest of the party. Religiously he and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran church, of which he has served as elder. Mr. Ditzler"s char- acter is endowed with many noble quali- ties that contribute so much to his em- inenc usefulness and the esteem in which h(j is held by the citizens of ^\"ells county. His kindliness of heart, his unvaried cheer- ful disposition, his wisdom as a counsel- lor and advisor among his neighbors and friends and his modest, unassuming man- ner in every relation of life are among the most distinguished characteristics which have attracted to him the many warm friends whom he prizes so highly and whose warm personal regard he will al- wavs retain. C. L. BLUE, M. D. In the present essentially utilitarian age the life of ever)- successful man is a lesson which, told in contemporary narra- tive, is productive of great good in shap- ing the destiny of others. There is, there- fore, a sense of satisfaction and impor- tance in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such men, and in preparing the following history of the scholarly young physician of whom this sketch is written, it is with the hope that it may not only prove interesting and in- structive, but that it may also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate mak- ing the profession of medicine their life work. Dr. C. L. Blue, the rising young physi- cian of Tocsin. Wells county, Indiana, is the son of the H(in. M. C. Blue, of Lancas- ter townshi]). He was born in JefYerson township. Wells oiunty. December i6. 1868, and received his early training on his father's farm and in the district schools. Later he attended the Ossian graded schools and also took a three-years course in the Ossian high school. Before com- pleting his high school course he entered the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he took the course assigned to teach- ers, and also graduated from the busi- ness department of that institution Feb- ruary 24, 1891. He then returned to his father's home and after teaching two terms entered the School of Pharmacy at Chicago, graduating with the class of 1895. He then entered the Fort Wayne Medical College and after three years' study in that institution graduated with the degree of I\I. D. in the spring of 1898. in the same class with Dr. Fred Metts, of Ossian. Indiana. Immediately after completing his medical education Dr. Blue located in Tocsin, Indiana, where he succeeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice. His knowledge of med- icine not being satisfactory to himself, he went to Chicago in 1901 and took a post- graduate course in the Chicago Clinical WELLS COUNTY. INDL\NA. 509 School. The Doctor is a close student of his profession and spares no pains to keep in touch with the latest theories advanced in medical science. His reading is exten- sive and his knowledge of his profession is thorough. He is a member of the Wells County and Indiana State Medical Societies and the American Medical As- sociation, and Fort Wayne Academy of Medicine. He has been vested with the privileges of notary public and also holds the office of deputy health ofificer of Wells county. He has always given his support to the Democratic party, but owing to his duties as a physician has never taken a very active part in the political affairs of his community. Dr. Blue is a Mason and a man of many friendships, and stands well in the community in which he has labored since the completion of his education. He is well versed in his profession and makes an excellent citizen of Wells county as well as Jefferson township. JEREMIAH ROE. One of the most experienced and re- spected farmers of Union township, Wells county, Indiana, is Jeremiah Roe, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, April 4, 1828, and is a son of Ezekial and Elizabeth ( Fonk) Roe. Jeremiah Roe was a child of but three years when he was brought by his parents from Ohio to Indiana. Ezekial Roe entered land in Randolph county and settled down to farming. On the land thus entered young Jeremiah was reared to manhood, in the meantime attending school during the winter months and assisting in the work on the farm until he was twenty-three years old. At the early age of eighteen, however, he began to trade and made some money. At twenty he borrowed twenty dollars, and entered eighty acres of land, but con- tinued to work for his father until the sum- mer of 1850, when he came to Wells county and began clearing the timber from his property, and in winter returning to Randolph county. This practice he followed several years and kept on adding to his holdings until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres. Jeremiah Roe was joined in marriage with Aliss Mary Garnand, who was born near Reiffsburg, Indiana, in 1841, and is a daughter of Pet^.r and Elizabeth (Peter- man) Garnand, natives of Virginia, bnt who were reared in Ohio, whence they came to Wells county, Indiana, and set- tled in Nottingham township. Jeremiah Roe and his wife settled on the old farm at marriage, and here have been born ten children, namely : Prof. J. N. Roe, who was graduated from the graded schools of Ossian, afterward from the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, in which he is now in charge of the depart- ment of pharmacy ; John W. married Sadie Hamilton, who died ten years later, and he is now assisting his father in the operation of the farm ; Emma J. is the wife of H. Hercules, a prosperous farmer of Union township ; Alice is the wife of George Young, of Markle; Charles C. married Jennie Haflich and is farming in Rock Creek township; George A. mar- ried Minnie Lawver and is in Huntington county ; Etta M. is the wife of Lawrence Set- 5IO WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tlemeyer; Dora E. is the wife of xA.an)n Dufif; Vernie L. died in childhood, and Maud, at home. Mrs. Roe is a member of the Church of God, to the maintenance of which she free- ly contributes, and in this her husband is in no respect backward. .A.s to his political inclinations, Mr. Roe has always been a Democrat and has never found occasion to change tlie opinions impressed upon him in early manhood. Although a hard worker in his labors for the success of his party at the polls, he has never pushed himself forward as a candidate for office, leaving it to younger men to do the hus- tling, reserving the right to cast his vote at the proper time. The social standing of Mr. and Mrs. Roe and family is with the best people of the township, and, not- withstanding their advanced age they are still recognized as useful citizens, their sage advice being often sought by per- sons of less experience. HERCULES H. NEFE. An e.x-school teacher and present farmer in Union township. Wells county, Indiana, Hercules H. Neff, a son of Jacob and Isabella (Garovick) Nefif, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, January i6. 1863. From that locality the father re- moved with his family to Cambridge City, Wayne county, Indiana, where he died, and his widow re-married, becoming the wife of David R. Grubaugh. She then moved to Marshall county, Indiana, whence she went to Huntington county and in 1872 came with her second husband and her son to Wells county, where they have lived and prospered ever since. Hercules Nefif was reared under the care of his mother and step-father on a farm, and has lived in Union township, Wells county, for thirty years. Here he was primarily educated in the district schools and in the normal schools of Hunt- ington and \\'ells counties. He taught two terms of school and although he had met with eminent success as a teacher, he became wearied of the profession and abandoned it for the purpose of resuming agricultural pursuits. Mr. NefY is engaged in general farming and stock raising, but gives especial attention to Polled Durham cattle and Cotswold sheep, in the breed- ing of which he has met with more than usual success and from the sale of which he has realized his largest profits. This farm contains one hundred and twenty acres, which is well cultivated and improv- ed with good buildings, tiling, etc. March 13, 1888, Mr. Nefif was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Roe, the daughter of Jere Roe, of Union township, and a highly educated and accomplished young lady, who has blessed her husband with one child, Ola M., born December 16, 1889. In their religious connection Mr. and Mrs. Nefif are members of the United Brethren church and are liberal contribu- tors of their means to the maintenance of this religious organization. For a number of years Mr. Nefif has filled the position of superintendent of its Sunday school. In politics he is one of Union township's most active and ardent Republicans and has de- voted much of his time to the service of the party and in other capacities. He is -popular, both as a Republican and as a WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 511 citizen, and at one time was the nominee of his party for the oi^ce of county sur- veyor, but his indifference as to pubHc position and his innate modesty were not conducive to his taking any active part in forwarding his own interests during the canvass. As a citizen Mr. Neff is broad minded and Hberal. He is an advocate of free schools and, when necessary, of compul- sory education, and good roads are among the other conveniences and comforts he deems absolutely necessary for the use of the farming population especially, but he does not believe in over assessing those who do not require such conveniences simply because others do require them. He believes in even-handed justice, but, as an individual, is always ready to make a sacrifice of his means for the benefit of the general weal, even though he may not reap the full benefit of such contributions toward promoting the well-being of the general community. JESSE CRITES. Sixty years ago Indiana was b)' no means the inviting place to bring a young and blush- ing bride that it is today. In the towns some of the comforts of civilization might be pro- cured, but in the timber the rudest kind of fare was what the hardy settler lived on. It was to a home in the woods of Indiana, more than a half-century ago, that Jesse Crites, of Union township, brought his wife. The maidens of those days were not so fastidious and exacting as those of the present. They were content with little and were happiest when their husbands permitted them to bear their share of the burdens of pioneer life, and doubtless they were all the better for it. Jesse Crites, the son of John and Mary (W'alters) Crites, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, December 2, 1824. His par- ents were natives of Pennsylvania, but in their youth emigrated with the families to which they respect! vel}- belonged to Ohio, and settled on adjoining tracts of land. Both families were of German ancestry, and the intimacy between them led to a closer relationship between the children. John and Mary were married and set up housekeeping on a piece of land they bought from the gov- ernment. He was by trade a cabinetmaker and set up a shop near his residence, from which he turned out many handsome, sub- stantial pieces of furniture. Many of the best tables, stands, bureaus and bedsteads that adorned the homes in the neighborhood where he lived were of his handiwork. The union of John and Mary Crites was blessed by the birth of five sons and five daughters. Nine of these still survive, namely : Re- becca, Jesse, Catherine, Elizabeth, John Cyrus, Eli, William and Sarah. The father of this family prospered and accumulated money. He followed his business of cabinet- making many years and continued to reside upon his farm up to the time of his death at sixty-eight years of age. Jesse, the oldest son, was reared upon his father's farm and helped to clear the land, much of the clearing devolving entirely upon him as he grew older, for his father was fre- quently quite busy in his shop. The boy was ambitious and desirous of Ijeing in the pos- session of land of his own, so when he at- tained his majority he looked about for a piece of government land in his native coun- SI- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ty, but tliere was none to be had. It was not quite so scarce in Indiana, however, so to that state he proceeded and in L^nion town- ship, Wells county, he found a tract of eighty acres which suited him and after making his entry upon it in 1848 he returned to Ohio. In February, 1849, Mr. Crites was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Myers, a na- tive of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, born in 1829. Her parents were natives of Penn- sylvania, where they w-ere born, reared and married, and soon afterward located in Tus- carawas county. Two years afterward she accompanied her husband to the woods of Wells county, and in the fall of 1849 '^^^ parents followed to Allen county, going to Wisconsin four years later, where her father died and her mother moved to Kansas, where she continued to reside until her death. Mrs. Crites was blessed by nature with vig- orous health and strength and in her girl- hood days she fref|uently assisted her father in the clearing and in the fields. Hence, when she came into the woods of Wells county with her husband, she proved a val- uable assistant to him. They first took up housekeeping in a little log shanty on the farm of a neighbor, Isaac Roe, while Mr. Crites was building a log cabin on his own place. When it was completed they moved into it and began the laborious task of con- verting the woods and swamps into a pro- ductive farm. It took time, muscle and en- ergy, but it was eventually accomplished, as is amply attested by the well-kept, well-im- proved farm upon which he resides in sec- tion 20. To the original eighty acres he has added, until he was the owner of two hun- dred and four acres. This he has since divid- ed and given a good portion of it to his chil- dren, leaving one hundred and forty-four acres in the homestead. When he came to Wells county, he had just fifteen dollars in money, and it was stolen from him within a short time after his arrival, and he never got even the satisfaction of knowing the thief. Mr. and Mrs. Crites were the parents of seven children, only three of whom are still living. They are John, who married Aman- da McGoogan, resides at Uniondale; Jesse F. married Vianna Shaw, and resides in Charlevoix county, Michigan ; Isa, wife of G. F. Piatt, resides on the old homestead, which he operates. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Crites are members of the Church of God at Trinity Chapel, and he has been a worship- per in that society for sixty-one years, join- ing the church when he was only eighteen. For several years he has been a church offi- cial. The first meeting held in this vicinity by the adherents of this faith was held in Mr. Crites' cabin about fifty-two years ago, and the first society was organized there, there being six members, himself and wife, Daniel Fisher and wife and Daniel Hostet- ler and wife, the later having come at the same time as did Crites, and of these six four are still li\-ing, Mrs. Fisher and Mr. Hostetler being deceased. In politics Mr. Crites is one of the old- line Republicans in Union township, but never sought or held any official position at the hands of his party. His business of farm- ing and stock raising has occupied too much of his time to afford him the chance of dab- bling in politics. He is a man of kindly dis- position and strong sympathy and every im- pulse of his nature is for the betterment of his fellow men. Hence, he is not only well liked, but e.xceedingly popular, a man whose friendship is highly valued and whose in- fluence is sought and appreciated. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 513 JOHN A. WALKER. John Walker, the grandfather of the gentleman whose name opens this bio- graphical sketch, was born in North Caro- lina and descended from a very ancient English family. Rev. John Walker, the grandfather, was married in his native state, and about 1833 came to Indiana and settled in Rush county, where he ofificiated as a clergyman of the Baptist church until he felt a change in heart and belief and became a minister in the church of the Disciples. He was twice married and was the father of twelve or thirteen children. Leonard S. Walker, father of John A., was the youngest of the children born to his parents, his mother being, his father's first wife. He was reared on a farm in Rush county, Indiana, and was a farmer by voca- tion. He married Malinda Davis, a native of Ohio and for five years rented a farm in Rush county. In the fall of 1846, in com- pany with a brother, he came to Wells county, Indiana, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in the woods where Zanesville now stands. He laid out this prosperous little town, in which his broth- er James was the first merchant and where he resided five or six years, removing to another farm in the township, where he remained until about 1874. He returned to Ft. Wayne, where he died at the age of seventy-seven years. John A. Walker was born on this Zanesville farm March i. 1847, on which he was reared and was educated in the schools of his native district. He began to teach at the age of twenty years and later attended the seminary at Roanoke, and a commercial college at Toledo, and for ten years folowed his profession of teacher in Wells county. January i, 1874, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Alfor- rettah Austin, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. Dr. C. B. and Sarah A. (Burnau) Austin, who came in 1868 from Ohio to Indiana and first located in Henry county, and later lived for several years at Noblesville where she grew to maturity. Mrs. Walk- er was educated in the schools of Nobles- ville where she became a teacher and after- ward taught in Allen county, devoting about ten years to the schoolroom. Dr. Austin represented Allen county in the state legislature one term, about 1876, when he resided at Zanesville. The latter part of his life was as a minister and phy- sician at Veerdersburg, Indiana, where he died at about sixty-five years of age. One brother of Mrs. Walker, T. B. Austin, served through the war in the Eighth In- diana Cavalry. He became a teacher and dentist and was engaged in the practice at Ft. Wayne at the time of his death. The first farm owned by Mr. Walker comprised forty acres in section 17, but selling this, he bought the old Samuel B. Caley farm. He has added to this until he now owns one hundred and seventy acres in one tract which is known as the Pleas- ant Grove farm and is located three and a half miles north of Maple. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker has been born one son. Earl J., who was born February 20, 1880. He graduated from the district schools in 1894 and from the Huntington high school in 1898. He then attended the State University, graduated in 1902 with the degree of B. A., and was chosen valedic- torian by the class. He is now principal of the Ossian high school. Mrs. Walker is a member of the 514 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. Churcli of the Disciples, at Markle, Indi- ana, and is president of the C. W. B. M. In company with a number of other ladies of Huntington and adjoining counties, she organized, in 1900, what is known as the Ladies' Home Maker Association, an aux- iliary to the Farmers' Institute work and which was designed to give suitable training to the home makers, and she was selected as the first president, a position she filled for two years, during which time the interest and membership were flattering. Mr. Walker is a Democrat and served three terms as trustee, covering eleven years, during Avhich time most of the finest school buildings were erected. GEORGE HOOPENGARNER. The Hoopengarner family had its ori- gin in Germany, but for five generations members of the family have been residents of America. George Hoopengarner. whose name opens this biographical sketch and now a representative citizen of Wells county, Indiana, had his nativity in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 12, 1835, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Walters) Hoopengarner. When the great- grandparents of George Hoopengarner came from Germany to America they settled in Pennsylvania, where there was born to them a son who there grew to manhood, was married and became the progenitor of the Wells county family. The Walters family also came from Ger- many and the great-grandparents of Mrs. Hoopengarner were the founders of the familv of that name in the Kevstone state. The great-grandparents were mar- ried in Pennsylvania, whence they emigrat- ed to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where great-grandfather Hoopengarner purchas- ed a farm, although he was a shoemaker by trade, and in inclement weather, which precluded outdoor work, worked at his calling under shelter. These great-grand- parents reared a family of eight children and passed the remainder of life in Tus- carawas county. George Hoopengarner was reared on his father's old farm and was educated in the schools of his district, but had the mis- fortune, when but three years old, of los- ing his father. At the age of twenty-one years he began working out by the month. December 22, 1857, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Emily Smuts, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Fleming) Smuts, of German descent but natives of Pennsyl- vania, who settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where Mrs. Hoopengarner was born and reared. Jacob Smuts was a son of John and Anna (Thomas) Smuts, both born in Pennsylvania, but whose parents came from Germany, and they both lived and died in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. In 1859 Mr. Hoopengarner came to Union township. Wells county, and pur- chased ninety-two acres of woodland, for part of which he went into debt and on which he has resided ever since. But the debt he incurred has long since been liquidated and he now stands among the most substantial and well-to-do agriculturists of Union town- ship. To the felicitous marriage of George and Emily (Smuts) Hoopengarner have been born four sons and one daughter. Of these. Clarence E. married Miss Lvdia WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 515 Neff. who was early called away, and he next married Miss Christine Elich, and still retains his home in L^nion township; Joseph N. married Mary Robinson and Hves in Markle ; George F. married Ne- vada Graubaugh; Ralph V. married !Miss Ella Edmondson and still lives on the old homestead which he has cultivated w-ith success ; Elmira is the wife of Riley M. Caley and also lives in Union township. The family are members of the United Brethren church, of the liberal branch of which he has been connected forty-seven years and for many years has been a trus- tee and class leader. Mr. Hoopengarner may not only be termed a Republican in his politics, but an arden and faithful member of his party. He is a Republican from conviction and not from persuasion, being capable of judging for himself in politics as in all things else, and of this fact his progress through life has given ample proof. He has probably done as much in developing Union township as any man of his age who lias resided in the township for the same length of time. He and his family, as has already been intimated, are among the most highly esteemed people of the town- ship and none are, it may be truthfully as- serted, more deservedly entitled to the es- teem in which thev are held. JOHN JONES. Among the oldest settlers of Union township, Wells county, Indiana, is John Jones, who was born in Wayne county, Lidiana, May 9. 1831, a son of Samuel and Nancy (Walker) Jones, who came to Indiana from North Carolina, in which last named state Samuel Jones was born and reared. John Jones was but five years of age when death deprived him of his father, at which time he went to live with an uncle, John Felts, with whom he remained until he had attained his majority. In the mean- time, however, in 1847. Mr. Felts came to Wells county and settled on the farm on which young Jones was reared to man- hood and assisted in developing. Owing to the constant demand for his labor in accomplishing the task of clearing up this place, the opportunities of attending school were but few, and at the age of twenty-one he found himself to be not only without an education, but without cash. But at his majority Mr. Jones was possessed of a robust constitution and his general health was all that could be de- sired. Moreover he was filled with am- bition and determination, and he worked hard to earn the money he knew he need- ed when the time for his marriage should come about. This happy event took place January 29. 1857, when he led to the altar Miss Sarah J. Kohr. a native of Ohio. This union has resulted in the following named children: Rosa, now^ the wife of Stephen D. Caley; Mary J., who is mar- ried to Ephraim Nicholson; William, who married a daughter of John M. \\"aters : Frank, who is married to Elma Lawrence; John A., who married Minta Hill; E. S., unmarried, and Delia, who is the wife of Waldo Salter. The family of Mr. Jones have been reared in the faith of the Christian church, of which he has him- self been a member ever since childhood and 5i6 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. to the support of whicli he and his chil- dren have been and still are liberal con- tributors financially. All are sincere in their profession of the faith and live strict- ly up to its teachings. In politics Mr. Jones is an enthusiastic Democrat and is one of the most active workers for his party in Union township. Notwithstanding the fact that he has never been habitually an office-seeker, he has, on account of his personal merits and undeniable qualifications, been selected by his fellow citizens to fill the office of supervisor for Union township, the duties of which position he performed in a most satisfactory manner, and he has also serv- ed as school director and on the election board. Having been a resident of Wells county since childhood, or for more than half a century, Mr. Jones is fully acquaint- ed with the needs, wishes and desires of the people of his township and county and is therefore well qualified for aiding in fram- ing and administering such measures as re- dound to the benefit of the community. His life has been been one without reproach, and in all his business transactions he has been straightforward and upright. Without being parsimonious or niggardly, he has succeeded in acquiring a fair share of this world's goods as a reward for his industry and judicious manner of living, has an open hand to those in need or who have been less fortunate than himself and was never known to turn away from his door unassisted any person who applied to him for relief. He has reared his children in respectability and is himself one of the most honored citizens of Union town- ship. CHRIST STOGDILL. One of the leading young farmers of Harrison township. Wells county, Indi- ana, and one of the most successful, is Christ Stogdill, who was born in Mahon- ing county, Ohio, August 25, 1845, and is a son of Anthony and Catherine Stogdill. The ancestors of these parents were farm- ing people as far back as can be traced and this calling is still the favorite pursuit of the surviving descendants. Anthony Stog- dill removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio with his family and first located in Ma- honing county, where he resided some time, but in September, 1850, he moved to Adams county, Indiana, where his death occurred in i860. He was a leading- member of the ?kIethodist Episcopal church of his neighborhood and was prominently identified also with the Democratic party, and under its auspices served as trustee for a number of years and also as a justice of the peace. His in- dustrial efYorts were largely devoted to the raising of stock, from which he re- alized handsome results, having become one of the principal breeders in Adams county. Christ Stogdill, the subject of this sketch, is the only surviving member of his father's family. He was reared on a farm and naturally enough chose agricul- ture for his life vocation. He had, how- ever, received a good common school edu- cation and in his early days had become competent to teach, a profession he fol- lowed for some time before he settled down to farming. He maintained his resi- dence as a renter on the old homestead until 1898, when he purchased a part of WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 517 the place and continued to rent the re- maining part until later in the same year. Mr. Stogdill married, January i, i86g, Miss Mary Crist, who was born in Wells county, October 5. 1847, ^^'^ ^ daughter of Leonard and Barbara Crist, of Wells county. Mr. Crist was an excellent busi- ness man, and was one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of his county. Mr. Stogdill sold his farm in Adams county in 1898 and purchased the old Hopkins farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Harrison township. Wells county, and is now recognized as one of the best agriculturists in the neighborhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Stogdill have been born eight children, as follows: William F., born September 28, 1869, died September 27. 1875; Ulala, born August 11, 1871, died January 20, 1903; Elizabeth, born March 19, 1873; William F., born Decem- ber 7, 1874; Victor, born October 26, 1877; Clarence, born September 17, 1879; Bertie, born August 8, 1881, died June 24, 1900, and Mary Viola, born July 8, 1884. Fraternally Mr. Stogdill stands high as a Mason, holding membership in Bluffton Lodge. Politically he is a Democrat, with which party he is prominently identified. He is a most useful and public-spirited citi- zen and is ready at all times to contribute his full quota of cash to the maintenance of the public works in the township, and the introduction of others when their ne- cessity becomes apparent. Since his resi- dence in Wells county, ;Mr. Stogdill has estabhshed a fine reputation as a citizen and Harrison township is all the better ofif by his residence here. Although still a young man, he has shown an adaptability to his calling that has surprised many old- er farmers and his views on agricultural matters are greatly respected wherever expressed. MRS. JACOB B. ^L-VRKLEY. Wholly devoted to home and domestic duties, doing through all the best years of her life the sacred work that comes within her sphere, there is not much to record concerning the life of the average woman. And yet what station so dignified, what relation so loving and endearing, what office so holy, tender and ennobling as those of the home-making wife and mother? A celebrated writer has said that the future destiny of a nation depend- ed upon its wives and mothers. In a biographical compendium such as this, woman should have no insignificant repre- sentation. As man's equal in many re- spects, and even his superior in the gentle, tender and loving amenities of life, she ful- ly merits a much larger notice than she or- dinarily receives. The foregoing was sug- gested after a perusal of the leading facts in the career of the worthy and respected lady whose name forms the caption to this article, a lady who has done well her part and whose career has been a simple, but beautiful poem of rugged, toilsome duty faithfully and uncomplainingly performed as maiden, wife and mother. Mrs. Martha Markley, widow of the late Jacob B. Markley, is a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Jackson) Wallace, and was born in Rock Creek township, this county, on the 12th of April, 1852. Samuel Wallace was a native of Ireland and in that country was reared and educated. He 5i8 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. remained tliere until he was twenty-eight years old, when, in 1833, he came to America, where he believed better oppor- tunities existed. He landed in Philadel- phia, where he worked as a laborer for a short time, and about 1837 came to Wells county and entered a tract of land in Rock Creek township. The land was wild and unimproved, but he was strong, ener- getic and ambitious and in course of time succeeded in creating for himself a com- fortable home and a valuable farm. He was united in marrige, in 1840, with Miss Susan Jackson, a native of North Caro- lina, but whose parents were among the first settlers in Liberty township, this county. To them were born thirteen chil- dren, as follows: Fannie, Rachael, Anna, James, David, Elizabeth, Catherine, Mar- tha, Mary, Thomas, Matthew, Finley, and one that died in infancy unnamed. Samuel Wallace was a firm and uncompromising Republican in politics and in religious be- lief was a Presbyterian. Martha Wallace was early taught the lessons of successful housekeeping, grow- ing into a well developed and graceful womanhood, and was given the advant- ages of as good an education as the schools of that day afforded. On the 24th of April, 1872, she was united in marriage with Jacob B. Markley, who was a resi- dent of Harrison township, though born in Ohio and coming to Wells county in 1864. To this union were born the follow- ing children : Arthur Wallace married Anna Markley and resides in Lancaster township; Bessie Florence, who was edu- cated in the Northern Indiana Normal School and subsequently taught four terms. She be- came the wife of Archie Norton and re- sides in Winters, Michigan ; Lora Jane at- tended the normal schools at Danville and Valparaiso and then taught three terms of school at Newville, Indiana ; she was married April i, 1902, to ArHe Thomp- son and now resides in Ft. Wayne, Indi- ana; Carl Boyd; Ruth Agnes. Mr. Markley was a stanch Republican and took a keen interest in the trend of passing events. He was a man of more than or- dinary energy, sound judgment and su- perior business abilities, and as a farmer took high rank, being regarded as an up- to-date agriculturist, a man of broad in- telHgence and a leader in enterprises for the general prosperity of the community. Since her husband's death Mrs. Mark- ley has manifested business abilities of a high order in the management of the es- tate. She is of a sincerely religious na- ture, belonging, with her children, to the Presbyterian church, and her life has abounded in good works in the church and among the deserving poor in the world outside. She is held in the highest es- teem and numbers warm-hearted friends by the score in the community where she has spent so many years. She has ex- perienced many of life's vicissitudes, and sorrows, but she has also enjoyed many of its triumphs and is now surrounded by those who ha\-e long known and re- spected her. EDWIN R. DAVIS. One of the most prominent young na- tive-born farmers of Harrison township. Wells county, Indiana, is Edwin R. Davis, who had his nativity October 14, 1854, on WELLS COUNTY, IXDL\NA. 519 the farm of his parents, Josiah and Har- riet (Grove) Davis. Josiah Davis was born in Hocking county. Ohio, July 12, 1825, acquired more than a usually good common school education in his native county, and there was reared to farming and followed the vocation there until about 1852, when he came to Wells county, Indiana, and purchased a tract of land in Harrison township, where he pass- ed the remainder of his life, dying in i885, his widow being still a resident on the original purchase. ]Mr. Davis was a de- vout and consistent member of the United Brethren church, and in politics was a stanch Republican, although he never had any desire for office holding. To Josiah and Harriet (Grove) Davis were born two sons and two daughters, and of these four children three still survive, namely : Edwin R., in whose interest this biographical notice is chiefly prepared; Emma A., wife of Lewis Cobbum; Henry S.. who is married to Grace Wolf and resides in Chester township, Wells county. Edwin R. Davis was reared on the par- ental farm in Harrison township, was edu- cated in the common schools of his district and was thoroughly disciplined in the vo- cation of agriculture. He continued to live on the old homestead until his mar- riage, which took place January 16. 1879. to ]\Iiss Sarah E. King, daughter of George W. and Catherine King and born December 24. i860. This union had been crowned by the birth of four daughters, namely : Wyomah, who was born Decem- ber II, 1880, was graduated from the com- mon school of Harrison township in 1895 and later attended the Angola Normal School, and then taught in Wells county for four terms; Winnonah, who was born January 16, 1882, graduated from the com- mon schools in 1896, attended the Angola Normal School six terms and has been teaching in Wells county four terms ; Net- tie, who was born April 26, 1886, was graduated from the common schools in 1902, and is now a student at the Poneto high school. ]Mrs. Davis and her daugh- ters are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church at Poneto, to the support of which they are most liberal contributors, and quite active in its work for the general good. In politics 'Sir. Davis is a Republican in his proclivities, but is not offensively partisan. He is, nevertheless, well and favorably known in Harrison township and other parts of W'ells county, and doubtless would make a good race were h(" exer to become a candidate for public position. He is highly esteemed for his many personal qualities, and in the social circles of Harrison township he and his wife maintain exalted positions and are hisrhlv esteemed bv all who know them. LEWIS M. JOHNSON. Of the many influential families of Wells county, few have resided there longer, made a deeper or more lasting im- pression on the history oi the county or wielded more influence for good than has the Johnson family of Harrison township. It is now more than sixty-five years since the progenitors of the family came to Wells county. On the 24th day of Sep- tember, 1837, Abraham W. Johnson lo- 520 WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. cated in the upper valley of the Wabash, entering one hundred and sixty acres of government land. He was then twenty- three years old, having been born in Darl- ington township, Beaver county, Pennsyl- vania, July 14, 1814. Settlers in this lo- caHty were not numerous and if the land he selected was not all that he could de- sire, it must have been his own fault, for he had many thousands of acres to select from. For one year thereafter he vibrated between his claim and Huntington, the nearest approach to a town in that part of Indiana. After clearing and improving his claim for two or more years, he, on the 7th of May, 1840, was married to Miss Jennie S. Henderson, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Henderson, who were natives of Fayette county. Ohio. One of the chil- dren born to this union was Lewis M. Johnson. Aljraham Johnson, the great- grandfather of Lewis, was Scotch-Irish, as was his wife, Rachael McCammon. Their son, Robert Johnson, was born and reared in Washington county, Pennsyl- Aania, but was married in Beaver county to the daughter of Edward Bradford, a native of Wales, and Mary Bartly, of Eng- lish parentage, who was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Robert resided in that county until 1847 when he came to Wells county that he might be near his son. Here he resided, surrounded by his children ind children's children, until death, in the eighty-sixth year of his age, having sur- vived his companion about ten years. To Abraham W. Johnson and wife ten chil- dren were born, viz: Isaac N., Rebecca J.. Catherine E., Harriet A., Mary M., Lewis M., John W., Maggie B., Walter B. and Roscoe C. Isaac entered the service of his country during the Civil war and participated in many of the hottest en- gagements, receiving a wound that has rendered him a criple for life. In 1840 the Johnson family moved to Blufifton, but three years later secured a tract of one hundred and ten acres just outside the city limits. In 1850 Abraham W. Johnson was appointed real estate ap- praiser for the county, serving as such with fidelity and honor. For many years Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were consistent memliers of the Baptist church, remaining true to the faith until the close of life. He died July 6. 1899, and his wife July 25, 1900. Lewis M. Johnson is the second son and tenth child of Abraham W. and Jen- nie Bradford Johnson and was born Janu- ary 30, 1858. He was reared upon the old farm and was trained in the honorable calling of an agriculturist. At an early age, in addition to doing much of the work on the farm, he worked for neigh- bors, often using his father's team. On April 10, 1883. he was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Shimp, a native of Ohio. She died of consumption September 10, 1890. and he then married Miss Dora Ratlifif on September 17, 1893. She also died from the same disease May 24, 1895, and July 13, 1896, Mr. Johnson married his present wife, her name being Nancy E. Summers, of Jefiferson township, this county, who was born April 14, 1867, and the daughter of Joseph and Victoria Sum- mers. One child was born to this union. Garth A., born July 9, 1899, and died September 12th of the same year. Starting in life poor and depending chiefly upon his own exertions for ad- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 521 vancement, with limited opportunities, Mr. Johnson has achieved well merited success, being the owner of ninety-four acres of good land adjoining the city limits of Bluff- ton, as well as several valuable residence properties in the city, all of which ma- terially contribute toward a handsome in- come. He is a member of Lodge No. 92. K. P., of Bluffton, and politically he is a Republican. His genial personality has won and retained for him a host of warm and true friends. W. K. SHOEMAKER. This ex-soldier of the Civil war and a prosperous farmer of Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, was born in Mahon- ing county, Ohio, December 20, 1842, and is of English extraction. When twelve years old. he was brought by his parents, John and Rachael Shoemaker, to Wells county He attended schools in Bluffton until the family removed to a farm near town, when, being then sixteen years old, he was set to work clearing and doing such other work as he was capable of. Febniary i, 1865, he en- listed in Capt. B. F. Wiley's company, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out with his reg- iment in September, 1865, when he returned home and resumed work on his father's farm, until April, 1873, when he settled upon his present farm, which now contains two hundred and seventeen acres. It is well improved with commodious and substantial buildings, well adapted to the intended pur- pose. Mr. Shoemaker has been twice married. the first time, April 2, 1868, to Mrs. Lydia A. (Ewing) Heckathorn. Her son was reared by Mr. Shoemaker and, adopting his name, grew to manhood as D. E. Shoe- maker, and is now master engineer for the American Strawboard Company at Ander- son, Indiana. Mrs. Shoemaker died July 24, 1885, and his second marriage occurred April 19, 1888, when i\Irs. Jane (Pence) Higgins, a daughter of James and Lydia (Chalfant) Higgins, became his wife. This marriage has been crowned with two chil- dren, Lizzie H. and George \\'. The great- grandfather of Mr. Shoemaker came from England to Maryland, where his grandfather was born, while his father was born in Ohio. Mr. Shoemaker, in his political affilia- tions, has ever been a Republican, and has never hesitated to advocate the principles of his party on suitable occasions. He believes in the all-comprehensive mercy of the" Deity "who doeth all things well," and is a man of energy, thrift and enterprise, enjoying the respect and confidence of all who know him. GEORGE LEIST. George Leist. who stands among the up-to-date farmers of WeWs county, is a native son of the Hoosier state, having been born in Harrison township on the 2d of February, 1843. His parents, Henry G. and Leah (Loy) Leist, were natives of Pickaway county, Ohio, and were there married. In 1842 they came to Wells county and entered a tract of land near Reiffsburg, the place on which Reuben Stout now resides. The land was at that time covered with a heavv growth of 522 WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. timber, which he succeeded in clearing away and creating for his family a com- fortable home. He and his wife resided on this place until their deaths and during their long residence there they retained the warm friendship and regard of a large circle of friends. Politically he was affiliat- ed with the Democratic party. His re- ligious creed was that of the IMethodist Episcopal church, of which he was a loyal and consistent member. He was the father of six children, Jacob. Sarah, Eliza- beth, Catherine. ]\Iary, deceased, and George. George Leist was reared upon the par- ental homestead and in the subscription schools of the neighborhood attained his education. He bore his full share in the cultivation of the farm and remained at home until he was thirty-seven years old, farming for his father as well as on his own land. In 1893 he bought the farm west of Blufifton, on which he now resides, and has since been solely engaged in its cultivation. On the nth of ALirch, 1880, :\Ir. Leist was united in marriage with Aliss Susan Myers, the daughter of ]\Iichael Myers, and to their union have come six children. Lulu, Arlia, John, Gracie, Laura and Clara, deceased. In political matters Mr. Leist's vote and influence are cast in favor of the Democratic party, though he does not seek official distinction. He is a man of pleasing presence, genial in man- ner and conversation and his social quali- ties as well as his sterling characteristics have made him popular with a large class of citizens. Mr. Leist is a reader and thinker, is well informed on general topics and spares no pains to keep himself in touch with the trend of modern thought. A close observer of current events, he has well defined opinions upon political, economic, sociological and kindred sub- jects. He is an honest, straightforward and conscientious man in all his dealings, and it is with pleasure that this brief synopsis of his life and tribue to his worth as a fac- tor in his community is given a place in this volume. TOHN N. NEFF. This prosperous farmer and stock raiser, with his residence in Harrison township, \\'ells county, Indiana, was born in Athens county, Ohio, January 29, 1858, and when six years of age was brought by his parents, Levi and Rebecca (Goodspeed) Nefif, to the township and county in which he still has his home. Mr. Nefif is one of the most exten- sive farmers and successful stock raisers of his day, and his earliest ambition, to become a first-class agriculturist and to own one of the best farms in the county, has been fully realized. He was educated in the common schools of Wells county, and Harrison town- ship has always been his abiding place. Mr. Neff started in his business career by pur- chasing a forty-acre tract of land with money he had saved from his earnings at ditching, but by careful and prudent investment and wise and judicious management, as well as untiring industry, is now the owner of a good farm, improved with fine buildings, un- excelled by any others in the county in ap- pearance, convenience of construction and substantiality. In politics Mr. Neff has always affiliated WELLS COUNTY, INDLANA. 523 with the Democratic party, with which he acti\ely co-operates on all occasions. Al- though he has ever held himself aloof from office seeking, against his own wishes he was elected by a large majority to the office of trustee of his home township in 1890, and- filled the position for five years, to the satis- faction of all parties concerned. A number of fine improvements were made during his term as trustee, introducing modern methods in handling all matters pertaining to the of- fice. As trustee Mr. Nefif was a firm up- holder of good roads and substantial school houses, a number of which stand to his credit. Fraternally Mr. \efif is a member of Bluiifton Lodge Xo. 92. Knights of Pythias. ReligioAisly he is a Methodist and for many years has been a trustee in his church and has been very ardent in the promotion of its interest. He contributes freely in a finan- cial way to its support, lives strictly in ac- cordance with its teachings, and his neigh- bors all know him to be kind and benevolent, as well as public spirited and ready at all times to do anything in his power to help along such enterprises as will redound to- ward the betterment of the community. John N. Nefif has been twice married, his first wife, whom he married February 27, 1884, being Miss Louisa Shoemaker, who was born April 14, 1861. She bore him one son. Samuel, born July 23, 1887, but was herself most untimely called away Septem- lier 9, 1887. Samuel is an exceptionally liright and kind lad and a great aid to his father. Although but fifteen years of age, any person seeing him going over his own farm of eighty acres, in which he takes pride, would imagine him to be an agricul- turist of vast experience, and with a little more instruction from his father there can be no doubt that Samuel will make as good a husbandman as John N. himself. The second marriage of Mr. Nefif was with Rachael E. Linn and took place July 20, 1889. This union has been crowned with five children, viz : Edson, born June 2, 1890 ; Cora, born January 7, 1892; Vesta, born March 31, 1895; Evart, born August 18, 1897, and Frank, born July 10, 1899. The home of Mr. Xeff is delightfully happy, as Mrs. Xeff is a most excellent housekeeper and Mr. Nefif a liberal and cheerful provider. The children are among the most respected residents of the township and county. Mr. X'eff is noted for his promptitude in business engagements, and his bare word is as good with those who have dealings with him as his note. His greatest interest in his farm- ing operations is centered in breeding Ches- ter White hogs. BENJAMIN P. S^HTH. The present trustee of Harrison town- ship, Wells county, Indiana, and one of the most popular and able of the town- ship's officials is Benjamin P. Smith, who was born in Fairfield count}-, Ohio, Octo- ber 25, 1839, and is a son of Simon B. and Martha A. (Hoskinson) Smith. Si- mon B. Smith was a native of Westmore- land county. Pennsylvania, and came west with his mother and step-father, who lo- cated in Ohio. He then came to W^ells county, Indiana, and purchased a tract of land in section 31, upon which he settled ii: 1844. This tract was covered with hard timber and comprised a quarter section, which he developed into a first class farm 524 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and resided upon until his death, which occurred in 1888, liis wife surviving until 1891. In politics Mr. Smith was a Demo- crat and for many years served as a jus- tice of the peace. He was a shrewd busi- ness man and by trade was a blacksmith, a vocation he followed in conjunction with farming, being well-to-do at the time of his death, which took place in the faith of the United Brethren church, of which he was an ardent and active member. The children born to Simon B. and Martha A. Smith were ten in number and were named in order of birth as follows : Sarah, de- ceased; Benjamin P., whose name opens this biographical notice ; Michael, who is farming in Jennings county, Indiana; William, deceased; Phebe, wife of John McKim; Louisa, married to William Metty, an old soldier residing in Kane, Pennsylvania : Freddie, deceased ; and Minerva, Elzina and Simon, also deceased. Benjamin P. Smith was nearly five years of age when brought to Wells county, arriving" here October 18, 1844. He was reared on his father's farm and was also employed considerably in lum- bering, receiving in the meantime a dis- trict school education, which was aug- mented by an attendance at a subscription school. After attaining his majority, he rented his father's and his father-in-law's farms, having married, in 1870, Miss Eliza Davenport, a sister of Dr. E. P. Daven- port and born in Wells county in 185 1, of English and Dutch descent. Miss Daven- port was a highly educated young lady and for four terms taught in graded school with eminent success in this town- ship and at other places. To the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Smith have been born two children, viz : William R. is married to Lizzie Huffman and rents the home farm, and Martha, who died at the age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Baptist church. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat and has been prominently identified with the party ever since he has been entitled to exercise his franchise. He is very popular with the party as well as with the public at large. In the spring of 1900 ]Mr. Smith was nominated by the Democrats as their candidate for township trustee, and in the November following was elected by a handsome ma- jority to fill tlxat responsible ofifice. He has filled the office with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people. A cardinal principle of his is the mainte- nance of good roads and good schools and the imposition of light levies, and in the car- rying out of this principle he is an un- ceasing worker. Mr. Smith's farm comprises seventy- four acres, on which he conducts not only general farming, but makes a specialty of breeding Chester White hogs, of which he makes an annual exhibit and sale, which is patronized by many stockmen of north- ern Indiana. He has proved himself to be one of the most successful agriculturists and stock breeders in the county of Wells, and no family in the township and county is more respected than his. S. E. SHEPHERD. S. E. Shepherd was born in Harrison township. Wells county, Indiana, January 29, 1848. His parents, Harrison and Eliza- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 525 beth Shepherd, were natives of Ohio. His grandfather was a soldier of the war of 18 12, and located in Ohio soon after peace between the United States and Great Britain was de- clared, but he did not long survive, and the bereaved mother, considering that the newer field of eastern Indiana might give to her and her children a better opportunity of mak- ing their way in the world, moved to Wells count}- and entered land, north of the county infirmary in Harrison township, where she afterwards made her home until death. Mrs. Shepherd was a woman of dauntless courage and it required women of that kind to brave the perils and hardships of pioneer life. How- ever, her son Harrison, the oldest of the famih\ was a youth who could be relied upon. He was a tireless worker, sincere and conscientious in all that he did. He cleared and developed the land into a good farm and home, became interested in the work of edu- cation and religion and devoted much time, from his own private afifairs for the public good. On this farm he lived and labored and here his brave, good mother, after years of toil and privation for her children, died in the sanctity of her Christian faith. Here he married Miss Elizabeth Richels; here his children were born, reared, educated and given their first lessons in good citizenship, ;\nd here, eventually, after a well spent life, he was gathered to his fathers at the age of sixty-six yeirs. At the time of his death he was financially well-to-do and was the owner of two hundred acres of choice land. To Harrison and Elizabeth Shepherd were born nine children, four of whom are dead. They are: Reason, deceased; Daniel, de- ceased; S. C, the subject of this sketch; Sylvester, deceased ; Arminda, wife of Wal- lace Ripple; Ellen G., wife of Lewis H. Col- bert; Rosetta, wife of Hiram A. Folk, a farmer living upon the old homestead ; Han- nah, deceased ; Bertha, wife of E. N. Corey, a merchant at Pennville, Indiana. L'pon the farm, hewn out of the wilder- ness by the industry of his father, S. E. Shepherd was born and reared and during the fifty-five years of his life he has never had a residence outside of Har-rison town- ship. In his youth and early manhood he worked by the side of his father, and under the care and direction of that good man re- ceived the advantages of a good common school education and later the benefits of a knowledge of the higher branches of learn- ing in the schools of Blufifton under the tutorship of Colonel McClerry. When old enough, he became a teacher in the public schools of the county and followed that call- ing for a number of years. His license was always of the highest grade, few in the county equalling and none excelling it. W'hen in his twenty-fourth year, October 26, 1871, he was united in marriage to Minerva C. King, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth ( Bolander) King, who were natives of Ohio, but liad emigrated to Indiana and located near the present site of Craigville, Lancas- ter township. Mrs. Shepherd is a lady of good education, amiable disposition and many accomplishments. For a year after their marriage they resided upon and culti- vated part of the old Shepherd homestead, but then purchased one hundred acres in Harrison township, where he now resides. It then consisted principally of woods, but did not remain long in that condition imder its new owner. He immediately erected a substantial and commodious barn, forty by seventy feet, and a well arranged residence. This farm is now well drained, fenced and 526 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. splendidly improved, and is recognized as one of the most productive farms, for corn, in the county. In favorable seasons Mr. Shep- herd has raised as high as eighty-five bush- els to the acre. His favorite products are corn, hogs and clover and out of these he Ijas made the greater part of the competence which he now enjoys. To Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have been born three children, as follows : Leora E. was born February 23, 1873, received a good education and is now the wife of Walter L. Fetters, of Bluffton; Alma E. was the wife of Dr. H. W. Mark- ley, but died August 13, 1901 : Rosanna E. li\es at home. Politically Mr. Shepherd has always af- filiated with the Democratic party, in the success of which he has always taken an ac- tive part. For seventeen }-ears he has served his township as justice of the peace and notary public. For some years he has been employed as a general agent for patent rights, and in this capacity has travelled over many states, among them Indiana. Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, Geor- gia. Alabama and Kentucky. During these travels he has acquired a fund of information about each locality and its people. With the qualities mentioned it is needless to say that he has been most successful in every line of business he has undertaken. ROBERT F. GAVIN. A single statement will sometimes give a far better insight into the character, dis- position and mental trend of a person than would the contents of a volume. In these days of party strife, when the political organization is supreme, to say of a man or to have a man say of himself that he "never voted a straight ticket in his life" is to say that he is a man of independence, a man with the courage of- his con^'ictions. a man of marked and pronounced individu- ality. Robert F. Gavin, of Liberty town- ship, makes that assertion regarding him- self, and in doing so inadvertently pays himself a very high compliment. It is such votes as his that "turn the rascals out" of office and keep them out. Whatever the partisan politician may say, there is no question but that the independent voter is the true patriot. Robert F. Gavin was born in the city of Galway, Ireland, December 11, 1838. His parents were George and Mary (Ben- ton) Gavin, he of Kings county and she of Queens county, in the province of Leins- ter. Ireland. His parents were James and Mary Gavin, while her father was Henry Benton, who for many years was connect- ed with the customs department of the gov- ernment in Ireland. February 23, 1838, George and Mary were united in marriage in the cathedral in the city of Galway, and for ten years thereafter he was connected with the royal Irish constabulary. The family emigrated to America in 1848, land- ing in the city of New York. They did not tarry long in New York, but came to Ross county, Ohio. There he engaged in farming until 1854. when they moved to Wells county, established themselves upon a rented farm in Harrison township. There they remained until 1857, when they moved to Lilierty township, having bought eighty acres of land in the woods. When he arrived in America he possessed some five hundred or six hundred dollars, WELLS COUNTY. INDLA.NA. 527 but by industry and economy he succeed- ed in accumulating a handsome property, so that at his death he was recognized as one of the most substantial farmers of the county, being the owner of two hundred and ten acres. He died December 11. 1882, being survived by his wife about three years. To George and Mary Gavin eight chil- dren were born, viz: Robert F. ; Mary A., deceased : Sarah, wife of Harrison Snow, resides in Marshall county, Kansas; Hen- retta died on the voyage across the At- lantic and was buried at sea ; James B. is a resident of Liberty township. Wells countv; Henry J-. and Eliza, both deceas- ed. Even as a child Robert F. Gavin was imbued with ambition and thirst for knowledge, and although but ten years old when he arrived in America, he was by no means a novice in the common school branches. In mathematics he es- pecially excelled, for it is a current belief in Ireland that a man who pretends to learning without a thorough knowledge of figures, is either an impostor or an igno- ramus. Problems in the "voster." the Irish arithmetic, that were quite easy of solution to him, would puzzle many an older head. Here he attended the district schools and had the benefit of one term in the seminary at ]\Iurray, Indiana. In 1859 he entered the school room as a teacher and continued that occupation each vear during the winter months until 1871.' March 4. 1866. Mr. Gavin was united in marriage to Miss Martha McFarren, daughter of Jacob and Rachael (Foust) McFarren. Jacob McFarren was a native of Pennsylvania, the son of John and Elizabeth McFarren, also natives of that state. When Jacob was a small boy his parents emigrated to Highland county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Rachael Foust, March 4, 1841. That same year the young couple moved to Huntington county, Indiana, and there ^lartha was born, February 27, 1842. In 1857 Jacob mo\-ed to Liberty township, Wells county, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. She died October 10, 1873, his own demise occur- ring August 24, 1895. To them were born ten children, viz : Martha A.. George F.. John, deceased, Andrew, Sarah. Jonathan, \\'illiam, Mary. Emma and Joseph ]\I. Soon after marriage the subject and his wife settled on the place now owned by M. Johnson. He had one horse, and his wife a cow. but he cleared some thirty acres and in 1871 sold to Absalom Funk and purchased one hundred and fifty acres of the farm upon which he now lives. The land was wet. wild and wooded when he got it. but it is now a most desirable, pro- ductive farm of three hundred acres. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in section 24. In addition to managing his big farm and other interests, he has been interested in a grain elevator at Poneto for several years, his partners being H. A. Man. Frank Kizer and \\'illiam Walker. To Mr. and Mrs. Gavin eight children have been born, viz: George; Rachel A. married C. B. McAdam and they are the parents of two children. Arthur E. and an infant daughter, deceased; Mary J. married Charles P. Eaton and died Decem- ber 14. 1 89 1 ; John F. ; Winona married W. H. Weinland. 'Sla.y 22. 1895. and they have 528 WELL5 COUNTY, INDIANA. one child, lantha Ann ; \A'illiaiTi ; Austin, and James H., who died at the age of five years. John and Austin have attended the Marion Normal School, the former teaching for a time. Mr. Gavin is a mem- ber of the Methodist Protestant church, holding membership at Blanch chapel, of which he is trustee. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at Poneto. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., being treasurer of Poneto Lodge No. 752. In politics he is as free and inde- pendent as the breezes of the plains, be- ing bound by no party ties or hedged in by any organization. His vote is his own, not being influenced by any man, set of men, circles, clique or political party. LEWIS A. MINXIEAR. The subject of this sketch is a native of Huntington county, Indiana, and the son of Joseph and Rachael A. (Searles) Minniear. Joseph's parents were Isaac and Lydia Min- niear, natives of Virginia and Ohio. They moved to Huntington county as early as 1838, but after a residence there of about twelve years changed their abode to the coun- t}- of Wabash, where they spent the remain- der of their lives, Isaac dying May 9, 1855, his wife surviving him until about the year 1870. To this couple were born fourteen children, whose names are as follows : Lucin- da. Charity, Minerva, Nancy, Tabitha, John, Isaac, Charles, Frances, W^illiam, j\Iary, Blufiford, Joseph and Lydia. Joseph Minniear, the thirteenth of the family, was reared to maturity in the counties of Huntington and Wabash, | and by reason of the death of his father was early in life obliged to assume the re- sponsibihty of caring for his widowed moth- er and provide means for his own support. On the 4th day of July, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Ann Searles, who was born near Lebanon, Ohio, June 6, 1841, the daughter of William and Char- lotte Searles, the father a native of England, the mother of Ohio. William Searles was born about one hundred miles from London and grew to young manhood in the land of his nativity. His mother having found a home in the United States, William and his brother Thomas decided about ten years af- ter she had left England to join her in the new world. Accordingly they made their way to the harbor from which they were to sail and on applying for passage found all but one berth engaged for the voyage. Which of the two should have this berth was now the question. The brothers had a long and bitter controversy over the matter and would perhaps have settled it by a resort to iisticufifs had not the captain interfered by persuading Thomas, who was the older, to wait for the next vessel. In due time he took passage, but was ship-wrecked and for some time the passengers and crew were without food, other than a mere pittance of tallow candle allotted to each as his day's rations. The vessel was finally sighted and towed to har- bor, but the sufferings endured by the immi- grants had almost reduced them to living skeletons. William Searles settled near Leb- anon, Ohio, and for a number of years there- after worked at the shoemaker's trade. His first wife was Anna Dehaven, who bore him three children : Theophilus, Alpheus and John, the last named deceased; by his sec- ond wife, whose maiden name was Charlotte WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 529 Parker, a native of Ohio, he was the father of children as follows : F. M., Jasper, Jonah, Joseph, David and Rachael. Mr. Searles finally ceased working at his trade and moved to Huntington county, Indiana, where he en- tered a tract of government land, from which in the course of a few years he developed a good farm. He and his wife died on this place a number of years ago and their mem- ories are still cherished by their descendants and by the people of the community who for- merly knew them. Ever since his marriage Joseph Minniear has lived in Huntington county and is today regarded as one of the enterprising farmers and progressive men of his township. He is the father of nine children. Lewis A. JMinniear was born October 10, 1869, on the farm which his maternal grand- father purchased from the government and it was there that his childhood and early youth were spent. He entered the district schools at the proper age, continued to attend them at intervals until his twenty-first year and after attaining his majority took a course in the Central Normal College at Danville. Sub- sequently, in the fall of 1889, he entered the BlufTton Normal School, where he prose- cuted his studies one term, at the end of which time he again took up the public school work, in which he was graduated the followingyear. Meantime he became acquainted with the more practical affairs of life by beginning to work on a farm when but thirteen years of age, receiving fifty cents a day for his services. Subsequently he labored about three years at fifteen dollars per month, dur- ing which time he turned over to his mother the greater part of his earnings, retaining for himself barely sufficient to pay for his cloth- ing and to meet a few other necessary ex- penses. In the fall of 1886 his wages were increased to sixteen dollars per month and during the succeeding six years he worked diligently with the object in view of ulti- mately purchasing land and becoming an agriculturist upon his own responsibility. Meantime, on the loth of December, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Viola P. Clark, daughter of J. I. and Nancy A. (Helm) Clark, and in the latter part of the same month moved into a little old log cabin which stood on the farm he now owns and cul- tivates. In due time this primitive structure gave place to the comfortable modern dwell- ing which the family now occupies, Mr. Min- niear the meanwhile bringing his place to a successful state of tillage by careful cultiva- tion and a thorough system of tile drainage. He has studied closely the science of agri- culture, understanding the nature of soils and their adaptability to the different products, and by a judicious rotation of crops never fails to realize abundant returns from his labors. Like other successful farmers of the county, he has not been backward in the mat- ter of stock raising, his breeds of Hereford cattle and fine hogs being among the best in the township, in addition to which he also devotes considerable attention to domestic fowls, being especially fortunate in raising Plymouth Rocks and Rosecomb Leghorn breeds. Mr. Minniear is indebted to his own energy and superior management for what advancement he has made, as he began life for himself with no aid from any other source. His well directed industry has been crowned with a large measure of success, and this, too, when confronted by conditions calculated to discourage one of less will power. He has always looked upon the bright side of life and is optimistic enough 530 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. to believe that honest toil, when directed by sound judgment, cannot fail in the end of rewarding those by whom it is exercised. Mr. Minniear reads much and is one of the well-posted men of his community. He be- lieves in education and moral training, uses his best endeavor to promote these interests in his neighborhood and also lends his in- fluence to all movements having for their ends the material prosperity of the township in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Minniear have three chil- dren, namely: Elmer V., born September I, 1894 ; Lloyd, born June 7, 1899, and Clar- ence H., whose birth took place on the 21st day of December, 1901. Since his twenty- second year Mr. Minniear has been a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Protestant church, filling a number of im- portant official positions in Beemer Chapel, with which he is identified, including among others those of steward, class leader and superintendent of the Sunday school. He is an active church worker and a liberal, con- tributor to the support of the gospel both at home and abroad. Mrs. Minniear united with the church when eighteen years old and has lived an earnest, devoted Christian life from that time to the present. At the age of seventeen Mr. Minniear was initiated into the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Warren, but at this time his membership is with Liberty Center Lodge. He has passed all the chairs in the latter or- ganization and has the reputation of being one of its most earnest and zealous workers. Politically he was born and reared a Demo- crat and has always remained loyal to the old historic party of Jefferson and Jackson, de- fending its principles at all times and labor- ing earnestly for its success when campaigns are in progress. He has never asked nor de- sired office, but takes an active interest in the selection of candidates and spares no reason- able effort in working for their success at the polls. GEORGE M. GAVIN. George M. Gavin was born May 23, 1871, in Liberty township, on the farm up- on which he now resides. He is the son of J. B. and Rebecca (Hedges) Gavin, to whom an independent article is herein de- voted. His grandfather was George Gavin, who in his native land was a member of the royal constabulary (governmental po- lice), but who became an educator in Ohio and later in Indiana and is so remembered by the older citizens. Early in life George M. Gavin develop- ed a talent for learning. He attended the public schools, securing such benefits as they could confer until he received a cer- tificate to teach, though he continued the better to prepare himself by attending the State Normal School at Terre Haute. He taught six successive years in Liberty. Harrison and Chester townships and at- tained a high standing among the valued educators of the county. Realizing that the financial return was not commensur- ate with the ability demanded, he opened a hardware and undertaking establish- ment at Poneto in 1898, which he con- ducted successfully for about two years, then selling the hardware department and continued the undertaking practice. In 1900 he was elected township trustee, largely in recognition of his interests in the schools, and, placing his mercantile WELLS COUNTY. INDIANA. 531 business in otlier hands, he moved to his farm, the same that was owned by his grandfather nearly twenty years before he was born. He does general farm- ing and stock raising, finding the celebrat- ed Poland China hogs the most profitable source of income. December 24, 1892, Mr. Gavin was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Huff- man, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Ruse) Hufifman, natives of Darke county, Ohio, he being a son of Henry and Cather- ine Huffman. Frederick Huffman now lives at Warren, though he formally lived in Jackson township. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin have one son, James Frederick, born July 25, 1894. They have also opened their hearts and home to two orphan children, Mathae and Ralph Irick, they being but eleven months old when they became in- mates of the Gavin home. These are the children of Mrs. Gavin's sister, Phebe Catherine, who married George H. Irick, both of whom died of typhoid fever and within twelve hours of each other, and were buried in the same grave in Lawn cemetery at Warren. Mr. Gavin is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, while Mrs. Gavin aiifiliates with the German Baptist, or Dunkards, each enjoying the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience. Mr. Gavin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge at Poneto, of which he is secretary. He has ever been a Democrat and it was upon that ticket he was elected township trustee and has the distinction of being the youngest man ever elected to that office. As trustee his interest in edu- cation and theories regarding conduct of school ha\e more ample scope than when a mere teacher only. Believing in the cen- tralization of school effort, he endeavors to give his township the benefit of the most ad\'anced and tried experience in that line. Liberty township now has eight schools with fourteen teachers, four of them being in the Liberty Center high school and four in Poneto. The build- ings are all in a first class condition and this capable corps of able instructors af- fords the youth of the township facilities equal to any in the county. JACOB J. SMITH. Jacob J. Smith was born June 19, 1841, in Fairfield county, Ohio, his parents being Bartholomew and Mary (Eversole) Smith, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. He had come with his parents when they moved to Fairfield county, Ohio, in the early part of the last century and always lived on a farm, both dying in Fairfield county at ad- vanced ages. The youth and early manhood of Jacob J. Smith were spent in his native county of Fairfield and he received a fair education in the public and subscription schools. For two years he had cultivated his father's farm, pre- vious to September 2, 1861, when he entered the United States service as a volunteer soldier, joining Company F, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, ser\-ing under Captain Rickett, Colonel Collins and Gen- eral Cook. He was out two years and four months and participated in numerous im- portant and sanguinary battles, among them being Wild Cat, Kentucky. Mill Spring, Ft. 53- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Donelson and Shiloh. In the latter part of 1863 his left arm was fractured and for this and other disabilities he was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee. While in the hospital at Huntsville, Alabama, all of the sick not able to be moved were taken prisoners when Cook's brigade abandoned that territory. All were kept there, treated by rebel sur- geons, and in three months he was exchanged and sent to the Federal hospital at Nashville, from which he was discharged six weeks later, and on his way to Louisville he called upon his regimental commander, then sta- tioned at Gallatin, Tennessee. As a Demo- crat he entered the service, fought as a Dem- ocrat and has continued to vote as a Demo- crat ever since. When he had recovered sufficiently he resumed the cultivation of his father's farm. August 3, 1865, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Morris, born July 22, 1844, in Fairfield county, Ohio. Her parents were Mitchell and Elizabeth (Hardesty) Alorris. Her father was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 28, 181 2, and re- sided on the farm where he was born and where his parents originally settled, from his birth to his death, a period of eighty-seven years. His wife, Elizabeth, who was born November 4, 1818, died on the same farm some years previous. After marriage the young couple found that their united for- tunes consisted of a horse, a cow and four hundred dollars, the cash and the cow belonging to the wife. They rented in Ohio and also in Rock Creek town- ship. Wells county, coming to it in Octo- ber, 1865. After some time they bought forty acres in the woods, for a portion of which they went in debt. After building a house and clearing and improving the place they sold it for seven hundred dollars more than what the land had cost them, and with the money they bought eighty acres, all in the woods, in Liberty township. Upon this they built a good house and barn, cleared, ditched, fenced and improved the place and made of it a most valuable and desirable farm. On this place they resided twenty- seven years, wiien, in 1901, they sold and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Lancaster township. This was sold in three months and another eighty acres in the same township purchased, but in four months they sold again and returned to Liberty township. Here they bought the Joseph Rose farm, within one mile of their old place, but this also has been sold and a farm of eighty acres in Harrison township was purchased. He has also residence property in Bluff ton where he proposes to take life with more leisure. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob J. Smith six chil- dren have been born, viz : Rosetta is the wife of Peter Souerwine, of Rock Creek town- ship, and they have three children, Virgil, Vesta and Daisy; Mary E., who taught two years, is now the Avife of Hugh W. Fate, of Liberty township, and they have three children, Ethel, Clarence and Lola; Morris B., a constructor for the Indi- ana Bridge Company : .Anetta is the wife of Jonathan Falk, of Harrison township, and they have three children, Guy, Justine and Howard ; Virginia, who married Jacob Eck- hart, of Liberty township, died aged twenty- two years; James resides. with his parents. What Mr. and Mrs. Smith possess today has all been made by industry, backed by prudence, good judgment and economy. He does general farming, including live stock growing, and gives preference to Poland China hogs and Red Polled cattle. Mr. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 533 Smith, wife and daughters are members of the Friends' church at Pleasant View. He belongs to Lewis Dailey Post, G. A. R., at BlufFton. His political creed is Democracy. The underlying principles of that party, op- posed to the centralization of power in the general government, has overshadowed every minor issue, in his estimation, and wedded him to the party of Jefferson and Jackson. In that, as in all other matters, he is sincere and consistent, believing in the widest latitude and fullest liberty of the in- dividual, consistent with the good of society. It is a matter of regret that more voters of this land of freedom do not study those im- portant questions of state, and his example in this line, as indeed in most others, may be safely followed. JOHN \\'. SPROWL. This ex-soldier of the Civil war, but now a peaceful agriculturist in Liberty township, \\'ells county, Indiana, and as broad-minded in the time of peace as he was patriotic in the time of war, was born in Lancaster town- ship, Huntington county, Indiana. July 15, 1845, ^ son of James A. and Elizabeth (Wagner) Sprowl. James A. Sprowl was born in Virginia, and when young was brought to Indiana by his parents, who set- tled in Lancaster township, Huntington county. Joseph Sprowl. father of James A., purchased wild land when he reached the country, before the Indians had been ex- pelled therefrom, and in that comparative wilderness James A. grew to manhood, the country in the meantime becoming settled up and modernized. James A. there passed the remainder of his life, with the exception of four j-ears spent in Iowa, and was famous among the Indians as a hunter. He lived until the ripe age of eighty-six years. The children born to James A. and Elizabeth Sprowl numbered nine and in order of birth were named as follows : Mary A., the Avife of James Barton; William, a resident of Bluffton ; John W. ; Achasa Jane, widow of ]\Ir. Collins, lives in Iowa; Susan, the wife of Frank Horner; Joseph, a resident of White county ; Sarah, married to John Huff ; Fran- cis resides in Bluffton ; Miner, wife of John Horner, and Christina, who died in child- hood. John W. Sprowl was reared in Lancaster township and at the age of eighteen enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Perrish and General Sherman. He served two years, being honorably discharged at Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1865. He had taken part in several skirmishes and twelve regular battles, including those of Pea Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta. At the cessation of hostilities Mr. Sprowl returned to his father's home and assisted on the farm until his marriage, July 25, 1867, to Miss Isabel Edgar, who was born in Penn- sylvania July 13, 1843, a daughter of Atkin- son and Mary Ann (Mounsey) Edgar, na- tives of England, who came to the LTnited States about 1842. They engaged in farm- ing in the Keystone state until 1844, when they came to Wdh county. Indiana, re- mained here about one year and then went to Huntington county, where Mr. Edgar bought forty acres of farming land, to which he added until he owned one hundred and sixty acres. This he subsequently sold and bought one hundred and sixty acres near 534 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ^^'arre^, which he also sold, and next pur- chased two hundred acres near Kelso, Hun- tington county, on which he resided until ten or twelve years prior to his death, when he went to live with his son John, at whose home he passed away in 1891. The mother of Mrs. Sprowl died when she was but three weeks old, and her father then married Jane Mounsey, sister to his first wife, and who had come to Indiana with him. Atkinson Edgar and first wife had a family of six children, viz : Mary, Sarah and John, de- ceased ; Jane, widow of Jefferson McElhany ; Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Lowery, and Isabel. To the second marriage of Mr. Ed- gar were also born six children, namely : Martha, widow of Napoleon Williams, At- kinson, Thomas and three who died in in- fancy. John W. Sprowl, for two years after his marriage, lived with his father-in-law and cultivated the farm. He then settled on his own farm of eighty acres, which he still oc- cupies, but which was then in a swamp deep in the woods. Seventy acres of this place Mr. Sprowl has cleared up and drained and has put under cultivation. When he settled here he had two horses, two cows, a few pigs and some sheep, and the cabin of logs was twenty by eighteen feet, with a framed kitchen attached, these improvements hav- ing been made by himself. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Sprowl have been blessed with five children, viz : Lucinda. who was born in February, 1869, is now the wife of Daniel Masterson, of Liberty town- ship, and has two children, Raymond L. and Jason ; James A. died at the age of twenty- two years; Henry N. is married to Etta Medrets and is the father of four children, Dora B., John W., Lottie M. and Roy ; Jon- athan E. married Celestia Fudge, who bore him one child, Otis Elmer, but the father is now deceased, being killed by an engine while pumping oil ; Rosa B., the youngest of the five, was married to Allison Melling, but was called away in February, 1896, leav- ing two children, Ora O., who has been reared by Mr. Sprowl, and Gus M., who died when five months old. Mr. Sprowl, who is a gentleman of the kindest impulse, has also reared Melvin Lucky, whom he took in charge when but three weeks old and who will soon arrive at his majority. Air. and Airs. Sprowl are members of the United Brethren church at Mount Zion and in politics Mr. Sprowl is a Democrat. He is now superintendent of fourteen and three- cjuarters miles of gravel road and has at dif- ferent times filled various township offices. He is one of the most public spirited men in his township and is widely and favorably known, being ready and williiig at all times to aid with his means and advice all pro- jects designed to promote the convenience and happiness of his fellow citizens. JOSEPH B. MOORE. The man who has accumulated most in the way of worldly wealth is not always the man who has accomplished most in life. \Miile wealth is desirable, there are other things much more so, because of being more conducive to happiness. A moral, intelligent, well educated and thrifty family is far more desirable than great wealth. The combina- tion of both, like most other happy combina- tions, is to be most desired. The subject of this sketch, Joseph B. Moore, is one whose WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 535 life has been blessed in this regard. He was born in Hamilton county, near Strawtown, Indiana, September ii, 1838, and here his childhood, youth and early manhood were spent. During the 'forties there were few schools in Indiana, but most neighborhoods hoods had a subscription school a number of months each year, and it was in these schools that the subject received his education. It was not what would be considered liberal, but was thorough as to the common branches. The parents of Joseph B. Moore were Cornelius and Elizabeth (Lash) Moore. The latter was a native of New Jersey and emigrated, when quite young, with her par- ents, to eastern Ohio where the family re- sided for some time, then moved to Athens, Ohio, where she met and married Cornelius Moore. After marriage they settled down to farming near Athens, where they contin- ued until 1834, when they moved to Hamil- ton county, Indiana. There they entered a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of gov- ernment land, erected a humble home and proceeded to carve a farm out of the wil- derness. When they had been away from their relatives and friends in Ohio a num- ber of years, and when Joseph B. Moore was an infant of only a few months, they decided to make a vi^it to their old Ohio home. They traveled by wagon, taking w'ith them their bedding, and stopping at night at farm houses on the way, when they would lay their bedding on the floor and repose comfortably through the night. One morn- ing one of the men of the house where they stopped, desiring to help them get ready for their journey, picked up the bedding and dumped it into the wagon. Later Mrs. Moore missed her baby, which was nowhere to be found. The child was too vouns: to even crawl away, hence what had become of him was a mystery. Diligent search finally disclosed the little fellow almost smothered to death under the pile of bedding that had been dumped into the wagon, and he made several gasps before he succeeded in regain- ing his breath. Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius jMoore were the parents of nine children, viz : Isaac mar- ried Sarah A. Kelley and is now a resident of Kansas; Morilla died in early woman- hood; Eli died in infancy; Joseph; Mary is the widow of James Coster and resides on the old Moore homestead in Hamilton coun- ty ; George married Rebecca Xance and lives in Hamilton county ; Cornelius married Catherine \\'hite and lives in Madison county, Indiana ; William resides in Hamil- ton county, on the old homestead; Anthony married Sarah Cuillip and also resides in Hamilton county. The father of this fam- ily continued to reside upon and cultivate the farm entered by him, until his death, which occurred many years ago. The mother, Airs. Elizabeth Moore, died in 1899, at the age of eighty-five years. Joseph B. Moore worked for his par- ents until he was twent3'-one years of age. Starting out in life to work for himself, he made a trip to Illinois and worked there at farming six months. Returning to Indi- ana, he worked for a number of years by the day or month for those who had work to do until November 15, 1867, when he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kelly, born in Carroll county, Ohio, April 7, 1847. She was a daughter of Aaron and Susan (Stern) Kelly, who were natives of Ohio, but who had moved to Hamilton county, Indiana, in 1849, when their daughter, Eliz- abeth, was only two years old. It is said that 536 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. Mrs. Kelly and her two children, with all their household goods, were conveyed from Ohio on the back of one horse, Mr. Kelly making the journey on foot. During the first few years of their life in Hamilton county they lived on rented farm. When Mr. Kelly had accumulated sufficient money he purchased a tract of eighty acres, land being then not nearly as expensive as it has since become. This he improved and built a home upon it, adding occasionally to the dimensions of his farm, by purchase, until at the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred and seventy acres, splendidly improved and thoroughly cultivated. He was torn Janu- ary 30, 1820, died February 22, 1873; his wife, born July 4, 1823, died February 10, 1 90 1. They were parents of twelve chil- dren, viz : Sarah N., wife of Isaac Moore, a resident of Kansas; Elizabeth; Catherine, deceased: Anthony married Sina A'wker, and resides in Hamilton county; William, who married Emma Brooks, resides in Hamilton county ; John, deceased ; Char- lotte, deceased; Douglass married Mina Awker and resides in Hamilton county ; Car- oline, the wife of Fletcher Summers, is now dead ; Mary J. is the wife of David Mussel- man a'nd resides in Liberty township; Deli- lah is the widow of William Cenders, re- siding at Strawtown, and Aaron, deceased. The possessions of Joseph B. Moore at the time of his marriage consisted of one horse, an interest in some cattle and an in- ' terest in the growing crop on the home place. The first two years he cultivated the farm of his father-in-law and then rented another place for two years more, when he moved to Wells county, Indiana, where he purchased eighty acres of land for eighteen hundred dollars. As part payment he turned o\-er a team of horses, valued at three hundred dol- lars, and gave three notes of five hundred dollars each, payable in one, two and three years. As these notes became due he did not have money to meet them, but borrowed it, paying ten per cent, interest. It was more than twelve }-ears before the last of this in- debtedness was liquidated. When he took possession of this land it was practically un- improved, but it is now well ditched, fenced and upwards of seventy acres are cleared. In 1884 he built a large barn and has re- cently completed a fine residence. He is a farmer of the progressive type, raising lots of cattle, horses and hogs and plenty of grain, hay, straw, fodder and vegetables to feed them. He has a number of very fine brood mares and always has several promising colts on the place. He attends strictly to his own business and therefore makes it remu- nerative and profitable. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore five children and many grandchildren have been born, viz : Celia is the wife of Edward Harris, and they are the parents of seven children, William, Charles, Otis, Henry, Evert, Rosie and Edna; Cora is the wife of George Sheets and they are the parents of three children, Elizabeth, Lloyd and Raymond ; Aaron, who married Gertie Jones, resides in Liberty township, and they are the parents of three children, Loretta, Lela and Belle ; Susan and Elizabeth Ann were twins, both dying in in- fancy. Mrs. Moore is a member of the church of the Disciples, being a liberal con- tributor to its support and a regular attend- ant upon its services. Mr. Moore is an ac- tive member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Liberty Center, has passed the chairs twice and twice been representative in grand lodge. In politics he has always WELLS COUNTY. INDL\NA. 537 been a Democrat and rather active, particu- larly during campaigns, having represented his township and county in state and con- gressional conventions a number of times. Because of his courteous manners, genial disposition and genuine worth, Mr. Moore has won and retains the regard and esteem of all who kno\\- him. DA\qD T. MATL.^CK. Sixty years ago, in the new settlement of Lidiana, the man with an education was treated with a great deal of consider- ation. In those days, in the country, about the only use there was for an edu- cation was to employ in it the school room in teaching. William Matlack, father of David T. Matlack, was a native of Ches- ter county, Pennsylvania, and a man of learning and ability. His father was Thomas Matlack. who was born, lived and died in the Keystone state. In 1840. Wil- liam Matlack came west and, finding him- self in Wayne county, Indiana, with noth- ing to do, resolved to employ his talents in teaching. As an instructor he was ef- ficient and popular and not only won his way to the hearts of his pupils, but also to the heart of a pretty girl over across the state line in Preble county. On Novem- ber 22, 1844. he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Stamback, a daughter of David and Mary J. (Kelly) Stamback, natives of Pennsylvania, who were among the earliest settlers of Preble county. At the instigation of his wife and her relations, he took up his abode in Preble county and devoted himself to farming. He remain- ed there for thirteen years, when, in 1857, he moved to Salamonie township, Hunt- ington county, Indiana, where he purchas- ed a tract of one hundred and forty acres of land, partly in Wells county. This tract he cleared and improved, making it a valu- able, productive farm. He also taught sev- eral terms of school in Huntington county. He and his wife were the parents of four chil- dren, viz : David. ]\Iary. wife of Thomas Mounsey ; ]\Iartha E.. wife of ThomasWeek- ley, and Mahala, wife of Sylvester Louns- bury. The family continued to occupy their Huntington county home until the death of the parents. The mother died Decem- ber 6. 1877, aged sixty-two years, eight months and five days and on September 7, 1891, the father died, aged seventy- seven years, five months and five days. David T. Matlack was born in Preble county. Ohio, August 23, 1845. His fath- er, appreciating an education, did not neg- lect that of the boy. He attended school in Preble county, Ohio, and in Huntington county, Indiana, until he was twenty years of age. On attaining his majority he rent- ed land on the shares, ploughing, plant- ing, cultivating and reaping the crops for one-third of the gross amount gathered, working for about ten years in this man- ner up to the time of his marriage. No- vember 23, 1876, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary E. Priddy, born March 4. 1846, in Salamonie township, Hunting- ton county. Indiana, the daughter of James \\'. and Lydia E. (Irwin) Priddy. He was born in Fayette county, Indiana, July 3, 182 1, was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Priddy, who were of Irish parent- age. The Priddys nuived to Huntington county, Indiana, in 1840, and here James 538 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. W. met Lydia E. Irwin and married her. Slie was the daughter of Samuel and Abi Irwin, who were natives of Xorth Caro- hna, but among the first settlers of Hunt- ington county. James W. and Lydia E. Priddy were the parents of seven children, viz : Mary E. ; Sarah E., wife of William Loudenback; Thomas A., a resident of Alexandria, Indiana; Asenith A., was the wife of Henry Stroup, but has been dead some years ; Samuel resides on the home place; John L. is a resident of Warren, and William, who lives in Huntington. The parents continued to reside upon the same place where they originally set- tled, until their deaths. He died June 2, 1881 ; she was born January 28, 1821, died October 17, 1889. They lived for fifty years upon the same farm and during that time there were only three deaths in the family, two of these being aged people. For ten years after his marriage David T. Matlack lived with his father and culti- vated the farm on the shares, receiving one-third of the gross crop gathered. In the meantime he accumulated some mon- ey, with which he purchased eighty acres of land in the woods in Jackson township. He cleared forty acres of this and other- wise improved the place, until it became a desirable piece of property, when he sold it. A part of the proceeds he invested in fifteen acres in Liberty township, Wells county. To this he kept adding, as the opportunity offered and means afford- ed, until he was the owner of one hundred and forty acres, part of which was includ- ed in the old homestead. A one-story cabin, sixteen by twenty feet, was erected on this land and into this Mr. Matlack moved his family in 1886. There was lit- tle other improvement on the place when he took up his residence upon it, but it is now cleared, fenced, ditched and other- wise improved, having a first class set of buildings, comparing favorably with any in the township, the house being erected in 1890, and in 1900 he built a well-ap- pointed, commodious and substantial barn. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, giving preference to Poland China hags and Galloway cattle. That he has been industrious, a good manager and eminently successful, the facts above set forth amply attest. To him and his wife two children have been born, viz: George A., born September 18, 1877, taught his first term of school when he was fifteen years of age and has taught eight terms since, being principal of the schools at Poneto and at Craig\ille, meantime tak- ing a three-years course at the Indiana L'niversity. He was admitted to the bar on his twenty-fourth birthday and is now associated with Henry Eichborn in active practice at Blufifton, being deputy prose- cutor of the county; Lewis E., born Octo- ber 28, 1880, is a graduate of the Liberty Center high school and Purdue Univer- sit}- and taught two terms. Mrs. Matlack is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, is a liberal contributor to its support, and is also a member of the lodge of Rebekahs. Mr. Matlack is a Ma- son and Odd Fellow, a member of the en- campment and belongs to the lodge of Rebekahs at Warren. He has passed the chairs in the encampment and is now no- ble grand of the subordinate lodge. In politics he is a Democrat and quite active in work for the party, especially during exciting political campaigns. He is a man WELLS COUNTY, INDL'^NA. 539 of influence and worth, not only in his own township, but his ability is recognized in a! parts of tlie county. JAMES P. ^lOUXSEY. A fortune may be attained in numerous wa_\s. Tlie two most common are by a sud- den lucky venture and by steady plodding and trivial accumulations, requiring years, perhaps a life time, to bring about the desired result. Where one fortune is secured in the first way. hundreds of thousands are ac- quired in the other manner. The first is the most popular, that is, it is the way most peo- ple would prefer to get it, but the second is by far the surest way of compassing the de- sired result and in every community com- fortable fortunes are being acquired by that process. One of those who has secured a competency in this way is James P. Mounsey, of ]\It. Zion. Wells county. Indiana. He was born in Liberty township, February 4. 1855, and was the son of John and Eliza (Merri- man) Mounsey. The parents were married in Wells county, Indiana, but the mother was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, the father being English by birth. He came to Amer- ica when he was eighteen years of age, go- ing to Pennsylvania and later located in Grant county, where he married, his first wife being Caroline Stratton. In 1840 he located in Wells county, Indiana, settling on a tract of land in Liberty township, on which he continued to reside up to the time of his death. In the latter years of his life John JMounsey was in the habit of telling numerous anecdotes of his experiences in the early settlement of Wells county. The win- ter of 1844 will long be remembered by "the oldest inhabitant" as the coldest in the mem- ory of man in. this latitude. Mr. Mounsey stated, and other early settlers vouched for its truth, that on the loth of April, that year, he crossed the Mississinevva river on the ice, in a big sled, on his way to Grant county for a load of corn. To show his extreme poverty in those early days, he told of salt being fourteen dollars a barrel and that he did not have money enough to buy salt enough to season the butter that he ate. His first year in America he earned one hundred dollars, pai'd sixty-five dollars of it for a mare which he kept long enough to get a colt, when she died, leaving him to raise the colt by hand. This was one of his hard-luck stories. From such a beginning, and that, too, during times of great financial depression, he accumulated a great deal of property. At one time he owned three hundred and sixty acres of fine land in Wells county and every foot of it was earned by his own labor. Caroline Stratton, his first wife, bore him four chil- dren, all of whom are living. They are Thomas, who resides in Liberty; Miami is the wife of Lewis Hoffman, of Mt. Zion; Hiram, a resident of Liberty township, and J. B.. a resident of the same place. His sec- ond wife is yet living at the age of eighty- one years, in fairly good health and sound mental condition. Five children were born to this union, four of whom are living: Eli- jah, killed by accident in a well : James P. ; George R., of Chester township; William B., a resident of Liberty Center; Mary Ann, wife of J. B. Osborne, a resident of Liberty township. The father of this family was an ardent Democrat and zealous church mem- ber. James P. ]\Iounsey attended the public S40 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. schools of his native townsliip until he was twenty-one years of age, when he entered the employ of his father on the farm at eigh- teen dollars per month. In this way he worked for two years, when his father pre- sented him with a tract of eighty acres of land, the same upon which he now resides. It was wild, heavily wooded and unim- pro\-ed, without fences, ditches or buildings of any kind, and for the next few years he applied himself to clearing this land, prose- cuting the work with energy. On April 19, 1878, Mr. Mounsey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. McNatt, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Hutchison) Mc- Natt. She accompanied her parents as a child, from Ohio to Wells county. After marriage he settled on the farm owned by his brother, Elijah, and remained there three years. He then bought an old, hewed-log house and moved it to his own farm. In this he lived until 1895, when he erected his present handsome, substantial dwelling of nine rooms, all well finished and beautifully furnished. Three years previous he built a fine, commodious barn, forty by seventy feet. He is now the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of fine land, one hundred and sixty of which comprise the home place. On a tract of sixty acres, near Keystone, he has two producing oil wells, from which he realizes a fair income. To Mr. and Mrs. Mounsey seven children have been born, of whom five are now living. They are Lilia, wife of George Helams, of Huntington county, parents of one child; Inez ; Lula B., wife of C. A. Payne, of Ches- ter township, parents of one child, Ruth; Floyd, deceased; Charles C, Claude L. and Victor V. are at home, and Mabel A. died at the age of two years. The family attend the Christian church, of which the parents are members and active workers in the cause. He has ser\-ed as trustee of the church and has been deacon for fifteen years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Liberty Center. In politics he is a Democrat, but in local affairs is liberal enough to vote for the man. He has always been an industrious worker, provident and thrifty. It is a source of much gratification to him that at his time'of life he finds himself in possession of enough of this world's goods to insure him and all whom he loves against every contingency of want and privation. He is a good citizen, whose ability and worth are well appreciated by his neighbors. SILAS POLING. This gentleman, who has been a resi- dent of Wells county, Indiana, since 1866, was born in Jackson township. Perry county, Ohio, April 7, 1823. His father, Martin Poling, was a native of Pennsyl- vania, born October 18, 1781, and was a son of William Poling. He grew to man- hood and was married in Pennsylvania, choosing for his bride Hester Reaver, also a native of the Keystone state and born April 7, 1786. Martin Poling removed from Pennsylvania to Perry county, Ohio, while he was in the vigor of his younger manhood and for some few years employed himself in farming in the woods. After having developed a farm of no mean pro- portions he sold out his property and re- moved to Hocking county, in the same state, purchased an eighty-acre tract, also WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 541 woodland, and wrought out another farm, which was his home until his death, which occurred January 18, 1855. j\Irs. Hester Poling survived until June 14, 1867, when she was summoned to join her husband in the unknown land, taking her departure from the home of her son, Silas. The chil- dren born to Martin and Hester (Reaver) Poling numbered fourteen, of whom three only are now living. These children were born in the following order: Jacob, Rich- ard. Katherine, Pollie, EHzabeth, Elijah, Silas, Isaiah, Jefferson, Anna, three whose names cannot be recalled or who died in infancy unnamed, and Matilda. Of the survivors of this family of fourteen Eliza is the widow of John Confare, of \\'ells county; Silas, whose name opens this rec- ord, and Matilda, wife of Peter Prough, who has his home in Missouri. Silas Poling grew to manhood in Hocking county, Ohio, and lived with his father on the home place until he attained his majority. At the early age of thirteen, however, Silas began working out for the neighboring families, but finally turned over the proceeds of his labor to his father. Upon attaining mature years, he was mar- ried, December 10, 1843, to Miss Mar- garet Goss, a native of Hocking county, Ohio, and a daughter of Henry and Hes- ter Goss. the former of German and the latter of EngHsh descent. ^Irs. ]\Iargaret (Goss) Poling, however, was called to rest June 26, 1875, having borne her husband ten children, namely: Zelda. who was born April 18, 1845, is now the widow of John Edgar and the mother of six children: John, Edgar, Alice. Atkinson, Minnie and Ruth; Almeda, born May 13, 1847, is the wife of Harvey Irick and has two children, Effie and Pearl; Hester, born December 10, 1849, is the widow of Nathan Lewis and the mother of seven children, Ollie, Francis, Zetta, Frank, Mollie, Gertie and Bertha; Emily, born March 6, 1852, is the wife of Thomas Clampit and has two chil- dren, William and Eldora; Jefferson, born July 7, 1854, married Sarah Stenson, who has borne him three children, Effie, Earn- est and Charley; Amos, born April 25, 1856, married Sarah Evans, who has be- come the mother of four children, Har- riet, Mabel, Emmett and Ora; Mary M. died at three years of age; George D. died aged four years; Athalinda, born May 7, 1863, is the widow of Oliver Lewis and has one child, Blanche; Anna E., born Febru- ary 3, 1866, is married to Jacob Shafer. At his marriage Silas Poling located on a farm in Hocking county, Ohio, where he lived until the fall of 1864, when he came to Indiana and rented land in Hunt- ington county, on which he lived until 1866 and then purchased the tract of one hun- dred and thirty acres in Wells county, on which he still lives. This land was in a swamp in the woods and covered with water that would reach his neck had he at- tempted to wade through its depths. Mr. Poling, however, hewed down some tim- ber, built a cabin and furnished it with a split-log or puncheon floor, with which he was contented until he had time to get to \\'arren and secure some planking. For the reason that he was unable to drain his land unassisted, he went three miles to Huntington county and worked for Israel Black on a farm now owned by John Huff- man, and also for several years worked for the farmers until his own land could be drained. To show the condition of the 542 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. country at this time, it may be related that when Will^ie Barton came to survey the first ditch through Mr. PoHng's place he was compelled to roll up his trousers as high as he possibly could. Mr. Poling now has his farm as well drained as any tract in the township, having tiled into the pub- lic ditch. The farm comprises seventy acres, of which Mr. Poling owns fifty and Mrs. Poling twenty. After the death of his first wife, Silas Poling married, June 26, 1875, Lucinda Petty, widow of Joseph Petty and daugh- ter of John and Elizabeth Stiveson, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Hocking county, Ohio, and in the latter county were married and there passed the remainder of life. John Stiveson and wife had a family of twelve children, namely ; Catherine, deceased ; Emanuel, deceased; Zoel, Lemuel, Susan. Sarah, deceased: Elizabeth, Mary, Lu- cinda, Johnnie, Eliza, deceased. To a sec- ond marriage there were two children, namely: Dessie, who had her nativity March 23, 1864; Mary A., born Septem- ber 18, 1866, and married to William Mad- den : Josephine, born July 25, 1868, is mar- ried to A. T. Merriman and has three chil- dren, Jeston, Dawn and Floyd. Joseph Petty was called away' June 20, 1868, or about seven years prior to the second mar- riage of his widow. To the second mar- riage of Silas Poling have been born two children, viz: Halleck, September 21, 1880, and married to Jennie ]\Iounsey. but makes his home with his father, and Cur- tis Eugene. Silas Poling still maintains supervision over his farm, on which he has six oil wells which produce a handsome income. He and wife are members of the Mount Zion United Brethren church, of which Mr. Poling has been a class leader for forty years and also Sunday school superintend- ent. He has been a Republican in politics ever since the organization of the party and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. Mr. Poling signified his patriotism, April i, 1864, by volunteering in the Union volunteer infantry and serv- ing ninety days against the rebel general Early. He was then honorably discharg- ed, having fought in West \'irginia and Maryland with Company H, One Hun- dred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers. He is one of the honored residents of Wells county, and his straightforward and useful life fully entitles him to all the respect which is shown him. ALFRED T. MERRIMAN. The gentleman whose name introduces this review enjoys worthy prestige as a successful farmer and stock raiser and as a neighbor and citizen is held in the high- est esteem by the people of the township in which he lives. Mr. Merriman is the scion of an old Maryland family who^.e his- tory in this country antedates the Revolu- tionary period. His great-grandfather, William Merriman, was born in Maryland about the year 1736 and there married Elizabeth Gooin, whose ancestors were also among the earliest settlers of that colony. From Maryland William Mer- riman moved his family to Union county, Pennsylvania, thence, about 1850, mi- grated to Wayne county, Ohio, where he WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 543 entered six hundred and forty acres of land which he subsequently divided among his eight children. He became a prominent farmer and leading citizen and departed this life a number of years ago in the county of Wayne. Among the children of William and Elizabeth Merriman was a son by the name of Elijah, whose birth oc- curred in Maryland in the year 1788. He married Mary McCoy, who was born in 1792 in the same state, and in 1816 moved to Wayne county. Ohio, where his father had settled the previous year. This couple reared sons and daughters, one of the for- mer being James Merriman. whose birth occurred in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of December, 1814. When two years old James was taken by his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, and it was there that he grew to manhood amid the hard work and stirring scenes of pioneer times. On the 6th of April. 1837, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Anna Tracy, daughter of George and Leah Tracy, early settlers of Wayne county, ]\Irs. Merriman having been born there on the 8th day of Febru- ary, 1818. One year prior to his marriage James Merriman entered eighty acres of land in Huntington county. Indiana, but for some reason he never moved to this place, returning to his home in Ohio im- mediately after making the purchase. Li October, 1839, he moved his family, con- sisting of a wife and one child, to Wells county, entering one hundred and sixty acres in section 20, in what is now Liberty township, there being no township organ- ization at that date. The country at the time was a dense wilderness, uncheered by the sHghtest presence of civilization, and for several years following the pioneer family experienced their full share of the vicissitudes and hardships incident to life in the backwoods. Mr. Merriman built a log cabin which answered the purposes for which intended until a more comfortable dwelling took its place and in due time clear- ed a fine farm, which became one of the best cultivated and most valuable places in the township of Liberty. He continued to reside on this farm until about 1889, when he became an inmate of the house- hold of his son, the subject of this sketch, where his death occurred on the 27th of February, 1896. Mrs. Merriman preceded her husband to the grave, departing this life May 15. 1889. They were the par- ents of eleven children, namely: Saman- tha, widow of Ruel Wright; Mahala, de- ceased wife of George McElhaney ; Bruce, a resident of Smith county. Kansas ; John, a farmer of Liberty township. Wells county ; Tracy, who also lives in the town- ship of Liberty: Anna, widow of Asberry Luce: Dallas, who lives in Huntington county ; Mary L., deceased, was the wife of William Heckman ; Joseph H., a farmer of Wells county; George O., of Pulaski county, and Alfred T. James Merriman was for many years prominent in the pub- lic affairs of Wells county and in his im- mediate neighborhood was to a large ex- tent a leader among his follow citizens. He served three years as magistrate, was always an active worker in the Democratic party and contributed much to its success in an early day. Mrs. Merriman was a devout Christian, having been a member of the Discij^les church from early woman- hood. Alfred T. Merriman was born on the old homestead in Liberty township, De- 544 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. cember 20, 1865. From the age of six to his seventeenth year he attended winter seasons the district schools near which he Hved, spending the other months assisting his father with the labors of the farm. In his eighteenth year he entered a normal school at Bluffton and after attending one term was sufficiently advanced in his stud- ies to pass successfully the required ex- amination for a teacher's license. During the next five years he divided his time be- tween teaching and attending school and from the expiration of that period until 1894 devoted the greater part of his atten- tion to teaching. With the exception of one term. 'Sir. Merriman"s educational work was confined to Liberty township and his retention year after year in the same district speaks louder than words in praise of his efficiency and success as an instructor. While engaged in teaching he spent his vacations at home helping with the farm work until 1894, when he abandoned the educational field for the purpose of engaging in agricultural pur- suits upon his own responsibility. In 1892 Mr. ]\Ierriman purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he now lives, going in debt to the amount of two thousand dollars, the greater part of which he has since paid, besides buying forty-eight acres of the home place, making the sum total of his real estate at this time one hundred and twenty-eight acres, all but sixteen being in cultivation. He has made many improvements on his farm and is justly considered one of the most enterprising agriculturists of the county, as well as one of its representative men. Mr. Merriman was married December 31, 1888, to Miss Josephine Petty, who was born in Hocking county, Ohio, on the 25th of July, 1868, the daughter of Joseph and Lucinda Petty, and their home has been brightened by the advent of three children: Justin, born June 6, 1891, Don G., born September 3, 1893, ^"d Floyd V., who first saw the light of day on the i8th of December, 1896. In his political views Mr. Merriman is a Democrat, but in local afifairs he pays little heed to party claims, voting for the man best qualified for office. In matters religious he subscribes to the belief of the Methodist Protestant church and for a number of years has been one of the pillars of the congregation worshiping at Liberty Center. In 1899 he was elected secretary of the quarterly conference, which position he still holds, and since the year 1894 he has been the efficient super- intendent of the Liberty Center Sunday school. He is also superintendent of the Lib- erty township Sunday school convention and as such has been instrumental in promot- ing the work in this part of the county. Like her husband, Mrs. Merriman is a Sunday school worker. Socially both are popular with a large circle of friends and their wholesome moral influence has add- ed much to the high standing of the com- munity in which they reside. It is to such people that the body politic is indebted for its moral tone and stabihty and the hope of every good citizen is that men and women of this type may ever increase in number. ROBERT C. IRWIN. We are often told that the child is father to the man. At first thought the as- WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 545 sertion seems an absurdity, Init when we consider how the inclination of the youth foreshadows the disposition and trend of mind which the man afterwards displays, we are reconciled more to the truth of the statement. From early childhood Robert C. Irwin, of Liberty township, had a pas- sion for trees and for grafting and budding them. He had watched the operation of grafting until he felt perfectly familiar with every detail and at the first oppor- tunity that offered concluded to try his hand. His mother had a nice patch of gooseberry bushes and these he proposed to convert into fine fruit trees by the trim- ming process. When the operations of the young horticulturist were discovered the wrath of his parent was intense. The use of the maternal slipper was called into requisition and he was made to feel that the path of the true scientist in horticul- ture was, as in other matters, not uncom- monly strewn with thorns. His gooseberry bushes have not yet become bearing fruit trees, but the early inclinations of the child lia\-e made the man one of the most success- ful fruit raisers in Wells county. Robert C. Irwin was born May i8, 1855, in Salamonie township, Hunting- ton county, Indiana, his parents being Cornelius and Elizabeth (Swaim) Irwin. The father was a native of North Caro- lina, born May 21, 1827. At the age of eighteen he accompanied his uncle, Rob- ert Irwin, on foot, from North Carolina to Huntington county. Sargeant Clark, a relative, had preceded them and it was through his representations that the ardu- ous trip was made. For years afterward Cornelius worked by the month for farm- ers. He was married, when about twenty- four years of age, to Elizabeth Swaim, also a native of North Carolina, and a daughter of Simeon and Nancy Swaim, who were natives of North Carolina, as they were also early settlers of Indiana. Soon after his marriage Cornelius Irwin bought forty acres of Salamonie township land, all in the woods, going in debt for the greater part of the purchase price. He sold it in a short time at a profit and purchased sixty-five acres in the same township, the same constituting a part of the farm upon which he now resides, at the age of seventy-five years, one of his daughters, Nancy, being his housekeeper. His wife died in May, 1897. To CorneHus and Elizabeth Irwin seven children were born, viz: Eunice, wife of William H. Helm; Nancy; Samuel, killed by a falling tree; Robert C. ; Ruth, who married David F. Payne, and is now deceased ; William, a resident of Huntington county, Indiana, and Elizabeth, who died in infancy. A good common school education was accorded Robert C. Irwin as he grew to manhood in his native township. At the age of eighteen his labor on the farm was considered more valuable than anything further he might learn at school and he was put to work, at which he remained for his father until he was twenty-five years old. Occasionally he was permitted to rent a field and plant, cultivate and gather a crop of corn. He also occasion- ally worked by the day for neighboring farmers, and when he was twenty-four years old he rented a field from his father and planted it in corn, but it required two- thirds of the crop of corn to pay the rent. April 7, 188 1, Mr. Irwin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kyle, a native of 546 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Philadelphia. Ijorn July 5. 1857, a daugh- ter of Samuel and Phoebe (Black) Kyle. Samuel Kyle died at the age of twenty- four, when his little daughter was but two years old, and five years later the child was left an orphan, indeed, by the death of her mother. She was taken by her aunt, Mrs. Belle Irwin, and reared in that family un- til she was fifteen, when she began work- ing out by the week. She remained four years in one place, at the home of Dr. Hupp in Warren, and as an evidence of the \irtue of thrift and economy which she possesses in a marked degree, it is cited that at the time of her marriage she had saved out of her wages the sum of fifty dollars, notwithstanding much of the time her wages were only seventy-five cents a week. At the time of their marriage the subject and his wife possessed but one horse, but they soon procured another one and were not long in establishing them- selves comfortably at housekeeping, rent- ing for three years. In 1884 they pur- chased forty acres from John J. Preble, incurring an indebtedness of fifteen hun- dred dollars to be paid in four annual pay- ments, each being paid before it was due. On their little farm they had thirty acres cleared, a house that was neither sightly nor commodious and a barn that was built of poles. When he started on this place Mr. Irwin gratified to the fullest ex- tent his taste for the cultivation of fruit. His knowledge of grafting and budding- he exercised without any fear of interfer- ence on the part of an angry parent. The re- sult is that he has today a most superb little fruit farm of sixty acres, the fruit from which yields him a very satisfactory income. He has about five acres set to fruit, with about seven hundred bearing- trees of every variety, pears and plums being the principal line, the small fruits aflording- a full share of the orchard's in- come. In 1897 Mr. Irwin erected an at- tracti\e new home, well finished and sub- stantially furnished, and three years later he added a large, substantial barn. The owners are in easy, comfortable circum- stances and enjoy the sweets of prosperity in the knowledge of having accomplished it all by their own labor, good manage- ment and thrift. For four years he has bred the Ohio Improved Chester White hogs, and keeps a general line of cattle and sheep, the returns from his stock ad- ding materially to his income. To Mr. and Mrs. Irwin but one child h.as been born, \iz : Seth H.. born Janu- ary 6, 1882, a student in the Liberty Cen- ter high school. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Irwin are members of the Salem Methodist Episco- pal church. He has served a number of times as superintendent of the Sabbath school and was a class leader for a length of time. He is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at \\'arren, and of the encampment at Bluff- ton, at which place he is a member of the Maccabees. He and his wife also belong to the lodge of Rebekahs at Bluffton. In politics he is a Republican and has always been an active worker in the ranks of that party. He ne\-er essaj'ed to run for oflice but once, that being for assessor, and no candidate ever accepted defeat with better grace. He is a man of -wide acquaintance and is universally admired and respected because of his many excellent personal qualities and characteristics. WELLS COUNTY. INDIANA. 547 \\'ILLIA^I C. ARNOLD. \\'illiam C. Arnold was Iwrn February 15, 1853, in ^'era Cruz, Wells county, Indi- ana, and is a son of August and Augusta (Jan) Arnold, who were natives of Saxony, Germany, where they were married and whence they came to America in 1846. The father, who was a tailor, followed his trade for a short time in Ohio, as he did also for five years at \'era Cruz, Indiana. In 1853 he traded for forty acres of woodland in Adams county, paying a small difference in cash, and there he passed the remainder of his life, dying in April, 1865, leaving a widow (who died in 1899) with seven chil- dren, viz : Frank, a farmer in Adams coun- ty; Alalinda. widow of Christopher Ash- baucher ; Charles, a resident of Wells county ; ^^'illiam C; Sarah, wife of Robert Case, of Adams county; Louis, a resident also of Wells county, and Ella, who was married to George F. Markle}', but is now deceased. \\'. C. Arnold attended the public schools until he was seventeen years of age, but, his oldest brother being in the army, the care of the family fell chiefly on him and his brother Charles. At the age mentioned he began to work in the saw-mill of Hull & Blackstone, in Harrison township, and for four years performed his duty faithfully and to the sat- isfaction of his employers. He was next em- l)ioyed by Charles Cole in a saw-mill in Lib- erty township, holding the position nine- teen years. He purchased property in Lib- erty Center in 188 1 and built for himself a neat dwelling. In 1886 he purchased thirty acres, besides which he owns a valuable tract adjoining the village. February 15. 1901. Mr. Arnold bought the half interest of A. B. Tinkle in the hardware store in Libertv Cen- ter, since v.hen he has been associated with James W. Jackson in a lucrative trade in a general stock of assorted hardware. October 13, 1876, Mr. Arnold was mar- ried to Miss Isabella Higman, a native of Wells county, born June 23. 1858, a daugh- ter of Clem and Martha Higman, natives of Virginia but both now deceased, the mother having passed the closing years of life at the home of Mr. Arnold. Mv. and ]\Irs. Arnold have two children : Alartha, who is married to George Russell, a farmer of Wells county, and has two children, Ceroid and Ruth Irene; and Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are members of the Baptist church, of which he is trustee and to the support of which the}' freeh- contribute. Fie is also a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Liberty Center, of which he has served as treasurer during his entire membership, and he is likewise a mem- ber of the encampment at Bluffton. He is a life-long Democrat. For five years he served as assessor of Liberty township, and was then elected trustee, a position he also held for five years. During his incumbency of this office the school-houses at Liberty Center and Poneto were erected, and these schools, being graded, are considered among the best in the county. In every position he has performed his duty conscientiously and with credit to himself as well as to the satis- faction of all. SILAS G. LEAVENGOOD. One of the prominent young farmers of Union township, ^^'ells county. Indi- ana, is Silas G. Lea\'engood. a native of this township, born December 21. 1871, 548 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. and a son of Peter C. and Martha A. (Zimmerlee) Leavengood. Jacob Leaven- good, great-grandfather of Silas G., was a native of Germany and prior to the war of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain brought his wife to America and settled in Union township, Pennsyl- vania. They were in somewhat indigent circumstances, and, in accordance with the custom of the time, Jacob and his broth- ers and sisters were "apprenticed" or bound out to work until they had earned sufficient money to pay for their passage across the ocean. Jacob Leavengood and his brother Daniel enlisted in the Ameri- can army and in one of the sanguinary conflicts with the Indian auxiliaries of the British forces Daniel lost his life. Jacob Leavengood and his wife then fled across the Susquehanna river and sought a more densely populated district, in which they passed the remainder of their lives. Christian Leavengood, grandfather of Silas G., was apprenticed to the black- smith's trade and before his marriage had become master of his own shop. He moved from Pennsylvania to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1830, having purchased a tract of land in the woods. He readily ac- commodated himself to the surroundings, learning to sleep in deserted Indian wig- wams and to endure many other hard- ships and inconveniences, but lived to see the heavy timber cleared away and a fine farm substituted, and there passed the re- mainder of his life. Peter C. Leaven- good was reared in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, but was united in marriage in Hunt- ington county, Indiana, March 28, 1868. He had purchased his farm in Union township in 1849, ^""^ o" '^'''•^ ^''^ passed away March 20, 1889. The union of Peter C. and Martha A. (Zimmerlee) Leaven- good was graced with five children, name- ly : j\Ialinda E. died in 1878, aged nine years ; Delphina ; Silas G. ; Salome A. , now the wife of Frederick Piatt, of Union township, and Celesta O. Silas G. Leavengood was reared to ag- ricultural pursuits on his father's farm, but was given every opportunity to attend school in the winter seasons, when farm duties did not require all his attention. He ably and dutifully assisted his father until the time came about for his own mar- riage, when he chose for his bride Miss Lydia Roudebush, a native of Union town- ship, to whom he was married October i, 1893. Peter C. Leavengood was one of the most substantial citizens of Union town- ship and was greatly honored by all who knew him. Of the Zimmerlee family, Jacob, the father of Mrs. Peter C. Leaven- good, was born in Virginia, yet little is known touching his ancestry, save the fact that his parents died when he was a boy, and he then made his home with a brother- in-law, Jacob Miller, until his own mar- riage. At the age of fourteen he came to Wells county with this brother-in-law and was here employed by the latter to drive a team between Blufifton and Cin- cinnati, and in this occupation he was en- gaged at the time of his marriage, Decem- ber 25, 1845, '^\"ith Miss Clara Brown, of \Mlkes county. North Carolina. This lady is of German descent and a daughter of Elisha and Elizabeth (Redding) Brown. At the time of this marriage Mr. Zim- merlee had but about five dollars, but four years later he purchased on credit forty WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 549 acres 9f land in Union township, and in order to pay for this land he worked out by the month, while his wife stayed at home and kept herself busy at weaving, thus adding to their mutual income. Af- ter the land had been paid for, Mr. Zim- merlee cleared, sold it and purchased the farm now owned by Thomas Powell, on which he lived until his death. His widow survived him about eighteen years, dying at seventy-six years of age. Mr. Leavengood still resides on the old farm, a part of which constitutes the farm of Silas G. DANIEL FISHER. Probably there cannot be found in L^n- ion township a more \-enerable man and ven- erated and respected citizen than Daniel Fisher, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Crites) Fisher, of Pennsylvania birth and German extraction. Daniel Fisher, how- ever, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and the date of his nativity was June 14, 1826. His paternal grandfather was the founder of the family in America, having landed in New York when a young man. Henry Fisher married a Miss Crites in Tus- carawas county. The lady was also of Ger- man parentage and bore her husband ten children, viz : John, Daniel, Joseph, George, Henry, Solomon, Anna, Elizabeth, Lydia and one that died in infancy. Of the three members of this family who still survive, Daniel is the only one living in Wells coun- ty, Indiana. Although his father was a poor man when he settled in Ohio, he was a man of indomitable will and untiring industry, and at his death, which took place in the Buckeye state, he was worth at least twenty thousand dollars. Daniel Fisher was reared to farm life and was educated in the common schools; being an apt scholar and possessing a reten- tive memory, he succeeded in securing a good education and at the age of twenty- one years, on quitting school, he began learn- ing the cooper's trade, at which he worked one year, when, having saved sufficient funds, he came ti> Wells county and entered eighty acres of wooded land on the site now occupied by Jesse Crites. He returned to Ohio and remained at his trade two years longer. Mr. Fisher was united in marriage in 1850, with Miss Sophia A. Myers and the young couple lived on the farm alluded to for seven years, when Mrs. Fisher was called to rest July 17, 1857, leaving to mourn her loss, beside her husband, three children, named Henry, Elizabeth and Margaret A. At the death of this, his first helpmate, Mr. Fisher returned to the home of his father in Ohio and remained on the old homestead, until his second marriage, which took place March 25, 1859, to Miss Sarah J. Shull. In April, 1859, he returned with his wife to Wells county, Indiana, and resumed the oc- cupancy of his original farm, on which he resided until 1862, when he sold it and bought one hundred and twenty acres of his present farm, to which he has since added forty acres, having now a compact farm of one hundred and sixty acres of as good land as can be found in Wells county. To the second marriage of Mr. Fisher have been born nine children, eight of whom are living: Emmett, ^Matilda, Clara C, George A., Rachel, Elmer, Ellsworth, Daniel B. and Delia M. Mr. Fisher and all the 550 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. members of his family, save one, belong to the church of God, in which he has officiated as deacon and elder for several years. Mrs. Fisher died August 25, 1890, after being an invalid, confined to her bed for tv^'enty-four years, and an almost constant sufferer from rheumatism. In politics Mr. Fisher is a stalwart Re- publican and has been a zealous supporter of the party ever since its foundation, having probably cast more presidential votes than any other man in Wells county, at least in Union township, including candidates nom- inated by both Whigs and Republicans. Mr. Fisher thinks for himself and is possessed of strong convictions, but is not obtrusive and is a kindly neighbor, and has lived to witness Union township developed from a genuine wilderness into a blooming garden. His only neighbor, in fact, when he first settled here, was Jesse Crites, each owning a horse and wagon, and when necessary to go to mill, the two would hitch the animals together, thus making a double team, and while one of them carried an ax with which to hew a road through the woods, the other would drive the horses. LAWSON POPEJOY. The Popejoy family of Wells county, Indiana, and pioneers of Union township, came from Ohio in the winter of 1840, about fifteen years prior to the adoption of the state's present constitution. Chris- tian Popejoy, the father of Lawson Pope- joy, was a native of Virginia, whence he removed to Kentucky and later to Ohio, where he married Nancy Bowers, a na- tive of the last named state, and who was his first wife. Their children who reached maturity were named, in order of birth, as follows: Eliza A., Susan, Margaret, Law- son, Joseph, Edward C, and two who died young. Lawson Popejoy was born in Fayette county, Ohio, March 26, 1838, and was about two and a half years of age when his parents settled in the northeast quar- ter of section 24, Harrison township. Wells county, Indiana, which quarter sec- tion the father entered from the govern- ment. The land was covered with a dense forest of timber and since becoming the property of the Popejoy family has had but three owners. The father of Lawson Popejoy cleared up their tract from its primeval condition, working night and day to accomplish his purpose, and there made his home until his death. In religion he was a licensed local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, as well as class leader for many years, and in pohtics was a stanch Democrat. Lawson Popejoy, until twenty-two years of age, lived on his father's farm, in the meanwhile attending a subscription school, later a public school and still later became a teacher in the schools of his township. He began his business career by working out by the job at splitting rails, ditching, clearing off timber and at such other work as aided the neighbors in de- veloping the country and in making it worthy of being the abode of civilized man, such as it is today, of which class of work he has done his full share. Through his labor he accumulated six hundred dollars, and then married Miss Orpha Davis, daughter of Elias Davis and a native of Wells county. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 551 At his marriage Mr. Popejoy rented the homestead in partnership with his brother, Edward C, but a few years later purchased the property, and still later sold it and bought his present farm of ninety- six acres. To the marriage of Lawson and Orpha (Davis) Popejoy have been born the following named children, who still live to adorn the home of the parents : Louisa. Alice, Hattie, Sherman and Law- son. In politics Mr. Popejoy is a Democrat and has served as assessor of Harrison township six years and as township treas- urer four years, leaving the treasury in first-class condition in 1876, and in 1878 was nominated for county treasurer, to which he was elected and in 1880 re-elect- ed, thus serving a continuous period of four years. In 1883 Mr. Popejoy erected his present brick residence, of which he at once took possession and which he has since occupied. He and wife are widely known throughout Wells county and are highly respected for their amiable personal traits of character and their upright lives. They are good neighbors, charitable of thought and action, and Mr. Popejoy is especially public spirited and ready at all times to aid with his funds and his influ- ence all those imp'rovements which tend to elevate their condition and advance the happiness of his fellow citizens. ANDREW J. HAFLICH. Agriculture, the source of all wealth, finds in Wells county, Indiana, a represent- ative in the truest sense of the word in the person of Andrew J. Haflich, a resident of L^nion township and one of the present county commissioners. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, October 31, 1843, and came to Wells county, Indiana, with his parents, Isaac and Catherine (Fletcher) Haflich, when he was but eight years of age. The family settled in Rock Creek township on a farm, in the cultivation of which young Andrew J. was early called upon to assist, and was thus, to a great extent, deprived of opportunities to secure an education in youth. However, he secured a robust and healthy physical constitution through his labors on the homestead, and at the time secured a thorough knowledge of the nolsle and honor- able calling of agriculture. He was suffi- ciently well educated, however, to become a teacher in a rural school, although he did not follow that vocation as a profession. He continued his labors on the home farm until he had attained his majority, when he started in business on his own account. April i, 1865, he married Miss Amanda Beil, who came with her father, Jacob Beil, from Ohio when the daughter was cjuite young, and set- tled in Rock Creek township. Wells county, where she was educated and where she after- wards taught school for several terms. To them have been born ten children, of whom nine still survive and are named Ida, Sylvia, Reuben, Jacob, Mary, Viola, Bessie, Eva and Hattie. At marriage, Andrew J. Haflich rented the Haflich homestead, which he cultivated and lived upon until April, 1872, when he purchased seventy acres of the farm he now occupies, but which was then without im- provements of any kind. This he has since cleared, ditched and improved in all respects, tlius developing one of the finest homesteads in L^nion township. i\Ir. and ]\Irs. Haflich are faithful work- 552 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ers ill the Methodist Episcopal church at L'niondale, of wliich Mr. Haflich is a trustee and Mrs. Haflich a steward. Mr. Haflich in past time served as superintendent of the Sunday school, and is now assistant superin- tendent, while Mrs. Haflich is a teacher. In politics Mr. Haflich has been a life-long Democrat and at the present hour is one of the leading men of his party in Wells county. His experience as a politician is extended and varied, and his managing , ability has been tested in many a hard-fought' campaign. In primaries and in conventions his voice is always listened to with profound respect and his advice eagerly sought and followed. Al- though he has never felt any special desire for ofiice holding, he has nevertheless felt it to be his duty as a matter of patriotism to respond to the party call to serve in any capacity, and hence it is that he is now fill- ing his second term as county commissioner from the third district of Wells county. His duties have been performed during over six years as a member of the board of commis- sioners in such a manner as not only to re- dound to his personal credit, but to be a sub- ject of hearty congratulation by the Demo- cratic party. As a farmer Mr. Haflich has treated his vocation from an intellectual as well as a practical standpoint. From his earliest days he has recognized the all-important bearing agriculture has upon the fate of any nation, and is well aware of the fact that an agricultural people is the happiest and, as a whole, the wealthiest on the face of the earth. As a citizen Mr. Haflich is useful and public spirited, is widely known and re- spected, and his family share with him the unfeigned esteem of the entire population of Union township. WILLIAM ELICK. The Elick family of L^nion township are of German descent and are among the most respected citizens of the township, in which they settled when William Elick was an infant. He was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, October 28, 1856, a son of Frederick and Mary (Wetzel) Elick, the former of whom, when a small boy, was brought from Germany to America by his parents, who ultimately settled in Ohio, where Frederick was reared to man- hood and was married. In 1856 Frederick Elick brought his bride and infant son to Rock Creek township. Wells county, and there the father followed the calling of farmer and blacksmith until his death, which occurred when William was but a boy. while that of his mother occurred some fourteen years ago. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom four- teen are still li\"ing. William Elick was reared on his father's farm and was thoroughly trained in all the details of agricultural pursuits. He received a common school education and when twenty-one years old began working out by the month. He was in- dustrious and economical and was united in marriage July 25, 1880, to Miss Eliza- beth Rarar, who was born in Rock Creek township, of Pennsylvania parentage. This union has been crowned by the birth of three children, of whom two have been called away, the only survivor being Jen- nie Elsie, who was born in 1890. At his marriage Mr. Elick rented a farm for a short time and then engaged in the manufacture of tile, near Markle, a business he followed about eight years, WELLS- COUNTY, INDL^NA. 553 wlien he resumed farming, in which he has met with the most flattering success. Fraternally ]\Ir. Elick is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Markle, of which he is a past chancellor and which he has represented in the grand lodge of the order. In politics he is one of the substantial Democrats of Union township and under the auspices of his party has served his fellow citizens as justice of the peace for six years. Very few of his decisions have ever been ap- pealed from and when he pronounces judg- ment it is as a rule considered to be final. Although an unassuming and modest gen- tleman, who never thrusts himself for- v>ard or in any respect makes himself of- ficious in the affairs of others, he has won the respect of all his neighbors, who have the most implicit confidence in his judg- ment and integrity. From what has been already written concerning William Elick, the reader will readily infer that he is what is usually termed "a self-made man," and that he is the "architect of his own fortune." He was but in moderate circumstances at the time of his marriage, but he now stands among the well-to-do and influential resi- dents of Union township, all he has being the result of his own honest labor and skillful management. He cannot be too highly complimented for the excellent manner in which he has played his part in life's drama nor congratulated too strong- ly upon the success which has attended him. Still upon the entrance of the prime of life, Mr. Elick gives promise of many years of usefulness among his friends and neighbors and with them of developing the resources and industries of Union township and Wells county, being possess- ed of the courage and intelligence that fullv fit him for this task. ALBERT ORMSBY. The Ormsby family of L'nion township. Wells county, Indiana, were originally from Ireland. George Ormsby, the grandfather of the subject, having come from the Emerald Isle to America when about twenty-one years of age, settling in Mahoning county, Ohio. There he married a Scotch lady and then made a visit to Ireland, remained there about three years, and then returned to his home in Ohio, where he died at the age of ninety- seven and a half years. Albert Ormsby was born in ]\Iahoning county, Ohio. January 4, 1832. a son of Joseph and Martha (Wolfcale) Ormsby. Joseph Ormsby was reared a farmer and, although he had but a common school edu- cation, was an eloquent orator and an earn- est advocate of the principles of the Demo- cratic party. Joseph and Martha Ormsby were both born in Mahoning county, Ohio, lived there all their days and died there at the respective ages of sixty-seven and sixty-three years. To Joseph and Martha Ormsby there were born ten children, of \\hom seven still survive, although Albert is the only repre- sentati\'e of the family li\-ing in Wells coun- ty, Indiana. Albert Ormsby worked on his father's farm until twenty-one years old. attending the district school in the meanwhile. After reaching manhood's estate he began work- ing out by the month, but continued to live on the home farm until he was twentv-five. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. August 27, 1856, Mr. Ormsby was united in marriage with Miss Mary Goldner, daugh- ter of a highly respected couple of Mahoning county, Ohio, and quite well educated in the German and English languages. In April, 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Ormsby came to Indi- ana and made their first stopping place at Ossian, Wells county. Shortly afterward they moved into a cabin one mile north of the present site of LTniondale, where Mr. Ormsby purchased an eighty-acre tract of land, to which he has since added forty acres. The hard labor of clearing off the super- abundance of timber that incumbered these acres was almost all performed by Mr. Orms- by himself, but he has developed one of the finest farms of its dimensions in the town- ship of Union and is well satisfied with the result of his efforts. ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Ormsby have had born to them two children, viz : Lois A., who is the wife of Cyrus Wert, of Union township, and Llewellyn Hays Ormsby, who operates the homestead. The family attend the Luth- eran church at Uniondale, of which the par- ents are both members, Mrs. Ormsby hav- ing been a communicant since girlhood and of which Mv. Ormsby has been a deacon for twenty-four j-ears, and one of the first elders. The parents take a deep interest in this church and its progress and contribute most freely to its financial support. In his politi- cal affiliations Mr. Ormsby is a Democrat, and although ever active in his work for his party and punctual in casting his vote for its candidates, he is never officious, nor has he ever sought office. He has always been an industrious citizen and, as will have been seen by the foregoing paragraphs, has earned by his own labor nearly all he is now worth. He and his wife are greatly re- spected l.iy their neighbors for their many good ([ualities and personal merits and their social standing is with the l^est people of L'nion and surrounding townships. JONATHAN SEAMAN. This is an age in which the farmer stands pre-eminently above any other class as a producer of wealth. He not only takes advantage of time, but also of the winds, the warm air, the bright and wholesome sunshine and the refreshing rains, and applying his own hands and skill to nature's gifts, creates grain, hay, live stock, etc., all of which are necessi- ties to the world's inhabitants. The com- mercial world has come to recognize him as an important factor and has surround- ed him with conveniences not thought of one hundred years ago. The inventor has put his shoulder to the wheel and given him the self-binder, the riding plow, the steam thresher and many other labor-sav- ing devices and the farmer has not been slow to see the advantage of such im- pro\"ements, of which he has availed him- self. Jonathan Seaman, a son of Joseph and Mariah (Bailey) Seaman, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, February 13, 1843. His father was born in Pennsyl- vania, of German parentage, and at an early age was left an orphan. He was taken in charge by an uncle, with whom he lived until a young man of nineteen years, when he came to Trumbull county, Ohio. He was without means when he first came west and, being entirely de- WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. pendent upon his own resources, he at once set to work to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until his mar- riage to Miss Mariah Bailey, a native of Ohio. Immediately after his marriage he bought forty acres of land in Trumbull county, for which he paid one thousand dollars, the full amount of his savings. He soon sold this farm and moved to Union township, Wells county, Indiana, in 1856, and began looking about for a farm. He decided on the farm now owned by H. H. Lassiter, but which was not then in its present well groomed condition, for farms in those days were little less than forests. The subject's father erected the buildings which are the present home of the Lassiter family, but since their first erection, they have been remodeled and made more comfortable. Here he lived until the death of his wife, but after a short time he again married and removed with his second wife to Zanesville, Wells county, Indiana. He was one of the lead- ing Democrats of Union township and served as trustee of the township and also as township assessor. To him were born four sons and five daughters, four of whom are living : Jonathan ; JMary, wife of Lewis Raver; Eliza, wife of Noah Blosser, and Adaline, wife of Jacob Keiser. Jonathan Seaman came to Wells county as a boy and worked on his father's farm, at the same time attending the com- mon schools and receiving an education which was good for the time. At about the age of twenty-one years he was mar- ried to ]\Iiss Elizabeth McBride, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, being the daugh- ter of Robert McBride. She was born in Rush county, Indiana, and had received such education as was at that time pos- sible. In 1863 they moved to their farm, where they resided until the spring of 1902, when he bought the Christmore farm. He formally owned one hundred and twenty acres, but sold forty acres to Ed Piatt, thus reducing his farm to eighty acres, which he still cultivates. One son was born to them, but the young par- ents were not long permitted to enjoy the little blossom given into their care and in 1864, only a year after he first smiled into a fond mother's face, little Burwell was again taken to his home beyond the cares of earth. Being left without children. Mr. and Mrs. Seaman fostered Edward Piatt, whom they soon grew to look upon as their own. These prominent people are members of the Evangelical church and have spent much time in the work of the congregation. Mr. Seaman is at present one of the trustees of the church and dis- charges his duties in an honorable and upright manner and to the entire satis- faction of the parishioners. The Demo- cratic party has always received his vote and in the affairs of his party he has been instrumental in their advancement in many ways. He served one term as trustee of Union township, during which time he took an active interest in educational af- fairs and was instrumental in obtaining the advancement of a sum of money suffi- cient to build several new school-houses v.hich were erected under his direction and supervision. He is well and favorably known among the residents of the town- ship and county in which he resides and is looked upon as one interested in the ad- vancement of the interests of his com- munitv. 556 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. NOAH JOHNSON. This gallant ex-soldier and at present a resident of Union township. Wells county, Indiana, was born in W^ashington county, Pennsylvania. April 27. 1826, a son of James and Rebecca (Baxter) Johnson, also natives of the Keystone state. Solomon Johnson, grandfather of Noah, was a native of Wales and, with two brothers, came while young to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he married Fannie Warren, and where he and wife passed the remainder of life. Sol- omon, who was born January 3, 1765, died July 24. 1843, and Fannie (Warren) John- son, who was of German descent, was born August I, 1772, and died June 15, 1838. The}- were the parents of fourteen children, namely: Pattie, born December 23, 1791 : Joseph, born February 15. 1793; Jacob, born July 17, 1794; Rebecca, born June 3. 1796; Dorcas, born February 28. 1798; Eliza, born February 27. 1800 ; James, born January 18, 1802; Abram, born January 8, 1804; Eliza, born December 7, 1805; Anna, born Sep- tember 29, 18 — ; J. B., born April 18. 18 10: Sarah B., born October 28. 18 12. and Wil- liam, born November 22, 1820. James Johnson was reared a farmer in Pennsyl- vania, was married in that state, then re- moved to Ohio and in 1853 came to Indiana and settled in Allen county, where his death took place. To James and Rebecca John- son were born fourteen children, of whom Noah was the first born and of wli<;im eleven still survive. Noah Johnson was also reared to agricul- ture, and educated in the district schools and married Miss Sarah Thomas, a daughter of Enos and Margaret (Cameron) Thomas. Sarah Thomas was educated in Ohio and came from Columbiana county. Ohio, to Wells county. Indiana, with her husband in a wagon. Here Mr. Johnson purchased the farm he still continues to occupy and culti- vate and which he wrought out from a dense forest. Although Mr. Johnson went in debt for the greater part of his purchase, he eventually succeeded in liquidating the in- cumbrance and is now in good circumstances. The marriage of Mr. and ^Nlrs. Johnson has been crowned with eight children, namely : Emmett.born in i847;Amizet, born May 13, 1850; Rebecca, born August 14. 1852, and now the widow of Zeph Babcock ; Margaret, born December 5, 1855, and now the wife of Frank Detier; Elizabeth, born April 23, i860, and now the widow (if \\'. ^^'. Greek ; Bethena. born Jul}- 14. 1858. is still at home: Albert L., born October 17, 1862, and Ella, born July 7, 1866. After his marriage and when he was well settled on his farm the great Civil war broke out, and Mr. Johnson, filled with patriotism and indignation, tendered his services, and his life if necessary, to the government, en- listing in Company E. Thirty-fourth Indi- ana A'olunteer Infantry. October 17, 1862, under Capt. Harry Deam, at Bluflfton. He took part in the Vicksburg campaign, the battle at Port Gibson, the fight at Champion Hill, back of Vicksburg and at Jackson, all in Mississippi, and after the last campaign he was transferred to New Orleans, Lousi- ana, where he did garrison dut)- until De- cember, 1863. He also took part in the Red Ri\'er expedition, and the fight at Browns- ville, Texas, and was honorably mustered out after the close of the war in 1865, but with the partial loss of eyesight, for which catastrophe the government allows him a pension of one dollar per day. In politics WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 557 Noah Johnson was first a Whig, but on the founding of the RepubHcan party joined its ranks. Mrs. Johnson is a devout member of the United Brethren church, in the radi- cal branch of which she is an ardent worker. Enos Thomas, the father of Mrs. John- son, was one of the eariiest justices of Col- umbiana county, having been appointed to his ofiice by President George W'ashington. Seth Thomas, ilrs. Johnson's grandfather, was a native of England, married Martha Kirk, also a daughter of Albion's isle, and this couple were the progenitors of the pres- ent family bearing their names in the state of Indiana. The Johnson family are among the most respected residents of Union town- ship. Wells county, and. having been married for more than half a century, may be well considered as among the patriarchs of the count}- to which they ha\-e contributed so much of their labor and enterprises in re- deeming it from the wilderness and in mak- ing it the pleasant abode that it is today. HENRY H. LASSrrER. Agriculture has been the true source of man's domain on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal point of industry that has controlled for the most part all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. In a civilized community no calling is more certain of yielding a compensatory return than that which is culled from a kindly soil, albeit the husbandman at times is sorely taxed in coaxing from old ^lother Earth all that he desires or even expects; yet she is a kind mother, being only desirous of bringing out whatever there is of good in her children, and seldom chastens with disappointment the one whose diligence and frugality she deems it but just should be rewarded. The subject of this sketch has found a benefactress in his planetary mother, for at an early age he was thrown upon his own resources and without the warmth of her smile he must needs have sutifered, even though his courage was of the greatest. Henry H. Lassiter was the son of William and Eliza (Wood) Lassiter, who were descended from a long line of English ancestors. The great-grandfather and grandfather of the subject were born and reared in England and came to America when the grandfather was a young man, settling in North Carolina, wdiere they became husbandmen of the soil. The Wood family, which boasts of having a descendant in the person of the subject, were natives of New Jersey, where his mother was born. Both father and moth- er were reared in North Carolina, where they lived until their deaths. Great wealth came to bless their home, the father be- coming the possessor of three mills, one thousand acres of land and numberless slaves. Later the slaves were sold and the family were no longer troubled with the care of their bondmen. Thirteen children came to this home of peace and wealth, but of one only will this sketch attempt to deal. Henry Lassiter as a boy showed a dis- position to trade and traffic and was thus tempted to neglect his education to such an extent that in later years he wished he had been less mercantile and more 558 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. studious. He first began his life of trad- ing by running a six-horse team, seHing general merchandise and buying and sell- ing horses during the time of. the war. He made plenty of money and was on a fair road to a position of wealth had not the war broken him up. leaving him nothing with which to face the world. Miss Caro- line Allred. of Randolph county, North Carolina, became his wife in March, 1862. At this time his fortunes were beginning to look somber and before the end of the war he was again a poor man. To their marriage were born William M., James T., Delfina J., Nathan P., Alvira C, Wiley M., Patia I. and Henry A., all of whom are married but the two last named. Henry H. Lassiter came to Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana, May 11, 1864, with but five cents in his pocket and a wife in the South dependent upon him for sup- port. Being a carpenter, he soon made money and came to Wayne township, Huntington county, Indiana, where he re- mained until 1865, when he moved to a farm in \\'ayne township near Mount Elvia. In the meantime he was joined l)y his family, his wife having to take the oath of allegiance, and after a short residence in Wayne township he removed to ^^"abash county and engaged in the butch- ering business, finally taking up farming again in Dallas township, where he Ii\-ed for thirty years. He finally sold his farm in Dallas township and came to Union township, where he bought a quarter of section 3, the original Seaman farm, where he now lives. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years and are actively comiected with the church, Mr. Lassiter being a steward. The Republican party has always received his vote and all his life he has taken part in the political aft'airs of his community. Mr. Lassiter is a man of much travel, having visited the greater portion of the United States, and has profited much by his experiences. He is a breeder of Percheron and Patchen horses and also of Polled Durham cattle, having some of the finest stock in the country. He also has a great reputation as a veterinary surgeon, having been a practitioner for thirty years, during which time he has made the study of animals a specialty. He holds a license to practice in the state of Indiana, where he has done a large busi- ness since beginning his practice. He has always been a lover of horses and it is proliably to that lo\'e that he can point as an incentive to him in taking up the profession of veterinary surgery and no animal has had so ardent a student as this farmer has proven himself to be of the horse, of which he is familiar to the minut- est detail. As a non-professional man Mr. Lassiter is an up-to-date farmer, a good citizen and an excellent neighbor and en- joys the highest regard of the community. E. H. BOTTS, M. D. In the following sketch it will be seen how a man with a sufificient amount of cour- age can make of his life what he will. No matter what the ambitions, what the long- ings of the human heart, courage and perse- \-erance will ultimately win the goal, and no difference what the disadvantages, they can WELLS COUNTY, INDL'VNA. 559 be overcome if only a man's will and courage remain undaunted. Dr. Botts, being one of those who would not acknowledge failure, won, after many years of patient endeavor, the success for which he sighed. Dr. E. H. Botts, of Zanesville, is the son of David and Ellenor (Fordyce) Botts, both now deceased. He was born in Clinton coun- ty, Ohio, May 20, 1858, and was reared amid the scenes of rural life. He attended the graded schools at Genntown, Ohio, and came to Huntington county, Indiana, in 188 1. se- curing employment on a farm in order to have the benefit of outdoor life. Two years later, in August, 1883, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Ida Young, a daughter of John Young, of Huntington coun- ty, Indiana, who was born in that county in March, 1864. When a boy he had a liking for the medical profession, which was shown even in his play. Being poor and with nothing but his strong will and indom- itable courage to carry him through the world, he rented a farm with the intention of making enough money to enable him to take a course in medicine. For two years he borrowed books and after working all day in the fields would read until far into the night, thus acquiring a rudimentary knowledge of his profession. He further pursued his studies for six years under the perceptorship of Dr. IraE. Lyons, of Huntington, and later with Dr. E. S. Fisher, of Markle, Indiana. In the fall of 1889 he entered the Fort Wayne Medical College, in which he took a three years' course, graduating in March, 1893. Immediately thereafter Dr. Botts located at Zanesville, where he began his profession encumbered with a heavy debt. His prac- tice soon became lucrative and exceeded his anticipations. Besides now owning an eighty- acre farm in Huntington county, he enjoys a large and lucrative practice. The Doctor has not had children of his own, but has taken into his family his brother's son, Ver- non, whom he is educating. Owing to his profession he has held aloof from political work, but has kept himself informed on the issues of the day, being a supporter of Demo- cratic principles. He conscientiously per- forms his professional duties, taking pride in keeping abreast with the times. ROBERT CLARK. The present competent postmaster of Zanesville, Wells county, Indiana, Robert Clark, is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (McGoogan) Clark, and was born in Tus- carawas county, Ohio, February 13, 1839. Daniel Clark was a native of New Bruns- wick and early came to the United States, locating in Ohio where he was subsequent- ly married. From Ohio Daniel and Eliza- beth Clark removed to Allen county, In- diana, in 1848, but later settled north of Zanesville, Allen county, in the same year purchased a farm and there passed the re- mainder of life. He was a gentleman of fine education, was an eloquent speaker and was favorably known as an advocate of Republican principles throughout Allen and Wells counties, having united with the RepubHcans on the disintegration of the old Whig party, of which he had pre- viously been a member. Mr. Clark was a most public spirited citizen and a strong friend of the common schools. His death took place in the faith of the Baptist church, in which he had long been a dea- 56o WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. con. The children born to Daniel and Elizabeth Clark were six in number and in order of birth were named as follows: Charles. Sarah J., William. Robert, Ben- jamin and Sophia, of whom three are still living. Robert Clark was a lad of about ten years of age when brought to Indiana by his parents. He was early inured to hard labor and passed his boyhood days in as- sisting his father in clearing up the Indi- ana farms. He secured a very good com- mon school education, became a teacher in the public schools, later learned the car- penter's trade, but was engaged in farm- ing when the tremendous civil strife broke out between the North and the South. Rob- ert Clark was a patriotic youth and a lover of freedom, and at once ofifered his serv- ices in defense of his country's flag by en- listing, in August, 1862, in Company G (Capt. Truesdale), One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Milton, Tennessee, March 20, 1863, Mr. Clark was badly wounded and in- capacitated from further active service. After recuperating sufficiently, he was honorably discharged from the army and returned to his home. In September, 1864, Mr. Clark was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Dif^endorfer, who was born in Pennsyl- vania and came to Wells county, Indiana, in 1 86 1 with her parents, Henry and Eliza- beth (Silvers) Diffendorfer. To the mar- riage of ;Mr. and IMrs. Clark have been born nine children, in the following order: Lizzie died in childhood ; James C. ; Min- nie W., wife of Heber Wagner, of Co- lumbia City, Indiana ; Theodore, who mar- ried Mary Shepler, is a barber at Fort Wayne, Indiana; William H.. who married Myrtle Fults, also resides in Fort Wayne; Charles married Clara Cline and lives in Zanesville; Markley married Eflfie Flack and also resides in Zanesville; Chase and Alma. The family attend the church of God, in which Mr. Clark is an elder, and fraternally he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Roanoke, Indi- ana. In politics he is a substantial Re- publican and in January, 1898, was ap- pointed postmaster of Zanesville, under the administration of President McKin- ley, although he had filled the same office under President Benjamin Harrison. In conjunction with conducting the affairs of his official position, Mr. Clarke carries on the harness business, and is regarded not only as an obliging and afifable official, but as an upright business man and is highly esteemed for his many fine personal qualities. JAMES L. McBRIDE, M. D. Among the eminent and rising young medical men of Zanesville, Wells county, Indiana, stands Dr. James L. McBride, who was born in Lancaster township, this county, September 8, 1865, a son of J. L. and Jennie (McNary) McBride, of Scotch- Irish descent. The future doctor was reared upon the home farm and received the rudiments of his education in the dis- trict school, and at the age of eighteen years was granted a license to teach in Wells county. He reviewed his studies in the normal schools and later became a leading teacher and was appointed prin- cipal of the graded schools of Zanesville, WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 561 holding the position during the winters of 1887 and 1888. He then entered the office of Dr. L. A. Cook, Bkiffton, under whose judicious instruction he made rapid prog- ress and was soon prepared to enter the Indiana ^Medical School. This event took place in the fall of 1889 and in March. 1892, he was graduated. At this period of his career, the young doctor found him- self heavily in debt, but the incumbrance had been secured by the guarantees of his friends and he felt that a brilliant future was awaiting him. He at once entered into a competitive examination for the po- sition of assistant surgeon at the National Military Home at Marion, Indiana, and secured the appointment in 1892 and im- mediately took a post-graduate course in Chicago. The position he had secured enabled him to liquidate the debts for which his friends had gone security and he was soon on his feet again. After serv- iiig one year as assistant surgeon of the National Military Home, Dr. McBride withdrew from the position on account of failing health and located in Zanesville, where his superior abilities as a physician met with a speedy recognition and where he has secured an extensive and remuner- ative line of patronage in both Wells and Allen counties. Dr. McBride was united in marriage October 8, 1892. with Miss Almissie Michaels, a native of Allen county, Indi- ana, and who was educated in Zanesville. This happy union has been crowned with three children, namely: Donald, born April II. 1894; Justine, January 27, 1895. and Bonnie, December 23, 1897. Mrs. Mc- Bride is a member of the Lutheran church, to the support of which the Doctor is him- | self a liberal contributor. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic order and of the Mod- ern Woodmen of America, as well as the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. In politics the Doctor is a sound Republi- can, and at one time was chairman of the Republican central committee of Wells county. He is a fluent speaker and a trenchant writer, as well as a brilliant conversationalist, and he is moreover a high-minded and public spirited citizen and a most agreeable neighbor and his frankness in treating his patients is com- mended by all who give him their pro- fessional patronage. The Doctor owns a fine ten-acre tract of land in Union town- ship, which he has acquired through his fees as a physician, and he keeps it in a high state of cultivation. Jonathan Michaels, father of ]\Irs. Dr. McBride, was born in the village of Sultz-am-Neckon, Germany, November 16, 1832, a son of John G. and Mary (Smith) Michaels, who came to America in 1834. For about eight years the Michaels family lived in Williamsport. Maryland, and in 1863 came to Zanesville, Indiana. January 29. 1855. Jonathan Michaels was joined in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Cline. who bore him six children, namely: John B., Amanda V.. Juniata, Arbelan ^I.. Almissie H. and Sarah J. The mother of these children was called from earth Oc- tober I, 1865. There are but few physicians young as Dr. McBride who have gained so eminent a standing in the profession, and much of his popularity without a doubt, regardless of his acknowledged ability, is due to his cheerful and enlivening conduct in the sick-room, through which he secures at 562 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. once the confidence of his patient and arouses faith in his skill. AUGUSTUS W. HAMILTON. Prominent among the young attorneys of Wells county, Indiana, is Augustus W. Hamilton, who was born in Union town- ship, August 30, 1873, and is a son of William M. and Mary E. Hamilton. He graduated from the public schools of his township at the age of sixteen, then, in the winter terms of 1892 and 1893, at- tended the normal school at Marion, Indi- ana. The following summer he worked for his father on the home farm and dur- in the winter succeeding taught school in Union township. In the spring of 1894 Mr. Hamilton matriculated at the Indiana University, after a three-year course in the North Manchester College, and the next summer he passed at Winona Park, where he was employed in scientific work. The year following he taught school in Union township, and during the succeeding spring and summer passed his time at the Indiana University and the winter follow- ing again taught in the same township. The spring of 1896 he again attended the Indiana University, and the summer was spent at Wawasee Lake biological station. About 1897 Mr. Hamilton was appointed principal of schools at Edgerton, Indiana, then spent another summer at the Wawa- see station and the next year was principal of schools at Hoagland, Indiana. The spring and summer following he again passed at the university, then went back to Hoagland and passed the summer sea- son, the latter part of the summer at the university, and at Todd & Todd's law of- fice at Bluffton. He again became princi- pal of the schools at Hoagland and later spent a spring and summer in the study of law at the Indiana University, the latter part of the summer in Eichhorn's law of- fice in Bluft'ton. The next year he spent at the university, where he completed his law course, and was admitted to practice in the Wells county circuit court in Sep- tember, 1900. In May, 1902, Mr. Ham- ilton opened his ofifice in the Odd Fellows' building at Bluffton, where he has since had the good fortune of meeting with a steady and lucrative patronage. In politics Mr. Hamilton has always been a sound Democrat, and at the con- vention of his party held at Bluffton in 1902 was placed in nomination for the of- fice of joint senator for the counties of Wells, Blackford and Grant, though not elected, as the normal majority of the Republicans was three thousand, yet he carried his party strength with a large complimentary vote. He is a fair example of the self-made man, and as a politician and party manager has few equals in this county. Mr. Hamilton is a member of a very talented family and of five brothers who finished their education at Indiana Uni- versity, three are college professors and one is teacher of science in the Bluffton high school. He has always been a studious young man and has never been frivolous in his conduct or prodigal of his time. His in- dustry, integrity and energy have won the approbation of hosts of appreciative friends. No man can peer into the depths WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 563 of the mysterious future, but if coming events are at all foreshadowed by those which have passed away, analogy would indicate a bright career for Mr. Hamil- ton in the vears vet to come. JACOB SMUTS. Many natives of the state of Ohio are now residents of Wells county, Indiana, and are among the most prominent citi- zens and agriculturists of the county, which they have in a great measure wrought out from a wilderness of wood and swamp and converted into a bloom- ing garden of flowers, fruit and grain. Among these is Jacob Smuts, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 3, 1845, and is a son of Robert and Eliza- beth ( Kohr) Smuts, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and of Ger- man extraction. From Pennsylvania Rob- ert Smuts removed to Ohio and thence came to Wells county, Indiana, in 1848 and here entered the land on which Hiram Lantz now resides. This property in due course of time he cleared up from the for- est and changed into a fruitful and profit- able farm, realizing a satisfactory com- petence and eventually retired to Hunt- ington, and there passed the remainder of his life in peace and comfort, dying honored and respected. Of the twelve children born to Robert and Elizabeth Smuts, nine are still living. Jacob Smuts was reared on the farm and was thoroughly trained in agricul- ture. He was educated in the district schools of his neighborhood and began making a livelihood by working out as a farm hand by the month. He married Lavina Kessler, who was born in Ohio, but was reared in Wells county, Indiana, by Jacob F. Barnett. To Jacob and La- vina (Kessler) Smuts have i^een born seven children, of whom six are still liv- ing, namely: Ulysses G., Ira C, John M., Homer V., Cora B. and Jennie P. Air. Smuts was possessed of but little wealth when his marriage took place, but he has since been a hard worker and through his industry has earned for himself a fine farm of one hundred and four acres in Union township, on which he erected, in 1894, a handsome brick dwelling and has improved the place in every respect that makes farm life profitable, respectable and comfortable. He is a member of the Pro- gressive Brethren church, in which he has been trustee and is now treasurer, and Airs. Smuts is a member of the Church of God. Both are sincere and consistent church workers and lead a life that is be- yond reproach. In politics Air. Smuts is an active and leading Republican and makes his in- fluence felt in his party's councils. He is popular as a party man and as a citizen and has served as supervisor of the township. The industrious habits of Mr. Smuts are well worthy the emulation and imita- tion of the rising generation, for he has certainly led a life that points a way for the youth of the land to tread in and make rapid progress through the intricacies of life and avoid the obstacles that usually beset the way of the inexperienced and un- sophisticated. The social standing of I Air. and Airs. Smuts is all that could pos- 564 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. sibly be desired by the most ambitious of citizens and they are held in high esteem by their neighbors. Mr. Smuts, it will be seen from the foregoing, is what is usually termed a self-made man and too much credit cannot be awarded him for persist- ing in following the habits he formed when young, which persistency has culmi- nated in placing him in his present exalt- ed position. Blessed with robust health throughout Hfe and an equal temper, he now, in his mellow middle-age, enjoys ex- istence only as it can be enjoyed by those who have been temperate in all things. JAMES M. SETTLEMEYER. Very few men of wealth or prominence interested themselves in the early settle- ment of eastern Indiana. Government land was so plentiful all over what had formally been the Northwest territory that it was no object for land syndicates to get possession of and control it, even if such a thing as a land syndicate had existed in those days. In most instances the gov- ernment and the settler made their trans- actions direct, and they were always satis- factory. Even then, however, there were a few who realized that eventually the land would become valuable and strained every nerve to get possession of as much as their means would allow. To them the usual reward of foresight has been meted out. They increased their material wealth many fold. One of these was ^^'illiam Set- tlemeyer, father of John M. Settlemeyer, the subject of this sketch, who at one time in the early days of the settlement was the owner of many hundred acres in Indiana and Ohio. At his home in Warren county, Ohio, he owned a fine farm of two hundred acres and he also had a clear title to some fifteen hundred acres in Indiana and Ohio. James M. Settlemeyer, was born in W'ayne county, Ohio, December 30, 1845. The family of his father were natives of Virginia, though of Scotch ancestry. His mother's maiden name was Ann Wilker- son and she was of a Lexington, Ken- tucky, family. Mr. Settlemeyer had serv- ed as a soldier in the war of 181 2, being stationed at Fort Recovery, Ohio. His family consisted of four sons who reached maturity, three of whom are still living, James M.. Bayless N., of the old home- stead, and . John, of Roanoke, Indiana. The father died in his Ohio home Septem- ber 7, 1876. James M. Settlemeyer grew to man- hood on his father's farm. He secured a good education in the district schools, and made his home beneath his father's roof until he was twenty-five years of age. He then rented a tract of land owned by his father in Union township. Wells county, and with an assurance that the place would some day be his, he came out to \\'ells county in 1869 and entered upon the task of clearing the land, making a farm of it and a home upon it. September 22, 1872, he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Ellen Jacobs, a native of Dekalb county, Indiana, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Jacobs, early settlers of W^ells county, coming here when she was but a child. The young people, soon after their marriage, established themselves in house- keeping upon the farm, and thereafter it was noticed that the cleariijgs, the drainage and the fencing progressed with much more WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 565 energ}- and zeal than theretofore, further evidence of the fact that matrimon}- is ahvays productive of industry and thrift. At the present time the farm is splendidly im- proved, being cleared, well drained and fenced. A large, handsome, well finished residence has been erected and a substantial and commodious barn and all ncessary out- buildings give comfort and convenience to the place. Mr. and ]Mrs. Settlemeyer are the parents of one son, Lawrence, born August 19, 1876. He attended the district school and acquired a good education, later attending some three terms at the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. He was married on the 27th day of April, 1895, to Miss Etta M. Roe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Roe, of L'nion township. One son has been born to them, Kenneth \\'., born June jo, 1902. His life has been devoted to the farm in asso- ciation with his father. He is interested in breeding Poland China hogs and in this line has met with commendable success. The farm has three flowing wells, offering an abundant supply of water for the stock. In politics James M. Settlemeyer is a Republican, sincere and consistent. He be- lieves in his party and in its principles and makes every effort to compass its success, not particularly for his own good or that of the party, but for the good of the country. He interests himself in politics purely from patriotic motives. The great questions of state which are constantly arising can be handled and disposed of, in his opinion, bet- ter by the Republican party than any other. He has served as committeeman from his township a number of times, was a delegate to the last Republican state convention and is at present a member of the advisory board of the count}-. Mrs. Settlemeyer is a member of the United Brethren church at Zanes- ville, that congregation being identified with what is termed the "radical wing" of that denomination. For over thirty years ^Ir. Settlemeyer has resided in Union township and during all that time no public enterprise has been brought to the front in which he has not taken a leading, active part, public improve- ments of all kinds having always found in him a steadfast friend and promoter. He i? never afraid, in public affairs or in private matters of his own, of the expenditure of a few dollars when the resultant good promises to overbalance the outlay, being never actu- ated by what is known as "a penny-wise policy." Strictly conscientious, fair and honest in all of his dealings, he believes in the full application of these principles to mat- ters in which the public is interested and well deserves the success which he has at- tained. JOHN F. ROE. The youth who remains close to the par- ental roof will not see as much of the world or its people as will he who roams about; but it is safe to predict that at the end of a given period gold pieces will be jingling in the pockets of the first when pennies will not be sufficiently numerous in the pockets of the second to make a noise. This thought is very forcibly expressed in the saying, which is almost of sufficient antiquity to be re- ferred to as a proverb, "A rolling stone gathers no moss." There are, however, ex- ceptions to all rules and one of the exceptions to the above is J. F. Roe, of Union town- 566 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ship, Wells county, the subject of this sketch. He spent ten years of his early manhood at various points in the great west, employed in various positions, contracted no very bad habits and returned to the county of his nativity, with money in his pocket. ' He might have had a good deal more money if he had never traveled, but certainly he would not be possessed of a tittle of the information that is his regarding this wonderful country in which we live and the remarkable people who inhabit it. John F. Roe, familiarly called Frank, is a son of Isaac and Catherine (Thomas) Roe and was born in Union township, Wells county, Indiana, July 8, 1859. His father was a native of Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1826 he came to Indiana and settled on land near where the city of Indi- anapolis now stands. He remained there three years, then in disgust returned to Ohio. Soon afterward the paternal grand- father of the subject decided to look over Indiana for himself. He rode on horseback from his home in Ohio to Randolph county, Indiana, a distance of one hundred and thir- ty miles, selected a tract of eighty acres of land, then went to the land office at Fort Wayne, made the official arrangement re- garding his entry and returned to his home in Ohio. Within a very short time the fam- ily had packed up and were on their way o\'erland in a big wagon to their new home. While the father was building his cabin the family camped on the ground where the town of Ridgeville now stands. In 1846 Isaac Roe was united in mar- riage to Miss Nancy Renbarger and a little later they moved to Union township. Wells count}-, where he entered a quarter section of government land in section 17. He built a home, the typical log cabin of that period, and applied himself with zeal and energy to the clearing and improvement of his land. By the end of the first year his young wife died, leaving his home desolate. After re- maining a widower for more than ten years, he was for a second time united in marriage. On this occasion his bride was Miss Cathar- ine Thomas, and one child, J. F. Roe, the subject of this sketch, was born to this union. The young mother was permitted to care for her little son but one year, when death claimed her. The maternal grand- mother, Mrs. Thomas, then took the boy and reared him until he was nine years old when he was taken by an uncle, Benjamin Roe, at Ridgeville, Randolph county, which re- mained his home until he was sixteen years of age. During his- residence in Ridgeville he attended the public schools and made rapid progress in his studies. He especially excelled in penmanship and mathematics, which secured for him a position in one of the local mercantile establishments, which he held for three years. A desire to see more of the world then took possession of him and he went west, where he remained for ten years, engaged in different kinds of em- ployment at various points. He worked in an express office for a time, then in a hard- ware store, finally making the trip to Cali- fornia, where he worked on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Later he took a position for the Lake Hemett Land and Water Com- pany, of Lakeside county, California. It was a very responsible position and he held it for a number of years. Like the lamb that had wandered from the fold, he at last yearned to come home, and arrived in Wells county in April, 1889. In November of the following vear, WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 367 1890, Mr. Roe was united in marriage to Miss Delia Young, a daughter of Samuel and Christina Young, of Allen county, In- diana, who had moved to Wells county in 1876 and settled on a farm in Union town- ship. She was born in 1868, and was a young lad}- of intelligence, refinement and fair education. Their married life of twelve years has been most happy, although no chil- dren have come to bless their union. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres lies three and one-half miles north of Markle and is one of the most desirable farms in the township, consisting of a tract entered and improved by his father and has never been transferred by deed. In politics he con- fesses to being a Democrat, but he is never a partisan. Like all men who have traveled much, he has broad and liberal views on all questions which arise, whether religious, po- litical or social. While rather steadfast in his views on questions to which he has given consideration, he always exhibits a hearty re- spect for the opinions of others. Having few domestic cares, he and his wife employ their leisure time in the perusal of good- books, with the result that it would be difficult to find a household every member of which is as well informed on nearly every subject and as well versed on current questions and the topics of the day. They are a model couple, loving and respecting each other and warmly admired b}- their neighbors and friends. THO.MAS B. ^lORRIS, M. D. Back to that cradle of much of our na- tional history, the Old Dominion state, must we turn in tracing the genealogy of Dr. ^lor- ris, and at a later period the family name and that of the collateral line became promi- nently identified with the history of Ken- tucky, whose annals have been dignified by the lives and labors of those with whom our subject is linked by consanguinity. Per- sonally he is numbered among the represent- ative members of the medical profession of Wells county, being established in practice in the attractive village of Mount Zion. De- voted to the noble and humane work which his profession implies, faithful and indefat- igable in his efforts, he has not only earned a due reward in a temporal way, but has also proved himself eminently worthy to ex- ercise the important functions of his call- ing, by reason of his ability, his abiding sym- pathy and his earnest zeal in behalf of his fellow men. His understanding of the science of medicine is broad and compre- hensive and the profession and the public have accorded him the high esteem and con- fidence justly due under such conditions and with such attributes as are his. Dr. Morris is a native of Bracken coun- ty, Kentucky, having been born on a farm near the town of Augusta, on the 6th of Aug- ust, 1848, and being a son of John P. and Mary Ann (McClennahan) Morris, both members of old Kentucky families and both natives of that state. Capt. Philip Buckner, the maternal grandfather of John P. Morris, was born in England, on the 13th of May, 1747, and as a young man he emigrated to America, being here married, in 1772, to a Miss Daniels, of Port Royal, Virginia. At the outbreak of the war of the Revolution he espoused the cause of the colonists and served in the Continental line, while for com- missary supplies which he furnished from his home in Virginia he received at the close of 568 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. tlie war land warrants, on which he made selection of lands in Kentucky and Ohio. He brought his family and his negroes down the Ohio river on flatboats, disembarking at Louis\ille, which was then a small village, and later returned to Virginia and organ- ized a company of families who came to Kentucky and under his supervision organ- ized a colony at Augusta, Bracken county, of which town he was thus the virtual founder. He acquired an extensive landed estate, having erected his first dwelling in the year 1797, and it is interesting to note in the connection that the foundations of this an- cient building are still standing. Captain Buckner donated large tracts of land to the town of Augusta, and it was through his progressive spirit that the colony and town flourished to so notable a degree. He was the first representative from that county in the legislature of Kentucky and was one of the framers of the constitution of the com- monwealth, having been a member of the first constitutional convention, while his sons-in-law were the first ofiicers elected in Bracken county after its erection. He was a man of fine mentality, genial and hospit- able and a true t}'pe of the old-school gen- tleman. He assisted many persons in se- curing farms and establishing homes and no man in the locality had a firmer hold upon public confidence and esteem. When well advanced in years he retired to a distance of fourteen miles in the wilderness in order that he might have access to more game, having been an enthusiastic nimrod and an expert shot. He died at his home in Bracken coun- ty on the 24th of October, 1820, in the ful- ness of years and well earned honors. His son-in-law, Dickinson Morris, grandfather of Dr. Morris, was the first sheriff of Brack- en county, and one of the influential citizens of the locality. He became an able surveyor and as such had charge of the surveying of the greater portion of Bracken county, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. His eldest son, B. S. Morris, be- came a distinguished member of the bar, was the second mayor of the city of Chicago, Illinois, and for a number of years was judge of the circuit court in that state. The third son, Philip B., was an extensive farmer in Kentucky, where he passed his entire life. John Pickett Morris, father of the Doc- tor, was reared and educated in Bracken county, where he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he was en- gaged from his youth until his death, in Oc- tober, 1895, at the venerable age of eighty- three years, having resided continuously on one farm for the long period of si.xty years, while the old homestead is still in the pos- session of the family. His devoted wife, who was born in Farquhar coitnty, Virginia, accompanied her parents on their removal to Kentucky when a child, and there was reared and educated, and she died on the old homestead on the 5th of Ai.igust, 1868, at the age of fifty-two years. They became the parents of eight sons and one daughter and all are living with the exception of two of the sons, while Dr. Morris and his brother Sam- uel B., of Liberty Center, Wells county, are the only representatives of the family in In- diana. Dr. Morris, of this sketch, was born on the old homestead farm, twelve miles west of Augusta, Bracken county, Kentucky, and his early educational discip- line was received in the public schools of his native state. In 1869, when about twenty- one years of age, he came to Wells county, WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 569 Indiana, to visit relatives, and here he en- gaged in teaching in the district schools about two years, and while thus engaged he became so impressed with the attractions and advantages of this section of the state that he determined to take up his permanent residence here. He had previously taken up the study of medicine under the preceptor- ship of an old and able physician of Ken- tucky and after coming to Indiana he con- tinued his technical reading under the direc- tion of his brother, Dr. George P. Morris, who was at that time established in the prac- tice of his profession in Grant county. In 1879 he was matriculated in the Fort Wayne Medical College, at Fort Wayne, this state, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1 88 1, receiving the degree of Doc- tor of Medicine and being thoroughly forti- fied for the practice of his chosen profession, since he had been a close and appreciative stu- dent of both medicine and surgery and had spared no pains to secure the best experience in practical clinical work while pursuing his collegiate course. After his graduation Dr. Morris established himself in practice at Roll, Blackford county, Indiana, where he re- mained until 1883, when he came to Mount Zion, Wells county, which has since con- tinued to be his place of residence and his professional headquarters. He has built up a large and representative practice, which ex- tends throughout a wide radius of country, and his success has been the diametrical re- sult of his assiduous application, his unwav- ering devotion to his work and his constant and careful study of the sciences of medi- cine and surgery, in which he keeps in touch with the advances made from year to year, ha\-ing recourse to the best standard and periodical literature pertaining to the same. The Doctor is an honored member of the \\'ells County ]\Iedical Society, and has been a delegate from the same to the Indiana State iMedical Society, in which also he re- tains membership, while he has also been a delegate to the conventions of the American Medical Association. He is held in high esteem Ijy his professional confreres, being e\'er mindful of the ethics of the unwritten code, and is frequently called in consultation by other members of the profession. His practice has far exceeded in extent the lim- itations which he had considered possible, and both as a physician and a man he holds the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the community in which his services have been of so marked value and in which he has at- tained high prestige in his profession. The Doctor is the owner of two valuable farms in Wells county, on one of which are eight producing oil wells, through which he secures a good income, both farm properties being rented. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party so far as state and national affairs are involved, but in local matters, where no issue is to be considered, he is independent rather than holding to strict partisan lines. The Doctor served three years as postmaster of Mount Zion, under the administration of President Cleve- land. He is a charter member of Blount Zion Lodge No. 684, I. O. O. F., in which he is past noble grand, while he has repre- sented the same in the grand lodge of the state on three different occasions. He and his wife are vakled and active members of the Methodist Protestant church. On the nth of May, 1875, Dr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Lee, who was born in Wells county, being a daughter of Jonathan R. and Susanah (Ban- 570 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ter) Lee, well known residents of the coun- ty. She was eighteen years of age at the time of her marriage, having been reared and educated in her native county and being a lady of gracious presence and distinctive refinement. Dr. and Mrs. Morris are the parents of two sons, namely: Oscar E., who married Miss Maud Huffman and who is one of the successful young farmers of Wells county; and George B., who is a stu- dent in the Indiana Medical College, at In- dianapolis, being a member of the class of 1903 : he married Miss Rosa Wallace and thev have one child. Lillian Maxwell. D. D. STUDABAKER. Success in this life comes to the deserv- ing. It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it, plus a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value is successful in pro- portion to the amount he adds to his wealth. But the man who starts in the world un- aided and by sheer force of will, controlled by correct principles, forges ahead and at length reaches a position of honor among his fellow citizens achieves success such as representatives of the two former classes neither understand nor appreciate. To a considerable extent the subject of this sketch is a creditable representative of the class last named, a class which has fur- nished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added to the stability of the gov- ernment and its institutions. D. D. Studabaker is a native of Wells county, his birth occurring in Harrison township on the 4th of May, 1840, a son of the pioneers, William and Sarah A. (Thomp- son) Studabaker. He was reared upon the parental homestead and attended the sub- scription schools. Though his earlier educa- tion was necessarily limited, he has by close observation and contact with the world be- come well-informed and thoroughly in touch with modern business methods. David early formed an inclination for dealing in stock. He remained with his father until he was twenty-two years of age and in 1862 undertook to operate the farm of Capt. Peter Studabaker while the latter was absent in military service. The subject farmed this property until 1866, when he set- tled on a farm adjoining the one On which he now lives. He has engaged in the various lines related to agriculture, including farm- ing, stock grazing, buying and selling, in all of which he has been successful, achieving an enviable reputation through his straight- forward and honorable business meth- ods. He was an extensive stock-shipper of the county to within twenty years, though since that time he has confined his operations principally to baling and shipping hay and straw. Aside from the \'aried interests per- taining to the farm. 'Mr. Studabaker has also done some contracting in the construc- tion of gravel roads in this and Grant coun- ties, his efforts in this line being the greatest of any citizen of the county. He built the second gravel road in the county, the one from Bluffton to Mount Zion, and among others which he constructed were the fol- lowing: The Markle, Gregg, Bluffton and Rifeton, Little, Poor Farm, Air Line, Stahl, Keystone, Gavin and others, the total amounting to fiftv miles in Wells and eight WELLS COUNTY, INDL^NA. 571 in Grant county. He bears the reputation of an honest and conscientious contractor and aU of his transactions in which the pubHc in- terests liave been involved have been con- ducted so as to win tlie approbation of the people. In the winter of 1865 Air. Studabaker was united in marriage with Miss Esther E. Stahl, the daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Stahl. She was born in Ohio, but her par- ents came to Wells county in the spring of 1838, settling in Nottingham township. To this union have been born six children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are Hugh, an engineer on the Rock Island Rail- road; Sarah, the wife of Ross De\^ore, and Nora, who is at home. 'Mr. Studabaker is affiliated with the Democratic party. Though not a member of any church, he has ever been a liberal contributor to their support and casts his influence invariably on the side of morality and the higher interests of the community. With him to see and un- derstand the right is to do the same under all circumstances, fearlessness in the dis- charge of duty being one of his dominant characteristics, while he is ever careful and considerate of the feelings and opinions of those from whom he may honestly dififer. ROBERT AI. HEDGES. Among the early pioneers and highly re- spected citizens of Wells county, Indiana, is Robert M. Hedges, who was born in Fair- field county, Ohio, October 31, 1817. His parents, Elijah and Mary (Baxley) Hedges, were natives of Virginia, though the pro- genitor of the family originally came from England. Elijah Hedges was a, soldier of the war of the Revolution, serving in a Vir- ginia regiment. He was wounded in the serv- ice of the colonies and up to the time of his death received from his grateful country a pension of ninety-six dollars a year. His youth and early manhood were spent in Virginia. He was married there and had a family of three children before he moved to Ohio. It was during the administration of President Madison, and only about ten years after Ohio had been admitted into the Union as a state, that Elijah Hedges moved his wife and three children to Fairfield county. Here Robert M. Hedges, the subject of this sketch, was born and reared. His father, the old Revolutionary hero, remained there until his death, which occurred many years ago. He was the father of ten children, four bo}-s and six girls. One of the latter, Henrietta, is still living at Charleston, Illi- nois, at the age of ninety-three years. Upon the farm where he was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, Robert AI. Hedges grew to manhood. The opfxirtunities for se- curing an education in those days were lim- ited. Very little printed matter found its way to the cabins in the woods, text books were few and expensive and public schools at that time were practically unknown. Nev- ertheless, the youth of the 'twenties found means of improving his mind. On October 22, 1840, Mr. Hedges was united in marriage to Aliss Sophia Kirk- wood, a native of Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, and born March 28, 1823. They went to housekeeping on a rented farm and re- mained in their native place until 1846, when they moved to Indiana and located in Harri- son township, Wells county. Here he bought eighty acres of land, paying three hundred 572 WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. dollars and incurring an indebtedness of one hundred dollars. It was in the dense woods, but he built a home upon it and li\'ed there for six years, at the end of which time he had thirty-five acres cleared and under cultiva- tion. An opportunity offering, in 1852 he sold the place and invested the proceeds in one hundred and fourteen acres, which is a part of the one-hundred-and-ninety-four- acre farm which he now owns. To Robert :\I. and Sophia (Kirk- wood) Hedges were born thirteen children, all of whom grew to maturity. All were liv- ing at the time of the death of their mother, in August, 1870, and were named as fol- lows: Mary J., wife of Alexander Lata- more, of Bluffton : Lucinda was the wife of Daniel Tuttle, but is now dead ; Jonas T. is dead ; Rebecca is the w-ife of James B. Ga\in. of Liberty township. Wells county; James K. married Eunice Neff and resides in Har- rison township; Elizabeth was the wife of Philip Ulmer. but is now dead ; William re- sides in Whitley county. Indiana: Julia is the wife of George L'lmer. superintendent of the Orphans' Home ; Joseph resides in Oregon ; George resides in Kansas; Lewis resides in Pulaski county, Indiana; Samuel resides in Liberty township; John, the youngest child, resides on the old homestead. In his life time Robert M. Hedges has made and accumulated much money. The years of the Civil war afforded many oppor- tunities for money-making and he had the ability and enterprise to embrace them as they came his way. He was three times married and is again a widower. Miss Martha Williamson was his second wife. No children were born to this union and her death occurred in 1877. His third wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Kendall, a widow whose hus- band had been killed in the Civil war. She died in April. 1895, leaving him one child, a daughter. Alice, the child of his old age. For upwards of half a century Robert M. Hedges has been a devout, active and attentive member of the Methodist Episco- pal church and is firm in the faith. For some years he occupied the position of steward. In politics he is a Democrat, having cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1840. Despite his loyalty and fidelity to the party, he never sought public position for himself, his interest in politics being only for what he considered the good of the commun- ity. In Wells county, where the greater part of his life has been spent, he is honored and respected by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. JOSEPH BURNS. Rising above the heads of the masses there have always been in every community indi\'iduals who by reason of pronounced ability and force of character have com- manded the unbounded esteem of their fel- lowmen. Characterized by the two resplend- ant virtues that never fail, perseverance and a directing spirit, such men always make their presence felt, and the vigor of their strong personality serves as a stimulus and incen- tive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the sub- ject of this sketch very properly belongs. Enjoying distinctive prestige as a farmer and business man, he is also widely and fav- orably known as a director of enterprises and to a marked degree he has achieved re- pute as a moulder of public sentiment in the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 573 community of his residence. Joseph Burns, although of foreign birth, is a striking ex- ample of strong, virile American citizen- ship. He is in the true sense of the term a self-made man and his rise from very humble circumstances to his present position as a suc- cessful farmer and progressive man of affairs forcibly illustrates what can be accomplished by a well defined purpose in life when that purpose is directed and fostered by correct principles and manly conduct. Mr. Burns was born of Irish parentage, but first saw the light of day in England, to which country his father, Michael Burns, moved when a young man. The subject's birth occurred in the city of Manchester on the 14th day of February, 1847. ^^'^ about three years later he was brought to the United States, the family settling in Jay county, Indiana, in 185 1. Poor in this world's goods and with- out the aid of influential friends, Michael Burns found no rosy pathway to fortune in the new world. Purchasing a small tract of wild land, he labored hard to improve the same, meanwhile earning a little money by ditching for other parties. He was a man of great industry, knew not the meaning of idleness and enjoyed but little leisure while preparing a home and laboring for the sup- port of those dependent upon him. Intelli- gent beyond the average, he devoted his evenings to reading and study and in this way became quite well informed on many subjects, especially those questions relating to politics and national legislature. By per- severing effort he eventually succeeded in rising superior to unfavorable environment, and in the course of years found himself the possessor of a comfortable competence. He developed a good farm of one hundred and sixtv acres, which he sub- sequently sold for five thousand five hundred dollars, and purchased, in Oc- tober, 1866, an estate in Chester township, Wells county, where he made his home the remainder of his life. Michael Burns be- came an influential man in his neighborhood and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a local politician of consider- able note and for many years his favor was courted by candidates of the Democratic party, as he exerted great influence among the voters of his township. A devout Cath- olic in religion, he expended his means lib- erally for the support of the church, he and James McCaffrey building the first house of worship in the town of Montpelier. Four children were born to Mr. Burns, the oldest of whom, John, a sergeant of Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth Infantry, in the Civil war, was wounded at the battle of Stone River and died from the effect of his injuries on the 8th of January. 1865. Mary, the sec- ond in order of birth, died while the family \\as enroute to the United States and was buried at sea; Emily died at Manchester, England, when an infant: Joseph, the sub- ject of this sketch, being the youngest of the famil}-. The early life of Joseph Burns was spent on the farm in Jay county and it is needless to state that fortune cast into his pathway no glittering crown. He grew up with a proper appreciation of the true nobil- ity of honest toil and from youth to manhood knew what it meant to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Amid the bracing ait and vigorous outdoor exercises, he acquired strength of limb and independence of mind which ser\ed him well when he began the struggle of life in later years. Young Burns was born with a thirst for knowledge and at 574 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. an early age mastered the mysteries of the fundamental branches by attending a school taught in a little log building, which stood fully three miles from his home. The way to this backwoods college led through a deep forest, and in order to reach it in time for the morning lessons the lad was obliged to get out of bed in the wee small hours and start on the long tramp before daylight. Not infrequently the deep snows proved a de- cided hindrance, to wade through which taxed the physical powers of the boy to their utmost capacity. Notwithstanding the daily walk of six miles and the indififerent char- acter of the teaching, young Burns made rapid advancement and before his eighteenth year he had gone as far as his instructor could take him, mastering all of the common branches, in several of which he became un- usually proficient. He has always been a great reader and today his knowledge takes in a wide range of subjects, those bearing upon the political and industrial history of our country being among the ones in which he is especially well informed. Like a dutiful son, he remained at home assisting with the labors of the farm until his twenty-second year when he left the parental roof to make his own way in the world. Although penniless at this time, he looked forward with hope and began la)-- ing plans for future action. Thinking that a companion on life's journey would result to his advantage, Mr. Burns, on the loth day of April, 1871, was united in mar- riage to Miss Ann McCaffrey, of Wells county, daughter of James McCaffrey, and shortly thereafter moved to a small tract of woodland which he purchased with the pros- pect of paying for the same at some future day. Poor in purse, but rich in love and de- votion for each other and determined to make the most of their opportunities, the young couple set up their humble establish- ment and resolutely addressed themselves to the task of making a home and clearing it of debt. To narrate in detail how this was eventually acomplished, how they worked hard, denied themselves many privileges and made sacrifices which tried their souls as well as their bodies, would far transcend the limits of this article. Suffice it to say, how- ever, that by long continued toil and patient, persevering effort, the forest growth grad- ually disappeared before the sturdy strokes of Mr. Burns' ax until at length one of the finest and most valuable farms in Chester township rewarded the labors so heroically put forth. Mr. Burns cleared and developed with his own hands fully one hundred acres of land. His place is highly improved and well cultivated, containing substantial build- ings, fine fences and other accessories be- speaking the home of the intelligent and en- terprising husbandman. Situated in the richest of the Indiana oil fields, it would command a very high price if put on the mar- ket, and for agricultural purposes alone the place has been conservatively valued at one hundred dollars per acre. In addition to general farming and stock raising, Mr. Burns has made considerable money contracting for the construction of gravel roads and like work in this and other counties. He has already made over thirteen miles of public highway in the county of Wells alone, be- sides doing much street work in the city of Bluffton, realizing liberal returns from his contracts. For many years he has been a public auctioneer, his services in this capac- ity being in great demand throughout sev- eral northeastern counties. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 575 In politics Mr. Burns is a Democrat of the old school and as such has rendered his party great service in every campaign in the last quarter of a century. Not only is he an active worker in the ranks, but as a pub- lic speaker he possesses a power surpassed by few. Logical in presenting facts, he im- presses them by strong, well-put argtiments and, rising at times to the heights of true eloquence, he seldom fails in convincing and always pleases and entertains his audiences. He is the soul of large hearted fellowship. Endowed with the natural wit and humor for which his nationality is especially dis- tinguished, he is the life of every social gathering graced by his presence and num- bers his warm friends by the score among all classes of people. As a neighbor he is ac- commodating at all times, generous to a fault and no worthy person or legitimate enter- prise ever appealed to him in vain. His hand is ever open to help the poor and distressed and his home is the abode of a generous hos- pitality which many of his friends delight to share. He was born within the pale of the Catholic church and has always been loyal to its precepts and liberal in the expen- diture of his means for its support. His wife and children also ha\'e been trained accord- ing to its teachings and are now among its zealous members in the county of Wells. Mr. and Mrs. Burns are the parents of nine children : John, the oldest, born April lo, 1872, was graduated from the Bluffton high school, began teaching at the early age of sixteen years and followed educational work for a number of years in Wells county. Later he studied law, rose rapidly in the pro- fession and at this time is prosecuting attor- ney for the twenty-eighth judicial district, comprising the counties of Wells and Black- ford ; \\'illiam, the second child, died when five years old ; James was born and reared in Chester township, this county, and is now a resident of Montpelier ; Tilden, the next in order of birth, lives at home and manages the farm; Joseph H. is a tool dresser in the oil fields of Indiana and has prospered in that kind of work ; the other members of the fam- ily, Millie, Elizabeth, Patrick G., Anna and Felix, are still with their parents. ALBERT MEYER. Notwithstanding the fact that the repub- lic of Switzerland is one of the smallest countries of the world, it has sent a large number of emigrants to the United States during the years that have elapsed since in- dependence was secured. The people of that country, appreciating the blessings of lib- erty, of which they had had a strong example in their own land, were not slow to recognize the possibilities that opened out in splendid perspective for all who located early in this country. Accordingly, large numbers of the hardy Swiss have crossed the Atlantic and created for themselves homes in the great middle west of the United States. And here their descendants have become among the most intelligent, patriotic, industrious and upright of our great and wonderful cosmo- politan population. Peter Meyer, father of the subject, was born in Switzerland on the 22d of IMay, 1831. He came to the United States with his parents when about four years of age. They first located in Stark county, Ohio, where they lived about one year, then moved to .\dams countv, Indiana, and settled in 576 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. French township. He remained on the farm with his father until reaching his majority, and at that age began learning the carpen- ter's trade. After finishing his trade he came to Vera Cruz, Wells county, and here was united in marriage with Miss Sauer, of that village. To this union was born one child, but the mother and child both died late in the 'fifties. In iSfio Peter Meyer chose for his second companion Miss Elizabeth Moser, likewise a native of Switzerland, born April 5, 1842. To this union were born eight chil- dren, namely: Albert, the subject of this sketch; Jonas; Sarah, wife of William Frau- higer: Bertha married Philip Frauhiger; David, of Bluffton, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume: Jacob, Elizabeth and Ida, the last two named still unmarried. Although Peter Me}'er was a poor man when he attained his majority, he was industrious and economical and eventually became fairly well ofif as regards this world's goods. In i860 he bought eighty acres of land in Wells county, which he succeeded in converting into a splendid farm. Altogether he has owned about four hundred acres of land, the larger part of which he has divided among his children as they have attained to ma- turity. In religion he is a member of the Re- form church and in politics has always been a Democrat. Albert Meyer, the immediate subject of this sketch, as born in Harrison township. Wells county, Indiana, on the 5th of May, 1867, the third in order of birth, and the oldest son of the eight children born to his parents. He was reared upon the parental homestead in his native township and is in- debted to the common schools for his mental training. He remained at home until reach- ing his majority, assisting his father on the , farm, then started out in life for himself. He was steady and reliable in his work, and was economical in his habits and was thus en- abled to save some money. He was at length enabled to purchase an eighty-acre tract in section 19, Harrison township, which has since been his home and where he has suc- cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, combined with stock raising. In November, 1890. Mr. Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Schwartz, who was born in Vera Cruz, In- diana, though of German descent. She re- ceived a good common school education, is an intelligent and amiable woman and has in- deed proved to Mr. Meyer a helpmate in the truest sense of the word. Their union has been a most congenial and happy one and has resulted in the birth of the following chil- dren : Edward E., Levi, Pearl M., deceased, Fannie, Charles and Emma. In political views Mr. Meyer is a Democrat, manifesting an intelligent interest in the party of his choice and keeping well informed upon the issues of the day. He has never sought nor desired official sta- tion of any kind, preferring to de- vote his time and attention to his farming interests. There are no more progressive farmers in Wells county than Mr. Meyer and he has acquired a reputation as a farmer and stock raiser which is more than local. He is familiar with the latest methods of agricul- ture and in tilling his land he uses modern machinery and implements of the most ap- proved type. His place contains many val- uable improvements in the way of a resi- dence, barn and splendid outbuildings and he has spared no reasonable expense in sur- rounding himself with the comforts and con- veniences which make rural life attractive WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 577 and desirable. His course through life has been prudent and upright and his example is worthy the emulation of all young men who desire to live so as to leave clear records behind them. While successful in the ac- cumulation of wealth, he is also rich in the possession of a reputation above reproach and a character which will bear the world's closest and strictest scrutiny. Respected as an upright, broad-minded, influential citizen, his name will long adorn the roster of Har- rison township's enterprising and represent- ative men. DAVID ^lEYER. One of the most prosperous young busi- ness men of Bluffton. Indiana, is David Meyer, a native of Wells county, born in Harrison township, January 17, 1872, and a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Moser) Meyer, of whom a more complete biography will be found on another page of this volume. To Peter Meyer and wife were born eight chil- dren, of whom David was the fifth in order of birth. Until seventeen years of age he attended the schools of his district and ac- quired a good education. After attaining his majority he went to work on a farm for his lirother, Albert, with whom he remained one year, after which he worked a year for his father, and then entered a partnership with Daniel Gilliom in the drilling of wells. This partnership existed until Alay 25, 1898, when it was dissolved and Mr. Meyer entered a partnership with Jacob Klopfenstine in the harness business at Blufifton, and has prob- ably the best establishment devoted to this line of trade in the city, his business extend- ing throughout the counties of Wells and 37 Adams. Mr. ]\Ieyer erected his present brick business block in the fall of 1900 at a cost of five thousand two hundred dollars. It is situated on Main street, is twenty by one hundred and twenty feet in size, and is one of the handsomest business blocks in town. June 15, 1899, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Engeler, daughter of Frederick and Rosanna (Beber- stein) Engeler. Mr. Engeler was a promin- ent business man of Vera Cruz, Indiana, and a justice of the peace for many years. Mrs. Meyer was born in \^era Cruz, this county, October 22, 1875, and was highly educated in that town. She is a member of the Pres- byterian church at Blufifton, is a refined and cultured lady and is highly respected by all who know her. ]Mr. Meyer exhibited considerable wisdom when he selected his present line of business as his vocation, as his firm has almost an exclusive command of the harness trade over Wells and Adams counties, the only competi- tion, in fact, being through the agents of manufacturing companies that turn out and place upon the market machine-made prod- ucts, which, all the world knows, are never equal, either in finish, quality or material, to hand-made articles. That Mr. Aleyer has made a success in his business is manifest from the high standing he occupies in com- mercial and trade circles, in which his integ- rity has never been called in question and in which his credit has never been impaired. The social position of Mr. Meyer and wife is in the best circles of Bluffton, and both are highly esteemed for their many personal ex- cellences of character. Few young men have attained a more exalted consideration by their fellow citizens than that reached by David Meyer. In his political affiliations he is a 578 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. Democrat, and lie always takes an interest in the success of his party, though he does not aspire to public office. ALBERT OPPENHEIM. This is the age of the man with initiative. There is room for him in every progressive business, however crowded it may be. He is worth far more than the expert who can only do what he is told. The man of ideas has a high value, but his relative importance is slight as compared with that of the man of initiative power or the ability to put his ideas into practical use. The strength of the man with initiative is that he knows how to enter upon a matter, how to make beginnings. His (|ualification is common sense to a far greater extent than genius and his potency is of un- mistakable order. One of the distinctively able, progressive and representative business men of the city of Blufifton is he whose name initiates this paragraph, and he has gained prestige through well directed endeavor, be- ing identified with industrial interests of wide scope and importance and holding at the present time the position of assistant general manager of the Empire & American Gly- cerine Company, which represents one of the leading industrial enterprises of Blufifton. Albert Oppenheim comes of stanch Ger- man ancestry and is a native son of Wells county, Indiana, having been born in the city of Blufifton, on the 8th of October, 1855, and being a son of Sigmund and Mary J. (Ni- black) Oppenheim. Sigmund Oppenheim was born in the city of Mannheim, on the river Rhine, Baden, Germany, the date of his nativity having been February 15, 1821. He was reared and educated in his native citv. where he continued to reside until 1848, \\'hen, as a young man of twenty-seven years, he emigrated to America, landing in New York city, where he remained for a short interval. At the time of the ever memorable gold excitement in California, in 1849, l''^ joined the hegira to the Pacific coast, believ- ing an opportunity was presented for him to gain independence. He took passage on a boat from New York, making the voyage by way of the isthmus of Panama and ar- riving in due time in San Francisco, whence he made his way to the gold fields, where he was engaged in placer-mining about oue year, being quite successful in his efiforts. At the expiration of this period Mr. Oppenheim returned to the east and located in Somerset, Ohio, where he engaged in the mercantile business, continuing the enterprise for two years and thereafter being engaged in the same line of business in Mansfield, Ohio, un- til 1853, when he came to Bluffton. Here he established himself in business, opening a general merchandise store and eventually building up a large and representative trade. With this enterprise he continued to be ac- tively identified until 1876, when he retired from active business. He was a man of lofty integrity of character, was progressive and energetic as a business man and ever held the unequivocal confidence and esteem of all who knew him, and in his death, which oc- curred on the 8th of September, 1897, the community lost one of its honored and valued citizens and one of its pioneer business men. He was a Democrat in his political proclivi- ties, taking a lively and intelligent interest in the questions and issues of the hour and manifesting a public-spirited interest in all matters pertaining to the general welfare of his home, city and county. Mr. Oppenheim was married at Bluffton WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 579 in 1854 to Miss Mary J. Niblack, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, January 31, 1833, and was a daughter of James Niblack. Of this union were born three children, con- cerning whom we offer the following brief data : Albert is the immediate subject of this sketch ; William S. is a representative mem- ber of the bar of the city of Chicago; and Addie is the wife of Amos Cole, who is en- gaged in the hardware business in Bluffton. Mrs. Oppenheim still retains her home in Bluffton, where she has resided- the major portion of her life, but she passes a portion of each year in the state of California. Albert Oppenheim was reared to maturity in his native city of Bluffton, where he com- pleted the course of study in the high school, and at the age of fifteen years he entered upon an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, to which he devoted his attention for a period of three years, when his health became so im- paired as to necessitate his withdrawal from this line of business. He then learned the art of telegraph}', becoming an expert operator and being employed by various railroad com- panies in different towns in Indiana and Ohio. He later became an operator in the offices of the Western Union Telegraph Company in the city of Cincinnati, where he remained until 1883, when he returned to Bluffton and opened a Western Union office, of which he was made manager, while in connection with the duties of the same he also became local agent for the American Ex- press Company. He continued to be identi- fied with these two concerns until 1890, when he resigned both positions, and in the same year was elected to the office of clerk of the Wells circuit court, of which he re- mained incumbent for a period of four years, giving a most capable and satisfactory ad- ministration of the affairs of the office. Upon his retirement from this position Mr. Oppen- heim was made general manager of the Unit- ed Telephone Company, having charge of the installation and operation of various plants in Indiana and maintaining his headquarters in Bluffton. He resigned this office in 1897, when he accepted his present position as as- sistant general manager of the Empire & American Glycerine Company. In 1892 Mr. Oppenheim became associated with P. A. Al- len in the ownership of the Bluffton Banner, which is one of the oldest Democratic news- papers in the state, and he still retains his interest in this enterprise. In 1900 he was elected a member of the directorate of the Marietta Torpedo Company at Marietta, Ohio, and was simultaneously chosen treas- urer of the company, and he is still incumbent of these positions, while in 1901 he was elect- ed treasurer of the Scio Glycerine Company, of Scio, Ohio. He is distinctively a man of affairs, and his marked executive and admin- istrative ability makes his interposition in any undertaking a practical voucher for the success of the enterprise, and no better mark of the objective appreciation of his powers can be had than that afforded in the import- ant offices of which he is incumbent. In politics Mr. Oppenheim accords an un- qualified allegiance to the Democratic party, in whose cause he takes an active interest. He has held no office save that of clerk of the courts, and his personal political ambi- tion was satisfied with the one position and he desires no further preferment in the line. Fraternally Mr. Oppenheim is an appreciative member of the time-honored order of Free- masons, in which he has completed the circle of the York Rite and also advanced to the seventeenth degree in the Scottish Rite 58o WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. bodies, being identified with t)ie consistor)^ of Sublime Princes of tlie Royal Secret in the city of Fort Wayne. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. While employed as a telegraphist in the city of Muncie, Indiana, on Christmas day of the year 1876, Mr. Oppenheim was united in marriage to Miss Alice O. Davis, who was born at Harrison, Dearborn county, Indiana, on the 29th of February, 1856, being a daughter of Jared and Eliza (Jaquish) Davis. Mr. and Airs. Oppenheim became the parents of three children, namely : Sigmund, who was born on the 8th of October, 1877, and who died in infancy ; Blanche, who was born July 6, 1879, and Ethel, who was born on the 1st of July, 1882. The Misses Op- penheim have received excellent educational advantages and are numbered among the gracious and popular young ladies of Bluff- ton, being prominent in the social life of the city and having the privilege of extending the hospitalities of a cultured and refined home. JOHN Y. HOWER. Among the highly respected and well known residents of Blufifton is John Y. Hower, a brief record of whose career through life is here given. He is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Kimball) Hower, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, April 22, 1 84 1, and was there reared to manhood on his father's farm. During his boyhood years he attended the district schools and acquired what was considered a good education for that day. He was possessed of an iron will and great determination and was ever read}- to defend himself and friends from encroach- ment upon their rights. At the age of twen- ty years he moved with his parents to Branch county, Michigan, and after there attaining his majority came to Indiana, where he met and married Miss Ethelinda Chalfant, Sep- tember 21, 1865. This union resulted in the birth of one daughter, now Mrs. Zeffa Brineman. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Michigan, but on account of the ill health of his wife Mr. Hower again brought his family to Indiana and was later employed as foreman and timber buyer for E. H. Montgomerv, which firm had located in Bluffton, and with whom he remained for over sixteen years. Mr. Hower was bereft of his wife June 16, 1895, ^""i "^ May, 1900, he chose for his second companion Mrs. Mary Wanamaker, of Warren, Ohio. Mr. Hower is at present employed as a timber buyer and is consid- ered by the trade as one of the best posted men in his line and the best judge of timber of any one in this section of the country. In political matters Mr. Hower is a Democrat, and since becoming a resident of Bluffton has served as street commissioner of the city one term and three terms as a member of the common council, and at one time was most favorably spoken of as a candidate for sheriff of Wells county. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bluff- ton, and for several years was a teacher in its Sunday school. He is a liberal contributor of his means to the support of the church and active in promoting its good work, is a strict observer of its teachings and fully exempli- fies by his walk through life the sincerity of his profession of faith. Mr. Hower, as has been intimated above, is a man of inflexible determination, and a WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 581 resolution once formed by him is as un- changeable as the laws of the Medes and Persians, when his conscience tells him he is right. He is greatly respected for his in- tegrity and all who know him consider his word as good as his bond. HON. M. C. BLUE. Gratifying indeed must it be to the good wife and mother, as she descends the latter half of life's slope, to know that the man she loves, the husband of her youth and father of her children attributed to her every success that has come to him in life. The more ex- alted the station he holds, the higher the hon- ors that are his, the more brilliant his suc- cess, the greater the joy that thrills her heart in knowing that to her wifely care and solici- tude much, indeed if not all of it, is attribut- aljle, and that the lover of her girlhood, whiise love has only intensified with the elapse of time, accords to her the full praise and credit for having made him what he is. Such a wife and mother is Mrs. Rhoda Richey Blue, wife of Hon. M. C. Blue, of Lancaster township. Wells county, Indiana. Beginning life heavily handicapped by pov- erty, unable to read or write at the age of fifteen, he managed to acquire a lib- eral education, particularly in mathematics, served his county as surveyor, afterwards as auditor, and later his state in the halls of leg- islation. All of this he credits to his wife. It is not that he lacked the material in him- self to accomplish it, but without her to guide, direct and inspire hiin with the un- alterable purpose to dare and do, he would have been swerved from his course manv a time and might ha\e relinquished the strug- gle in discouragement. Hon. M. C. Blue was born in Miami county, Ohio, April 16, 1836, and is the son of L'riah and Rachael (Moore) Blue. The family originally came from Virginia, set- tled in Kentucky and after a brief residence there moved to Ohio and later to Wells county, Indiana. At the time of the latter removal the subject of this sketch was a boy less than four years old. In those days gov- ernment land was not scarce in that region. Lancaster township possessed some advan- tages over its neighbors, and Uriah Blue de- cided to establish a home for his family on section 15, so he entered upon and took pos- session of one hundred and sixty acres of government land in the midst of the dense forest. Five paltry dollars was all the money he had left after establishing his home, but he had a superabundance of pluck and en- ergy. He had a good occupation that could now be turned to advantage and the habits of industry and thrift that had been his all his life were in themselves a superior species of capital with which to "stake" any man. All his life he had been handy with tools and in early manhood he had followed coopering and wagonmaking. A general repair shop was opened convenient to his forest home. His services were soon in demand by neigh- bors for miles around and gradually his in- come grew until soon the family found themselves quite comfortable. When work was slack in the shop the time was occupied in the clearing and thus, by the practice of unflagging industry and the most rigid econ- omy, the Blue family were nicely getting on in the world. During the boyhood of M. C. Blue In- diana's superb school system had not yet been 582 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. conceived. What few seats of learning there -were were widely scattered, poorly equipped with books and furniture and wretchedly conducted, so that by the time the subject of this sketch arrived at the age of fifteen he knew little of books or schools or learning. He knew the letters of the alpha- bet and might have been able to do a little spelling, but was wholly unable to read. Up to that time work on his father's farm or in the clearing occupied every moment at his disposal; there was no time for study. As he grew older, however, he began to realize the advantages a man of education pos- sessed over the one who was illiterate. It was this that first inspired in him a thirst for knowledge. It grew and developed until it became almost insatiable. The result might have been easily foreseen. By the time he arrived at the age of manhood M. C. Blue had acquired an education ecjual to that of any young man in Wells county and far su- perior to many. By teaching he had secured the means to attend school at Murray and later took a course at the Roanoke Seminary. In mathematics he especially excelled, which led him to undertake the higher branches, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, which he soon mastered and was before long reck- oned one of the most accomplished civil en- gineers in the northern half of the state. The brothers and sisters of Hon. M. C. Blue are Mary, widow of McCoy Smith ; Lu- cinda, wife of David McKinsey, of Okla- homa; James, deceased ; Catharine, deceased ; Uriah, a citizen of Oklahoma; John, deceased ; Malissa; wife of J. O. Kun- kle. Their parents died many years ago, the father until then residing upon land he liad entered more than sixty-six years ago. He died firm in the faith of the Bap- tist church, of which he had been a member many years. He was an affectionate husband and father, a good, quiet neighbor and a citi- zen who was honored and respected far and wide. May I, 1866, M. C. Blue was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda A. Richey, the daughter of William S. Richey, one of the early pioneers of Wells county. She is a lady of many accomplishments, of refinement and education, a woman of splendid intelligence and sound discernment who is never decei\-ed by blandishments and sophistry. To her pen- etration, good judgment and expedition in arriving at correct conclusions her husband says he is indebted for all that he has been since he met her, all that he now is or ever hopes to be. This is a very high tribute to the sagacity and virtues of the good lady, but it is one that is verified by all her friends and acquaintances and friends in Wells coun- ty, and their name is legion. Six children, five of whom are living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Blue. They are George C, November 15, 1867; Dr. C. L., December 16, 1868; Ulvin A., January 21, 1870; Lola Z., July 3, 1871; Fred P., April 10, 1875, and Don I., September 2;^, 1882. George C. is a graduate of Valparaiso, having taken the commercial course. He married some time ago a very accomplished young lady. Miss Dora ^^'isner. The Doctor graduated from the Fort Wayne Medical College with high honors and is now located at Tocsin, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice. In 1901 he took a post- graduate course in medicine and surgery in Chicago. He is wedded only to his profes- sion, not having yet married. Each of the other children have received a good common school education. WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 583 Mr. and Mrs. Blue are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he for many years has been a class leader. He has also been superintendent of the Sunday school, takes a deep interest in charitable work and all that relates to religion. He is recognized, and very justly so, as one of the pillars of the church. In politics he has always been a thorough-going, consistent Democrat. In other years, while the ardor of youth was still upon him, he was an un- tiring worker in the ranks of those who are derisively Termed "the unterrified" and it is chiefly through the labors of such men as Hon. M. C. Blue that Wells county has been held so steadily iu the Democratic columns. Without any solicitation on his part, he was nominated for the office of county surveyor and was elected by more than the normal ma- jority. Later he was nominated and elected to the office of county auditor and discharged the duties of the office four years. Since then he has been twice elected to the legislature, where he served his county with distinction. A careful examination of the records of that body will disclose him as the author of and to have been instrumental in the passage of many valuable laws now on the statutes, the benefits of which all the people of Indiana are now enjoying. While generous and liberal almost to pro- digality, Mr. Blue, by the practice of self- denial and economy in matters pertaining to his own tastes, has saved much of the money he acquired by his labors and by judicious investments. The early years of his life were years of privation and they taught him many a lesson as to the value of money. To the education thus acquired he owes much for the provident habits of his life. They have enabled him to accumulate considerable val- uable property. Four hundred acres of his real estate is alone valued at thirty thousand dollars. He is still active in business, man- aging his farms, raising stock and buying and shipping hogs. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having at one time held membership in Lodge No. 145, Blufifton. Although upwards of sixty-six years of age, Hon. M. C. Blue is a man who is vigor- ous and well preserved. His mental faculties are unimpaired. He has traveled much and read deeply, and is possessed of good mem- ory and a most commendable habit of obser- vation which has stored his mind with facts ever convenient to be drawn upon. He is a fluent speaker, who on occasions rises even to eloquence. In private conversation he is delightfully companionable, a man whom the most casual acquaintance would treat with deference and whom the stranger would readily mark as a personage of deserved prominence. WTLLIA?*! WARREN ^IcBRIDE. The subject of this review is one of the honored pioneer citizens of Bluffton and bears a name which has been intimatelv iden- tified with the annals of the city and Wells county since the initiative period of their de- velopment. His father was one of the first to engage in business in the little hamlet, which has developed into a prosperous and attractive city, the capital of one of the or- ganic divisions of a great commonwealth, and was otherwise concerned in the indus- trial progress of this favored section of the state of Indiana; while the subject himself has passed essentially his entire life in Bluff- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. ton, succeeding his honored father in busi- ness, and has contributed to its material prog- ress and prosperity in no insignificant de- gree. He has been an important factor in commercial, public and civic affairs for a long term of years, and thus has done much to advance the general welfare. His private and business life is pregnant with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dra- matic action, for in the connection we find the record of an honorable and useful life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular, so that there has not l^een denied to him the full measure of popular confidence and regard in the community where he has lived and labored to so goodly ends. Of him it has been well said : "His history is a part of the history of the county and his career as a business man has been long and honorable. He has seen the city of Bluffton grow from a veritable frontier ham- let of a half dozen primitive houses to its present position as one of the most attractive little cities of the state and has had his part in its upbuilding, even as had his father be- fore him." William Warren McBride is a native son of the old Buckeye state, with whose pioneer history the name was concerned, even as was it later with that of the contiguous state of Indiana. He was born in the town of Salem, Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 24th of December, 1838. being a son of William and Barbara (Harbaugh) McBride. When he was less than three years of age his father, who was a cabinetmaker by trade, removed with his family from Ohio to Indiana, tak- ing up his abode in Bluffton on the 22d of February, 1841, "almost l^efore this now flourishing city had attained the dignity of a frontier village." Here he established the pioneer furniture and undertaking business, his place also being equipped for cabinetmak- ing and repair work, thus meeting in these lines the requirements of the people of the place and period. He built up a flourishing business, was known as an exemplary man in all the relations of life, and here he con- tinued to make his home until he was sum- moned to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," his death occurring on the 15th of May, 187 1, at the age of sixty-six years. He was a Democrat in politics and was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and active in its work. His wife died on the 3d of Novem- ber, 1853. in her fortieth year, having been a woman of noble and gracious character and one whose influence was marked in the social and religious life of the early days, she like- wise having been a devout adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church. William Warren McBride, as already in- timated, grew up in the little pioneer town, and the exigencies of time and place imply that his early educational advantages were limited in scope, being confined to an attend- ance in the subscriptions schools during the three winter months of each year. At an early age he entered his father's store, where he applied himself diligently to learning the details of a business to which he was destined to devote his attention as a vocation through- out his active business career. Under the careful and effective direction of his father he soon attained proficiency in the art of cabi- netmaking and in the general repair work xA'hich came to the establishment, and this was of varied character, transcending lines specifically assigned. On the death of his father the subject came into sole possession of the business, which has expanded in scope WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. 585 and importance with the growth of tlie city and which is, as it has ever been, one of the representatix'e mercantile enterprises of the county. The aim has ever been to keep in toucli with the demands and requirements of the people of the community, and even to anticipate them, so that the business has nat- urally been cumulative, while the fair and honorable policy maintained from the start has resulted in the consecutive retention of public confidence and consequent supporting patronage. At the present time the estab- lishment shows an exceptionally large and comprehensive stock of furniture, including not only the grades of more moderate price, but also the finest products of the great man- ufactories whose advancement in this im- portant field of art industry, if the expres- sion be permitted, has been almost phenome- nal, the capacity of the spacious building be- ing practically tested, while the ecjuipment in the undertaking department has ever been maintained at the highest standard. Mr. McBride's only son is now associated with him in the conduct of the business, with which three generations of the family have thus been identified, and the subject still maintains an active supervision of the enter- prise, though he finds release from many of the more arduous and exacting duties through the able interposition of his son and coadjutor, who is one of the progressive and representative young business men of his na- tive city. The store is located on Main street, south of Washington, and stands nearly on the site of the original building occupied by the subject's father in the early days, said building having been destroyed by fire. It was the first furniture store established in the town and the present building, erected in 1863, is a familiar landmark and one around which cluster man}- interesting mem- ories of the pioneer days. In the little room at the rear of the store assembled the first Sunday school ever organized in Blufifton, and it is of interest to note in the connection that of those in attendance at its first session Mr. McBride is the only one now living. In politics Mr. McBride is a stanch ad- herent of the Democratic party and has taken an active interest in party affairs. In 1890 he was elected coroner of the count}- and has served consecutively in this office to the pres- ent time. He has ever been known as a pro- gressive and public spirited citizen, and his influence and support have been extended in favor of every enterprise and undertaking tending to conserve the material prosperity of the city and the general welfare of the community. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, and both he and his wife have long been active members of the church of this denomination in Bluffton. Fraternally he is identified with Bluffton Lodge No. 114. I. O. O. F.. in which he has held membership for twenty-eight years. In business he has achieved success through honoral)le effort, untiring application and capable management, and in private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, defer- ence for the opinions of others and from un- varying kindliness and courtesy. The family home is one of the attractive residence prop- erties of the city and is a center of refined hospitality. On the 5th of December. 1861. Mr. ]Mc- Bride was united in marriage to Miss Mary Miller, daughter of Adam and Eliza (Sim- mison) Miller, the former of whom was one of the sterling pioneer farmers of \\'ells county, owning land southeast of Bluffton. 586 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. where tlie Six-mile church now stands. Air. and Airs. AIcBride became the parents of three children, namely: Mary Ellen, who was born January 8, 1863, became the wife of Herbert H. Deam, of Bluffton, where she died on the 30th of September, 1902; James Alfred, born December 13, 1869, is associat- ed with his father in business, as previously noted; and Maud Miller, born April 22, 1876, remains at the parental home. SAMUEL A. HAFLICH. Among the conspicuous residents of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, is Samuel A'. Haflich, of whose ancestors men- tion is made on another page of this volume. Samuel A. Haflich is a son of Jacob and Anna (Hoover) Haflich. Jacob Haflich was born in Pennsylvania, from which state he migrated to Ohio, where he married. Sam- uel A. Haflich was born in Rock Creek town- ship. Wells county, Indiana, January 23, 1849, ^lis parents having moved here some time previously. The father purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres of wild wood- land, with but two houses between his place and Huntington. He had a capital of eigh- teen dollars in cash when he came here, but managed to build a log house, which an- swered his purpose until 1862, when he erect- ed a fine brick dwelling and here reared his family, but in 1880 moved to Alarkle, where his death occurred. Jacob Haflich was a charter member of the Horeb Lutheran church and he. William Wert, Samuel Fafe, Samuel Haflich and John Working constituted the first congre- gation, of which Jacob was one of the first elders. He was a Democrat in politics, was very popular with his party and under its auspices was elected to several positions of honor and trust, including that of township trustee, which office he held four years. To Jacob and Anna (Hoover) Haflich were Ixirn five children, viz : Charlotte, deceased ; John, deceased; Reuben, deceased; Samuel A., the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, and Mary A., wife of Jacob Farling. Samuel A. Haflich was reared to agricul- tural pursuits on the old homestead, but in his boyhood days was permitted to attend the district school during the winter seasons. During the summers he continued to assist on the farm until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, after which he hired his time to Jacob Shiveley for eight months at the same class of work. He then worked for his uncle a while, then went to Michigan, where he went on the railroad for a short time as a brakeman, but returned to the old farm, on which he took a lease. In 1874 Mr. Haflich was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah A. Lesh, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Erhart) Lesh. This young lady was born in Rock Creek town- ship. Wells county, in 1857, and was edu- cated in the common schools. This union resulted in the birth of four boys and two girls, as follows: Clara A., deceased: Jacob H. was graduated from the Markle high school, and later took a commercial course at Indianapolis and subsequently became a teacher in the common schools of the coun- ty; Clifford C. was graduated from the Mar- kle high school and also from the Hunting- ton school and Danville Commercial School ; William A. has received a common school education ; Curtis E. and Cressie. The par- ents of this familv are members of the Luth- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 587 eran church, and are among the most highly respected residents of the county. In pon- tics Mr. Haflich is a Democrat and is a faith- ful worker for his party, but has never sought any personal political preferment. JOXAS ELICK. This native young farmer was born Sep- tember 29, 1854, and has made Rock Creek township, Wells county, his residence during his entire life. He is a son of Jacob and ■Mary C. ( Hoke) Elick, who came here from Hocking county, Ohio, about the year 1850, and purchased the farm now owned by Wil- liam Haflich on the Blufifton and JMarkle road in Rock Creek township. Jacob Elick and Alary C. (Hoke) Elick had born to them a family of nine children, of whom four are still living, namely : Jo- seph H., Jonas. Aaron S. and Alary C, the last named being the wife of Samuel H. Golden. Jonas Elick was reared to agricultural pursuits and was given a good common school education. At the age of twenty j-ears he rented the home farm, and on January 21. 1877. he married Aliss Alary E. Preskey, who was born in Wayne county. Indiana, November 28, 1858, a daughter of Augustus Preskey, a native of Germany. To this union have been born nine children, namely : Clara A., born December 14,. 1877; Charles F., born April 6. 1879; Nora E., born August 31, 1882: Dennis E., born December 18, 1884: Mervin O., born October 7, 1886; Lawrence AL, born October 12. 1888; Bertha V., born September 5, 1890; Stella I., born September 13, 1892: and Vera P., born June 22, 1895. Air. and Airs. Elick are members of the Alethodist Episcopal church at Sparks, of which church Mr. Elick is one of the trus- tees, and has also served as class leader and superintendent of the Sunday school. In the work of this congregation they take great interest and freely contribute financially to its maintenance. In politics Mr. Elick is a Democrat, but although faithful to the prin- ciples of his party, and using his influence whenever opportunity ofifers to promote its access to power, he never has sought an of- fice at the hands of his fellow townsmen nor interfered too officiously in the control of local afifairs. From the farm which he now owns and occupies he has, through his skill and industry, acquired an ample reward and stands today among the foremost agricultur- ists of Wells countv. WILLIAAI H. TAYLOR. Among the most prosperous young farm- ers of Rock Creek township. Wells county, Indiana, is William H. Taylor, a native of Ohio, who was born November 28. 1850, and is a son of Isaac and Sarah A. (Cox) Tay- lor, of English descent. William Taylor, grandfather of William H. Taylor, was but 18 years of age when he left England and landed in the United States after a six-weeks \'oyage, with but fifty cents, or its equiva- lent, in his ppcket. He soon found employ- ment, however, but notwithstanding his good fortune he could not reconcile himself to tlie surrounding circumstances, become lonesome and longed to be home again. But lack of means prevented his return to his native land at that time and he sought a home in New Jersev, across the river from the mercantile WELLS COUNTY, INDL\NA. metropolis of the Union. In New Jersey Mr. Taylor met and married Amy Lewellen, a native of the state, and for a hvehhood for some time cut and marketed wood, but as the star of empire at that time had a strong ten- dency to "westward wend its way," Mr. Tay- lor was not slow to yield to its guiding in- fluence and by its ray was lighted as far as the state of Ohio, whence he came to Indi- ana several years later and about 1849 settled in Wells county, where his death took place when he was about ninety years old. Isaac Taylor, son of William and father of Wil- liam H. Taylor, was born, reared and mar- ried in Ohio and came to Indiana about 185 1. He settled on the present farm in Rock Creek township, on which he passed the re- mainder of his life. Of his family of five sons and two daughters, three are still living, William H., whose name opens this record; Ezra, who lives in Montpelier. Ohio, and Newton, who has his residence in Eort Wayne. William H. Taylor was a mere balie when brought to Wells count}-, Indiana, and here he was reared in the swamp forests of the wilderness of Rock Creek township. When old enough he attended either the subscrip- tion or district schools of the neighborhood, at which he acquired a fair education, con- sidering the limited literary advantage of- fered ])y the pedagogues of the region. But he had a retentive memory, and, being apt at his lessons, succeeded better than the average boy. However, farm duties early called young Taylor away from school and in these, child as he was, he took a manly part. His father had died and his elder brothers were in the army, assisting in quelling the Rebel- lion, so that, until he was twenty-one years old, the lad continued to be the mother's sole aid and comfort. On January 26, 1879, ^^■illiam H. Tay- lor was joined in marriage with Miss Martha J. Mullies, a native of North Carolina, who was born in Iridic county, that state, June 15, 1861, the daughter of William and Re- becca (Nicholson) Mullies, who moved to Indiana when Mrs. Taylor was aliout six years old. This union has been fruitful in the birth of six children, all still living, viz : Cora E., born March 19, 1880, married Cur- tis E. Wolfcale and lives in Wells county; William I., who was born May 15, 1881, is unmarried and still has his home under the paternal roof; Nettie Pearl, born May 22, 1883; Chester E., bom March 29. 1886; Alaudie A., born October 25. 1887, and Charles M., born August 28, 1889 The Taylor family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and donated to the congregation the ground on which the ])resent church edifice has been erected. Of this church Mr. Taylor is one of the trustees and for several years was the sexton. In politics Mr. Taylor is a substantial Republi- can, is very popular with his party and the general public and has served his fellow townsmen as supervisor several terms to the great satisfaction of all concerned. . ELI HAFLICH. The Haflich family, of Wells county, In- diana, is of German, descent, but the progen- itors of Eli Haflich were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, where Isaac Haf- lich, his father, was born and reared. Eli Haflich, now among the most prominent farmers of Rock Creek township, was born in Richland county, Ohio. December 25, 1840, and was Jjrought by his parents, Isaac WELLS COUNTY, INDL'^NA. and Catherine (Fletcher) Haflich, from Ohio to Indiana in the spring of 1848 and has made Wells county his liome ever since. Isaac Haflich, on his arrival in Wells coun- ty, entered the tract of land now owned by Jacob Beil, which was then a mere wilder- ness. This tract he succeeded in clearing up and in converting into a profitable farm in due course of time, beginning, as a matter of course, in the usual pioneer way, by erecting a small log cabin for shelter and clearing a small field for the cultivation of corn, on which to subsist until better provisions could be secured. There were at that time but few people at jVIurray and a few at ]\Iarkle, and the intercourse between these but at rare in- tervals. Nevertheless Isaac Haflich acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land and at the time of his death was a well-to-do man, the result of his own industry and good man- agement. He was a great hunter, and it was through this that he got his first financial start. Eli Haflich was the seventh born in a family of twehe children, of whom there are only five now living, viz: \\'illiam. Eli, A. J.. John, and Barbara, wife of Alfred Breck- ley. At the early age of eight years, Eli Haflich was brought to Rock Creek town- ship. Wells county, and assisted his father in clearing up the land, but did not neglect attending the common school whenever he found an opportunity and thus secured a very fair education. Eli continued, until he at- tained his majority, to faithfully assist his father, and after becoming of age worked one yeai' for him at the wages current at the time, and then, until his marriage, hired out to whomsoever needed his services. In November, 1865, Eli Haflich was united in matrimony with Miss Catherine Derr. whose parents came to Wells county, Indiana, from Richmond county, Ohio, about the year 1862. Mr. Haflich at the time of his marriage was comparatively poor and had but fifty cents in cash and a horse that cost him one hundred and forty dollars, but the animal soon died and he was left without either horse or cash. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of good land, near- ly all of which he has acquired through his indefatigable industry, which was shown even when a boy, by running a threshing ma- chine and later by raising hogs and cattle. In 1894 he erected his present fine brick resi- dence. To the marriage of Eli Haflich and Cath- erine Derr have been born five children, viz : William A., Ervin L., Millie, Franklin and Jennie, all married with the exception of the youngest. ]\Irs. Haflich having been called away by death, Mr. Haflich married for his second helpmate Mrs. Lavina L. (Zink) Haflich. widow of John H. Haflich. Mr. Haflich is a devoted member of the Lutheran church, in v\hich he has also served two years as superintendent of the Sunday school, during which period he has not missed a single Sabbath. In his political aftinities, Mr. Haflich is a solid Democrat and has filled the office of township assessor eight years. He is one of the influential citizens of \\'ells county and is honored and respected throusrhout its length and breadth. SAMUEL ca:mpbell. One of the most respected residents of Wells county, Indiana, is Samuel Campbell, who was born in Summit count^■, Ohio, S90 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. April 24, 1843. and is a son of Samuel and Eleanor (Kyser) Campbell, the former of whom lost his life in the late Civil war. The mother remarried, and settled in Union township, Huntington county. When four- teen years old, Samuel Campbell, the subject, started out in life for himself. He worked in a saw-mill, on a farm, or at whatever he could get to do and when the war began, he gallantly responded to his country's call to arms to aid in suppressing the rebellion. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and First In- diana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Truesdale, and was mustered into the Unit- ed States service at Indianapolis, whence the regiment was sent to the front, via Cincin- nati, in order to head off the contemplated attack by the rebel general Braxton Bragg on that commercial metropolis of the Buck- eye state. Crossing the river at Cificinnati, the regiment was ordered to Louisville, Ken- tucky, and so onward to Milton, Tennessee, where Mr. Campbell engaged in his first battle, following which came those of Mis- sionary Ridge, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and several minor engagements in 1864. Mr. Campbell also followed the fortunes of his regiment through the mem- orable Atlanta campaign and was with Sher- man on his famous march to the sea, took part in the reduction of Savannah in De- cember, marched through the Carolinas and took part in all skirmishes and the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, in March, » 1865, and of Raleigh in April, 1865. As the war here closed, the One Hundred and First Indiana joined in the march to Wash- ington to take part in the grandest military pageant the world had witnessed, or proba- bly ever will again witness-^that of the Grand Review. After having shared in this historical event, in May, 1865, the One Hun- dred and First Indiana was mustered out of the service in June, 1865, and honorably dis- charged, and Mr. Campbell reached Markle, Indiana, in time to witness, if not participate, in the notable Fourth of July celebration that followed his return home. A recapitu- lation of the engagements in which the One Hundred and First Indiana took part will not here be out of order, although not in chron- ological precision : Hartsville, Milton, Hoo- ver's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chat- tanooga, Missionary Ridge, Graysville, Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, Cassville, Ac- worth, Pickett's Mills, Gulp's Farm, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Lost Mountain, Smyrna, Peach Tree Creek, Chattahoochie River, Ezra Church, Atoxi Creek, Allatoona, Jonesboro, the last twenty-three being in- cluded in the Atlanta campaign. It is left to the reader to decide whether Mr. Campbell is entitled to the houorable name of "sol- dier" or not. For all this service to his coun- try, Mr. Campbel, besides the usual pay and rations he received while in the service, is now allowed a pension of ten dollars per month. On his return from the army, Mr. Campbell was again employed in a saw-mill and in this line of business he has been em- ployed for a number of years. He also learned the carpenter's trade, and has \v'orked more or less at this business ever since. In 1868 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage, in Murray, Wells county, with Mrs. Catherine (Maddux) Redding, daugh- ter of John Maddux and widow of W. L. Redding, and a highly cultivated lady. This union has been crowned by the birth of one child, Alice, who was born in 1870, was edu- WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 591 cated in tlie common schools of Wells coun- ty, and is now the wife of Andrew Christ- more, farmer and holder of oil well interests. Fraternally Mr. Campbell is a member of Post No. 560, Grand Army of the Repub- lic, at Markle. in which he has served as officer of the day and as adjutant one term, and it is not necessary to add that no one save an honorably discharged soldier (or seaman) from the military service of the United States can hold this position. The religious connection of the Campbell family is with the Lutheran church of Horeb. in which Mr. Campbell has served as deacon. As a mere incident, or episode in the life of Mr. Campbell, it may be worthy of men- tion that about 1897, in company with Capt. D. L. Elliott, of Warren, Harman Allen, Christopher Lew, Nathan Luckey, J. J. Crev- iston and others, Mr. Campbell visited the scenes of their former military exploits, in- cluding Chickamauga. Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. Their sensations on this visit may be more easily imagined than described. CHARLES E. ROE. Among the enterprising and progressive young men of Wells county, Indiana, is Charles E. Roe, who was born in Union township. May 27, 1872; a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Garnand) Roe, a biographical record of whom will be found on another page of this volume. Charles E. Roe attend- ed the common schools of Union township during the winter months of his minority and secured a good education, but during the summer months his services were utilized on the home farm, where he was thoroughly trained in the pursuit of agriculture, his life- long calling. After attaining his majority he rented the homestead, which he conduct- ed until he was twenty-four years old. On January 5, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie C. Haflich, a native of Wells county and born March 2, 1878, the daughter of John H. Haflich. and it may be here mentioned that biographical records of members of this highly respected family will be found in this work. To this union have been born two daughters and one son, name- ly : Cecil Dores, born January 11, 1898; Grace Dexter, February 20. 1900, and Don- eil Russell, August 30, 1902. In politics Mr. Roe is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in the success of his part}-, though he does not care for political honors in the way of office. His career as a farmer is another example of what a young man can accomplish by industry, frugality and skill. If to these be addded a steady aim at some particular object the missile will eventually be sure to reach its mark. If to this be added also integrity of purpose and honest endeavor, failure becomes an impos- sibility. Such indomitable industry has placed the subject among the foremost of his contemporaries, as his farm is acknowl- edged by his neighbors to be one of the best tilled in the township, taking into considera- tion its dimensions, the farm being well im- proved in all respects. Mr. Roe also gives some attention to the breeding of thorough- bred live stock. He is widely known throughout ^^'ells county, owing in a large measure to his nativity, but still more to his many good qualities as a gentleman and a citizen, and the high esteem in which he and his amiable wife are held in the community is well deserved. 592 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. HAMON ALLEN. Hamon Allen is a native of Stark coun- ty, Ohio, and was born November 9, 1845, a son of Robert and Mary (Miller) Allen. He is one of the respected citizens of the county and is a man of honor and integrity. Although by trade he is a blacksmith, he en- gages also in agriculture. He has also served as a defender of his nation's flag in her hour of direct trouble, and of this epi- sode in his life further mention will be made. Robert Allen, father of Hamon Allen, was also a blacksmith by trade. While still a young man he migrated from Pennsyl- vania to Ohio and there became acquainted with the Miller family, who were also na- tives of Pennsylvania and with whom he later became more closely allied. Mr. Allen remained in Ohio until 1846 when he sold his blacksmith shop and other possessions and came to Wells county, Indiana, and lo- cated in the town of Murray, where he erect- ed a shop and carried on his trade in con- nection with farming until about 185 1, when he removed to Huntington county, and set- tled one mile west of Markle and later moved into the village. He was the first and only blacksmith and mechanic in the place at that time, and there he and his wife passed the remainder of their days. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born ten chil- dren, of whom five are still living, viz : Wil- liam, Levi, Hamon, Alfred and Etura, the last named being the wife of Leander Ubanks. Hamon Allen was a mere balie when brought to Indiana by his parents. His father died in 1857 and his brother William succeeded to the charge of the homestead, as well as of the blacksmith shop, and Ha- mon partially learned his trade under his brother, but had not finished a legitimate ap- prenticeship when the stern tocsin of war vibrated throughout the land and the terri- ble struggle for the predominance of free- dom or slavery began. Young Allen was decidedly in favor of the former and was, moreover, patriotic to the very core of his heart, and at once enlisted in the military service. In 1864, being then not nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company D, Fif- ty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he took part in the battles of Nash- ville and Franklin, Tennessee, and also fol- lowed the rebel general Hood in his notor- ious flight. Although Mr. Allien passed through this campaign without a bodily wound, he was deprived of his hearing, in part compensation for which misfortune he now receives a pension of tAventy dollars per month. From Tennessee Mr. Allen was sent with his regiment to Texas, where he served until honorably discharged in No- vember, 1865, some months after the war had been closed. On his return home he re- sumed work in the blacksmith shop and cared for his mother with filial tenderness until her death. In 1868 Mr. Allen was united in mar- riage with Miss Laura A. Brickley, a daugh- ter of George and Bulinda (Wolfcale) Brickley. The young couple settled down to housekeeping in Markle, Huntington coun- ty, where Mr. Allen took charge of the blacksmith shop and conducted it until 1891, when he removed to his farm, one mile east of Markle, where he still follows his trade in conjunction with farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born seven children, namely: Nettie M., wife of Charles Line; George F., who married a Miss Meadaugh; WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 593 Bertha, wife of George Brown, a resident of Rock Creek township ; Lewis, Lawrence W., Grace O. and Ralph E., all four still at home. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Markle, and in politics Mr. Allen is a Democrat. No family in Wells county are more highly re- spected than that of Mr. Allen and he is himself regarded as one of its most honor- able citizens. :MRS. SARAH E. BROWN. Prominent among the highly respected families of Wells county, Indiana, is that of Mrs. Sarah E. Brown. She is a daughter of John and Sarah (Dickerhoof) Werking, who early came from Ohio and settled in Rock Creek township, where they afterwards resided imtil their deaths. Mrs. Brown was born on the homestead, where she still re- sides, July i6, 1858, her father having en- tered and settled on this tract of land in an early day, it then comprising eighty acres, unimproved. They were the parents of five children, of whom three still survive, name- ly : Mary E., who is the wife of Scott Bricker, of Bluffton; Emanuel, and Mrs. Brown. The latter was united in marriage, December 23, 1877, in Wells county, with David F. Brown. Mr. Brown was born in Pennsylvania, where his father, David Brown, was also born and where he died when David F. was a small child. Imme- diately after this bereavement the widow moved her family to Indiana and settled in Rock Creek township. Wells county, on a small farm, where David F. was reared to manhood. He was well educated and be- came one of the leading politicians of Wells county, and at one time was a candidate for sheriff on the Democratic ticket. After marriage David F. Brown and wife went to housekeeping on her father's farm, on which they lived about three years and then rented the Deam farm, one-half mile east of Bluffton, where they lived fif- teen years, then moved on the farm on which Mrs. Brown now resides. There Mr. Brown died April 11, 1899. David F. and Sarah E. Brown were the parents of three children, namely: John H., born June 25. 1878, who is an exemplary young man, well educated and is managing the farm for his mother; George F., born August 28, 1880, is mar- ried to Bertha Allen, and Jennie C, who was born January 10, 1883, has a good common school education and still makes her home with her mother. Mrs. Sarah E. Brown is a lady of refinement and gentility and stands high in the best circles of Wells county. GEORGE W. EARL. It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well-known farmer whose name holds this sketch, than whom a more whole- souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of the township where he has his home. Charles Earl, one of the old settlers of Union township, was born to John and Mary (Earl) Earl in Holwin township, Trumbull county, Ohio, July 4, 18 19. John Earl, the subject's grandfather, was a native of Eng- 594 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. land, wliile liis grandmother, Susanna Ray, was a native of Germany. Both the Earl and Ray families emigrated from their mother countries and settled in Pennsyl- vania, where John Earl and Susanna Ray fell in love and were married. It was here that John Earl, the father of Charles, spent his boyhood and here also that he married his second cousin, Mary Earl. Shortly after their marriage they emigrated to a farm in Trumbull county, Ohio, where they lived until their deaths. To their marriage six- teen children were born, eight sons and eight daughters, two of whom are living, William, of Markle. Indiana, who was the sixteenth child, and Charles. Charles Earl was the fourteenth child of the family and was reared on his father's farm in Ohio. As a boy he showed a fond- ness for horses and has owned some fine ani- mals in his day, one of which had a mark of 2:15. Neglecting his early education, he worked on his father's farm until his mar- riage, ill. 1848, to Miss Margaret A. Cart- wright, of Trumbull, Ohio. In 1850 they came to Wells county, settling on the farm in Jefferson township now occupied by their son George, where they lived and reared their family. They were the parents of ten children : Hames, married to Matilda Mc- Afifee; John, married to Eliza Confer, lives in Union township; Henry, the husband of Martha Byrd; Freeman, whose wife was Rebecca Robinson, lives in Fort Wayne, In- diana; George W., whose biography appears in another place ; Robert, deceased ; Charles, living in the west ; Mary, who is the wife of William Robinson; Stephen, whose biogra- phy appears later, and Sarah, the wife of Chester Greer, who lives in Allen county, Indiana. The wife of Charles Earl died in December, 1892. since which time he has been living with his children, spending most of the time with his son, S. D. Earl. Stephen Earl was born in 1864 and re- ceived his early education in the district schools of Jefferson township. He stayed at home with his parents until he was twen- ty-one years old and was married December 19, 1887, to Miss Henriette Crow, who was born in Allen county, Indiana, in 1865, her parents being natives of Ohio. Mr. Earl bought his present farm in 1895 and has continued to reside there since. He is the father of four children: Hazel, born May 15, 1892; Hershell, September, 1894; Ber- nell. July, 1897, and Bertha, November. 1900; he is also the guardian of Jennie Feighner, a child whom he has reared. Be- ing members of the United Brethren church, Mr. and Mrs. Earl are held in high esteem by their ancestors. In politics he is one of the substantial Democrats of Union town- ship. Among the old families of Jefferson township and Wells county is the Earl fam- ily, as a representative of which George W. Earl is socially and politically prominent. He is a son of Charles and Margaret ( Cart- wright) Earl and was born August 16, 1855. in Jefferson township. Wells county, Indiana, on the farm he now owns. His father. Charles Earl, came to Wells county, Indiana, from Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1853, and purchased the quarter section in Jefferson township, where he lived until he had reared his family of ten children. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-three years and is at present living with his son in Union township. George W. Earl was the fifth of ten children and was reared on the farm he now occupies. He attended the WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 595 district school and received a fair education, all that could be obtained at that time. When he was twenty-one years old he, with his brother, rented the old farm, which they cul- tivated jointly. October 23, 1879, he was married to Miss Mary Hatfield, a daughter of John and Clarena (Mills) Hatfield, and born in Ohio. September 10, 1858. The Hatfields came from Montgomery county, Ohio, and settled in Union township, Indi- ana, where the father tilled his farm and also held the position of justice of the peace for a number of years. The subject bought part of the old Earl farm and in 1887 built the present brick mansion, consisting of nine rooms, and in 1894 he built a large barn, thirty-Six by eighty-two feet in size. He now owns one of the finest and best im- proved farms in Jefferson township, consist- ing of one hundred and twenty acres. He started out in life poor, but by successful management has succeeded in reaching a comfortable position, being now worth at least eight thousand dollars. He and his wife have one daughter, Ethel, born July 13, 1887, who is at present a student in the eighth grade in the Ossian schools, being also a student of music. The United Breth- ren church enrolls them among its members, their faith being cast with the liberal branch. Mr. Earl is a supporter of Democratic prin- ciples and has been an ardent worker in the party all his life, having been a member of the central committee from Jefferson town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Earl are people of more than ordinary intelligence and have a wide influence in their community. They are good neighbors, excellent citizens and are highly respected by all with whom they come in contact, because of their many excellent personal qualities. B. F. KAIN. To be twice honored by his party with a nomination for an important county office and to be twice elected, each time with a very pronounced majority, a man must be pos- sessed of at least some of the virtues which commend him to his fellow men. Of course, some time, a wily politician may so pull the strings and manipulate affairs that he can boost himself into a lucrative office, but the "wily politician" who lives on a farm and earns his bread by the sweat of his brow is an unknown species of politician in this country. B. F. Kain, of Union township, Wells county, Indiana, the subject of this sketch, was, like Cincinnatus, taken from the plow to be installed into office. For two terms he took charge of the finances of Wells county and at the close of .his adminis- tration turned over to his successor the funds, books and papers, accounting to the utmost penny for all the money that had passed through his hands. B. F. Kain was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 5, 1845. He was the son of John and Polly Kain. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but his pater- nal grandparents had emigrated to this coun- try from Ireland, while his maternal grand- parents were natives of the Keystone state. John and Polly Kain were married in their native state and soon thereafter moved to Ohio, where he took up the occupation of farming and continued to prosper. \\"nh a view of bettering his condition and secur- ing advantages not to be had in Ohio, he, about October i, 1850, moved his family to Union township. Wells county, Indiana, tak- ing up a piece of unimproved government land. Upon this land, which was situated 596 WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. in the woods, he immediately proceeded to create a home. The lirst house was of the rudest kind, built of fresh-cut logs and roofed with clapboards. Before half the roof was on the family moved in with their few effects and necessary furniture. Hard work, continued in during long hours and eternally persisted in, will almost work miracles in the way of improving and clearing land. But a few years sufficed to give the Kain homestead a far different aspect from that which it represented in its original condition. It had materially increased in value, while its owner thrived and prospered to such an extent that in 1861 better buildings and a more comfortable home was erected. Here the parents of B. F. Kain spent their days until the summons of the grim reaper called them from this to the better world. John Kain was a man of much public spirit, whose influence was felt far beyond the limits of his immediate neighborhood. In those days the township assessor was an important official. He was elected to this position and held the office for some sixteen years. He was a believer in the principles of the Democratic party and was always suf- ficiently consistent to vote the way he be- lieved. Democracy seems to have had a firm hold on the pioneers of that section and the complexion of the returns from Wells coun- ty after each successive election in present years would indicate that it has not lost much of its grip. John and Polly Kain were the parents of the following children : Daniel, Isabella, J. D., Mary A., Hugh, D. F., Alex- ander, B. F., J. W., Sarah, William H. and Eliza J. One, D. F., is a minister of the gospel. B. F. Kain was five years old when his father moved into the woods of LTnion town- ship. When he was old enough he assisted in the work of the clearing and of the farm, attending the district school when it was in session in the winter and through it securing an education which has been ample to him for every purpose. When he grew to man- hood he spent several years in the school room as a teacher, being quite successful. It was while he was engaged in this vocation that he met, wooed and won Miss Caroline Ellingham, daughter of Charles E. and Han- nah (Scolton) Ellingham, she being also a teacher in the schools of Wells county. The Ellinghams were natives of England who emigrated to America and located in Rock Creek township in 1838. The young couple were married in 1869, when the groom was twenty-one years old. Soon after his mar- riage B. F. Kain rented the farm of his wife's father and continued in the work of agriculture quite successfully for many years. In 1880 he bought a farm of eighty acres on which he made his home until 1890, when, for the purpose of educating his children, he removed temporarily to Bluffton. Mr. and Mrs. Kain are the parents of five children : George F., the first born, is dead ; Esther A., the wife of C. P. Hannah, is a graduate of the Bluffton high school and has taught a number of terms in the county, also in the state of Nebraska, where she resided some time; Alonzo is a barber and doing a good business in Bluffton; Charles is a graduate of the Northern Indiana Nor- mal School at Valparaiso and is now a tele- graph operator on the Clover Leaf; Homer F. is still single and living at home. The Kains are members of the Christian church, Mr. Kain having served for a number of years as a trustee. He is a Democrat in poli- tics and was nominated and elected by his WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA. 597 party to the office of county treasurer and so acceptably did he discharge the duties of the position that in 1896 he was renominated and re-elected by an increased majority. On retiring from office he again took up his home on his farm, where he resided three years, when he sold out and removed to Bluffton, where he now resides. He is the owner of eighty acres, known as the John Johnson farm, the management of which is conducted under his own supervision. Per- sonally he is a quiet, modest, unassuming man, well known and highly respected throughout the county.