Adams County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 13 of 16)

In Union township, on October 29, 1896, Mr. Bleeke married Miss Matilda Koldewey, who was born in Union township on November 19, 1874, daughter of Lewis and Sophia (Tieman) Koldewey, both natives of Germany, and who were among the early settlers of Union township. Here the father died at the age of seventy-one. Of their ten children Mrs. Bleeke was the seventh child in order of birth. To the subject and his wife have been born five children : Hedwig, Edgar, Marie and Alton, and a baby, Norma. Mr. and Mrs. Bleeke are members of the Emanual Lutheran church, of which Mr. Bleeke is one of the trustees. He is a man of many fine personal qualities and enjoys the warm regard and esteem of all who know him.

William F. Bleeke

William F. Bleeke, who successfully operates a fine farm of two hundred acres in Union township, Adams county, Indiana, was born in this township on the 13th of April, 1855. His parents were Frederick and Mary (Bievelheimer) Bleeke, the former a native of Prussia and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father came to America at the age of ten years and subsequently married in Adams county, his parents being among the early settlers of Union township, where they both died. Frederick Bleeke died at the age of seventy-eight and his wife at the age of fifty-six. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom lived to maturity : William F., Louisa, the wife of William F. Reinking; Caroline, the wife of John A. Ehrman ; Christine, the wife of Henry Bischoff; Edward C, Helena, the wife of Frank Lankenau : Mary, the wife of George Runge; Sophia, the wife of Herman Jaebker; Ferdinand, and a daughter who died in infancv.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Union township and educated in the parochial schools. Under his father's instructions he early learned the rudiments of agriculture and by dint of persistent application and steady toil he has developed into one of the leading agriculturists of the township. The farm is well improved with a full set of buildings and the place is in every respect well kept up.

Mr. Bleeke was married in Root township, on the 25th of September, 1881, to Miss Louisa Holle, who was born in Root township on the 5th of March, i860, the daughter of Henry and Louise (Kettler) Holie, natives of Germany, in which country they were married and emigrated to America in about 1857, settling in Root township, where they both died, the father at the age of seventy-seven and the mother at the age of eighty-two. They were the parents of six children : William, Fred, Adam, who died in infancy; Louise, Sophia, the wife of Fred Thieme, and Emma, the wife of Martin Bleeke. Mr. and Mrs. Bleeke are the parents of ten children, namely: Gustave, Emma, the wife of Herman Heuer; Bertha, Amanda, Hulda, William, Adolph, Fredcrick R., Richard, Louise and Herman, who died at the age of seventeen months. Mr.

Blccke and family are members of the Emanuel Lutheran church and occupy a highly respected position in that part of the township in which they live.

Jacob Koos

Jacob Koos, a farmer of Union township, Adams county, Indiana, was born on a farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on April 13, 1859, and is the son of John and Catherine (Burkhard) Koos, natives of Baden. Germany, both of whom came to the United States when small children : After their marriage this couple located in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where they lived until October, 1864, when they removed to Adams county, Indiana, and settled in Saint Mary's township, where the)- lived until their deaths. The father died June 29, 1SS5, at the age of sixty-three years, and his widow survived but a little over a year, dying in August of the following year, at the age of sixty-three. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are still living: Philip, Margaret, wife of Albert Shell ; George, Maria, Rebecca, wife of Daniel Jackson, and Jacob. Caroline, who married George Meyers; John, who was a fanner in Saint Mary's township, and one who died in infancy are deceased.

Jacob Koos, next to the youngest of the family, was five years old when the family came to Adams county, and was reared in Saint Mary's township, where he also received his education. He remained under the parental roof until 1883, when he located on a farm in Union township, on which he now resides. The place comprises eighty acres, which are maintained at the highest standard of excellence, and the tract has been improved by the erection of several substantial and commodious farm buildings. Mr. Koos has consistently devoted his entire attention to farming and has thus been able to achieve a distinctive success in this line.

On March 22, 1883, Mr. Koos married Elizabeth Emeline Steele, a native of Washington township. Adams county, Indiana, who was born June 23, 1862, the daughter of Washing-ton and Polly (Zimmerman) Steele, both natives of Ohio. These parents settled in Washington township, where the mother is still living. The father died July 20, 1900, at the age of sixty-nine years. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject's wife was the youngest: Mary Frances, wife of Lewis Swartz; Eli W. and John D. Mrs. Koos was reared in her native township and there received her education. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Koos are the parents of four children: Alice E., Washington F., who died at the age of thirteen months; Harvey W. and Essie P. Mr. and Mrs. Koos are members of the Evangelical church. In politics Mr. Koos is a Republican.

Theodore Bleeke

Theodore Bleeke, who resides on section 16, Union township, and successfully follows farming, was born in this township on June 16, 1869, and is the son of Christian F. and Maria (Rupp) Bleeke, both of whom are now deceased, the father dying at the age of seventy-eight and the mother when sixtyfive years old. Of their large family the subject was one of the youngest members and was reared under the parental roof. He has always followed farming and is the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which are erected a good set of farm buildings and other accessories which go to make up a complete farm.

Mr. Bleeke was married in Union township to Miss Hedric Schindler, who was born in Saxony, Germany, on the 20th of March, 1880, the daughter of William and Augusta Schindler, and to this union have been bom three children: Erich, Gerhard and Reiuhold. Mr. Bleeke possesses many fine personal qualities, is honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow men and enjoys the warm regard of all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Bleeke are members of the Lutheran church.

Henry Eiting

Among the successful farmers of Washington township, Adams county, none stands higher than Henry Eiting. He is a man who has achieved independence and has been accorded distinction through his own efforts. He was born in Germany in 1849. His parents were Casper and Margaret (Scheerer) Eiting. Soon after his marriage Casper Eiting decided to seek his fortune in the new land on the western side of the Atlantic. He made his preparations to remove to the United States, and in 1853 he came. He located on a farm near the present city of Decatur. When, he entered his land Decatur was a straggling hamlet of a few houses and gave not a hint of its present size and commercial importance. Mr. Eiting labored on his new farm for a year and then sent for his wife and family. They reached Indiana in 1854 when Henry was a chubby lad of five years. The father moved from one place to another for a few years, and then settled on the land that is now known as the "old Eiting farm." He died in 1901. His wife died in 1872. He had four children, but one of whom, the subject of this sketch, is living. The children were Henry, Cornelius, John and one who died in infancy unnamed. Casper Eiting was a Democrat and while he took an interest in the affairs of his county,, he never aspired to or held office. He was an active man and cleared much land and assisted in the labor of building roads. He did much to improve Washington township and was in all respects a valuable citizen.

Henry Eiting was the eldest of his father's family. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and obtained as good an education as was possible in that district at the early day he studied. He learned the lessons a farmer must acquire in order to be successful and he assisted his father in the farm work on the homestead as soon as he was old enough to do so. He remained on the homestead until his twenty-sixth year, assisting in the management and cultivation of the farm. His life since leaving his father's farm has been an exceedingly busy and active one. He was engaged in the grocery business in Decatur for eight years and after he closed out his interests in this business he bought grain for Hale & Company, of Decatur, for four years. He was also engaged in the timber business for six years. However, he returned to farming and developed a large estate.

celebrated in 1875. Mrs. Kiting- is one of a family of five children born to her parents. These children are: Bernard. Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth and Christian. Mr. and Mrs. Eiting became the parents of six children, four of whom are living: The living children are: Bernard, Frances, Clara and Mary. Christina, the eldest child bom, is dead, and another died in infancy unnamed.

Mr. Eiting- is one of the most prosperous and successful farmers of Adams county. He owns a fine tract of two hundred and thirty-five acres in Washington township, all of which, with the exception of thirty acres, is under cultivation. He has cleared, ditched and fenced his land and made of it a valuable property. The buildings on the farm are good and are admirably suited to their purposes. The farm lies adjoining the Decatur city line and this increases its value. In addition to improving his own farm, Mr. Eiting has improved a farm for his son.

He is a valuable citizen and has served his fellow citizens of Washington township in public office. He was city councilman of Decatur for two years and served as one of the early marshals of Decatur. He is a Democrat in politics and takes an active part in party work. He is a man who takes a deep interest in religious matters and with his wife and children is a devout and consistent member of the Catholic church.

Few boys, even in the rigorous and strenuous days of the pioneer period of Indiana. had more real difficulties to contend with or faced a more serious life problem than fell to the lot of John Hall, who died June 7, 1907. His early life was a struggle for life itself, and the fact that he forced success from antagonistic conditions reflects but the more credit upon him. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1830, and was the eldest of his parents' children. When still young his parents removed to Adams county, reaching Indiana in 1844. A year later his father died and his mother found that she was left with several children and a practically uncleared tract of land. The situation was desperate indeed for the little family. John was the eldest, but he was little more than a mere youth. But on him devolved the larger measure of the family's responsibility. He realized that if success was to come to his family it would come only through the hardest kind of work. He began to win success. For years the struggle was almost hopeless. The family at times had to endure many hardships. But the faithful mother and the industrious son and other children ate their meager fare of corn bread and hoped and strove for better things. Years succeeded each other rapidly and the family toiled incessantly. In the end the place was cleared and all of the acres brought under cultivation. Improvements that made the farm more valuable were added from time to time and new and better buildings were erected when necessity arose or when prosperity made them possible. The surrounding country that at the time of his father's death afforded no nearer neighbors than those living five miles distant is now thickly inhabited, and among the farms that exist today, that reclaimed by John Hall i? one of the finest.

making a home for himself. He wooed and won Mary Ann Burgess, to whom he was married July 2, 1862. Mrs. Hall is a daughter of Henson and Catherine (Hains) Burgess. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Ohio. Both parents came to Adams county in about the year 1S44 and settled on a farm in Hartford township. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been the parents of seven children, five of whom are still living. These are: Clara, Edward, Samuel, Catherine and Ellen. William and May are deceased.

Despite his active and hard life, Mr. Hall has found time for many things. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served for two years as a county supervisor. He has lived a consistent life on his mother's old farm, and lie and his family are respected and esteemed by all who have come in contact with them.

Henry Lankenau

It was by but a narrow margin that Henry Lankenau missed being born a citizen of the country he served gallantly throughout its war to preserve its integrity, and of a portion of which country he has been all of his busy mature life an honored and useful citizen. Had the stork tarried but a year he would have first opened his eyes under the stars and stripes. However, it was to be otherwise, and the German empire was the scene of his birth. Frank and Catherine (Meislahn) Lankenau were natives of Germany. The father was a shipbuilder by trade and followed this calling in his native city of Bremen. He became dissatisfied with the conditions that surrounded him in Bremen, and decided to migrate to the United States. He did this in 1844. September 19, 1843, about a year before the family migration, Henry Lankenau was born.

His father and mother set sail from Bremen for the infant republic on the western side of the Atlantic and landed at New Orleans. The elder Lankenau sought work at his trade in the Louisiana capital but was unsuccessful and made up his mind to journey northward. He followed the course of the Mississippi river northward and finally found his way to Indiana. He settled in Fort Wayne. He worked at boat building in Fort Wayne in connection with carpenter work for a number of years, and when the Wabash Railroad opened its shops in that city he secured employment in the shops. He continued in the employment of the Wabash Railroad Company for a long time and died in Fort Wayne in his sixty-fifth year. His wife survived him a number of years, dying when seventy-nine years of age.

Of a family of eight children born to this estimable couple, Henry Lankenau was the eldest. His youth was spent at his father's home in Fort Wayne and he received his education in the common schools of that city. He was an industrious and dutiful son and improved all the opportunities to better his condition educationally that presented themselves. When the war broke out and men were hurrying to enlist in defense of the Union he was among the first. Early in the summer of 1S62 he enlisted in Company D of the Fifth Indiana Cavalry. Soon after he joined his command it was sent to the front. During the months that followed he saw much active service, and was a gallant participant in a number of battles and lesser engagements. During the siege of Atlanta by the Federal troops he was taken prisoner and sent to Andersonville. He endured the hardships and horrors of this Confederate prison for months and was eventually removed with other Union soldiers to Mfllen, Georgia. Later he was sent to Florence, South Carolina, and a few months after being incarcerated in the South Carolina prison was sent to Wilmington, North Carolina. Some months of additional misery were spent in the seaport prison before he was paroled and forwarded to Camp Chase, Ohio. He was kept at Camp Chase for a short time and then discharged from the service of the government.

Broken in health and showing the results of the many hardships he had endured in defense of a principle, he returned to Indiana and resumed his residence in Fort Wrayne. When he had sufficiently recuperated his health he secured employment in a printing office and followed this employment for a few years. He was then chosen a deputy sheriff and two or three years filled the duties of this important office acceptably and efficiently. He decided to take up the profession of teaching, and in 1875 ne went to Van Wert county, Ohio. The four years that followed he taught in the schools of this Ohio county and then returned to Indiana and settled in Adams county. He was appointed teacher of St. John's parochial school in Preble township, and filled this office for twenty-one years. In this time he came to be one of the most efficient and best known educators of northeastern Indiana and many of the men of prominence In the township today owe their introduction to the^ world of letters to the kindly and intelligent instruction given them by Mr. Lankenau. His success as an educator in Preble township secured for him a call to other fields, which he eventually accepted. After the close of his long service as the teacher of St. John's school he made up his mind to engage in other pursuits for a time. Following this idea he removed to Decatur and entered the mercantile business. He was employed as a clerk for five years and then returned to his teaching. In 1905 he engaged as the teacher of Zion's parochial school and occupies today the position of principal of this institution.

The marriage of Mr. Lankenau and Miss Catherine Schumm was solemnized in Fort Wayne, July iS, 1867. His wife is a native of Van Wert county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob and Hannah Schumm. Eleven children have come to bless this union. These children are: Frank, Ada, the wife of Louis Schust; Clara, Louise, Flora, the wife of Herman Gerke; Adolph, Oscar, Alma, the wife of Glenn Seip; Enno and Herbert. The parents and children are respected members of the English Lutheran church and are among the most highly esteemed people of their community. Mr. Lankenau is a public-spirited man and an adherent of the Democratic party, but has never sought public office.

Peter Roth

Europe has contributed in a large measure the sturdy families who settled and made productive the central western section of this country. The names that are known in the hamlets and villages of many European countries are familiar names in the new world. Strong, vigorous young people severed their home ties and boldly took up the search for a new home and a new beginning in what was to them an alien land. They soon became a fixed and valuable part of their adopted country's social and economic system, and the vast majority of them prospered. A son of such parents is Peter Roth. His father was Jacob P. Roth and his mother was Magdalena ( Schmugle) Roth. Both parents were natives of France and crossed the ocean to this country and settled in French township, Adams county, Indiana, in 1849. The elder Roth was a farmer and tilled his farm in French township until his death in 1866. He and his wife were the parents of fourteen children, three of whom are still living. Peter Roth was born in France and came to America in 1853, four years after his parents. His birth occurred in 1833, and so he was nineteen years of age when he reached this country. In 1S60 he married Lydia Horn, a daughter of Christ Horn, who, with his wife, was born in Switzerland. They emigrated to America and settled in Stark county, Ohio, where they followed the calling of farmers.

After coming to this country Peter Roth spent one summer in Wayne county, Ohio. He then moved westward to Indiana and bought eighty acres of land in Hartford township. He cleared and improved this land and after his marriage he erected a log cabin and began his earnest life. His life following his settlement on his land was a hard struggle. The days were filled with the hardest kind of manual labor, but he was persistent, and in the end succeeded in getting the better of his antagonistic conditions and found himself in possession of a fine and highly productive farm. Previous to his marriage he worked for other people and cleared something like a hundred acres for them. Today he is in possession of one hundred and twenty acres of fine land. He has replaced the rude log cabin of his earlier days with a fine, modern brick residence and a large and commodious barn. His land is well drained and fenced and his annual crops are ample and are among the best raised in this particular section of the state. His land lies in the Indiana oil belt and six wells have been put down on his property. From these wells he derives the profit from the sale of every sixth barrel of oil pumped, and enjoys a handsome income from this source. He has been a conservative man all his life and has not taken an interest in politics, having never voted.

To him and his wife have been born ten children, seven of whom are still living. His living children are: Christian, Rossanna, Jonathan, David, Mary, Sarah and Noah. Of the family Barbara, Catherine and Levi are dead. He and his wife are highly respected and are counted among the best people of their community. He is a member of the Mission church and takes an interest in all of the things that center about the work and purpose of this church.

Moses Augsburger

One of the most progressive and successful farmers of Adams county and a man who has come to be admired and esteemed by his neighbors and associates for many valuable characteristics is Moses Augsburger. He springs from hardy German parentage and the lessons that his forebears learned in the fatherland have come down through the intervening- generations to him. In his life he has profited by them and is a living instance of the beneficial effects of a fine heredity. Moses Augsburger was born on a farm in French township, Adams county, Indiana, September 26, 1865. He is the son of Christian and Barbara (Liechty) Augsburger, concerning whom an extended narrative appears in the sketch of John C. Augsburger elsewhere in this volume. It is sufficient for the purpose of this sketch to say that they were honest, Godfearing people who believed in the gospel of work, and early taught this gospel to their children. The parents of Mr. Augsburger owned and conducted a farm in French township and it was on this farm that their son was reared. His life was directly in line with the lives of hundreds of other farmer boys of the period, and he worked on his father's farm and attended the schools of his vicinity during his earlier years. Early in his career as a fanner he showed that he was destined to grow into a conservative and able manager. His work was intelligently directed, and he soon gained an expert knowledge of agriculture. He continued to live on his father's estate until the year 1S90.

In this year occurred the marriage of Mr. Augsburger to Miss Anna Steiner, a daughter of Peter C. and Fannie (Stauffer) Steiner. Peter Steiner was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, as was his wife, and they moved to Adams county, Indiana, the elder Steiner coming with his parents in 1839, and the girl who later became his wife coming with her parents a year following. The children of the pioneer couples were married in Adams county in 1853 'm Monroe township and a vear later moved to Hartford township, where the husband purchased a farm. The young people settled on this tract of land. The country was rough and the new farm was almost all covered with timber. The work of clearing the land was an arduous effort, but in the end the land was cleared and made productive. As time went on Mr. Steiner improved his land more and more, and it is now one that speaks volumes for the industry of its owner, and is one of the show places of the county. Since his marriage to Miss Steiner Moses Augsburger has managed and conducted his father-inlaw's place and contributed much toward its high state of cultivation. His idea of farming is one that calls for general as opposed to specialty farming, and he raises such crops on the land he manages as the climate and section of the state makes it best adapted for. In addition he believes in keeping good stock, and his cattle, sheep and swine are of standard grades and all valuable.

Mr. Augsburger is a man who takes a lively interest in the affairs of his county and state. In politics he is a Democrat and in 1904 was elected a township trustee by the members of. his party. He assumed the duties of his office January 1, 1905, and continues to discharge them with ability and discrimination. To Mr. and Mrs. Augsburger have been born two children : Menno and Willis.

William Hall

a far cry to the days when this section of the state abounded in wild animals and still wilder men. The contemplation of existing conditions gives no hint of the hardships and the labor endured by the men and women who transformed a forbidding wilderness into a region productive and safe to live in. Still it is a fact that the pioneers did transform a wilderness and many are living on productive farms today whose fathers' axes hewed away the forests and whose rude plowshares first turned the virgin soil. Among the sons of pioneer parents is William Hall, with whose career this sketch is concerned. He was born in 1843 in Perry county, Ohio. He was the son of Samuel and Margaret (Brown) Hall. His father was a native of the Buckeye state and li'is mother of Maryland. One year after the birth of William his parents journeyed to Indiana and settled in Hartford township, Adams county. The father entered one hundred acres from the government. He was a carpenter by trade and worked at this trade in connection with his farming for one year after coming to Indiana, when he died, leaving a widow and six children, of whom William was the youngest. The death of her husband brought Mrs. Hall face to face with a serious problem. She was alone with her children, but was determined to keep her little family together. The older children set to work to clear the hundred-acre farm and place it under cultivation. They worked earnestly and with a determination to make every hour count. In the end their efforts were crowned with a large measure of success and they found themselves in possession of a fine farm, well cultivated and improved and substantially appointed. Three of these children are still living. They are :

Elizabeth, Margaret and William. The three who are dead were: John, Mary and Nathan. For a time the grandfather of this family, Nathan Hall, lived in Indiana, to which state he came from his home in Ohio. But later he returned to Ohio, where he died at the remarkable age of one hundred and six years.

But the interest in this sketch centers about the youngest member of this plucky family. William was a rugged, sturdy youth who contributed even in his youth to the labor of the farm. He obtained a meager education in the schools of the district and worked as hard as did any of his brothers and sisters. When he grew to manhood he was married in 1869 to Miss Melissa French, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Beach) French. His wife's father was a native of New York and her mother of Maryland. They moved to Adams county in 1835 and settled on land that Mr. French's father had entered from the government some time before. This property contained some four hundred acres and was located in French township, which was named after the grandfather of Mrs. Hall, who was the first white settler in that township. Joseph French cleared some of the land he entered before his death and after his death his children completed the work he had left unfinished. The great grandfather of Mrs. Hall was an Englishman who came to the United States at an early day and settled in what subsequently became New York state.

Following his marriage to Melissa French William Hall purchased eighty acres of land in Hartford township. All of this land was under timber. He built a log cabin which he made his home and proceeded to clear the land. After a few years of the hardest and most attentive sort of labor he cleared his land and had it all under cultivation. The years that followed rewarded his efforts. His crops were generous and he sold the products of his husbandry at a good profit. He built a comfortable house and added modern buildings to his farm's equipment as they became necessary. However, he did not destroy the original log cabin home. This structure he allowed to stand and it is today a relic of the early days on the farm and by contrast a monument to his ingenuity and thrift.

Mr. Hall is a man who is wide awake all of the time. He has taken an active part in the affairs of his county. He has served his fellow men in public office, being elected in 1885 to the important office of township trustee. This office he held for five years and three months. His political convictions are those of the Democratic party. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Hall. These are Rachel, Elizabeth and Chester. The son lives with his parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hall are highly respected members of their community and are received into the best social circles of their neighborhood. Mrs. Hall and children are members of the Baptist church.

Lafayette Rape

Lafayette Rape was born in Darke county, Ohio, February 7. 1845. ^e 's tnc S0K °f Lewis and Mariah (Cummings) Rape. His father was a native of Virginia, in which state he was born in 179S. His mother came from New Jersey. On both, his father's and mother's sides he is descended from Revolutionary stock. His paternal grandfather was born in France and was a soldier in the force that accompanied the Marquis de Lafayette to fight with the Continentals against Great Britain in the war for independence. His grandfather was a gallant and valiant soldier who settled in Virginia after peace had been declared and made a home for himself in the infant republic. He married in Virginia and then moved west to Ohio. He secured a tract of laud in Preble count}' in 1806 and cultivated this land until his death in 1838. Lewis Rape, the son of the Revolutionary soldier, was also active in his country's defense. He fought in the frontier wars with the Indian tribes of Ohio and Indiana and served six months in the war of 1812. He lived in Preble county until his marriage, when he bought land in Darke county. He lived continuously on this farm from 1S36 until his death in 1854. His wife survived until 18S2 and died at the home of her son. Lafayette Rape.

The son, Lafayette, was reared on his father's Darke county farm. He obtained a meager education in the poor schools of the time and district, and worked on his father's farm until he grew up. He was an industrious youth and proved an able assistant to his father in clearing his land and in bringing it to a comparative state of cultivation. He lived in Ohio until 1872, when he crossed over into Indiana and settled in Adams county.

When the Civil war plunged the country into strife Mr. Rape answered one of the first calls for volunteers and in 1S61 enlisted in the Army of West Virginia. His active service began in 1862 and in an early engagement he was wounded in the arm and breast. The succeeding: three months he was confined by his wound in a hospital. When he was discharged from the hospital he rejoined his regiment at Richmond, Kentucky. However, in March of the same year, he was compelled to return to the hospital and remained there until November, 1863, when he was transferred to the veteran reserve corps, with which he remained until his final discharge in October, 1864. Following his discharge he returned to Ohio, and from there came to Indiana. In 1876 Mr. Rape married Miss Sarah Buckey, a daughter of George and Melinda (Kelly) Buckey, both natives of Shelby county, Ohio. The ancestors of Mrs. Rape came from Virginia, and her father was a tanner and fanner. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rape. These are: Lewis, Perry, Benjamin Franklin, Nellie M., Jesse C, Elmer F., Grace M., Blanche, Bessie M., Charles and Gilbert L. Lewis served with distinction in the Spanish- American war and was a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Jesse enlisted in the navy and is serving aboard the battleship New Jersey. Benjamin is living in Oklahoma and Elmer is at home.

The Rape homestead consists of one hundred and seventy-five acres, one hundred of which are cleared and cultivated. The remainder is devoted partially to pasturage and is under timber. Mr. Rape has applied himself industriously since he established his home in Indiana .and with the assistance of his sons has made an excellent and highly productive farm out of his tract. He follows a general farming business and in addition raises stock. He is a man who appreciates the value of modern methods, and his farm is conducted along the most improved lines of modern agriculture. His stock is uniformly of a good grade and commands a high price in the markets where it is offered for sale.

Mr. Rape is one of the progressive men of his community. He has been active in the affairs of his township and county and has filled several important public offices. He is a Republican in his political affiliation and was elected a trustee of the township. This office he filled with ability and faithfulness for six years and has also served a fouryear term as postmaster of Geneva. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a consistent and honored member of the Friends church, and with his wife and family lends his moral and financial support to the denomination he adheres to.

John Simison

To the parents of John Simison - Robert and Rebecca (David) Simison - belong the distinction of being the first white couple to be married in Wells county, Indiana. This marriage was solemnized in 1836. In fact, the union of this hardy pioneer couple antedated the organization of the county, so the marriage took place in what subsequently became Wells county. There being no constituted authorities in the immediate neighborhood of their home when the time came for the marriage, the young people were forced to send all the way to the village of Fort Wayne for a " 'squire" to perform the ceremony. For a short time following their marriage the young people went to the home of Peter Studebaker, in Adams county, but soon moved to the land in Adams county which he had secured from the government before his marriage. Robert Simison was born in Recovery, Mercer county, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Tennessee. They settled on their new tiact of land and devoted themselves to the work of clearing it and making it productive. The farm consisted of one hundred and twenty acres and the work of clearing it was a huge task. However, the elder Simison was a man of industry and progressive spirit and he stayed at his labor until he had completed the clearing of the farm. The times were hard and the country was thinly settled. An idea of the primitive conditions that existed may be gathered when it is stated that the nearest mill at which grain could be ground was that located at Richmond. To this place the elder Simison was compelled to haul his grain, the roads lying through the forests, and he was forced to hew a path for his yoke of oxen to follow. The journey to Richmond was a tiresome and hazardous one, and at certain seasons of the year required more than a week to make the round trip. The father of Robert Simison was a soldier in the war of 1812 and served with distinction throughout that second struggle with the mother count ry.

John Simison lived with his father and assisted him in his labors on the parental farm until he was twenty-five years of age. As a youth he attended the rude schools of his neighborhood and secured a meager education. His training was of a substantial nature and eminently fitted him to meet the rough conditions of his early days. In 1S72 he was married to Miss Sarah Chrisman, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Moore) Chrisman. His wife's parents came to Indiana from Ohio and were originally natives of Pickaway county, Ohio. They came by wagon to Adams county, Indiana,- in 1868 and settled on a fann in Hartford township, Adams county. For three years after his marriage John Simison was employed in a store. At the end of this period of employment he moved with his wife to .a farm northwest of the present village of Linn Grove. He cleared his farm and brought it to a stage of excellent cultivation. Fie was a capable fanner and knew the advantages of modern methods. His fann was equipped with a substantial home and necessary outbuildings and was well fenced and drained. He continued to live on and operate his farm until about two years ago, when he rented it and moved to Linn Grove, where he erected a comfortable house and is living a retired and restful life. But one child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Simison and this child died when very young. He is a respected member of the community in which he resides and has taken an active part in the progressive movements of his county. He is a Democrat in politics and both he and his wife are esteemed and active members of the Baptist church.

Samuel Fuhrman

Samuel Fuhrman, a successful and popular representative of the agricultural industry in Adams county, was born in Root township, this county, on February 12, 1862. He is the son of Charles H. and Caroline (Hellswarth) Fuhrman, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Mercer county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents were Christ and Barbara (Young) Fuhrman, who came to America in 1831 and settled in Starke county, Ohio, where they bought a farm, on \\*liich they lived until 1837, when they came to Indiana by ox team and entered three hundred and twenty acres of government land in Preble township, Adams county. Here they erected a small log cabin, in which they lived the remainder of their lives. They were financially successful through life and at the time of Mr. Fuhrman's death he was the owner of considerable real estate. He was a member of the Evangelical Association, as was also his wife, and they were well liked and esteemed by all those who knew them. Christian died in 18S0 and his wife died some years previous." They were the parents of eight children : Philip, Jacob, Christ, Charles, Henry C, Mary and Sophia, all deceased except Henry C.

Charles Fuhrman was a mere child when he accompanied his parents to America. He was given the advantages of a good education and upon attaining manhood chose agricultural pursuits as his vocation. He met with abundant success in his calling, possessing at his death nearly three hundred acres of splendid land. He was the father of nine children : Margaret, the wife of Henry Reppert, a resident of Oklahoma ; Joseph, deceased; Sophia, now Mrs. Hudnett; Samuel and John, who are twins ; Mary, the wife of Noah Lock; Sarah, the wife of Frank Jackson; Clara, the wife of George Bailey; Louisa, the wife of Web Foreman, a resident of Logansport. The parents were members of the Evangelical church.

The subject of this sketch received the advantages of a fair common school education, and as he was of studious and regular habits he acquired a fair mental equipment for his future efforts. He is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-eight acres of excellent land, which is devoted to the raising of the various products best adapted to the soil and climate, while good buildings, fences, tiling, etc.. indicate the energy and thrift of the owner. In connection with general farming he devotes some of his time and attention to the raising: of live stock, dealing; to some extent in Hereford cattle.

In 1888 Mr. Fuhrman was united in marriage to Miss Drusilla Dutcher, who was born in Root township, Adams county, Indiana, the daughter of Almon and Brady (Wise) Dutcher. To them were born six children : Milton, Joseph, Beulah, Esther, Morris and Lois. Religiously the Fuhrman family are members of the Evangelical church. In politics Mr. Fuhrman votes the Republican ticket, while fraternally he is a member of the Order of Red Men, Tribe 203, at Decatur, Indiana.

Almon Dutcher was born in Benton county, Ohio. He died in 1903 and was the son of Samuel and Catherine Dutcher. He was a soldier of the Fifty-first Indiana Regiment and experienced many of the privations and hardships of army life. His faith religiously was that of the Lutheran church and he merited the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens.

James C. Patterson

James C. Patterson, who occupies the responsible position of manager of the express business at Decatur, is a native of this city, where he was born on September 19, 1855. Mr. Patterson received a good education in the common schools and for eight years was an employe of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad as ticket agent at Winchester. He afterward became assistant cashier of the Old Adams County Bank, which position he retained for two years, and later was secretary of the Eagle Manufacturing Company, subsequently becoming manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company. He is a man of many fine parts and enjoys the absolute confidence and esteem of all who know him. In politics Mr. Patterson is an adherent of the Democratic part)', and though not a seeker for public office, he was elected city clerk, which responsible position he held satisfactorily for t\\ o years, and also served as deputy postmaster of Decatur under President Cleveland. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 65, and religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church.

In 1880 he married Miss Lydia Irvin, the daughter of Sylvester O. and Sarah Irvin. Mr. Irvin has been for a number of years proprietor of the Irvin House at Winchester, where he has lived during the past seventyfive years. To the subject and his wife have been born three children: Fred I., a srraduate of the Indianapolis Dental College, now located at Terre Haute, Indiana ; Marie, now deputy auditor of Adams county, Indiana, and J. Bruce, a student.

Coat Cook

Coat Cook, a substantial farmer of Root township, was born in Medina county, Ohio, on February 12, 1841, and is the son of Frederick and Margaret (Shafer) Cook, natives of Germany, who came to America early in life. They were farming folk of Medina county, Ohio, until about 1857, when drove by ox teams to Adams county, Indiana, and settled on a wild tract of land, now known as the Henry Creek farm. Here they lived until their deaths. They were the parents of eight children : Frederick, Christopher, William, Christina, Caroline, Catherine, Anna and Coat.

The subject of this sketch was a lad of ten years when he came with his parents to Adams county, Indiana. He was educated in the common schools of his locality and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty-eight years of age, when he started out in life on his own account, purchasing his present farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres. This land was only partially improved at the time, but by dint of hard toil and perseverance he has established himself a beautiful home, consisting of a ten-room brick house, which is up-todate and modern in ever)" respect.

In 1868 Mr. Cook chose as his life companion Miss Mar)' Bartling, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, ;in 1846, the daughter of William and Christina Bartling, the former dying in 1870 and the latter some years later. William Bartling followed the miller's trade in Decatur for a number of years, and was the father of eleven children : John, Christina, Louisa, Maria, Mary, Charles, Caroline, George Henry, Emma, James Albert and William. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of six children : William, who is living with his parents; Ida, the wife of Lemuel Fisher; Charles, 'who is living at home; Aurora, the wife of Harlow Mann ; David and Edith, who also live at home. The entire Cook family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in high regard in the community which has been their home for so many years. Mr. Cook for. many years supported the Democratic party, but of late has been more independent and has endorsed the Prohibition party. He served as administrator of his father's estate.

Adamson Ross Wolfe

Adamson Ross Wolfe was born in Ashland county, Ohio, December 19, 1847. He is a son of Sylvester and Hannah G. (Gladden) Wolfe. Sylvester Wolfe was born September 24, 181 7, and when one and one-half years of age was brought by his parents to Richland county, Ohio. He lived on his father's farm in this county until he grew to manhood and married. His wife was Hannah Gladden, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, and when an infant was taken by her parents to Ashland county. She grew to maturity in this county. The marriage of Sylvester Wolfe and Hannah Gladden was solemnized in Ashland county, September 8, 1842. They lived for ten years after their marriage in Ohio and then removed to Indiana, settling in Root township. They purchased a piece of unimproved land and the father erected a log cabin in the woods as a home for his family. However, as the years passed the farm was cleared and the log cabin home replaced with a much finer and more comfortable residence. His place consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and in time became a very valuable property. This couple continued to live on their farm after coming to Indiana, and both died on it. Mrs. Wolfe died June I, 1896, and her husband survived until March 1, 1904. Both were members of the Eaptist church and Mr. Wolfe was a staunch Democrat all through his life. They became the parents of the following children : Margaret, Sarah, Adamson Ross, Isaac (deceased), Oliver C, Martha E., Laura A. (deceased), Ida I. and Mary E. The five eldest of these children were born in Ashland county, Ohio, and the remaining children were born on the family home in Root township.

The subject of this sketch was but five years of age when his parents removed from Ashland county, Ohio, to Adams county, Indiana. He spent his youth on his father's farm and attended the sessions of the schools of his neighborhood. In these schools he secured as good a common school education as the times and circumstances made possible. He assisted his father in the work of cultivating the home farm as soon as he was old enough to do farm work, and he remained on the home farm until his twentyfourth year, when he was married.

The marriage of Adamson Ross Wolfe and Miss Sarah Catherine Cline was solemnized in Root township in 1870. Mrs. Wolfe is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (McConnchey) Cline and was bom in Adams county. Her parents, who were early settlers in this section of Indiana, are both dead. For the first year after his marriage Mr. Wolfe lived on a place that he rented. However, after a year he purchased the place he now occupies. This is a tract of eighty acres, and when it came into the possession of Mr. Wolfe was unimproved. However, its rough condition presented no terrors for him and he set to work to clear and make it productive. As the years succeeded one another he found himself in possession of more and more cleared land, and eventually he cleared, drained and otherwise improved the entire estate. He fenced the land and erected a comfortable home and other necessary farm buildings. During the years since their marriage one child, a son, Albert Marion Wolfe, came to bless the union. This son is married to Miss Jenny Murphy and lives on his father's farm. He and his wife are the parents of two children, twins, one of whom, Marie Jennie, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe are consistent church members. He united with the Baptist church and his wife is a member of the United Brethren denomination.

Jonas Cline

Jonas Cline, who successfully operates a splendid farm in Root township, Adams county, Indiana, was born in the township in which he now resides on September 6, 1845, and '»s the son of Jacob and Barbara (Robinson) Cline, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1836 they came to Adams county, Indiana, and settled in Root township, where they entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in section 14, this being their home until their respective deaths. Jacob Cline died August 22, 1889, and his wife died June 30, 1873. They were good Christian people and were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They were the parents of seven children: Robert and John R., who are deceased ; William and George B., residents .of Union township, this county ; Jonas, our subject, and Catherine. Jacob Cline was a Republican in politics.

common school education and during his youth learned thoroughly the methods of agriculture, so that upon attaining mature years he was well equipped to take up the work on his own account. In 1873 he bought forty acres of excellent land in Root township, on which he resided for a period of eighteen years, when he sold this and bought his present farm of eighty acres in section 16, Root township. Here he carries on general farming, meeting with a success commensurate with the labor bestowed.

In 1S73 Mr. Cline was married to Miss Nancy Rice, who was born in Root township, this county, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Pillars) Rice, the former of Culpeper county, Virginia, and the latter cf Carroll county, Ohio. They were early settlers of this county, coming here in 1836 and taking up government land. They are both now deceased. Benjamin Rice was twice married and was the father of ten children: William, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel, Benjamin, John B., James M., Millard F., Nancy A. and David M.

The -subject and his wife have one child, Mary, who is the wife of Charles Magley, and they operate the home farm. In November, 1863, Mr. Cline enlisted in Company H, Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles : Pleasant Hill, Louisiana ; Tupelo, Mississippi ; Yellow Bayou, Louisiana ; battle of Fort Deruss, and a number of skirmishes. The subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives are in harmony with the Christian profession. Politically Mr. Cline is an earnest ReiMiblican. Mr. Magley has had charge of the farm since 1900 and under his management many

Lewis L. Lewton

Lewis L. Levvton, one of the most successful farmers and best known men of Adams county, was born in Adams county, Indiana, November 12, 1841. He is the son of Perry and Mary (Leamaster) Lewton. Both of his parents were natives of Carrol! county, Ohio. They were married in Ohio and shortly after this event came to Indiana. Perry Lewton was one of the pioneer school and singing teachers of northeastern Indiana. After coming to Adams county he settled in Decatur and taught school in that place until his death, September 22. 1843. Mary- Leamaster was the daughter of John and Nancy (Baxter) Leamaster. They were among the earliest settlers in Adams county. Both were born and reared in Ohio and were married in that state in 181 1. They settled in Root township after coming to Adams county, and remained in that township until their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Perry Lewton became the parents of three children : Nancy Ellen, Lewis and Perry A. Of these children Lewis alone survives. After the death of Perry Lewton his widow returned to her parents' home and lived there for a short time. She was married for the second time to Zedekiah Brown, by whom she had one child, a son. James B. Brown, who is now dead. Both of the parents of Lewis Lewton were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Perry Lewton was a staunch Democrat all of his life.

Following the death nf his father and the second marriage of his mother, Lewis Lewton made his home with his stepfather. He attended the common schools of his immediate neighborhood and secured as good an education as was possible under the circumstances. He lived with his stepfather until he was old enough to make his own living independently, and during the next years worked out as a farm hand at various places in the township. He continued in this employment until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was among the first in Root township to catch the war infection, and enlisted in Company K of the Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was hurried to the front and he saw much real service with it. He was present at the engagements fought at Tupelo, Mississippi, during the Red River expedition ; at Pleasant Hill, Tennessee ; Yellow Bayou, Louisiana ; the siege of Nashville, Fort Blackley and many lesser engagements and skirmishes. He was taken prisoner by the Confederates but was paroled soon after his capture. He served with gallantry until the close of the war and was finally mustered out of the Federal service with an honorable discharge.

After the close of the war he returned to Indiana and was married to Miss Sarah J. Robison, a native of Adams county and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Robison. Two children were born of this union : Mary E., the wife of William Frank, of Decatur, Indiana, and Lewis Chester, who is dead. Mrs. Lewton died August 15, 1870, and Mr. Lewton contracted a second marriage a few years after her death. This time he married Mary C. Robison, a sister of his first wife, and six children have been born to the couple: Carv D., the present auditor of

Adams county; Amos, a farmer of Root township; Ada, the wife of Philip Schieferstine; Haltie, deceased; Edgar, living- in Fort Wayne, and Daisy, who is living at home with her father. The second wife of Mr. Lewton died September 8, 1900.

Mr. Lewton is the owner of an excellent farm of ninety acres in Root township, and all of his land is excellently situated. He has lived on this place since 1870 and has improved it until it is one of the most valuable and productive tracts in the township. His buildings are comfortable, and altogether his place is one of the attractive ones in its neighborhood. He has always been a man who has taken an active part in the affairs of his community and he has played a prominent part in Adams county politics. He is a member of the Democratic party and an earnest worker for the success of this party. His brother, Perry, was the sheriff of Adams county at the time of his death, and the county commissioners appointed Mr. Lewton to serve the remaining nine months of his brother's term. This he did to the satisfaction of the members of both political parties. He is an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a member of Sam Henry post at Decatur.

Samuel D. Kunkle

Samuel D. Kunkle, a pioneer fanner of Root township, Adams county, Indiana, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1820, and is the son of Michael and Catherine (Sentz) Kunkle, both also natives of Pennsylvania, but of German extraction. They came to Richland county, Ohio, in about 1825, where Mr. Kunkle purchased a tract of unimproved land and through his efforts and well directed energies the same was soon transformed into a splendid piece of real estate. Here his death occurred about 1850. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Eliza, Mary, Matilda, Dianna, Lydia, Rebecca, Nancy, Michael (deceased), and Samuel D. Michael and Catherine Kunkle were members of the Lutheran church and their lives were ever in harmony with the faith which they thus professed.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the old subscription schools of that day, and eagerly improved all the opportunities in that line that came to him. He lived on his father's farm until twenty-six years of age, when he came to Indiana by way of wagon and bought eighty acres of land in Root township, Adams county, which was in the state of primitive wildness. He built a rude log cabin, where he lived for about sixteen years, subsequently trading his farm for another consistng of one hundred and sixty-two acres in Root township, and on which he now resides. He has erected many substantial farm buildings and the land is under a splendid state of cultivation, yielding rich returns to the owner.

On June 9, 1S46, Mr. Kunkle married Miss Martha Dorwin, the daughter of Calvin T. and Fanny (Bell) Dorwin, natives of New York state, but who came to Indiana in 1845 and are now deceased. To the subject and his wife have been bom six children : Willie, who died in infancy; Fanny, the wife of Robert S. Peterson; Dora, the wife of Alexander R. Bell: Eftie, who died in infancy; Florence L., the wife of Alton De Vilviss, and Calvin, who married Sarah

Mr. Kunkle is a member of the English Lutheran church and takes a deep interest in its welfare. Politically he is a Republican and served as assessor of Root township for eight years. Mr. Kunkle started upon his career as an independent factor at the bottom of the ladder and by his earnest labor and unabating perseverance is now able to spend the remainder of his life in retirement, having sold his farm to his son Calvin. Calvin D. Kunkle was bom March 19, 1S63. He was reared a farmer and April 17, 18S3, married Sarah A. Pillars, daughter of Sampson and Mary J. Pillars. She was born in Root township. They have one son, Sherman P., and one daughter, Florence L. Calvin D. Kunkle has resided all his years on the homestead and in 1900 became its owner.

Charles E. Bultemeier

Charles E. Bultemeier, a successful farmer of Root township, was bom in Root township, Adams county, Indiana, January 22, 1853. He is the son of Conrad and Louisa (Miland) Bultemeier. His parents were bom in Prussia, Germany,' and after their marriage came to the United States and settled in Preble township, Adams county. After a few years' residence in this latter township they removed to Root township. They purchased land and cultivated their farm until the husband's death. Before settling in Root township Conrad Bultemeier worked on the Wabash & Erie canal. He was a careful and frugal man and saved his money. In time he accumulated enough to invest in farm land and purchased his Root township tract. He added from time to time to his. original purchase and at his death was the - owner of seven hundred acres of fine land.. This land became divided among his children and every acre of it is still in the family. Both Conrad Bultemeier and his wife were highly respected residents of Root township and members of the Lutheran church. They became the parents of the following children: Louis, Charles E., Ferdinand, Fred, Wilhelmina, Louise and Lizzetta.

Of this large family Charles E. Bultemeier was the second in order of birth. He was reared on his father's farm in Root township and was educated in the common schools of the neighborhood. He was an industrious youth and made the most of all of the opportunities that presented themselves. In the months when he was not engaged in the schools he assisted his father in the improving and cultivation of his farm. He learned the wholesome lessons to be learned on a farm and he applied these lessons to excellent advantage in the years of his after life. When his father died the farm was divided among the children and Charles secured his share. He was married in 1877 to Miss Dora Horstmeyer, who was born in Adams county and was the daughter of Frederick and Louise Horstmeyer. She bore her husband twelve children, of whom six grew up and are living: August F., Clara L., Eliza L., Charles H., William L. and Lena S. Her death occurred on the family farm in 1906. She was a consistent and honored member of the St. John's Lutheran church.

is excellently located and is very fertile. All of the«iand is cleared and the improvements that have been made on it from time to time rank with the best in the entire township. The farm is well drained and fenced and the buildings are substantial and comfortable. Altogether the place is one of the most attractive and valuable in the section of Adams county where it is situated. Mr. Bultemeier is a public-spirited man and takes a live and active part in all movements that are designed to advance the social and commercial prosperity of his community. He is highly respected and is a member of the St. John's Lutheran church.

Isaac Brown

Isaac Brown can trace his ancestry back to a lieutenant who fought in the war for American independence. This ancestor was Adam Brown, his great grandfather. Since the days of the great grandfather the family has lived in the middle west. Isaac was born in Wayne county, Ohio, August 16, 1847. He is a son of John and Mariah (Sager) Brown and his grandfather was John Brown. His parents were both natives of Ohio. They were married in this latter state and lived on a farm in their native county until 1852, when they came across the state line into Indiana. After reaching Adams county John Brown purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. He cleared this land and made it productive before his death, which occurred December 24. 1902, when he was eighty-five years of age. His wife died June 3, 1S99, at the age of seventyeight years. He was a Democrat in politics and both John and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of sixteen children : Martha, Joseph, Abraham. Benjamin, Isaac, Sarah Jane, William. Christian, Mary Ann, Drusilla, Amanda, Adam. John, Reuben, Clarissa and Victoria.

Isaac Brown was about five years of age when his parents left Ohio and came to Indiana. He spent his youth until his eighteenth year on his father's farm. He was educated in the common schools of his immediate neighborhood, and from the time he was old enough he assisted in the improvement and cultivation of the home farm. In addition to learning the lessons of agriculture, he learned the trade of a carpenter. After leaving his home he worked at this trade in various localities until the year 1871. In this year he returned to the home farm and en- Sfaered in its management and cultivation. He operated the home farm for a few years and then purchased a farm in Root township, Adams county. He lived on this farm in Root township for eleven years and then removed to his present place in the same township in 1S93. He has lived on his present farm for fourteen years.

Mr. Brown has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Cassandra Hawn, a native of Union county, Ohio. Her marriage to Mr. Brown occurred in 1869 and she died in 1 89 1. She bore her husband one child, a son, Samuel Elton Brown. This son married Edna Peoples, and he and his wife have become the parents of five children. The second marriage of Isaac Brown occurred in 1893. This time he was united to Mrs. Mary Ellen (Aber) Hauk, the widow of William Hauk. She is the daughter of Samuel and Mary Aber, who are numbered

The parents of the present Mrs. Brown, Samuel and Mary (Rice) Aber, as stated above, are among the old settlers of northeastern Indiana. Fie was a native of Ohio and his wife was born in Culpeper county, Virginia. They came to Adams county in 1S42 and died in that county. They were the parents of five children : Sarah Jane, David James, William G., John Ferguson and Mary Ellen. The father was a Democrat and served as a justice of the peace for a number of years and as a township trustee.

Mr. Brown is the owner of a fine farm of fifty-nine acres in Root township. The land is well improved and is profitable and the buildings and other equipments are substantial. In addition to his farm he is the proprietor of the Decatur Creamery at Decatur and has made this a profitable business and one largely patronized. He is a man who takes an active part in the affairs of his community, and is a leader in all movements for the betterment of the condition of his township. He has served as a trustee of Root township, being elected in 1887 and serving seven years, and m other ways demonstrated his public spirit. With his wife he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and gives this denomination his hearty and generous support.

Albert S. Kixdel

county, Indiana, is a native of the Old Dominion state, having been born December 6, 1850. His parents were Isaac and Delilah (Tappy) Kindel, both also natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather, Reuben Kindel, was a native of Germany. Isaac Kindel came to Indiana in an early day, locating in Hartford township, Adams county, where he made a small clearing in the midst of the woods and erected a rude log cabin, which still stands and in which he resided until his death in 1890. His wife died the month following. He was the owner of eighty acres of land and traded forty acres of this for property in Lynn Grove, Hartford township, where his death occurred. He was the father of twelve children, six of whom are still living.

The subject of this sketch after completing a good, practical common school education entered upon the active duties of life as an agriculturist, which sturdy occupation he has since followed. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in French township and forty in Hartford township, comprising the old home place, nearly all of which is under the plow and improved. Mr. Kindel carries on a miscellaneous line of farming, giving attention to all the crops common to this locality, and also gives some attention to Poland China and Duroc hogs. He has lived on his present place since 1890 and has made many substantial improvements, including a fine brick house, which is fitted with hot and cold water, furnace heat, and is modern in every respect. In politics the subject is a staunch Democrat, and though deeply interested in the success of his party he has never cared for the honors of public office. Religiously he is a member of the Christian church.

In 1885 Mr. Kindel married Miss Sarah buildings, including a fine eight-room brick Miller, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth house, modern in every respect, and also a Miller, and to this union have been born large and commodious barn, which he erectthree children, namely: Bessie, Guy and ed in 1877. In politics Mr. Moeschberger Claud J. votes consistently with the Democratic party, and he is now supervisor of his township

Christian Moeschberger. an esteemed and and one-half miles from his home, respected citizen and successful farmer of In 1872 the subject married Miss Mary French township, Adams county, Indiana, Buhler, daughter of Abraham and Magdawas born on July 11, 1843, and is the son lena (Sonter) Buhler, natives of Germany of John and Margaret (Soures) Moeschber- and early settlers of Adams county. To this ger, natives of Canton Berne, Switzerland, union have been born fifteen children, name- They came to America in 1836 and at once ly : Levi, John, Sarah, Louisa, Albert, Nasetlled in French township in the midst of thaniel, Lottie, Pearl, Delphi, Lulu, Emma, the woods. Much strenuous labor was in- Tillie, Martha, Delia and Herman, the last volved in the clearing of this tract of land five of whom are deceased. Mr. Moeschberancl making it fit for cultivation, but time ger's wife died about six years ago. told the story and in due season Mr. Moeschberger found himself the possesor of a splendid and productive farm. His parents are

The subject of this sketch secured such an Christian J. Gerber, than whom no resieducation as was found in the common dent of French township, Adams county, which one hundred and ninety are under the county, Indiana. For some years he folplow and in a high state of cultivation. The lowed carpentering and also farmed to some detail of his farm, while for the past fifteen years he has lived a practically retired life on his French township farm of two hundred and sixty acres, which he purchased in 1897. His place is highly improved and has upon it a number of substantial farm buildings and other accessories.

August 16, 1864, Mr. Gerber was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Spichiger, daughter of John and Fanny (Burkhalter) Spichiger. To them were bom five children : Elizabeth, Aldena, Christian, Benjamin and John. Mr. Gerber is a staunch Democrat in politics, though not an aspirant for honor in the way of public office. Religiously he and his family are members of the Reformed church. Benjamin Gerber, who now lives on the home farm, carries on general farming and also gives some attention to the raising ' of Holstein cattle and Chester White hogs, in which line he has been successful. He married Miss Isabella Schwartz, daughter of Edward and Mariah (Suter) Schwartz, natives of Harrison township. Wells county, Indiana. Mrs. Christian J. Gerber died March 23, 1S99. Christian, one of the sons, was killed November 13. 1896, by beingthrown from a wagon.

Christian P. Hirschy

Christian P. Hirschy, who deserves honorable mention in this volume because of the straightforward and progressive life he has led in the county in which he now resides, was bom in Adams county, Indiana, on September 15, 1864. He is the son of Philip and Mary (Richer) Hirschy. The father was bom in Switzerland in 1S24 and the mother in France. In 1835 they came to America, locating in Stark county, Ohio, where he followed the trade of carpentering. In 1847 he came to Adams county, Indiana, driving overland with a team of oxen, his course lying by the canal to Fort Wayne and thence south to Wabash township, this county. He located south of Berne, where he followed farming successfully until his death, in 1S99.

Christian Hirschy received his education in the schools of Adams county and under his father's instructions early learned the secrets of husbandry. With his brother Joel he operates two hundred and seventeen acres of splendid land, all of which is under the plow excepting forty acres of pasture and woodland. Here general farming is carried on. embracing also the raising of live stock, principally Duroc hogs and shorthorn cattle. The farm is well equipped and in a " highly productive condition. Mr. Hirschy giving special attention to the proper rotation of crops and other features which go to the successful prosecution of his calling. On the farm are two dwelling houses and other improvements which add to the general appearance of the place. In politics Mr. Hirschy is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and in religion is a member of the Mission church at Berne.

On June 10, 1894, he married Miss Louise Felber, daughter of Jacob and Magdalena (Moser) Felber, natives of Germany, though early settlers in Adams county. They were the parents of seven children : Melvin. Clarence. Tillman, Arminda, Erne and Marion and Magdalena, twins. Mr. Hirschy is public-spirited in the broadest sense of the word, giving his earnest support to every measure calculated to advance the interests of the

Henry A. Morrow

Henry A. Morrow, one of French township's leading citizens and enterprising farmers, is a native of Adams county, having been born on the 26th of February, 1S44. His parents were Daniel and Clarissa (Haughton) Morrow, the former of whom was a native of New York state. He came to Adams county in an early day and settled in a woods in Hartford township, where he erected a rude leg cabin and commenced the task of creating a farm in the midst of the wilderness. He was a skilled workman and assisted in the construction of John Studebaker's log cabin, the first house in Bluffton, Wells county, and which was in the early days kept as a general store, one of the first commercial enterprises in Bluffton. His death occurred in 1893 and his wife died two years later. They were the parents .of eight children : Elosia, Adelia, Eugene, Auzretta, Henry A., Ellen, Courtney and Melvina, who died in infancy. Daniel Morrow was a staunch Democrat in politics and served as assessor of Hartford township for many years. He was a member of the Universal ist church.

Henry A. Morrow received his education in the common schools of Adams county and was early inured to the strenuous labors incident to farm life, which occupation he has followed throughout his life. He is the owner of forty acres of splendid land, all under a high state of cultivation and well improved with commodious and substantial farm buildings. He also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, specializing on shorthorn cattle and Duroc hogs. He has been successful in every line of his profession and stands deservedly high among his fellow citizens. Religiously he affiliates with the Christian church.

In 1S73 he married Miss Emaline Hoffman, daughter of Lineal and Polly Ann (Kindle) Hoffman, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Indiana in an early day and settled in Hartford township, Adams county. To the subject and his wife have been born five children : Ernest, a carpenter living in Indianapolis; Bertha, the wife of Neal Kyle, of Chicago, Illinois; Frank, who is living in Muncie ; Eugene and Charles.

Edward D. Engeler

Edward D. Engeler, who owns and conducts the largest general department store in Berne, Adams county, Indiana, is a native of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Wells county on the 18th of November, 1876. He is the son of Frederick and Rosana (Beeverstein) Engeler, natives respectively of Berne, Switzerland, and Wayne county, Ohio. The father, after coming to the United States in 1846, first located in Wells county, Indiana, but two years later, allured by the promises of certain wealth in the golden west, went to California, where his promises were to some extent realized, as he acquired a controlling interest in one of the splendid mines of that Country. He died in 1S99 and his widow now makes her home in Bluffton, Wells county.

secured a good common school education came to Berne and established himself in his present business. He was successful from the outstart and is now, as has been stated before, the owner of the largest department store in that town. So extensive did his business become that he found it necessary to erect a building suited to his requirements and he is now the owner of a splendid twostory building forty-four by ninety feet in dimensions. He carries a large and comprehensive line of the various articles usually found in an up-to-date department store and keeps a large force of clerks to fill the wants of the public. Prior to entering upon this business he filled a clerkship at Bluffton for four years and was thus well equipped to manage his present business. Mr. Engeler was also identified with other local concerns, being assistant cashier and director of the People's State Bank at Berne and also vice president and director of the Berne Manufacturing Company, one of the progressive and successful concerns of this city. Mr. Engeler is a staunch Democrat in politics, though he never takes an activejnterest in public affairs. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church at Bluffton.

Albert N. Sprunger

Albert N. Sprunger, who leads an eminently active and useful life and who has attained a position of relative distinction in community in which his interests are al- lied, was born in Monroe township, Adams county, Indiana, May 22, 1S75. The subject of this sketch was reared under the parental roof and was early taught the science of agriculture. He was also given advantage of attendance at the public schools, so that upon attaining mature years he was well qualified to take up life's labors for himself. At the age of twenty-one he was employed in his brother's store, where he remained for two and a half years, when he purchased a one-fifth interest in the Berne Milling Company, and was made manager of the concern. This is an up-to-date mill and elevator combined, its equipment in the way of machinery being first-class in ever)- respect. Mr. Sprunger is manager of this business. He has been reasonably successful in all of his undertakings and is now the owner of a splendid lot in the city of Berne. Politically he votes independent, while in religion he is identified with the Mennonite church. Mr. Sprunger is a public-spirited citizen and is highly esteemed in both business and social circles.

John Rohrer

John Rohrer, who has aided materially in the developing of the resources of this section and ever represented the best order of citizenship, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, June 6, 1870. He is a son of John C. and Rosana (Dantz) Rohrer. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days on the family homestead, receiving a good education in the schools of Switzerland, and at the age of thirteen entered high school. After coming to Adams county he devoted some time to the carpenter trade and spent eight months in Chicago. In 1893 he was Adams county, was born in Fayette county, employed as an apprentice with the Berne Pennsylvania, September 13, 1845, and is Milling- Company and in compensation for the son of Jackson and Mary (Martin) his faithful services and steadfastness has Brewster, the former a native of Fayette been promoted to head miller, in which ca- county, Pennsylvania, also. They were the pacity he has served for the last seven years, parents of thirteen children, seven of whom He has traveled considerably, visiting- other reached maturity. Jackson Brewster came large milling- institutions, and with the aid to Adams county in i860 and located on a of various points of knowledge gained has piece of land which was densely covered with built up a flourishing- local trade in additon timber. He at once erected a rude cabin and to his shipping interests. The concern is then settled himself to the task of clearing owned by stockholders, the subject having and rendering the ground fit for cultivation, been a member for seven years. He is the which he successfully accomplished. In conpossessor of several pieces of splendid prop- nection with agricultural pursuits he was erty on Water street, Berne, on which have also employed on a boat on the Ohio river been erected tasty and substantial buildings, prior to his coming to Indiana. He is president of the Cement Block Arti- When he came here wild game ficial Stone Company, which under his ef- of all kinds was plentiful and he ficient management has continued to grow often saw this game in close proxin importance until it is now considered one imity to his log cabin, while some of the meat of the leading concerns of the kind. supplied for the family was secured by means In 1896 Mr. Rohrer was married to Miss of his trusty rifle or shotgun. He died about Emily A. Welty. daughter of Christian and 1894 and his wife about 1896. The sub- Elizabeth (Zurcher) Welty, natives of ject of this sketch passed his youthful years Wayne county, Ohio, and Switzerland. Mr. in much the same manner as did the average and Mrs. Rohrer are the parents of four chil- farmer boy of the locality and period, havdren : Sylvian B., Freida E., Florence M. ing been reared to manhood on the old homeand Karl H. Mr. Rohrer is independent in stead. When he and his father came to Jefhis attitude toward politics, and religiously ferson township only seventy-five families he belongs to the Mennonite church. Mr. lived there, of which number only one man Rohrer is a faithful performer of his duties is still living, Jacob Ryan, aged eighty-four and few men in his locality retain a higher years. Mr. Brewster is the owner of one degree of public confidence and esteem. hundred and twenty acres of land in Jefferson township and his improvements in the machine for thirty-three years, in which busi- Daniel Brewster, an energetic and per- ness he exerted every effort to please the pubsevering man whose industry and thrift have lie. In 1S64 he enlisted in the Eightieth placed him among the substantial citizens of Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the" Hood and Johnston campaign. The subject has been twice married, his first wife being Sarah A. Fetters. They were the parents of six children : Philip, Charles, Caroline, Emma, died in 1S98, and Lucinda, died June 10, 1907, and Frank. Hattie, Fred, Edna and Gusta are of the second marriage. Mr. Brewster's second marriage was with Miss Loverda Bebout. daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Fisher) Bebout, both natives of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of four living children, as seen above. Mr. Brewster is a staunch Republican, and lias been honored by election to offices of trust and responsibility, having served as justice of the peace four years, supervisor nine years and constable four years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic at Geneva, Indiana, and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Berne. His religious faith is that of the Evangelist church. The subject has attained success by hard work and is well entitled to the prosperity which is now his. At present he is residing on the old farm, where by honest toil and endeavor he worked his way to independence.

John P. Steiner

John P. Steiner, a very highly respected and influential citizen of this county, was born in Hartford township, Adams county, Indiana, on December 31, 1S60. He is the son of Peter C. and Fanny (Stauffer) Steiner, both natives of Wayne county, Ohio. Peter Steinc came to Adams county in an early day and located in Monroe township, subsequently removing to Hartford township, where he lived during the remainder of his life. At the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred acres of valuable land, which yielded abundant returns for the labor bestowed upon it. Unto these parents were born eight children, namely : Christian, David, John P. Rosana, Sarah, Amos, Anna and Mary, the last named being deceased. The paternal grandfather was Christian Steiner, who was born in Canton Berne. Switzerland, and came to Ohio in an early day, where he spent his last years, his death occurring in iS - .

John P. Steiner was enabled to attend the common schools during his youthful years and proved an earnest and faithful student.- His estate comprises one hundred and thirtyfour acres, of which ninety-five aie under the plow, giving rich returns for the labors expended. Mr. Steiner also gives some attention to the raising of live stock and has some fine specimens of Red Polled cattle and Duroc hogs. He has made many improvements upon his place and the well tilled fields and good buildings indicate a careful and painstaking husbandman.

The subject has been twice married, his first companion being Miss Sarah A. French, daughter of Lot and Mary (Darst) French, natives of Miami county, Ohio. Unto this first union were born three children : Fanny, Fred and one who died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Steiner's second marriage was to Miss Lydia French, sister to his first wife, and they are the parents of three children : Mary (deceased), June and Clinton. Mr. Steiner's political association is with the Democratic party and he has been honored by election to township trustee, which office he has held

Frank Hisey

Coming of a sturdy stock, for whom the wilderness of a new country had no terrors, and endowed with the qualities that make for ultimate success, Frank Hisey came into this world well equipped with the resources of heredity that mean much in future life. He is the son of John and Barbara E. (Snyder) Hisey. His father was a native of Virginia, from which state he came to Ohio with his parents, locating in Licking county. At this time he was about six years of age. His mother was born in Licking county, Ohio, January 13, 1834. The father of the subject of this sketch lived in Licking county until 1850. When he grew to manhood he learned and followed the trade of a blacksmith. In 1850 he made the overland journey on horseback to Indiana and traveled to Fort Wayne. The government land office was at that time located at Fort Wayne and John Hisey entered two hundred and forty acres of land in Jefferson township, Adams county. He sought out his new property and spent some time in improving it. Then he returned to Ohio and brought his family to Indiana. He settled on his new farm, but the heavily timbered acres presented a serious proposition to the young fanner. He was confronted with a mammoth task, that of clearing the large tract. However, he addressed himself to the work with a will and after a time had some of it cleared and improved and under cultivation. It was slow work, to be sure, but his energy was not abated and he worked with a determination to carve a homestead from the wilderness. In the end he had it nearly all under the plow and well fenced. Children came in time to bless his days, and he and his wife became the parents of five, all of whom are still living. These children are: Sarah, Frank, Alice, Dora and Ella. He lived on his farm until his death, which occurred March 2, 1898. His children lived with him at the old home during their early lives and assisted in the work of clearing the homestead. They were dutiful and they appreciated the blessing they had received in having a father possessing such sterling characteristics. He was an active and aggressive man and took an active and leading part in all matters that were aimed to promote the public good and general welfare. He was a Democrat in politics.

Frank Hisey, his son, was marired in 1SS2 to Mary J. Lowery, the daughter of Joseph P. and Margaret (McCord) Lowery, who came to Indiana from Montgomery county, Ohio. Mr. Hisey has been a farmer 'all his life and has proved a successful one. He attended the schools of his district, as did his brothers and sisters, and obtained as good an education as these schools afforded. He was taught the lessons of industry and thrift that were a part of the daily life of farm boys o* the period, and these lessons he has applied to his advantage. He and his wife have become the parents of eleven children, all of whom are living and with one exception residents of their father's farm. A daughter, Cora, is married. The other children are : Stella, Mary. Alma, John, Anna, Elmer, Frederick, Velma, Opal and Thurman. Mr. Hisey lives on forty acres of the original homsetead. He has come into possession of this tract and conducts a general farming business.. His farm is at a high stage of cultivation and most admirably improved. The home and other buildings that are situated on it are modern and convenient, and the fencing and similar improvemetns are satisfactorj'.

Mr. Hisey is one of the strong men of his community. He takes an active and personal interest in the affairs of his county. He has been honored by his fellows by being elected to political office, and, like his father, has served as township assessor and trustee. His father was also for a time justice of the the peace. Mr. Hisey is esteemed by all who know him and his wisdom is appealed to frequently in matters of vital importance to his associates.

Jonas Neuenschwander

Among the enterprising and successful agriculturists of French township, Adams county, Indiana, none stands higher in public esteem than he whose name heads this sketch. He is a native of the township in which he now resides, having been born on the 15th of January, i860. He is the son of Christian and Barbara (Gerber) Neuenschwander. These parents were both natives of Canton Berne, Switzerland, where the father was born on December 10, 1812. They emigrated to the United States in 1S40 and settled in- Wayne county, Ohio, where they fanned for two years, and then located in Welis county, Indiana, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. Two years later they came to the present homestead in township, which was at that time located in a dense wilderness. They at once proceeded to clear and cultivate a small tract of land, which was increased in extent year by year until finally it was considered one of the best farms of the locality. They were the parents of fifteen children, namely : John, Jacob, Benjamin, Cleophas, Elizabeth, Jonas, Rachel, Fannie (deceased), Annie, Daniel, Jeff, Aldin, Emma, Mary and Lydia, the last two of whom are deceased. In 189S Christian Neuenschwander sold his farm and moved to Bluffton, Ohio, where he made his home with his son-in-law, John Burkholder. He died November 30, 1905, at the home of his son Cleophas. He was a public-spirited man and commanded the universal confidence and esteem of all good people.

The subject of this sketch received a good common school education and w'as reared to the life of a fanner, which pursuit he has followed throughout his life. His work has been methodical and he has exhibited marked judgment in matters pertaining to successful agriculture and is considered one of the leading farmers of his locality. His present farm embraces one hundred and twenty acres of land, nearly all of which is under the plow and in a productive condition. He has resided on his present place five years and among the substantial improvements thereon may be noted a large and splendid residence and a commodious barn. Combined with a general line of farming Mr. Neuenschwander also gives some attention to live stock raising, principally hogs and shorthorn cattle. He takes a deep interest in public affairs and is an adherent of the Democratic party. His ability has been recognized by his fellow citizens, who elected him trustee of French township,

In 1888 the subject married Miss Maggie Bischoff, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bischoff, both natives of Canton Berne, Switzerland, the father having been killed while acting as a guide to a party of English lords among the mountains of Switzerland, his death being caused by an avalanche of snow and ice. They were the parents of four children: Grover YV., Fanny, Homer and Martin. Christian Neuenschwander was married twice. His first wife was Barbara Roth, and two children, John and Jacob, were born to this union. His second wife was Barbara Garber.

E. D. McCollum is a native of the state of Indiana and has lived in this state all his life except the time he spent fighting his country's battles in the struggle to preserve the Union. He is a farmer of the progressive type, and has followed agricultural pursuits to the. exclusion of other kinds of business. He was born in Jay county, Indiana, in 1843. He is the son of Daniel and Eliza Ann Davis, natives of Ohio, who came to Indiana with the earlier bands of immigrants who sought new homes in the new state. In 1841 his parents arrived in Jay county and commenced to clear and improve the land they secured. They lived in this coimty and developed their land to a satisfactory stage of productivity for the succeeding fourteen years, when they removed to Minnesota. However, they were not pleased with the prospects in the northwestern territory and in 1861 returned to Indiana. They purchased a farm in Jay county and remained on it for one year, when they again went west, this time to Iowa. Two years of Iowa life sufficed them. They longed for the fields and scenes of Indiana, and in 1863 they moved back to this state, buying land in Wells county. Later the elder McCollum operated a sawmill and finally removed to the village of Geneva, where he and his wife lived until their deaths. Both parents lived exemplar}' lives and both were among those who had the very highest respect and esteem of all who knew them or came in contact with them in the ordinary course of business and social life.