Adams County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 9 of 16)

Mr. Augsburger is an aggressive and active citizen of his township. He takes an active and interested part in the affairs of his county, and has been elected to political positions of importance and responsibility. In 1900 he was chosen as a township assessor, the duties of which office he discharged so ably that at the expiration of his term in 1904 he was elected to the more important office of township trustee, which office he still holds. He is a Democrat and is alive to party interests and stands high in the councils of his party in northeastern Indiana. He is a member of the German Reformed church and is one of the esteemed members of that organization. His course through life is such that recommends him to the careful and favorable consideration of all who know him. Christian Augsburger, the father of our subject, died January 19, 1903,

Levi D. Miller

Levi D. Miller was born in Hartford township, Adams county, Indiana, on December 10, 1850, and is the son of Daniel Miller, who settled early in the state and concerning whom mention appears in the sketch devoted to David Miller that appears elsewhere in this volume. The son grew to manhood on his father's farm and obtained such an education in the district schools of his neighborhood as the times afforded. With the exception of the weeks of the winter months spent in the school room Mr. Miller worked with his father on his farm and learned the lessons an active, out-of-door life in a farming community taught. Tn time he became a skillful farmer and was a great help to his father. In addition to his labors on his father's farm he operated a stone quarry, which he made profitable.

On reaching manhood and his majority he decided to marry and set up a home for himself. In line with this idea he wooed and won Miss Mary Kirchhofer, a daughter of David and Barbara (Bixler) Kirchhofer His wife's father was a native of Germany, being born in that European country October 19, 1S09. Her mother's birth occurred in Wayne county, Ohio, October 6, 1822. Mrs. Miller's father came to America with an early tide of seekers after new homes in the new republic. He landed on the eastern shore with his parents in 1S18. The family continued westward until the Ohio country was reached. Land was secured in Wayne county and there David Kirchhofer grew to manhood. He was married December 30, 1 84 1, and seven children were born to this union. Four of these children, Abraham, Anna, Mary, the present Mrs. Miller, and Daniel, are living. Three others - Elizabeth, Jacob and Catherine - are dead.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miller took place in 1881 and immediately following it Mr. Miller gave up his work in connection with his stone quarry and purchased a tract of eighty acres in section 34 of French township, Adams county. The major part of this land was cleared and under cultivation when it came into his possession. However, there were no substantial improvements and no house building. One of the first things done after the young people entered into possession of the land was the erection of a small cabin, which became their home for several years. Mr. Miller proved to be an industrious farmer and in the course of a fewyears he had his land improved, drained and properly fenced and at a profitable stage. Some ten years ago he erected a handsome residence on his farm and later added other modern buildings. Among this latter list was a fine modern barn structure, erected in 1902. Today his property is very valuable and ranks more than favorably with any other similar piece in the county. Fie does a general farming business and his crops have proved salable and remunerative from year to year.

One child, a son, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller. This young man, Milton Miller, is at present a student in a college at Angola. It is his ambition to take up the law as his profession and he contemplates a course at the State University at Bloomington. The elder Mr. Miller is a fine type of the progressive farmer and is a man who is esteemed highly in his community. He takes an active interest in political matters and is a valued member of the Democratic party of his section of the state.

John T. Kelly

John T. Kelly, farmer, lawyer and manufacturer, is a resident _of Jefferson township, Adams county, Indiana, where he was born December 21, i860, and is the second son of Isaac 13. and Laura (Hersey) Kelly, natives of Ohio, the father of Carroll, and the mother of Hardin county.

Isaac was a farmer in Ohio, but thought to better his fortune by emigrating to Indiana, which he did many years ago, settling in the dense forests of Jefferson township, Adams county, a part of which he afterward improved. He died November 30, 1893, his wife, Laura, having preceded him in the year 1861.

In their church relations they identified themselves'with the Methodist Episcopal society and lived exemplary lives. Isaac gave faithful and loyal service to his country as a soldier for a period of two years during the war of the Rebellion. His political faith and affiliations were with the Democratic party. They had two children - Willis, who died in infancy, and John T.

For his second wife Isaac married Isabelle Ramsey, a native of Wells county, Indiana, and as a result of this union six children were born to them: Marvin, Aionzo, Finley, Alfred, Ida and Isaac B.

VAC.es as were to be derived by the busy farmer boy from the common schools of the district. Not satisfied with the education thus acquired, he afterward attended the Eastern Normal School at Portland, Indi- . ana, and there equipped himself for the duties of teacher, which profession he followed with marked success for a period of twenty years.

In the meantime he took up the study of law and is at the present time a member of the Adams county bar. He is the owner of a fine little farm of twenty acres, nicely improved, with thoroughly modern buildings surrounding it, and a most pleasant and comfortable home.

In 1 888 he was married to Rebecca Thatcher, a native of Miami county, Ohio, a daughter, of Hillman and Julia (Rooks) Thatcher, who were originally residents of the state of New Jersey, but later of Ohio. To them was born one child, a daughter, Lola Opal, now at home.

John is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodges at Berne, Indiana, and. with his wife, is a consistent Christian and member of the Evangelical church.

Mr. Kelly in his political belief advocates the basic principles and doctrines of the Democratic party and has always been a source of strength to its cause by his wise counsel and sturdy character.

With his party and his friends he is much esteemed, as evidenced by his election in 1S94 and again in 1896 to represent his county in the state legislature, where his services were eminently satisfactory to his constituency.

John Hendricks, the subject of this sketch, is living a restful retired life at his home in the village of Monroe, Adams county, after a busy career, marked by hard and industrious toil and by his part played in the sanguinary struggle to preserve the Union. He was bom in Harrison county, Ohio, June 24, 1839. ^e "s a son °^ Thomas and Lydia (Renicker) Hendricks, who were married in Ohio and later came to Indiana and purchased a farm in Adams county in 1852. His father was born in Ohio in 181 1 and his mother was born in Pennsylvania. The elder Hendricks established himself in Monroe township and took up farming. He was an industrious and careful man and amassed a handsome competence for himself and family. He was a farmer all of his life and at his death owned two hundred acres of fine land that was highly improved. He died in 1883 and was the father of seven children, three of whom, John, Mary J. and James, are living. He was a public-spirited man and took an active part in the affairs of his county and township. He was a Democrat and served many years as a supervisor of his home township.

John Hendricks was reared among the wholesome influences of his father's home. He attended the schools of his neighborhood and learned the lessons of industry and frugality that made his after life successful. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the family homestead until he grew to manhood. When the Civil war broke out and the dissolution of the Union was threatened and the calls for volunteers were ringing over the country young Hendricks decided that his place was at the front. He enlisted in

Company H, Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cravens. Soon after he joined his regiment it was ordered to the front and was attached to the Army of the West. This army saw some desperate fighting, and from August 9, 1862, when Hendricks enlisted, he was seldom without the din of battle in his ears. He was a gallant soldier and bore the hardships of hard campaigning with patience and with soldierly stolidity and philosophy. He took part in a number of important battles while its regiment was making its way from Kentucky through the southern states to the sea east of Atlanta. Among these engagements were the battles of Mumfordsville, Kentucky; Yellow Bayou, Louisiana; Bayou Lamore, Louisiana; Tupelo, Tennessee; Nashville and the Siege of Mobile. After the close of the war he returned to Adams county and resumed the peaceful pursuit of farming.

Mr. Hendricks was married in 1866 to Miss Margaret E.Ray, a daughter of George W. and Eleanor (Williams) Ray. Her parents were natives of Harrison county, Ohio, and came to Indiana and settled in Adams county in 1S48. They located on a farm in Monroe township and the father, in connection with his farming, followed the trades of carpentering and broom-making. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks, of whom three are still living. These children are: James W., who with his brother, George A., runs the old home farm, and William A., who is connected with a mercantile establishment at Monroe.

fifteen acres in Monroe township. He labored industriously and developed a fine estate. He improved it materially from time to time and brought it to a high stage of fertility and productiveness. He continued to manage his farm until 1897, when he retired from active business. He purchased a comfortable home in Monroe and is living there now. He delegated the management of his farm to his sons and they cultivate the fine estate developed by their father. Throughout his life Mr. Hendricks has taken a lively interest in the affairs of Adams county and Monroe township. He has served in public office and was a supervisor for a number of years. He also has been a member of the Monroe town council and was one of the men who organized and platted the present village of Monroe. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is considered one of the substantial citizens of Adams county and is highly esteemed wherever he is known.

James D. Hoffman

About the year 1833 the United States government purchased the lands in Ohio held by the Seneca Indians and threw them open in small tracts to white settlers. Among those who took advantage of this opportunity to secure land at a small cost was Steven Hoffman, the father of the man -who is written about in this sketch. Steven Hoffman bought eighty acres and to reach his new property he was compelled to make a journey of five hundred miles from his home in Pennsylvania. This journey he made late in the fall, walking all of the way. He worked at clearing this land during this and succeeding winters, walking back to his home each spring in time to assist in the farm work on his father's place. In all he made five trips of this kind. On the last one he bought a pony from the Indians and secured a wagon. He purchased feathers from his Indian friends and these he sold in Pennsylvania at a handsome profit. When his father, Peter Hoffman, died Steven succeeded to the old home. His mother removed to a son's home in Ohio, where she lived until February, 1872.

James D. Hoffman was born on his father's place at West Penn, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1850. His mother was the daughter of a man named Daubenspeck. She was born in West Penn, July 7, 1820. The father was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1810. The marriage of his parents occurred September 16, 1S38. Before his marriage the elder Hoffman taught school, although he himself had only attended school for thirty days. He also engaged in farming and was, in very truth, a self-made man of strong characteristics and abilities.

Following the death of his wife in 1865 he came to Indiana, where he bought eighty acres in Adams county, and an additional one hundred and twenty acres of land in Washington township. However, he made his home on the former tract, as a portion of it was cleared and had a log cabin on it. Here he lived until his death, which occurred October 27, 1S88.

James Hoffman accompanied his father when the latter came to Indiana. He made his home with his parent until 1874, when he purchased the tract of eighty acres his father owned. Then his father transferred his residence to his son's place. James was married June 4, 1874, to Miss Jennie Fulk, a daughter of Jacob Fulk. Her father was a native of Stony Creek, Pennsylvania. Fivechildren were born of this marriage : Dora May, Elizabeth, deceased ; Lydia and Mary, twins, and Ida. Mrs. Hoffman died in 1883. Two years later Mr. Hoffman was married to Catherine L. Hilgeman, a daughter of Henry and Wilemena (Lambert) Hilgeman. Both of her parents were born in Germany. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have six children. These are : Blanche, Jason, James C, Francis and Gladys. The other child, Lillie, is dead.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have a most comfortable home. Their farm is well improved and is a monument to their industry and frugality. He takes a keen interest in public affairs and was the second man to circulate a petition for ditch drainage. He is a Democrat in political faith, having voted first for Horace Greeley, and is a consistent member of the German Reformed church.

James K. Martz

For more than a half century the name of Martz has been prominently associated with the development of Adams county. Particularly is this true of Monroe township. Henry Martz, the father of the subject of this sketch, was one of the earlier settlers in the township and a man who took an exceedingly active part in the affairs of the township. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1792 and grew to manhood in that state. When the new republic was called upon to- defend its political integrity against the mother country he offered himself as a soldier and fought throughout the war of 1812. When the war ended and the country was again at peace he moved to Ohio, where he lived for a time. In 1840 he brought his wife, who was Catherine Lydick, to Indiana, and located in Monroe township, Adams, county. He entered land from the government and lived on his tract so secured until his death in 1S70. His wife survived until 1884. Both are buried on their homestead. After coming to Indiana he devoted his time and energy to improving the -rough land he entered and he lived to see the farm transformed from a wilderness to a fine estate, well improved and productive. He was a man of considerable importance in his community. He took an active part in all township affairs and the first election held in Monroe township was held at his house. For the first fourteen years he lived on his farm his home was a log house. This he tore down later and erected a fine frame house. His farm of one hundred and forty acres was a fine tract and in addition to farming he conducted a private postofhee for a number of years.

There were thirteen children born to this hardy pioneer and his estimable wives. James K. Martz was born May 1, 1846. He was a son by his father's second wife and was reared on the homestead in Monroe township. He spent his youth much as other "boys did in his day and attended the schools of the district in which he lived and secured as good an education as was possible in that day and section of the country. He worked -on his father's farm until he grew to man- Tiood and then he spent two years in the Michigan woods as a lumberman. He also was engaged in building the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad from Monroe to Eerne when that road was extended. In 1S72 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Monroe township and in the same year was married to Miss Rachael Hahn, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Swiger) Hahn. His wife's parents were born in Ohio and came to Adams county early in their lives and followed farming. Her father is still living at the advanced age of eighty-two.

When Mr. Martz purchased his land it was unimproved and represented a vast amount of labor before it could be made productive. However, he went to work and in a short time he had cleared the greater part Of his land and had it under cultivation. Today his estate is one of the best and most productive in the township. All of the land is cleared with the exception of fifteen acres, which is in timber. Recently Mr. Martz refused an offer of fifty dollars an acre for his timber. He has made many improvements on the land since it came into his possession. The tract is well drained and fenced and the buildings are substantial and commodious. In addition to a general fanning business he raises swine and cattle of good strains. He also has a large flock of more than a hundred sheep and lambs. He is a public-spirited man and is one who takes a keen interest in the affairs of his township. He is a Democrat in politics and served for about ten years as a member of the township advisory board and has been instrumental in securing pike roads for the township. ' His country place is located two miles south of the village of Monroe and is considered one of the most attractive in the township.

-X children. Of these children two are .lead. Jonathan and Oliver. Those living arc: Ida, Lillian F., Mary, Daisy, Cleveland, Clem and Josephine. The latter two are twins.

Eli W. Hendricks

Eli W. Hendricks was born in Monroe township', Adams county, January n, 1861. He is a son of William and Mary A. (Ray) Hendricks. His father was born in Ohio in. 1835 and his mother is a native of the same state. The grandfather of Eli Hendricks settled in Monroe township in 1853 and brought with him to Indiana his son William, who became the father of the subject of this sketch. The son lived with his father on the Monroe township homestead until he reached maturity and was married. William and Mary Hendricks became the parents of eight children. Of this number George T., James D., Charles E. and James are dead. Eli W., William P., Lydia E. and Josiah A. are still living. The father of these children followed farming and threshing after coming to Monroe township for sixteen years. He used the old horse-power machines. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and died July 30, 1901. He survived his wife some years, her death occurring October 3, 1885.

Eli Hendricks was reared on his father's farm and attended the winter sessions of the school of his neighborhood. He secured a good English education and learned the lessons of farming under the direction of his father. He remained on the family homestead until he reached his majority and then was variously employed for a few years.

January 10, 1884, he married Miss Mary Ellen Reffey, a daughter of David and Ann (McClain) Reffey. His wife's father was a native of Berne, Switzerland, and came to the United States with his parents when a youth. He lived for a time with his parents in Ohio and came with them when they removed to Indiana. He died June 24, 1906. His wife, the mother of Mrs. Hendricks, is still living with a son on the old homestead. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reffey: John W., Mary E., Philip H., Oliver M., Maggie R., Lee, Viola and Ida. The last named are dead.

Mr. Hendricks is the owner of a good farm of one hundred and nineteen acres in Monroe township. All of this tract is cleared and under cultivation with the exception of six acres, which are in timber of a good quality. He carries on a general farming business, raises stock and does dairy farming. He feeds all of the products of his farm to his stock and his strains of shorthorn cattle and Duroc swine are famous over the county. He has improved his estate until it has become one of the most attractive in the township. Plis buildings are modern and substantial and the whole farm is well drained and fenced. He is interested in the Monroe Creamery and holds stock in this business enterprise. His farm is located one mile from the village of Monroe and is a valuable possession.

He is an example of a successful farmer and has accumulated his possessions through his own unaided efforts. He is a citizen who takes a keen interest in the affairs of his township and is in the van of all movements designed to increase the commercial prosperity of the township or the welfare of the residents of Adams county. He is a member of the Democratic party, but is in no sense a public man. He lias held no public office and aspires to none. He and the members of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and give this church their hearty support. Three children have been born to Mr. Hendricks and his estimable wife: Lulu H., the wife of Sylvester Johnston, living on the home place, and teaching school in Monroe township ; Roy and Noah, also at home. The family is one of the most "highly esteemed in the township.

Joseph T. Johnston

The life story of Joseph T. Johnston will accurately substantiate any claims he might make of being in reality a pioneer settler of northeastern Indiana. For more than seventy years he has lived in Adams county, and he has witnessed all the changes that have transformed this section of the state from a wilderness with a few inhabitants to one of the most productive and pleasant portions of the commonwealth. He was born in Tuscarawas county. Ohio, August 7, 1834. He is a son of James and Eliza (Merryman) Johnston. His father was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio some years before the birth of Joseph. He was a farmer and miller during his residence in Ohio and removed to Indiana when Joseph was but three years of age. The family located in Washington township near the present site of the Washington church. The land was rough and inhabited by roving bands of Indians and wild game. Among the stories told by Mr. Johnston are the interesting ones of his earlier days when he shot deer, turkeys, squirrels and other species of wild game where farms and villages are located today. In those early days the country was thinly settled and the houses were distant from one another. There were no schools and log cabins were the homes of the majority of the settlers. They were a hardy race and worked industriously at clearing their farms and making them productive, and the children grew up in an atmosphere of independence and learned the wholesome lessons of thrift and frugality. Joseph Johnston worked in the woods for several years and lived in a round log cabin for many years. Pie received his early and meager education in a log school with puncheon floors and with benches that boasted no backs, and he did not know what a school house looked like until he was eleven years of age. However, he was ambitious and made the most of such poor advantages as were offered him. In his early manhood he hewed railroad ties and has the distinction of making more ties than^any other man of the county. His uncle, Joseph Johnston, helped build the first log jail in the county. Joseph, our subject, worked at different times clearing land for others, and it is said that he has cleared more than three hundred acres during his life. His father died in 1854 and since that time Joseph has been the support of his mother, who survived her husband forty-two years, dying in 1896, in her ninety-eighth year.

Joseph was married in 1858 to Miss Minerva Reynolds. She is a daughter of John and Rachel (Ball) Reynolds, who were natives of Maryland and came west. They lived for a time in Ohio and then removed to Indiana, settling in Root township about 1S30. Their farm when they purchased it was in the woods and was soon improved and made productive. Mr. Reynolds added to his real estate holdings from time to time and at one period of his life owned hundreds of acres of land in Adams county, included in which was the present site of the city of Decatur. He died in 1846 and his wife died 'in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Johnston have become the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living. Those living are: Willis M., Emma R., Florence A., Edward J., Sarah E., Charles M. and Rose Ann. Eliza J., Edna E. and Cora M. are dead.

Throughout his life Mr. Johnston has voted the Democratic ticket. He has always taken an active part in county and township affairs and has served as a supervisor and a member of the county council. With his wife and the members of his family he is an earnest and consistent member of the Christian Union church.

Nicholas Rich

Nicholas Rich, who today is one of the most prosperous and successful farmers of Monroe township, Adams county, was born in French township, Adams county, December 6, 1867. He is a son of Joseph and Anna (Moser) Rich. His father was born in Germany, where he spent his boyhood and received his early education. When he grew up he left Germany and crossed the Atlantic to find a home in the new continent. He settled in Canada, where he lived for a short time. He became dissatisfied with the prospects for success in Canada and decided to cross the line and settle in the United States.

Accordingly he sold his land holdings in the Dominion and came to Indiana. He purchased land in French township and began the life of a farmer under the stars and stripes. At the time he settled in French township the country was but thinly settled. The land was unimproved and the conditions were not inviting. However, he possessed determination to surmount all obstacles and in a few years had his land well cleared and improved so that it was productive and profitable. He became the father of ten children, nine of whom are still living. The living children are: Peter, Barbara, Joseph J., Christ, Nicholas, John, Anna, Mary and David. Jacob died some years ago. The father of this sturdy family is still living, enjoying the fruits of the labor and industry of his early life. He is a highly respected man and is one who has enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his fellows during his long and useful life.

Nicholas Rich was the fifth of this family in order of birth. He saw the light of day for the first time on his father's farm and was reared on this estate. He attended the schools of his neighborhood as a youth and secured a good English education. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the family homestead as soon as he was old enough to take an active part in farm work, and he learned the lessons of agriculture. He was an industrious boy and when he reached his maturity he was considered a skilled fanner, who knew the intricacies of his profession. In 18S4 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bailey, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Leinihger) Bailey. Her parents were natives of Ohio who came to Indiana and settled in Wabash township, Adams county, in the early eighties. They were the parents of nine children : Andrew, deceased; Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary, Daniel, Lydia, John, Samuel and an infant that died unnamed. The parents of Mrs. Rich are still living.

Mr. Rich is the owner of a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Monroe township, where he makes his home. It is one of the finest and most productive estates in the township. He secured his farm when it was but little, if any, improved, and he has developed it to its present valuable state. The years that have passed since he purchased this tract have been filled with the hardest kind of labor, but he has not faltered, and in the end he conquered all difficulties. His place is admirably located in one of the most fertile sections of the county. It is well drained and tiled, and the fencing and buildings are substantial and adequate. His home is a most attractive building and modem in all respects. Recently he erected a large barn eighty-eight by forty feet. He follows a genera! farming business and his crops, which are rotated with judgment and intelligence, are always satisfactory and bring a handsome profit in the markets. He has all of his place under cultivation with the exception of thirty-two acres, and twelve acres of this tract are covered with fine timber. He raises fine stock and his strains of Durham cattle and I. O. C. swine are known throughout the county. He is a Democrat in politics but cannot be said to be a public man. He is alive to the interests of his fellow residents of his township and contributes to the advancement of the county's interests. He and the members of his family are members of the Reformed church and hecontributes to the charities and support of this denomination with liberality. Three

William P. Hendricks

William P. Hendricks was born in Monroe township, Adams county, January 29, 1864. He is directly descended from pioneer settlers of northeastern Indiana, and his forebears in this section of the country have been men and women Who contributed much to the development and prosperity of their region. He is a son of William and Mary A. (Ray) Hendricks. His father was the son of Thomas Hendricks, who lived in Ohio at an early day and came to Indiana in 1847. His son William accompanied his father to this state and settled on a farm in Monroe township. He lived on this farm and cutlivated it until his death in 1.901. His wife. died some years earlier, her death occurring in 1883. To the elder Hendricks eight children were born. Of these children Eli W., a farmer of Monroe township, cultivating the ' old homestead ; William P., Ella, the wife of Joseph R. Smith, of Petoskey, Michigan, and Josiah, also a resident of Petoskey, are living. The father of these children was a good citizen. He was a progressive man and a successful farmer. He served as an assessor for one term and consistently voted the Democratic ticket. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William P. Hendricks attended the country schools and received a good English education. He assisted his father to improve and cultivate his estate and worked on it until he grew to manhood. He was married in 1887 to Miss Achsah A. Harris, a - daughter of William and Julia (Jones) Harris. His wife was born in Adams county and her father was one of the early men to come to Indiana from Ohio. He settled in Adams county about 1850 on land he purchased from the government. He always lived on this farm after coming to Adams county and died on it in 1871. This land was transferred but once since it was purchased originally from the government, and that time was when it came into the possession of Mr. Hendricks. Soon after Mr. Hendricks married Miss Harris he purchased her father's land. This is a tract of eighty acres and is admirably located for agricultural purposes. It is rich and is in one of the best regions in the county. During the tenure of Mr. Harris the property was improved, and after his death it was improved still more by his widow. Since coming into the possession of Mr. Hendricks still other improvements have been added from time to time until today it is one of the most valuable and most attractive places of its kind in the entire county. Among the recent improvements made by the present owner is a fine barn seventy-six by thirty-eight feet. His residence is a substantial and comfortable building and the other buildings on the estate are up-to-date and commodious. He is a progressive man and employs modern methods and machinery in cultivating his farm. His crops are rotated with judgment and are aways profitable.

status of the county and increasing its prosperity and commercial development. In politics he is a member of the Prohibition party and he is active in the work of this party in Adams county. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church at Berne and are the parents of one child, a son, Guy R. Hendricks.

William F. Schug

Few men living in Adams county can look back on their lives with more justifiable pride than can William F. Schug. He is a type of the modem farmer that demonstrates what industry and intelligence can accomplish, and he is among the most highly esteemed men of his community. He has amassed more than a competence of the world's goods, but he has done this unaided and through his own efforts. He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, April 11, 1853. He is a son of Charles and Catherine (Rousch) Schug. His parents were born in Baumholder, Prussia, Germany. His father was born in 1826 and his mother in 1835. They were reared in Germany and after their marriage came to the United States, settling in Ohio. The father was a wagon maker by trade and followed this occupation in Ohio. In 1863 he removed to Indiana and settled in French township, Adams county. He became a farmer and lived on the place he purchased until his death in 1S69. His wife survived him many years and died in 1904. Following his death his sons cultivated the farm, which consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, until the youngest was twenty-one years of age. Mr.

and Mrs. Charles Schug were the parents of eight children: William, Catherine, Charles, Julius, Philip, Rudolph, Tekla and John. Of this family William, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest.

When he was twenty-nine years of age Wiliam F. Schug purchased his present farm. It is a fine tract of one hundred and forty acres in Monroe township, but was covered with woods when he purchased it. In addition it was wholly without improvements of any kind, and the labor and energy of the present owner were expended in bringing it to its present state. He set to work to clear the place immediately after it came into his possession, and he worked at this task until he had completed it. He erected a comfortable residence and commodious bams and other outbuildings and fenced and drained the entire farm. He conducts a general farming business and his crops are productive of a handsome income each year. He raises some excellent cattle and his strain of Poland China swine is one of the best in the county.

In addition to his farming he has other business interests. He is a man who is alive to the needs of his community and when banks were proposed he entered heartily into their organization. He subscribed to the capital stock of the People's State Bank of Berne and is still a stockholder in this sound financial institution. He also holds stock in the Grabill State Bank of Grabill, Allen county. Pie is also a director of this latter bank. For some years during his earlier life he followed carpentering in connection with his farm work. He has also gained more than a local repute as a veterinary surgeon, and he is cniled in line with this profession frequently. He makes his home on his fine estate of one hundrel and forty acres in Monroe township. Of this tract he has one hundred and twentysix acres under cultivation. The remainder he allows to remain in woods and pasture land. He owns eight acres of fine woods. He is interested in the politics of his section and is an ardent Democrat. He is a publicspirited man and a believer in good roads. He circulated the first petition for pike roads in Monroe township and has been instrumental in bringing about many desirable improvements. He is a member of the German Reformed church and contributes generously to the objects and charities of this denomination.

Jacob Huser

When the father of Jacob Huser came to northeastern Indiana and settled in French township he had for his neighbors members of the Indian tribes who were originally owners of the land. The country was still in its primitive state and the land was swampy or covered with thick growths of timber. However, the father, Philip Huser, was born in France and later lived in Germany before coming to the United States, was not a man to be frightened either by antagonistic conditions of land or by hostile neighbors. He and his wife, Fanny (Moser) Huser, had lived for a few years in another section of the country before they came to Indiana in 1S41. They migrated from Germany in 1839. After he purchased his tract of one hundred and sixty acres he began clearing it and improving it. He erected log cabin buildings and lived to see hi? place under cultivation and greatly improved. He died March 12, 1877, at the age of sixtyliirec years. His wife died February 8, 1877, a few weeks before him. This estimable couple were the parents of ten children, of whom nine lived to reach maturity.

Jacob Huser was born in Adams county, April 7, 1855. He spent his boyhool on his father's farm and when he was old enough took an active part in clearing and cultivating- the farm. He was educated in the rude schools of the neighborhood and received as good an English training as the time and conditions made possible. He was an industrious and dutiful son and laid the foundations for a career that was to bring him esteem and honor. He learned the lessons of a pioneer's life and frugal habits. The marriage of Mr. Huser and Miss Lydia Liechty occurred in 1877. Mrs. Huser is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Wenger) Liechty. Her parents were born in Germany and after their marriage came to the United States. They were among the earliest German immigrants to Adams county and located in French township. They settled on and cleared a farm and lived on it, following farming until their deaths. Mr. Liechty died October 12, 1881, at the age of seventy-three, and his wife died September 18, 1900, at the age of eighty-three. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Huser. All of these children are living: with their parents and are : Emma, Katie. Albert, Fanny, David, Rufus, Amos, Levi and Vilas.

Mr. Huser is the owner of a fine farm in Monroe township, consisting of two hundred acres. Almost all of this tract is cleared and improved and at a high state of cultivation. He carries on a general fanning business and his crops are large and profitable. He is a progressive man and appreciates the advantages of modern methods and machinery. He cultivates his estate according to the best principles of modem farming. He raises a good grade of stock and makes a specialty of swine and draft horses. All of the improvements on his place have been put there by Mr. Huser. His buildings are excellent. His home is large and modern in all respects and his barn is a large structure one hundred by forty feet. He also has a sheep barn forty-one by forty feet. His place is well drained and fenced and is one of the most valuable estates in the township. In politics he is a Democrat and he takes an interest in the affairs of his township. He is a public-spirited man and has done much to improve conditions in his neighborhood. He is an advocate of good roads and has been instrumental in improving the roads of his section of the county. Fie has served his fellow residents of Monroe township in public office and is at present a trustee, to which office he was elected in 1904. He is engaged in superintending the erection of a fine new school house.

William T. Waggoner

In the early decades of the nineteenth century John Lizar was known to the pioneers of northeastern Indiana as a mighty hunter and trapper. He took game in the very woods that later became the property of and the homestead of his grandson. Before he died he used to tell of the days in the frontier of the northwest, and of die times he hauled his grain to the old water mill at Saint

Mary's. The grandson of this hunter and farmer is William T. Waggoner. He was born in Lexington, Richland county, Ohio, March 12, 1S57. He is the son of Henry R. and Sarah (Lizar) Waggoner. Both of his parents were born in Pennsylvania, where they were married, and went to Ohio. Later, in 1855, they moved to Lexington, and it was here that William was born. In addition to his other business Henry Waggoner made wagons. He had learned this trade in his youth and followed it many years. In 1S65 he concluded to move to Indiana. Accordingly he sold his Ohio property and migrated across the border of the neighboring state. He settled in Blue Creek township, Adams county. His farm was covered with woods and was unimproved. Soon after corning to Indiana he secured work at his trade in the plant of the Schackley Wheel Company at Decatur. He remained with this firm until the plant was destroyed by an explosion in 1 871. After this plant was destroyed he ran a wagon shop in Blue Creek township until 1893, when he removed to Berne, Adams county, where he lived a retired life. After his wife's death, March 10, 1S98, he gave up his residence in Berne and made his home with one or the other of his children until his own death, September 16, 1905.

He was married twice and had three children by his first wife. His second wife was the mother of the subject of tin's sketch and bore her husband eight children. Henry Waggoner was a respected man and an esteemed citizen. He voted the Republican ticket and was a member of the Christian church.

good an education as it was possible to get in the section of the state where he w;is brought up at that time. When he grew to manhood he worked at the trade of wagon-making for a time; later gave this up and devoted all his time to farming. He has owned his present place of ninety acres for twenty-seven years. He also owned forty acres in Blue Creek township for a time, but disposed of this tract in 1905. He served one term, from 1889 to 1893, as postmaster of Berne. When his term was ended he returned to his farm in Monroe township and resumed farming. He owns one of the best improved and most attractive places in the township. He has put all of the improvements on the place himself and has built almost all of the buildings on his farm. These are modern and substantial and the farm is admirably fenced and drained and is at a high point of productiveness. In addition to general farming he raises shorthorn cattle, Berkshire hogs and Shropshire sheep. He also raises horses for the market and he sells numbers.

Mr. Waggoner was married to Miss Julia A. Hedington in 1877. His wife is a daughter of Laben and Sarah (Daniels) Hedington, who are natives of Mount Vernon, Ohio. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner. He is a good neighbor and a highly respected citizen. He takes an active part in the affairs of his community, but has not served as a public officer.

He is a member of the lodge of Knights oi Pythias at Berne and is active in promoting the welfare and prestige of this order. ^ itn his wife he is a member of the Christian church and sub^ribes heartily to the aim- of this denomination.

Joseph Johnson Dailey

losepb Tohnson Dailey is a native of \i!ams county. He was born in that county March I, 1847. He is a son of James and Man" (Johnson) Dailey. On his mother's vi«!e he can trace his ancestry back to the Mavflower, when the first of the family of rh it-name came to this country. His father »\.is born at Athens, Ohio, in 181 5, and his mother was born in Harrison county of the Same state. After their marriage in Ohio fames and Mary Dailey migrated to Indiana. They purchased land in Saint Mary's township and were among the first settlers in this part of Adams county. They lived «>ii their farm and cultivated it until the <!e;ith of James Dailey in 1863. Mrs. Dailey survived her husband some years and lived until 1885. This couple were the parents of dead, as is also Samantha, the eighth in Kill living. The eldest child, Nimrod, is read, as is also Samantha, the eighth in point of birth. The survivors are: Davis, Mary, J. J,, Amy, Emly, Margaret, James and Easias. The two last named are twins.

Of this family J. J. Dailey was the fourth l>orn. He spent his early life on the family farm in Saint Mary's township. His life was not unlike that of the average boy raised in northeastern Indiana in the pioneer days. He attended the winter sessions of the schools of his neighborhood and secured as good an education as the times and circumstances perHfitted. In the months between school terms he assisted in the cultiva- Jioii of his father's farm and under the guid- -"-"ce of his father became in time a successful and skilled agriculturist. In 1S73 he decided to make a start for himself independent of ins father, and in line with this idea he purchased his present farm in Blue Creek township. This was a tract of eighty acres and was splendidly located. He now owns two hundred and forty acres. He chose for his wife in 1873 Miss Samantha Robinson, who was a daughter of Abram and Nancy (Zimmerman) Robinson. Her parents were among the old settlers of the county and were .large landowners. Her father was a farmer and was one of the most prosperous in the county. Both of her parents are dead.

After his marriage Mr. Dailey set to work to clear and improve his farm. The land was practically virgin soil and the task of getting it under cultivation was a huge one. However, he was filled with the determination to succeed, and it was not long before he had the greater portion of his farm under cultivation and crops being raised each year at a profit. As the years progressed he improved his place. He ditched it and drained it thoroughly and built substantial fences. He improved the buildings that were on the farm and added to the house. He also erected a large barn, ninety by forty-seven feet, and built other out buildings. In addition to cultivating the land, he raises stock. His breeds of Durham cattle and Duroc swine are famous over the county and he raises good strains of Shropshire sheep. Altogether, his place is one of the most valuable in the county and it is kept along lines of modernity and the best farm practice. Apart from his business of farming he takes an interest in the affairs of his county. He is a Republican, but has never held office and does not aspire to any. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Andrew B. Daugherty

The parents of A. B. Daugherty were among the earliest settlers in Adams county. His father was Andrew Daugherty, who was born in Maryland in 1805. His mother was Jane (Montgomery) Daugherty, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1S10. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Daugherty were married in Ohio August 23, 1832. They lived a few years in Ohio after their marriage and then the husband came to Indiana and entered land in 1836. Three years later he returned to Ohio and brought his family with him to Indiana. He was the father of six children : Leonard, Hester A., Oliver S., Alvin W., Angeline and Andrew B. The latter child, who is the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of his father's family. He was reared on the original forty-acre farm his father entered from the government. It was located in Root township and was the home of the elder Daugherty until his death, October 1, 1896. During his life the elder Daugherty had added to his land holdings, and at his death he owned one hundred and twenty acres. He was a successful farmer and his estate at his death was well improved and at a most productive stage.

The marriage of Mr. Daugherty and Miss Jemima Evans was solemnized January 26, 1870. His wife is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Sparks) Evans. Her parents were natives of Ohio. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty. These children are: Blanche E., the wife of

George Laughrey, a school teacher of Cicero, Indiana; Lizzie I., the wife Clyde Davis; Claude D., employed in a store al Colfax, Indiana ; True, a student at Purdue University at Lafayette, Indiana, and Fanchion, who is a student at the Decatur high school and lives at home.

As a general farmer Mr. Daugherty is one of the most successful in his section of the county. His farm consists of eighty acres, all under cultivation, and he raises excellent crops each year which he sells at a handsome profit. He has improved his farm from time to time and its appearance today is a delight to the eye of the beholder. The broad fields are enclosed by fine fences and the house and other buildings on the estate are modem and in excellent repair. Considered as a whole the farm is one of the most valuable and finest country homes in the county. The satisfaction of looking at his productive property and realizing 'that what is revealed is the result of his own labors is Mr. Daugherty's. He has led an industrious life and he has made the most of all opportunities that presented themselves to him. He is a wide-awake man and takes an interest in the affairs of his county and township. He is interested in all movements that are designed to elevate the community in which he lives or to add to its commercial prosperity. He contributes liberally to all such movements, and is a valuable citizen and a good neighbor. He is a member of the Knights tof Pythias, but is not to be considered as a public man in any sense of the word. He and the members of his family are members of the Lutheran church and he contributes generously to this denomination and to its objects. In politics he is a Republican.

William L. Randenbush

William L. Randenbush was born in Allen county near the city of Fort Wayne, [afluary 28, 1862. He is a son of Isaac and Anna M. (Shaffer) Randenbush. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Indiana and lived for a time in Elkh.-'rt county. His mother also lived in this county for some years. After their marriage his parents removed to Allen county and settled near Fort Wayne. They resided in Allen county for some years and in i860 came to Adams county. They located on a farm in Washington township, where he died in 1874. His wife survived him many years, her death occurring March 4, 1907. Six children were born to this estimable couple: George, Mary, Clara, Dayton, Ellen and William L. The two last named are twins.

While the elder Randenbush was a farmer in his later life, he learned the trade of a blacksmith in his young manhood and worked at this trade for several years. He was a Republican, but never held any public office. He and his wife were members of the Evangelical church.

William Randenbush was reared on his father's farm in Allen and Adams counties. He attended the public schools of his districts and secured a good English education. He learned what it meant to be a farmer and the busy life he led assisting his father in the cultivation of his farm prepared him for the labor of a like kind he was destined to do on his own estate. When he reached his majority he started out for himself. He worked in various sections of the county as > hired helper for several years and out of his monthly earnings he saved money. He

In 1885 he was married to Miss Delia Reynolds, a daughter of Elisha and Sarah (Roe) Reynolds. Her parents were among the older residents of Adams county and her father was born in that county. He is a plasterer by trade and followed that business for many years. He is still living in Decatur. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Randenbush - Rolla E. and Alma L. Both children live with their parents.

Mr. Randenbush is the owner of one hundred and six acres of land. He secured his present property in 1902. It was partially improved when he purchased it, but he has added many improvements since it came into his possession. He has almost all of his place under cultivation and it is well drained and equipped with buildings and fences. Fie raises a good quality of stock and hogs. He is a Republican so far as his politics are concerned, and has served as a trustee of his home township, Blue Creek. Other than this he has not held office. He takes' an active interest in county and township affairs, but devotes most of his time to the cultivation of his farm. He is a successful farmer and his crops are usually excellent and disposed of at a profit.

Thomas H. Baltzell

Thomas H. Baltzell, who is numbered among Adams county's successful farmers and stock breeders, is a native of this county, having been born in Blue Creek township on December 20, 1856. He is a son of

John and Rebecea J. (Ruby) Baltzell. John Baltzell was born in Ohio and in an early day came to Adams county, locating on a farm in Blue Creek township. For a few years he followed blacksmithing and also bought and sold timber, and followed other occupations. He was the father of six children, namely: Thomas H., subject of this sketch ; Theresa, Belle, Emma, Dayton and Amanda. In politics he was a Democrat, though he never held public office. He died in 18S0, his wife dying while the subject of this sketch was quite young.

Thomas H. Baltzell received a common school education and has practically given his entire attention to farming and kindred pursuits. He obtained his present farm in a rough and unimproved condition, but by dint of persistent and strenuous personal endeavor he has converted it into one of the choicest farms in his county. He is the owner of two hundred and sixty acres of land, about two hundred and forty acres of which are under the plow, and devotes a large share of his time to the breeding of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep and Berkshire hogs, in which enterprise he has been very successful. He has also given some attention to public works, having contracted for several large ditches in the county, all of which he successfully completed.

On September 22, 1882, Mr. Baltzell was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Andrews, daughter of T. H. and Sarah (Little) Andrews, the former of whom was a native of Ohio and came to Indiana in an early day, where he followed fanning the remainder of his life. They were the parents of six children, namely: Marion, Anna, Emma, Morton, Martha A. and Emma, who is nowdeceased. To the subject and his wife have been born nine children, namely: Vaughn, Walter T., Theresa, Ruth, Electa, John, Dent, Victor and Crystal. Mr. Baltzell is a Democrat and takes an active interest in all public matters of his county.

Daniel Weldy

In a time that is now recalled and remembered by few men living in Adams county today Daniel Weldy began life in the northeastern part of Indiana. He lives in the same section of the state today, and as he looks back over the flight of years he sees remarkable changes and in each can point to the work he has accomplished in developing his county and community. He is one of the remarkable characters of his section of the state. He is essentially a product of pioneer days. His personality is rugged and wholesome, and his part in life has been played with fearlessness and honesty. He is one of three survivors of a family of twelve children born to his parents. His birth occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, on October 3. 1822. His parents were Peter and Susanna (Huddle) Weldy. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Virginia. His father was a farmer who braved the Ohio wilderness in the days soon after the war for independence and made a home in the trackless forests. He lived in the state of his adoption until his death in 1877.

Daniel Weldy came to Adams county in 1S45. He secured land in Kirkland township when that section of the county was in a wild state. The eighty acres of land he purchased was in the woods and the hand of man had done nothing to make them pro- ductive. However, Daniel faced his future without faltering. He hewed logs and built a rude cabin and began to clear the land. At ihe time wild game abounded in the forests, and many birds and animals fell prey to his unerring rifle. He was a keen sportsman and his skill as a hunter was one of the points of his younger years in the state. Once established in his new home he began to contribute his full share to the development of the county. He was an active, wideawake man and knew what it meant to form a new country. The necessities of life were obtainable, but something more than the mere necessities were what the pioneer citizens had come for. Education was a necessity and he realized the great advantages that would come to future generations through this medium. As trustee of Kirkland township he erected the first log schoolhouse in that township and in his long and useful life he was foremost in promoting educational facilities. He served his fellow citizens of Adams county and of his own township in a number of public capacities. He was a trusted public servant. He was a trustee of Kirkland township for fifteen years, a justice of the peace in the same township for eleven years, a member of the county commissioners for six years and a supervisor for a long term. During his incumbency of these offices he built school houses, pikes, and in many other ways contributed substantially to the improvement and development of the county. During all of these years he continued to live on his original farm. - In all_ he spent fifty-seven years on his farm, and brought it to the very acme of fertility. He built comfortable and substantial buildings, drained the land thoroughly and has made of it one of the most valuable farms in the entire county.

Mr. Weldy was married to Miss Elizabeth Beery, a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Miller) Beery. His wife's parents lived in Fairfield county, Ohio, and died there. Eleven children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Weldy. These are: Christian, Seth. William, Barbara, Sarah, Mary, Abraham, Rachael, Ellen, Daniel and Eli.

In 1900 Mr. Weldy moved to Decatur and built a fine home on First street, where he still resides. He was at one time one of the largest land owners in Adams county, possessing more than eight hundred acres, located in three townships. He sold this land later. As a farmer he was a successful man. He raised much valuable stock, making a specialty of Berkshire and Poland China hogs and general purpose horses. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for more than forty years, becoming a member of this fraternity in 1863.

James Wagner

Among the present residents of Adams county who can claim to be in reality old residents is James Wagner. Less than half of the last century had been told when he came to Indiana. It is true that he was but a small lad when he came, but that does not invalidate the claim that he was one of the pioneers and is still one of the oldest settlers of this county. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, near the town of Lancaster, November 10, 1834. His parents were John N. and Elizabeth (La Clear) Wagner. Both were born in France and migrated to America in 1834. They lived for the first five years after their arrival in this country in Fairfield county, Ohio, and then came to Indiana. In 1S45 the elder Wagner purchased land in Adams county, and this land is in possession of James, his son, today.

Indiana land was not an attractive proposition to the pioneers of the early decades of the nineteenth century when viewed from the standpoint of physical beauty. The land was a wilderness infested with wild beasts, and the pioneers had a serious problem confronting them. The land secured by John Wagner was not better than any other. It was covered with timber and altogether unimproved. However, he erected the customary log cabin and began to create a farm. His labors were hard and he did not live to see his land the fine tract it is today. He died two years after reaching Adams county, leaving a widow and two boys. The sons were little fellows at the time of their father's death, but they were determined to help their mother and did all they could to improve the place. As they grew to manhood they added from time to time the necessary improvements and erected better buildings than those of their early days. Fences were stretched along the fields and the necessary tiling was laid and ditches constructed to drain the area that was swampy or otherwise too moist for cultivation. The place, which consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, was gradually brought under cultivation and today all is in tine shape. Eight acres of timber land are preserved because of the fine quality of the timber on it.

Catherine (Lydic) Martz. Her father was. a native of Maryland and her mother was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. They came to Indiana and settled in the Adams county wilderness in 1S38. They bought land in Monroe township and lived there until their deaths. Mr. Martz died in 1870 and his wife survived him twelve years and died in 1883. Thirteen children came to bless the union of James Wagner and Lydia Martz. Of these children nine are still living. Those living are: Mary, now Mrs. Andrews, of Columbus, Ohio; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Middleton, resides in Arkansas; Louisa, now Mrs. Hunter, of Decatur; Nicholas, a farmer in Washington township; Ella, now Mrs. Estell, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Eva, now Mrs. Dimond, of Hartford, Connecticut; Angie, now Mrs. Peterson, residing on the home farm; Leonard, residing' in Fort Wayne ; Jesse, residing in Fort Wayne. Those dead are: Emily, Rena, Frank and Ida.

The entire life of Mr. Wagner has been spent on the family homestead. He has grown up with his township and has witnessed and taken part in many changes that have come about. He is a public-spirited man and enjoys the esteem and fullest confidence of his fellow men. He has served his neighbors in public capacities several years and has been a supervisor. He is an enthusiastic member of the Horse Thief Detective Association and other bodies devoted to the improvement and protection of the district. He votes an independent ticket, favoring the man rather than the party. With the members of his family he is a religious man and a supporter of" churches. His home is pleasant and most comfortable.

Herman W. Sellemeyer

Herman W. Sellemeycr is a native of Adams county, having been born in Preble township July 14, 1S59. He was the fifth in order of birth of a family of six children born to his parents, Ernst and Christina (Oeting) Sellenieyer. His father was born in Germany in 181 2 and died in 1891. His mother is still living with one of her sons and has reached the advanced age of eightynine years. The children of the elder Sellemeyer who are living are: Louise, William, who operates the homestead; Erederick, a resident of Decatur; H. \V., the subject of this sketch, and August, a lumberman. The boyhood home of Mr. Sellemeyer was on his father's farm. He attended the schools of the district and picked up as complete and satisfactory an education as the times and conditions permitted. In the summer months he worked on his father's farm and learned the lessons that agriculture teaches. He was an industrious boy and mastered the principles that he applied to his credit and financial success later in his life.

The marriage of Mr. Sellemeyer and Miss Savilla Kohler was celebrated April 17, 1S84. The bride was a daughter of John P. and Mary Ann (Steiner) Kohler. Her father was a native of Switzerland, from which country he came to the United States early in the last century. Mrs. Sellemeyer was one of a family of eleven children born to her parents. Of this large family Peter and Mrs. Sellemeycr are living. William, John, Philip, Celestina, Calvin, Mary, Josephine, DanieUand Edward are dead. John Kohler after coming to America located for a time in the east. Later he removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he lived and farmed for about five years. In 185S he disposed of his Ohio place and removed with his family to Indiana. He purchased land in French township, Adams county, and continued to farm. In addition to his work on the farm he followed his trades of mason and plasterer and added to his income each year through the medium of the work he did. for various farmers of the township. His wife lived on the Indiana homestead and was a faithful and able helpmate to her husband until her demise. She died in 1890. After the death of his wife Mr. Kohler lived, with his daughter and Mr. Sellemeyer until his own death, March 9, 1900. He was one of the most highly respected men of the township and his life had been of great benefit to the community in which he lived.

Mr. and Mrs. Sellemeyer are the parents of three children, all of whom are living. The eldest, Emma, is one of the best-known educators of Adams county. She is a woman of much initiative and has had a most successful career as a teacher. At present she is teaching in the primary grades of the public schools at Decatur. A seconJ daughter, Matilda, is also a teacher and is at present one of the teachers of the Preble school in Preble township. Agnes, the youngest daughter, is attending the schools of her home district. In addition to his three daughters Mr. Sellemeyer has given a home and a parent's consideration and affection to Hulda Bauer.

The estate owned by Mr. Sellemeyer consists of seventy-five acres, all well improved and at a high stage of fertility and productiveness. He has practically made all of the improvements on his place without outside aid. He has lived on it continuously for twenty-one years. Two years of his life he spent working in a saw mill in Decatur before coming to his present farm. He takes an interested part in the affairs of his community. He is a member of the Democratic party, but has never held or aspired to public office. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed church at Decatur and are earnest supporters of this denomination.

George Zehr

George Zehr, an enterprising and successful farmer of Wabash township, Adams county. Indiana, is a native of Germany, where he was born on November n, 1842, and is a son of Jacob and (Steinman) Zehr. These parents were agriculturists and never left the fatherland.

George Zehr obtained a good education in the public schools of his native land and in 1866, in order to better his financial interests, emigrated to America and located in Wayne county, Ohio, where he lived for two years, and then removed to Adams county, where Tie spent a year working at the carpenter trade. Subsequently he located in McLain county, Illinois, and also spent three years in Taswell and Livingston counties, Illinois. In 1872 he returned to Adams county and bought a farm of ninety-two acres, located "in section 19, Wabash township, which at that time was densely covered with timber excepting a tract of about ten acres. For a of years their home was in a log cabin, but in 1887 this was replaced by a splendid two-story frame^ residence, followed two years later by the erection of a large barn, a large part of the carpenter work on both buildings having been done by

Mr. Zehr. Today he owns as good a farm as can be found in Adams county, having put upon it many substantia! and permanent improvements. In addition to agriculture he gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, in which he has been successful.

In 1872 Mr. Zehr married Miss Lydia Roth, daughter of Christian and Mary (Hirschy) Roth, the father a native of France and the mother of Switzerland. They came to America separately many years ago and settled in Adams county, Indiana, where they subsequently resided until death. Mrs. Zehr was born in French township, Adams county, and was here reared and received her education. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zehr have been born ten children, namely : Christian, David, Jacob, Mary and Sarah (twins), Rosa, Enos, Simeon, William and Lillie, now deceased. The family are members of the Mennonite church and take an active interest in everything that tends to the upbuilding' of the community.

Daniel Beeler

Daniel Beeler was born in Butler county, Ohio, near the present city of Hamilton in 1S54. He is the son of William and Margaret (Burcaw) Beeler. His father was a native of the Keystone State, where he was born in 1S17. His mother was born in Hamilton in 1822. William Beeler came from Pennsylvania to Ohio when a young man and followed his trade of carpenter for some time. He purchased land and" added fanning to his calling. After a residence of some vears in Ohio he removed to Indiana and purchased land in Wabash township, Adams county. This land he cultivated for ;i number of years and then he disposed of h and purchased a farm in Jefferson township. His wife died February 6, 1900, and his death occurred in June, 1905. He was an esteemed man and left a record that showed him to be an exemplary citizen.

Daniel Beeler followed the fortunes of his father for the years succeeding his birth. He was educated in the common schools of the day and learned the art of agriculture. There was nothing about his early life that made it differ materially from the lives of the average boys of his time. He worked hard and his pleasures were the rude pastimes of his pioneer neighborhood. After reaching his majority Daniel Beeler mar; ried Miss Rachael Hilleary, a daughter of Enos and Rachael (Rickner) Hilleary. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Licking county, Ohio. Mr. Hilleary was a carpenter and followed this work in addition to agriculture. He spent his life in Ohio, never coming to Indiana, and died in that former state in about 1876. His wife died three years before his own death occurred. After his marriage Mr. Beeler devoted all of his attention to agriculture. He improved his farm from time to time. He constructed ditches and laid tiling as it became necessary and so reduced the greater part of his homestead to cultivation. As the needs of his farm and its increased productiveness presented themselves, he erected better and larger buildings and now has his original estate equipped with a fine home, substantial barn and other buildings. His fences are strong and kept in excellent repair, and altogether his estate is one of the best improved and most attractive in Adams county. He owns a total of one hundred and sixty-seven acres in this and Jay county, Indiana, and almost the whole of these two farms are under cultivation. Mr. Beeler conducts a general farming business. He rotates his crops with judgment and applies modern methods in tilling the soil. In addition to his general farming business he raises much stock. His breeds of cattle, horses, sheep and hogs are of a high standard and are sold at profitable prices.

In matters apart from business he is a man wide awake. He takes an interest in public affairs and in all matters affecting the general good. He is a member of the Prohibition party and gives this organization his support, but he has never been a candidate for political office. He is an esteemed citizen and with his wife supports the United Brethren church. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beeler: Eva J., the wife of James Armstrong, a farmer of Washington township; Delia, the wife of Wilson Hollingsworth, and Samuel E. and May G., living with their parents.

Charles Armstrong

Charles Armstrong was born April 20, 1856, in Adams county, Indiana. He is the son of Stephen and Miriam (Nelson) Armstrong. His father was bom in New London county, Connecticut, almost within hearing of the waves of Long Island Sound. The elder Armstrong came to Indiana in 1852 and settled on the farm that is the present home of his son Charles. This tract is located in Wabash township and on it the elder Armstrong followed general farming

SNOW'S HISTORY Gland live stock raising-. He had a family of ten children, seven of whom are still living. He died in 1885. His wife, the mother of the subject of this brief sketch, is still living at the home of her son and has reached the advanced age of seventy-two years. His mother was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and came to Indiana when three years age with her parents. When they reached their land in this township they found Indians living on it.

The Armstrong' brothers are the owners of three hundred and forty-eighty acres of farm land in Adams county. All of this land is under cultivation and the brothers follow a general farming business, at which they have been uniformly successful. In addition to raising crops that are profitable the brothers raise much stock. Their strains of shorthorn cattle, Duroc and Poland China bogs and horses are among the best in this section of the state. They take especial pride in their breeds of stock, and are continually improving the strains. The greater part of the work of clearing the original place this family occupied in Adams county fell upon Charles. His father had the misfortune to be an invalid and partially incapacitated for manual labor. Young Charles, as a result, went to work in the fields of his father's farm almost as soon as he was tall enough to grasp the handles of a plow. He worked earnestly and faithfully and much of the fertility and productiveness of the place today is due to his labors and faithful attention to the management of the farm.

Mr. Armstrong is one of the most highly respected men of his community. He is a man who is alive to the needs of his township, and is one of the most earnest in working for these needs. In politics he is a Democrat, but in county and township affairs is guided in his voting by the qualifications of the man for the office rather than any party dictum. His farm is well improved and is one of the best in the neighborhood. He has the credit for all the improvements, and can say that it indicates the work of an intelligent and consistent worker. He is not a member of any lodge. The entire family of Armstrongs were Christian people, members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Armstrong, mother of our subject, has lived longer in this neighborhood than anyone else living. Their only neighbors were Indians. The first year they lived here all their cattle were killed by wolves. They endured many hardships and for the first few years lived on wild game.

Henry Miller

It is said that there was a time during the residence of Henry Miller in Adams county when he knew personally every man in his home township. It is certain today that there is no better known man, or for that matter one more highly esteemed than Henry Miller within the confines of the community in wdiich be has spent his life. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, December 29. 183S. His parents were Isaac and Sarah (Knepper) Miller. His father was born in Virginia and was the son of Peter Miller. His mother was born in Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio about the same time and after their marriage lived in Licking county until their deaths. The early life of Hetwy Miller was spent on his parents" homestead in

Ohio. He obtained a fair education in the schools of his neighborhood and in 1S59 came to Indiana. He purchased a farm in Wabash township, which he still owns. When he bought his land it was heavily wooded and had to be cleared before it could be made productive. He labored at the task of clearing the land, and when a portion was cleared he returned to Ohio. After spending two years in Ohio he came back to Wabash township. He resumed the work of clearing his tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres and in time accomplished this. However, he permitted thirteen acres to remain in timber and pasturage. The farm is today one of the best and most attractive in the township. The residence on it and the barns are in excellent shape and are thoroughly modern. The fencing is strong and ample, and Mr. Miller has laid about fifteen hundred rods of tiling. In every respect the farm is productive and profitable and has been brought to a high state of fertility and cultivation.

The marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Naomi Nelson was celebrated in i860. Before her death Mrs. Miller bore her husband seven children : Emma. Mary, William, Franklin, Carrie, James and Isaac, who died in infancy. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Miller contracted another marriage in 1872. His bride this time was Miss Martha Boehm, a daughter of Barnett and Sarah (Huddle) Boehm. His wife's parents came to Indiana from Virginia and settled on a farm in Wabash township, Adams county. Later they moved to Jay county, where they lived until their deaths. As the result of this .marriage eight children were boni: Katie O., John A., Howard, Tilden, Barney, Nellie, Vernon and Goldie.

Mr. Miller's life has been a busy one, filled with energetic work. He was employed at times during fifteen years of his life in Adams county as a carpenter and helped in the construction of many of the buildings in the county. He has brought his farm to a model basis, and he enjoys a comfortable competence. In addition to tilling his acres he raises stock. His farm is well provided with good grades of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and these he sells at excellent prices. He is a man who takes an interested part in the things that are going on about him. He is an active worker for all measures that mean the improvement of his neighborhood, and although giving his complete allegiance to no party has served ten years as a trustee of Wabash township. He affiliates with no lodge, but is an active and consistent member of the Disciples' church. He is a respected citizen and a good neighbor, and his advice and counsel are frequently sought by his fellows.

J. L. Love

J. L. Love was born in Wayne county, Indiana, May 21, 1S50. His parents were among the earlier settlers of Wayne county, coming to Indiana in 1830. John Love, the father of J. L., was a native of North Carolina and his mother, who was Harriett Scott, was bora in Virginia. The boyhood of J. L. Love was spent near the village of Williamsburg on a farm. He was one of a family of eleven children, but three of whom survive. His education was- obtained in the district schools and his life was not marked by incidents other than are encountered by the average boy who was a son of pioneer parents. He worked on his father's farm and in addition learned the business of a carpenter. When he grew to manhood he decided to make a start for himself. His fathed died in Wayne county in 1873 and the following year his son was married to Rachel Baldwin, a daughter of Thomas and Diadema (Tigle) Baldwin. Like the father of Mr. Love, his wife's father was a native of North Carolina. Her mother was born in Wayne county, but the family lived in Randolph county, of which section of Indiana they were old settlers. Following his marriage to Miss Baldwin, Mr. Love decided to move to Adams county. He did this and purchased a farm of sixty acres, all but five of which are now under cultivation. This farm has been cultivated and improved by Mr. Love since he came inco possession of it in 1SS6, and is a valuable piece of property.

After reaching Adams county he turned his attention to carpenter work. He developed this business until it became a source of great profit. He took contracts for the erection of buildings and became one of the most successful and best known builders of the county. Among the structures that stand as monuments to his ability are several school buildings in various parts of Adams county. In addition to these buildings he has planned and erected many large barns on various farms of the county. His work in all particulars has given the utmost satisfaction and has been of a high order.

Mr. and Mrs. Love have become the parents of seven children: Clayton and Alfred, living in Randolph county; John, an < d well driller of Geneva; Orlie, who lost his life in a railroad accident; Mary, married and living in Ceylon; Nora, married and living in Lafayette, and Maud, married and living near Geneva. Mr. Love is a member of the Republican party and an enthusiastic worker in its interests. He has not aspired to office but has ever had the good of his party at heart. He is an earnest and esteemed member of the Beme Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family worships with the Friends congregation.

Lewis Long

A few years following the close of the war for American Independence a man who had followed the fortunes of the Continental arms under General Washington as a soldier left his home in eastern Pennsylvania and traveled to Ohio. His object was to establish a new home in the Northwest Territory. This soldier of Washington was James Long and he settled in Warren county, Ohio. He made a home and cleared a farm and in the due course of time became the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. James Lang was accompanied by a boy, his son, and this boy, Robert Long, was the father of Lewis. Robert Long was born in 1787 and lived with his father on the Ohio farm until he grew up. He decided to come to Indiana, which was then a Mecca for adventurous pioneers, and did come in 1S16. He had followed his trade of cabinet-making in Franklin, Ohio, but believed that he woukl find greater opportunities in the new country to the westward. When he reached Union county the pioneer found that the land was covered with heavy timber and was full of wild game. He moved into a customary log cabin and proceeded to clear the land.

In lime this was accomplished. About 1812 Robert Long was married to Miss Mary KvJe. Ten children were born of this union, 'i hey were: Sarah P., William, James, Robert K., David, Samuel, Elizabeth, Mary, I rvis and Martha. From this it will be seen 1 hat Lewis was the ninth child born to his parents. His boyhood was spent on the farm and he obtained a very meager educalii m in the schools of the neighborhood. His father became a prosperous farmer and purchased other land in the state. Among these was a tract in Adams county that had been government school land. Robert Long lived a number of years in Union county and saw the county develop and grow. He improved his land and at his death, which occurred July 8, 1855, was the owner of one of the best and most highly improved tracts in the county. His wife survived him a number of years and her death occurred in 1S71. She had moved in 1857 *-° Clermont county, Ohio.

It was to the Adams county land owned by his father that Lewis Long removed in 1862. He was married May 29th of that year and brought his bride to Adams county. The land was rough and uncleared and the task of bringing it under cultivation was a huge undertaking. However, by industry and close attention he succeeded in clearing the greater portion of the land and in making it productive. His wife, who was Miss Mary Blair, a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Lang) Blair, was an able assistant to her husband and was a fine type of a hardy, resourceful pioneer woman. She was bom in Ireland, but cajne to this country when young. Her parents never left Ireland and are buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Long are '-'-c parents of ei^ht children, seven of whom are living. Charles, the eldest of the family, died some years ago and George B., Wiiliam, Eva, Russell, Alonzo, Daisy and Leona are living.

Mr. Long is the owner today of a fine farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres. The land is well cleared and highly improved. The buildings are modern and adequate. The farm is well fenced and admirably drained. The owner follows geiv eral farming and his crops are large and profitable. He raises stock and his cattle and Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs are among the best of their breed in the county. He raises bronze turkeys and these domesticated birds are raised on the land where wild turkeys and other game were shot in the owner's early days. In addition to his farm work Mr. Long is an expert carpenter and has followed this trade for more than fifty years. He is a progressive man and one who is generally esteemed. He served for seven years as a justice of the peace and was a member of the Grange of his neighborhood when that body was in existence. Llis family worship at the Methodist Episcopal church and give this denomination their hearty and generous support. The subject was raised a Presbyterian, but he never affiliated with any church. He is a Democrat.

John Brown

Abraham Brown, the grandfather of the subject of tins sketch, and the first of his immediate family to come to this country, was a native o'f Scotland and emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Lie was an industrious, thrifty man and his successful life was an inspiration to his descendants. He had a son also named Abraham, who became the father of John Brown. Abraham married Mary Reed in Pennsylvania and moved with her to Ohio, where he entered land from the government. He followed the calling of a farmer and lived in Ohio until his death in 1863. His wife died the same year. He was survived by five of his family often children. John Brown was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, November 23, 1S53. He spent his youth on his father's farm and assisted in the labors incident to the operation and management of the farm. In 1870 he came to Indiana and settled on one hundred and five acres of land, which he purchased in Wabash township, Adams county. This land under his management and development has come to be a very valuable tract, and is still the home property of Mr. Brown. He improved his land and soon had it at a very profitable stage of cultivation. In addition to general farming he devoted his attention to the raising of stock tor shipment to the markets. This work he has continued and has built up a business in shipping cattle, hogs and sheep that is one of the largest and most important and profitable in northeastern Indiana. As time wore on Mr. Brown added to his real estate holdings in the township until he has today four hundred and fifty acres of fine land all in one piece. This is situated about one and one half miles from Geneva and is one of the best improved in the entire county. All the improvements on the land were put there by Mr. Brown. .A large part of his farm is under cultivation and the crops that are grown on the land are fed to the cattle and hogs that are raised. These grades of cattle and hogs are common grades, but under the experienced eye and management of Mr. Brown become excellent for marketing- and are sold at the highest market prices in a number of localities. Mr. Brown sells all of his stock on foot and ships much of it to distant points.

The estate owned by Mr. Brown is one of the finest in the county. He has erected a fine residence and large and commodious stock barns and sheds. The improvements that have been made arc of the very best and in the operation of the farm the latest machinery and most improved and modem methods are employed. The place is well fenced and excellently drained.

March 31, 1876, Mr. Brown married Miss Nettie Martin, a daughter of William and Caroline (Fitzsimmons) Martin. Her parents were residents of Pennsylvania originally, but later came to Ohio and thence to Indiana. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown. These children are: Nora, the wife of John Love, an oil man ; Hattie, one of twins born, now the wife of Wesley Dunboodie, who is a fanner employed by Mr. Brown; Emma C, Harry. one of the twins, and the husband of Blanche Michaels, and Harvey, still at home.

Mr. Brown is one of the most highly respected men of his community. He is interested in all movements for the improvement of the township and county and is a ready contributor to such movements. He is a Republican and votes with this party on all subjects. Although he has never aspired to or sought a public office, he served for five years as a township trustee. He is not a member of any lodge.

Peter J. Baumgartner

Although brought up on a farm on which he grew to manhood, Peter J. Baumgartner forsook the farm and engaged in a mercantile pursuit which he continues today. He is the owner of one of the largest and most complete and profitable hardware stores in northeastern Indiana. He is of Swiss parentage. His father and mother, Peter and Fannie (Basinger) Baumgartner, were among the early pioneers of Adams county. The father was born in Switzerland and the mother in France. When they came to the United States they hurried to the west and settled in the woods. The land they secured was heavily timbered and wholly without improvements. It was the home of Indians and was full of wild game, such as turkeys, deer and wolves. They lived for a time in Wayne county, Ohio, but removed to Adams county in 1S42, where they commenced fanning in French township. Peter J. Baumgartner was born November 5, 1S53, on the French township farm. He spent his boyhood on the farm and secured his education in the township schools. He remained with his father until he reached his majority, and then decided to take up a mercantile life. He was employed for five years following his departure from the home farm as a carpenter and then opened a hardware business in Berne. This business was a small one at its start, but there was a vast amount of pluck behind it, and a determination on the part of the owner to make it successful in all respects. lie continued his business for a Jew years and then engaged -is a clerk in the store of L. A. Brickley & -^on. However, he resumed his hardware business in iSSS and enlarged it at different