Allen County, Indiana - The whole text, 1889 (part 10 of 17)

INIichael Landin, a venerable and respected citizen of St. Joseph township, was born in Germany, June 8, 1808, son of Michael and Magdalena Landin. He was a weaver b}^ trade, but most of his life in this country has been spent in farming. In 1836 lie emigrated to America and settled at Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained seventeen years. He then moved to Toledo, Ohio, but six months later he came to this countj'. After living on rented land ten years he bought 160 acres of new land, which he cleared. He was married in 1S32 to Mary M. Fisher, who was born August 7, 1810, and eight children were born to them, of whom six are living: Barbara, Catherine, Jacob, Michael, John and Mar3f M. He and his wife are prominent members of the Catholic church. He served as trustee of his church several years in Buffalo, and has helped to build four churches. Mr. Landin began in this countr}' with nothing, but he succeeded well and was able to divide 160 acres of valuable farming land between his sons, John and Michael, who are to pay the shares of the other heirs. He is now eighty-one 3'ears of age, and his venerable wife, who has shared his toil, is aged seventy-nine.

Michael Landin, jr., son of the above, was born in New York, January 23, 1845. He assisted his father in the work of clearing and farming, and shared the toils of the early days. In 1S77 he was married to Mar}' Ley, who was born in 1855, and to their union has been born five children, of whom four are living: Anna M., William H., Katie, Mary and Edward. He and wife are members of the CathoHc church. The}'^ are now comfortably situated on a pleasant farm of eighty acres, handsomely improved with good house and barn, and are highly esteem.ed b}- all.

John Landin, another son of Michael and Mary M., was born in New York state, February 17, 1847. He also worked with his parents and is now rewarded b}- possession of a handsome eightj'-acre farm. He was married in October, 1876, to Maggie Blinckner, who was born in Ohio, in 1856, and died July 15, 1887. She was a member of the Catholic church. April 10, 1887, he was married to Fannie Raw, who was born April 24, 1864. Mr. Landin and wife are members of the Catholic church and are popular and respected citizens.

Martin Blume, prominent among the young farmers of St. Joseph township, is a son of Martin and Margaret Blume, of this township. The latter Martin Blume, was born in Germany, August 10, 1825, son of Martin and Elizabeth Blume, who emigrated with their family to America about 1835, ^nd settled in Pennsylvania. Four years later the}- moved to Perry county, Ohio, and ten years later to Hocking county, where they lived until death. The famil}' have done a great work in the clearing of land, Martin Blume, sr., having brought under cultivation a farm of 300 acres, which he purchased in i860. Martin Blume, jr., the subject of this mention, was born in Hocking county, Ohio, June 2, 1S53, and came to Indiana when a small boy and had a share in the pioneer work in which his father engaged. In 1876 he was married to Cecilia Evard, who was born in 1853, and to this union have been born seven children, of whom six are living: Nora, Catherine C, Albert, Charles, Bessie and Eugene. Two }-ears later he bought 157 acres of land of his father for $3,500, $2,000 of which his father gave him, and the remainder he paid. Of this farm he has cleared a considerable portion, and has built upon it a good two-story brick dwelling. He and wife are members of the United Brethren church.

Henr}- Bohde, an industrious and successful farmer of St. Joseph township, was born in Germany, January 17, 1818, the son of Frederick and Dora Bohde. He was reared in Hanover, and there received his education and learned the trade of a baker, which was his occupation about ten years. He was married in 1S48 to Sophia Bohnon, who was born about 1824, and in 1854 he and family came to America. They settled in St. Joseph township, where he rented land for six years. He then bought forty acres of wild land, and was about to clear it when his wife died, in i860, leaving three children: Henry, jr., Doris and Irma. She was a devoted member of the Lutheran church, and estimable wife, and was sincerely mourned. Mr. Bohde afterward boarded with his brother and began clearing his farm, then untouched by the hand of man, and in October, 1S63, he was married to Doris Karnal, and moved into his little log cabin on his farm. Then began a life of sturdy endeavor, which has been rewarded by a handsome and productive farm, increased now to eighty acres, and provided with a comfortable house and room}- barn. Though now seventy 3^ears old, Mr. Bohde is still active and in the enjoyment of life. He and his good wife, who was born May 2, 1827, are members of the Lutheran church, and are respected by all. Henry Bohde, jr., who has alwaj-s made his home with his father, was born in Germany, January 27, 1852. Coming to America at two years of age, he was early thrown into the activities of pioneer life, and his early years were busil}- occupied with the duties of the farm. He was married in 1881 to Mary, daughter of John and Sophia Meyer, elsewhere mentioned. She was born March 9, i860. To this union were born four children, three of whom survive: Hannah, Emma and Clara. Mr. Bohde and wife are members of the Lutheran church. He owns forty acres adjoining the old homestead.

Aime Chausse, who has been an industrious and valuable citizen of the county since 1854, "^^''^^ ^orn in Switzerland, December 4, 1828, son of Abraham and Emily (Marchand) Chausse. In his native country he received a good education, and since coming to America has taken time to teach himself the English language in his few leisure moments. He emigrated to America in March, 1S49, and first settled in Wayne county, Ohio. Being familiar with both the trades of carpenter and cooper, he followed one or the other, when not farming, and remained in Ohio until 1854, when he came to Milan township, and settled on ninety-eight acres of wild land, which he purchased of F. P. Randall. In the same year he was married to Elise Bueche, who was born in August, 1838. Thev made their home on this uncultivated tract, where Mr. Chausse cut down the first tree, and worked hard to paj^ for the land, which he had bought on time. They succeeded well b}- patient industry, and in a few years had a productive farm adorned with good buildings. In 1869 he sold his farm and bought fort3--three acres in St. Joseph township, all of which but five acres, it was necessary- for him to clear. He now owns a valuable place of sixty-three acres, well-improved, with a pleasant residence and good barn. He is highly esteemed by his neighbors, and in 1S78 he elected justice of the peace, and since then has been continuously elected without opposition. During the years of the Grange organization he was a prominent member and treasurer. He and wife and their famih-, consisting of four children, John, Edward, Helena and Bertha, are highly esteemed.

Jacob Vonderau, one of the prosperous farmers of St. Joseph township, was born December 8, 1S19, the son of Jacob and Barbara Vonderau. In German}', his native land, he received a good education, and after marriage in this country, through the kindness of his wife, he has become familiar with the English. He emigrated to America in 1842, arriving at New York, Jul}' 4th. He first settled in Penns3-Ivania, and a year later, moved further west to Union county, Ohio, which was his home for thirteen years. At the close of that period he came to this county and settled in Milan township, where he remained twenty years. Afterward he removed to the farm upon which he now lives. He was a tailor by trade in the old country, but he has been quite successful as a farmer. Beginning by renting land for twenty-five years, he then bought eighty acres of unimproved land, to whicli he subsequently added another eighty, and as he improved in circumstances he bought 120 more, and 168 in Maumee township. He highly deserves, as he generally receives, the appreciative esteem of the people who know him and his industrious career. In 1S45 Mr. Vonderau was married to Margaret Kern, and to this union were born eleven children, all of whom are living. Parents and family are members of the Lutheran church.

Herman G. Vonderau, son of the above, was born in Union county, Ohio, February 11, 1855. He came with his parents to Allen county at the age of two years, so that nearly all his life has been spent in this county, where he is highly esteemed, and ranked among the deserving and worthy citizens. In this count}' he received a good common school education. He was married November 24, 1878, to Catherine Griebel, who was born March 13, 1856, and to this union have been born three children: George, Mary and John. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church. Beginning his career as a farmer, without any assistance from his father, he has succeeded well, and now has a good farm of eighty acres in St. Joseph township.

Louis Gillieron, prominent among the St. Joseph township farmers of Swiss origin, was born in the Alpine republic October 17, 1819. He was raised to manhood in his native land, and there acquired a good education in the French language. In 1859 he was married to Mrs. Mary A. Shaftef, who was also born in Switzerland, in March, 1822

To this union has been born one child, Louis. Mr. Gillieron served in the arm}' of Switzerland thirteen j-ears before coming to America, and afterward served four months in the Union army during the war of the rebellion. Taken sick at the. end of that period he was honorably discharged. Though a poor man when he came to this country, he has prospered, through his industrious and economical habits, and now has a good farm of 120 acres, and a comfortable home. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church. His son, Louis, is married to Julia Guke, and they have two children, Louis and Joseph. Both are members of the Lutheran church.

John T. Black, of St. Joseph township, is one of the leading farmers of the county. Though coming to Allen count}' at a later day than many others, he had already experienced at his former home all the hard work and privations of pioneer hfe, and his prominent position among the prosperous people of the county is one honestly and laboriously earned. Blessed with such a vigorous constitution that he has never been confined to bed a daj' by sickness, his life has been busily occupied. His grandfather came from German}', and his grandmother was of an EngHsh family that came to Delaware about 160 years ago. He was born February 22, 1S24, in Mainland. On December 20, ten j^ears later, his parents, John and Matilda (Lowe) Black, reached Erie county, Ohio, having traveled to the west with their family and goods in two one-horse emigrant wagons, occupying twenty-six days in the trip. The father brought with him $1,000 in silver, and bought 150 acres of new land bordering on Lake Erie. Here they built a cabin of rough hickory logs for their home, and father and son began the work of clearing. Money being scarce they had to earn what the}' got by boating wood to Huron. By working continuously almost day and night, the family soon became prosperous, and the father's lands increased in extent and value until they were worth $100,000. This land was divided among the children. The mother, a true and devoted member of the Methodist church, died in May, 1886, at the age of eighty-five years. The father, who in addition to his severe farm work, served as a soldier in the war of 181 2, for which he now receives a pension, still retains much of his eyesight and is able to walk without a cane at the age of ninety-eight years. John T. Black obtained his education in subscription schools in Maryland, and in district schools in Ohio. May 23, 1S50, he was married to Rachel M., daughter of Wilson and Keturah (Elson) Driver, of Maryland, and soon afterward settled upon the Ohio homestead which fell to him upon the division of his father's lands. Here he remained until 1864, when he removed to St. Joseph township and bought 160 acres, of which he has made a beautiful farm. He also owns eighty acres in Milan township, and a house and lot in Fort Wayne. By his first marriage he had eight children, of whom five are living, Senora, Calvin, William, Marion, May. The mother died in July, 1876. Mr. Black served as trustee in his township in Ohio six years. He has been a member of the Masonic order since i860.

Among the citizens of St. Joseph township, of German birth, who are comfortably situated and well-to-do, should be mentioned Valentine Lapp. He was born in Germany, December 5, 1827, son of Henr}' and Eliza Lapp. Growing to manhood in his native land he was there well educated, but since coming to America has not given much attention to the study of English. He came to America in 1858, without money, but coming to Allen count)-, he worked out a short time and then bought the farm where he now lives, and he has been able to pay for it, and add many more acres. First buying forty acres, he built there his log cabin, which has now given way to a commodious two-story dwelling. He soon bought another forty and cleared that also, and now has in all 100 acres in St. Joseph township and eighty in Milan. His stui-dy and estimable traits of character have won for the respect of all his neighbors. October 9, 1858, he was married to Elizabeth Amren, who was born December 26, 1832, and they have five children: Ehzabeth, Henr}-, Martin, John and Valentine. Parents and children are members of the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Lapp has been one of the trustees for about three years.

Conrad Dannenfelser, a worthy and prosperous citizen of St. Joseph township, now deceased, was born in German^r, October 9, 1819, son of Henry D. Dannenfelser. He emigrated to America in 1849, and first made his home at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained nine years. He then came to Allen county, and in 1867, moved upon the farm which was his home until his death. Mr. Dannenfelser came to this country a poor man, but was very successful in his enterprises, industrious and economical, and left an estate of 243 acres of well cultivated land. He died June 11, 1889, sincerely mourned by a great number of friends and acquaintances. He was one of the leading citizens of the township. On December 2, 1842, he was married to Dorothea Rhienfahrt, by whom he had five children, one of whom, Mary, survives, and after the death of this wife, he was married in 1855, to Catherine Mack, who was born December 5, 1826. She survives him with four of their five children, Louisa, Ernst, Alfred and George. Mrs. Dannenfelser, as was her husband, is a member of the Lutheran church.

In the southwest corner of St. Joseph township is the homestead of Joseph W. Challenger, now deceased, who was one of the worthiest citizens of the township. Joseph W. Challenger was born in Twerton, near Bath, England, January 17, 1823, and came to America with his parents when a mere child, and settled in Massachusetts. Leaving home at the age of ten j'ears on account of ill-treatment at the hands of his father he was thrown upon the world, practically an orphan, and deprived of all educational advantages. B)^ his own efforts, however, he became well educated in practical matters. Becoming a machinist he was presently a master of his trade and for a considerable time served as a locomotive engineer. He invested his savings in thirty acres of land one and a half miles from the court-house on the Maumee avenue road, and cleared this and built upon it a good house and barn, making it a productive and pleasant place. He was married January S, 1856, to Margaret A. Willower, and to this union two cliildren were born : Frank C. and Edward D. Appreciating the value of the advantages of which he was deprived, he gave his sons a good education, both attending the Fort Wayne commercial college. This worthy gentleman passed awa}^ April 16, 1888. The eldest son, Frank C. Challenger, was born December 3, 1856, at Lima, Ohio. He was raised in Fort Wayne, where he received a good education. June 15, 1880, he was married to Adelia Tilbury, daughter of Jarius and Eliza Tilbury. She was born in Fort Wayne, January 22, 1859. She and her husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their home is at the old farm, and they own besides that place three houses and lots and one vacant lot in the city. Edw'ard D. Challenger, the second son of Joseph W., was born at Zanesville, Ohio, October 14, i860. Coming to Indiana when a mere child, he grew up at Fort Waj^ne and there received a good education, including two years at the commercial college. February 18, 1882, he accepted a position as bookkeeper in the boiler shops of the Pennsylvania railroad compan}^, which he has retained until the present, giving satisfaction to the companj-, and faithfull}- remaining at his post during all this period, except four days during the last illness of his father. He was married July 10, 1S83, to Edith Hutson, daughter of James and Sarah Hutson, and they have one child, Maude, born June 6, 1885. He is an energetic young man, and highh' esteemed.

William Wetzel, who was one of the prosperous farmers of St. Joseph township during his lifetime, was born in Germany, in 181 7, and died in April, 1888. He remained in his native land until 184S, and in 1846 was married there to Mary Pilaumer, who was born in German)- in 1825. When they emigrated to America, they were without means, except to pay their passage, and after they had spent one night in the strange land, they were absolutely without money, and with two children to support. He borrowed $30 from a friend, and that carried him to Starke county, Ohio, where he began work as a day laborer in a brick yard. The next year he came to DeKalb county, and bought thirt}' acres of new land. This he cleared, meanwhile working for his living at day's labor. Subsequently he sold this land and bought another forty in DeKalb, which he sold and purchased eighty acres, which he cleared and improved. After remaining there some time, he came to Allen county and purchased 103 acres in St. Joseph township. To his marriage were born four children: William, Elizabeth, John and Henr)-. Mr. Wetzel was a faithful member of the German Reformed church, and was highl}^ thought of by all who knew him.

Charles Lomas, now deceased, an industrious and popular citizen during his lifetime, was born June 29, 1835, at Manchester, England. He was the son of James and Ann (Ashton) Lomas. He grew to manhood in his native land, and there received a good education, and learned the trade of a moulder, which was his occupation for many years. In 1853, he was married in England, to Elizabeth, daughter of Edward and

Mary (Hopwood) Simpson. She was born May 17,1835. In the same year they emigrated, and settled first at Brooklyn, N. Y., where they remained eighteen months, then going to Ohio, where they spent one year. Subsequentl3- thej' remained four mon':hs in Kentucky, and then lived in Ohio again for two years. They then came to Fort Wayne, where the father found employment in the J." H. Bass foundry and machine shops, and retained his position for thirteen years. He then bought the farm in St. Joseph township, where his widow now resides, but his Hfe was not long spared for the enjoyment of this new home. Two years after moving there he died November 30, 187S. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., and intelligent and enterprising. Since his death, his widow has made man}- improvements on the farm and now has a comfortable two-story dwelHng and a good barn. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lomas were born ten children, of whom eight are living: Wilham, Charles, Edward, James, Byron, Martha J., Sarah A., and Mary E.

Near where the canal crossed the Aboit river La Balme and his little force from Kaskaskia and Vincennes encamped in the latter part of 1780, and were surprised and slaughtered by the Indians under Little Turtle. It has been stated that the word "Aboit" is a corruption of the French "Abattoir," or slaughter-house, given on account of that bloody event. But in an early treaty the river is called "a Bouette^'' which is a form of "rt Boitte^'' and as a name for the stream signifies "Minnow river." This is undoubtedly the true derivation and meaning of the name. Unlike " a I'Anguille," the early name of Eel river, it was not translated, but was gradualh' transformed, and is yet often spelled Aboite. In the wilderness here the "Mar3-land settlement" was established in 1833. The colon}^, about thirty souls 'in all, was composed of the families of Enoch Turner, Richard Andrew, William E. Gouty and Richard Clark, all natives of Maryland. These were industrious and enterprising pioneers. The first religious services were held at the house of Mr. Andrew in 1834, ^y Rev. James Holman, a Methodist minister, and it was the regular place of meeting for a number of years. The same minister married Martin Kelley to Mar}-, daughter of Mr. Andrew, in 1834, that being the first ceremony of the kind in the township. At the same home the first township election was held in 1836, and Mr. Andrew and Samuel Dunlap were elected justices. There were just about enough voters to form the board and furnish candidates. Enoch Turner donated the ground for a cemetery in 1834, and afterward gave land for a log church which was built in 1842, and used for that purpose and also for a school-house for many years. In the year of this settlement, 1S33, Jesse Vermilyea came. He was a prominent man, and w'hen Aboit postofiice was established in 1839 he became the first postmaster, and served a considerable time. During the latter named j-ear he man- ufactured brick and built the first brick house in tlie township. He kept a small stock of goods and traded with the Indians, though he did not open a store. The next comers were Lot S. Bayless and Benjamin Rogers, who came early in 1834. In 1848 Bayless built a saw-mill on Aboit river. In 1833, William Hamilton purchased a tract of land, and in after years he amassed a considerable fortune. In 1853 he erected a saw-mill on Aboit river. George Bullard, a prominent citizen, came in November, 1835, and purchased 240 acres on section 13, which he cleared almost without assistance. His energy is revealed in the record by the fact that he built the first hewn log house in 1S36, and next year set out the first orchard. In the same year, through his generosity, the first school was taught on his land. Another among the early settlers was Raburn Beeson, who came from Ohio.

Along the Little river, in portions of the townships of Wayne, Aboit and Lafa3'elte, a sunken basin extends for twelve miles, with an average width of three miles, which had been a miasmatic swamp from the earliest settlement until a recent date. Attempts were made to drain it, but the enterprise was too gigantic for any other than specially organized effort. Finally under the drainage law of 1883, a petition was filed to begin proceedings for a thorough drainage S3'stem. The drainage commissioners. Surveyor D. M. Allen, W. W. Shoaff and Edward Ely reported on this petition that there were 18,000 acres covered with water so as to be absolutely worthless, 17,000 only available in the dryest seasons, and that other land to the extent of 50,000 acres would be benefited by the drainage proposed. It was proposed to construct forty miles of ditches. The great expense of the work caused many to fear that the cost would exceed the benefit and there was a vigorous contest. The burden which fell upon some land owners was indeed almost crushing. But finalty the work was ordered, and Mr. Ely appointed superintendent. The contract was let July 7, 1S86, to the Little River Ditching company, consisting of H. C. Paul, C. S. Bash, Joseph Derheimer, F. C. Boltz and S. B. Bond. W. H. Goshorn was the engineer in chief. In June, 1889, the work was practically completed by blasting the ditch through the limestone ledge which was the main barrier to drainage. This immense tract, which was formerly in wet seasons so flooded with water that the track of the Wabash railway was submerged, is now rapidly becoming a beautiful, cultivated prairie, the soil of which is wonderfully fertile.

A son of one of the earl}- settlers just named, William A. Hamilton, was born in Aboit township, December 1,1835. His father, William Hamilton, first came to Allen county in 1833, from Albanj', N. Y. After selecting his land, he returned for his family at Cleveland, Ohio, and brought them to the farm where A. M. Darroch now resides. His wife's maiden name was Joanna Van Huzen. She died May 21, 1875, and his death followed eight days later. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are now Hving: William A., Mary and Jane A. William A. Hamilton was educated in the common schools, and worked on the farm with his father until t\\ent3--two 3-ears of age, when he engaged in agriculture on his own account. He was married April 15, 1S58, to Barbara, daughter of John Scott, one of the earl}' settlers of Allen county. They have ten children: Annie, John A., Alice A., George S., Francis W., Wilson A., LilUe B., Henry, Hugh and James.

George BuUard, one of the noted pioneers of the county, was born "in St. Lawrence count}-, N. Y., December 23, 1802. His father, John Bullard, had been a dealer in cattle on a large scale, and a lumberman on the St. Lawrence, and was a man of great business capacit}'. He was in Ogdensburg when that place was taken b}' the British in 1814, and lost all his property. He died in December, 1825, and his wife, whose maiden name was Annie Hall, died November 10, 1841. George Bullard, when a boy, was employed for five years by his brothers in their store, and afterward he rented a farm of a brother, and lived upon it until 1823. Then he engaged in the grocery business at Belleville, N. Y., and after three years of that, purchased a salt block in Onondaga county, of a capacity of eighty barrels a week. This he attended to for two years, and was subsequently engaged in the grocery business at Henderson until 1834. In the fall of the latter year he came to Indiana, and purchased 1,100 acres of land in Aboit township, paying $1.25 for government and $2.50 for canal land. November i, 1835, he arrived with his family, and took possession of the rude shanty he had built. The nearest neighbor west was two miles distant, roads were miserable, without bridges, and the market, Fort Wa3'ne, contained onh- about 700 inhabitants, with very poor buildings. Mr. Bullard took rank then as one of the leaders, and he has ever since been recognized as a prominent citizen, public-spirited, sociable and generous. He has served the people several times as trustee, and for thirt}- years officiated as justice of the peace, receiving his tirst commission from Gov. Wright. He has resided at his present home for fift\--four years, with the exception of eighteen months spent in Fort Wayne, where he purchased property at one time. The faithful partner of his life was Rosamond Dawson, to whom he was married January- 12, 1827. She was the daughter of James Dawson, of Henderson, N. Y., and was born October 9, 1802. She lived to the age of eighty-three years, but never used glasses, being able to read a paper b\' candle-light and thread a needle to the last. She died Januarj- 14, 1886. Of the eleven children of Mr. and Mrs. Bullard, four are living. Mr. Bullard is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge, and Fort Wayne chapter. Royal Arch Masons.

Notable among the pioneers of Aboit township are Samuel Cartwright and wife. Samuel Cartwright was born in Rockbridge county, Va., May 10, 1815, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Paxton) Cartwright, natives of Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in 1832. Mr. Cartwright received a limited education in the common schools of Virginia, and at his father's death managed the farm with the assistance of his brother until twenty-one years of age. He was then engaged as contractor on the Miami canal for about four years, and subsequently came to Indiana and was variousl_y employed until 1S45, when he purchased the land on which he now lives, settling in the woods. The farm now consists of 280 acres of land. He was married January 16, 1842, to Miss Lavina Pierce, daughter of Asa Pierce of Aboit township. They are the parents of three children, two of whom are living: Louis A., a resident of Aboit township, and James V., a physician at Paine, Ohio. Mrs. Cartwright is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and attended the dedication of the first church of that denomination in Fort Wayne. She taught the first school in Aboit township.

Oehmig Bird, of Aboit township, was born in Fort Wayne, September II, 1S49. His parents, James S. and Matilda (Kick) Bird, were natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Allen county in 1848. The father ran on the first railroad train in the United States. After coming to Indiana, farming was his principal occupation. He died December 3, 1855, and was followed by his widow, April 11, 1868, Mr. Bird worked on the farm until seventeen years of age, when he began to learn the carpenter's and joiner's trade which he followed for about thirteen years. Subsequently he resumed farming and stock-raising, his principal occupation, together with running a threshing machine. He is a worth}^ and enterprising man, and at present is superintendent of the Holmes gravel road in Aboit township. He was married November 25, 1879, ^o Elmira, daughter of S. B. Stouder. She was born June 24, 1859. The}^ have had four children, all deceased. Mr. Bird is a member of Sol. D. Bayless lodge, No. 359, F. & A. M., of Fort Wayne, and politically he is a democrat.

John Harper, a prominent citizen of Aboit township, was born in Franklin count)', Penn., near Chambersburg, November 16, 1817. He is the son of WilHam and Rachel (Duley) Harper, natives of Pennsylvania. The father, whose occupation was farming and shoemaking, died February 7, 1848. Mr. Harper was educated in the common schools and worked with his father until twentj'-one years of age. Then buying a small tract of land he engaged in farming, and seven years later, in 1848, moved to Allen county, Ind. He purchased 200 acres where he now lives, and settled in the woods to develop his present fine farm. He was married April 28, 1S42, to Liza Byall, daughter of James Byall, a native of Marjiand, who served in the war of 1S12, and died in Ohio in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Harper have had eight children, five of whom are living: Isaiah W., James B., Benjamin F., Eliza and Victoria. Isaiah W. is a farmer and resides near the old homestead. James B., lately deceased, was a prominent attorney, and Benjamin F. is in the same profession at Fort Wayne. Eliza is a clerk in the pension otlice at Washington, D. C. Politically Mr. Harper is a republican. He cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison in 1S40.

John Sprankel, of Aboit township, was born in Penns3-lvania, February 19, 1825, the son of Peter and Frances (Bridenbaugh) Sprankel, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Sprankel received his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and worked on the farm with his father until twent3'-two years of age. He was engaged by Hatfield & Son, in their rolling-mill, which was run by water and situated on the Juniata river. After Mr. Sprankel had worked at the mill for about eighteen months, an overflow of the river bursted the furnaces. This caused the discharge of all single men there employed. It was thus that Mr. Sprankel became persuaded to move west. Failing to find work at Pittsburgh or up the Allegheny river at the Great Western iron works, he took a job of chopping wood until spring, and then came west into DeKalb county, Ind., worked for a short time for a cousin, and then returned east to his father. On May i, 1849, the father and son traveled west through Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, by horse and buggy. They traveled in this way over 700 miles, examining lands at various places. They finally purchased the tract of land on which Mr. Sprankel now lives, buying 400 acres. He then engaged in farming and stock-raising, at which he has continued with good success. The farm now consists of 240 acres. Mr. Sprankel is deservedly popular with the communit}', and he was thrice elected to fill the office of township trustee, the term then being one j'ear. He was married in September, 1849, at Manchester, Ohio, to Susan, daughter of Jacob Sourse. They have three children: Mary F., Josephine and J. C. F. Politicall}' Mr. Sprankel is a staunch republican.

Alfred H. Bates, of Aboit township, was born in Oswego county, N. Y., October 23, 1836, the second of six sons born to Jeremiah and Lucy (Norton) Bates. The grandfather was Ephriam Bates, a native of Massachusetts, who married Melvina Hopkins, of the same state. Both lived to an advanced age. Jeremiah, who was a farmer by occupation, died in April, 1869. His widow died in July, 1884, at the age of eighty-one years. Mr. Bates received his education in New York, in Mexico academy, and worked on the farm with his father until eighteen 3'ears of age. October 23, 1854, he came to South Bend, Ind., where he worked as a farm hand for Judge Green for thirteen months. He subsequently Hved at Cherry Valley, III, Clinton county, Iowa, and Oneida, N. Y. Then he came to Allen county, and purchased the farm on which he now lives. In stock-raising as well as agriculture he has been quite successful. He pays especial attention to breeding Clydesdale and Norman horses, short-horn cattle, Poland China, Cheshire and Chester white swine, all pure bred. Mr. Bates is a member of the Allen county agricultural society, and has been quite successful as an exhibitor. He was married September 29, 1859, ^o Ann J., the second daughter of Enoch Turner, late of Allen county. She died June 15, 1865, leaving three daughters: Lucy A., Rose E. and Ann J. October 21, 1865, he was married to Sarah J., the third daughter of William and Jane Stirk, of this township, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Bates' father died July 19, 1884, and her mother, December 8, 18S7. Mr. and Mrs. Bates are the parents of three children: Frank M., Eudora and Arthur M. Mrs. Bates is a member of the First Baptis^

Wilham H. Reemer, of Aboit township, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, October 2, 1849, son of John R. and Hannah (Siple) Reemer. The father, a native of New York, was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1850. In 1852, the mother came to Allen count}^, and settled on the Vermilyea farm, which she left shortly to spend eighteen months in Wayne township, but returning, made the Vermilyea farm her home for nineteen years. Mr. Reemer was educated in the common schools, and worked on the farm with his step-father until eighteen years of age. He has made farming and stock-raising his life occupation. He was married March 25, 1874, ^'^ Emily, daughter of George Wells, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. She was born in 1854. They are the parents of four children: Ada F., Maggie H., Benjamin A., and William.

John N. Corey, of Aboit township, was born in Seneca county, N. Y., January 27, 1816. His father, Benajah Corey, a native of New Jersey, was a millwright by trade, but followed farming also. He died March 4, 1870. Mr. Cprey was educated in the common schools and worked on the farm with his father and at the lumber business until nineteen years of age, when he came to Ohio, and for a while worked on a canal. Then he rented a farm for about eight years. Afterward moving to Whitley county, Ind., he purchased a tract of wood land, built a log hut and began clearing. Here he remained until 1855, when he purchased the farm of 161 acres on which he now resides. Mr. Corey gives some attention to stock-raising also, making a specialty of breeding short-horn cattle and Poland China hogs. He was married to Margaret Fulk, May 31, 1836, by whom he had eight children: Martha J., Hester A., William, Lida and Carohne are living; Theodore died March 27, 1864; Louisa died September 5, 18S2, and Emma died January 5, 1858. His wife having died March 13, 1864, he was married in 1S65 to Mrs. Mary F. Campbell, who had one daughter, Mary E. Campbell. Mrs. Corey is a member of the Free Methodist church. He is a republican in politics and voted for Gen. W. H. Harrison. He is one of the enterprising men of Aboit township and is highly esteemed.

Austin M. Darroch, of Aboit township, was born at Rockville, Park county, Ind., October 27, 1844. He is the son of Johq and Carohne (Puett) Darroch, both natives of Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation, and is still living at Morocco, Newton county, Ind. The mother died in 1852. Mr. Darroch was educated in the common schools; he worked at farming until 1862, when he volunteered as a member of Company E, Ninety-ninth Indiana infantry. He served two years and ten months, and was in the following engagements: Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Mission Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta. At Peach Tree Creek he had one of his fingers shot off. Being honorably discharged June 28, 1865, he returned to Newton county j» and again was employed in agriculture. Two years later he bought a farm and engaged in farming and stock-raising, in which he has been quite successful. Ml". Darroch, on November 11, 1S70, was married to Mary, daughter of William Hamilton, a native of New York, and an earlv settler of Allen county. They are the parents of six children, five of whom survive: John W., Hugh M., Johanna, Caroline and Fanny. Mr. Darroch is a member of Phrenix lodge. No. loi, K. of P., of Fort Wayne, also Sion S. Bass post, G. A. R., of Fort Wayne. Mr. Darroch's prominence as a citizen and as a democrat, led to his election in 1886 as a representative of Allen countj- in the general assembly of Indiana, and he filled that position with credit to himself and count3^

Thomas Covington, a prominent citizen of Aboit township, was born in Plymouth count}-, Mass., December 18, 1836. His parents, Thomas and Mahala (Holmes) Covington were both natives of Massachusetts, where the father followed agriculture successfully. His death occurred May 17, 1880, and his wife died Februar}- i, 1887. Thomas Covington received a good education in the public schools of his native state, and was engaged in work upon the farm of his parents until he was twentj'-one years of age. He then began farming and stock-raising on his own land, and in these pursuits has been quite successful. He was married April 14, 1859, *° Adeline Burt, and they have four children, Elizabeth D., Kate M., Thomas E., and Mary L. Mrs. Covington was called away in death May 7, 1886. Mr. Covington is prominent in the councils of his party, the republican, and being an active and popular citizen, he was elected township trustee in 1S86, and in 1888 he was given the compliment of re-election. He is a faithful and discreet public officer.

John R. Schoene, of Aboit township, was born in Germany, May 9, 1828, son of Frederick and Margaret (Schaffer) Schoene. In 1834 the father left his native land and sailed for America. Landing at Baltimore, he came to Dayton, Ohio, and was engaged in a distiller}- for five years. He then purchased a piece of land in Williams county, Ohio, erected a cabin and moved into the woods. Here he followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1865. In that year John R. Schoene moved to Allen county, Ind., settling in Aboit township where he iTow resides. In farming he has had remarkable success, and has a place of 160 acres of well improved land. He was married May 6, 1852, to Catharine Strausberger, and they have nine children: Julia, Amanda, Rudolph, Walter, Katie, Dorato, Wilham, Henry and Joseph. The family belong to the Lutheran church.

W. J. Esterline, of Aboit township, was born in Clark county, Ohio, November 7, 1841, son of Adam and Elizabeth (Slaybaugh) Esterline. The father, a native of Maryland, was a shoemaker by occupation, and died in 1855; the mother who was born near Gettysburg, Penn., died July 5, 1876. Mr. Esterline received a limited education in the common schools, and worked as a laborer on the farm until eighteen years of age, when he took up the blacksmith's trade, at which he was engaged until 1870. He then began farming and stock-raising, at which he is still successfully engaged. He purchased in 1S70, the farm on which he now resides, consisting of 152 acres. He was married to Nancy Jt;ffries in

1867, and they had one child, Mill}-, now deceased. Mrs. Esterline died December, iS68, and in 187 1 he was married to Ellen McKinle}-. They have seven children: Walter, Edward, Albert, Arthur, Otis, Frank and Chester. Mr. Esterline served his country in the late rebellion, being a member of Company I, Seventy-first Ohio infantry, and was in the engagement at Pittsburg Landing. Mr. Esterline is a member of the Lutheran church, also of Columbia Cit}- lodge, 189, F. & A. M.

Daniel W. Simmers, of Aboit township, was born in Ohio, December 3, 1845, son of Daniel and Maria (Smith) Simmers. The father, a native of Canada, died February 8, 1875, but the mother, a native Virginian, is living in Wells county, Ind. Mr. Simmers at the age of sixteen years, enlisted in Company C, Fifty-first Ohio infantry, and served one year and ten months. He was in all the engagements from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Returning to Ohio, he engaged in farming for about sixteen j-ears, and then embarked in the milling business, at Auburn, Ind. Two years later he moved to Whitle}- county and engaged in farming and stock-raising, at which he is still engaged. In 1S81 he sold his farm in Whitley county, and purchased the one on which he now lives. Mr. Simmers was married on June 3, 1875, ^^ Amanda, daughter of Jonathan Michael, of Allen county. Of their six children, five are Hving: John U., Charles W., Jewell C, Roscoe T. and Ermel B. Mrs. Simmers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of De Kalb lodge. No. 214, F. & A. M.

Henry Eloph, of Aboit township, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, May 4, 1835. His parents, Nicholas and Frances Eloph, natives of France, came to America in 1833 '^^^ ^^^^ i" 1S77 and 1867, respectively. Mr. Eloph received a limited education in the common schools of Allen county, and worked with his father on the farm until seventeen years of age. He remained on his father's farm until 1865, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana volunteers. After serving about seven months, he received an honorable discharge, and resumed farming and stock-raising, at which he continues, making a specialty of breeding Norman horses. He was married April 20, 1S62, to Mary, daughter of Joseph Rhodes, a native of Ohio They are the parents of four children, three of whom survive: Mary, Annie and Alice.

Lands in this township were occupied in 1834, ^y James Hinton, John Ross, William Graj-less, George Slagle, Samuel Caffrey, James Pringle, Jacob Pearson, and Clement Ryan, and their families. Nearly all settled in the vicinity of the Goshen road or in the northern sections. The Goshen road, which had been surveyed four 3'ears previous, was then the only road in the township, and it was not until 1S36 that the second, the Yellow river road, was laid out along the south township line. In the same year the county road from Kraco to

Raccoon village, was survcn-ed. In 1S35 John McClui'e, a native of South Carolina, settled on section 17, and remained twenty years. His son-in-law, Samson Pierson, arrived about the same time. In the sprinj:^ of 1836, Francis Sweet entered a tract in section 17, but remained in Fort Wayne until 1844. He became one of the prominent citizens and filled ail the local offices, serving fifteen years as justice subsequent to 1846. He was the second postmaster, succeeding John Crawford, who was appointed in 1840, for what was known as the Taw-Taw postoffice. Mr. Sweet held the position until 1863, acting also, after the establishment of the Pittsburg railroad, as carrier of the mail ffom the station. In 1836 the newcomers were John Anderson and James W. Watson, who were natives of Virginia, and Joshua Goheen, from Pennsylvania, a man of great enterprise, and John Savage. Other early settlers before 1840, were Joseph Taylor, William Caster, John F. Gerding and Frederick Reed.

On the last Saturday of May, 1837, the first election occurred at the house of John McClure, who was the inspector. Samuel Caffrey and James Pringle were elected justices, and William Caster, constable. In the following winter the first wedding occurred, Mary Mangan to John Savage. In 1S49 the first steam saw-mill was erected by the plank road company, and the next year J. L. Peabody built a saw-mill on the Yellow river road near Areola, which was in operation many years. The first general stores were opened by the proprietors of these mills, by William Thorpe, who had bought the plank road mill in 1850, and b}' Mr. Peabody in 1866. In an earl}' day Samson Pierson platted a village on the plank road in sections 16 and 17, named Pierson, but it was abandoned. The onh' village in the township is Areola, on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad. It was laid out in 1866.

The firm of Jacob Colter & Co., now the most extensive manufacturers of hardwood lumber in Allen county, was formed in 1873. In 1S87 their mill was burned, causing a loss of $3,500, but it was rebuilt at once. At Areola the firm employs fifteen men, and are equipped to saw 8,000 feet per da}-. They also have mills at Williams Station, Monmouth, Decatur and Maples. The five mills employ seventy men, and produce annually about 12,000,000 feet of lumber. The}- furnish lumber to the Pennsylvania company, ship to San Francisco, and export a fine grade to Scotland. In 1885, the tile manufactory' of Grosjean Brothers, now Grosjean & Barrand, was established, and John Grosjean in 1 888 purchased the general stores of Victor Cavalier and William Rockhill. The latter now conducts a general store. James Baxter is ihe blacksmith and I. W. Herrold and John Blietschau are shoe dealers.

Edward Rockhill was one of the well-known pioneers of Fort Wa3'ne and its vicinity. He came from his native state of New Jersey in 1826, and settling in the woods near the citj', at once began clearing awa}' the timber and opening up a farm. He built a double log cabin, doing the principal part of the work himself, using weight poles instead of nails to hold the roof on. The Indians at this time camped in the woods round about, and made frequent visits to the house of Mr. Rockhill in quest of meal and potatoes. One peculiar habit of this pioneer was to inquire if thej- had money to pa\- for food; if they said they had he would direct them to a neighbor telling them he had none to spare, if without money he would furnish them with potatoes and meal. He and the Indians were on very intimate terms. The}' frequently visited Fort Wayne, and while there would spend what money they had for whisky, and becoming thoroughly intoxicated, often would fall by the wayside in the snow or on the ice. Mr. Rockhill in such cases, would carry them into his cabin, and keep them until sober, often saving lives in this way. He followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1848, at his cabin. Of his eight children, the third, William Rockhill, now a leading citizen, was born July 28, 1829, at the old homestead. His educational advantages were of course limited, and he attended onlv one school term of three months. After the death of his. father he and his brother remained upon the farm until 1S51, when they came to Lake township and began clearing up a new farm, doing farm w6rk in summer and hunting deer and turke}', and trapping mink, coon,, etc., in winter. He lived here two years and then moved upon his mother's place, where he remained until 1872, when he came to Areola and engaged in general merchandise, also receiving the appointment of postmaster. In this ofBce he served in a very satisfactory manner for fourteen years. He continued in merchandise until_ September 8, 1888, when he sold his stock of goods in order that he might tear down the house in which he was doing business, and build one on a much larger scale. He now has a handsome two-stor}- brick, 38x60, with a plate glass front. Mr. Rockhill was married in 1S53 to Miss Harriet Bellamy. Of their eight children seven arehving: Amanda, Oliver, Louise, Ida, Ellen, John and William.

William Goheen, who has been a resident of this township more than half a centur}-, was born in Cumberland county, Penn., March 30, 1830. His parents were Joshua Goheen, a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife Ann (Pee) Goheen, a native of Maryland. They settled in Lake township, September 13, 1836, on the farm which their son above named now occupies. Here the father died April 9, 1866, and the mother October 5, 1878. Wilham Goheen was educated in the country schools, and at the age of eighteen years engaged in farming for himself. He is a prominent citizen and held the position of township trustee during five years and a half. He is a member of the First Baptist church of Eel River, of Wayne lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M., and of the republican party. In 185 1 he was married to Mary Petit, and to their union were born four children: John N., Charles M., Alice and Nathaniel. This wife died August 29, 1S60. In 1861 he was married to Catherine Hutsell, and they have two children, Ada A. and Perry A. Mrs. Goheen is a member of the Methodist church.

came to Allen county in 1837. The father is a farmer by occupation, and is still living at the advanced age of seventy-seven in Marion count}', Ore., Cornelius was educated in the pubhc schools and worked on his father's farm until the breaking out of the late rebellion, when he volunteered with Company L, First Michigan cavalr}', and served three years. He participated in the following engagements: Gettjsburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Sheridan's raid to Richmond, Petersburg, Winchester, Fisher Hill, Cedar Creek and the battle of the Five Forks, where he received a grape shot wound in the left shoulder. He was sent to Thunderville Station, then to Petersburg, then to Point of Rock hospital, Hampton general hospital at Fortress Monroe, and finalty to Detroit, where he received an honorable discharge. He returned to Allen count}-, but soon afterward went to Oregon, remaining two years, after which he again came to Allen county and engaged in farming and stock-raising, which he has followed up to the present time, with a marked degree of success. He was married to Luc}' A., daughter of Wilham and Mary Manning, of Whitley county, October 2, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Gearin are members of St. Patrick's Catholic church, of Areola. Politically he is a republican.

John Grosjean, a well-known manufacturer of Lake township, was born September 14, 1851, son of John B. and Mary (Pirson) Grosjean, both natives of France. His father, John B. Grosjean, at the age of fourteen, left France, his native land, and landing at New York, came direct to Fort Wayne. Here he worked for one year on the canal and then engaged in farming, entering land from the government. He married Mary Pirson, a native of France, and both are now living on this old homestead. Their son John received an ordinary education in the common schools, and worked on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he, with two of his brothers, embarked in the saw-milling business near Wallen. They prospered in this business until the mill burned, seven years later, causing a loss of about $3,000. They rebuilt at Wallen, and continued the business until July, 1888, when John Grosjean sold his interest to his brothers. Owing to the great demand for tile in 1882, they engaged in its manufacture in connection with milling. In 1S85, they established a branch tile factory at Areola. Mr. John Grosjean has done the buying and selling in the lumber business and been general manager of the tile factories. September 8, 1888, Mr. Grosjean, in partnership with Joseph Sallier, became owners of a general store at Areola, purchasing the stocks formerly owned by Victor Cavalier and by William Rockhill. They are at present doing a large business. He was married October 16, 1873, to Mary, daughter of James Hudson, and they have had two children: Edgar and Abbie, the latter deceased. This lady dying February 14, 1S80, he was in 1882, married to Mary, daughter of Jacob Cook, and they have one child : Ernest. Mrs. Grosjean is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Grosjean is a repubhcan.

and Mai-}- Dugan Tracy, who came to this township at an earh' day, and had the experiences of old settlers. The Indians frequently put up with them for the night, wolves would howl at the door, and deer were so plenty that some unusually inquisitive ones would occasionally look in at the cabin window. William Tracy died in i86r, but his widow survives at the age of eighty years. Their son, above named, was born at Bristol, Penn., April i6, 1S37. He availed himself of the pioneer schools to the extent of a three months' term each 3'ear, and \vorked with his father until he was twentj'-tive. Since then he has been engaged in railroading, and also farming and stock-raisirtg, and is doing well. He is a member of St. Patrick's church, and politically is a democrat.

Benjamin Jones, a prominent farmer of Lake township, was born November 12, 1819. His father, John Jones, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Cadwallader) Jones, was a native of Montgomer}^ county, Wales, and a weaver by trade; he married Mary, a daughter of Edward and Ann (Evans) Humphreys, of the same county. Grandmother Jones lived to be of great age yet never wore glasses. She was frozen to de^th at the age of ninety-five. John Jones came to this country in 1841, and settled at Tarrytown, N. Y., where he resided two years. In 1843 he moved to his present home and there died April 10, 1876. His wife passed away August 18, 1855. Benjamin Jones came to the United States in 1839, and at New York city engaged in various occupations for the period of four years. He then came with his father to Lake township. He is one of six children, four of whom survive: Benjamin, Mary, wife of Albert Garrison, of Fort Wayne; Anna, widow of William Darb}-; John, a mechanic in the Wabash shops at Fort Wa3'ne. The latter served in Company C, Eighty-eighth regiment, which went into action in August, 1862. He served during the remainder of the war, being promoted to sergeant. Benjamin Jones was married May 18, 1872, to Sarah C, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Ayers) Carroll. She was born June 18, 1844, near Zanesville, and came to Indiana with her parents in 1S46. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have one child, Mary A. They have a well improved farm of forty acres, on which is built a good house and barn. He has served as township clerk, supervisor, school director, etc. Politically he is a repubhcan.

George W. Grayless, a leading citizen of Lake township, was born in Alice county, Iowa, November 14, 1848, the son of Charles and Jane Grayless. The father is a farmer by occupation, and is still living. The mother died in Cahfornia, May 22, 1854. George W. was educated in the common schools of Allen county, and worked on his father's farm until twenty-two years of age, when he began farming for himself, which occupation he has continued to the present time, together with stock-raising. He was married June 18, 1871, to Barbara A., daughter of Nathan and Barbara Smith, of Churubusco, Ind. Their union has been blessed by two children : Cora L. and Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Grayless are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of Churubusco lodge, I. O. O. F. Politically he is a republican.

B. S. Butts, a prominent citizen of Lake township, was born April 25, 1825, ill Monroe township, Licking count}', Ohio. Fie is the second of ten children of Samuel and Fann}- (Bruff ) Butts. The father, a native of Virginia, settled in Ohio in 1799, participated in the battle of Tippecanoe under Gen. Harrison and Capt. Jake Baker, and died in 1845, at the age of seventj'-four. The mother is, at the advanced age of eight}'- five years, in good health and in full possession of her mental faculties, being able to relate many early incidents. Their son, B. S., was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and at the death of his father, began farming for himself, in which occupation he continued. In 1850 he came to Allen county, purchasing the farm on which he now lives, setding in the woods and opening up what is now a very rich farm. He was married September 14, 1S46, to Hannah Larimore, and the}^ have had eight children: Sarah (died in 1869), Alonzo, Allen D., William W., A. J., James D., Annie B. and Mary N. They also raised a grandson, Harrj' B. Young. Mr. and Mrs. Butts are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a member of Wayne lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M.

William W. Butts, son of the above, was born in Lake township, October 16, 1854. He studied in common schools and worked on his father's farm until eighteen years old, when he began work on the railroad, which he continued for three j^ears. Resuming farming in 1877, he moved to Arkansas where he remained one year. Returning to Indiana, he was employed on the railroad two years, and was then engaged in saw-milling for three years. Then he purchased the farm on which he now lives, and has successfully followed farming and stockraising to the present lime. He was married on October 6, 1877, to Allie, daughter of Simon and Mary I. Harshbarger, old settlers of Whitley county, Ind. Her father, born May 23, 1832, served three j^ears in the late rebellion. The mother was born October 22, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Butts are the parents of two children, both deceased.

George Kronmiiller, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Lake township, was born iVugust i, 1828. His parents, Leonard and Wilhelmina (Shaffer) Kronmuller, were natives of Germany, where the father was a farmer by trade and owner of a large tract of land. They had eleven children, eight of whom are living: John, residing in Wittenberg, Germany; George, Jacob, Gotlieb, residing at Hundngton; WilHam, a wellto-do farmer near Huntington; Wilhelmina, and Mary, wife of Gotlieb Kaine, of Peru, Ind. George Kronmuller came to this country in 1852 and after living a few months in Erie count}', Penn., he went to Kentucky, and came to Fort Wayne a short time afterward. After spending about eight years as a laborer in a saw-mill he bought the handsome farm on which he now resides, which is well improved and has a large frame residence and a spacious barn. He was married December 28, 1856, to Mary, a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Sagar) Weller. Her brother, George Weller, now resides in Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Kronmuller have six children : Mary, wife of Charles Byer, of Churubusco ; George, of Goshen, Ind.; Wilhelmina, wife of William Sutter; John, Catharine, wife of James Butts, of Churuhusco; William C, of Goshen. John is associated with his father in cultivating their farm of 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Kronmiiller are members of the Lutheran church and are active Christian people. Politically he is a democrat, having voted that ticket all his life.

Wilson R. Stirling was born July 26, 1826, son of Samuel and Delilah (Craig) Stirling, natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., who moved to Ohio in 1S30, and remained there until their deaths in 1S64 and 186S, respectively. Wilson R. Stirling received a common school education, and worked with his father until twenty-two years of age. In '1852 he came to Allen county, and purchased the farm in Lake township, on which he now lives, and engaged in farming and stockraising, paj'ing especial attention to Durham cattle, Berkshire hogs, and Southdown sheep. His farm consists of 163 acres. He was married November 30, 1848, to Rachel Harrison, who died September 30, 1849. His second marriage, to Cynthia Grayless, took place January i, 1852, and they had three children: Josiah, x\llen and Alfred, all hving. This lady died in April, 1857, and he was married October 5, 1857, to Rebecca Vanmeter, by whom he has four children: Florence, Hattie E., John G. and Clara B. Mr. and Mrs. Stirling are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of Waj'ne lodge. No. 25, F. & A. M.

William W. Madden, a well-known farmer of Lake township, was born December 3, 1S53, the son of Wilham and Rachel (Ta3'lor) Madden, natives of Ohio. He was educated in the common schools and worked on the farm with his father until nineteen j-ears of age, when he began farming for himself. This occupation, together with dealing in stock, he still follows on an extensive scale, cultivating a valuable farm of 160 acres. He was married on August 15, 1878, to Edith A. Hire, daughter of Elisha Hire. They have had four children : Joseph W., Jesse B., William A. and Bessie H., of whom William A. is deceased.

Octave Boa;uf was born in the province of Jura, France, May i, 1818. He is the son of Jacob and Joanna Boajuf, who both lived and died in France. He worked on a farm with his father until 1853, when he left his native land and landing in New York, came directly to Fort Wayne. Here he remained for two months working on the canal and then worked on the railroad for two years. Subsequently he rented a farm and engaged in agriculture, living on rented lands for seven 3'ears. At the expiration of that period he bought the farm of eighty acres on which he now lives. He now owns 200 acres in all. Mr. Boccuf follows stock-raising in connection with farming. He was married in France, September, 1S47, to Gustine Outier, and have six children: Henry, Marj', August, Eugenie, Josephine and Julian. Mrs. Boa?uf died December 29, 1887. The family are members of St. Patrick's church at Areola. Mr. Bot«uf is one of the enterprising citizens of

Luderick Welsheimer, of Lake township, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 22, 1829. His parents, Philip and Catharine (Duley) Welsheimer, were natives of Virginia. They died at their farm home in Ross county, Ohio, the mother in 1850, the father in 1868. Mr. Welsheimer was educated in the common schools of Ross county, and worked on his father's farm until twentj'-four years of age, when he moved to Allen county. He has engaged in the occupation of farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of short-horn cattle and Poland China hogs. His farm consists of 224 acres, and is one of the best in the township. Mr. Welsheimer has served his township as justice of the peace, and is the present assessor. He was married in 1851, to Elizabeth Lucas, and they have had nine children, seven of whom survive: Laura, Ezra L., Otto, Frank L., Nettie G., Jesse A. and William. Mr. and Mrs. Welsheimer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas Larimore, of Lake township, was born June 12, 1S27. His father, Thomas Larimore, a native of Pennsylvania, married Hannah Young, and moved to Licking county, Ohio, where he was killed by a falling tree, in March, 1S32. The widow and 3-oungest son moved to Sparta township, Noble co., Ind., in 1849, and eight years later came to Lake township, where Mrs. Larimore died in March, 1866. Thomas was bound out after his father's death, but the master's wife d3nng a short time afterward the family broke up, and young Larimore was left among strangers. From the age of eight he led a life of hardships and was self-supporting. In 1848 he was married to Mahala Evans, and in the fall of 1850 he moved to Lake township, Allen co., bought eighty acres of land, and with his wife, child and a bound boy, began life in this state without a cent in his pocket nor a cabin on his land, and winter before him. But he was possessed of industrious habits and determination. In November, 1881, he moved to Churubusco, and took charge of the Larimore house, having purchased the property the previous May. Besides this Mr. Larimore owns 400 acres of land in Lake township, and valuable property in Fort Wayne. He is a well-known breeder of short-horn cattle. Mr. and Mrs Larimore are the parents of twelve children, of whom Lydia, Cynthia, Thomas J., Hannah M., Levi B., Eli, Mary, Howard and Charley are living, and Alexander, William F. and Norris are deceased. Mr. Larimore is a member of Churubusco. lodge, 515, F. & A. M., and he and wife are members of the Baptist church. He has held the office of justice of the peace four years, and a number of minor offices. He is devoted to church work and has been active in the Sabbath school since 1S51. His home is a very pleasant one, and he has the largest barn in Allen county, in dimensions 88x53, and perfectly equipped.

John and Margaret (Wendlenger) Rapp, with their family, left their native land, and arriving at New York came directly to Fort Wayne, where they lived a short time. They afterward resided in Whitley county ten years, and then moved to Lake township. The father died January lo, 1SS9, and the mother Maj' 10, 18S3. John Rapp was educated in the common schools and worked on his father's farm until twentj'-one 3'ears of age, when he rented the farm and engaged in agriculture and stock-raising for himself. In 1874 he purchased the farm on which he now lives, of 157 acres. He was married March 14, 1875, to Mahala E., daughter of WiUiam and Rachel Barrett, and they have had six children, five of whom are Hving: John W., Harry H., Agnes, Gertrude and Katie. By industry and economy Mr. Rapp has accumulated considerable property.

Jacob Colter, a prominent manufacturer of Lake township, was born in Bavaria, Ma}^ 4, 1848. In 185 1 he was brought by his parents, Jacob and Caroline (Teppla) Colter, to i\merica, but in forty-two days after landing at Canal Dover, Ohio, the father died. Subsequently his mother married again and he had a home with his step-father until he was twenty-one years old, receiving a common school education. After teaching school one term he removed to Indiana, and settling at Coesse, engaged in the manufacture of hoops and staves in partnership with William Smith. Three years later he remove'd to Areola, and with P. W. Smith, established the firm of Colter & Co., which by good business methods, has prospered. Mr. Colter has accumulated a considerable property, and has won the esteem of his associates. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a republican. In 187S, he was married to Sarah Crawford, and of their six children, five are still hving: Olive B., William H., John H., Maud B. and Louise E. The family are members of the Methodist church.

Sebastian Keller, born in Bavaria, Germany, December 10, 1831, son of Sebastian and Magdaline Keller, who both lived and died in their native land; the father was a carpenter by trade. Mr. Keller was educated in German}^ and learned the trade of stone cutter, at which he worked until twenty-one years of age. He then left his native land and arrived at New York, October 12, 1852; after remaining there for two years working at his trade, he moved to Seneca county, Ohio; and two years later came to Fort Wayne, where he followed his trade for twelve years. Subsequently he engaged in business for himself, at which he continued about seventeen years. Selling out, he bought a farm in Lake township on which he has been engaged in agriculture very successfullj-, having one of the finest farms in the township, consisting of 233 acres. He wa^ married to Miss Mary Shields in 1861, and of their ten children eight survive: Mary, Andrew, Frank, Cecile, Annie, Edward, Harry and Charles. The famil}- are members of St. Patrick's church.

Daniel Keim, a worthy citizen of Lake township, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, July 30, 1839, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Hostettler) Keim, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer b}- occu- pation. He died August i6, 1853, and the mother followed July 2, 186S. Daniel was educated- in the common schools of Ohio, and sought work at the age of fourteen, being variously engaged until eighteen years of age when he served a two years' apprenticeship at the tanner's trade. At the end of this time he rented a tannery and followed the business for three years. In 1S62 he moved to La Grange county, Ind., and started a tannery the following spring, and continued in the business for twelve years. While there he purchased forty acres of land and engaged in farming. In 18S1 he moved to Allen count}" and purchased the farm on which he now hves, which consists of 205 acres. He was married October 6, 1859, to Phoebe Arnold, and they are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living: George W., Solomon D., Rosette C, Emma G., Clara E., Charles F., William D. and Ada A. Mr. and Mrs. Keim are members of the German Baptist church. Mr. Keim takes a great interest in educational matters, and two of his sons, George W. and Solomon D., are teachers in Lake township.

Jarvis Smith, a prosperous farmer of Lake township, was born June 26, 1844, in Gallia county, Ohio. He is the son of E. J. and Mahala Smith, natives of Ohio. The father, a farmer by occupation, is still living, but the mother died in Lake township in 1867. Mr. Smith was educated in the common schools of Allen and Whitley counties, and worked on his father's farm until twenty-two years of age. He then took up agriculture as his own business, and in this and stock-raising has been notabl}^ successful. He was married August 26, 1865, to Katie, the daughter of George Smaltz, of Aboit township, and they have three children : Franklin, Clarence, and Chester. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

This township, so-called from the stream which drains it, received its first settlers in 1828, when William Kellison and his brother, from Darke county, Ohio, settled on section 32. They erected small cabins and made a deadening, and then in 1830, sold out to Adam Hull, sr., and went on westward. Mr. Hull was well-known throughout the county, and in the many rough and tumble encounters which gave zest to days in town, generally held his own. He built the first bridge over Eel river, at his own expense, and estabhshed a private toll to which travelers sometimes unreasonably demurred. For several years his was the only cabin in the neighborhood, and was the stopping place of many immigrants going through. In the fall of 1832, one stranger, who was traveling on foot, shared the cabin over night, but being taken sick died the next morning. A few weeks afterward a family stopped, and the children being sick with scarlet fever, two of them died here, and their bodies, with that of the stranger, were the first to be laid in the old grave3'-ard south of Eel river. Such instances as these, though very briefly narrated, reveal much of the hardships of the lives of those who were making new homes in the wilderness. In 1834, Mr. Hull was appointed postmaster, there being a considerable settlement by that time on the Goshen road, to the south. He held the place until his death, September i, 4838. About 1833, Peter Heller settled, and his name is perpetuated as the title of the neighborhood and postoffice. Heller's Corners. In 1834 ^^''- Hull, aided by his neighbors, cut a road from that neighborhood to the east line of the township, which was the first highway. In this year, Joseph and John R. Johnston settled on sections 21 and 28, and on June 11, John Valentine, from Ohio, as were all these early settlers, made his home on section 33. In the spring of 1836 there was a considerable settlement made in the east, in the direction of the Lima road, including John P. Shoaff, from Miami county, Ohio, who settled on section 13, and became justice, trustee, and from 1862 to t868, representative in the general assembly. Others who came at that date were F. C. Freeman, Samuel Hillegass, Benjamin Mason, Joseph Jones, Henry Bossier who established the pioneer smith}^ and Samuel Kniss. In April of this year the first election was held, and the result was as to justice, for which Messrs. Hull and Bond were candidates, a tie. The judge decided the matter by drawing one of the ballots from the hat, and Mr. Hull so won the election. Later, in 1836, Abram Ta3"lor came from Cu3-ahoga county, Ohio, to the Hull neighborhood, and William Anderson settled in the east. In 1837 William F. Mooney and Uriah Chase settled, and between 1837 and 1840, came R. D. Baird, Solomon Bennett, John Bennett, Caleb Bennett, John McKee, John Hathaway, Mr. Schilling, John R. Mayo, on whose land the first " Hickory school-house " was built and used in 1837, and WiUiam Madden. In 1838, Joseph Jones opened a store at his house, on what was afterward known as the Charles Hanna farm. In 1852, Smith & Diffenderfer established a saw-mill on Eel river, and for a number of years supplied lumber for the houses built about that time to replace the log cabins, but it finally went to decay. Near it a steam grist-mill was built by Peter Heller, in 1855, and he operated it successfully until it was destroyed by fire. Mr. Heller had in 1837, succeeded to the postmastership, and the .oflice was afterward called Heller's Corners. In October, 1835, Asa Miller laid out on his land in the southwest corner of section 32, and an adjoining portion of Lake township, the village of " Kraco," the main street of which was 132 feet wide. A circular tract in the center was reserved as " Miller's Park." The town did not materialize.

The first school was taught in a cabin erected for that purpose in 1837, which as it wjis built almost entirely of hickory logs, was called the " Hickory " school-house. Among its pupils were Thomas and William McKee, John M. Taylor and ''his sister, Mrs. Altha Hull.

Adam Hull, son of the Adam Hull above mentioned as the first permanent settler of Eel River township, is now the oldest settler of that township living. He was born May 8, 181 2, in Pendleton county, Va., and thence emigrated at the age of twelve years to Ohio with his parents,

Adam and Elizabeth Hull. They made their home in Shelby county, Ohio, until 1832, when the family removed to Indiana. After reaching Fort Waj'ne they remained there nearl}' one year, and settled on the land which the father had bought in Eel River township. The senior Hull purchased 240 acres and began the work of clearing, in which he was assisted by his son. On this account and the absence of schools he did not receive much education in his youth, but is nevertheless well informed. His recollection of the past is vivid and he recalls many interesting incidents. In his possession are all his tax receipts since he first settled on his farm, and he also takes much pride in a rifle which his father made in Virginia, and which has served to bring much venison to their tables in Ohio and Indiana. Mr. Hull attended the first election held in the township, and was elected constable; his jurisdiction extended over what are now Noble, Whitley and Allen counties. He held this office two 3-ears and then resigned. Mr. Hull is now, though in his seventy- seventh year, quite hearty and active, and recalls with pleasure the progress of his life from the time when he began with a capital consisting of a five franc piece, a fiddle and a gun. B3' nature a pioneer, he has enjoyed the struggle with nature through which he has passed. Mr. Hull was married in 1S36 to Elizabeth Crow, by whom he had three children, of whom one, Adam, is living. Immediately after this marriage he entered 125 acres of land from the government, and settled on the same and built a log cabin in 1838. In 1845 he was married a second time to Hester Ann Strean, and they have had seven children, of whom the following survive: Maria, George W., Henry, Jane, Peter and Judson. Mr. Hull is now well-to-do, and is one of the esteemed and respected citizens of the township. He has been a member of the Missionary Baptist church for thirty-six years.

A worthy and popular man in the early days, and one of the first settlers in Eel River township, was John R.Johnston, a native of Newjerse}', who died in 1876. When he was seventeen years old, he emigrated to Greene county, Ohio. In 1834, he was married to Belinda Davis, who was born August 13, 181 2, and survives her husband. In the same }-ear they removed to Eel River township, and settled on 120 acres of land, which Mr. Johnston had entered. This they never removed from. Here they went through the toilsome, yet ofttimes happy life of the pioneers of civilization. The}' were deeply religious, and became charter members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Wesley chapel, of which she has been a member for over half a centur}', and is the only survivor of the first members. These respected people had twelve children, of whom six are now living: David, Mary, Catherine, Susan, Emma and William H. David Johnston, the eldest, grew to manhood on the old homestead, and never lived elsewhere until 1S70, when he bought forty acres adjoining, and built himself a neat dwelling and good barn. He received his education in the pioneer schools. Among his first teachers were Elijah Robmson, Mar}' T. Smith, George W. Done, G. W. Hutchell and Nancy Griswold. He began teaching when about nineteen years of age and taught five terms. In 1S57, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Otho and Mary Gaudy, born in 1836, by whom he had eight children, of whom Clara Almeda, Inez I., William M., Serena and John O., are living. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been class leader and steward, about three years. Mr. Johnston owns a good farm of eighty-seven acres, and is ranked as a prominent citizen. William H. Johnston, the youngest son of John R., was born September 2, 1852. He now lives on and owns the old homestead where he grew to manhood. He received a good common school education and attended one term at the Methodist Episcopal college at Fort Wayne. November 9, 1S73, he was united in marriage with Sarah N. Scarlett, by whom he had two children: Florence A., born September 10, 1874, ^^'^^ December 18, 1876; Emma G., born October i, 1876, died March 16, 1888. Their mother, now deceased, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Maj' 28, 1877, he was married to LiUian J. Scarlett, born January 9, 1861, and they have had two children: Clarence C, born September 10, 1880, and Grace E., born March 21, 1S84, died' Februar}' 15, 1888. Mr. Johnston and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are highly respected.

Another old settler of much prominence, Joseph Johnston, arrived in 1834 with his wife Martha and children, and settled on the farm where his son now resides. He had entered 160 acres here in the previous 3'ear, 1833. Mr. Johnston was born in New Jersey, February 15, 1802, and emigrated to Greene county, Ohio, in 1822, where he was married Februarj^ 14, 1825, to Martha Opdyke, who was born December iS, 181 1. He was a distiller by trade. When he came to Allen county his worldly possessions consisted of two yoke of o.xen, one bureau, one chest and some old chairs. But in spite of this meagre be - ginning his industry made him triumphant over disadvantages, and he came to own 400 acres of land, and amassed considerable property. He was a good and valued citizen, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and hightly esteemed by all. He served his township as treasurer and clerk of the township board for several years. This worthy pioneer departed this life June 29, 1869, and his wife survived him manj' years. Perr}' Johnston, son of the above, was born in Ohio, June 8, 1834. Nearl}' all his life has been spent in Indiana, and he grew to manhood on the old homestead, which is still his home. In 1855 Mr. Johnston was married to Sarah A. Wells, who was born in 1838, and departed this life in 1880. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he also belongs. He is a member of the Masonic order and is a representative faftner and a worthy- citizen.

Jackson Valentine, of Eel River township, is a son of John Valentine, one of the pioneers of the township. John Valentine, a native of Ohio, was married in 1820, to Susannah Peters, who was born in Maryland, January 4, 1799. Her parents were among the pioneers of Fairfield county, Ohio. John Valentine and wife, with little possessions, but with stout hearts, came with their wagon load of household goods into the wilds of Indiana in 1S34, and settled in Eel River township, June 11, entering 120 acres of wild land. This pioneer enterprise prospered, and they became the owners of 227 acres of good land. In 1856, John Valentine went west and settled in Iowa, where he bought some land, and propert}' in Knoxville, intending to reside there, but becoming dissatisfied in 1859, he returned to Indiana and made his home with his son Jackson, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1869. He was a member of the Christian church, and one of the leading citizens and representative farmers. Jackson Valentine was born in Franklin county, Ohio, October 15, 1824. He received a good common school education and remained at home with his parents. January 6, 1850, he was united in marriage with Charlotte Greenewalt, by whom he had three children, one of whom is living, John W. She was born May 29, 1S30, was a faithful member of the Christian church, and departed this life May 6, 1876. In 187S he was married to Mrs. Maria Jones, daughter of Peter and Sarah B. Frysinger. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Christian church. In 1868 he was a candidate for trustee on the repubhcan ticket against John M. Taylor and reduced the adverse majority about half. Again in 1S80, running against C. L. Greenvvell, he reduced the majority to six. His desirable farm of 200 acres is admirably maintained and his handsome buildings are a testimonial to his enterprise.

Robert L. Freeman, a prosperous farmer of Eel River township, was born in this township, July 26, 1843. His parents. Frame C. and Betsy (Simon) Freeman, came to Indiana from Ohio early in the thirties, and settled in Eel River township. The elder Freeman, like so many other sturdy pioneers, succeded well, and at the time of his death he owned 240 acres of good land. He was one of the leading citizens during his Hfetime, stood well in his community, and his death was mourned by all who knew him. Robert L. was born and lived in childhood in the old log cabin, but about 1849 his father built a two-story brick dwelling which now stands as a relic of bygone days. He enlisted in 1S62 in Company E, Eighty-eighth Indiana regiment, under Captain Chauncy Oakle}', but was mustered out under Captain C. Brown. He served three years and was in every battle with his regiment except one - Stone River. He received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis, 1865. April 15, 1866, he was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of James and Sarah McBride. Of their four children two are hving: Winfield S. and Charles Franklin; their mother who was born February 25, 1841, departed this life March-'i, 1879. She was a member of the United Brethren church. June 12, 1 88 1, he was married to Katie Ann, daughter of David and Catharine (Hull) Gordon, born January 19, 1862, and they have three children: Goldy Catharine, Sylvia E., and an infant. He has served his township as constable six years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Red Men during the lifetime of that order, and of the Grange.

Nelson Hyndman, of Eel River township, is a native of Indiana, born September 24, 1847. His father, John Hyndman, a native of Ireland, was born in 1809 and emigrated to America in 1835 with just enough money to bring him to land. He was four or five months crossing the sea, being ship-wrecked, and landing from life-boats on American soil, without any coat, but fortunately fifty cents in his vest pocket. He settled in Fort Wa\'ne and began work on the canal and afterward at odd jobs until he began blacksmithing, at which he worked several 3'ears. In 1S44 he entered forty acres of land in Allen county and afterward traded this for eighty acres in Eel River township, where he settled. He lived a bachelor until early in the forties, when he was married to Lucy Jackson, by whom he had four boys and three girls. He and wife were members of the Missionary Baptist church. His life is a remarkable illustration of the success that can be achieved by indomitable will and energy. He was always friendly to schools, churches and all laudable enterprises, and in all waj'S a leading citizen and representative farmer. He owned at one time 855 acres of valuable land. He was the first man that began the stall-feeding of cattle in Eel River township. He died April 20, 1874. Nelson Hyndman was born in the old log house in Eel River township where he grew to manhood and received a good common school education. In 1875 he was united in marriage with Mar}' Pumphrey, born March 4, 1852, b}' whom he had four children, three now hving: Ruah Elizabeth, Robert (deceased), Florence A., James A. He administered on his father's estate, which was quite a large one and required four years to make final settlement. His is among the first families of his township. He owns 160 acres of good land, with a good dwelling and barn. Mr. Hyndman still has the clock, now over fifty years old, used by his father in his bachelor days, which cost $40; also a secret drawer in which the old gentleman kept money.

W. W. Shoaff, of Eel River township, of a well-known pioneer family, was born November 15, 1829, in Miami county, Ohio. His father, John P. Shoaff, was a native of Maryland, born October 12, 1804, and at the age of one year was taken to Ohio by his parents, who settled near Dayton. He remained in Ohio until Februar}' 5, 1836, when he settled in Allen count}^ Ind. Here he remained until February- 4, 1885, and then removed to Churubusco, where he died February i, 1887. Mr. Shoaff 's pioneer life did not permit an}' advantages of schooling, but being of a studious turn of mind, he improved what leisure moments he had 'as a miller, and became (|uite well informed. February 5, 1828, he was united in marriage with Priscilla Freeman, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, January 4, 1810, and departed this life at the old homestead in Allen county. May 22, 1880. To this union eleven children were born, of whom W. W., John F., Anna E., James B., Jennie, Allen P. and Wade Scott, are now living. Mr. Shoaff was not a member of any church, but was a liberal supporter of that work.. He served his township as justice of the peace si.xteen years, and three or four terms as trustee. In 1862 he was elected representative to the general assembly, and served three terms. His business shrewdness was early manifested by trading in Kve stock. By going to Ohio and bringing on milch cows he accommodated his neighbors and also soon began to accumulate considerable property. B}- good management he increased this so that he came into possession of over 1,400 acres of good farming land which is now in the hands of his children. W. W., his oldest son, was seven years of age when his father settled here, and his first experience in Allen county was in burning brush. He received a common school education, and attended school at Fort Wayne about two years, and the Methodist college two years. On March 10, 1859, ^^ married Eliza J., daughter of Robert and Sarah A. Work, born January 18, 1839. They have two children: John R. and Joseph Y. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Shoaff has served as justice eight years, and as ditch commissioner of Allen county seven 3'ears. He is one of the representative farmers of his county, and one of the leading citizens, and in politics has been a supporter of the democratic party since its organization. After leaving college he followed civil engineering for the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad. He located the Hne for the road and finished up two sections of forty miles which he had full charge of between Plymouth and Valparaiso.

W. Scott Shoaff, the youngest son of John P. Shoaff, was born December 16, 1S47, on the old homestead which his father entered from the government. There he grew to manhood and received a common school education. He remained with his father until he reached his majorit}', and then adopted farming as his own vocation. In 1885 he was united in marriage with Lena M. Jimmerson, daughter of Thomas and Margaret J. Farmer. She was born August 10, 186S. He is now one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Eel River township, and one of the prominent land owners of the county, holding 440 acres of good farming land with substantial buildings. He makes a specialty of draft horses and good grades of cattle. He is a member of the Masonic order.

Stephen Hathaway, of Eel River township, is a native of Michigan, - born September 20, 1836. His father, John Hathaway, was born October 12, iSii, in Washington count\-, N. Y.; emigrated to Michigan early in the thirties, and in 1836, came to Indiana in search of land and entered eighty acres in Eel River township, which he and his wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Chase, and their children, settled upon in 1838. When he settled in Allen count}* he had one yoke of cattle, one cow, about $300 in wild-cat monej-, and very little furniture. He succeeded by close application and frugal habits in gaining 340 acres of excellent land, besides some propert}' in Fort Wayne. He was one of the leading farmers of the county and respected by the people of his township. Stephen Hathaway was raised on the old homestead, and received a good common school education, and attended six months at Perry Center seminar}-. January 22, 1865, he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Henr}- and Elizabeth (Norman) Fair, born January ii, 1S40. The}- have three children: Orphelia, James Sidney and Emma. He was elected justice of the peace in 1882, on the democratic ticket, and was again elected in 18S6. During his terms of office he has had but one case before him in which he had to commit a man to jail, and he has done the bulk of the business of the township. His beautiful farm in Eel River township includes 200 acres, under a good state of cultivation, with substantial buildings. He is a member of the Masonic order.