Allen County, Indiana - The whole text, 1889 (part 11 of 17)

Levi Chase, a prominent farmer of Allen county, was born in Eel River township December 4, 1845, and is a descendant of a noted pioneer family. His father, Uriah Chase, came with his parents from Michigan in 1S37, and settled in Eel River township where the grandfather had entered land in 1836. Here Uriah Chase grew to manhood, bearing his share of the burdens of the. pioneer's career. In 1842 he was united in marriage with Mary Jackson, and in her he found a true wife and helper; she survives him and is now in her sixty-sixth year. She is a member of the Close Communion Baptist church. They had five children, two of whom are now living: Louisa and Levi. The latter was raised on the old homestead where he has since resided. In 1S69 he was united in marriage with Sarah Bricker, born in 1847; she died in 1873, leaving one child, Chester. April 2, 1874, he was married to Sarah Rhoads, born Februar}' 2, 1849, by whom he has three children: Osa, Ida and Ira. He and wife are members of the Baptist church. He is one of the prominent farmers of this township, owning 144 acres of desirable land.

Notable among the old settlers of Eel River township was John McKee. He was born in Virginia in 1804, and subsequentl)^ came with his parents to Ohio, and settled near Springfield, Clark county, where he grew to manhood, and married Martha Lansdale, who was born in Maryland in 1799. He was a cabinet-maker and house-joiner by trade. While in Ohio he passed through the cholera plague in New Carlisle, which swept away 130 of the 340 inhabitants, and was kept busy at that time furnishing coffins. In 1836 he came to Eel River township and entered land, and in 1S37, he and W. M. Lansdale attempted to drive their wagons through, but on reaching the Black Swamp could only make four miles a day, and at St. Mary's village abandoned their wagons and came through on horseback. They arranged for the building of their cabin, to which they brought the family in the fall of 1837. Mrs. McKee died January- 17, 1839, and ^'^'^^ '''"^ ^'''^^ person buried in the cemetery, conveyed by her husband. Mr. McKee did an important work in the early settlement in the organization of Wesley Chapel church, and was an official member and an ordained minister of the gospel. In his business relations he was both popular and successful and came to hold 220 acres of valuable land. Thomas L. McKee, son of the above, was born in Ohio, June 9, 1827. He received a good common school education in Ohio, and in this county experienced the life of the pioneer. At about the age of nineteen he returned to Ohio, and attended school about six months, then coming here and beginning teaching, at which he was engaged six or seven years, farming in summer. He taught two winter terms in Illinois. He was one of the first teachers in the county to introduce the outline system of teaching geographj-. In 185^ he was married to Melinda J. Rock, by whom he had two children, one of whom is living, Martha J., wife of Frank Alderman. Mrs. McKee was born in 1S34 and died in 1870. In 1S74 he was united in marriage with Sarah C. Gilpen, born in 1847, and of their two children, one is living, Zilpha Gertrude. Mrs. McKee is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1853, Mr. McKee emigrated west and settled in Iowa, where he remained about two j'ears. Returning to Indiana he remained until 1857, after which he resided in Illinois two years, and removed to Kansas. Here he stayed about nine months and lost all he had but $2.00. He subsequently resided in Iowa about one year, in Illinois two or three years and then returned to the old homestead. In 1870 he removed to Fort Wayne and went into the produce and commission business with Solomon Bash and P. D. Smyser, and was so engaged until 187S, when he sold his interest and retired to the farm. He has been a member of the Fort Wayne lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 14, for about twenty-six years. His land possessions include 300 acres in Eel River township.

Julius C. Mooney, one of a pioneer family in Eel River township, is a native of Miami county, Ohio, born September 9, 1825. His father, William F. Mooney, came west in search of land in 1835, and entered 120 acres of land in Allen county, and returned to Ohio, and on February 9, 1837, came with his wife Elizabeth and family and took possession of the cabin he had prepared for them. His life was that of the pioneer in general, little money but abundance of pluck. He succeeded in life, gaining a valuable farm of 160 acres, and made for himself a name for fair and honest dealing. He lived to the age of sixty-five years. Julius C. Mooney was twelve years of age at coming, and aided in the earl}^ clearing. He received such an education as could be obtained in the old log school-houses. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Rosa, daughter of Jacob and Marj- Morton, and this union is "blessed with two children, William F. artd Maude. In 1865 he enhsted in Company K, One Hundred and Fift3'-third regiment, under Capt. Young, and served about one year. He has made a success of fife, and -owned at one time 280 acres of good land. He now has a farm of 160 acres, where he lives, on which he has recently built a two-stor}^ dwelling.

John S. Benward, of Eel River township, was born in Pennsylvania September 24, 1837, son of Isaac and Ehzabeth Benward. The mother was of German, and the father of English, descent. The family emigrated to Allen county in 1838 and settled in Perry township, where the father bought eighty acres, which was improved with a double log house. He began to keep a hotel for the accommodation of emigrants and for teamsters to and from Fort Wayne and remained in this business until he cleared up his farm, when he began farming. After remaining in Perr}- township eight or ten j-ears he traded for i6o acres of wild lands in Eel River township where his son now lives. He built a log house here, but his land being low and swamp}' at that time, he rented his old farm in Perry where he lived four years, at the same time clearing his wild lands. In 1S52 he went to the gold fields of California and remained about four years, afterward returning to Allen count}' and settled on his new farm, which in the meantime had been well improved by his family. His death occurred about 1870. He was an industrious man and well-liked. John S. Benward received a good common school education. November 30, 1857, he was united in marriage with Eliza Jane, daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Workman, early settlers of Noble county. This union was blessed with six children, of whom Edmund C, John E., Commodore and Arthur are now living. Mrs. Benward was born November 30, 1839. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist "church. In 1S65 Mr. Benward enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana regiment, and was discharged at Indianapohs September 5, 1865. He has given much attention to threshing machines during the past thirty-six years and although he never studied engineering, is an expert in the management of an engine. He is popular, prosperous and owns a farm of 160 acres. John McCarty (deceased), was an early settler in Eel River township, and was a successful farmer. He was a native of Ohio, born June 4, 1 81 7, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wood) McCarty. Growing to manhood in Ohio, he attended school during a short period while he was too young to be of service on the farm, and as he grew older he became a necessity to his father, and thus drifted naturally into farming as his occupation in life. He shared the hardships of a pioneer life in Ohio before coming to Indiana. iVbout 1S41 he was married to Mary Douglas, born April 7, 1817, b}' whom he had five children, of whom two are now living: Eunice, wife of James Potter, and John Henry. In 1844 Mr. McCarty settled in Allen county, where he remained until his death, which occurred August 17, 1877. During his first years here he had to suffer not only poverty, but the more dreaded chills and fever, and had to return to his old home in Ohio for a season to regain his former strength. Beginning again with indomitable will, the morningfound him with ax and maul, ready for the woods. From then till eve he worked hard felling heav}- timber, making rails for fencing, while brush-piles and log-heaps were burned after nightfall. By such hard work and good management, he gathered to himself 328 acres of fertile land. In his wife he found a true helper; in the many vicissitudes of life she proved herself eminently deserving, patient, kind, frugal and industrious. Sharing his toils and hai-dships, she lived to see them crowned with success. Mr. McCarty was a man of upright character, and was esteemed throughout the community in which he lived. John H., his youngest son, now occupies the old homestead farm, and the old log house in which his father first lived after coming to Allen county, is now standing as a relic of by-gone da3-s. Our subject was born here March 9, 1855. He received a good common school education. Januar}- I, 18S0, he was united in marriage with Lucy J. Woods, born January 28, 1855, daughter of Albert and Nanc}' (Dunton) Woods. This union was blessed with three children, Arthur, Arlington Guy, and Nanc}' L. She is a member of the Universalist church. He was a member of the Independent Order of Red Men, during the lifetime of that order. He is a leading young farmer, and owns a half interest in 160 acres of land. In his possession is an old English reader, bought by his mother December 10, 1832, which is in a good state of preservation.

C. Luther Greenwell, a popular teacher in the public schools and ex-trustee of Eel River township, is a native of Ohio, born July 17, 1845. His father, George Greenwell, was born of Irish parentage March 14, 1810, at Hagerstown, Md. In 1830 he removed to Miami county, Ohio, and was there married in 1838, to Elizabeth Blickenstaff. They came with their children to Eel River township in 1846, and here he died November 10, 1878, and his widow Jul)- 8, 1868. The}' had five children. Luther Greenwell received a good common school education, beginning in the old log school-houses, and in 1865 he began teaching in Steuben county. He taught one term in a school of sixty pupils, and twenty- two older than he, and then returned to Allen county and began teaching in district No. 7, Eel River township, and taught in the winters of 1866-7-8-9 and 1870, and taught in Perr}', district No. 5, in 1871, again in district No. 7, Eel River, in 1872-3, and in 1874 and '75 in district No. 8, Eel River township, '76 in No. i, '77 and '78 in No. 8. He was then elected trustee of his township on the democratic ticket, and served until 1882, when he again began teaching in 1883, at district No. 8, and '84, '85 and '86, No. i. He was again elected trustee in 1S86, and assumed the office in the spring of '86, and served two years, and in the winter of '88 and '89 taught in district No. 6. In 1866 when he began teaching in the township there were eleven districts, and it so continued until 1878 when Mr. Greenwell as trustee vacated one district. He then renumbered the districts with the intention of making four sections constitute a school district, placing No. i in the northeast and ranging west. By the efforts of his successor it was rendered possible, upon Mr. Greenwell's second election, to vacate one more district, leaving nine. He built one brick school-house during his first term of oflice and three during the last, on the improved plan. November 7, 1872, he was united in marriage with Fannie J., daughter of Samuel and Alvira Mathews, born in March, 1852. Of their four children, Walter S. and Franklin W. are living, and Cora E. and an infant child are deceased.

Sa/nuel Mathews, an early settler and prominent citizen of Eel River township, was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 24, 1826, son of Jacob and Fannie (Smith) Mathews. He was taken by his parents to

Huron count}-, Ohio, while quite j'oung, and he there grew to manhood, and received his education in the pioneer school-house. When he was ten 3'ears old, the death of his father threw upon him the support of the family, in which there were four children besides himself. In 1846 he was united in marriage with Alvira Rice, born March i, 1828, b}- whom he had eleven children, nine of whom are now living: Alfred, Fannie J., Mary E., Samuel J., Commodore P., Ellen A., Brittie, John W. and Norah. John W. has attended college at Ann Arbor and graduated in June, 1889. He is a member of the Church of God. Mr. Mathews came to Indiana in 1846 and settled on the farm where he now lives. At that time he was so poor that to pay a man for helping bring his effects here, he had to surrender the top from his wagon. He accumulated subsequentl}- 415 acres of good land, and now lives on a farm of 295 acres. He is one of Allen's prominent citizens and well respected by all. The experience of a pioneer's wife was that of Mrs. Mathews. -She took upon herself such tasks as going to the woods after the cows, digging sassafras from which to make tea, helping her husband to pile brush, etc. She would go with him to help neighbors butcher and work all day for some heads and feet, and would sew all day for a chicken, or whatever they would give.

George V. Kell, of Eel River township, was born in Perry township, February 3, 1S46, and grew to manhood on the old homestead of his parents, Jacob and Catharine Kell. He received a good common school education and attended Perry Center seminary about five years, studying the higher branches. On October i, 1867, he was united in marriage with Alice, daughter of N. V. and Abigail Hatch, born December 8, 1S46, and they have had seven children: Gertrude, Louie A., Jessie, Beatrice, Robert, Frank and Dollie. In 1867 he and f amity made a trip by wagons to Iowa, where they remained six years. While there he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in 187 1 he was elected trustee of his township and served two years. In 1873 he returned to Indiana, and settled on the farm where he now Hves, which was then nearl}- all in timber, but now well improved. Mr. Kell makes a specialt}- of breeding the trotting stock of horses, and has recently purchased a valuable Hambletonian horse for $1,000. He served four years as justice of the peace of Eel River township, and is now secretary and a director of the Farmers' Mutual Fire association. He has 100 acres of good land of his own, and 177 acres belonging to his father he has full control of and will eventually own. He is one of the leading citizens of his township, and in politics is prominent as a democrat.

Michael Miller, one of the worthy old settlers of Indiana, was born in Pennsylvania, Maj^ i, 1818. He came to Ohio with his parents when only nine years of age, and nine years later removed to DeKalb county, Ind., in the woods, where wolves were so plentiful that they would run the dogs under the cabin. In 1841 he married Elizabeth Trussle, and they had six children, four of whom are now living, Amos, Rebecca J., Martha and Lucy Ann. Mrs. Miller was born in 1823, and died

February 19, 1882. While in DeKalb county he served as constable one year, and after removing to Allen county in 1849, he was elected trustee about 1S51; served three years as one of the board, and was assessor in 1856. He has often declined to run for office. He now owns 105 acres of good land, and is one of the leading citizens. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth Ann (Sheets) Miller, natives of German}-, emigrated to America in 1805, without any money, understanding that they would have to work out their passage after their arrival. The captain of the vessel sold their work to the highest bidder; they were both bought by the same man, who was a very hard master, and as Mr. Miller demanded better treatment, they were sold a second time, and this time fell into good hands. They thus worked three years to pay for their passage. With such a beginning, Mr. Miller came to own 310 acres of land in Eel River and two sections of land in Texas, and has given to his children about $5,000, and to churches and benevolent institutions about $6,000. He has been a devoted friend of his church and generoi^s to it. John W. Holmes, of Eel river township, was born in Wayne township, March 31, 1853, son of Joshua and Mary M. (Fountain) Holmes. In Ma}', 18S4, he removed to Washington township, remained until December, and then came to Eel river township and settled on the farm where he now lives. He received a good common school education, and attended the Methodist Episcopal college at Fort Wayne about five terms. In 1S73 '^^^ ^^'^^ united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of James and Elizabeth Cartwright, born May 21, 1850, and they have six children: Clara, Florence, Lizzie, Edith, John R., and Eddie. He and wife are both members of the Missionary Baptist church. Mr. Holmes is the present trustee of his township. Though a republican in a township where there was a democratic majority of fifty, he was elected in 1888 b}' eight majorit\\ He has a beautiful farm of 160 acres, handsomel}' improved. He is a leading citizen and universally respected.

Charles Weeks and William Caswell, who removed to this part of the county of Allen in 1830, were the first settlers and for three j-ears had undisputed sway in its forests. The}^ were famous hunters, and spent much time in the pursuit of deer and smaller game, by which their larders were supplied. Both were also men of industry and cleared farms, but Caswell, a hardy Canadian, of great strength and endurance, was the more energetic and enterprising, and became prominent in the earl}' historj-. At his house the first election was held in October, 1835, and he was elected one of the justices. At his friend Weeks' house, in 1836, the postoffice was first established, and for two or three j'ears Mr. Weeks was the postmaster. The next comers were Thomas Dunten and his nephew, Horace F. Dunten, who came from Jefferson county, N. Y., and were joined in the fall of the same year, 1833, b}' Ephraim H., father of Horace. This family was quite prominent; Horace erected the tirst hevvn-log house in 1S34, and soon afterward Ephraim H., jr., who settled in 1834, put up a frame store room on what is now a lot of Huntertown. He purchased his goods in Toledo, and had them shipped b}- way of the canal, and from Fort Wayne by wagons. The store prospered and was continued man}- years by "his sons. In 1835 the Lima road was opened to the rich prairie region of LaGrange county, and it became a great highway for travelers and freight. Upon this highway' in the vicinit}' of Huntertown, Ephraim H. Dunten, jr., opened a tavern, and being a genial host, had as many guests as he could accommodate. Several 3'ears later he built a more commodious house. He also, about the same time, opened a brick kiln, which, however, was not profitable. At a later period he was in business at Fort Wayne, but returned to Perr}' township and died of cholera in 1854. Other settlers in 1833, were Albert Wood, whose daughter Mary was the first white native, and Nathaniel Fitch, who married Miss Sarah De Long in 1836, that being the first wedding of the township. Fitch was the first blacksmith, opening his shop in 1837, in which same year James Vandergrift, in another part of the township, also engaged' in the manufacture of plow points and steel traps. Benjamin and Amaziah Parker came from Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1834, '^"'^ became leading citizens. In the same year came Jason Hatch from Penns3'lvania, and settled on Cedar Creek, and erected a saw-mill. He became quite popular and prominent; with him came his wife, Joanna, and their son, Newman V., born in 1S15, who married Abigail Parker in 1839, I'aised a family of seven children, and is still a resident of the township. Philemon Rundels, a settler of the same year, was also a man of ability. In 1836, George Simon came to the farm which was his home thereafter, and James Vandolah and famil}' began their residence; Schuj^ler Wheeler, a well-educated man, who was elected to the legislature in 1858, also came in 1836. In 1837 there were several notable aj-rivals. William T. Hunter came and purchased the tract of land including the site of Huntertown ; he did much for the advancement of the township. George, Samuel, Henry and John Bowser were others. Some of those who settled after 1837 are Thomas Tucker, James Thompson, Isaac Benward, Rapin Andrews, Jacob Hillegass, Vachel Metcalf, George Gloyd, L. Gloyd, James Tucker, Dr. E. G. Wheelock, August Martin and Samuel Shryock, but the settlers became so numerous that it is impossible to detail their names. The pioneer mill was that of Blair & Hines on Cedar creek, three miles from Huntertown. It was a saw-mill with a corn-cracker attachment, by which corn was hardly ground, but simply cracked, and was of. little value. The establishment was sold to Samuel Shryock in 1836, and he put in a run of buhrs, and founded a grist-mill. x\bout 1S52 John Stoner became the proprietor, and the mill is now generally known as the Stoner mill. It is still operated, at present by Price West. In 1848 or 1849 the Lima road was made a plank road, and a considerable amount of toll annually came to its projectors. A line of stage coaches was established to Kendallville, and there was a large timber commerce over the road. But atter the railroads were built, the business was mostly destroyed, and the planks went to decay and were finall}^ removed.

Hitntevtoioi. - After the completion of the Lima road, a number of settlers built their homes upon what promised to be a great highway, and William T. Hunter, one of the most prominent of these, purchased the tract of land embracing the site of the present town which bears his name. No plat was made nor town lots sold until December, 1869. The Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad takes the place of the old wagon thoroughfare as an avenue of commerce with the north. Among the early settlers were the Duntens, Nathaniel Fitch, Jacob Hillegass, John Hippenhamer, N. V. Hatch, A. I. Ketchum, Elbndge Burke, T. M. Andrews, Danford and Omri Parker, Solomon Simons. The first school near the town was taught b}- Eliza Parker in 1S35, in a log cabin on section 6. She was a teacher surpassing the ordinary instructors of her day, and with the financial aid of the settlers did valuable work. Matthew Montgomer}' established a school in 1837 on section 8; he was an able 3'oung man, and in 1846 was nominated for representative by the whigs against Peter Kiser. The village now has a commodious twostory school building, with two teachers. The earl}- business of the town has already been mentioned. There are now general stores kept by J. C. Hunter, who is the postmaster, J. E. Ballou and James Newman; hardware and groceries by Reuben Cone, hotel by William Clutter, notions and groceries by J. C. Gay. E. J. Scott deals in grain and agricultural implements, and N. C. Glazier conducts a wagon shop. A feed grinding establishment and flour exchange is kept by A. Snyder. The population in 1880 was 226.

A prominent fraternal organization at one time was Henry King lodge, F. & A. M., for which a dispensation was granted March 28, 186S. The petition for the estabhshment of the lodge bore the names of T. M. x\ndrews, S. A. Thornton, J. O. Beardsley, Ira A. Wert, F. C. Wert, H. F. Bovnton, Thomas V^andolah, Henry King, James W. Fleming, Corwin Phelps, David McQuiston, F. C. Bacon, John Anderson, William Ross and William Anderson. The first oflicers were installed by Sol D. Ba3'less, June 24, 1S69.

William T. Hunter, the pi-ominent citizen whose name is perpetuated in that of the town, is mentioned in connection with his son in another chapter.

Thomas Dunten (deceased), one of the earhest settlers of Allen county, was born in Vermont in 1787. He removed to Jefferson county, N. Y., while quite young, and remained until the early part of 1S33, when he came west in search of wild land, which he found in abundance in this region. He purchased about 400 acres in this county and returned for his family, which he brought to the new home in Peny township. He had been married in 1S13, to Margaret Mattoon, also a native of Vermont, born July 31, 17S9, and this union was blessed with seven children: Francis, Franklin (died 1SS6,) James A., Clarinda, Lucinda, SalU' (died 1871,) and Thomas J. Of this well known pioneer family, Lucinda is the only representative in Perry township. He was a man in good circumstances before he came west, and left a beautiful home in New York state, and 100 acres of land, to seek his fortune in a new country, and as is characteristic of the man, his ambition was to make homes for his children, sufferinc^ all the hardships of a pioneer life to gain this end. He was a generous and self-sacrificing man, and he was one of the first in his township to take his cattle and go to the northern part of this state and haul corn for himself and neighbors, to keep them from perishing from hunger in the winter. This was a trip which required some six or seven days to make, and the country through which he traveled was so thinly settled, that he was compelled to sleep in the forest where night would overtake him. Mr. Dunten endeavored to give his children as good an education as could be obtained at that time, and they were naturall}' above the average in intelligence, and were quick to learn. Miss Lucinda became one of the early and successful instructors in the schools of Allen county, an occupation which she successfully followed for over twenty years. She was a pupil in the first school in Perr}^ township, taught by Eb. Ayres. Mr. Dunten was a leading citizen during his life, and his death, which occurred August 20, 1858, was widely mourned.

Horace F. Dunten, the oldest living settler of Perry township, was born in New York, January 28, 1813, son of Ephraim H. and Abigail (Ball) Dunten, who with their family, came to Indiana in August, 1833. Ephraim was a soldier in the war of 1812. Horace Dunten entered forty acres the first year, and continued to accumulate land as fast as he earned the money, at $16 per month while working on the canal, and $10 per month at other work. Horace F. and Thomas Dunten in 1833, selected the site of the cemetery near Huntertown. In 1837 he was united in marriage with Almena, daughter of Henry and Anna (Broughton) Timmerman, who came to Indiana in 1834. To this union were born ten children : Granville S., Marville N., Orville A., died at the age of twenty-eight; Milton B., Alexander B., Winfield S., Friend B., Henry Clay, Mary Helen and Charles J. Four of the sons served in the war of the rebelHon: Orville A., a year and a half; Milton B., three years; Alexander a short time, and Winfield, one year. Eight of the ten were successful school teachers. Mrs. Dunten was born Juh^ 22, 1816. She has been a member of the Universalist church since its organization at Huntertown. Mr. Dunten though a leading citizen, never desired office of any kind, and held his only ofl'lce, that of constable, but about one year, when he resigned, and went with the tide of emigration to the gold fields of California, where he remained about a 3-ear and a half. He has succeeded well in life, and owns 200 acres of fine farming land which is under a good state of cultivation, with substantial buildings.

Albert Wood (deceased), an early settler, was a native of Jefferson county, N. Y., born in iSio. He was raised in his native state until 1833, when he emigrated and settled in Allen county. In the same year he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter ot Ephraim and Abigail (Ball) Dunten, and this union was blessed with twelve children, seven of whom are now living: Marj' J., who is the first white child born in Perrj- township; John W., Richard F., Oscar D., Commodore, WiUiam and Lucy. Mr. Wood departed this Hfe in February, 187S. Mrs. Wood, who was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 181 7, is still enjoj'ing the comforts of a peaceful life. She is a member of the Universalist church. Mr. Wood was not a member of any church, but was a friend and supporter of such organizations. Though beginning married life with little, he left his family no acres of fine farming land in Perry township, which was well improved. He was a leading citizen of his day and was highly respected.

Nathaniel Fitch (deceased), one of the old settlers of Allen county, was a native of Penns3dvania, born July 9, 1806, son of Nathaniel and Sarah Fitch. In 1832 he became a settler in Allen county. He was a blacksmith, gunsmith and locksmith, having learned the trade without instruction. This he followed in Pennsylvania and continued the work after arriving here. He made all the iron for the canal locks from the Wabash to Fort Wayne. Circumstances denied him educational privileges, but he was intelligent and shrewd. June 4, 1840, he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of George and Elizabeth De Long. Her grandfather, George Statler, was a soldier of 1812. This union was blessed with fifteen children, of whom thirteen are now living : Perry, Matthias, Jane, Charles, Amos, Francelia, Fidelia, Harvey, Sarah E., Allen, Ida A., Emeline and David. Mrs. Fitch though born in 181S, is still enjoying life. She is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Fitch, being very poor, had onl}- 15 cents in his pocket when he started from PennS3'lvania to Indiana, and consequently- made the journey on foot. Beginning under such circumstances, his success was verj' remarkable. He came to own 2,300 acres of land, and raised a large famil}^ in comfortable circumstances. As might be expected, his Hfe was full of adventures. At one time, while at work in his shop, he was compelled to put off an Indian who had a gun to mend, which so enraged the redskin that he sprang at him with drawn knife, and probably would have been hurt with the shovel Mr. Fitch was sharpening had not Chief Chopine interfered. Before he came to Indiana he had been accidentally shot in the leg while on a wolf hunt. Again, while crossing Lake Erie on a side-wheel steamer, the}^ were caught in a gale, and the shaft becoming disabled, they were fast going to ruin, and were onl}' saved by breaking one of the shafts. David N. Fitch, the youngest son of Nathaniel Fitch, now lives on the old homestead farm with his aged mother. He received a good common school education and attended college at Fort Wa3'ne two years. In 18S7 he was united in marriage with Emma B., daughter of James C. and Nancy (Kidd) Stirlen. They have one child, James B., born January 26, 1888. Mrs. Fitch was born November 2, 1866. She is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr.

Perr}- Fitch was born January 6, 1842, in the old log house built b}' his father in an early day, where he grew to manhood. He received a common school education. In 1S64 he was united in marriage with Sarah E., daughter of George B. and Magdalena Gloyd. This union was blessed with twelve children, eight now living: William S., Ohver J., George B., Bert C, Kelsie D., Frank E., Claude P. and Pearl M. Mrs. Fitch was born April 9, 1S46. She is a member of the old school Baptist church. Mr. Fitch is a resident of DeKalb county, having removed there in 1864, where he has served his township twelve years as justice of the peace. He has a valuable farm of 140 acres, where he lives, with a two-story brick dwelling and a good barn, and eighty acres in Union township, DeKalb count}-. He is one of the leading citizens of his county, and respected b}- all. Mr. Fitch is a member of the Masonic order.

Matthias Fitch, the second son of Nathaniel, was born January 16, 1843. December i, 1867, he was united in marriage with Frances, daughter of James and Rebecca Vandolah, and this union gave them nine children, six of whom are li\'ing: Schuyler, John B., Walter, Bessie, Altha and Beatrice. Mrs. Fitch was born Februar}- 19, 1S43. He is a member of the Regulators, and was once a member of the F. & A. M. He makes a specialty of raising sheep. He has 240 acres of good land in Perry township, improved, and 200 acres in Iowa. In connection with farming he also runs a water-power saw-mill built by his father.

Amos Fitch, of DeKalb county, was born at the old homestead, June II, 1849, and there grew to manhood, receiving a good common school education. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Nancy E., daughter of William T. and Jane Hunter, and the}' have two children; Gladys, born October 15, 1881, and Roland, born September 12, 1884. Mrs. Fitch was born January 22, 1849. She is a member of the Universalist church. He was a member of the Good Templars while that lodge was in existence at Huntertown. He possesses 160 acres of land given to him by his father, and upon which he has erected a two-story brick dwelling. He remained in Perry township on the old home place until 1S78, when he returned to DeKalb county and settled on the farm where he now lives. Harvey Fitch, eighth child of Nathaniel and Sarah Fitch, was married in 1880 to Etta P. Parker, daughter of Danford and Parmelia Parker, and they have had four children, three now living: Andra, Nina and Parker. He owns 160 acres of fine farming land.

George B. Gloyd is a name conspicuous in the annals of the early settlement of Allen county. He was born in Virginia in 1812, and when nineteen years old emigrated to Ohio, whence he removed in 1832 to Indiana, entering 240 acres of land. He was a man of considerable executive abilitv, and devoted much of his time to the construction of public works. His first engagement of That kind in this county was as superintendent ot a portion of tlie construction work on tiie Wabasli & Erie canal. In 1S35 he returned to Oliio, and was married September 19, to Madeline Mittler, by whom he had nine children, of whom eight are now living: Jerome D., Lewis, Sarah E., William S., Mary M., Edwin G., Celia A., Verdenia (deceased), and George B. After his return to Indiana he took contracts on \>arious railroads, and at the time of his death was engaged on the Saginaw railroad. He amassed a competency and became one of the leading citizens of his township. His widow, who was born June 3, 1816, yet survives. The children of these worthy parents are now prominent citizens of Perry township, esteemed and honored by a wide circle of friends. Jerome D. Gloyd, the eldest, was born in Perry township, July 12, 1841. In 1S75 he was married to Fidelia, daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah Fitch, born in April, 185 1. They have four children, Estella, Madella, Otis F., and Norma A. Mr. Gloyd served his township as trustee four years, and evinced such abilit}- in this direction that he was elected county commissioner in 1882, and re-elected in 18S4, and served six years. He has a fine farm of 160 acres.

William S. Gloyd was born September 8, 1852, on the homestead, and was there raised to manhood, receiving a common school education. October 11, 1888, he was married to Mary Gunger. He is a highly respected citizen, owns a fine farm of eighty acres, and has just completed a handsome and commodious residence.

Edwin G. Gloyd was born Februarj' 19, 1850. He early manifested a natural adaptation to the trade of miller, and though he never served an apprenticeship, he became an expert, and is now proprietor of the Gloyd water-mill. His land possessions are 100 acres, which he cultivates. Mr. Glo3'd was married April 4, 1872, to Priscilla Myers, who was born April 20, 1852. Of their seven children but three are living: Charles, Silvia and Gertrude.

George B. Gloyd, the youngest son, was born May 21, 1858, and brought up on the old homestead. He has a fine farm of eight}- acres of the original land entered by his father, and is one of the influential J^oung men of the township. In 1885 he was married to Emily, daughter of Edward B. and Lavinia Harwood, and they have one child, Ethel May. Mrs. Gloyd who was born in 1867, is a member of the Reformed Lutheran church, while he belongs to the regular Baptist church.

Solomon Simon, an early settler of Allen county, was born in 1825, in Columbiana county, Ohio. His father, George Simon, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was carried across the mountain in a pack saddle when only six months old, to Washington count}', Penn., where he was raised to manhood. About 1809 he removed to Ohio and settled in Columbiana county. He served in the war of 181 2 about six months. In the fall of 1836 he removed to Allen county with his wife, Elizabeth Hewitt, and children, and settled in Perry township, where he lived until his death in 1872. In 1S52 Solomon Simon was united in marriage with

Mary A., daughter of Daniel and iNIary (Garble) Rhoads, who settled in DeKalb county, when there were only six other families in the count}-. This union was blessed with eight children, seven of whom are now living: Joseph, Etta, James S., George L., Ella, Benjamin A. and Perry B. Mrs. Simon was born about 1830. She and her husband are members of the old Lutlieran church, Mr. Simon being now elder. Mr. Simon began life in this country without an}^ money, and made his start by traffic in coon skins and other furs. He is now prosperous, having a handsome property of 225 acres in Perry township, and 120 acres in De Kalb county, also a half interest in four lots in Laotto.

James Vandolah, one of the worthy pioneers of Allen count}-, came to Indiana in 1832, on a tour of inspection, looking for a situation for a water-mill. This he found in Perry township, and then returned to Ohio. In 1835 he came again, and remained long enough to dig the race for his mill. In the fall of 1836, he emigrated with his family, and settled on the farm where Benjamin Vandolah now lives. He entered about 400 acres of wild land in Eel River township, 520 in Perry township, and 160 acres in DeKalb county. He was a mill-wright, and devoted much time to his trade, having worked in several m'lls throughout the country. He built the Shryock mill, at Leo; the Dauson mill, at Spencerville; the grist-mill, near Clarksville; his own mill, and a number of others. About 1830 he was united in marriage with Rebecca Tucker. Of their eight children, five are now living : Benjamin, Thomas, Sarah J., Francis and James. Mr. Vandolah served as one of the trustees of his township several terms. He was a leading citizen, and was highly respected by all who knew him. His eldest son, Benjamin Vandolah, was born in Greene county, Ohio, April 14, 1834; he was brought to Indiana when three years of age, and on the farm where he now lives he grew to manhood. On October 4, 1888, he was married to Catharine Aaron, daughter of Michael and Ehzabeth (Pierce) Aaron. She is a member of the Lutheran church. He is a prosperous farmer, possessing 180 acres of fine land in Perry township, with substantial buildings. Mr. Vandolah has in his possession a very curious Indian relic, which he unearthed about twelve years ago. Thomas Vandolah, the second son, was born in Greene county, August 31, 1836. His hfe in Allen county began in the same year. He received such education as could be obtained in the pioneer log school-house. In 1871 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Vandolah, daughter of Joseph and Drusilla (Nickerson) Vandolah. She was born in 1842. Though never seeking office, he has always taken an interest in politics, being one of the leading democrats of his township. He owns 285 acres of good farming land, and is as prominent socially as he is as a land-owner.

John Surfus, an old and prominent farmer of Perry township, and a pioneer of Allen county, is a native of Ohio, born in 181 2, son of Andrew and Betsy (Harless)" Surfus. He left his native state in 1833 and settled in Allen county, Ind. Mr. Surfus was denied the privilege of any education, his family being poor and in need of his work. In 1842 he was united in marriage with Ellen Belong, by whom he had twelve children, ten of whom are living: Stephen, George, Samuel, Andrew, John E., Harriet, Mar}', Ellen, Celina and Julia. When Mr. Surfus landed in Allen county he possessed a yoke of cattle, table, chest, set of chairs and oven, and their first bed was made by boring holes in the logs of the house and putting in sticks, which he wrapped with bark. In such circumstances Mr. Surfus began life in Indiana, surrounded by bands of Indians and wild beasts. He had no financial advantages and his success m life must be attributed to the energy and perseverance he has displayed in all his undertakings, and the unfaihng assistance of his true wife. They accumulated considerable property and at one time owned over i,ooo acres of good land in Perry township. They have lived to see all their children comfortablj- situated. After giving his children all a good home Mr. Surfus retains a residence elegantly surrounded with all the comforts of life. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their seventh child, Andrew Surfus, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, was born September 8, 1S50. He received a common school education and remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when his father gave him 140 acres of good farming land, which he now occupies and has well impro^'ed. In 1875 he was united in marriage with Mar}', daughter of Jacob and Sarah Snyder, born November iS, 1854, ^'""i '^hey have three children: Jerry H., born October 16, 1S76; Orville, born July 11, 1878; Eva Blanche, born Jul}' 25, 1880. He and wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He makes a specialty of graded stock.

Schuyler Wheeler (deceased) was one of the pioneers of Allen count}'. He was born July 22, 1802, in Massachusetts, but was taken to New York by his parents when only six months of age. He remained in Oswego county until fourteen years of age, when he removed to Orangeville, N. Y., where he remained until 1S36, when he settled in Allen county, entering 400 acres, in April. Returning to New York he brought his family during the summer of 1836. In 1828 he had been united in marriage with Lydia, daughter of Perry G. and Sophia Smith. This union was blessed with four children, three of whom are living: Juha, Commodore P., now a resident of Missouri; Columbia, the wife of F. C. West, who died April 19, 1888, and Almina, wife of Cyrus Krumlauf. Mrs. Wheeler was born in Berkshire county, Mass., in 1801. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church from sixteen years of age. He served an apprenticeship at the tanner's trade, at the age of nine years, and after he became twenty-one he formed a partnership with his father and Luther Briggs, and in connection with the tannery they also ran a boot and shoe store. He had strong elements of character that commanded the respect and confidence of his neighbors and associates. He succeeded financially, leaving 940 acres of good land here, and 1,800 in Missouri, and in pubhc life was honored by the position of representative of Allen county, in the legislature of 1859.

ship with his wife, Mary Brimmer, and their children, from New York in 1839, ^^^ began to take a hand in the township's development. He was one of its most valued citizens. He was a Mason, while in New York, during the period of the Morgan excitement, and was a charter member of the first Royal Arch lodge of Allen county. He was one of the eleven voters at the first presidential election in Perry township, in 1840. In 1849 he died "at the age of sixty-seven, but his widow survived until 1884, reaching the age of eighty-five years.

Theron M. Andrews, son of the worth}' old settlers, Rapin and Mary Andrews, was born March, 1822, in New York state. Theron M. received his early education in the log school-house, and assisted in the poineer work of the family. December 20, 1849, he was united in marriage with Helen L., daughter of Oliver and Clarissa Potter, born October, 1830. To this union were born three children, Mary D., Sidney D., and Ida J. Mr. Andrews is one of the prominent citizens of the county, and during his more active days was among the foremost in its affairs. He served as assessor of his township from 1856 to 1857, and was elected township trustee, an office he resigned in 1857, to accept a higher one to which he was called by the people of the county, that of member of the board of county commissioners, and he held this important position until 1S60. He has served since then as one of the drainage commissioners of the county, and has been a member of the board of ec^ualization since that body was created. He is a member of the Masonic order and occupies a high position socially. One of the leading people, he is widel}' known and he and familj' are highl}' respected. Mr. Andrews has a beautiful farm in Perry township of 220 acres, thoroughly cultivated, and provided with substantial buildings.

Dexter B. Andrews, a well-known citizen of Perry township, was born in New York, July, 1825, another son of Rapin and Mary (Brimmer) Andrews. In 1839 Dexter B. emigrated with his parents and settled in Perry township. In 1848 he entered the shops at Fort Wayne to serve an apprenticeship as millwright, but never completed it. Being a natural mechanic, he stood at the head wherever he worked. He followed this trade through life In 1S49 he was united to Celeste A. Sauers, born at Watertown, N. Y., October 3, 1S32, daughter of Samuel and Mercy Gibson (Parsons) Sauers, early settlers of Allen county. The father cast the first democratic vote in Washington township. He was proprietor of the Washington hotel in Fort Wayne about five years. This union was blessed b}' four children, three now living: Amelia, wife of J. N. Bassett; Cora M., wife of L. C. Hunter, and Clara G. Mr. Andrews worked a number of years as a daguerreotyper, which art he learned from books alone. He has in his possession pictures he took in 1853, which are as bright apparently as the day the)' were taken. He continued at this business in connection with his trade until 1S65. In 1866, he entered the pension office with S. D. Bayless, where he remained until 1869. In March, 1852, he started on the overland route to the gold fields of Cahfornia, arriving August 10, 1852. He entered the mining region at the, mouth of Nelson Creek, and remained until November, when he removed to Santa Clara, and returned to Indiana in the spring of 1853. He is a member of the Masonic order, of Wayne lodge, No. 25. Mr. Andrews is one of the leading citizens of his township, and a man respected by all. He owns ten and one-half acres of land in Perry, and 140 acres in Eel River township.

David M. Shoaff, one of the pioneer settlers of Allen count}', was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, December 16, 1814, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Musselman) Shoaff. He received a good common school education, and served an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade, which he followed about twentj- years. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Mary Mendenhall. This union was blessed with five children. Four of his children are now living: -Peter, Samuel H., John P. and Emma. Mrs. Shoaff, who was born in 1S19, departed this fife in 1888. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Shoaff and wife came to this country in 1839, with no money, and verj- little goods. Being poor, he was compelled to work out, and in the winter worked in the snow and storm for 50 cents per da}^, enough to buy two pounds of coffee of old Squire Jones. His wife's experience in the early daj'S was typical of what the helpmeet of the pioneer had to endure. She would go to the clearing with her two little babes and place them on the ground while she would help pick and burn brush. Mr. Shoaff now has a nice little farm of eighty-four acres, which is under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Shoaff was one of the eleven who voted at the presidential election in Perry township in 1840, and cast his vote for Harrison. In March, 1840, salt sold at $9.00 per barrel in Fort Wayne, and Mr. Shoaff being in need of some, his brother furnished the money, and he and F. C. Freeman made the trip in March, taking twelve daj-s to reach Maumee City. He returned by Fort Defiance on the ice, having very narrow escapes from drowning. When Mr. Shoaff built J. P. Shoaff's and Sijuire Jones' houses in the fall of 1S36, they were the first houses on the road on which he now lives between his home and Heller's Corners, a distance of six miles. Six men helped to build these houses, out of whom two are now living: D. M. Shoaff and Harrison Jones.

Phanuel W. Jack'son, a prominent farmer of Perry township, was born in Butterfield township, Oxford county. Me., May 19, 1827. His parents, Lemuel and Mercy (White) Jackson, were also natives of Maine. When he was six j'ears old his parents emigrated to Ohio, and located in a part of Richland county, now a portion of Crawford, where the father died six years later. Here Mr. Jackson passed his boyhood and received his schooling. The advantages for an education were ver}' poor, but he has since, however, acquired a broad knowledge and general information. At the age of fourteen he accompanied his sister and her husband, Eleazer Cummings, to Allen county, and located with them on the farm Mr. Jackson now occupies in Perry township. In December, 1841, he returned to the home of his mother in Richland county. At the age of twenty he accompanied his mother to Whitley county, Ind., and from 1S47 until 1S50, gave his attention to the well business. May 16, 1850, he was married to Catharine Kell, who was born in France, of German descent, June 29, 1824. She came to America with her parents, George and Magdalena Kell, when she was four years old. Immediatel}' after his marriage Mr. Jackson located on the farm he has occupied nearly forty years. In his chief occupation, farming, he has been successful. He owns a well-improved farm of 120 acres, and has given more or less to his children. Besides being known as a first-class farmer, Mr. Jackson has acquired an extensive reputation as an oculist. It was twenty-five years ago that his attention was especially directed to his ability in this line, when his wife had a very severe disease of the e3res, which had been pronounced incurable by a recognized oculist. He began a systematic study of the subject, determining thoroughly to acquaint himself with it, and the case above mentioned and others with which he was equally successful soon attracted the attention of the public. For the past tvvent}' years he has practiced quite extensivel)', and has performed a number of difficult cures. He has also devoted much attention to the study of medicine in general, and he is now one of the licensed physicians of Allen county. Mr. Jackson and wife had four children that lived to maturity: Mercy M., Cordeha M., Margaret D. and Meha N., of whom Cordeha M. died in her twenty-fourth year. The wife of Mr. Jackson died Januar}' 23, 1887. She was a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Jackson is a member of the same church and in politics is a democrat. He is now serving as justice of the peace, having been elected in the spring of 1886.

Joseph Warner (deceased), one of the pioneer settlers of Perry township, was born in Adams county, Penn., September i, 1796. He remained in Pennsylvania until 1831, when he emigrated to Ohio and settled in Richland county. In the fall of 1842 he removed to Indiana. He bargained to clear twenty acres for forty acres, and completed the work that winter, and settled the next year on the forty acres. His education was limited, and he had to depend upon his labor for support of his family, and what he made was b}' honest work and good management. At twenty-five years of age he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ebley, bj^ whom he had nine children: John (died in the service of the Union at Nashville), Samuel, Joseph, George, Mary, Amos, James, Alexander and Sophia. He and wife were both members of the Catholic church. He served as township treasurer one term, and as supervisor several years during the time of opening new roads. He opened all the roads in his district and proved to be an efficient officer. He resided in Perr}' township on his original farm until his death, which occurred in 1871. He became a prosperous as well as popular citizen, and at the time of his death owned 303 acres of valuable land. Samuel Warner, his eldest son, is a native of Cumberland count}% Penn., born November 21, 1824. He came with his parents to Indiana in 1842, and had the usual pioneer experience. After receiving a common school education he worked at the carpenter's trade about eighteen j-ears, and though he never served an apprenticeship at any trade, he became one of the leading carpenters of his day. On June 4, 1849, ^'^ ^^''^^ united in marriage with Julia A., daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Robinson) Spencer. Of their eight children, seven are hving: Benjamin F., Elizabeth A., Addie, Charles H.. Lovisa S., William JM. and Julia A. Mrs. Warner was born in Alleghany county, N. Y., April 7, 1833. She is a member of the Close Communion Baptist church. Mr. Warner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal chui-ch. He was a member of the Regulators. He has a home farm of 131 acres in Perry township, which is well improved, with a two-story dwelling house, and thirt3'-five and one-half acres in Cedar Creek township.

Among the notable families of Allen coimt}- are Jacob Hillegass and wife, pioneers of Perrj- township, and their descendants. His father, Michael Hillegass, was a farmer and a native of Pennsylvania. He was married to Anna Yeakel, and they had thirteen children. Jacob, the youngest of five brothers, was born February 7, 1S18, after the removal of the famil}- to Montgomery county, Ohio. There he was raised, and there he received the education which could be obtained in the early school-houses in the woods. May 26, 1841, in Butler count}-, Ohio, he was united in marriage with Lucy A. Powell, daughter of John and Barbara Shaffer, both natives of Pennsylvania. This union was blessed with seven children: Josiah D., Jerr}^ Hezekiah, Isaiah J., Sarah J., Mary M. and Lucy I. Mrs. Hillegass was born July 28, 1822, in Butler count}-, Ohio. She and husband have for many years been members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hillegass is a man in whom the people have alwa\-s had implicit confidence, and -in an earl}- day when the township board consisted of treasurer, clerk and one director, he served as clerk about six years, afterward being elected trustee, a position he held nine years. He has also served as assessor of his township. During his terms in these smaller ofhces, he became noted among his constituents as a man of energy and much decision of character, and this reputation led to his election as county commissioner in October, 1870. He was re-elected three years later. In this position he' acquitted himself with honor. Mr. Hillegass came to Allen county, April 14, 1843, and settled on the farm where he now lives. It comprises 320 acres of ver}' fine farming land, well improved, with a two- story brick dwelling. He has alwaj's been a supporter of churches, . schools and all laudable enterprises. Though in his seventy-first year ihe is full}' able to enjoy the comforts with which he is so amply surrounded. His manly qualities and honest dealing have gained for him the respect of all who know him. Having been deprived of school advantages in his early years, he bestowed those privileges upon his children liberally. His sons, J. D., Jerry and Isaiah, were graduated at the University of Michigan. The first and third became lawyers, and the second was for several years superintendent of schools of iVllen

Jacob Kell, an old and successful farmer of Perry township, is a native of France, born Jul}- 10, 1818, son of George and Magdalene Kell, both of German descent. At ten years of age he emigrated with his parents to America, and first settled in Wayne county, Ohio. In. October, 1843, he removed to Indiana and settled on the farm where he now lives, buying eighty acres of land, and afterward entering forty acres, all timbered land. He began work for Mr. Newhouse, making rails for 75 cents per hundred, and furnished the timber and boarded himself. By this labor he bought his house furniture. He cleared and fenced ten acres, and in the summer following he raised some corn and potafoes. In a few years he had a beautiful farm. In 1841 he was. united in marriage with Catharine Weimer, and they had five children, three of whom are living: Solomon, George V. and Amelia E. This wife was born March 27, 1824, and departed this life November 2, 1852. She was a member of the Cedar Creek Presbyterian church. On Jul}' 7, 1855, he was married to Catherine M., daughter of John and Mary (Crous) Fonei", and they had the following children: Mary Magdalene,, John (died at the age of seventeen), Emma, Hiram A. (died aged twenty-one), Edna Viola (died aged five), Bertha May and Frederick Jacob. Mrs. Kell was born in Pennsylvania April 19, 1828. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Huntertown. Mr. Kell was a member of the Regulators for the protection of property in Allen county. He has served his township as trustee four years. He makes a specialt}' of the best grades of all kinds of stock. He has prospered in life, and now owns about 1,000 acres of fine farming land in Allen county, and his home place, being the old homestead, consisting of about 800 acres, is handsomely improved, with good buildings. His accumulations have been by industry, not through speculation, and he is esteemed as one of the prominent citizens and representative farmers of his township.

Solomon Kell, of Perry township, was born August 23, 1842, son of the above named Jacob and Catharine Kell. He was raised in Allen county, and received a good education, attending the Perry Center seminary four or five years, and studying all the higher branches, after which he followed the vocation of teacher for five years. Part of this period, subsequent to 1868, he was a resident of Iowa. He was there elected trustee of his township, but after being in office two years, returned to Perry township. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Emeline, a daughter of John and Eliza Krider, born in 1845. Her parents were pioneers of Allen county. This union was blessed with five children : Alice May, Eliza M., Mabel Ellen, Charles E. and Grace Gertrude. Mr. Kell is a constable, or one of the riders of the " Regulators" who have done much in the past to rid Allen county of outlaws. Being a resolute man, he is very earnest in his work, and does his full share in helping to bring to punishment these enemies of law and good society. Like his worthy father, he occupies one of the first places in the estimation of his township. He has a fine farm of eight}- acres, with a good two-story frame dwelHng house and commodious barn.

Constant Delagrange, one of the prosperous farmers and stockraisers of Perr}' township, is a native of France, born May 24, 1831. He is a son of Joseph and Marj^ (Shottan) Delagrange, nati%'es of France, who emigrated to America, bringing Constant, then only twelve years of age. They settled in Ohio and bought twenty-five acres of land, where they remained eight years and then sold and bought eighty acres, which the}^ improved and' lived upon four years. Then they removed to Indiana and settled in Cedar Creek township. They first bought forty acres in the woods, and four years later sold this and bought sixt}- acres near Leo, where he remained three j-ears, and in 1S61 he bought and settled on the farm where he now lives. All of these farms he cleared to a considerable extent and built upon, and his present place is handsomely cared for. In June, 1S61, he was united in marriage with Ann Margaret Greavy, by whom he had fourteen children, seven of whom are hving: Joseph, Franklin, Constine, Josephine, August, Louis and Julian. Mrs. Delagrange was born in 1837 and died December 27, 18S1. She was a member of the Catholic church, to which he also belongs. His vocation has always been that of a farmer and he has succeeded well, now owning a farm of 200 acres which is equal to the best. In stock-raising he makes a specialty of Norman horses.

John B. Masson, a substantial farmer of Perry township, is a native of France, born December 21, 1S26. He is the son of Peter and Margaret Masson, the former of whom died when John B. was five 3'ears old. He lived in his native country, being employed chiefly in a vineyard until eighteen years old, when he accompanied his mother and stepfather to America. Coming directly to Fort Wayne, they settled on a farm in Lake township, two miles from Areola. . There he remained with his mother six years. December 4, 1850, he was married to Amelie Nicolas, also a native of France, born September 18, 1833, daughter of Nicolas and Marjr Nicolas, the former of whom died when Mrs. Masson was two 3ears old. She accompanied her mother and step-father to America when she was eleven years old, and they also settled in Lake township. About eighteen months after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Masson located on the farm the}' now occupy. Mr. Masson resides on his well improved farm of eighty acres, and also owns a farm of fortyeight acres in St. Joseph township. He and wife have six children: John N., Jane M., Mary J., Joseph A., Jule J. apd Adel J. Mr. and Mrs. Masson and children are members of the Catholic church. In politics Mr. Masson is a democrat.

Florentin Roy, of Perry township, is a native of France. He was born July 26, 1S33, to Ferdinand and Josephine (JuUiard) Roy, of French nativity, who on March 4, 1846, emigrated to America and reached Fort Wayne June 22. They purchased land in Washington township and remained until 1858, when they removed to St. Joseph township, where the mother died in 1872. The father Hved with Florentin until his death in 1878. He reached this country poor in purse, but came to own a farm of eighty acres. He was a worthy man and well-liked by his neighbors. Florentin received his education mainly in this country. His vocation has always been that of farmer, but in connection with farming he was engaged in operating a saw and shingle mill about five years. April 5, 1S53, he was united in marriage with Mary LailHot, born April 24, 1824, and they had four children, three now living: Louis F., Charles J., Philomine. February 15, 1865, Mr. Roy enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fift3--second regiment, under Capt. M. W. Wines, and received an honorable discharge at Charleston, August 30, 1865. He served as deputy assessor three 3-ears and was elected constable but resigned to enlist in the war. In 187 1 he removed to his present home in Perry township, where he owns a valuable farm of 17S acres. Having come here when quite 3'oung he and all of his father's famil}^ suffered all the privations of pioneer life. He is one of the leading citizens of his township and is well-known as a prominent politician in the democratic part}-. In 1888 he was elected township trustee. Mr. Roy makes a specialty' of his vineyard, and also gives much attention to raising German carp, having a pond of about two acres. He and wife are members of the Catholic church.

George Gump, of Perry township, is a native of Miami county, Ohio, born August 14, 1825, son of Daniel and Margaret (Studebaker) Gump. In 1848 he emigrated west and settled in Perry township, and in 1856 removed to the farm where he now lives. He received the common school education of his day. His occupation has always been that of a farmer. In 1849 he returned to Ohio and was united in marriage with Harriet Agenbroad, born June i, 1830, and of their thirteen children nine are living: Franklin, Priscilla, Alice, Jane, Madison, Marion, Calvert, Effie and Cora. Mr. Gump served as township trustee four j'ears, his term closing in 1888. He has also done considerable probate business in his township. Mr. Gump had onl}' 60 cents in money when he settled in the woods and began to hew out a farm, but now he looks with satisfaction over a handsome farm of 1S4 acres. He and wife are members of the German Baptist church.

Martin V. Metcalf, a substantial farmer of Perry township, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, December 3, 1S45. His father, Vachel Metcalf, an early settler of Perrj-, was born September 20, 1816, in Ashland county, Ohio, where his father, Edward Metcalf, was a pioneer. In 1842 Vachel married Amanda Otto, and in 1849 they emigrated to Perry township, settling upon land yet in the forest. When Martin V. was but four 3'ears old he accompanied his parents to Allen countx-, and located on the farm where his boyholsd and 3-outh were spent. In winter he went to the district school, receiving a ver3- good education for that da3-. In early manhood he adopted the vocation of a farmer. January 26, 1870, he was married to Mary E. Duly, a native of Ashland count3^, Ohio, born September 7, 1845, to John and Elizabeth (Ely)

Duly. From 1S70 to 1877, Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf resided on the Metcalf homestead, in Perrj- township. In the latter year they removed to another farm in the same township. Besides this valuable farm of eight}^ acres, Mr. Metcalf owns a one-half interest in the old homestead of 140 acres. He and wife have had two children. The tirst was a son that died in infanc}^ unnamed. The other is William Edmund, who was born October 29, 1881. Mr. Metcalf is one of his township's most worthy and respected citizens.

Solomon Duly, of Perry township, is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, born November 27, 1838. His father, John Duly, was born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio, and in 1849 settled in Perry township on the farm where Solomon now Hves. Here he died June 14, 1874. He began life in the Perry township, woods with about $900, and succeeded in becoming the owner of 240 acres of good land. He was one of the leading citizens, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Ely, were highly esteemed. Their son, Solomon, received his education in the log school-houses, now passed awa}'. On December 14, 1S71, he was married to Lucinda, daughter of George and Margaret (Kairger) Bowser, earty settlers who came from Ohio about 1836, and settled on land which thejr entered from the government. This union was blessed with two children: Harr\^ E. and Edna I. Mrs. Duly was born July 14, 1842. She is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Duly has a fertile and well improved farm of eight}' acres.

Eugene Parnin, a successful farmer of Perr}' township, is a native of France, born January iS, 1844, son of Gabriel and Virginia (Everard) Parnin. He emigrated to America with his parents when only eight years of age, and settled in Lake township, where he grew to manhood and received an education such as could be obtained at that time. His vocation has always been that of a farmer. In the dark days of the rebellion he enlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth Illinois infantry, under Capt. D. S. Pride, and served two years when the war ended: he received his discharge as corporal at Baton Rouge, La., January 20, 1866. On February 28, 1870, he was married to Louisa Delagrange, born September 6, 1849, daughter of Justin and Theresa (Bonot) Delagrange. Of their eight children seven are Hving: Joseph, Louis, Emma, August, Edward, Mar}' and George. Mr. Parnin has prospered in his undertakings, and by good management and close economy now owns a valuable farm of 120 acres in Perry township. He gives much attention to breeding Norman horses. He is one of the leading citizens of the township, and is well respected.

Solomon C. Chapman, of Perry township, is a native of Ashland county, Ohio, born May 18, 1838. His father, John Chapman, emigrated from Ohio, October 4, 1852, and settled on the farm where his son now lives, where he remained until his death, Jul}- 12, 1861. By honest industry he was enabled to leave a good farm of eighty acres and an honorable name. Solomon Chapman coming to Indiana when about thirteen years of age, grew to manhood on the old homestead and received such schooling as the schools of that da}- afforded. December 10, 1S61, he was married to Hannah Honora, daughter of Patrick and Matilda (Baird) Horn, and they had seven children: Mary J., S3-1- vester G., Minerva A., Hannah H., Eunice M., Catharine C. and Blanche H. Mrs. Chapman, who was born December 12, 1842, departed this hfe May iS, 1873. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Chapman was deputy assessor of Perry township in 1873. He is a member of the Masonic order. His land-holdings in Perr}- township amount to 272 acres.

John W. Hursh, one of the prominent teachers of Allen county, is a native of Perry township, born July 15, 1S55. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Hursh. Growing to manhood on the old homestead farm, he received a good common school education and afterward attended a term at the Center seminar^' and at the Fort Wayne college about two years. In 1875 he began teaching in the country schools and has been so engaged since, with the exception of about two years. In 18S0 he was united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of George and Harriet Gump, and they have four children: George, John, Donnie and Bertie. He and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He occupies the old homestead of 200 acres, of which he owns all but one share. He is recognized as one of the worth}- and valuable citizens of his township.

Alexander Stirlen was born in Holmes county, Ohio, December 24, 1832. His parents, Samuel and Delilah (Praig) Stirlen, natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., came to Ohio about 1828, traveling in the once familiar emigrant wagons. In 1853 Alexander settled in Allen county, and was employed about four years as a day laborer. He then farmed on shares two years, after which he purchased land. His schooling was that of pioneer days. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Magdalena, daughter of George and Magdalena Kell, early settlers of Allen county. She was born February 6, 1829. This union gave them five children: Martha, John, Wilham, George and Edgar. Mrs. Stirlen departed this life Februar}- 26, 1880. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Stirlen has always been an active worker for the democratic party, but has not held office except as a school director four 3'ears. When he first came to Allen count}- he was without resources, and had the usual wearisome experiences of early days. But his success has been remarkable, and he possesses 532 acres of excellent land in Perry and Cedar Creek townships. His home place, in Perry, is handsomely improved.

James McCombs, of Perry township, was born in Irehmd, April 4, 1828. His parents, Robert' and Margaret McCombs, emigrated to America when James was about two years of age, and settled in Claremont county, Ohio. After landing in Cincinnati, his mother was taken sick and died, and he was bound out to Sampson Newbrough, with whom he remained until twenty-one years of age. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Margaret Simonton, and they have had eleven children: Robert S., Thomas C, John S., Mar}- C, wife of John Reynolds, Joseph (deceased), James I., Theoppolis M., Emma, wife of Samuel Davis, William S., Hiram E. and David O. Mrs. McComb was born July 21, 1S33. She and husband are members of the United Brethren church. Mr. McCombs is a leading citizen and has served as trustee from 1880 to 18S4. His landed possessions are 200 acres of fine farming land, which were heavily timbered when he first came here.

Henry A. Treace, an earl}- settler of Perry township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1823, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Treace. He was taken by his parents to Ohio when only two years of age, and there grew to manhood. He received a common school education in the pioneer log school-house. In 1844 he was married to Elizabeth Clayton, born in 1821, and had by this union nine children, eight of whom are living: Margaret, Rosa Ann, Lottie, Jane, William, Frank, George and Robert. He served six years as a school director. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. When Mr. Treace setded in Perry township he had but a shilling in money, but b}- hard, diligent industr}' he came to own 480 acres of good land out of which he cleared farms, and has given all to his children except 120 acres upon which he now lives. He is one of the leading citizens of his township, and is well respected by all.

Alanson C. Griffin, of Perry township, is a native of New York state. He was born June 29, 1836, the son of Jonathan and Huldah (Dudley) Griffin. The mother, who is in her eightj'-first year, is still a resident of New York state. Mr. Griffin remained in his native state until 1864, when he settled in Allen count}^ and in March, 1866, occupied the farm where he now lives. He received a ver}' limited education, his father having died when he was quite young, leaving much responsibility to him. He began with his brother, when seventeen years of age, the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he engaged in after coming to Indiana. He and his brother went to Canada in 1857, and built a house for one of his uncles. December 22, 1858, he was married to Marj^ J., daughter of Charles B. and Rosette (Eddy). The}' had one child, Viola, born September 28, 1S60. The mother of this child was born Februarj' 8, 1836, and departed this hfe August 8, 1863. December 31, 1865, he was married to Henriette, daughter of John and Ellen Surfus. By her he had five children: Effie M., born May 6, 1867; Anna, born September 13, 1869; John E., born November 14, 1870; Aclie S., born Januar}^ 8, 1872, and Jesse, born Maj^ 14, 1876. The mother was born March 25, 1844, and died Ma}^ 18, 1876. December 5, 1877, he was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of James and Rebecca Vandolah. She is a member of the German Baptist church. Mr. Griffin was a member of the Masonic lodge at Huntertown during its existence, and passed through the chairs. He has a fine farm of eighty acres, in Perry township, well improved with perfect arrangements for watei-ing, and supplying water to his house, and i6o acres in Kingman county, Kansas. In connection with farming he also runs a repair shop for farmers.

Fisher C. West was born in 1827, at Syracuse, N. Y., son of Joseph and Joanna (Smith) West. The father was a soldier in the war of 1S12, and served about one year. The grandparents on both sides were soldiers yi the war for American independence, and the grandfather on the father's side served through the whole struggle and lost an eye in the first battle. Mr. West left his native state when about fifteen years of age, and settled in DeKalb county, where he remained with his parents about one year, and then began to learn the miller's trade, which he has followed more or less ever since. In 1849 he joined the great tide of emigration to the gold fields of California, where he was very successful in mining. He remained about four years, then returned to Indiana and purchased the farm in Perr\' township on which he now lives. He remained in Allen county about ten months and then began a series of travels, to New York city, then to the Cape V^erde, Africa, then to the little island of St. Helena; thence to Rio Janeiro, Brazil; thence to Cape Town, Africa; thence to Fort PhiUip, Austraha; thence to the gold mines of Australia, where he remained about eight years; then from Melbourne to London, England, where he remained about three months and then returned home. In i860 he was united in marriage with Columbia Ann Wheeler. Of their eight children, three are living: Price D., Curtis S. and Lena E. The mother of these children was born in 1833, and departed this life in 1SS8. Mr. West is an extensive land owner, having 937 acres of valuable land in Perry township, with brick dwelling and other substantial buildings. He also owns eighty acres in Noble county, about 300 in Missouri and 1,700 in Tennessee. He is an enterprising man and is now boring for gas on his farm, the well being at this writing about 1,000 feet deep. His home farm is the very best land in Allen county, unsurpassed in its production of grain. Mr. West is a member of the F. & A. M.

The region about the confluence of Cedar creek and the St. Joseph river appears to have been the seat of villages both of those mysterious people, the mound-builders, and of Indians, at a remote epoch, and here it is probable that missionaries erected the cross at a date never recorded in history. During the present era the first to make a permanent home were Jacob Notestine and family, who in the spring of 1834, went up the St. Joseph in a flat-boat and settled near the mouth of Cedar creek. He found there a man named Wood, who had passed the winter, but eagerl}- a\'ailed himself of the boat to remove his possessions, and start for the east. The early settlers found here traces of former occupation, at least of the visits of the French. William Muller, in 1836, found upon a beech tree a French inscription and the date 1772, and in 1S69, John Pring found two feet beneatli the surface, in the vicinit}- of Cedarville, a cross, made of beech wood, fourteen feet in length, with the figures 1772 carved upon it. These facts have led to the belief that this was the site of a French mission, during the Indian occupation. Mr. Pring, some twenty- years before, had found on the banks of the creek, buried beneath the surface, fragments pf tracechains, log-chains, etc., and a heap of cinders, which appear to show that a blacksmith's forge had been in operation there at some date previous to the settlement. The same gentleman, on April 28, 1S50, found a sword imbedded in the wood of a linn tree, which had been blown down the previous night, and about the same time William Muller discovered a cannon ball on his farm, circumstances which seem to indicate that there had been military operations here which have escaped the cognizance of historians. The memory of these finds aided in causing a great deal of excitement at a subsequent date, when a party of strangers from the west came to Cedar Creek, and letting it be known that the)- were about to fish and trap, began digging instead, apparently in the search of some hidden treasure. It is said that they finally unearthed and bore away the contents of an old, rotten chest, but further the traditions do not satisfy curiosity, except that it is told by way of explanation that these men came to find treasures buried by Indians, whose descendants, removed to strange lands bej-ond the great river, had revealed the secret. The only neighbors which the Notestines had during the first year were John Manning and family, who settled on section 15. In 1836, William Muller, coming from Ohio, cut his wa}^ through the forest tangles from Beckett's branch to the spot he had selected as his home, and after building his cabin, went to Cincinnati and married the lady who assisted him in his pioneer life. In 1836, also, came Charles C. Nettelhorst and family, Peter Sullivan and John Rogers, two friends of Irish nativity, and John Baker and William Berr}', who afterward went west. Moses Sivotts came up from St. Joseph township in 1838, and among the others who came between 1837 and 1840 were M'^illiam and Joseph Shields, John Hackle}-, Aaron Poff, Wilham Bowser, John Hagan, Henry Updyke, Abraham Fulkerson, Harmon Lydecker, Joseph Silvers and John B. Blue. The two latter were elected the first justices, and Thomas Wilson, the first constable, at the election in 1837, held at the house of Jacob Notestine. The total poll was twelve votes.

In 1S35 the first road was surve\-ed through the township, which became known as the St. Joseph road. About 1839, James Vandolah built a saw-mill, and afterward arranged for grinding grain. About 1S40 Stout Price established a blacksmith forge at the site of Hamilton. In 1847 the Leo postoffice was established near the center of the township, and John Manning was appointed postmaster. John B. Blue was the deputy and kept the office at his store. At this place grew up the village of Hamilton. This was a point on the mail route to northwestern

Settlers becoming numerous about Cedar creek, the village of Cedarville was laid out in the forks of the creek and St. Joseph river, in May, 1S38, by William G. Ewing, of Fort Wayne; George M. Ewing, of Cass county, and Messrs. Seymour, Robinson and Peck, of Connecticut; but soon after the platting of Hamilton, in February, 1849, *he older town lost precedence. In 1S80 the population was 113. One of its earliest traders was Asa Miller, who took a stock of goods there from Fort Wayne about 1839, and built a mill.

In 1852 John Dever established a wagon shop, and afterward a store at Hamihon, and managed the tirst regular boat hne on the St. Joseph. The village, which now is generally known as Leo, had in 18S0 a population of 166.

Jacob Notestine, who has been referred to as a prominent early settler of Allen count}-, was a native of Lehigh county, Penn., born in 1790, of parents who were natives of German}'. He received a good common school education in his native state, and became a skillful blacksmith, so that after his settlement in Allen count}' he was called on to weld a collar on the spindle of the buhr of the second flouring mill in Allen county. Like all his work, it was a good job. He was married about 181 2, to Barbara Gunder, who was born in York county, Penn., in 1788, and they had thirteen children, of whom six are living: Uriah, Peter, Daniel, Aaron, Isaiah, and Barbara Ann. Jacob Notestine, during the war of 181 2, enlisted, but after his company had received their uniforms, they were notified that their services were not needed, so that he did not see actual service. He and his family reached Fort Wayne, July 14, 1830, and first settled near Fort Wayne, near the site of the old Rudisill mill, and there cleared eight or ten acres. In 1834, ^^ entered forty-six acres where his son Daniel now lives, and in March, 1834, the residence of the family in Cedar Creek township began. Here they did a great work in opening and preparing land for cultivation, and no family among the old pioneers more deserves an honorable place in the annals of the county. Possessing the characteristics of true pioneers the}' succeeded in their herculean tasks, and became well-to-do, and the survivors are now highly esteemed by the people. Jacob Notestine was a prominent citizen in his time, and was one of the board of trustees of his township for two or three terms. He died September 16, 1853, and his widow's decease followed on August 3, 1S60. He was a member of the Lutheran and his wife of the Methodist church.

Peter Notestine, the sixth child of the above, was born April 11, 18 19, in Fairfield county, Ohio. Being a youth when they settled in Eel River township, he was an important help in the work of clearing and farming, and so busy was he at these duties, that he only obtained three months' schooling in the old log school-house before he was of age.

Afterward he attended but three months more, but his natural shrewdness has compensated him for the advantages he missed. After marriage he began for himself on wild lands that his father gave him to clear, with the right to take what he raised. He now has a good farm of seventy-four acres of the old homestead. June 29, 1843, he was married to Jane, daughter of John Blair, a pioneer of DeKalb county. This union was blessed with six children, of whom five are living: Benjamin F., Emily J., Margaret C, Joseph H. and Cordeha. Mrs. Notestine died Februar}- 10, i860, and on Julj^ 27, 1S62, he was married to Mary, a daughter of A. D. Rhinehart, an old settler of Knox county, Ohio. To this union have been born three boys: Clermont L., Charles M. and John P., of whom one is living. Mr. Notestine, poHtically, is a democrat, and was a delegate from his township that helped to organize the convention system in this county. His first presidential vote was for Martin Van Buren, in 1840, and he has never failed to vote at any presidential election since.

Daniel Notestine, the second of the surviving children of Jacob Notestine, was born August 6, 1822, in Fairfield county, Ohio. Since twelve years of age, his life has been spent in Cedar Creek township. February 15, 1843, he was married to Charlotte Lee, who died August 20, 1857, leaving eight children: George W., Andrew, Jackson, John, EHzabeth, Catherine, Sarah and Cordeha. He was married August 29, 1858, to Catherine Wagner, who gave to him six children: Henrietta, Jacob B., William, Nettie O., Annie R., and Daniel, before her death, December 25, 1871. September 8th, following, he was married to Susan McCrory. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church. His political adherence has always been with the democratic party. In earh- Hfe, Mr. Notestine was a leader in the work of the day as well as in the manly sports, and was distinguished as a hunter of the large game of the olden time. In later life, he has been equally prominent in his influence upon society and the advancement of his township, and he is generalU- esteemed as a worthy citizen and upright man.

George W. Henderson, one of the early settlers of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Ashland count}^, Ohio, born September 22, 1827. His father, Samuel Henderson, was born in 1801, in Westmoreland county, Penn., and removed with his parents to Ohio, while a small boy. They first settled in Jefferson county, remained a short time and then removed to Harrison county, where he grew to manhood. Moving to Ashland county he remained there until 1836, when he came to DeKalb count}', and settled in Jackson township, where he entered a half section of timbered land, under Jackson's administration. He and one John Watson once had a dangerous experience on the St. Joseph river. Going to Fort Wayne in the winter with corn, and there being no roads convenient, they attempted to drive down on the ice, but after going about five miles the ice began to break. They turned to the shore forty rods distant, the ice breaking at every jump of the horses, and reached land with no injury but wetting. Mr. Henderson's wife's maiden name was

Letty Moody. Their son, George W., came with his parents to Indiana when only nine years of age. His education was of the pioneer sort. At the age of twenty-one he hired to his father and worked for him three years in payment of 153 acres of land on which he now lives. December 28, 185 1, he was married to Magdalene Tarney, and they had four children, of whom but one is living: Matilda, born June 22, 1858, wife of Dr. K. K. Wheelock, of Fort Wayne. Mr. Henderson and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Robinson chapel, of which he has been trustee about twenty-five years. His farm is one of the best improved in the township and he is regarded as a leading man.

Louis Nettelhorst, one of the pioneers of Cedar Creek township, and prominent among the farmers of Allen county, is a native of Hanover, Germany, born October 5, 1826, son of Charles C. and Helena (Schulte) Nettelhorst. The father was born in Prussia, October 16, 1785, the mother, in Hanover, in 1794. The famil}^ emigrated to America in 1835, ^"d first settled in Mercer county, Ohio. In the spring of 1836 they settled in Cedar Creektownship, he coming down the St. Mary's to Fort Wayne by flat-boat; they found the river so full of driftwood that it took almost a week to make the trip of about sixty miles. As there were few houses along the St. Mary's river at that time, they would put up their tent. This they lighted by burning a piece of pork fastened in a split stick, the other end of which was stuck in the ground. The father entered eighty acres of land which his son now occupies. He erected a log cabin, and began to convert his wooded land into a farm; but not being used to such work, having been in business all his previous life, he soon fell a victim to the malaria of the new country, and died August 11, 1839. His widow survived until August 31, i860. Thus orphaned, Louis Nettelhorst began a Hfe of hard struggle; being the oldest son of the family the burden of support fell upon him. He had attended school in the old country, but had but three months' schooling in this countr}-. Beginning with little money, with the assistance of his mother as financier, they succeeded well, and raised the family of three bo\'S and three girls. In January, 1837, he was married to Marian, daughter of George and Maria (Bierly) Ziegler, born September 24, 1S34, ^nd they had six children, five now living: Laura, wife of W. C. Howey; Charles C, Euphemia, Louis W. and Harriet. He is a member of the Catholic church. In 1873 he was elected trustee of his township, and served two years. As assessor he has served about four years. Mr. Nettelhorst has in his possession his father's memorandum book which bears date October 25, 1810. He has also a violin, which belonged to his father, now over one hundred years of age.