Allen County, Indiana - The whole text, 1889 (part 12 of 17)

William M. Muller, one of the old settlers of Cedar Creek township, is a native of German}-, born April 29, 1805. He emigrated to America in 1832, and first settled in Mercer county, Ohio, where he remained four 3'ears, meanwhile seeking land in Indiana. He bought eighty acres of land where he began clearing and mailing rails. The first years he kept bachelor's hall, and the wolves at that time were so numerous he was compelled to carry a pitch-fork with him on his visits to neighbors as a weapon of defense. April 19, 1837, he was married to Mar}' Ann Kansen, born March 18, 18 15, of German descent. She was then a resident of Cincinnati; her he brought to his new home in Allen county, a log hut 11x12 feet, so that her first experience in Allen county was attended with much privation. They had thirteen children of whom eight are now living: Herman, Frank, Henr}-, Victor, Clementine, Mary, Englebert and William. When Mr. Muller came to Allen county it abounded with bears, wolves, deer, turkej's and snakes. On one occasion when he was returning from work, to his astonishment he was met by an angry bear, who stood up to receive him, and was very near him when he began to call for help, which fortunately frightened the animal away. At another time when returning from Fort Wayne, b}' an Indian trail which lessened the distance home, his horse suddenly refused to proceed, but being urged past a certain large hollow tree, to his surprise on looking up he beheld a large bear on the tree after wild honey. Mr. Muller has been a recognized leader among the Germans, and on July 4, 1844, made a German speech at Fort Wayne, the manuscript of which his youngest son living, William, now has in his possession. He began in this country with little money, and being a baker by trade, and knowing nothing about farming, it is to his credit that he did well and made a success of fife. He is now, though in his eight^'-fourth year, enjoying good health. Mr- Muller and wife are devout Cathohcs and he named the postofiice at Hamilton known as Leo, in honor of Pope Leo. He was one of the leaders in building the church at that village, and has been one of the main supporters of the organization.

John Douglass, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Indiana, born March 8, 1842. His parents, Samuel and Diana (Edgington) Douglass, emigrated from Ohio to Indiana in 1837, and settled on the present homestead, entering 160 acres, which was at that time all heavily timbered. To reach this place they crossed the St. Joe river on a cake of floating ice. John Douglass now lives on this homestead, in the first brick dwelling of the township, and has on his farm the first frame bam built in the township. He was born and raised here and has had his home here all his life, except in the year 1873, when he resided with his family in Missouri. He received a common school education. In 186S he was united in marriage with Almira, daughter of Davis and Belinda (Fulkerson) Lyons, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to Indiana in 1844, and settled in Cedar Creek township, where they remained until death. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass had four children, only one now Hving, Hattie, born January i, 1S75. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is now trustee of the church at Leo, also trustee of the circuit and steward. He is a member of the Sion S. Bass post, G. A. R. In 1862 he volunteered in Company C, Eighty-eighth Indiana regiment, as corporal, and was promoted sergeant in April, 1864. He served gallantly three years, was with his company in all its engagements up to his discharge, \'et was never wounded, tliough often grazed b}- bullets, and in his last battle had one side of his hat shot away. He was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea. He has prospered in agriculture, possessing a good farm of i6o acres in Cedar Creek township.

Albert Douglass (deceased), was ohe of Cedar Creek township's worthiest farmers. He was a native of Indiana, born June 19, 184S. He was born and raised on the old homestead of his parents, Samuel and Diana Douglass, and received a common school education. On September 10, 1871, he was united in marriage with Jennie Osborn, born November 9, 1850, daughter of William and Emily Osborn, early settlers of Steuben county, Ind., and this union was blessed with three children, Mira A., born Februai'^^ 27, 1S74, died Februar}- 20, 1877; Elmer A., born December 12, 1877; Harry, born February 8, 1880. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He had but little capital when he began life for himself, but was one of those enterprising and industrious men who worked hard and have done so much for the advancement of this region. He prospered and at his death he owned a valuable farm of 109 acres. Since his death his widow has erected a comfortable two-story frame dwelling. Mr. Douglass was a leading citizen and a man well respected.

Charles M. Gillett, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Indiana, born September 3, 1841. The father, Wilkes Gillett, a native of New York, born March 21, 181 1, came to Ohio with his parents when nine years of age, where he grew to manhood and married Sophia Jones, who was born May i, 1809. The}' cleared a farm in Ohio and remained until 1837, when they removed to Milan township, Allen county. At the time of their settlement, their nearest neighbors were two miles distant. In 1863, they removed to St. Joseph township, and in 1S81, to Fort Wayne, but soon after died, he on June 15, and she in September, 1881. Wilkes Gillett came here a poor man, and he and famih' suffered all the hardships known to a pioneer life. The principal food at that time consisted of venison, wild honey and corn bread. He never had the advantages of education, and for the considerable success he had in life, had to depend upon hard work. His wife, however, was well educated, and was one of the earl}^ teachers in Ohio. He served as one of the board of trustees of his township, when the board consisted of three members, and was in short, one of the representative farmers of Allen county. Charles M. Gillett was raised on the old homestead, where he received a common school education. On April 26, 1871, he married Harriet, daughter of William and Eliza (Swift) Utter, natives of New York; she was born September 4, 1844. This union was blessed with two children: Wilkes, born June 3, 1877; Ray, born January 26, 1885. He was assessor and appraiser of St. Joseph township two years. On September 13, 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Indiana battery, and served in all the battles in which his battery participated, and received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis, Jul}^ 2, 1865. x\fter farming with his father about fifteen years, he bought thirt}- acres in St. Joseph township, sold this and bought another sixt}' acres, which he sold and removed to Milan township, and a year later came to Cedar Creek township and settled on the farm where he now lives. In 1883, he made a prospecting tour to Washington territorj-, and in the following June, went with his famil}-, intending to stay, but onl}' remained eighteen months. He has eighty acres in Cedar Creek which are well improved with good buildings erected by himself. He and famil}' are highly esteemed. He now has in his possession a silver watch which was presented to his father on his sixt\'-ninth birthday, by his friends at Fort Wa3'ne.

Aaron Paff, lately deceased, one of the old settlers of Cedar Creek township, was born January 17, 1816, in Pennsj'lvania, where he grew to manhood. In his nineteenth 3'ear he accompanied his parents, Jacob and Susan (Stinger) Paff, to Ohio, whence after a residence of about seven years, he removed to Indiana and settled on the farm where he now lives, which was then a forest. In 1838, he was united in marriage with Marj- A. Reater, and this union was blessed with eleven children, of whom seven are now living: Moses, born November 21, 1839; Susanna, born May 11, 1845; George W., born December 10, 1848; Mary, born November 27, 1851; Harriet, born March 6, 1S56; Andrew J., born Januarj' 17, 1858, and Daniel E., born January i, 1861. Mrs. Paff was born August 31, 1817, and died March 28, 18S8. She was a member of the Baptist church before coming to Indiana, and he was a member of the Presbyterian church, but afterward they both united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a class leader about twent}^ years, and was one of the trustees the same period. His lirst experiences in Allen count}' were attended with much struggle and privation, as he began without capital, but by hard work and skillful management he prospered, and owned at his death 120 acres of fertile land, and earned the good will of all who knew him. This worthy citizen passed away in August, 18S9.

Simon Bair, a pioneer of Allen county, is a native of Oliio, born February 28, 1815. His father, Christopher Bair, a native of West-' moreland county, Penn., married Barbara Simons, who was born in Washington count}-, Penn. After her death he came to Indiana and settled in Cedar Creek township, where he remained the rest of his life. Simon Bair at the age of twenty-two years left his native place and removed to Holmes county, where on July 3, 1843, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Croco, by whom he had nine children, four of whom are now living: Sarah, Adam, Christopher and John. She was born February 22, 1820, and departed this life March 30, 1880; she was a consistent member of the Lutheran church, of which he is also a member. He never had more than the pioneer schooling when there was no work to be done on the farm. When he came to Allen county, September 23, 1845, he had no money, and moving into his little log cabin, his household furniture consisting of one bed, one chest and two chairs, he made some stools and by boring holes in the logs of the walls, he put in some small poles around which he wound cord for his other bed. He remained here on first coming two years, but the country being so sickly at that time he was advised by doctors to return to Ohio. He remained there about nineteen 3-ears and then removed to Missouri for two years, returning afterward to his home in Allen county. His possessions are all the fruit of toil, and he has succeeded notably well. He now owns i66 acres of fine farming land in his his township, with good buildings. He has alwaj-s supported the whig and republican parties, casting his first presidential vote for William H. Harrison.

John W. Hollopeter is one of the pioneers of Cedar Creek township. He is a native of York count)-, Penn., son of Abraham and L3'dia (Myers) Hollopeter. He was taken by his parents to Ohio when two years of age; they settled in Wa3'ne county and remained six years, then resided in Holmes county about four years, and then located in Seneca county where he grew to manhood. In 1845 he first came to Indiana on a prospecting tour. On December 11, 1845, he married Virginia Welch, born September 30, 1S25, and they had three children: James A., Oscar E. and Hiram S. " This lady became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church while a young girl, and lived a devoted Christian until her death February 6, 1S52. On October 6, 1852, he married Mary Zimmerman, who was born December 21, 1S33. They have had ten children, of whom are living: Lydia V., Mary V , Brenton S., Clinton L., Samuel E., Luther S., Clarence H. and Levi L. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a member since 1840; he is also steward and trustee of church and parsonage. He is a member of the Masonic order, lodge No. 224, was master six years and is treasurer at the present time. He is a carpenter by trade, at which he worked several years. In 1S47 or '48 he bought 150 acres, and after selling seventy acres was almost out of debt, but in 1852 the prolonged sickness of his wife and other misfortunes, caused him to lose everything he had and begin life anew, but he now owns eighty acres of excellent farming land and enjoys the hearty esteem of all.

Matthias Hollopeter, of Cedar Creek township, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, November 18, 1833, but was taken by his parents to Seneca county, when two 3-ears of age, where he remained until thirteen, then coming with his parents to Indiana. His father, Abraham Hollopeter, was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and in that state grew to manhood and married Lydia Myers, two years his junior. They moved to Ohio and remained fifteen or sixteen years, then coming to Indiana and buying eighty acres of school land to which was afterward added forty acres. The)' came here poor but did well. He served as trustee in the da3-s of township boards. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Matthias Hollopeter had his first experience in Allen county in clearing and burning brush, and such pioneer w ork. He received a good common school education, and at the age of twenty-one began teaching in the countr3- schools and taught five or six terms. He also worked at the carpenter's trade a number of }ears. In 1856, he married Susan Hannen, by whom he had six children, of whom but one is Hving: Charles. She was born in 1S35, and departed this life in 1873. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1874 he was married to Maiy E., daughter of Jacob Stevick, born in 1847, and they have five children: Milton, Bertram, Frank, Lester and Mabel. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is steward and trustee. In 1865 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war, holding the rank of corporal. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Leo, No. 224. In connection with farming he has also been running a saw-mill at Leo fifteen or sixteen 3-ears. He now owns 108 acres of fine land in good state of cultivation, with substantial buildings. He has served as justice of the peace of his township eight years, being elected through personal regard, as he is an ardent republican, and his township is strongl}^ democratic.

David E. O. Herin is a native of Pennsvlvania, born December ro, 1814. His parents, James and Mar^- (Smith) Herin, removed when he was thirteen years of age to Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He received a common school education, and at the age of nineteen years began the battle of life for himself without resources. He worked as a common laborer until twentj'-five years of age, when he built a carding mill in Seneca county, Ohio. He remained in this business about seven years, and then came to Indiana and settled in Cedar Creek township on the farm where he now lives. He first bought eighty acres, and has since added forty acres. In 1839 he was married to Elizabeth Umsted, born in 181 2, and thej' had twelve children, of whom se^'en are living: Marv E., MeHnda J., Francis A., John R., James A., Rolla E. and Jennie E. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He served one term as justice of the peace of his township, and was the first trustee of his township after the institution of the present S3'Stem, and afterward served two terms in the same capacit}-. He is one of the leading citizens, and he and family are well respected.

David L. Fulkerson, an early settler, was born in Ohio, September 23, 1820, son of Samuel and Lj-dia Fulkerson. He lived in his native state until 1842, when he came with his father to Indiana in search of land. In 1846 he bought eight}' acres of wood-land, the site of their present comfortable home which his industr}- has created. He first built a log cabin, and moved in his furniture, one bedstead and two or three chairs. The mone}' with which he bought land he earned by day's labor. In 1854 he was married to Mary Mosier, born in 1S31, and they had six children, five now living: Adell, Samuel, Ella, Clara and Matilda. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was class leader about six 3'ears. He served two terms as one of the three township trustees in earl}' days, was afterward elected trustee under the present system, and justice of the peace at different times, but declined both offices. He helped to cut the road through his farm

Capt. Wilham C. Hollopeter, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Wayne count}', Ohio, born August 24, 1833. Thirteen years later his parents, Andrew and Catharine (Edmonds) Hollopeter, both of German descent, came to Indiana and settled in Cedar Creek township. William C. attended the common schools of Ohio and Indiana, farming in the summer season, until he reached his majority, when he attended the Methodist Episcopal college at Fort Wayne. He previously taught one term of school and taught four terms after attending college. In 1858 he was married to Cynthia A. Moore, born April 22, 1839, of Irish descent, by whom he had nine children, of whom eight are living: C. M., Methodist Episcopal minister at Geneva, Adams county; W. M., a teacher and farmer; Ophelia M., Ellen G., a teacher; Rosa B., Herbert S., Lloyd H. and Edith G. In 1862 he enhsted in Company C, Indiana Volunteer infantry, as a private; was appointed second corporal same month, and on December 26, 1862, was promoted fourth sergeant; April, 1863, was elected first lieutenant, and November 24, 1863, was promoted captain. He was honorably discharged June 7, 1865, at Indianapolis. He was with Sherman in his celebrated march to the sea; was wounded at Mission Ridge, and at Bentonville, N. C. When Capt. Hollopeter came to Indiana the family settled on the old homestead, where there was about five acres cleared. He is one of the prominent citizens of Allen county, and now owns 200 acres of valuable land.

John W. Moud}' (deceased) was born in Pennsylvania, April 18, 1824, son of John and Elizabeth Moud}-. At the age ten years, he settled in Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1S47 he removed from Ohio and settled in Perry township, Allen county, where he remained until 1852. He then removed to Cedar Creek township and settled on the farm, where he remained until his death. May 26, 188S. On January 19, 1843, he was married to Catharine Ann Marshall. Of their seven children, four are now living: Martin L., Elizabeth A., Ralph and William. Their mother died May 17, 1857, aged thirt3'-six years. On December 27, 1858, he was married to Elizabeth Roger, daughter of Jacob and Cathei-ine Boger, born July 3, 1835, '^nd they had five children, of whom are living: John R., Mary J. and Henry L. He was a member of the United Brethren church; his first wife was a member of the Protestant church and his widow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He served as constable of Perry township one term. His earl}' life in Allen county was one of great exertion and patience, but being a man of great will and courage, success crowned his efforts. He died possessed of a farm property of 160 acres of fertile land in Cedar Creek township and was regarded as one of the county's representative citizens.

Samuel Dailey, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Seneca county, Ohio; born October 9, 1S31, son of William T. and Sarah Dailey. The father emigrated from Ohio in 1S48, and settled in this township

Auo'ust 26, 1848. He then bought the farm where his son now hves and settled on it April i, 1849. It was then wholly wood-land. Samuel Dailev came to Indiana with his parents and remained with them until their death. His education was received in Ohio in the pioneer log school-houses. In 1858 he was married to Mary IMcCroy, born July 20, 1835, and the}' have had eight children, of whom seven are now living- William M., Dora, Frank, Charles, Sarah, Nevada and Absalom. Mr. Dailey has gained his present comfortable surroundings, a valuable farm of 100 acres and handsome buildings, b\' industrious habits and natural abilities, that cause him to be regarded as one of the township's leading citizens.

Martin L. Moudy, proprietor of the Urbana mills at Hursh postoffice, is one of the early settlers of Allen count}-. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, November 2, 1843, son of John W. and Catharine (Marshall)" ]Moudy, with whom he came to Allen county when about five years of age' The family first settled in Perry township where he grew to manhood and received a pioneer education. At his majority he went to Cedarville and engaged in coopering and handling staves, at which he continued about eleven years, when the sickness of his father compelled him to return to the farm and take charge for two years. He then came to Urbana in 1879, and engaged in milHng, at which he has continued. In 1865 he was married to Martha E. Opdyke, born October 28, 1843, and they have had seven children, of whom Melvin, Sylvia, Elnora and Isa Belle, are living. Mrs. Moudy is a member of the Lutheran church, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 321, at Maysville, of which he served one term as recording secretary. They and their family are highly respected.

Jacob Sauder, a prosperous farmer of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Ohio, born May 7,' 1828, to Henry and Elizabeth (Schrock) Sauder, natives of Pennsylvania. He was raised in his native state and received a common school education. He remained until twenty-three vears old on the home farm and naturally adopted farming as his vocation, but since coming to Indiana he has taken up cabinet making and masonry, never serving an apprenticeship, but does very good work, and is naturally handy with mpst tools, making the wood work for his farming implements. In 1S4S he setded in Cedar Creek township, where he now lives. He came to Indiana a poor man, but by industry, at one time had 320 acres, and now owns 181 acres of good land, well improved. In 1S52 he was married to Elizabeth Troyer, who was born in 1830, and died in 1861. By her he had five children, four of whom are Hving: Levi, Jonas, Elizabeth and Jacob. In 1861 he was married to Mary Eiclier, by whom he had five children, four living: Mary, Lydia, Samuel and Henry. This lady, who was born in 1843, died in 1870, and in 1871 he married Mrs. Sophronia Yerks, who gave to him two children, of whom one is living, Sylvia. This last wife died in 1884.

Henry and Elizabeth (Clayton) Trease, to Indiana when six or seven yearsof age, and grew to manhood on the old homestead, receiving a common school education. In 1864 he was married to Samantha, daughter of Henry Spitler, and this union was blessed with one child, AUie, wife of Andrew Metcalf; Mrs. Trease was born January 6, 184.7. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been steward about fifteen years. He settled on the farm where he now lives, then entireU" wooded, in 1S66. Early morn then found him with ax and maul in hand, and the " dewy eves " he and wife spent in burning brush. With her assistance and good management, they have done well and now own an excellent farm of eighty acres with good house and barn. He and family have manj' warm friends.

George W. Trease, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born September 2, 1822. With his parents, Jacob and Ehzabeth Trease, he emigrated to Ohio when about seven years of age. There he grew to manhood and received a limited education, the schools being few and poorly taught, and work plenty. At the age of twentyone years he began work for himself as a day laborer. In 1846 he was married to Rosanna McFee, born in 1S26, who gave him eight children, six of whom are hving: Jane, Arminda, John, Alice, Ehza and Dayton. This lady, who was born in 1826, joined with him the Methodist Episcopal church, and she was a consistent and devoted member and earnest worker therein until her death in 1S75. I"" 1879, ^^ """^'^^ married to Margaret Aldign, a member of the CathoHc church, born about 1843. In 1853 he emigrated from Ohio to Indiana, and settled on the farm of 128 acres where he now lives, which was partly cleared and had a log cabin and log stable. He wonderfully improved this property, and has continued to add to the same from time to time, until now he owns 352 acres of valuable land. He has lived a life of honorable industry, abstained from all questionable speculation, and is highlv respected.

Henry Bacon, an early settler in Cedar Creek township, is now one of the representative farmers of AUen county, lie was born in New Jersey, April 8, 1815, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shiner) Bacon. The father was of English, the mother of German, descent, and' were descendants of revolutionary heroes. When Henry was about nine years old, his father died, and having lost his mother about one year previous, he was alone in the world at a tender age. He never had the advantage of much schooling, but worked on the farm until about nineteen years of age, when he went to sea, coasting at first from Philadelphia to New York and South Carolina. He continued at this about twelve vears. About the 3'ear 1839 he sent mone}' to his brother who came west to enter land, and in 1850 he removed to Indiana and settled on the farm where he now lives. In 1852 he built a hewn-log house which was at the time one of the best dwellings in the neigliborhood. Here he lived alone until October 3, 1853, when he was married to Nancy, daughter of James and Mary (Scott) Scott. Her father was a soldier in the war of 181 2 and served through the war. He was followed for three days by an Indian, who sought to kill him, and when he failed declared that his intended victim was not to be killed by a bullet. They had three children: Laura, born 1854, died 1872; an infant deceased, and John S., born March 22, i860. Mrs. Bacon was born Julv 18, 1820, received a good education and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her first experience in Allen county was in helping her husband in clearing, burning brush, and such pioneer work, although she had been raised at Liberty, Union county, and was wholly unused to the toil and hardships she willingl}' shared with her husband. Starting without mone}' ahead, very little furniture, and living mostly on corn bread and pork, they succeeded well and now own 133 acres of valuable land, with handsome buildings.

Henry W. Beams is a native of Pennsylvania, born September 30, 1846. His father, John Beams, emigrated to Ohio in 1S49, after reaching his majority, married his wife, Barbara, and in the spring of 1850 removed to Indiana and settled in Cedar Creek township on the farm where his son now lives. He bought eighty acres of new land in February, and brought his family in May, 1850, to the log cabin he had built. He came to Indiana a poor man, but his industry and honesty won him prosperity and the esteem of his neighbors. At the time of his death, November, 1S64, he owned 120 acres of well-improved land. He was a member of the Lutheran church. Two of his sons served in the w^ar of the rebellion. One, George, who enlisted in Company A, One Hundreth regiment, contracted disease in the service and died at Memphis, Tenn. John W. served in Company E, Fiftj'-sixth regiment. Henr}' W. Beams came with his parents to Indiana when little over three years of age. He received a common school education. Februar}- 3, 1870, he was united in marriage with Anna E. George, born September 25, 1847, who died January 18, 1S77, leaving one child, Amedia E. November 4, 1877, Mr. Beams was married to Rebecca A., daughter of Abraham and Jane Johnson, pioneer settlers of DeKalb. This union was blessed with two children : Franklin L. and George H. Mrs. Beams was born December 15, 1847. She is a member of the Lutheran church, of which her husband has been deacon twelve years. In connection with farming, he has for nine years been a partner in a furniture and undertaking business, dry goods, etc. He occupies eighty acres of the old homestead farm in Cedar Creek township, and is one of the leading citizens.

Samuel Zimmerman, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born April 4, 1S40. His parents, Andrew and Rachel (Roop) Zimmerman, were both natives of Penns\-lvania. The father died when Samuel was about four years of age. In 1846, his mother and famil}' removed to Vanwert county, Ohio, and in, 1850, to Perr}- township, Allen county; in 1854, to Kosciusko county, then to Missouri, where thej^ remained one year, and then to Bremer county, Iowa. He remained there until December, 1S59, when he left his family and returned to Allen count}-, Ind. On August 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-eighth

Indiana regiment, and served until June 7, 1865, being mustered out at Washington cit}-. He was with Sherman in his march to the sea. He did gallant service and received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis. On December 14, 1865, he was married to Emeline HoUopeter, who was born April 6, 1845, and of their five children three are living: Charles M., Flarris H. and Avery R. Mrs. Zimmerman became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church when a small girl, and was a devoted member until her death, March 23, 1880. On April 3, 1883, he married Mrs. Emily S puller, widow of Joseph SpuUer of Adams county. She was born December 17, 1844. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He served as assessor of his township four }-ears, having been elected, though a republican, in the banner democratic township outside of Waj'ne. He is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge, No. 224, and a comrade of Bass post, G. A. R., of Fort Wayne. He has a good farm of over seventy-five acres, well improved with good buildings. He is one of the leading citizens of his township.

Michael Klopfenstein is a native of Germany, born March 22, 1S24, son of John and Catharine (Amstutz) Klopfenstein. He received a good German education, and in 1841 emigrated to America. Settling in Ohio, he remained seven j'ears, and then removed to Indiana and worked as a laborer in Adams county nearly two years. He then settled in Cedar Creek township, first buying 160 acres all in the woods, to which he added from year to year until at one time he owned 485 acres. In 185 1 he married Lydia Sauder, b}' whom he had nine children: Jacob, Eli, Michael, Emanuel, Joseph, Mary, Jeremiah, David and Lj'dia. This lady, who was born January 14, 1831, died June 11, 1875. She was a member of the Amish church. In 1877 he married Mrs. Rebecca (Conrad) Schlatter. By hard work and good management he has done well in life, and has lived to help all his children to nice farms and to see them comfortably situated. He is one of Cedar Creek's township's best citizens and is well liked and respected. In connection with farming he has been running a saw-mill with his sons since 1876. Mr. Klopfenstein and wife are both members of the Amish church.

James McCror\-, an old settler of Cedar Creek township, was born in Ohio, July 13, 1S07. When a child he went with his pare*ts, David and Mary (Howey) McCrory, to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and received a common school education. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed as a blacksmith, which he followed until 1S52, when he came to Indiana and settled in Cedar Creek township on the farm where he now lives. In 1828 he was married to Ellen Eichelberger. Of their nine children, six are living: Mary, George, Samuel, William, Frank and Garlerd. The mother, who was born in 1809, died in 1S73. February 2, 1877, he was married to Mrs. Caroline Shannon, born in 1840, daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Roop) Zimmerman. To this union was born Leonard M. Mrs. McCrory is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. McCror}- holds the title to 320 acres of valuable land in Cedar Creek township, also lots 15, 16, 17, 29 and 2 in Leo. When he settled in Allen county his farm was all in the woods except about twenty-eight acres. He is one of the highly respected farmers of the count}', and has served his township as trustee for twelve years in succession.

John Dever, one of the pioneers of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Ohio, born May 31, 1824. His father, David Dever, was a native of Virginia, who served about two years in the late rebellion, in the Missouri state militia, and died at Georgetown, Mo., May 27, 1862. His wife's maiden name was Nancy Shonkweiler. Their son John, grew in his native state to manhood, and received a common school education. He was a wagon-maker, and worked at that trade a number of years in Ohio, in connection with farming. In 1848, he was married to Ellen Dailey, who was born in 1825, lived a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in 1875. They had seven children of whom but two are now living: Martha, wife of O. W. Maxfield, and David D. In 1876 he was married to Clara Dailey, b}^ whom he has one child, Florence. Mrs. Dever is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has served as trustee of Cedar Creek township t,wo years, and built three frame school-houses during his administration. He was elected on the republican ticket, though the township gives a democratic majority of lOO. He made a second race in 1886, and reduced the adverse majoritj- considerably. Mr. Dever came from his native state in 1852, and settled at Hamilton, now known as Leo postoffice, and worked at his trade two years. He then opened a general store, which he continued ten 3'ears. Then selling his store, in partnership with A. H. Bittinger and E. L. Knight, he had a boat built at Roanoke, which was the first regular boat that ran upon the St. Joseph river; at this he continued about two years, when he resumed his trade and pursued it at Leo about nine years, when he became one of the proprietors of the Leo flouring-mill, which has been his business since that time. He is one of Cedar Creek township's leading citizens.

William C. Howey, the present trustee of Cedar Creek township, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 15, 1844. When nine years old, he came with his parents, William and Mary J. (Reed) Howey, and settled in Cedar Creek township, where he has since remained. He grew to manhood on the farm and received a common school education. He is a carpenter and painter by trade, which he worked at until^elected trustee. March 28, 1880, he was married to Laura A. Nettelhorst, and they have two children : Ray and Maud. Mrs. Howey was born June 12, 1858, and she was raised in the Catholic church. In 1882 Mr. Howe}' was elected constable and served two years. In 1886 he was elected trustee of his township by a majority of eight3'-nine, and was re-nominated in 1888, and elected by a majority of over 225, an increase which is a rare testimonial to the creditable manner in which he had discharged his duties. He built a two-story brick school-house at Cedarville, at a cost of $2,292.13, a proof to his constituents of his abiht}- as an economist, and many of his friends are urging his name for commissioner of Allen county. Mr. Howe}-, himself, has never sought office. He is one of the worthy, self-made men, and a natural leader among men. Mr. Howey is preparing to build two more brick school-houses, in districts No. 2 and No. 6.

John Lochner was born in Germany, April i8, 1S21, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Pelerof) Lochner. He received a common school education in Germany and remained in his native country until 1S53, when he emigrated and settled in Cedar Creek township. Being a poor man, he was compelled to work by the da}' at first for his living, and wages at that time being very low, he worked many a day in the broihng sun for 50 cents, and thought he was well paid. He accumulated enough to purchase eighty acres of land. His greatest ambition on coming to America was to own twent}' acres of land, thinking that he would then be well fixed for life, but he now owns 160 acres of fine land in Cedar Creek township, with excellent buildings. He was a weaver by trade, which he followed in the old country altogether, and on coming here had to learn farming, but under the instruction of Bernard Barwe he soon learned and became a shrewd and competent agriculturist. He has not only succeeded as a farmer, but has made a worthy name for himself with his neighbors. In 1855 he was united in marriage with Margaret Hamm, born in 1838. This union was blessed with four children: Rebecca, Jacob, Mary and Martha. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and his wife of the New Amish church.

Adam Hamm, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of Alsace. He was born near Strasburg, March 3, 1834, '^"^ eldest of four children of Adam and Margaret Hamm. He was educated in the French and German schools, and has since acquired a sufficient knowledge of the English language to both read and speak it readily. In 1854, during the excitement incident to the Crimean war, he left his native countr}', sailed for America and settled in Allen county, where he has since resided. He was followed in 1S55 b}' the family, who also settled here. He first bought sixty acres of unimproved land, forty of which he cleared and upon it erected a log cabin. This propert}' he sold and bought 166 acres covered by woods which by unremitting industry were soon converted into fields of grain. In later years he erected on this farm an elegant frame residence and a commodious barn. In 1882 he purchased a farm near Leo, where he built a two-story brick residence, and this place he exchanged in 1888 for the farm upon which he now lives, which in fertilit}' is unsurpassed. August 28, 1859, he was married to Rebecca Depew, by whom he had seven children : George W., Margaret Delilah, Joseph E., Mary E., CaroHne, Martha E., Samantha B., six now living. Mr. Hamm has been a friend- to churches and schools and has given his children a good common school education. He and wife hold to the Apostolic Christian belief. The substantial improvements

John Amstutz, a successful farmer of Cedar Creek township, was born in France, February 16, 1S36, and grew to manhood in his native state, where he served an apprenticeship as a machinist. On September iS, 1856, he sailed for America, his business being to bring $900 in gold to some of his relatives, which he did after a voyage of twent3'-six daj's. He first stopped at Fort Wayne for two weeks, and then settled in Cedar Creek township, where he began working at the carpenter's trade. He followed this several years, working as many as twenty-six hands at one time. In 1859 he purchased, where he now lives, eighty acres, and has added to it until he now has 240 acres in Allen county and eighty in DeKalb. October 22, 1S59, ^^ ^^"^^ married to Mary Schwartz, who was born in 1837, and died in February, 1879, leaving eight children: Mary, Martha, Lydia, Leah, Eli, Emma, John and Hannah. Mrs. Amstutz was a member of the New Amish church. Mr. Amstutz came to this country a poor man but has done exceedingly well, has one of the best improved farms in the township, and is one of the best citizens. Besides farming successfully, he is a natural-born mechanic, and has been making brick for nineteen years, and during the last two 3'ears has conducted a tile factor}'.

Charles Merkel, a prosperous farmer of Cedar Creek township, was born in Prussia, July 21, 1S18, son of Frederick and Lena (Braun) Merkel. He received a good education in his native country, and served an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. At the age of twenty-two years he was drafted for the Crimean war and served six 3-ears in the Russian army as a good and loyal soldier, during four 3'ears being a sergeant. In 1852 he emigrated to America and first settled at Leistville, Ohio, where he worked at his trade about five 3'ears. In 1864 he was married to Mar}- Fres, who was born in 1824, and they had two children: Ida, wife of Hiram Page, and Huldah, who died in 1886. While in Ohio, during Morgan's raid through that state, he was called out with the militia of Ohio. Later he removed to Indiana and settled on a farm in Springfield township, where he lived until 1875, when he removed to Cedar Creek township and occupied his present propert3' which he has greatty improved, and he has one of the neatest farms in the township, comprising eighty acres of good farming land. He is one of the reliable citizens and is well liked and respected. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church.

Conrad H. Viberg, a prominent farmer of Cedar Creek township, is a native of German3', born March 6, 180S. He emigrated to America in 1831, and first settled in Fairfield count}-, Ohio. Six 3'ears latef he removed to Williams count3', Ohio, where he remained about three 3'ears; after living in Huntington, Ind., from 1842 until 1857, he removed to Allen county and settled on the farm where he now fives. His first visit to Fort Wayne was in 1840, when all west of the court- house was woods. He came to America without mone}', and in a strange land his lot was a trying one, but he has succeeded well and at one time owned 372 acres of farming land in Cedar Creek township. In 1833 he was married to A.ngeline Struckmann. Of their nine children four are living: Sophia, Arseles, George and Sarah. George is the present sheriff of Allen count}-. Sarah is the wife of Samuel McCrory, and has three children: Calvin, Clyde and Roy. Mrs. Viberg, who was born in iSio, died after a useful life, in 1885. She, with her husband, was a member of the New Lutheran church. Mr. Viberg, while in Huntington county, served as township trustee two years. He has always been one of the prominent citizens of Allen count}' since his residence here, and is universally respected.

Jacob Stevick, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Cumbdrland county, November 7, 1824, son of Jacob and Sarah Stevick. There he grew up and received his education, and in 1859 he came to Indiana and settled where he now lives. In 1846 he was united in marriage to Hannah Snoke, who died April 25, 1853, at the age of twenty-seven, leaving two children: Mary and Jemima. In 1854 he was married to Catharine North, by whom he had two children, one, Lavinia, now living, but this wife died in 1863, aged twenty-eight }'ears. In 1865 he was married to Elizabeth North. Their two children are deceased. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Seven years after settling where he now lives he removed to Newville, Wells county, and engaged in conducting a flouring-mill for five years, and was afterward for seven years in the same business at Wolf Lake, Noble county. Since then he has remained upon his fertile and well improved farm of eighty acres in Cedar Creek township.

William J. McNabb is a native of DeKalb county, Ind., born July 4, 1846. His father, William McNabb, a native of Pennsylvania, removed to Ohio when about sixteen 3'ears of age, and began work as a mason and continued until he got money enough to enter 160 acres of land. In 1835 he visited Indiana and entered 160 acres in DeKalb county and in 1836 brought his wife Mary and children and settled. After clearing 100 acres he sold out and in 1859 he came to x\llen county and bought 120 acres and cleared the most of this. Here he remained until his death in 1876. He served as county commissioner while in De Kalb county, also as justice of the peace about eight years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He came to Indiana with only $5 in money. En route one of his oxen dying he had to yoke up one oj his cows to finish the journe}-. He had the pleasure on one occasio by ambushing behind a tree, to kill one of the bears which infested the woods, with his ax. William J. McNabb was raised in DeKalb county until thirteen years of age, and has since then resided in Cedar Cree k township. He received his education in the pioneer log school-hou e. In 1866 he was married to Catharine Hursch, born in December, 1846, and they have nine children: John, Christ, Harmon, Maude, Gilbert,

Vallev Of The Upper Maumee

Daniel Van Zile is a native of Ohio, born Juh' 4, 1833, son of Jesse and Mar}^ Van Zile. He was raised in i\shland county, Ohio, and in 1861 came to Indiana and settled in Perr}' township, where he cleared a farm of fort}- acres. vSeven years later he removed to Cedar Creek township upon the farm where he now lives. In 1854 he was married to Rachel M. Brit, born April 10, 1S36, and the}' have had ten children, of whom eight are li\'ing: Thomas, Mary, John, Sidney, George, Aldey, Ida and Samuel. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church. When he settled in Allen county he had nothing, and his earlj- life was attended with milch pri\'ation and toil, but he has had remarkable success, land now owns 120 acres of good farming land.

August Fox, of Cedar Creek township, is a native of France, born near Strassburg, April 9, 1827, to Anthon}' and Catharine (Halter) Fox. His parents came to America when he was about two years of age, and first settled in Stark count}-, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He received all his schooling in the old pioneer school-house, but is now a well-informed man. He served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, w-hich he has followed through life. In 185 1 he was married to Mary Myers, who was born January 15, 1835, by whom he has had eleven children, the following now living: Lena, Anna, Henry, Emma, Clara, Rosa, Agnes, Francis, Charles and Martha. In 1852 he removed with his wife to Noble county, where he bought eighty acres of woodland, paying only $50 down, and then began clearing and working on his farm, and in the summer season he worked at his trade. He paid for his eighty acres, and then added forty acres. He remained on his farm until 1863, when he sold out. After following his trade three years, in 1872 he bought and removed to the farm of 160 acres where he now lives about one-half mile west of Leo. It is one of the best improved farms in the township. His industry and good qualities have made him one of the leading farmers.

Through this township runs a ridge or water-shed, from Fort Wayne extending toward the lakes, and along this in 1839, the Hicksville or ridge road was surveyed, which has come to be an important highway. Three years previous, in 1836, there had been several settlements in the township. William Sweet and family, from New York, had made a home. Isaac Hall, a native of Pennsylvania, who had lived and married in Portage county, Ohio, came up by way of the Maumee settlement, and became a leading man. At his house the first election was held in October, 1837. He was inspector, and Ezra May, who was another of the 1836 settlers, was elected justice. May was quite enterprising, and in 1837-8 built a grist-mill, and the next year established a blacksmith shop. At his home the tirst religious meeting was held in 183S by Rev. True Pattee, and in the same house his daughter, Mary E., passed away - that being the first death among the settlers here. In 1837 there settled Jeremiah Whaley, Henry Gruber, James King, Richard Glaze, Estes Howe and William Ringwalt. In Mr. Gruber's family occurred the first birth, a son named Henr}', born in November, 183S. Nathan Lake and family came to the vicinity of Cuba in 1S3S. Ezra Worden, who came in 1S38, settled in 1841. Richard Anderson came in 1839, and in the following year John D. Reichelderfer, now a patriarch among the people of the township, began his labor of clearing away the forest. Thomas Lucas, who came to Fort Wayne in 1831, removed to this township in 1842. In 1840, and afterward, settlers multiplied rapidly, and a list of them is impossible. Several are hereafter mentioned. Soon after the opening of the ridge road, taverns were kept by William' Letcher and Ira Johnson, and about the same time John N. Alderman opened a tavern near the site of Maysville. The first postotfice was established at the village of Cuba, in the southwest corner of the township, and here a town was laid out by Andrew Metzgar, in June, 1855, but though it promised to succeed, it has not grown to importance. In 185 1 the neighborhood at Hall's Corners was given a postoffice, and it still remains, perpetuating the name of an old settler.

Maysville - The place of Ezra Ma3's was a center of business at an early date, and in a room of his house, Richard McMuUen started a store, in 1847. In Ma}', 1859, ^''- ^I'^ys laid out a small plat of the town which bears his name, south of the Hicksville road, adjoining the plat of Harlan, which had been laid out in December, 1853, between the Hicksville and Spencerville roads, b}' Lewis Reichelderfer. The towns grew mto one, and though the name Maysville has now been attached to both, the postoflice is still known as Harlan. Additions were made by Mr. Mays, W. Squires and Lewis and Charles Reichelderfer. The population is now about 700.

In 1S59, '^^ Maysville flouring-mill was erected b}- John Hawkins, which has been an important industry. It has been successively in the hands of Hawkins & Anderson, Timbrook & Ashley, the Eckles Brothers, Eckles, Small & Sturm, and is now owned by the firm of Ober, Mann & Anderson. The next industry was the saw-mill, established b}-' Seymour Coomer and Jacob Bickart, first as a shingle-mill, in 1862. Interests have since been owned by Jacob and Matthias Hollopeter, Joseph D. Stopher, Horace Herrick, William B. Daniels, and John Small. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1867, and rebuilt by Jacob Hollopeter and now owned and run by Cummins & Reichelderfer. The Mayville planing-mill was founded by Isaac Bickhart, in 1S75, and in 1879, "^ saw-mill was built by him.

Harlan lodge, F. & A. M., was instituted in May, 1863, and chartered May 25, 1864, with the following members: Peter S. Crisenbury, Ira S. Skinner, Marvin C. Munger, Rev. David Pattee, Rev. J. S. Sellers, William Herrick and George Platter. It now has about thirtv members.

Prospect lodge, No. 331, I. O. O. F., was chartered June 22, 1S69, with the following members: Arthur M. Taylor, J. S. Crites, John Horn, Jefferson Walter, and Josiah Roller. The first meeting was held November 4, 1869. A building was purchased by the lodge immediately after the organization, which was used for its meetings until the summer of 1S89, when the lodge purchased the Maysville graded school building, which it now occupies. The membership is about forty-five.

The first newspaper at iNIaysville, was the Harlan Independent^ established bj' D. M. Allen, who published it until being elected county surveyor, he removed to Fort Wayne, when the paper was discontinued. In March, 1889, a paper was established under the same name by James Forsyth, formerly of New York city, who has proven to be an able manager and editor. This favorite weekly is independent in politics, and aggressive in news gathering. It has steadily grown in popularitv and has a circulation of over i ,000 copies, and a steady increase in subscriptions. In 1887, the Maysville Breeze was estabhshed by J. M. Shutt; this was a creditable paper, but the office was destroyed by fire early in July, 1889. Other prominent business men of Maysville, are: Dr}' goods - heirs of Samuel Eminger, Grubb & Co., William Reichelderfer; hardware - Oliver Minnie, Haj's & James; drugs - J. H. Omo; furniture and undertaking - E. C. Carrington; blacksmiths - James Webber, William Page, George Brown, William Oberholtzer; harness - A. B. Umstead. Charles A. Starr is postmaster and proprietor of the Starr hotel.

Nelson B. Hall, for many years from an early date a resident of Springfield township, is a son of Isaac Hall, the notable pioneer who has been referred to. Isaac Hall was born in Erie count}', Penn., in 1804, and while yet a young man, went into the wilds of Ohio. In February, 1833, he was married to Margaret Bardue, and they lived in Ohio upon a small piece of land given him by his father, until 1836, when the}- came to Allen county, and first went to the settlement in Maumee township, but remaining there only two or three months, then came through the trackless forest to Springfield township, and bought 240 acres of wild land. Here he built his log cabin in the woods, but before ' he could bring his family to it, he lost his wife by death, a severe blow to him. But aided by his sister-in-law, he went on with his work in the wilderness, and a year later he was married to Jane Bardue, a sister of his deceased wife, and a good mother to his orphan children. Indians were numerous at that time and often came to Mr. Hall's to trade their beads and baskets, and as was peculiar with them always demanded the provisions for which they traded in basketful lots. Game was abundant, and wolves, bear and deer quite numerous. Mr. Hall was wideh' known and respected as a representative pioneer of the best class. He served as trustee of his township several 3-ears, as justice in Scipio eight years, and as county commissioner one term, i860 to 1S63. With the surroundings just described, Nelson B. Hall was raised. He was born in what is now Summit count}^, Ohio, December 12, 1833. His educa- tion was received in the old log school-house, and at the academy at Fort Wayne and at Newville. Being well educated he began teaching at nineteen years of age, and taught during fifteen years. From his salary he saved enough to buy and partially pay for sixty acres of unimproved land. In 1863 he was married to Jennette Moore, who was born November 3, 1S38, and by this union had three children, one of whom, Ivan, survives. After marriage he resided in Springfield township until 1887, when he retired from farming and made his home at Hicksville, Ohio, where he has a good two-story dwelling and handsome grounds. He still owns 160 acres of good land in Springfield township, well improved. Mr. Hall is an influential and prominent man, and during eight years served as justice of Springfield township. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a class leader.

Christian Gruber, an early settler and leading German farmer of Springfield township, was born in Piqua, Ohio, December 29, 1824, son of Christian and Mary (Ruber) Gruber. The father came to Ohio while a young man and was enlisted a short time afterward in the war of 1812, in which he served until the close. Christian came to Indiana in 1837 with his brother and worked as a laborer nine or ten years, and then bought forty acres which he cleared and converted into a beautiful little farm. In 1S53 he married Mary, daughter of Simon and Catharine (Harner) House. Of their thirteen children, eight are Hving: John, Sarah, Joseph, Milton, Ellen, William, Clara and Anna. Mrs. Gruber was born May 9, 1831. She and husband are members of the old Lutheran church, of which he has been an elder about forty years, and IS deacon and trustee at present. He served about four j-ears as constable but has declined other oflices. When he first came to Allen county there were but three families in his township. With his parents, Mr. Gruber underwent all the trials and discomforts of early days, being deprived of the advantages of schools, but he is nevertheless intelligent and enterprising, and is numbered among the worthy and respected citizens of Allen county.

George P. Lake, of a pioneer family, was born in Vermont, November 24, 1834, son of Nathan and Jerusha (Sheldon) Lake, both natives of Virginia. The}- moved to Vermont when aged eighteen or twentjyears, and there married and remained until 1S35, when they left Vermont in search of health, the husband being consumptive. He came with his family of eight children by boat to Maumee City, and then took wagons and struck the Black Swamp where it required three days to travel seven miles. They settled in LaGrange county, but after eighteen months removed to Allen county and settled where Fort Wayne now stands. During the first 3ears there he cultivated fort}' acres of corn within the present city hmits. In the spring of 1838 he removed with his family to where Cuba now stands, built his wigwam covered with bark and moved with his family upon his entry of 120 acres made in 1837. There the father died in 1853. George P. remained on the old home-

Stead until he was twenty-nine 3-ears of age, when he bought eightyacres in Springfield township. He remained on this farm fifteen years when he sold, and bought ninety-four acres and settled upon it. When his father first settled in this township there were no roads of anj' kind, and they had to make their way through an almost trackless forest to get to and from neighbors or to Fort Wayne, where they were compelled to go for the necessaries of life. The forest trees grew fewer before the sturdy blows of their axes, and thej' were soon repaid for their hard work and energy with fields of growing grain. In 1857 he was married to Rosetta Rupert, born in 1841, and they had three children: Charles C, Rosa and Ora. In 1S75 he married Jane Dragoo, born in 1S43, bj' whom he has one child, Nelson, born November 18, 1876. He and wife are members of the United Brethren church. He has a handsome farm of eighty-four acres. In 1865 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth regiment, under Capt. Sitvers, and served until the close of the war, being discharged at AVilmington, Del.

Cyrus Hollopeter, an old settler of Allen county, was born in Wayne count}', Ohio, February 12, 1828, son of Abraham and Lydia (M3'ers) Hollopeter. At nineteen 3'ears of age, he came with his parents to Cedar Creek township, where his father bought eighty acres of land. Here, in the twentieth year of his age, Cyrus cleared seven acres of ground for his father for the balance of his minorit}'. Coming to Springfield township, he bought fifty-three and one-half acres of wood-land nearly three miles from an}- house. In two or three years he traded this for the forty acres where he now lives. February 25, 1850, he was married to Lj-dia Conway, in Fort Wayne, by Esquire Du Bois. Of their nine children, six are living: Henry J., Francis E., Avery A., Mary W., Seldon R. and Lydia R. Mrs. Hollopeter was born October 28, 1S30. - He and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church since they were children, of which he is one of the present trustees. He served as constable ten or twelve years, and has been school director about twenty years. He was a member of the Regulators during their reign in early days. At one time he owned 360 acres of land in this state and Michigan. He is one of the respected farmers of his township.

William H. Ringwalt, a substantial citizen of Springfield township, was born in Indiana October 14, 1844, son of William and Catharine (Staufer) Ringwalt, both of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania. The father in 1835 emigrated to Ohio and settled near Gallion, where he cleared eighty acres of wild land. In 1837 he sold this farm and started to Elkhart count}-, but when he saw the fine timber of the land in Allen county he changed his mind and entered eighty acres of land in Springfield township. He was well educated in both the English and German languages; served as constable of his township about four years and was present at the time of the organization, when there were only seven voters in the township. He and wife were members of the

United Brethren church, of which he was an official member. He was one of Allen county's best citizens. William H. remained on the homestead farm until seventeen years of age, when he enlisted in the Twentythird Indiana battery. He participated in the battles with John Morgan, at Brandenburgh, K}-., at Ro3'town, Tenn., the siege at Knoxville, Buzzard Roost, Ga., Resaca, Ga., Ettawa River, Allatoona Pass, Punkinvine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Burnt Hickory, Big Shantv, Marietta, Chattahooche River, Jonesboro, Columbia, Frankhn, Nashville. He served two years and nine and one-half months and received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis, July 2, 1S65. October 24, 1875, he was married to Anna Maria Boger, born July 12, 1853, by whom he had four children, three of whom are living: May, Grin and Elza. He and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church. Mrs. Ringwait is the second of three children of Matthias and Anna (Dressbach) Boger. Her father was born jn Ohio, July 14, 1809, son of John G. and Mary (Faust) Boger. He came to Indiana in 1836 and entered 240 acres which he occupied in 1840. In 1870 Mr. Ringwalt embarked in tile and brick manufacturing on the old homestead. He has 120 acres of good land, well improved, with substantial buildings. He is a good citizen as he was a brave soldier. Though beginning poor and deprived of the advantages of schools, except those of pioneer da3-s, he has become a leading citizen and has the esteem and good will of the community.

Estes Howe, one of the pioneer settlers of Springfield township, was born in Saratoga count}', N. Y., May 30, 181 2, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Stewart) Howe. His father died when he was about one and a half years old. He remained with his mother until eight years of age, when he was taken by an uncle to raise. At fourteen years of age he was apprenticed at the tanner and shoemaker trade, which he followed while in New York; has made his own boots since he was fourteen years of age. He was one of the pioneer shoemakers of Allen county, making all kinds of boots and shoes. O.i February 25, 1836, he married Susan, daughter of Jeremiah and Susannah (Waite) Whaley. Her maternal grandmother, Mercy Madison, was related to President Madison. By this union were born ten children, seven now hving: George B., Charlotte, Ellen, Estes O., Sarah H., Samuel E., Harriet M. and Reeleefee R. Mrs. Howe was born April 16, 181 7, in Tompkins county, N. Y. The}' were married in Oswego county, and in 1S37 they settled in Allen count}', where Harlan now stands. Here he began working at his trade for Ezra May, and two years later abandoned his trade, except at odd times, and began working out, taking contracts for clearing land for laijd, and first got eighty acres iii DeKalb county, which he soon traded for eighty acres of canal land in Allen county. He continued at clearing several years, and early in the forties settled on forty acres in section 21, in Springfield, which he cleared and afterward bought and added 100 acres. In 1871, he retired from the farm and moved to Harlan, where he now lives. He has cleared in all about lOO acres of land in Springfield township for others besides his own. He never speculated, but has made all he has by hard work, close economy and good management. He served as one of the board of trustees of his township, as treasurer one 3-ear and trustee about three years. When he first came to Indiana the first corn be bought he went about fourteen miles for, and bought two bushels at $1.50 per bushel, and then went to what is now called Rudisill's mill, a distance of about ten miles, to have it ground. The next spring after coming to Indiana, he walked eight miles and split 400 rails in one day for one bushel of corn.

Ezra Worden, a substantial' farmer of Springfield township, was born in Onondago county, N. Y., July 25, 1827, son of Ira and Charlotte (Wentworth) Worden. His father's father served in the English forces during the revolution, and his mother's father was a soldier on the American side. When eleven years of age, Ezra left home and worked out two years, when he became dissatisfied and hired out to the first man's brother-in-law, and worked three months at $3.00 per month with the privilege of going to school that winter. He hired out the next spring for nine months, for $3.00 per month, and at the end of this time his father had taken up all his wages except $3.00, so that he was disappointed in his expected winter's schooling. His emplo}'er gave huii cloth enough for a coat, three yards, instead of the $3-oo due him. He then began work for a doctor at $4.00 per month, having previously contracted with his father for his time at $1.00 per month. He continued to work as a farm hand about ten 3-ears, and accumulated enough to buy wild lands in Indiana. In 183S, he bought eight}- acres of wild land in Allen county, but being too poor to settle, he returned to New York, where he remained three years. In 1841, he married Elizabeth Walsworth, b}- whom he had nine children, seven of whom are now living: Emma, John W., William Ezra, Ella, Charles, Grant and Freddie. After this marriage he returned to Springfield and made his home in a log cabin on his land. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Compan}- D, Fortv-fourth Indiana volunteer regiment, and was with his company in all its engagements. He was wounded at Shiloh by being shot through the right breast and arm, and again at Chickamauga, he was shot in the right side, breaking three or four ribs. In 1862, he was taken prisoner at Stone River and was confined in Libby prison two or three months. Being paroled, he rejoined his company and in the battle of Chickamauga, after he was wounded, was left on the field and was again picked up by the enem)-. He is the fortunate possessor of 118 acres of as good land as there is in Allen county, and is one of the countj-'s best citizens. He has served as constable two years. His wife is a member of the Protestant Methodist church.

John D. Reichelderfer, one of the pioneers of Springfield township, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 16, 181 2. His parents, John and Christina (Spangler) Reichelderfer, were both born in Berks county, Penn., were married in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in 1806.

There they raised a family of eleven children, of whom our subject was the fifth, "but is the oldest living. He remained with his father until twenty-one years of age. In April, 1S32, he married Hester, a daughter of Jacob Markel, born February 19, 18 10, and this union was blessed with seven children, of whom two are living: Jacob and Sarah, wife of J. W. Fr}'. When married, they began on a rented farm, with three cows, horse, and a very little furniture. He remained on this farm six years, and on September 10, 1840, started for Indiana and traveled through to AUen county in wagons. In 1835 he made a prospecting tour on foot, and bought 160 acres, the homestead farm, but only remained a short time. Returned home two years later, he came back and contracted with Henry Gruber to clear two acres, and built a hewnlog house, to which he removed with his family in 1840. He cleared his farm by working almost day and night, his wife helpirig him in all his work. Often would she work with him in the night time burning logs, and would assist in putting out the crop, and one day she covered ten acres of corn with the old fashioned jumper with a boy to ride the horse, besides doing her own work. They began the struggle of life without anything, but have done well. He has in his possession an old fashioned anvil which was used to hammer out the old Dutch scythe, also the old scythe and whetstone. He also has an old fashioned lamp which has been handed down by five generations. He and wife have been members of the old school Lutheran church, he since childhood, she since sixteen j^ears of age. He, in company with John Zeimmer, cleared several miles of roads in the township of underbrush. He retired from the farm in 1873 to Harlan where he now lives. He has been one of Springfield township's worthiest farmers since his residence here.

Jacob Reichelderfer, son of the above, was born in Ohio, January 3, 1835. He came to Indiana with his parents when only five years of age and helped his father clear the homestead farm. He was one of the first scholars in the first school ever taught in Springfield township. This was taught bj- Sarah Bracy in a double log dweUing house in Maysville. The teacher would take chalk and mark on the slab benches each scholar's place to sit. On December 30, 1856, he married Sarah, daughter of William and Mary (Rudisill) Harter, who were early settlers of Richland county, Ohio. This union was blessed with eleven children, of whom six are living: Jacob Franklin, Anna S., Joseph E., Lavina H., William H. and Sarah C. Mrs. Reichelderfer was born November 27, 1837. He and wife are members of the old school Lutheran church, of which he has served as deacon several years in succession and is leader of the choir. In 1845 their Sunday-school was organized, he being one of the first pupils. In the earl}- days they would attend in bare feet; the girls were more fortunate than boys, but they would go in their bare feet until within view of the church when they would don their shoes. He now owns eighty acres of the homestead farm.

Lewis Reichelderfer, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, was born October 9, 1820, son of John and Catherine (Spangler) Reichelderfer. In earty boyhood he was remote from schools, but his physical training in the woods developed him well for the hardships of pioneer life in Allen county. In 1840 he came to Indiana on a prospecting tour and purchased a piece of land of 320 acres from his father. Like others of time he came hoping that here he might find a home where patient toil would 3"ield greater results than in the older settlements. When a boy his father bought a clover huller, which furnished work during the winter for him and his brothers, hulling for neighbors when he should have been in school, and one day when the father was away he and brother concluded to break the machine and render it useless, which they did b}' feeding the same with a large, stone, and refusing to work any longer if it was repaired. After coming to Indiana he onl}^ made a short stay, but returned to Ohio, and remained two years. He then made another short trip to Indiana, and returned to Ohio, and in 1842 he married Miss Juha Ann Ranck, who was born April 20, 1822. Throughout her husband's pioneer life, she ever comforted and sustained him. To this union eleven children were born, of whom nine survive. EHhu, ex-representative of Allen countj'; Wilham, ex-trustee of Springfield township; Alden, John, Aaron, Lafayette, Sarah, Hanna and Selena. Mr. and Mrs. Reichelderfer are members of the old Lutheran church. He now owns 195 acres of fine land well cultivated. Mr. Reichelderfer's life has been marked by the strictest integrity, and no one enjoys more fully the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen.

William A. Reichelderfer, a prominent citizen of Harlan, is a native of Pickawaj' county, Ohio, born July 19, 1848, son of Lewis and Julia A. Reichelderfer. He remained in his native state until sixteen j^ears of age, when he came to Indiana with his parents and settled in Springfield ownship. After being here about one month he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana volunteers, under Capt. Biglow, and was in the battle of Nashville. He served until the close of the war and received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis. When he returned home he had contracted a cold which disabled him for some time, and his education being limited up to this time, he began going to school at Harlan, and attended about one year. He then began teaching in the country school and taught three winter terms. In 1S68 he married Jennie E. Stopher, who. was born December 24, 1852, and they have had four children, three living: Charles, Elwood, Frank A., and Lola E. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1S75 he was elected justice of the peace of his township and served eight years. In April, 1884, he was elected trustee and re-elected in 1886, which is quite complimentary to him, as his township is republican by about fort}^ votes at this time - when he first ran for trustee the republican majority on the state ticket was fortj'-eight, but he was elected by forty-four majority. He is one of the leading citizens of Harlan, and

Charles Reichelderfer, an old settler of Springfield township, was born May ii, 1824, in Pickaway county, Ohio, son of John and Christina (Spangler) Reichelderfer. In 1840 he came to Indiana with his family and settled in Maysville. He bought ninety acres in the woods and this he cleared into a farm. He was first married to Louie Allen, by whom he had one child, Maria. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Subsequent to her death he married Louie Kentner, still living, by whom he had four children: Frederick, WilHam, Mary and Jay P. He and wife are both Lutherans. He is one of the leading citizens of Springfield township, and well respected by all who know him.

Ira I. Grubb, an industrious farmer and stock-raiser of Springfield township, was born June 3, 1838, in Wayne county, Ind., son of Nelson and Martha A. (Notestine) Grubb. He came with his parents to Indiana in 1841, who settled in Cedar Creek township, buying sixtj' acres of uncultivated land. In 1861 he was married to Elizabeth A., daughter of Henry and Anna (Bickhart) Oberholtzer. To this union six children were born, five now living: Charles C, Lochiel L., Herman H., Bern B. and Mary J. The mother was born August 27, 1840. He and wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church which was organized in his barn by Rev. Waltinan about 1852. He is a member of the Masonic order. He enlisted in the late war but was not accepted. In 1856 he went west on a prospecting tour, but not being satisfied with the west, he returned and settled at Harlan and embarked in blacksmithing and wagon-making, which business he continued until April, 1866, when he bought and settled on the farm where he now lives. He now has a handsome farm of 149 acres in Springfield township, within one and onehalf miles of Harlan, with good buildings. He was the first man in the township to begin the breeding of Jersey cattle; he began in June, 18S0. He is an ardent supporter of the democratic party, and on one occasion was nominated by his party for trustee, but was not able to overcome a large adverse majority. He is one of the leading citizens of his township. Mr. Grubb's two oldest sons are graduates of the Valparaiso normal school.

William A. Moore, an old settler of Allen county, was born in New York, November 8, 1824. His parents, Priam and Lois (Calkins) Moore, were born in Genesee county, N. Y., the father in 1796, the mother in 1805. The father remained in New York and followed the shoemaker trade until 1830, when he removed to Erie county, Ohio, where he worked at his trade in connection with farming rented land. Since 1840 he has made his home with his son William A., and is now in his ninety-third year. The mother died at her son's home in 1884. William A. grew to manhood in Ohio, with slight opportunities for education. Being the oldest of a family of eight children it fell to him to help his father to support the others, and he has been the mainstay and support of the famil}- ever since he was large enough to earn wages. He hired out previous to their coming to Indiana to obtain the money that brought them here. On November 15, 1S4O, they settled in Scipio township. He traded his team for thirty-one acres of wood-land, built his log cabin, and cleared and farmed until 1852 when he sold this place and bought eighty acres in Springfield township. In 1850 he embarked in the saw-mill business and lost all his hard earnings and incurred a judgment debt of $1,600. He had previously run the first thresher in Springfield, and continued in this business about thirty years, by this means arising from his embarrassed condition and paying for his farm of eighty acres. To this he has added eighty acres. June 19, 1S42, he married DorHska Bracy, born April 10, 1S22, and they have had ten children, eight of whom are living: Angelia Sarah, Harriet E., Dorliska L., WiUiam W., Charles W., Henrietta C, Hiram B. and Cora L. He and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church. In 1854 he had the misfortune to lose by fire his dwelling house and all contents, and again in 1866 he was burnt out, losing nearly all he had in the house. He served as constable one term in Scipio township and two terms in Springfield township. The first winter he was here he had to go five miles on foot and draw a hand sled with his sack of corn to mill to be ground for bread. In spite of his many misfortunes he is now prosperous.

Frederick Omo, one of the pioneer settlers of Springfield township, was born October 24, 1S19. His father, Simon Omo, was a Frenchman and a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, being wounded five times. After coming to America he was drafted into the war of 181 2, and served till its close. He hved to the good old age of ninety. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Mary Mercer, a native of Pennsjdvania, of German descent. Their fourth child, Frederick, in 1836, left his home in Pennsylvania, and settled in Ohio, where he hired out by the month as a farm hand. In 1836 he and his brother-in-law bought 160 acres of wild land in Springfield township, but did not make their home here until 1840. On division of this land he got sixty acres, but was compelled to hire out to get money enough with which to begin farming. In 1843 he was married to Elizabeth Shields, born JUI3' 3, 1825. They have had twelve children, seven now living: Mary, William H., John W., Louisa, Adaline, Joseph and Francis. He was a member of the board of trustees of his township in company with Estes Howe and Linas Cutts, and helped to make the first appraisement of school lands in the township. He was a supporter of William H. Harrison for the presidency in 1S40, and has adhered to the republican party since its organization. He has prospered in a high degree, and now owns 140 acres in Springfield township, with substantial buildings. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was steward twenty years and class leader four j-ears.

Price, both died while he was a small child, and he was taken b}- one Wilson to raise, but after a time he was taken by Abraham Dingman, who married his step-sister. A few 3'ears later he found a home with Isaac Claxton, then with James Mills, and then with Henr_y Miller, with whom he remained seven j-ears. He was living with Alex Baston in 1862, when he enlisted in Compan}' D, Eighty-eighth Indiana regiment, and with the exception of about sixty days while sick and at home on a furlough, he participated in all the engagements of his regiment. He received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis in 1865. On November, of that year, he married Martha E. Hatch, and this union was blessed with one child, Minnie A., born November 5, 1S75. He and wife are members of the United Brethren church. After marriage he worked at clearing one winter and then rented farms until 1868, when he bought forty acres of uncultivated lands in Springfield township, which he has converted into a valuable farm. For the last twelve years he has been running a threshing machine in connection with farming. He is a member of the G. A. R. at Mayville, and was a member of the Regulators. DeGroff N. Herrick, of Springfield township, is a native Hoosier, born in Milan township, October 28, 1849, son of Aruna and Elizabeth (Parent) Herrick. The paternal grandfather was a native of Vermont, born June 26, 1797, who in 1819 married Susan Robbins of upper Canada. They seittled in Jefferson county, N. Y., where they raised a family of seven boys and three daughters. In 1842, they removed to Allen county. The wife died in 1848, and in the fall of the same year he married Mrs. Catharine Llojd, with whom he lived until death. On commg to Maysville, he became one of the charter members of the Ma3-sville class of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a devoted member of this church until his death, which occurred March 5, 1S77. His wife survived him to the good old age of ninety-three, and died in 18S7. She was married at the age of eighty-three years, after her husband died, to Mr. Gothep, who is now living and is ninetj'-two years of age. Aruna Herrick was a native of Jefferson county, N. Y., where he grew to manhood, and then emigrated west, and settled in Allen county. He received a good common school education, and was a carpenter b}' trade. In 1847 he was married, and to this union four children v/ere born: John Frank, who died in 1S78; DeGroff N., Daniel M., and Clarence M. The mother died in 1854. I" 1857, he was married to Mary Boger, bjwhom he had seven children: Andrew, Adelia A., Susan Ida., Phoebe C, David O., Hattie E., and William. In the dark days of the rebellion, he volunteered in Company D, One Hundred and Fift3'-fifth regiment. He resided after the war in Springfield township, until his death January, 1875. DeGroff N. was raised in Milan township, and received a good common school education. November 12, 1S71, he married Lydia A., daughter of John and Rachel Zeimmer, and this union was blessed with one child, Ella M., who died in 1876. He and wife are members of the United Brethren church, of which he is one of the trustees of the parsonage. In 1874, he bought and settled upon the farm he now occupies,

Ephriam Markle, one of the old settlers of Springfield township, was born in Pennsylvania, August 6, 181 3, son of Jacob and Catharine Markle. The family moved to Ohio when he was four years of age, and there he grew to manhood and learned the weaver's trade, which he followed about twelve years. In 1834 he married Elizabeth Reichelderfer, and they have had six children, of whom five are living: Margaret, Mary, Henrj', Jacob and Jerry. The mother, who was born in 1814, was a member of the Lutheran church, and died in 1846. In 1851 he married Catharine Reezer, by whom he had four children, of whom survive: Daniel, Samuel and Melinda. The mother, who was born April 25, 1817, is a member of the old Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Lutheran church. In 1842 he entered eight}^ acres of wild land in Springfield township, and built his log cabin, the only house between that vicinity and Maysville at that time, and here began his toilsome career, which has ended so well. He made considerable mone}' in his time, and added to his first entry until he owns 240 acres of well improved land. He has always been one of Allen county's valuable citizens.

Henry Boulton, an early settler of Springfield township, is a native of England, born January 14, 182 1. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Hamblett) Boulton, emigrated to America in 1837, and settled in Erie count}-, Ohio, and in 1S49 removed to Scipio township, where the father died in 1863. Henry worked out and helped his father to pay for a piece of land, and in 1843 came to Indiana and bought eight}' acres of land in Springfield township where he now lives. Being without money to clear it he returned to Ohio to work for the necessary means, and remained in Ohio until 1847. He then began to improve his land and built his log cabin. iVfter clearing and cultivating about ten acres, he took to himself a wife, Helen Hatch. They have eight children : Louisa, Anna N., Emma, Flora, Mary, Oscar, Ida and Mina. Mrs. Boulton was born May 31, 1831; she and all their children are members of the United, Brethren church, while he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1S50. He has given his children the benefit of all the schooling his township afforded, and then at Fort Wayne college. His son has attended two terms at Ann Arbor. His industry has been rewarded by the possession of 322 1^ acres of good land in Allen county, and his home place is well improved. He has given each of his five daughters at their marriage $550.

John Zeimmer, one of the pioneer settlers of AUen county, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, July 27, 1814, son of Abram and Susannah (Chritenbaugh) Zeimmer. His grandfather came from Pennsylvania and settled in Pickaway county, remained five years and removed to Wooster, where he was killed by the Indians. John came to Indiana in 1836, on a prospecting tour, and entered 160 acres, and then returned to Ohio, where he hired out by the month to get money with which to cultivate his new land. In 1S43 he returned to Indiana, and after clearin<r about live acres, erected a cabin, and in 1843 was married to Rachel, daughter of Obediah and Lj-dia Ann (Markle) Boger. By this union he had eight children, six now living: Martin, Susannah, George, Lydia A., John W. and Mary. The mother, who was born October 31, 1825, was a member of the old Lutheran church. She died November 14, 1878. He and wife settled in their new home in the woods and being a poor man, he and wife had many privations. The}- were compelled to go to Fort Wayne, at that time but a small village, to mill, and there being no roads it took them about three days to make the trip and return. They would carry axes with them to cut their road. He succeeded in his efforts and came to possess 400 acres of good land in Allen county, from which he has given to his children, but still holds his homestead of 160 acres. On this he has a comfortable two-story brick dwelling and good barn. Mr. Zeimmer served as school director five years, about thirty-five years ago.

Martin Zeimmer, a progressive farmer of Springfield township, son of the above, was born September 4, 1842. He was born and raised on the homestead farm, and being the oldest son, helped his father as soon as he was able. He began to plow when he had to reach up to the plow handles and was too small to release the plow when it became fast, so that he had to invent a mode of using a chain by which the oxen could do that for him. In 1868, he married Mahala A. Burner, who was born in 1844. To this union two children were born, of whom one survives: Cora A., born Ma}' 13, 1871. After his marriage his father gave him forty acres of wood-land, which he has converted into a nice little farm, and has a two-story brick dwelling and good barn.

Isaac Dreisbach, an earty settler of Springfield township, was born in Pickaway count)% Ohio, April 4, 1820, son of Samuel and Catharine (Bookwalter) Dreisbach. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, the mother of Berks county, Penn., and came to Ohio about 181 1, and remained until death. The father was in the war of 181 2. Isaac remained with his father until twenty-three years of age, when on April 13, 1843, he married Catharine Metzger, b}' whom he had six children: John, born September 21, 1847; Samuel, born December 11, 1851; Joseph, December 5, 1857; Frank, March 16, 1861; Mary E., May 17, 1844 (oldest); Levi, March 24, 1854. The mother was born November 7, 1819. He remained in Ohio three years after marriage, and then settled on the farm of 160 acres where he now lives. About thirty acres was cleared at that time, and there was a small cabin, which was the second built in the township. He served as constable one year in an early day. He and wife are charter members of the United Brethren church. He donated the ground on which the church stands, besides $500. He has always been liberal in his donation to churches and gave $50 to the United Brethren church in Fort Wa3-ne, also a smaller donation to a mission church in Nebraska. Through his kindness to relatives in becoming security for them, and his sacrifices in selling lands to liquidate those debts, he was the loser at one time of about $12,000; and about this time had the misfortune to lose his dwelling by fire, without insurance. But he withstood these calamities, and soon erected a beautiful two-stor}- brick dwelling. He has 158 acres of fine land within one mile of Harlan, which is one of the best in Allen count}-.

Levi Dreisbach, son of the above, and an enterprising business man of Harlan, was born March 24, 1854. He was born and raised on the homestead farm in Springfield township, and remained on the farm until 1882, when he located in Harlan and embarked in the butcher business, which he continued until 1S85. On December 27, 1S74, '""^ was married to Rachel A. Sapp, who was born April 17, 1852. This union was blessed with three children: Katie, born in 1875; Ch'de, born in 18S0; Cosie, born May 23, 1883.

Daniel Knisely, of Springfield township, was born May 31, 1826, in Columbiana county, Ohio. He was the fourth child of Solomon and Elizabeth (Rudy) Knisely, both of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania. At fourteen years of age he was bound out to a farmer and remained until twenty 3'ears of age. He had only six months' schooling, but through his own industry- learned to read, write and figure. On March 2, 1853, he married Mahala Conway. Of their nine children, six are living: David, born December 13, 1856; Delilah, March 12, 1S61; Luella, November 29, 1862; Rollin, May 21, 1866; Orlando, April 2, 1868: and Rosa, May 6, 1871. The mother, who was born November 11, 1833, departed this life February' 19, 1880. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he first joined in 1853, '^^^ ^'^''^^ '^ steward two years. In 1S87 for convenience he took a letter and placed it in the Protestant church. At twent}' 3-ears of age he hired out on the farm at $10.50 the first summer, and he saved enough to buy him a yoke of cattle and came to Indiana in 1846 to see the fifty acres of wood-land he received as his wages for the six years that he was bound out. The following year he built his log cabin and began to clear. He now owns eighty acres of well improved land and has a two-story brick dwelling. He has served as school director of his district, about twelve j^ears.