Allen County, Indiana - The whole text, 1889 (part 9 of 17)

Nicholas Snyder, a prosperous farmer of Adams township, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., October 19, 1839. His parents, Joseph and Catharine (Hullar) Snyder, were natives of Lorraine, France. His father was born in 1812, and came with his parents, Joseph and Margaret (Semley) Snyder, to America when he was nineteen years of age. They located in Onondaga county, N. Y., where both the grandparents spent the rest of their hves. The mother of Mr. Snyder came to America with her parents, who also settled in Onondaga county, N. Y., but about six years later her father and mother returned to France. Sixteen years later they again came to America and ended their days in Onondaga county, N. Y. Their names were Casper and Christina (Shepp) Hullar. Nicholas Snyder was reared in his native county, working at farm work. He was married there April 14, 1863, to Margaret Palz, born in Lorraine, April 22, 1840, the daughter of Conrad and Catharine (Zengiler) Palz, with whom she came to America when she was nine years old and settled in Onondaga county, N. Y., where her father died three years later. Her mother, for the past twenty-five years, has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Snyder. She is now in the eightieth 3'ear of her age. From the month of March preceding his marriage to the spring of 1872, Mr. Snyder was in the employ of the New York Central & Hudson River railway. He began as a section hand, but at the end of one year he was promoted to section foreman and continued in that capacity eight years, during the last two of which he resided in Utica, N. Y., where he was foreman of the yards and work train. March 13, 1872, he resigned, and soon after removed to Allen county, and located in section 13, Adams township, on a farm which he had purchased in February, 1S72. His attention since then has been given to agriculture. His farm contains sixty acres of fine land, and it is provided with a good residence and barn, and other substantial improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder 'have had ten children: Helen, Magdalena, Joseph, George, Louis N., Frederick A., William H., John P., Emma M., and Leo A., all living except Joseph and George. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of the Roman Cathohc church. He is a member of St. John's Benevolent society. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Snyder lived to be one hundred and four 3-ears old. Her husband died at the age of eighty-eight. The mother of Mr. Snyder died in Onondago county, N. Y., November 21, 1864. In the following February his father was married to Mrs. Hower, whose maiden name was Catharine Zion. In 1865 they came to Adams township In the spring of 1S82, they removed to Minnesota, where the father died July 25, 1883. His widow resides at Northfield, Minn.

A notable character in early times was Jonathan Chapman, better known as "Johnny Appleseed." " If ever there lived a man who deserved to have a monument erected to his memor}' by any people," said a great nurseryman at Rochester, N. Y., " that man was Jonathan Chapman." The people of western Penns3'lvania, and especially those of Ohio and Indiana, might have appropriately raised such a monument years ago. Not less than 100,000 square miles of country between the Ohio river and the northern lakes, a famous fruit growing region, owe the origin of their fruitfulness largely to the peculiar labor and novel method of the person named. His bones lie in a neglected and forgotten grave, where they were placed about forty 3'ears ago; but there are some still living who remember well how his nurseries in the wilderness along the Ohio, Muskingum, Wabash and other streams, planted while he tramped through the woods from 1801 until 1840, supplied trees to the early settlers. He first appeared in western Pennsylvania, with earl}' settlers, and beyond the fact that he was born in Boston, in 1775, nothing was known of his antecedents, or of his famil)', except that he had a sister, Persis Broom. He came among the settlers carrying a bag of appleseeds, which he planted through the Alleghany valley, and when that region became too thickl}' settled for his carrying out his novel idea, he entered the wilderness of Ohio with a horse loaded with leathern bags containing appleseeds collected at the Pennsylvania cider presses, where the first fruits from his pioneer orchards were used. He planted seeds along Licking creek, and there are a number of trees standing in Licking count}', -which are the original growth from his seeds. Chapman soon became known as Johnny Appleseed and his right name was unknown to many of the later generations. He selected the most fertile spots in the many valle3's tributary to the Ohio river, sowing, it is said, as much as sixteen bushels of seed to the acre. When he had planted a nursery he enctoSed^it with a stout brush fence. He then left it and tramped to some other rich and loamy vales where he sowed and fenced as before. After planting along the Ohio tributaries in 1806, he planted all along the second route ever opened through the Ohio wilderness, which was from Fort Duquesne or Pittsburg via Sandusky to Detroit. When one

Stock of seeds was exhausted, this persistent enthusiast returned with his leathern bags to the cider presses and obtained more. When the trees in these strange nurseries were large enough to be sold, and there were farmers in the neighborhood to buy them, the planter would visit them or appoint an agent to look out for the sale of them. If the farmer had money Johnn}' Appleseed would take his price in cash, but he would accept old clothes, corn-meal, or any other article, even notes made payable when he called again and demanded the amount, but he was never known to ask payment of a note or to even keep one in his possession. What he did with these obligations is a mj^stery. If he received money he always gave it to need}' settlers or purchased articles for them which they lacked. Johnn}- Appleseed carried with him on his long tramps through the forest, tracts and books on the doctrines of Swedeaborg, of whom he was an ardent follower, and he never entered the cabin of a settler without reading something from one of these books, as a preliminary to anj'thing else. At one cabin he would tear out a few leaves or a chapter and leave it there for the perusal of the settler and and his famity, at another he would leave another section of the book, and so on until he had scattered a small library in tattered parts over a large extent of country. On subsequent rounds he would gather them up and leave other portions in their places. Thus he managed to furnish his reading matter to several families at the same time, the only objection being that as the subsequent distributions were made with no particular rotation of parts, the books had to be read by many of Johnny Appleseed's parishioners backward, and from the middle of the work to either end. This singular character lived the rudest and simplest of lives, and for fort}^ 3'ears slept in the woods wherever night overtook him, and subsisted on fruits and vegetables alone. He believed it a sin to kill any living thing for food, and believed it wrong to even prune or graft a tree to increase or improve the fruit. He said that there should be eaten only the natural products of the seed as God had ordered. He was the constant and faithful friend of all dumb brutes, reptiles and insects. He made the care and protection of aged and infirm horses his special dutj' on his rounds. If he saw a settler working a horse that was lame or blind or afflicted in any wa}^ as settlers were frequently compelled to do, he would purchase it at the owner's price and then give it to some one who could afford to treat it gently or turn it loose to end its days in peaceful pasture. Hundreds of reminiscences of his strange and beneficent doings are related by farmers from the Ohio to Lake Michigan. He always dressed in the cast-off clothing he received in exchange for apple trees, and made his journey usually barefooted and bareheaded. Once he went through the Muskingum valley arrayed in an old coffee sack, through a hole in the bottom of which his head was thrust, while from a hole cut in each side his hands and arms protruded. In the winter time he wore as a hat a large tin dipper, which he carried to cook his corn-meal mush in. The Indians regarded him as a great medicine man, and manj- stories are told of how his influence with the savages saved many a border family from tomahawk and firebrand. He came to Allen county as soon as there were settlements, and established nurseries at various places. He was a short, " chunky " man, restless, with bright, black eyes. In expounding his religion or describing his apples, he was remarkably elo(]^uent, and used excellent language. He died jit the home of Richard Worth, on the St. Joseph, in 1845.

Among those particularlv prominent in the settlement of Washington township, was one still a resident, John Archer, who came here with his father in 1825. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, September 25, 1822, son of David and Anna (^Crisenbury) Archer. David Archer was born near Philadelphia, in 1807, and died in Washington township in 1861. He was elected county commissioner in 1834 and served for four years. He was a man of indomitable energ}'. He was a JNlason and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The mother of Mr. Archer was born in Boone county, Ky., and died in Washington township at about seventy 3'ears of age. John Archer is the eldest of three living children in a family of eleven. In the fall of f 844 he settled on his present farm of 240 acres. He attended school onl}- three months with a teacher named Hague, but learned well his life occupation, farming. For nearl}- six j'ears he was one of the board of trustees of Washington township, and for sixteen years was trustee under the present law, his last term expiring in 1886; he also served four years as assessor. He was formerl}' an old-line whig, and is now a republican. October 4, 1849, he was married to Mary Poinsett, born in Montgomerj- county, Ohio, July 6, 1825, and they have five children living: Anna E., jNIar}' J., Oliver A., Winfield S. and Andrew J. Mr. Archer is the third oldest resident of the county living, and is one of its most honorable and worthy men.

John S. Poinsett, a son of a worthy pioneer, and himself a resident of Washington township since childhood, has become widel}' known as one of the leading farmers. He was born in Hanover township, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 23, 181S. His father, Peter Poinsett, was born in New Jersey, and died in the county of Allen at fifty-two years of age. He married Mary Rockhill, born in the same state, who died in Allen county at about the same age. Mr. Poinsett, the eldest of three living children, was raised on the farm. As earl}- as 1828, he came with his father to Allen count}' and remained one season and then returned to Ohio. About 1834 ^he family made a permanent settlement. Mr. Poinsett has been occupied during life as a farmer and stock dealer. About 1855 he settled where he now lives, and owns 220 acres of well improved land. He was married in 1843 to Ellen Rockhill, born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and they have six children: William, John, Harriet, Joseph, Mar}' and Edward. In politics he is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for William H. Harrison. He is one of the prosperous men of this county, but all has been won by his own exertions.

John B. Grosjean, a prominent pioneer of Washington township, is a native of France, born May 3, 1819, being one of the two survivors of five children of Claude and Frances Grosjean, natives of France. The family immigrated, reaching New York City, May 3, 1834, and on the 4th of June, arrived at Fort Wayne, taking a whole month to make the trip over land. The parents died in this count}-, man}' years ago. John B. Grosjean was raised on the farm, and in 1846, began farming for himself on the land he now owns, 137 acres of well improved land. He was married in 1S48, to Miss Mary Porson, who was born in France, April 6, 1824, daughter of Bernard and Cecilia, natives of France, who died in Washington township, her father in 1858 and her mother in 1870. They built and kept the first tavern in Washington township. Mr. and Mrs. Grosjean have nine living children. He and wife are members of the Catholic church.

Edward Grosjean, son of the above, was born in Washington township, July 7, 1S60, the fourth child of his worthy parents. He was raised on the farm, and received his education at the public schools and at Fort Wayne Methodist college. After leaving school he worked on the farm one year, and then in 1881, embarked in the saw-mill business on the Lima road. The next year he removed to Wallen, and has there been engaged in that business ever since. For si.v years he has also been manufacturing tile extensive^. In 1884, he became associated with two brothers in the firm of Grosjean Brothers, manufacturers and dealers in hardwood lumber and drain tile, and they have done a prosperous business, now employing sixteen men. Their reputation as enterprising business men is widespread. Mr. Grosjean was married in 1881, to Martha Hudson, who was born in Allen county in i860, and they have one child, Ray, born in September, 1884. Mrs. Grosjean is a member of the Methodist church, and he of the Catholic church. In politics he is a republican. He is a popular young man, and already occupies a leading position.

Edward Beckman, who has been for forty-five years a resident of Washington township, is the son of prominent pioneer parents. His father, Henry Beckman, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sophia Tegtmeyer, were both born in Germany in 1S04, were married about fifty-two years ago, and came to Allen county in 1836. These venerable and esteemed people yet reside in the township where they made their home in the forests. The older of their two living children, Edward, was born in this county x\pril 11, 1S41. He was raised on the Washington township farm where he still lives, and obtained a good education in the Lutheran schools. November 12, 1862, he was married to Eliza Gerding, who was born in Washington township in 1844. They have nine children: Edward H., Louis P., Louise, Sophia, Justa, Eliza, Frederick C, Harmon E. and Julia. Mr. Beckman has always occupied a high position in the esteem of the people of the county as a capable and straightforward man, and in 1880 the members of his party (democratic) testified their confidence in him by tendering him the nomination for township trustee. Unfortunate dissensions in the party alone prevented his election. He is a notable land owner and farmer, having 380 acres of fertile land, and his home is one of the most pleasant. He and family are members of the St. Paul's Lutheran church at Fort Wayne.

Samuel Kariger, who lives upon his fine farm of 160 acres in Washington township, four and a half miles northwest of the cit\', is one of a family of worth}- pioneers. His parents, Frederick and EHzabeth (Lindsay) Kariger, natives of Penns3'lvania, removed in the spring of 1836 from Ohio to Allen county, and settled on the land above mentioned. Here the father died January 21, 1846, in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and the mother died in 1871, in her eight3^-second year. Frederick Kariger was the son of John Kariger, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in Knox count)', Ohio, in 1S45. He had a brother who lost his life in the revolution. Elizabeth Lindsay was the daughter of William Lindsay, who was born near Lancaster, Penn., and died at her husband's Ohio home in 1S36. Samuel Kariger was born in Knox county, Ohio, March 22, 182 1, the youngest of six children. March 3, 1847, he was married to Mar}' Ann Benz, who was born in Germany in 1830, and came to Allen county in 1836. Mrs. Kariger died June 24, 1873, leaving four children: Catherine, Mary E., Elsie A., and John. Mr. Kariger, being the oldest settler in his part of the township, and an honorable citizen, is highly esteemed. In politics he is a democrat, and for twenty-six years he has been a member of the Presbyterian church at Fort Wayne.

Among the industrious men who began their labors here prior to 1840, should be mentioned Lucas More. This early settler of Allen county was born in Lehigh county, Penn., September it, 1S16. His father, Henr}' More, was born in Pennsylvania in 17S7, was a soldier of the war of 181 2, and died in Whitley county in the eighty-ninth year of his age. His wife, Mary Smith, died in her seventy-sixth year, in 1878. They had eleven children, of whom the oldest, and one of the three living, is Lucas More. He came to Allen county in 1S37, and lived in Fort Wayne until 1843, when he settled upon the farm in Washington township which he now owns. In 1843 he was married, September 5th, to Magdelena Gunder, who was born in France, September 12, 1821. They have four children: Melinda, William, Lavinia J. and Stephen. Mr. More cast his first presidential vote for W. H. Harrison, and has been an earnest republican. His occupation is farming, and he is quite successful. He is one of the worthiest of the pioneers who have done so much to develop the county, and having made his own way in life, has the esteem and good-will of all.

John C. Pfeiffer, one of the leading and most wealthv farmers of Allen county, was born July 27, 1821, to Christopher and Catherine Pfeiffer, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1832, and settled at Buffalo, N. Y. Eight years later they came to Fort Wayne, and the remainder of their lives was spent here. Mr. Pfeiffer came to Allen county at nineteen j-ears of age, and remained at home until twentj'-seven, when he settled where he now lives, three miles from the city, about 1855. Here he has a fertile farm of 240 acres well improved and of great value, which is the reward of his industrious career. He was married in 1849, to Margaret Bosler, a native of Germany, and they have five children : Charles, Carrie, Sophia, Edward and Abbie. He is a republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the English Lutheran church.

Frederick W. Gieseking, a well-to-do farmer of Washington township, was born in Lake township, November 9, 1845, the second of three children of Diedrich William Gieseking. His father, a native of Prussia, born August 13, 181 7, after two years' service in the Prussian army emigrated, reaching New York July 10, 1S41. He came on to Allen county and found employment with Charles Zigens, of Eel River township, and was married April 5, 1843, to Mary Joke}-, a native of Germany, who died November 10, 1876. By untiring industry he became the owner of an estate of 940 acres in this county. Subsequently he became the owner of a farm of 252 acres in Washington township. Frederick W. was educated in the public schools and the commercial college. He began farming for himself in 18S1 on the same place which his father purchased in 1868, and has a well-improved farm of 160 acres, three and a half miles northwest of Fort Wayne. He was married in 1881 to Louisa Rose, who was born in Washington township, March 15, 1861, and they have two children: Mary L., born January 10, 1884, and Clarence F., born December 20, 1887. Mr. Gieseking is a member of the English Lutheran church, and in politics is a democrat.

Frederick Kammeyer, a leading farmer of Washington township, residing on section 30, was born in Germany, September 1.9, 1840, son of Frederick and Wilhelmina (Brenning) Kammeyer. The family came to Allen count}' in 1845, and here the father died two weeks after their arrival. The mother died in 1880. Mr. Kammeyer, the youngest of his father's children, was educated at the Lutheran schools of Fort Wayne. He settled where he now lives in 1868, and here owns lOO acres of well improved land, with improvements valued at $6,000. He was married in 1S68 to Miss Caroline Bode, who was born in Germany in 1845, and came to Allen county about 1856. They have five children: Sophia, Henrietta, Minnie, Lizzie and Matilda. A son, Frederick, died at two years of age. Politically Mr. Kammej-er was formerly a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but for many 3'ears he has been a democrat, and manifests much interest in the political affairs of the day. By trade he is a machinist, and for five years, from 1863 to 1868, was in the employ of the Pennsylvania railway company, in the Fort Wayne shops. He and family are members of the Lutheran church.

(Gieseking) Bleke, were natives of Germany, and died in Allen county. William, the eldest of their two children living, came with them to Allen county in 1846. He was educated at the German Lutheran schools. In 1S66 he settled where he now lives, three and a half miles from the city, upon a fine farm of over 200 acres. He is a successful farmer, enterprising and business-like, and is a stockholder and director of the Leo gravel road. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church, and in politics democratic. In 1866 Mr. Bleke was married to Sarah Rupp, a native of Ohio, and the}' have five children, Charles, born in 1867; Frederick, born in 1870; William, born in 1876; John, born in 1S78, and Augusta, born in 1875.

John A. Houser, a successful and prominent farmer of Washington township, residing just north of the city limits of Fort Wayne, was born in Bavaria, Germany. He accompanied his parents, George and Christina Houser, to America in 1844, when he was about seven years old. The famil_v first resided at New York city, where the father died a few yearslater. In i852Mr.Houserwithhis widowedmotherand two brothers came to Allen county, and settled in Washington township. October 23, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Nineteenth United States infantr}-, and served three years; after the battle of Stone River he was transferred to Company A of the same regiment. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Crab Orchard, Jackson, Stone River and Hoover's Gap. He was married October 24, 1S65, to Miss Catharine, daughter of George Snider. She died June 9, 1883, leaving six children: George A., Mary C, Katie, Clara, Christina R. and John A. On May 9, 1888, he was married to Catharine E. Prentiss. Mr. and Mrs. Houser are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of America, has served as captain of St. Bernard's branch. No. 103, four years, and is now captain of St. John's branch. He is also a member of St. Joseph's society and the G. A. R. k

Alfred Daughart}^ an honored veteran of the war of the rebellion, and now the efficient trustee of Washington township, was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 9, 1840, son of James and Rebecca (Keck) Daugharty, natives of Pennsylvania. His father died in Ohio in 1S41, where the mother is now living. In his youth he worked four years at the trade of blacksmith, but in 1861 came to x\llen count)-, and in August of that year enlisted in Company D, of that gallant and famous Indiana regiment, the Forty-fourth. In its conspicuous service he did a noble part. He was in the battle of Fort Donelson, and in the famous engagement at Pittsburg Landing, where his regiment stood like an iron wall against the advancing and triumphant rebel forces on the first da}-, he was one of the many who fell seriously wounded. His wound was so grave that it was necessary to amputate a leg. His sacrifice to the cause of the nation is one that commends him to the grateful esteem of his fellow citizens. He was honorably discharged from the service June, 1S64, and has ever since been a resident of the city. He has been variously engaged, always winning in every position the confidence and esteem of those with whom he was associated. For six years he was in the employ of the Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw, now Lake Shore, railway. Subsequently, he was connected with the Fort Wayne postoffice for nine years. In politics he is *i republican, and though living in a democratic township, he was elected township trustee in- iS86 by sixteen majorit}^ and in 1888 was re-elected by a majority of fifty-tive, although the same township gave sixty-two majority for the national ticket of the opposition. This is a notable testimonial to his worth and the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors. He is a comrade, of the G. A. R., and in January, 1889, was installed as commander of Sion S. Bass post, No. 40. Mr. Daugharty was married Jul}- 3, 1864, to Martha E. Johnston, who was born in Greene county, Ind., in 1844. They have three children: Ulysses E., NelHe May, and" Walter W. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas H. Fleming, of Washington township, was born in County Longford, Ireland, May 12, 1S43. He is the son of James Fleming, born May 4, 1804, and his wife, Elizabeth Hysop, born in 1806, both of whom reside in Ireland. Of their ten children, four are living, of whom Mr. Fleming is the next to oldest. He was educated in Ireland, and in 1864 emigrated to Canada, but after two years in Ontario, came to Fort Wayne and was for fourteen years in the employ of Hoffman Brothers, five years with N. G. Olds & Sons, and two years with the New York, Chicago and St. Louis railroad company. In 1885, he removed to his well-improved farm, four miles north of the city. He has made his own way in life and has been quite successful and is esteemed as an honorable and upright man. He is a Mason of Summit Cit}' lodge. No. 170. In 1888, he was elected justice of the peace. Mr. Fleming was married June 14, 1868, to Frances Gibson, born in Ohio, August 14, 1845, and they have two children, Elizabeth Alice, born in 1869, and Josie Maud, born in 1878. He and wife are members of the Episcopal church.

Nelson Leonard, a prominent citizen of Washington township, comes from one of the earliest pioneer families of Indiana. His father, Thomas Leonard, was born in Pennsylvania in 1784, and emigrated to Indiana in 1803, becoming one of the pioneer school-teachers. His father served under Washington, and was a descendant of one of seven brothers who emigrated from England to the Carohnas about the middle of the last century. Thomas married Anna Rathburn, born in New York in 1786. He died in Delaware county in 1845, and she died two years later in Henry county. Of their five children living Nelson Leonard, born in Henry county. May 12, 1825, is the fourth. He was raised on a farm and obtained his education at the subscription schools. In 1845 he began work for himself, and in 1847 engaged in brickmaking at Muncie, whither he removed his family in 1854. In 1864 he engaged in farming, and in 1873 came to Allen county, and made his home in Washington township, where he has since been engaged in brickmaking. He has a pleasant home two miles from the court-house, and still owns his Delaware county farm. He is an enterprising man, one of the projectors, stockholders and directors of the Leo gravel road: is a republican in politics, a member of the Methodist church, and of the Odd Fellows since 1S51. March 18, 1847, he was married to Drusilla Llewellyn, a native of West Virginia, and the}^ have five children, Hannah J., Mary A., Mattie, Wilmer and Elma.

David McKay, of Washington township, is secretary and manager of the Brookside Farm company, of Fort Wayne, and one of the most prominent horsemen of the state. He was born at Hurkledale, Annan, Scotland, October 9, 1849. ^^^ father, David McKay, a Scotch farmer, was the fourth in line of the name of David, and the son of the subject is the sixth of that name, making six generations of the same name. All the ancestors were noted horse breeders, the McKa\' familj- being horsemen as far back as 1745. Mr. McKay was reared on the farm in Scotland and given a collegiate education. For several years he bred horses on the home farm in Scotland, which comprises 345 acres, of which he owns a portion, and in 187S he came to America and settled near Rockford, 111. A few months later he went to Chicago, where he was engaged two years in importing stock from Scotland. Removing to Arlington Heights, twenty-two miles from Chicago, he conducted a stock farm and imported for two years. In 1SS4 he came to Fort Wa3-ne, and in company with J. H. Bass organized the Brookside Farm company, which has one of the largest and finest stock farms in the northwest. The company makes a specialty of importing and breeding Galoway cattle and Clydesdale horses, and their claim to the finest herd of Galoway cattle in America has never been disputed. Mr. McKav was married on October 7, 1884, to Ellen Sharp Roddick, a native of Scotland, and to their union three children have been born.

Matthew Furguson, a leading farmer of Washington township, was born at Greensburg, Penn., December 17, 1827. His father, John Furguson, was born in Pennsylvania in 1801, and died at St. Mary's, Ohio, in 1859, having moved to Ohio from Penns3'lvania in 1833. His mother, whose maiden name was Henrietta Perkins, died at Delphos, Ohio, in 1873. Mr. Furguson is the only one living of six children born. In 1S33, he removed with his parents, to Bellefontaine, Ohio, and in 1839, removed to St. Mary's. He was raised on the farm partly and obtained a common school education. In early life he worked at the carpenter's trade for some two years. In 1862, he enlisted in Compan}- G, Eight3--first regiment, at Lima, Ohio, and served for one year, being mustered out at the close of the Vicksburg campaign, in 1863, as second lieutenant. He was engaged for some time in the saw-mill business. In 1870, he removed to Delphos, Ohio, and for man\- 3'ears, he was connected with the Delphos Wheel company, and for twelve years, was the purchasing agent, and a stockholder from the organization of the company, in 1871, until 1887. In 18S3, he bought what is known as the vShultz farm of 180 acres, three miles north of the court-house, and in March, 1885, removed to it. He was married in 1857, to Susan L. Nopson, who was born near Svracuse, N. Y. They have nine children:

John Waters, an early settler in Washington township, was born in Pennsylvania, September 23, 1818. His parents, Elias and Mary (Clapper) Waters, were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Allen county and settled in Washington township in 1834, coming here from Ohio, where the family had resided for several 3'ears, having emigrated there from Pennsylvania in 1820. In 1833, the year before the coming of the family, the father came here and secured a home. He died in Allen county, and the mother also. John Waters is the oldest of four children living of these parents. Beginning with the coming of his parents, Mr. Waters has been a resident of Washington township ever since, and his many 3'ears here, and his numerous estimable traits of character, have made him a host of friends. He has prospered in financial matters, and now has a beautiful farm, substantially improved, and altogether owns 505 acres of valuable land. He cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, and since the organization of the republican party has affiliated with it. Mr. Waters was married in 1845, to Sarah Ann Ervin, a native of Pennsylvania. She died April 20, 1886. Five children were born to this union: Mary L., Elias A., John S., Sarah A. and James W. B}- the marriages of these children Mr. Waters has twenty-four grand-children.

Among the early settlers of St. Joseph township a conspicuous figure was Christian Parker, who was elected justice in 1834, county commissioner in 1839, and ^" ^^44 ^® *he whig candidate, representative in the state legislature, to which he was sent for four successive terms. He was born in Preble count}-, Ohio, September 11, 1S07, of English ancestors. His grandfather, Amariah Parker, fled from Cornwall to escape impressment into the British army, and settled near Boston in 1 761. He and his three brothers assisted in the revolutionary- struggle, one of them falling at Bunker Hill, as a lieutenant-colonel. After the war, Amariah removed to New Jersey and married Tamar Munson, and lost all his fortune b}- the depreciation of continental monev. His son, Jacob Parker, was left an orphan at thirteen, without home, and he was bound out to a blacksmith at New York. Escaping from harsh treatment he reached Fort Washington, Ohio, and enlisted under Gen. Waj'ne, and fought at the battle of the Maumee, August 20, 1794, receiving a wound there, x^fter his discharge he settled near Middleton, Ohio, married Mary Loy, and settled in iSoi in Preble count}-. Christian Parker was the son of this soldier under Wajne. He cut his way from Fort Wayne into the St. Joseph township forests in October, 1833, and before the following February had a cabin built on section 20. He brought with him his wife, Rachel, daughter of Henry Cassell, of Preble county, born August i, 1807, in Virginia. They were married June 18, 1829, and had the following children: Samuel C, born April 24, 1830; Francis A. C, December 21, 1831; Harriet (deceased).

August 22, 1833; Julia A. (died May 8, 1S68), August 7, 1835: Jacob H. (deceased), July 17, 1837; Allen H. (deceased), April 9, 1S39; Caroline, Maj- 10, 1841; Henry C. (deceased April 20, 1875), February 4, 1844; Maria (deceased), January 14, 1846: Oliver P., October 13, 184S; Marj' E. (deceased),- January 21, 1851; Winfield S. (deceased), July 19, 1853. Mrs. Parker died February- 4, 1879, ^""^ Christian Parker passed awaj' August 24, 1888. Their son, Oliver P., was born on the St. Joseph township homestead, and there raised, receiving the common school education of those days. He now owns 160 acres of the old farm, a beautiful and productive tract of land. In 1868 Mr. Parker was married to Fanny Fike, born in 1844, b_v whom he had three children, two of whom are living, Ulysses Grant and Estella H. On December 24, 1876, Mr. Parker was married to Kitty Lischy, a native of Kosciusko countv, born April 18, 1S57, and thev have two children, Mabel F. R. and Pansy D.

Uriah Notestine, well-known as a pioneer of Allen countv, is one of a family who have done good service in clearing away the forests and bringing about the splendid agricultural development of the region. He was born in Fairfield count}', Ohio, January 6, 1815, one of fifteen children of Jacob and Barbara A. (Gunder) Notestine. The familv is of German origin, each of Mr. Notestine's grandparents having been born in German}'. In 1830 the family came to Fort Wayne, reaching there July 14. There they remained until the spring of 1834, when they moved and settled on the banks of the St. Joseph in Cedar Creek township. Here the parents died, and were buried in a spot of the ground purchased of the government by William Gunder, brother-in-law of Jacob Notestine, who bought the land of the former. Uriah Notestine work in this state as a da\- laborer, with his father, who took the contract for digging the race for the old Rudisill mill. He also worked on the dam, and he and his brother scored the timber for that pioneer mill. Mr. Notestine's advantages for education were slight, but he attended school a few terms in Ohio and one term in the old log school-house that stood on the site of the Allen county jail. In the spring of 1834 Mr. Notestine made a trip from Fort Wayne to Darke -county, Ohio, 120 miles through the woods on horseback, to obtain a to the first land he bought. In 1835 he carried the mail for the :first time from Fort Wayne to White Pigeon, a distance of sixty miles, and four days were occupied by the trip. In all the adventures of the days he was a conspicuous figure, but he prospered also as a ifarmer, and came to own a good farm of 100 acres. Among the relics of olden times in his possession is a food-adze made in Virginia in 1785, which belonged to his mother's father. Februarj' 12, 1838, he was married to Melinda Bowen, who died in March, 1839, in the twentieth year of her age. November 12, 1841, he was married to Maria L. Royce, born May 22, 1823, and they had si.\- children, of whom James A., Aaron S., Eliza Ann, and Matilda E. are living. Mr. Notestine and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. Politically he was a democrat, having voted for Jackson for president, but in 1SS4 became identified with the prohibition part}-. He ser\'ed as constable of St. Joseph about four years, under Justices Sivitts, Cook, Ro^ce and Eby.

One of the earliest German settlers of Adams township was Philip Brueck, who emigrated to America and settled there in the woods in 1S33, buying eighty acres of land, upon which he and his family made them a home. Two years later, however, they removed to St. Joseph township, where his son, Moritz Brueck, became a prominent farmer. The latter was born in Franckenau, German}', December 11, 1824, and passed his 3'outh among the frontier scenes of Allen county. Deprived of the advantages of schools he taught himself to read and write and became an intelligent and wide-awake citizen. He and an elder brother cleared the homestead in St. Joseph township, and made a fine farm out of the wild land. At the time of his death he owned 360 acres of valuble land, mostly in cultivation, and good buildings. He was one of the leading citizens, and was noted for his honesty and industry. He was married October 21, 1847, to Martha Elizabeth Trier, daughter of John H. and Christina Trier, well-known pioneers of Adams township, who emigrated in 1835, and settled on eighty acres, and though poor at first, prospered, and left a good farm of 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Brueck had the following children: Anna C, born February 24, 1850; John H., born March i, 1853; Adam, born March 5, 1855; Catharine E., born October 7, 1S57; Christian M., born November 9, i860; Heinrich v., born November 4, 1863; Paul W., born March 19, 1867; Jacob P., born April 5, 1872. Mrs. Brueck was born in Germany, November 16, 1829. She is a member of the Lutheran church, as was her husband, with all the members of the familv, and is highly esteemed by all.

John H. Bruick, one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of the township of St. Joseph, is a native of the county. He was born March i, J853, the son of Montz and Martha E. (Trier) Bruick. He was raised upon the farm of his estimable parents and received a common school educati<m. He is one of the leaders among the younger citizens of the township, and has a fine farm of 140 acres of fertile land, well under cultivation, and supplied with a comfortable residence and good barns. He was married in 1877 to Louisa Donnenfelser, and their union was blessed by the birth of five children, of whom three are living: Clara, Otto and Paul. Mrs. Bruick was born in 1858. She and her husband are members of the German Lutheran church, and are highly esteemed.

Of the third generation of his family in Allen county, George L. Ashlev, of St. Joseph township, is entitled to be called one of the pioneer .boys of the county. His father, George Hale Ashley, a native of Greene county, N. Y., born June 14, 1814, married Esther Linzey, who was born in New York cit}', January 18, 181 5. The father was an intelligent, well educated man. In 1836 he emigrated to the west, looking for a new home, and came to Indiana with his father, John

Ashley, and his mother, and bought a half section of the wild land in Washington township. This they settled upon, built thenn a cabin, and there worked at clearing and improving for seven years. In 1844 George H. Ashley went to Maumee township, with the intention of building a grist-mill on the Maumee river. He erected the frame work of the building, when he discovered that the damming of the stream would not be allowed, and he then abandoned the project. He settled there, however, and bought more wild land, and made of it a farm, adding it to his original purchase until he owned 256 acres. In iS64'he bought 160 acres in St. Joseph township, which he improved with good buildings, and made this his home until his death, August 7, 186S. He was a leading citizen wherever he lived, and while in Maumee township served a number of years as justice and as trustee. He and wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a local preacher. His wife, who shared the hardships of his pioneer life, died Februarj' 18, 1879. Their son, George L. Ashle}-, was born in Maumee township, February 2, 1853, and received his education at the district school and at the Methodist college at Fort Wayne. Adopting farming as his vocation, he has followed that successfully. In 1875 he was married to Josephine, daughter of Silas Darling, born March 8, 1857. She died Januar}' 17, 1879, leaving one child, Charles, born March 11, 1877. February 17, 1881, he was married to Adessa, daughter of Jeremiah and Margaret (Stoner) Miller, born June 6, 1S61. They have four children: Oliver, born March 29, 18S2; Oscar J., March 5, 18S5; George S., February 7, 1887; Josie M., February 14, 1889. Mr. Ashley and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a fine farm of 74^ acres.

Alfred M. Taylor, of St. Joseph township, has passed through an eventful and busy life, and is now widely known as one of the worthy and deserving old citizens of Allen county. He was born Ma}- 25, 1817, in Orleans count)', Vt. His parents, Gideon M. and Phcebe (Walbridge) Taylor, removed with their family to Genesee count}', N. Y., twelve years later, where Alfred grew to manhood, and received the education which the common schools of those days afforded. At the age of twenty-one he started out for himself, and" first made a trip to New Orleans. He remained in the south four years, following boating and tending wood-yard, and overseeing a cotton plantation, and then went to Wisconsin, going into the mining district and driving team and farming for one year. Returning to New York he resumed farming there, and his father djing soon afterward, he was left in charge of the farm and familj'. He and his brother bought the farm, and subsequently he obtained entire control of the homestead of 250 acres. February 18, 1846, he was married to ^lary V. Pond, who was. born in New Hampshire, July 11, 1822, a well-read and intelligent lady.' Thev remained on the homestead for ten years, and then removed to Illinois, where Jhey lived four years. January 5, i860, he settled on the farm where he now lives and which he had traded for without inspection in

1856. It was then all woods, and he and family moved into a little log cabin and began clearing it. As the result of his untiring industrj^ he now has a fine farm of i6o acres. Mr. Taylor and wife are members of the Baptist church at Fort Wayne. He is a veteran Odd Fellow and has been a charter member of the following lodges: Oakfield lodge, No. 188, of Prospect Hill, N. Y.; New Haven lodge, No. 256, and Harlan lodge, No. 331. He is also a member of Summit City encampment. -He was formerl}- a Mason. Mr. Taylor and wife are highly esteemed b}' their neighbors, indeed, b\' all who know them, which was evidenced b}^ the fact that when the post-office was established under the administration of President Grant, all were in favor of putting it into the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. Appointed in 1869, they held the ' office sixteen years. On the election of Cleveland they resigned, but on the urgent request of the community they consented to hold it longer, and Mrs. Taylor was appointed, the office being moved and the name changed to Thurman. Mr. Ta3lor cast his first vote for W. H. Harrison, and since the organization of the republican party has voted for all of its presidential candidates.

George Shordon, a well-known farmer of St. Joseph township, was born in Springfield township, this county, October 12, 1839. Beginning with the pioneer days, he has grown with the development of the count)', and has been an eye-witness of its marvelous development. He was reared to manhood at the home ©f his parents, Stephen and Catherine (Kieffer) Shordon, and received the education given in the pioneer school-houses. Appreciating its short-comings, he has bestowed upon all his children as good an education as he could obtain for them, and three are now teachers in the public schools. In July, 1862, he was married to Martha Bowers, by whom he had three children : Lilly D., Howard and Ethel. In the same year of his marriage he left the comforts of home to enlist in Company D, Eighty-eighth Indiana infantry, and served faithfully until peace came. He was with his regiment in all its engagements except Chickamauga, being then sick; he was with Sherman in the march to the sea, and received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis in 1865. On his return home, his father deeded him eight}^ acres of wild land, upon which he built a cabin and began the work of clearing. By industrious perseverance, he now has a handsome, well cultivated farm of 120 acres, with good and substantial buildings.

William Shordon, a son of the above named Stephen and Catherine Shordon, was born in Springfield township, July 3, 1848. Coming with the famil}- to St. Joseph township, he settled where he now lives at the age of four or five years. Here he grew to manhood and received the education obtainable in those days, and remained with his parents until they removed to Fort Wayne. Adopting farming as his vocation, he followed it successfully, and now has a fine farm of ninety acres, upon which he lives, in St. Joseph township, as finely improved as an}- in the township, and 120 acres in Milan township. In addition to agriculture, he takes much interest in stock-raising, and gives particular attention to the breeding of Norman horses and Shropshire sheep. He is generally recognized as a valuable and prominent citizen, and has been for ten years the treasurer of the Maumee avenue turnpike. Mr. Shordon was married in 1869 to Senora Black, born June, 1S51, daughter of John T. Black, elsewhere mentioned. She is a member of the Catholic church, to which Mr. Shordon also belongs.

A familiar name in Washington and St. Joseph townships, is that of - Christian F. Rose, one of the early settlers and esteemed old people. He was born m Germany, May 28, 181 2, the son of Frederick and Christina Rose. His father dying, he had after twelve years of age to care for the famih-, and his early 3'ears were toilsome. April 28, 1838, he left his native land, borrowing the money to pay his passage, and after arriving at Cincmnati worked there at $15 per month for the money to pay back the cost of his passage. After about two years in Cincinnati he came on foot to Indiana and found employment at Fort Wayne in digging on the canal. After one summer of this he found employment with Mr. I-Iubble for two years, and for one 3-ear with Hugh Mc- Culloch. By economy he saved enough from his earnings bj- 1843, to buy eighty acres of timber land in Washington township. In 1S44, he was married to Mar}- Schumaker, and they settled on the land in a log cabin, and began the tedious and toilsome work of clearing. The woods were so dense that he and his bride in going to their cabin from Fort Wayne, driving an ox-team, lost their way. They prospered, but in 1853, the wife died at the age of forty-one years, leaving two children: one, a son, died at the age of twenty-six, and the daughter married Frederick Blake. In 1854 Mr. Rose married Christina Brinckman, born in 1829, by whom he had eight children: Christian H., Frederick, Henry, Theodore, Louisa, Mina, one who died ^n infancy, and William who died in 1888. In 187 1 Mr. Rose and family removed to St. Joseph township, settling where he now lives. He has a fine farm of 153 acres,- with a two-story brick dwelling, and a large bank barn. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran church, and are highly thought of.

Christian H. Rose, eldest son of the above, now occupies the honored position of trustee of St. Joseph township. He was born in Washington township, November 10, 1856. His childhood was spent in that township, his residence in St. Joseph township beginning with the removal of the famil}^ there. May 11, 1882, he was married to Anna, daughter of Charles and Anna Moellering, and they have three sons: Theodore, born April 16, 1883; Henry, January 25, 18S6; Frederick, January i, 1888. Mrs. Rose was born in October, 1864. Mr. Rose being the eldest son in the family of his parents, much of the work of pioneer days fell upon him, and he is to be credited with much of the good results. In the spring of 1888, he was nominated by the democratic party for trustee of St. Joseph township, and elected by thirtyeight majority, the highest ever received by a candidate for that office. His administration has alreadv added one brick school-house of the

In the fall of 1S40, Peter and Elizabeth (Black) Parker, the husband a native of Ohio and the wife of Virginia, came to St. Joseph township from Ohio, and settled in the woods on an eighty-acre tract of land. They brought with them their son, James D. Parker, born March 30, of the same year, who is now one of the leading citizens of the township. The famil}^ settled in a little log cabin and entered heartily upon the work of clearing away the forest and tilling the soil. Industrious and intelligent, the father prospered in his affairs, and came to own a fine farm of 200 acres. He and wife were devoted members of the Lutheran church, and politically he was a staunch democrat. Being widely known as a worthy citizen he was twice chosen to serve as county commissioner, and his integrity and faithfulness in this position were never questioned. James D. Parker was reared in the pioneer home, and was busily occupied in youth with tlie labors of farm life. In i860 lie was married to Sophronia. daughter of Daniel Eby, born in 1840. They had three children: Anna E., Charles and Nina. Subsequent to the death of his first wife, Mr. Parker was married to Lovina, daughter of William and Sarah Wackard, by whom he has two children : William E. and Joseph R. Mrs. Pai'ker, who was born February 15, 1858, is a member of the Grace Reformed church. Mr. Parker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1S63 Mr. Parker enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana infantry, and served faithfully until the close of the war. He now owns forty-eight acres of the old homestead and is a worthy citizen.

During the year 1840 Frederick Meyer, sr., emigrated from Germany to America, and coming directly to Fort Wa^^ne, found employment on the Wabash & Erie canal. He was born November 21, 1813, the son of Christian and Christina Meyer, both natives of Germany. By economy Mr. Meyer was soon able to send to Germany for his wife, Christina Dinkes, to whom he had been married in 1839, and buy a little farm of forty acres in the woods. There the}' made their home in a round-pole cabin, and began a life of patient endeavor, which resulted in their owning a good farm of 120 acres, in St. Joseph township, well improved. In 1887 the wife died at the age of seventy-six, leaving si.x children living, out of seven born: Frederick, Henr};-, John, Mar}', Charles and William. Mr. Meyer, sr., is a member of the Lutheran church, as was his wife. He is generally known and highly esteemed throughout the country. John Myers, son of the above, was born in St. Joseph township, JVIarch 26, 1S47. Though only a boy at the time, he enlisted in 1864, in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana infantry, under Capt. Robert Swan, and served faithfully until the war was over. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, in 1865. After the war .he traveled extensively through the west for about eight years, going twice to California. Finally, in 1877, he settled down, and was married to Sophia, daughter of Frederick Buller- man, and born in 1853. They have had five children, of whom two are living: Anna A. and Louisa. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church. He is a hijrhlj' respected citizen, and has been successful linanciall}', having a good farm of 100 acres.

Fred A. Meyer, a son of the above named Fred and Christina Meyer, was born in Prussia, April 14, 1S40. His introduction to this country was at the age of three years, and being raised b}' his parents at their pioneer home he experienced all the trials and privations of a frontier life. At twenty years of age, he started out for himself, hiring as a farm hand, and continued to be engaged in this way until 1863, when he had accumulated enough to buy the eighty acres of land where he now has his home. It was then covered with dense forest, but by steady labor, every day, and man}' a night, he made of this a pleasant and fertile farm. This necessary toil, however, from the daj-s of childhood, deprived him of those educational advantages that are now common. In 1869 Mr. Me3'er was married to Caroline Mengensen, and the}- had six children, of whom four survive: Charles, Christina, Sophia and Caroline. Mrs. Meyer was born in 1846. She and her husband are faithful members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Me\'er now has a good farm of 100 acres, in St. Joseph township, improved with substantial buildings.

Among the early settlers of the count}', of English origin, one of the most prominent is Adam Jeffries, who was born in England, July 12, 1S22, the son of Daniel and Susannah Jeffries. In his native land he received a good schooling until thirteen years of age, when he entered the law office of John W. Wall, of Devizes, Wilts, England, as copying and engrossing clerk. There he was engaged until past twenty years of age, and such proficiency did he attain in penmanship that when a congratulatory address was to be prepared for the queen upon the occasion of her escape from assassination at the hands of Edwin Oxford, young Jeffries was selected to do the work. In 1843, he emigrated to America, and his twenty-first birthday occurred while he was at sea. His voyage occupied eight weeks, and he remained one week in New York city and another week on the Hudson river, before he came to Allen county. He made his home first in Eel River township, where his parents had previously settled on a tract of forty acres. Here }'oung Jeffries worked on the farm in summer and taught school in winter. After he had taught five terms, his father was badly crippled by the falling of a tree upon him, and Adam had to take charge of the farm. He followed agriculture up to 1874, when he retired from participation in the farm work. His fife has been one of struggle and successful persistence. When he came to this country he had saved only $50 from his wages as clerk, having received only $3 a week as his highest wages. He accumulated property, and came to own 307 acres of land. He remained on this farm until 1874, when he sold out and removed to Texas. Thirteen months later they returned to Indiana, and until 1S82, lived at Fort Wa}-ne, moving then to St. Joseph township, where they now live. Mr. Jeffries was married April 13, 1S48, to Rebecca, daughter of John and Elizabeth

(Johnson) Ashley, early settlers from Connecticut. Mrs. Jeffries was born June 24, 1817, and was at the time of her marriage the widow of Aaron Bixby. She and husband and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries had five children, one of whom died at the age of four years and another in 1SS4, leaving three living: Mary, Ethel and Sarah R.

Julius Young, who came to Allen county in 1S43, is one of the industrious settlers coming from German}', who have done so much to develop the county. He was born in that land December 25, 1829, the son of Frederick and Dorothea Young, and came to America with an uncle, when only fourteen 3'ears of age. Coming into a strange land, unable to speak a word of English, his trials were man}' and he had to live at first on wages that amounted to only $4 per month. About 1858 he purchased on time fort}- acres of wild land, m St. Joseph township, and built a little log hut, to which in i860, he took a wife, Sarah Bretteny, who shared his toil and pleasures. In 1S62, Mr. Young enlisted in the Eleventh Indiana battery, and served with it until it was discharged, when he enlisted in the Eighteenth battery and served until the close of the war. His service was gallant and faithful, during which he incurred disabilities for which he receives the small pension of $6 a month. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis in 1865, and returned to his home. His perseverance as a farmer has been rewarded by a handsome farm of 120 fertile acres, well improved, and he enjoys the respect and good-will of all who know of his early struggles and his deserved success. Mr. Young and wife are members of the United Brethren church, of which he is a trustee. He has four children : Sarah, William, Julius and Frederick.

John H. F. B. Meyer, a prosperous young farmer of St. Joseph township, is a son of one of the early German settlers, John Meyer, who came to this count}- with his parents in 1S44, at the age of twelve years, and located in this township, where the family settled on eighty acres of woodland. John Meyer married Sophia Luhman, and by this union had six children, of whom five are living: HeiTry, Frederica, Mary, Dora, J. H. F. B. and Fred. The father was a true pioneer, who toiled long and faithfully to carve a home out of the wild-wood for his family. When he settled he first worked five years upon rented land, and then bought eighty acres, which he cleared and occupied until his death. He came to own 247 acres of farming land. He and wife were members of the Lutheran church, and were highly respected by all. John, their son, was raised on the homestead, and received a good education in the public and parochial schools. May 2, 18S6, he was married to Katie Goegline, and they have a pleasant home on the farm of eighty acres which Mr. Meyer owns and cultivates.

When three years old, Henry Young, now a leading farmer of St. Joseph township, was brought here by his parents, Henry and Louisa (Blume) Young, and introduced to the scenes of pioneer life. He was born November 11, 1S42, in Ohio. His father being a cripple, Henry found it necessar}' as soon as he was old enough, to stay at home and attend to the farm, thereby losing all opportunities for attendance on school, but he is by no means lacking in practical acquirements, and has a good education obtained by his own efforts. In 1863 he purchased eighty acres of land in the woods, which he has made into a good farm, and added to until he now owns 295 acres of fertile and valuable land, handsomely kept and provided with a commodious two-story brick dwelling and good barn. In 1864 he was married to Louisa Sheffer, who was born April 26, 1842, and they have had ten children, of whom eight are living: John H., Mary, William, Christina, Lizzie, Christian, Anna and Clara. About two 3'ears after his marriage he embarked in saw-milling in connection with agriculture, and followed the milling business about eleven years. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has held an official position for eighteen or twenty years.

Anton F. Kohlmeier was born in Prussia, December 23, 1831, the son of Christian F. and Sophia L. Kohlmeier. With his family he came to America when about fourteen 3'ears of age, and first made his home at Fort Wayne, where he remained four j'ears. His father then purchased seventy-two acres of the canal lands in Washington township, a tract then entirely wooded, upon which they cleared a little spot to erect a cabin upon, and there began the career of persevering industry, which was rewarded at last by the possession of a beautiful and rich farm. Being engaged in this labor nearly all the time, Mr. Kohlmeier had no leisure for school, but the education he has obtained is the result of his own natural aptness and home stud}-. When he was sixteen years old he took a position with B. W. Oakley as a general chore boy^ at Fort Waj'ne, and a 3'ear later became a clerk, a position he held for seven 3'ears, and received a salar}' of $4 per month. After the close of this seVvice he returned to the farm of his father and remained there until 1858. In the latter 3'ear he was married to Sophia, widow of Anton Sleinkemper. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and he has been a warden of his church for twent3'-two 3-ears. He has prospered in life and now has 160 acres of land in cultivation, with good buildings, in St. Joseph township, and a house and lot in Fort Wa3'ne.

Frederick Bleke, one of the progressive farmers in the vallev' of the St. Joseph, is a son of the worthy old settlers, Charles Bleke and his wife, Mary Gieseking, who came to Allen county in 1846, and bought 260 acres of land, mosth' unimproved, upon which the3- lived until their death. These parents had four children, of whom onh' two representatives are hving. The3', like their parents, are prominent in the affairs of their townships, and highl3' esteemed b3' all. Frederick Bleke was born in German3', March 21, 1845, and was raised from the age of one 3-ear on the homestead in this county. He remained with his parents until twenty-eight years old, when he started out for himself, and was given b3' his father as a reward for his faithful help, the old homestead. This farm of 260 acres, now in his possession, is one of the handsomest and best improved in St. Joseph township, and is supplied with good and comfortable buildings. In the Lutheran church to which he and family belong he is prominent, and among the people of the township he is highly regarded. He holds the honorable position of president of the Fort Wayne and Leo gravel road. Mr. Bleke was married May 23, 1873, to Mary, daughter of C. F. Rose, and six children have been born to them, of whom three survive: Amelia, Louisa and Amanda. Mrs. Bleke was born in Allen county. May 31, 1849.

Frederick BuUerman, now a substantial citizen of St Joseph township, came from Germany at the age of twenty-two years, and found his first employment in New York state, where he worked upon a farm for two years. He then came to Allen county and settled in Adams township, vvhere he leased ninety-two acres of land densely wooded, which he began to clear. Mr. BuUerman was born in Germany, September 7, 1822, son of Frederick and Sophia BuUerman, who followed him to this country two years after his arrival. In his native land he was educated in German, but his education in the English language was obtained by his own exertions. After Mr. BuUerman had toiled six years on the farm he leased, he managed to save enough from his hard earnings to make a payment on the farm he now occupies, which he purchased at that time. Here he renewed the toil of clearing, now cheered and encouraged b}' his wife, Maria Schrader, to whom he was married August 4, 1849. Mr. BuUerman began as a poor man, but he now has a fine farm of 120 acres, substantially improved, and enjoys the merited respect of his neighbors. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church. The}- have had ten children, of whom seven are living : Henry, now commissioner of Allen count}', Fred, William, George, Christian, Sophia, Mary, Maria, Mina and Anna. Mrs. BuUerman was born April 8, 1825.

Among the leading settlers in 1846 were Martin and Anna Maria (Koester) Schaick, who settled upon forty acres of unimproved land. With them came their son. Christian Schaick, now a well-known citizen of the township, who was born at Wittenberg, Germany, July 29, 1839. About one year after the arrival of the family, the father died, and the oldest son having left home, the care of the family speedily fell upon Christian, who faithfully performed the duty which was thus imposed upon him. On this account his early life was toilsome and he was deprived of educational advantages. August 29, 1S62, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-eighth Indiana, and served at the front, gallantly and faithfully, with the exception of six months on furlough on account of illness, until he was discharged at Washington, May 30, 1865. Returning to this county he began clearing forty acres he had purchased while in the service, and renewed the experiences of pioneer life. March 30, 18.67, he was married to EHzabeth Griffith, born January 3, 1845, daughter of James and Margaret (Comfort) Griffith, natives of Pennsylvania. They were early settlers at Pickaway, near Columbus, Ohio, where the father worked as a carpenter until 1855, when they removed to Adams county, Ind., settling upon forty acres which they cleared. Four or five years later they came to Allen count}- and settled at Williamsport where he was postmaster during the war. Subsequently, he removed to Fort Wayne and remained there until his wife died, when he returned to Williamsport, where he now lives. Mrs. and Mrs. Schaick have had nine children, of whom eight are living: Margaret, George, Anna, Jacob, Mary, John, William and Louisa. He and wife are members of the English Lutheran church, and he was formerly a member of Sion S. Bass post, G. A. R., at Ft. Wayne. Mr. Schaick now has a good farm of eighty acres, well improved, in St. Joseph township.

Prominent among the respected old German residents of the county is Christian Koester, sr., who was born in Germany, November 11, 1813, son of Kordt and Mary (Stoppenhagen) Koester. He grew to manhood in his native state, and in 1846 "emigrated to America. He came to Fort Wajne in the same 3-ear, and worked on the canal a year and a half. He continued to be engaged in employment of that nature for several years, and in 1853 embarked in the lime and stone business at Fort Wayne. In this he continued for sixteen years, and did well at his business. In 1879 ^^ bought the farm on which he now lives, and moved upon it, retiring from business life. This handsome place of 'i-S'^% acres with two-story brick dwelling and good barn he deeded to his son Christian. He was married in 1853 to Minnie Stellhorn, and they have had six children, of whom Christian is the only survivor. He ' and wife are devoted members of the German Lutheran church. Christian Koester, jr., was born at Fort Wayne, December 30, 1S57. He received a good common school education and attended Concordia college four years. He remained in Fort Wayne until 18S0, when he was married April 29, to Mar}', daughter of John F. and Mary Gerke, when he removed to the farm above mentioned. Mrs. Koester was born December 5, 1861. They have three children, Minnie, Emma and Frederick. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran church, and are highly regarded by all who know them. He is a thorough-going young farmer, and besides his home, owns a good frame dwelling and barn.

In 1847, there came to Fort Wayne, Henry E. Antrup, son of Herman and Catherine Antrup, who has done his share in the development of the county. The parents came to America in 1838, and settled in New York. Henr}^ E. Antrup, now a respected citizen of St. Joseph township, was born in Prussia, March 27, 1827. His parents being poor, he was compelled by circumstances, to earn his own support from the age of thirteen. On coming to Fort Wayne, he was first employed as a boatman on the canal, and this was his occupation for four years. During this time he acquired some town propert}^ which soon appreciated in value so that when he sold it he was able with the proceeds, to buy 160 acres of land, upon which he now lives. It was nearly all in woods at the time, and the task of clearing it and preparing it for tillage busily occupied him for a considerable period. He has prospered in life, and the ninety- one acres he still holds is well kept and provided with buildings. In 1S49, he was married to Harriet Ashley, daughter of John and Diana (Potter) Ashley, and born in 1833. To them seven children were born, of whom two are living: Charles E. and Henrietta. Mr. x'Vntrup has been a prominent citizen, was supervisor of the roads in an early day, and is an important member of the repubHcan party. He has of late years been raising fruit for the market, with success, and making a specialt_v of breeding Shropshire sheep. He and wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian church, of which he has been elder for fourteen years.

Louis Juergens, a respected farmer of St. Joseph township, was born at Fort Wayne, July 26, 184S. His parents, Henry and Wilhelmina (Bode) Juergens, were natives of Germany, who came to America in 1848, and made their home for two years in Fort Wayne. At the end of that period, they removed to a farm of forty acres, partly cleared, and ten j-ears later moved to the farm which was their subsequent residence. Louis was reared on the farm and as his parents were then poor, had little school advantages. In 1874, he was married to Louisa Busche, who was born in 1852, and to this union were born eight children, all now living: Wilhelmina, Ernst, Henry, August, Louis, Arthur and Adolph. Mr. Juergens has served one year as constable, then resigning the office, and has held the office of road supervisor one year. During the rebellion, he patriotically tendered his services to the government, but was rejected by the recruiting officers on account of his youth and size. He and his father and brother began in this count}' poor, but their energy and industry have made them prosperous, and none are more highly esteemed. He has a valuable farm of 125 acres, well improved, with a good residence and large^and commodious barn.

John P. Lahmeyer, a native of Allen county, and a prominent citizen of St. Joseph township, was born in Adams township, December 22, 1848. His parents, Frederick and Dora Lahmeyer, were early setders there. He was raised to manhood in Adams township, receiving a good common school education. He served an apprenticeship as a carpenter, and thus became able to construct his own buildings. In 1875 he was married to Martha Trier, who was born September, 1853, and this union was blessed with three children, John, Katie and Mary. Previous to his marriage, his father, with whom he had remained and worked on the farm until he was twenty-six j'ears old, rewarded his assistance by giving him the farm on which he now lives, 100 acres of fine land, well kept and provided with substantial buildings, worthy of the progressive region in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Lahmeyer are members of the Lutheran church, of which he has served as a trustee about five j'ears.

William Waltke, one of the industrious natives of Prussia who have prospered in this county in spite of discouraging circumstances, was born July 2, 1826. At the age of one year he was left an orphan by the death of his father, and grew up almost without a home. In

Prussia he received some education in German, and after coming to this countr}' he acquired some knowledge of the Enghsh language. In 1849 he immigrated and landed at New York on the 7th of August. As he put his foot on the soil of the new land where he intended some way to buy him a little farm and be independent, he had but $5 in his pocket and this was not enough to pay his passage to Fort Wayne, his destination. He worked for about six weeks to obtain enough to pay his fare, and then came to Fort Wayne, where he obtained employment as a tanner. This he was engaged in for seven years, and he then found employment at marble cutting, which busied him sixteen j'ears. Out of his wages he saved enough besides supporting his famil}^ to buy fifty-one acres in St. Joseph township where he now lives, and has a handsome home. In 185 1 he was married to Hannah Gerke, who was born in 1832, and twelve children were born to them, of whom seven are living: George, Christian, Dora, William, John, Lizzie, and Sophia. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church.

In 1849 Friedrich Vollmer, now a prominent farmer of St. Joseph township, arrived in Fort Waj'ne from Germany, in search of a new home in the strange land. He had with him on his arrival but 50 cents, which he in deference to the patriotism of his adopted country, spent in celebrating the fourth of July. Mr. Vollmer was born in Germany, January 15, 1824, son of Henry and Sophia Vollmer. He received a good education in his native language, and after coming to America speedily acquired a general knowledge of English. He remained in Fort Wa3-ne but a short time and then went to Crawfordsville, Ind., where he found work in railroad construction about three months at 75 cents per da}-. All his savings were lost through sickness, and then he went to Indianapolis, where he worked on a railroad three or four 3'ears, and managed to save $ioS, with which he made a payment upon the land he now owns in St. Joseph township. In 1853, he was married to Sophia Zuba, who died in the same year, and he then married Sophia Meyer, who was born December 31, 1829. Their union was blessed with nine children, six of whom survive: Frederick, William, Louis, Sophia, Mina and Lisetta. The next year after his marriage he went upon his farm and began the work of clearing. His years of toil are now rewarded by the possession of a good farm of eight}^ acres, and two houses and lots in Fort Wayne.

Henry C. W. Meyer, a prosperous farmer of Allen county, was born in Hanover, German}% August 12, 1828, son of Henry and EHzabeth Meyer. The father dying when Henry was ten years of age, the latter was compelled by these adverse circumstances at the age of fourteen to seek his own fortune. By hard work and perseverance he accumulated the litde sum of $25, and to this there was added $40 from the estate of his brother. With this capital he came to America, starting April 15, 1849. On reaching Fort Wa3'ne he was in debt $2.25 for his passage, an amount he borrowed to secure his clothes from the transportation agents. He found emplo^^ment as a boatman on the canal until

1854, meanwhile having bought seventy-six acres, which he paid for out of his wages. In 1S54 he was married to Engel Gerke, and he and wife went upon their little farm, then mainly woods, which they have increased by wise foresight and patient industrv to landed possessions of 246 acres, adorned with handsome and substantial buildings. Mrs. Meyer was born in December, 1831. She and her husband are members of the German Lutheran church. To their union three children have been born: Frederick G., Louis W. and Mary E.

James M. Fletter, a venerable and highly esteemed citizen of St. Joseph township, was born in Franklin county, Penn., January 10, 1813. His grandfather, a native of Germany, came to this country with a Hessian regiment during the revolutionary war. His company was taken prisoners by the continental army, and after this ancestor of the Fletter family had learned the ways of the country, and understood the struggle for independence, he became a citizen of America and determined to cast his lot with the colonies. His son Jacob was born in Penns3-Ivania, and became a soldier of the United States in the war of 181 2, serving as a captain during the expedition into Canada. He was married to Lydia Crunkieson, and early in the twenties, with his family removed to Ohio and became a pioneer, clearing land and there raising his famil3^ He was a potter b}^ trade, at which he was also occupied. His emigration to Ohio was caused b}' losing all his property in Pennsylvania on account of becoming surety for others, a favor which his kindly nature could not refuse. Previously he served as sheriff of Franklin county, and was a prominent and influential citizen. He lived in Ohio until the death of his wife. Their son, James M. Fletter, came to Fort Wayne on a prospecting tour in 183 1, and worked there a short time as a tailor, but the country being then very new, he returned to Ohio and there worked at his trade. May 26, 1836, he was married to Jane, daughter of Zephaniah Bell, a devoted member of the Methodist church and a good and true wife. She died March 6, 1846, and one of her three children survives, Caroline, widow of William Andrews, living in California. September 10, 1846, Mr. Fletter was married to Ann, daughter of Abraham Grose. She was born August 4, 1822, and died June 26, i860. Six children were born to this marriage, of whom four survive, Sarah, John, Ehza and William. In 1S49 ^''- Fletter removed with his family to St. Joseph township, upon the eighty acres which is now his home farm, and began life anew in a little log cabin. This was his first introduction to farming, but he was successful, and subsequently erected a good dwelling, which he had the misfortune to lose by fire in 18S3. November iS, i860, he was married to Charity, daughter of Moses Embre, and widow of Roscoe Bennett. Mr. Fletter, about 1864, sold his propert}^ and rented his farm and moved to Fort Wa3-ne and remained two years, and in 1883 he embarked in general merchandise in Milan township, and then in Perry township, but less than three years later he returned to his farm, which has been his residence with these exceptions. Mrs. Fletter was born Januar}- 7, 1814, and is a member of the

In 1850, among the settlers in Milan township, from beyond the sea, were the family of David and Mary A. (Devaux) Evard, natives of Switzerland. James Evard, one of the children of these worthy parents, was born in Switzerland, September 6, 1S38. He received a good education, both in the old country and in Allen county. He was a blacksmith by trade, and by industry and econom)^ earned enough at the anvil to purchase his fertile farm of eighty acres in St. Joseph township, which is his present abode. In 1861 he was one of the earliest to enhst for the preservation of the union, and enlisted in Company A, Thirtieth Indiana regiment, and served with his compan}- until the battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded in the left foot so as to totally disable him for active service. He is now the recipient of a pension from the government in recognition of his sacrifices for his adopted country. In 1864 Mr. Evard was married to Coriha Bowers, who was born in 1840, and thev have had five children, of whom four are living: Nellie, Jennie, HoVtense and Lillie. The one who died was at the time of decease a teacher in the pubhc schools. Her death was caused by fire, which caught in her clothing. Mr. Evard served one term as constable, and is a member of the Grand Army post at New Haven. He and wife are members of the Grace Reformed church at Fort Wayne.

The Goeglein famiU- of St. Joseph township, prominent in the history of Allen county, are descendants of Daniel and Magdalena (Reuter) Goeglein, of German birth, who emigrated from Bavaria in 1S3S, and came to Meigs countv, Ohio, where they remained until 1865, when they removed to St. Joseph township and resided there until their death. Daniel Goeglein was a worthy, pious and honorable man. While in the old countr}- he was a soldier for a time in the Napoleonic war, and was wounded, and before he was able to return to the service. Napoleon had met his Waterloo. He came to this country a poor man, but by industry accumulated enough to make easy his declining years. He and wife are both members of the Lutheran church, and were the organizers of the church at Pomeroy, Ohio. He died at the age of seventj'-si.x years.

Jacob Goeglein, son of the above, was born in Germany, January 25, 1827. Coming with his parents to America, he helped in their labors in clearing their eighty-acre farm in Ohio. He received a good common school education, and is one of the intelligent and progressive people of the countv. Widely known throughout the county as an enterprising and valuable citizen, he was chosen to serve two terms in the responsible position of county commissioner. Though beginning life with no advantages he has prospered through the exercise of his own talents, and now has a good farm of 220 acres, with commodious buildings. Politically he is, with the other members of the family, a firm supporter of the democratic party. Mr. Goeglein was married in Ohio, to Otilia Mess, who was born in November, 1827, and they have had thirteen children, of whom eleven are hving: John, Jacob, Mary,

Heniy, Abraham, Sophia, Ehzabeth, WilHam, Christian, Valentine and Daniel. Mrs. Goeglein and her husband are members of the Lutheran church.

George Goeglein, another son of Daniel and Magdalena, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, June 21, 1S40. He was reared in his native state to the age of twenty-five, and then came to St. Joseph township, where his abode has since been. In 1867 he began a general merchandise business which he has continued to the present with considerable success in connection with farming. In 1872, he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, which includes sixt3'-seven acres and is handsomely improved. He has been chosen by the people of his township to serve as trustee four years, a well appreciated mark of confidence and esteem. During President Arthur's administration he was appointed postmaster at the office which was created and named Goeglein, and since that time has served in this position to the entire satisfaction of the public. Mr. Goeglein was married in 1861 to Catherine Sauvage, and this union has been blessed with twelve children, of whom there are nine living: John H., George A., Valentine J., Katie M., Sophia, William, Gottlieb, Frederick and Theodore. Mrs. Goeglein was born in 1839. She and her husband are members of the German Lutheran church.

John Goeglein, son of the above mentioned Jacob Goeglein, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, June i, 1848. Coming to Indiana with his parents, his residence in St. Joseph township began at the age of fifteen years. He was the eldest child, and much of the labor of the early days in this county fell upon him, so that he was deprived of extended educational advantages. At the age of twenty-one years he started out for himself as the manager of a threshing machine, a business he followed for about six years, in connection with farming. He now occupies his pleasant farm of eighty acres and has a comfortable home. May 4, 187 1, he was married to Anna Bruick, who was born in 1850, and they have had eight children, of whom seven are living: Christian, Martin, Louis, Herman, Edward, Elizabeth and Anna. Immediately after his marriage he rented the farm of J. H. Bass in St. Joseph township, which he occupied five years, then going upon the farm he now lives upon. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church.

Charles Kramer, an enterprising and highly respected citizen of St. Joseph township, was born in Lucas county, Ohio, May 28, 1846. While a small child, he was brought by his parents, Frederick and Minnie Kramer, to Washington township, where he experienced much of the hard work and privations incident to the early da3-s when all who were old enough to assist in any way found it necessary to take part in the arduous duties of clearing and brush burning. His early schooling was necessarily limited, but he is nevertheless an intelligent and wideawake citizen. At the age of twenty-one he started out for himself, and worked four years as a farm hand. At about twenty-five years of age he found employment in railroading, and was so employed for ten years, doing well in this business, and reaching the position of engineer. During seven years as engineer he did not have an accident, a record of which he is well proud. His savings while railroading enabled to make payment on a farm of 130 acres, which he sold seven j^ears later and purchased a farm of 247 acres, which he now occupies. Upon this he has a fine house and barn, and all in all has one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Kramer was married June 6, 1872, to Sophia Rose, who was. born December 22, 1S45, and the}' have had nine children, of whom seven are living: Charles, Emma, Eliza, Adolph, Henry, Amanda and Arthur. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church.

Prominent among the German pioneers of the count}' is Henry Wiegmann, who was born in Germany, October 31, 1834. Left an orphan at the age of two years, his progress in the world was attended with much privation and hardship. Receiving a fair German education in the old country, he left there in 1S51, and came to America. He remained one year in New York state, and then came to Fort Wayne. Here he was first employed by Judge Hanna, at $6, and worked for a year and a half at that wages. He then began to work upon the railroad, and was employed for two years carrying water and whisky to the men, both beverages being then considered indispensable. After that he hired out to Hon. F. P. Randall to make rails and clear land, upon the farm which he now occupies. Being economical and frugal he saved enough from his small earnings to start a small store in Fort Wayne, being the third German to open a grocery in the citj-. Two years later he went to Missouri and worked one \'ear, and then after another short stay in Allen county, went to the gofd fields of California, and remained four years and four months. Retui;ning with some of the CaHfornia gold, he re-established himself in the grocery business at Port Wayne, and by fair deahng built up a good trade which remained him while he was in business. He was a successful and prosperous business man. In 1877 he retired from business and removed to his farm of no acres one mile northeast of the city on the Maumee avenue turnpike. This is a beautiful and well improved place, and besides it he owns a business building and dwelling in the city. Mr. Wiegmann was married in 1S63, to Sophia Waltermarth, and their -union was blessed with nine children: Henrj', Lizza, Sophia, Friedrich, Karl, Wilhelm, Caroline, Friedrich and Ludwig. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran church.

An industrious farmer of St. Joseph township, and prominent among the French settlers, is August Sarazin, who was born in France May 2, 1S38, the son of Silas and Sophia Sarazin. Until fourteen years of age he remained in his native land, and being poor had there no chance to obtain an education. Since coming to America he has by his own efforts learned somewhat of English, and is an intelHgent and capable citizen. His life has been devoted to industry, and he has prospered as a farmer.

and though starting in this country without any advantages, now has a good farm of eightj'-three acres, advantageously situated, fertile and well-cultivated, and he has his home in a comfortable two-story brick dwelling house. Mr. Sarazin was married in 1866 to Josephine Bobay, who was born in 1842, and this union ha^ been blessed with eleven children, of whom ten are living: Julius, John, Pauline, August, Mary, Frederick, Louisa, Charles, Sophia and S3-lvester. Mr. Sarazin and wife are members of the Catholic church.

Louis Lacroix, one of the leading French settlers of St. Joseph township, was born in France, August 17, 1832, son of Xavier and Frances Lacroix. When about thirteen years of age he came to the United States and first settled in New York state, where he began work as a laborer at $3 per month, and remained with the same employer five years, his wages being gradually raised to $13 per month. After a residence of seven years in New York, at the age of twenty years he returned to France for the family of his father, the latter having come to this country with him. His mother was then dead, but he brought over his four sisters, which cost him $400 of his hard-earned money. They remained in New York one summer and then came to Perry township, Allen county, where he first leased land, and then bought forty acres of woodland which he cleared. He then leased another forty and cleared that, and then bought eighty acres in St. Joseph township. After clearing this he bought sixtj' acres, of which he cleared thirteen, and then cleared forty acres for Mr. Griffith. In 1852 he began working on the Wabash railroad, and the following year worked for T. P. Anderson in getting out ties, and in general work. He then was employed on a canal boat two years to obtain monej' to pa}^ for the land he and his father had bought. During the early j^ears of his toilsome career he gained his education ; in France he was in school five winters, in this country he obtained two months schooling by paying six cents per week, and after he was twenty he worked for his board while attending school two months. He now has a valuable farm of 140 acres, with good buildings, and is a leading citizen. In 1861 he was married to Mary Martin, who was born December, 1843, and of their eleven children eight are living: Francis, Clara, Julia, Joseph, Louis, Sophia, Charles and Henry. He and wife are members of the Catholic church. Mrs. Lacroix is a daughter of Charles J. and Frances J. Martin, natives of France, who came to this country in 1842, and two years later settled in Perry township. Her father was accidentallj' drowned in the St. Joseph river at the bridge just north of Fort Wayne, February 19, 1861. He was driving home from the city, the other occupants of his wagon being his wife, another lady and a priest. As they drove from the approach the wheels struck the edge of the bridge, which was higher than the approach, and the sudden shock broke one of the tugs. The horses were then unable to hold the wagon on the steep and narrow approach and it ran off into the river. x\ll escaped except Mr. Martin, whose bod}' was not found until five weeks afterward.