DeKalb County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 13 of 20)

town of Waterloo for the front. His was the first grave inade in the Waterloo cemetery. Sarah first married Henry Feaglev. and while living in Crawfordsville their son, "Colonel," was accidentally shot while hunting on the eve of his departure for West Point. She afterwards married R. D. Gauby and removed to Arcadia, Florida, \\here she died in June. 1909. Horace enli.sted in the army while a young man, and was seriously injured by the explosion of a shell. He is residing in j\uburn. JMelvina died when a young woman, and Fhebe married William Bonnell and ncnx resides in Los .\ngeles, California.

The biography of Emanuel R. Shoemaker will now Ije resumed. In June, 1856, he and his mother went on business to Pennsylvania and visited in Stark county, Ohio, where he met the young woman who afterward became his wife. Harriet Jane iVIiller, born April 19, 1834, was the eighth child in the family of nine of Henry Miller and Mary Magdalene Weaver, his wife. They resided on a farm one mile south of Canal Fulton, in Stark county, on the Tuscarawas ri\'er. Near there ran the old canal, which was an important link in the route of traffic between Cincinnati and Cleveland. The grandparents had come to this part of Ohio with their respective families while young. The father, Henry Miller, was a Pennsylvanian Ijy hirth. The mother was a daughter of a well-to-do Virginian of the non-slaveholding class, living near Hagerstown. He often witnessed the cruel treatment of slaves and was known as a strong opponent of slavery.

After a correspondence of over a year, Emanuel R. Shoemaker and Harriet Jane Miller were married on September t6. 1857, in the I^>anklin House, Canton, Ohio. They visitd in Pittsburgh, retumed for a few weeks with the family of the bride, and came to their new home in Indiana. As the pioneer conditions here were one generation behind the contforts enjoyed in Ohio, it was indeed a brave step for the bride to take, but notwithstanding all the hardships and inconveniences she suffered, she never became homesick. Soon after his return from California he purchased one himdrcd and sixty acres of land, where the homestead is located. .Vbout the year 1861 he bought his mother's and the heirs' interests in his father's farm, and in 1872 added one hundred and sixty acres to the west, known as the Young farm. Later, in 1890. he bought forty acres of the Hemstreet farm to the smttheast, which completed the ownership of the entire estate of five hundred and t\\ enty acres. By the practice of economy and thrift the husband and wife aciiuired an estate which, with the buildings erected for his younger son, comprised two well equipped homesteads. In May, i8o.> the family removed to Water-

Mr. Shoemaker was a man with both local and general public interests. He was appointed justice of the peace October 26. 1872, and served two terms. In November, 1896, he was elected one of the three county commissioners of DeKalb county, and was re-elected for a second term, which was ended by his death. At that time the county was laboring under a heavy burden of debt, which was subsequently discharged very largely through the efforts of Mr. Shoemaker. He critically examined all bills for appropriations and demanded that all unnecessary expenditures be voted down. He exacted of all contractors with the county the careful execution of all terms of their contract, and many a long drive he took for the purpose of personal inspection of the progress of bridges according to the specifications of the contract. During his term of office the construttion of a new court house, jail and poorhouse was under discussion. He hoped for the completion of all tliese ])rojects, but not until the county could be relieved of its debt.

In politics Mr. Shoemaker valued principle above party. While he was generally known as a Democrat, he was an ardent supporter of Lincoln during the war. He favored the Greenback platform in the later seventies, and the Populist platform in the early nineties. He always adhered to the policy of free trade and during the later years of his life he favored bimetallism. He was a stanch siq^i^orter of BrNan and lield liis views on e\-ery (|uestion.

As a boy and young man Mr. Shoemaker was intensely devout. While in California he was most religious, and during his early married life he attended the L'nited Brethren church regular!}-. At this time he would have joined had not his membership in the Masonic lodge prevented him from doing so. Later he became interested in the movement for freedom of religious thought through reading the sermons of Henry Ward Beecher and the works of Voltaire, Paine and Ingersoll, and from 1875- 1895 he secured many noted lecturers on Liberalism who spoke either in Waterloo or at his home in Smithfield township.

Mr. Shoemaker joined the blue lodge of the Masons in December, 1866, in Waterloo, and also became a member of the following lodges, from all of which he received honorable demits on severing his relationship w-ith them - the Auburn chapter, the Angola council, and the Kendallville commandery..

children. Henry Douglas, born August 27, 1858, in his boyhood attended the Valparaiso Normal and returned to assist his father at home. He married Mahala Bachtel in April, i8q2, and they now reside with their son, Russell, born November 15, 1895, i" the old homestead. May Shoemaker Dilla, born October 21, i860, early began her career as a teacher, which she continued after graduating from the Methodist Episcopal College of Fort Wayne, Indiana, in June, 1882. She was married in the fall of 1883, and when her daughters were far enough advanced she removed with them to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The elder, Harriette May, born June 12, 1886, received the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1908 and the Master of Arts degree in 1909 from the Uni\'ersity of Michigan. The younger, (jcraldine Princess, born December 21, 1890, secured the Bachelor of Arts degree from that institution in 1911. The former olrtained the degree of Doirtor of Philosophy from Columbia University, Xew V.ork City, 1912, and has occupied the chair of history and political science in Wheaton College near Boston, and Lake Erie College near Cleveland. The latter studied in the .Ann .\rbor Conservatory of INIusic, and after her return home from college she was assistant principal in the Waterloo high school. She is now an instructor in Ward-Belmont College. Nashville, Tennessee, wlicre she i'; continuing the study of piano.

Scott Sherman, the third child, born May 24. 1862, married Elizal)etli Brand in December, 1892. They resided in the home I)uilt for them l)y his father south of the old home on the Shoemaker farm, until his death, which occurred June 10, 1898. Two daughters had been born to this union, Rheua May, born April i, 1894, who is a student at Western College for W^omen at Oxford, Ohio, near Cincinnati, and Maude Scott, born October 3, 1896, who attends Glendale College for Girls, also near Cincinnati.

Throughout his life Emanuel R. Shoemaker was an extremely active man. often working far beyond his strength. On Tuesday, June 16, 1903. he was suddenly seized with hemorrhage of the stomach, which was followed by more severe attacks. These left him in such a weakened condition tliat recovery was impossible. Early in the morning of September 13, 1903, he passed away. The fimeral occurred at his residence September 16th, on the fortv-sixth anniversary of hismarriage, and interment took place in the Wat- cemetery. His love of progress and improvement, his broad and liberal religious views, his freedom in political matters, and his honesty, ambition and industry made him a leader whose influence will be felt for many years.

Edmond J. Wyatt

The gentleman whose career is briefly sl<etched in the following lines is one of the established residents of Auburn and his life has been such as to gain the confidence and good will of the people of his community and to make him well and favorably known throughout the county of which he has been so long an honored citizen. In the highe,st sense of the term, he is a selfmade man and as such has met with success in material things such as few attain and made a record which may be studied with profit by the young men of the rising generation.

Ed Wyatt, as the subject of this sketch is popularly known, is a native of DeKalb county, Indiana, having been born in Jackson township, on April 26, 1862, and is a son of John and Sarah Jane (Robe) Wyatt. John Wyatt, the son of Nathan and Mary Wyatt, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 4, 181 1, and came to DeKalb county, Indiana, in 1836. He died July 28, 1906, at his home in DeKalb county, aged ninety-three years three months and twenty-four days. He was married April i, 1834, in Medina county, Ohio, to Eva Kitchen, who died February 12, 1839. Their only child, Rachel, was born sixteen months after they came to this county and died at the age of fourteen years. On September 12, 1839, Mr. Wyatt married Sarah Jane Robe, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born on October 31, 1820, and who died Januar}- 2'], 1888, aged sixty-seven years two months and twenty-six days. It was in the fall of 1836 that Mr. Wyatt came to Jackson township to seek a location for a future home. Here, traveling through the dense woods, which were full of a thick growth of wild pea vines, prickly ash, etc., the knees of his pants wore out and his hide too, but he bound up his knees and struggled on. He selected government land in section 34, then returned for his family, bringing them here the fall of 1837. The deed for this land was signed by President Andrew Jackson. In the spring of 1837 John Wyatt's father had come from his Ohio home and so many of the family and relatives accompanied him that the people there called it the exodus of the tribe of Wyatt. Nathan Wyatt also settled in section 34 in Jackson township, and for the last forty years of his life was a member of the Methodist Protestant church, the greater part of the time a class leader and he was a power for good in the new settlement. John Wyatt was taken sick soon after reaching his new home, and he hired his brother-inlaw, A. Squiers, to cut logs to make the house, built it with a puncheon floor and an outside chimney of clay and straw. The following spring he added a hearth made of mud. They were in comfortable and better circumstances than some of their neighbors. About the hohdays, winter set in. He had nothing of any kind to winter the seven cattle he had brought with him. The poor animals would roam around the house and moan so pitifully at night that he would cover his head to keep out the sound, but he bought some corn meal and a barrel of salt (price nine dollars), and that, with browsing tree tops, brought the cattle out all right in the spring. Of the season of 1838 he wrote: "We ran out of provisions. I managed td get a bushel of corn and going nine miles to mill liy a zigzag road through the wt^ods, could not get my grist until the next day and then not, because I would not Iruy a jug of whiskey. I traveled that road four times and finally, to keep from starving at home, gave money to fill that jug, got my grist and finished my well and got good water." He gave twelve dollars for a barrel of flour, sixteen dollars a hundred for pork ; drove far and near to get corn, found some west of Fort Wayne three years old and musty and co\'ered with litters of rats. It was all he could get and it cost him one d<illar a bushel. Roads were only a few trails cut through forest and dense underbrush, and much stuff was hauled up the St. Joe in boats and he had many narrow escapes from tipping over and losing the cargoes. John Wyatt owned and lived on the same land for seventy years, a record never equaled in DeKalb county.

Edmond Wratt was reared on the parental farmstead in Jackson tow-nship and completed his educational training in the high school at Spencerville. Reared as he was to the life of a farmer, he pursued this vocation after reaching his majority and became the owner of forty acres of good land in Jackson township. In 1891 he sold this tract and lx>ught eighty acres in Newville township, to the cultivation of which he devoted his attention until 1902, in February of which year he sold his farm and moved to Auburn. In January, 1903, Mr. Wyatt engaged in the coal business in this city, to which he has since devoted his attention and in which he has lieen rewarded with very creditable success. He carries a complete line of hard and soft coal and coke and is prompt and reliable in his deliveries to the trade. A man of good business judgment and the strictest integrity, he has won and retains" to a notable degree the confidence of the people and, because of his sterling qualities and genial manner, he is popular in the circles in which he moves.

On March 8. 18S5. Mr. Wyatt was married to Jane McKinley, who was born in 1862 in Ashland coimty, Ohio, being brought the same year to DeKalb county, Indiana, by her parents. William and Sarah (Romine) Mc- Kinley, the former of whom was a second cousin of President McKinley.

Her parents were residents of Jackson township, this county, for many years, but in later life removed to Butler township, where they spent their last days. Mr. McKinley was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, on January 22, 1820, and his death occurred on February 6, 1896, at the age of seventysix years. He was a good neighbor, kind and considerate to all and was generous in his aid to others. His first wife, Mary Shinneman, became the mother of four children, and his second wife, to whom he was married on January 9, 1851, was born in Putnam county, Ohio, on September 11, 1830, and died on April 21, 1900. She became the mother of twelve children, of whom eight are living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt have been born three children: Franklin Dale, born December 30, 1885, married May Milliman, and they have three children, Violet Marie, Charles Cecil and Harry Richard ; lea May, born May 4, 1887, is the wife of Fordyce Newton, of'Auburn : Myrtle, born December 20, i88g, is at home with her parents. Since May, 191 1. Fordyce Newton has been a partner with Mr. Wyatt in the coal business, although his personal attention is given to his own trade as a machinist. Fraternally, Mr. Wyatt is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Wyatt has always been enterprising and public spirited and ready at all times to lend his influence to measures and movements having for their object the welfare of his fellowmen. His character has always been above reproach, his word as sacred as his bond and all who know him speak in high praise of his sterling qualities of manhood and citizenship. He has li\ed wisely and his friends, who are legion, unite in the earnest prayer that he may be spared many years to bless the world.

Silas Nodine

Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth since the primal existence of labor and been the pivotal industry that has controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among this sturdy element of DeKalb county whose labors have profited alike themselves and the community in which they live is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and in view of the consistent life record lived by the subject since coming to this section of the country, it is particularly fitting that the following short record of his career be incorporated in a book of this nature.

Silas Nodine, one of the successful farmers and progressive citizens of Wilmington township, was born in Connecticut on November 19, 1848, and is the son of Hiram and Rebecca (Miller) Nodine, both of whom also were natives of the Nutmeg state. The family ancestral history is traced back through a number of generations to England and thence back to France, where the family originated. The .subject's great-grandfather was Elias Nodine, who married a lady of nobility, and to whom was born a son, John', who married Laura Pearce on October 23, 1825. Among their children was Hiram Nodine, the subject's father, who was born near Sharon, Litchfield county, Connecticut, on April 7, 1827. John Nndine, the subject's grandfather, came from Sharon, Connecticut, in 1846, and located in L^nion. now Grant township, DeKalb county, Indiana, entering a tract of land in section I2J which he cleared and where he built a hoine, spending the rest of his days there. In addition to the cultivation of the soil, he also did considerable surveying and Was an important factor in the earlv life of the community. While helping his brother, Joseph, survey, he took cold', from the effects of which he died. 'The brother, Josejjh, refei-red tn, \Vas couhty surveyor during' the fifties. Hiram Nodine, who was reared in Connecticut, \\'as married oh January 31, 1848,' to Rebecca Miller, whose birth occurred in Coiinecticut on August 20, 1826', and to therh were born four children, Silas, bo^n November- 19, 1848; Laura, born May 26, 1850, and' Benjamin and JoHn," twins, whowere born on December 2, 185 1. The mother of these last namfed' children di^d at their birth. Hiram Nodine was' a hlaste'r in the iron mines near his home, in wliicli he did all the blasting until" i'848, when he and his family' came to DeKalb county, locating on the southwest c'[uarter of the southwest quarter of section 12, Grant ttnvnship, near his father. The' long jour'ney from the New England state to Indiana 'was made through the lake and thence by canal to Fort Wayne and by stage to Waterloo. There Hiram Nodine followed farming, buying more land as he was prospered until eventually he owned two hundred acres. He was a man of good intellectual attainments and during his early days he taught school two winters. After the' death of his first wife Hiram Nodine returned to Connecticut, where he worked one summer in the mines and' then returned to Waterloo, where, on' November 21, 1853, he married Mary Nodine, the daughter of Benjamin and Tulana Nodine. She was born in New York state and came here with her parents in 1844, locating on the southwest quarter of section 12. Later her parents sold their farm and moved to Branch county, Michigan, where they lived a number of years and then bought a farm east of Fremont in the south- west comer of Clear Lake township, Steuben county, Indiana, where they spent the balance of their lives. To Hiram Nodine's second marriage were born the following children: Albert, born October 5, 1854, died at the Soldiers' Home at Marion, Indiana, on January 15, 1906; Axin Melissa, born September 27, 1856, died on July 29, 1869; Emeline, born June 30-, 1858, is the wife of A. C. Jackson, and they live in Michigan; William Jefferson, born April 10, i86o\ who is represented elsewhere in this work; Mary Marilla, born December 12, 1861. died on October 31. 1868, from- the effects of falling from a tree top that had Ijeen cut down; Ophelia, born August 21. 1863, died on September 12, 1873; George, born April 25, 1865, is a manufacturer of cement work at Waterloo; Charles, bom June 13, 1867, lives on a farm near Waterloo in Smithfield township; Orasmus, bom January 24, 1869, lives in California; Dora, born Januar\' 19, 187OV is the wife of John Shaw, and fives in Oklahoma; Amos, bom January 2, 1873, ^^^'^^ ^ Waterloo; Richard, born August 31, 1874, died January 31, 1875; Henrv, bom November ^&, 1875. is employed) in W. J. Nodine's mills at Waterloo-: CMoe, born June 6, 1877, died on May 2, 1892. The father of these children died on October n, 1902, and his second wife passed away on January 30. 1885, Hiram Nodine was a man of strong character and strict integrity of word and action, and during his long residence in this locality lie always com^ manded the fullest measure of popular esteem because of has upright life and splendid industry.

Silas Nodine, the immediate subject of this sketch, received his- education in the common schools of DeKalb county, ;ind was reared to the life of a farmer, a pursuit which he has never forsaken;, having early determined that to the husbandman tliere was afforded an independence and a guarantee of success which is offered by no otheir vocation. In this decision he showed good judgment, for he has been, to a gratifying degree successful in his agri^ ctritUTal efforts, and has beconre- the owner of two hundired a'md forty acres of most desirable land in Wilmington township,, to the cultivation of which he- gives his undivided attention. He carries on a general line of farming and also gives some attention to the breeding and raising of live stock, in both of which he exercises sound judgment and wise discrimination, and among his fellow agriculturists he is considered an up-to-date and enterprising farmer. His place is well improved in every respect, being kept in good repair and in all regards he exliibits a modem and progressive disposition, adopting new methods where their superiority over old methods has been

In 1883 Mr. Nodine was married to Emma Knavel, the daughter of George and Susana (Myers) Knavel, who were early settlers of DeKalh county, having come here from Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Nodine have been born the following children: John B., Walter, Andrew J., Willis R., Henry D., Goldie Marie and Silas H.

Politically, Mr. Nodine has been a life-long supporter of the Republican party and aside from the ofifice of supervisor, which he held for a number of years, he has never held public office of any nature, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private business affairs. In all public affairs Mr. Nodine takes a deep interest. He unquestionably possesses the qualities which typify the gentleman and because of his upright life he has won and retains the friendship and respect of all who know him.

Miles J. Weller

Individual enterprise, which is justly the boast of the American people, is strikingly exhibited in the career of the gentleman whose name forms the introduction of this sketch, for the well improved and well cultivated farm and splendid home which he has accumulated by his own efforts would indicate tliat he has let no obstacle thwart him. He has been a very active man in the development of his community, and the part which he has taken in its growth entitles him to a place in his cotmty's history.

Miles J. Weller was born September 26, 1861, on the old home place in Butler township, DeKalb county, Indiana, the son of Joseph and Caroline (Johnson) Weller. The father was born October 23, 1828, in Rockingham county, Virginia, and the mother was bom in Champaign county, Ohio, on April 23, 1832. When but a baby, Joseph Weller was taken by his parents to Clark county, Ohio, where he was reared and was there married. In i860 he and his wife came to DeKalb county. Indiana, and settled on a farm in section 19, Butler township. To them were born two children. Mrs. Mar}' E. Hogue, who lives in Noble county, Indiana, and the subject. Joseph Weller was a life-long farmer and in their old age he and his wife were tenderl}- cared for by the subject and his sister. The father died on .Augvist 30, igi2. and the mother on June 12, 1912. Joseph Weller was a Democrat in jjolitics.

' 'A very good education was secured by the subject in the common schools of the county, he rounding out his studies with a two years' course in the Auburn high school. He was thus equipped to take up the work of teaching, which he engaged in for about eight years, in the district schools of Keyser and Butler to\\nships. However, pedagogical work proving too confining he was compelled to relinquish his duties as an educator and turn to agriculture. As a tiller of the soil he has gained a reputation second to hone, and his one-hundred-and-six-acre farfll, with its comfortable hOme and "substantial farm buildings, is a monument to his thoroughness and' intelligence in applying modern methods to his work.

Miles J. Weller has been twice married, first to Emma Houser, on January 21, 1883, the daughter of David and Salome Houser, natives of Pennsylvania. To this'union were born three children : Mrs. Artie Pfund, who lives in Butler township; Frank lives on' a farm in Butler township; Ralph is deceased. The second wife of Mr. Weller, whom he married in 1891, was Efifie Hartung, the daughter of Lewis and Kathren (Karton) Hartung. The two grandchildren in whom the subject takes great pride are Leona and Floyd. Politically, Mr. Weller is independent, voting for the men whom he considers best qualified for the offices regardless of their political views.

Frederick Ginder

' The life history of Frederick Ginder, one of the well known and highly esteemed venerable veterans now living in honorable retirement in Wilmington township, shows what industry, good habits and staunch citizenship will accomplish in the battle of acquiring property and rearing children to lead steady and respectable lives. His life has been one replete with duty well and conscientiously performed in all its relations. He has not been a man to shrink from his duty, howe\er irksome or dahgerous, whether in the role of private citizen or on the field of battle, and it is such traits that win in life's affairs. He has come down to us from the pioneer period and has noted the wondrous transformation from that time to this, playing well his part in the drama of civilization. He has been an advocate of wholesome living and cleanliness in politics as well, and has ever been outspoken in his antipathy to wrong doings, whether by the humble citizen or by the incumbent of influential offices.

April, 1843, a-"d is a sou of Jacob and Margaret ( IMiller ) (liiider, hutli of whom were natives of Germany. The subject's grandfather, jacoli dinder, also a nati\'e of the fatherland, came to the United States when lii> sun, Jacob, was but eleven vears old and settled in Ashland county, Ohio, where thev remained until the family came to DeKalb count}-, Indiana, in 1834, and here the subject's father li-\ed until his death, following farming, in which he met with a fair degree of success. To him and his -wife were born tlie following children: Katherine, P. D.. two who died in infancy. Eva, Mary, ("Tcorge, Matilda, Sarah, Louis and the subject.

Frederick Ginder received his education in the common schools of Ohio and Indiana, and was reared to the life of a farmer, a vocation which he has never forsaken and in which he has met with a very gratif\-ing degree of success. He was also engaged for thirty years in the sawmill business, being a good judge of timber and an expert in this line, and in this as in his farmmg operations he has been prospered. He is the owner of two hundred acres of splendid land in \A'ilmington to-wnship and has been guided by up-to-date ideas in the management of his farm, the condition of the building, fences and fields indicating him tn lie a man of good jud.gment and wise discrimination in the management of his estate.

In 1861 at the outbreak of the Southern rebellion, Mr. Ginder enlisted as a private in Company F, Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, under the command nf Colonel Rec^d, and the regiment, being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, was plunged into the midst of the struggle at the outstart. Mr. Ginder took part in many of the most Jiotly contested battles of that great struggle, including the sanguinary CMuHicts at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Mission Ridge, Perrysville and Chickamauga, than which there were no more important liattles fought in the middle west section of the Southern territory. Mr. Ginder served" three years and two months valianth- and courageously and was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee, in December, 1864, with a military record of which he is justifiably proud.

Mr. Ginder has been twice married, first in 1865 to Emily i\TcDaniel, the daughter of David and Nancy (Gunsenhauser) McDaniel, both <>f whom were members of old families of DeKalb county. To this union were born the following children: Jacob Sherman, John Philip, Maggie, deceased. Bryan and Hiram, twins, David O., Nora, George and Fred, decea.'^cd. .After the death of his first wife Mr. Ginder married hllizabeth Hnjlinger. the (48) widow of George Hollinger. Politically, Mr. Ginder gives his support to the Prohibition party, believing that the liquor question is the most important issue before the American people, and he is standing firmly for his convictions on this subject. His religious connection is with the United Brethren church, in the success of which he is deeply interested and to the support of which he contributes. All worthy enterprises for the general advancement of the community find in him an earnest advocate and liberal patron, and he has always given his influence and aid to every progressive measure for the good of his fellow men. He is in every respect an upright, energetic man, keenlv alive to e\er\' interest w hich affects the growth and development of his community and has every reason to be proud of his success and of the prominent place he holds in the public esteem.

Forest A. Hixson

Among the men of infiuence in DeKall) county, who have the interest of their locality at heart and who have led consistent lives, thereby gaining definite success along their chosen lines, is b'orest A. Hixson, a successful farmer of Butler township, having there a \aluable and highly productive farm, which he manages with the care and discretion tliat stamps him as a twentieth-century agriculturist of the highest order.

Forest A. Hixson was born February ig, 1877, and is the son oi Bennett and Sarah E. ( Knott) Hixson, both being natives of Ohio. To these parents were bom six children, namely: James O., deceased: Mabel M. was born November 9, 1874, and resides on the farm; the subject: Roy and Ray, twins. are deceased: Tula V., who was born August 21, 1886, was married December 24, 1913. to Theodore Rhodes. The subject's father, who was one of the earliest settlers of DeKalb county, died on July 7, 1897, and his widow now makes her home with her son, Forest A., on the home farm.

Receiving a good common school education, the subject of this brief review engaged in farming and has made this his life work. He is at present cultivating two hundred and forty acres of choice land in Butler township, which liis owned jointly by the subject, his mother and two sisters.

On January 12, T900, occurred the marriage of the subject to Amanda Houser, daughter of Adam and Catherine (Bebber) Houser, both natives of Pennsvh'ania. To this union liave been born tliree children : Ralph, de-

The farm now occupied by Mr. Hixson is the old home place, it being called "the old James Reynolds farm," James Reynolds, the subject's greatgrandfather, having purchased it in 1858. and the farm has been continuously since in the possession of some members of the family.

A Democrat in his political faith. Mr. Hixson has gi\en loyal support to that party, although never ha\in<;- l)een desirous of political honors, |)referring to limit his activities along that line to casting his vote for the principles he thought right.

Joseph Pepple

One of the sterling citizens of DeKalb county is Joseph Pepple. a name well known, especially in Butler township, where he has a splendid and attractively kept landed estate, and being regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of his community. As a result of his industry, integrity and genuine worth he is held in high esteem by the people of this vicinity, mainly as a result of his principles of modern farming and progressive and upright citizenship.

Joseph Pepple was born on July 4, 1867, in Butler township, DeKalb county, the son of Joseph and Addeline (Hahn) Pepple. His parents, at an early date, came from their native state of Ohio and were among the pioneers who fought and conquered the hardships and perils of those days. To the elder Joseph and Addeline Pepple were born seven children, namely : Mrs. Frances Lung lives in DeKalb count}- : George and Jessie are deceased : Mrs Ellie Thrush lives in DeKalb county; Mary is deceased; Joseph; Mrs. Leah Fitch lives in Seattle, Washington.

At such times as he could be spared from the work of farming on the home place, the subject attended the common schools of the county. After reaching his majority he was married, on Xo\eniI)er 27. 1895. to Celia (Iriftin. daughter of Alanson and Henrietta ( Surfus ) (IrifPin, he a native of Xew York and she of Indiana. To the subject and wife ha\e l:)een born five children; Mrs. Viola Timberlan lives in Allen county, Indiana; Mrs. Effie Griffin lives in Butler township ; Mrs. Annie Rugman is also living in DeKalb county ; John Grififin is a resident of Allen county; Jessie lives in Butler township.

seven-acres of his splendid farm. (lood buildings have been added by Mr. Pepple and his home is a model among the good homes of this community. Along one side of his possessions runs an interurban line, which not only adds to the value of his holdings, but is a great convenience. The Republican party claims Mr. Pepple's suffrage.

Francis A. Hogue

Dependent very largely upon his own resources from his early youth, Francis A. Hogue, of Butler township, has attained no insignificant success, and though he ma}' have, like most men of affairs, encountered obstacles and met with reverses, he has pressed steadily forward, e\'er willing to work for the end he has in view. His tenacity and fortitude are due, 'no doubt, in a large measure to the worthy traits inherited from his sterling ancestors, whose high ideals and correct principles he has ever sought to perpetuate in all the relations of life.

Francis A. Hogue is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Washington township, Allen county, Indiana, on February 12, 1849, and is a son of John and Cornelia (Prey) Hogue, both of ^vhom were natives of the state of New York. The subject's father came from his native state to Ohio with his ])arcnls in liDyhuDd, anil Mrs. Hogue also moved to , the Buckeye state in girlhood. They were married in the latter state and eventually, in 1842, estal>lished their permanent home in DeKalb county, which at that time was but thinly settled. He located in Butler township, where they remained for many years, or until 1879, when they moved tO' Nebraska. Eventually they returned to DeKalb county, where their deaths occurred. They were the parents of seven children: Mar)- A.; Ellen C, deceased; the subject of this sketch; John H., James W., Claudius V.. deceased, and Merritt.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of DeKalb county and has always followed agriciiltural pursuits. He is the owner of one hundred acres of land in Butler township, to which he gi\'es his undivided attention and in the operation of which he has met with splendid success. Early in life he established those habits of industry and frugality which have assured his success in later years and by close apjilication and perseverance he has risen to a high place in the ranks of the farmers of his county, being regarded today as an enterprising and typical farmer of the advanced class. His superior system of tillage, the good order of his fences, the well-cared-for condition of his fields, the commodious and comfortable buildings all demonstrate his successful management and wise discrimination in the care of his property. He carefully rotates his crops so as to maintain the fertility of the soil and is not slow to take advantage of the most advanced ideas relati\e to agriculture, being up-to-date and thorough in his methods.

On the 3d day of January, t88j, ^Ir. Hogue was united in marriage to Hannah Kugler. daughter of Anthony and Margaret (Gresh) Kugler. Both of these parents were natives of Germany, coming from the fatherland to the United States in 1853, settling in Noble county, Indiana, where they s]ient the remainder of their lives, devoting their energies to farming pursuits. The father died there several years ago and is survived by his widow. To j\Ir. and Mrs. Hogue have been born three children, namel\- : Anna, who married \\'illiani AAerning, and they now reside at Lima, Ohio; I )(ilpha, the wife of James Marsh, of Butler township, this ciiunty, and l'"iancis, who lives in Auburn and who married Zella Alarsh.

l^olitically, the subject of this sketch is an earnest advocate of Democratic policies, and ever since attaining his majority has given that party his stanch allegiance. He has no aspirations for public office, but maintains an intelligent interest in the public affairs of his community, giving his support at all times to every movement for the pulilic advancement. A man of keen discernment and sound business judgment, his advice is often sought in matters of business and he is considered a man of more than ordinary attainments. A wide reader of current affairs and a thoughtful observer of men and events, he keeiis in close touch with the issues of the times and is cousidered one of the most substantial and influential citizens of tlie locahty which is honored bv his residence.

Oliver P. Grogg

It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been such as to command the houor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such, in brief, is the record of the well known agriculturist whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of DeKalb county, where he has long maintained his home and where he has labored not only for his own individual advancement and that of his immediate family, but also for the improvement of the entire community, whose interests he has e\er had at heart.

Oliver P. Grogg, one of the enter])risjng and pulilic-spirited citizens, of Keyser township, DeKalb count}-, Indiana, was born on July i, 1865, in the northeast part of the township, and is a son of Adam and Emily L. (King) Grogg, who are mentioned specifically elsewhere in this work in the sketch of the subject's brother, Isaac Grogg. Tiie subject's father dietl when he was about six months old. after which his mother moved to Auburn, and when Oliver P. was about se\en and one-half years old his mother became tlie wife of Daniel Lower and moved to Xoble county, this state. Mr. Lower died there and his w idow came back to DeKalb count}', where she esentually l)ecame the wife of Daniel Thomas, of Corunna. who is represented elsewhere in this work.

The subject of this sketch spent his early years with his mother, looking after her interests carefully during her widow years, and then after his marriage, which occurred in i8go, he engaged in farming in Noble county, carrying on that pursuit there for eight years. On Octolier [8, 1898. he returned to DeKalb county, settling near the okl home farm, where he now lives and to the cultivation and development of which he has de\oted himself assiduously with very gratifying results. In iqoo he Iniilt a new residence, remodelled the barn, and has in other ways brought t!ie place up to a high standard of development and improvement. Of the old Ijarn that stood on this farm, it is noteworthy that the subject's father painted this barn when it was originally built by his father, the paint being made from red cla}- found near the barn, and which was ground and burned and finally mi.xed with oil. Though crude in method of manufacture, the result was highl\- satisfactory and this paint lasted until the bam was remodelled in 19 10. Mr. Grogg is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land, and, owing to his twentieth-centur}' methods and his wise discrimination in the rotation of crops and other advanced features of agriculture, he has lieen enabled to realize very gratifying returns for his labors. He raises all the crops common to this section of the country and gives some attention to the breeding of live stock, in both departments lieing considered a man of good judgment and sound discrimination.

In 1890 Mr. Grogg married Mary Frantz. the daughter of Christian and Marguerite ( Amstutz) Frantz. and a sister of John Frantz. who is represented elsewhere in this work. To them has been born a daughter. Maude A..

who is the wife of Matthew Sleasman, of Auburn, this county. Mr. Grogg is a man of a high degree of intelligence, being well read on a wide range of subjects, and is an interesting conversationalist and a forcible speaker. He is thordughly alive to the current questions of the day. on which he holds decided opinions, and is not afraid to stand staunchly by his honest con\ictions. He is a rnan of fine qualities of character and is deserving of the high standing which he enjoys.

All callings, whether humble or exalted, may be pro(lucti\-e of some measure of success, if enterprise and indnstr\", coupled with a well directed purpose, form the moti\e power and force of the person directing the same, and in no case is this fact more apparent than in agricultural pursuits. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and ])erse\'erance as well as the abo\-e enumerated qualities. When a course of action is once decided on these attrilnites are essential. Success is nexer known to smile uix.in the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer, onl_\- those who ha\'e diligently sought her favor being crowned with her blessings. In tracing the liistor}- of the prosperous and influential agriculturist whose name forms the ca])tion of this biographical re\-iew, we find that the aboxe named elements ha\e entered largely into his make-up and therefore we are not surprised at the large and ever-growing success which he has attained.

Marion S. DeLong was born in Richland township. DeKalb county. Indiana, on August 28, 1868, the son of Henry 1'". and jane ( McCrum) DeLong. she being a native of Canada and he of Ohio. The father came t> this count\- with his parents when he was quite a small boy and tliey settled in Butler township. Thev later moved to Fairfield townshi]) where he was married, after their marriage thev lived in Richland township and died in i88c). The wife is still living on the old home place in Richland township. Her father built the first school house in the town of Auburn. He ne\er lived in .\ul)urn. but settled and died in Richland townshi]). To Henry and Jane DeLong were born four children: Clarion S.. the immediate subject; .Mice. Zoe antl Clarence.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the DeKalb county common schools, .\fter comjileting his studies he taught school one year, then took up farming and has Ijeen contiiniously since actively engaged in that ijursuit. in which he has achieved marked success, he owning at this time one hundred and twelve acres of valuable land in Fairfield township. In 1900 the subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Matilda E. Wittig, tlaughter of and Elizabeth (Rbeinhart) Wittig, both natives of Germanw who came to Erie county, Ohio, and later to DeKalb county, in 1864 and settled in Fairfield township, where they lived all their days. To Mr. and Mrs. De- Long have been born three children, Mildred. Helen and Audre\-.

Fraternally. Mr. DeLong is a member of the Knights of P\thias at Corunna, and of the Masonic lodge at Waterloo and the chapter at Auburn, while politically, he is quite active in his support of the principles of the Republican party, he ha\'ing been for some time precinct committeeman for Fairfield township and a member of the county organization. His religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Mrs. DeLong is a memlier of the T^ythian Sisters and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Ray C. Dh.Gard

The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known as one of the honored citizens of Auburn, Indiana. He has lived in DeKalb county all his life and for a number of years has been prominent!}' identified with the commercial interests of this community. His well-directed efforts in the practical ainfairs of life, his capal)le management of his business interests and his sound judgment ha\'e brought to him prosperity and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished b}- any man of energy and anil)ition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his laliors in the face of any discouragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact and a hi(}graphical history of DeKalb county would not be complete without a record of his career.

Ray C. Dilgard. a successful furniture dealer and undertaker at Auburn, is a native of DeKalb county, having been born about two and one-half miles west of Waterloo in Grant township, on May 23, 1881, and is a son of Simon and Eliza (Goodwin) Dilgard. The subject's paternal grandparents, Reuben and Lovina (Shaffer) Dilgard, were residents of Mehackinville, Wayne county, Ohio, where he followed the trade of a miller. He came to DeKalb county in 1847 and entered a homestead in Grant township, after which he returned to his Ohio home, where he remained until 1857, when he came tihis Indiana farm and estaWished his permanent home. The subject's mother, Ehza Goodwin, was born in Smithfield township, this count)-, and was a daughter of David and Susanna (Keefer) Goodwin, who came in an earl\- day to this count_v from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Simon Dilgard, who has followed the pursuit of agriculture all his life, is still li\ing in Grant township, one of the honored and respected citizens of his community.

Ray C. Dilgard was reared on his father's farm until the age of sixteen years, assisting in the farm work during the summer months and attending the common schools in winter. lie later entered the high school at Waterloo, where he graduated in 1899, ^'"d afterwards was a student at the Tri-State Normal School at Angola. He then became associated with the International Harvester Company as traveling salesman, with headquarters at SiouX City, Iowa. A year later he joined T. G. Northwall & Company, dealers in a different line of farming implements, with headquarters at Omaha, Nebraska, with whom he remained as a traveling salesman. Tiring of the road, Mr. Dilgard then entered a school of embalming at Chicago, taking a full course, after which, in Januar_\-, 1903. he came to Auburn and formed a business partnership with Ben K. Adams, undertaker and dealer in furniture. In .-\])ril of the following year Mr. Dilgard Ixnight his partner's interest, and since then has continued the business alone. The business now controlled b}- Mr. Dilgard was established in Auburn about fifty years ago liv a relali\e. C. C. Shaffer, and is probably the oldest established l)usiness house in the city. Thoroughly qualified for his duties as undertaker, Mr. Dilgard has handle.! his full share of the business in this line throughout a large radius of surrounding country, while as a furniture dealer he is the leader in this section. His agreeable disposition. i)leasing address and splendid business qualities have commended him to the good will of all who b;ive had dealings with him and he enjoys a large :nid lo\al circle of friends.

Fraternally, Mr. Dilgard belongs to the Free and .Vccepted Ma.sons. llie Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of the Maccabees, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Commercial Club, in all of which he has taken an active interest and is an appreciati\e member. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Methodist K]iiscopal church, to which they give an earnest support and contribute liberall}-.

and Mrs. Dilgard move in the best social circles of the city and are deserxedly popular. Charles L. Smith was a native of Ohio and his wife of Albion, Noble county. Indiana. He came to Indiana and here followed farniing throughout his active life, being now retired. To him and his wife were born three children, namely: Leone, the wife of Edward Hicks, of Auburn; May, the wife of Walter Bonhan, of Albion; Katherine, Mrs. Dilgard. The latter is a licensed embalmer and works with Mr. Dilgard on all his calls.

One of the best known and most enterprising of the younger agriculturists of DeKalb county, Indiana, is Alva F. Grogg, now in the prime of life and usefulness, and his influence as an honorable, upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for substantial good for many years to come.

Alva F. Grogg is a native son of the old Hoosier state and of the county in which he now resides, his birth ha\ ing occurred on his father's old homestead, on July 3, 1882. His parents were Peter H. and Maiy J. (Baker) Grogg, the former a native of DeKalb county, Indiana, and the latter of Stark county, Ohio. The Grogg family is numbered among the earliest settlers in DeKalb county and bore their part in the great task which ])resented itself in the settlement, clearing and opening up of the new country to ci\'ilization. To Peter H. and Mary J. Grogg were born ten children, namely : Oscar, of Iveyser township, this county ; Wilson, of Ke>'ser township; Marion and Lettie are deceased; Alva F.. the subject of this sketch, is next in order of birth; Mrs. Dora Draper, of Richland township, this count}'; Elmer, who operates a farm in L'nion township, this county; I\lrs. Lottie Close, of Grant township; Gladys and Mabel remain at home with their parents.

Alva F. Grogg was reared under the parental roof and secured a good, practical education in the common schools. Reared to the life of a farmer, he early showed his wisdom in maintaining his connection witli that basic industry and has been for many years numbered among the substantial and successful farmers of the county. His ability and high character were recognized when, in June, 1912, Mr. Cirogg was appointed superintendent of the county farm, assuming the duties of his office on the ist of September following. He has under his direction three hundred and twenty acres of land, in the handling of which he has shown good judgment and wise discrimination, managing the property to the entire satisfaction of the countv officials, to whom he is responsible.

On April 29, 1905, Alva F. Grogg was united in marriage with Ada R. Smurr, the daughter of William and Sarah (Morr) Smurr, both of whom were natives of DeKalb county. To Mr. and Mrs. Grogg were born two children, Edward W. and Edgar P., twins, whose birth occurred on March 14, 1909, Politically, Mr. Grogg gi\-es his support to the Republican part\-, though he has been too busy a man to ha\'e entertained an\- aspirati-tns tor office holding, his present position ha\'ing come to him in-acticall}' unsought at the earnest solicitation of th.ose who felt that he was the right man i >r the place. He is not only a progressiw fanner, l)ut is ronsi<lered as ranking among the most enterprising of his coiUemporaries, interested in all that henehts the romnumity and ali\-e to the welfare of his fellowmen. He lias li\ed an honorable, upright life and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.

William Christopher Diehm

Any person who will investigate the facts in the case will be surprised to learn the great number of people of Germanic descent now li\-ing in the United States. Unquestionably the greatest number of emigrants reaching the shores of the new world come from that nation, and statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the I'nited States than any other. This leing a fact, it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality of this countrv. Not only that, but it will aiiford an explanation for the lo\e of learning show n by the people of our vast nation. Germany is famous the world o\er +or its remarkable universities, for its educated men. for its poets and jihilosophers, and for the industry, patience, intelligence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities have been brought to this country by the immigrants. and are now ]iart and parcel of our wonderful nation - its progress in domestic economy, its ad\-ancement in every branch of material imiiro\'ement and itslove of country and home.

William C. Diehm was born on February 16, iSC)4, about one and onehalf miles south of his present farm in Richland township, DeKalb county. Indiana, and is the son of Peter and Margerite (Riess) Diehm. Peter Diehm, who was born in Gennany, came to the I'nited States with his jiarents when about seven years of age, the family settling first on a farm in \\'a\'ne townshi]}. Noble county, Indiana, where the subject's father acquired a fine forty-acre farm. Subsequently he sold that tract and moved to Richland township, buying his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in 1854. The land was well improved, and INIr. Diehm continued his acti\e operation of the place, which is well fenced and drained and in all respects impro\-ed in an up-to-date and practical manner. The subject's father died on December II, 1913, at the age of eighty-seven years five months. Margerite (Riess) Diehm, who also was born in the fatherland, came to America when about twenty-two years of age, and settled in Wayne township. Noble county, this state. Her death occurred in 190J, at the age of seventy-six years, on the old home farm. She was, in the true sense of the term, a help-mate to her husband in the accumulation of his material possessions, working hard as his assistant, being a considerate neighbor, a dutiful wife, a kind and affectionate mother and dearly beloved l>y all who knew her. To this worthy couple were born nine children, namely: John, deceased; ^Irs. Christiana Lash, who lives at Garrett, Indiana, and is the mother of six children ; Sarah, deceased : Mrs. Anna Wells, of Noble county, who is the mother of five children ; Mrs. Katherine Craven, of ^Michigan ; Mrs. Mary Kresse, of near Kendallville, this state, and the mother of five children; William C, the subject of this sketch, is the next in order of birth; Fred, who is a retail clerk li\ing at Kendalh'ille, married Lilhe Squires; Henry, a farmer in Lagrange county, this state, married Rose Gregg.

William C. Diehm was reared b\- his parents and receixed a gootl, practical education in the schools of his home township. He remained with his father until attaining his majority, when he took up the trade of carpentering, which he followed at different places during the following seventeen years. For four years he lived in Noble county, operating the old Hinkle farm, and then came to Richland township, DeKalb county, where he bought forty acres of land, section 18, known as the Farrington farm, but retained possession of the forty acres already purchased. At the end of a year in Keyser township he retijrued to his Richland township farm, and has since given his undivided attention to its operation. He built the present fine barn at this place in 1908, and has in other ways made many fine i>ermanent improvements, the place ranking among the best in the township. Mr. Diehm is a good farmer in every respect, giving attention to every detail of his work, and is in his relations wkh his neighbors a man of broad sympathies and kindl}' interest, holding the warm regard of all who know him.

Mr. Diehm was married on November 15. 1S8S, to Rachel Lehner. the daughter of Jacob J. and Suzanna (Treesh) Lehner. the former a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1844, and the latter born in Ohii). Air. Lehner. who always followed farming- ])ursuits. came to DeKalb county, settling- in Richland township, where his death occurred in 1873. He was survived a number of years by his widow, whose death occurred on January 3. 1910. To ^[r. and Airs. Diehm have been born tliree children: Roy, a farmer. Mrs. Rosa Huhlman and Vern, who live at Kendallville.

Politically, Mr. Diehm has gi\-en his earnest support to the Democratic party, and has been for many years numbered among the influential men of Richland township. A Lutheran in his religious faith, Mr. Diehm is in hearty sympathy with all moral mo\-ements, but is not personally affiliated any religions society. The record of testimony in his community is ample that he is a good citizen in the full sense of the tern-i. worthv of all confidence, and ever doing worthily and \Aell evervthing which he gi\-es his attention. A hospitable man and cordially responsive to all social claims, his home is well equipped and attractive to all who are in his list of friends.

Melyin E. Reynolds

It is a v.'ell authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and i)erse\erance in a course of action when once decided ui^on. She is never knov>n to smile upon the idler or dreamer and only the men who have diligently sought her favor are crowned her blessings. In tracing the history of the influential citizen Of Corunna, Indiana, whose name forms the caption of this re\iew. it is plainly seen that the success which he enjo\'s has been won by commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth that lias gained for him the liigh esteem of those who kno-w him.

Melvin E. Reynolds was liorn on May 31. 1S58. at Fairfield Center, De- Kalb county, Indiana, and is a son of Jerome and Barliara ( Eckert) Reynolds. the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany. Jerome Reynolds was brought from his native state to Ohio with his foster parents. and there grew to manhood. His wife, who had been born in Germany, was brought to this country at the age of eight months, her parents first settling in Pennsylvania, but later locating in Ohio, where, in young womanhood, she met and married Jerome Reynolds. In the spring of 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Rey- nolds came to Faii-field Center, DeKalb county, where he followed his trade, that of cabinet-making, during the remainder of his life. He was a man of good habits, steady industry and stanch integrity and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his community. His death occurred on May 24, 1884, and his wife died on March 4th of the same year. Mr. Reynolds served as postmaster at Fairfield Center continuously from 1864 to 1884. To him and his wife were bom the following children, Eolian, the wife of Daniel Lower, of South Dakota ; Clarence M., of Auburn : Melvin E., the subject of this sketch : Walter T., of Corunna ; Virginia, the wife of Charles Bangs, of Richland township : Franklin G., of Corunna. The father and mother of M. E. Reynolds had "both been married prior to their union, and by his first wife Mr. Reynolds was the father of three children, Elizabeth, deceased : Thomas, who was a member of Company .\, Eighty-eiglith Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, during the Civil war, who is now deceased, and .Amelia, deceased. By her first marriage Mrs. Reynolds was the mother oi two children, Eolian and Luella, both of whom are deceased.

Melvin E. Reynolds attended the common schools of Fairfield township and then was a student in normal school for t\\ o terms. Upon the completion of his education he took up cabinet-making, but did not follow that \ocation long, turning his attention to brick-making, which vocation he followed for seven years. He then again entered the cabinet-making work in Corunna. which he follow ed for fi^-e years, and then took up carpentering and contracting, being thus employed until 1894, a period of se\en years, during whicln time he constructed many of the prominent and substantial dwellings and business houses in this locality. In 1894 Mr. Reynolds engaged in the saw-mill business at Corunna. which has commanded his attention continuously to the present time, and in which he has met with well-deserved success.

On December 25. 1889. Mr. Reynolds was married to Amanda Wagner, the daughter of James and Mary .Ann (Billman) \Vagner. These parents, who were from Hun.n county, Ohio, moved to Michigan, where the father died. The widow returned to Ohio and later came to DeKalb county with her parents, where she remained with her relatives. To Air. and Mrs. Reynolds liave been bom five children, namely: Harley G., who married Rosa Mason, and thev have two children, Gerald and Olen : Walter, who married Bessie Zimmerman, and thev have one child. Melvin W. ; Oscar married Bessie Workman ; Zola and Bernice are at home. Airs. Reynolds, who was born on Februarv 14, 1861. died on September 3, 1912. at the age of fifty-one years. She was a woman of many kindl_\- qualities of head and heart, which had endeared her to all who knew her.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Reynolds has tor nianv years been active in the civic and public affairs of the locality, having served as trustee of Corunna for two terms, one and four years respectively, and township trustee for five years. At one time he made the race for county auditor as the Republican nominee and lacked only fifty-seven votes of being elected. He assumes generally an independent attitude, especially in local political affairs, voting for the men whom he considers best qualified for public offices. Imbued witli the deepest and most healthful public spirit, Mr. Reynolds is well fortified in his opinion as to matters of public policy and gives of his best to the furthering of good government, being neglectful of no civic duty. His personal relations with his fellow men have been ever mutually pleasant and agreeable, and he is highly regarded by all. being obliging and straightforward in all the relations -of life.

The gentleman to whom the reader's attention is now directed has. by perseverance, industry and a wise econoniw attained a comfortable station in life, and is well and favorably known in DeKalb county as a result of the industrious life he has lived here for man}- years, Ijeing regarded liy all who know him as a man of sound lousiness ])rinciples, tlioroughly up-to-date in all phases of agriculture, and as a man wh(X while advancing his individual interests, does not neglect his general duties as a citizen.

John Brechbill was born in Stark count}-, Ohio, on .\pril 8, 1862, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Ober) Brechbill. Jacob Brechbill was horn in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and died near Garrett, Indiana, on February 21, 1902, aged sixty-nine years five months nineteen da\-s. In 1854 he mo\-ed with his parents to Stark county, Ohio, and on February 3. 185Q, he married Sarah Olier, also a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and whose death occurred on November 2, igo8. They came to DeKalli county. Indiana, in 1864, settling in Kevser township, where they jjassed the remainder of their lives in the ])ursuit of agriculture. They were memliers of the Brethren in Christ church and were \erv active in church work. To them were born ei.glit children: Martin, John, the subject, Nancy, Elizabeth. Sarah. INlary. Cora and Claude. Martin, Cora and Claude are deceased.

After securing a good common school education in the DeKalb countv schools, the subject took up agriculture as his life work, and has continued to follow this calling with unusual success. He is the owner of two hundred acres of good land, on which he carries on di\-ersified farming, emplnving scientific methods in the tihing of the soil, which ha\'e well repaid him in bountiful harvests.

On September 29, 1886, Mr. Brechbill was united in marriage with Etta E. Davidson, the daughter of Henry and Fannie (Rice) Davidson, who are referred to elsewhere in this work in a sketch treating of the life of Mr. Davidson. To the subject and wife have been born nine children, Frank, Albert, Mabel, Ruth, Elmo, Pearl, John, Pauline and Lucile. Frank was educated at the Bethany Bible School, Chicago, Illinois, pursuing the threeyears course and finishing in 191 2. He returned home and has been a preacher in Brethren in Christ church, located in Keyser township. Pie \vas married on September 28. 191 1. to Jessie Hoover, of Mansfield, Ohio. Albert was educated in Goshen College, graduating in June. 19 13. and took up teaching. He is now principal of the Liberty Center (Ohio) high school. INIabel and Ruth were educated in high and normal schools and are now teaching.

The Republican party has received the support of Mr. Brechbill, and, religiously, he is a member of the Brethren in Christ church, lieing active in church work. His life lias been as an open book and his standing in the community is such as '-houUl l,e a matter of pride to his family and his friends.

Biographies should not be published unless there is something in the life and character of the individual worthy of emulation or ^mitation by others under like circumstances - certainly not for self-aggrandizement : liut sufficient has been drawn from the life history of the gentleman whose name appears above to show that there is something in the inner life of this man worthy of more than incidental mention. Fle began life practically at the bottom of the ladder, which he has climbed to the top with no help but a brave heart, industrious hands and an 'intelligent brain, and is a living example of what may be accomplished in this country by thrift and perseverance, e\'en under discouraging circumstances.

Jefferson W. Jackman was born in section 6, Wilmington township, DeKalb county, Indiana, on Januars' 31, 1852, and is a son of Isaac M. and Jane (Whitla) Jackman, who are mentioned specifically on another page of this work. When the subject v>as about three years old the family moved to the eastern part of Grant township, where the father bought the farm on which the subject of this sketch now lives, and here Mr. Jacknian grew lo manhood. Their home was a log house, and about eight acres of land had at that time been cleared. To the further clearing of this land and its improvement and cultivation the lad ga\-e of his time and strength and was a \ahial)le assistant in this work to his father. His education was recei\ed in a t\ pical log school house of that day, in which the advantages were much inferior to those of the present day. but, being ambitious and a good student. Air. Jackman became qualified to teach school when twenty-one years of age and followed that pursuit for several years. His summers were spent in farming, and in 1876 he made farming his chief employment, renting a farm on the west of his present home. In the fall of 1878 he moved on to his father-inlaw's farm, which he occupied fourteen years as a renter, and after Air. McClure's death he bouglit the interests of the other heirs and later bought also the widow's interest, thus l^econiing sole owner of the farm in igoi. This place, \\hich comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres, is one of the choice farms of that locality and is well improved. Afr. Jackman remained there until 1910 with the exception of one }-ear, and then moved onto the old home farm owned by his father. He had seen many discouraging conditions in his farming experience up to that time, but by energetic work and rigid economy he had weathered several panics and had even gotten ahead in his financial affairs, having bought the farm and paid for it by his own effortsduring this period. He now resides on his father's old farm and is numbered among the successful and energetic agriculturists of DeKalli county. In [883 Air. Jackman began breeding antl ^hipi)ing thoroughbred I'erkshire hog>. in which he \\as engaged for the following twent\- years ;nu! was numl)cved among the leading men in that line in the L'niled .State-. He curiied at all times from one hundred to one hundred and fifty bead of fine -lock. s]ii]ining from the Atlantic coast to Salt Lake City, and from the (nilf to Montreal, Canada. He advertised extensively, at times in as many as two hundred and fift\- papers over the country and carried on his correspondence and bookkeeping at night, this extra work entailing so severe a strain on his eyesight that in 1901 he was compelled to give up his hog business and give his attention to tlie lighter labors of the farm. During all his business experience of twenty vears Mr. Jackman never had but one complaint from a customer and that was settled quickly and to the entire satisfaction of the complainant. This is certain!}- a remarkable record and speaks well for his sound Inisiness methods and integrity of character. (49)

On May 28, 1876, Mr. Jackir.aii iiiarried Mary McClure, the daughter of Timoth}- McChire. who is mentioned elsewhere in this work, and to them were born two children. Sadie Olive, born Febrnarv 18, 1878, is the wife of Walter Cherr}-. ant! li\-es in Franklin townshi]). this county; they have a daughter, Eldora Cherry. The subject's ydunyest child. Ward, who was born on February 4, 1887, married Edna Cioodwin, and li\es on his father's farm that was formerly known as the McClure place. He attended high school at Waterloo and a commercial college at hort Wayne, Indiana. He is now devoting his attention to farming and the rcdsing of fine horses, in which he is attaining a clistinctixe success. Olive recei\ed three vears' education in high school, studied pedagogy and receixed a teacher's review cnurse at Butler College and also attended the Normal College at Angola. She taught school about eight years, from 1895 to 1903, the time of her marriage.

Politically, Mr. Jackman is an earnest Democrat, and in 1900 was elected a member of the state Legislature, serving in the sessions of 1901. In 1903 he was unanimously renominated for the same office, but owing to peculiar local conditions he was defeated by a narrow majority. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking a deep intere.st in the workings of that order. In all the relations of life Mr. Jackman has been found faithful to every trust confided in him and because of his genuine worth, courteous manner and genial disjiosition he has won and retains the warm regard of all with whom he has associated, the latter including the best people of the county.

The "art jireservative of all arts," printing, has done more to jiromote the progress of civilization, witli its attendant blessings of liberty and education, than any other discovery since the beginning of time. Manx- who reail this work can remember when a newspaper was seldom seen, and on the rare occasions when one, perhaps a month or more old, filtered from "back East" into the frontier of civilization, as Indiana was rightly termed in the pioneer days, it was eagerly and critically perused and passed from one hand to another until it was worn into shreds. Soon, however, the knights of the "fourth estate" joined in the vangiiard and took up the task of "molding public opinion." The father of the suljject of this sketch was one of the early new spaper men of this region and his son has followed in his footsteps with com-

Luther H. Higle\-, owner and editor of the Butler Rrcord. was born in Butler, Indiana, October 30, 1867, he lieint^ the son of F.mer\- and Mar\ fHaverstock) lrli,s:ley, natives of Ohio. I'he mother came to Butler at an early date with her ])arents. Elmer Higley come to Butler about i8fi5 and engaged in the l)usiness of buying and selling produce and in other mercantile lines. He established the first newspaper in Butler, called the Banner of Liberty. After conducting this pioneer publication for a time, he removed the plant to the town of Auburn and began the publication of the Auburn Times. After a short time he went west and his death occurred in LeMars, Iowa. Beside the subject, he had one other child, Leverett G.

Luther H. Higley acquired a splendid basis for the success which he has achieved in his chosen vocation, he ha\ing graduated from the scientific course in the Fayette Normal School. After com])leting hi> stutlies in this institution, he accepted the position of assistant ])rincii>al td' the lUitler schools, which he occupied with marked ability for a year. He subse(iuently filled the position of principal in the schools at Rolling Prairie, Indiana. Becoming restless under confining stress of pedagogical routine, he ga\e up this profession and, coming to Butler, purchased the Butler Rcconl. of which he is now owner and editor.

The subject was married, on h'ebruary y, i88q, to Carrie Palmerton, daughter of \\'esley and Sarah ( Xelson ) Palmerton, who were early settlers in DeKalb county. To this union were l)orn three children : Ethel, who married Fred E. Voight, of \\'ashington, I). (.'. : Robert Dale, and Ruth Madonna. While he has not sought public office, Mr. Higley has been selected by his fellow citizens to sei-ve on the board of education for two terms, and his early training in educational work has stood him in good stead in solving the many problems presented to that body. He has always been a w arm supjiorter of the Republican party. Fraternallx", the subject is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, while his church relations are with the Methodist Episcopal church.

In addition to the local paper, Mr. Higley has built up an extensive mailorder business in the printing line, which amounts to several times as nnich as the local field affords, and in 1903 he established the Epu'orth l.nu/nr Quarterly, which now has a circulation of n\er twenty-four thousand copies and circulates in every Northern state from Maine to California. His commercial lines are handled by several salesmen on the road and l)y several jobbing houses in the large cities. The business has had a steady growth and is still growing.

Joseph Perry Heitz

One of the conspicuous names on tlic \\<\. of I )eKalb county agriculturists is Josepli Perry Ik-itz, proprietor of a fine farm in Butler townsliip, a gentleman of high standing to whom has not been denied a full measure of success. Long recognized as a factor of importance in connection with the farming and stock-raising industries here, he has been prominently identified with the material growth and prosperity of this part of the state, his life having been closely interwoven with the history of the county where he has been content to live and follow his chosen \ocation for over a cpiarter of a century.

Joseph P. Heitz was horn in DeKalb county, Indiana, on August 29, 1870, and is the son of John II. and Lydia (Groves) Heitz, lioth of whom were natives of Ohio. John H. Heitz came to 'DeKalb county many years ago, settling in Butler townshi]), where he sjjent the balance of his life, having been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are now both deceased. To them were liorn fi\-e children. Josejih P., the immediate subject of this sketch; Edith, deceased; Cora E., Calvin W. and Georgia, deceased.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood and spent his earlier \-ears under the direction of his father on the home fr.rm. Pie was wise in deciding to make agriculture his life work, for in this line of endeavor he has achieved a most pronounced success and is today numbered among the representative agriculturists of Butler township. He owns eighty acres of land and also operates one hundred and sixty acres adjoining. He carries on a general line of farming, raising all the crops common to this locality, and also gives some attention to the breeding and raising of live stock.

On December 12, 1906, Mr. Heitz was married to Oma Dale Strausc, the daughter of Joseph and Katherine (Krick) Strause, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany. The latter came to the United States when six months old with her parent';, who settled at Pittsburgh, later moving to Wayne count}', Indiana, where the\- remained until Mrs. Krick was married, when they came to DeKalb cmmty and located in Keyser township. They became the parents of eleven children, namely : Mary, Boston, Ida, Rolando; Alice, deceased; Cora, deceased; Emma, William, Amanda, Oma, the subject's wife, and Elmer. The father of these children has passed

Politically, Mr. Heitz is a Democrat, though his private business interests have demanded his sole attention and he has no time for public affairs. Nevertheless, he takes a proper interest in local events and gives his support to all those things which tend to advance the welfare of the community in any way. He is a man of clean habits and upright life, and enjoys the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem.

George W. Burtzxer

The biograi^hies of successful men are insti'U(.ti\e as guides and incentives to those whose careers are yet ti> b^' achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutixe endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. The gentleman whose life history is herewith briefly set forth is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the spheres U> which his talents and energies have been devoted. The subject, who is the present efficient and capable township trustee of Butler township, is known by his neighbors and friends as a citizen of high rank, a public-spirited man who has ever manifested a willingness to ser\-e his fellow men.

George W. Burtzner was born March 9, 1859, '" Butler township, De- Kalb county, Indiana, the son of John and Anna (Lung) Burtzner, the father a nati\-e of Gernianv, and the mother of Ohio. John Burtzner was one of the pioneers in DeKalb county and was a man highl_\- respected by the early settlers. To this worthy couple were born three children: Mrs. Ellen E. Rinehold lives in Jackson township; .Susanna, deceased, and the subject. John Burtzner died on November 16, i860, at the age of thirty-nine \ears. and his widow afterward married Peter Pair, of Allen county, Indiana, who is deceased. Her death occurred on February 16. 1885.

The subject attended the common schools typical of that period, devoting himself to the "three Rs" during the short winter terms and being of great assistance to his mother on the home farm when not thus engaged.

On September 4, 1881, the subject of this review was married to Rachel A. Lyon, daughter of John N, and Sarah A. (Reynolds) Lyon. To John and Sarah Lyon were born seven children, namely; John R., Isaac, Mary J.

The subject and wife have been blessed with the birth uf twu children: Cliff L., who li\es on a farm in Ohio, and Mrs. Mary I. !\Iowry, who is living at the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Burtzner ha\-e gight grandchildren, namely: Oscar E., Lyndes S., Alma, John W. and Letha Mary Rurtzner and Treva D., Kenneth E. and Iris L. Mown,'.

In 1908 the voters of Butler township selected Mr. l>urt«ner for the positimi nf tiiwnship trustee, which oHice he i'; still filling in a nicest capable and satisfactory manner. His administration of the aft'airs of this responsible post has been a matter of just pride to him and when his present term ends in 1914 he will have the enviable right to point to his record as one of economv, efhcienc}- and Inisinesslike management. Mr. liurtzner gi\-es a loyal and active support to the Democratic part}'.

At this time the subject is engaged in general farming on one hundred acres of very valuable and fertile land. His place is a model of all that goes to make up a modern farm. His fraternal spirit finds companionship in Knights of Pythias I-odge No. 19] , of .\uburn.

Isaac Gunsenhouser

Throughout an active and interesting career duty has ever been the motive of action of Isaac > nmsenhouser. one of the iirogressixe agriculturists of Stafford townsliip, DeKalfi count}-, and usefulness to his fellowmen has not been by any means a secondar}- consideration. He has performed \\ell his part in life, and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to sa}' that this localit}' is honored in his citizenship, for he has achieved definite success through his own efforts and is thoroughl}- deserving of the proud American title of selfmade man, the term being one that, in its better sense, cannot but appeal to the loyal admiration of all who are appreciati\-e of our national institutions and the privileges afforded for individual accomplishment. It is a pri\ilege. ever gratifying, in this day and age, to meet a man who has the courage to face the battle of life with a strong heart and steady hand and to win the stern conflict by bringing to bear only those forces w ith which nature has equipped him, self-reliance, self-respect and integrity.

Isaac Gunsenhouser is a nati\-e of the county now honored by his citizenship, he having been born in Stafford townshiji on March 9. 1838, and was the son of John J. and Mary Elizabeth (Strole) Gunsenhouser. John J. Gunsenhouser was born in Switzerland, and at the age of twelve years accompanied his parents on their removal to the United States, they first settling in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Sometime later Mr. Gunsenhouser remox-ed to Summit county, Ohio, and still later to DeKalb county, Indiana. His wife, who was born and raised in Summit county, Ohio, w as married to him there, and accompanied him to DeKalb count} in iS^d. Tliev settled on a farm in Stafford town.ship, where they spent tlie remainder of their lives. They were the parents ui ele\eii children, namely: Elizalieth. Jdhn. Marv .\nn, fienrv, Jacoli, Isaac, Lola, Nanc}-, Sarah, George and \\'illiam.

Isaac Gunsenhouser received his education in the public schmils ;ind was reared to the life of a farmer, which \ocatii)n he followed for ele\"en }ears. He then engaged in the saw-mill Inisiness in Xewville township, which commanded his attention for twelve years, after which he cultivated land in that tuwnshi]) for tweh'e years lunger. He then returned to Stafford township, locating on the old home farm \\here he now resides, and there took care of his parents until their death. He is an U]i-to-date, progressixe farmer, giving due attention to every detail of his work, and has been xery successful in this vocation. In 1905 his wife departed this life and he then arranged for his daughter and her husband to make their home w itii him. he retaining a life interest in the twenty-four acre farm.

In i860 Mr. Gunsenhouser married Roseana -\. Dickerhoff. the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Alacobie ) Dickerhoff, who were from Summit county. Ohio, and who were among the enrly settlers of DeKalb county. To Mr. and ]\lrs. Gimsenhouser have been born two children. Mary V... and Inez, deceased.

Politicalh-, Mr. Gunsenhouser has always assumed a rather indepeiideut attitude, especially in local affairs, and has been elected by his fellow citizens to a numljer of prominent offices, in all of which he has discharged his diities to their entire satisfaction. He served two terms as road supervi.sor of the township, two terms as school director, twelve years as a justice of the peace, and in 1906 was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, assuming his duties on the first Monday of December in that year. .\t tliat time there was a general public impression that there had been some cnuiked work among the county officers, and in res])ousf to ]>ublic scutinient Mr. Gunsenhouser, as commissioner, started an in\-estig;ition. It developed that .several past officials of the countv were compelled to disgorge aliout tbirt\ two thou.sand dollars, which had been unlawfully taken from the county funds.

The only expense of this investigation was that of an expert accountant. Fraternally, Mr. Gunsenhouser is a member of the Masonic order, in the workings of whicli he tal<es an appreciative interest. His influence is always given to every niox'ement having for its object the advancement of the best interests of the community, and among those who know him best he stands high, for his life has been s([uare to e\eryone that knew him, so ordering his course in all the relations of life as to command the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.

Karl Gerner

It is a generally acknowledged fact that journalism is one of the most important factors in twentieth-century life, exerting as it does an influence on practically ever)' department of society. This relation is just as actual and potent in the smaller cities and towns as in the larger cities and he who directs the policy of a newspaper, or wields the pen which gives expression to that policy, exerts a personal control over local thought and action not equaled by any other profession. Among the newspaper men of DeKalb county, who have, by their progressive attitude toward local affairs, contributed in a very definite measure to the advancement of the communit)-. is the gentleman \\liose name appears above and who is successfully ]:)ublishin,y- the Courier, at Auburn, Indiana.

Karl Gerner, the son of Christian and Katherine (Keller) Gerner, was l>orn in Adelheim, Baden, Germany, January 17, 1854. His parents came to this country, in 1857, and settled at Pittsburgh, Pennsvl\-ania. His father was a locksmith by trade, but later entered the mercantile business and continued in that for the remainder of his active life. Both of his parents are deceased. His father served in the revolution of 1848 in. Germany under General Segil. and was forced to leave the country on this account. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerner, Sr., were born five children, three of whom are still living.

'Karl Gerner was educated in the public schools of Pittsliurgh. Pennsylvania, and coninued his education at Mcadville in the same state. He later went to Boston and completed the' law course in that citw I'eeling that the West offered the best field for the practice of his profession, he went to Iowa and located at Storm Lake, where he continued to practice for four vears. He then went to Colorado and practiced law and was appointed the .United States commissioner, after which he went to South Dakota and en- tered a government claim at Jroqiiois, in that state. He continued hi.s practice in South Dakota for fourteen years, and was \'ery successful in all of his cases. An indication of his success is found in the fact that he was elected a member of the first South Dakota Legislature, upon the admission of that state to the Union.

After leaving the Legislature Mr. Gerner gave up his law practice and the newspaper business. He was one of the founders of the Iroquois Chief, in South Dakota, and continued that pai)er until 189O, when he came to Lidiana. He located at Waterloo, DeKalb county, and started the SUz'cr Dawn, a paper which adv<x'ated the free and unlimited coinage of sih-er. as set forth by the Democratic party at that time. He continued this publication until 1909. when he sold it. He subsequently became associated with the Auburn Dispatch, and when the Dispatch was sold to the .\ul)urn Printing Company he took charge of the Auburn Courier, which he still nianage>.

In 1883 Karl Cierner was married to Harriett Alather, the dauglUe:- of Elias and Eliza ( Herrick ) Mnther. Mrs. Cerner's father v.as l.r.n in Williamstown. Alassachusett-, and was a lineal descendant of Cotton Mather, famous preacher of Salem, Massacliu-etts. uf the early coioniiil da\r. !ier mother, Eliza, was born in Aurora, Olno. and her parents were pioneer.- at Twinsburg, that state. Her grandfather. James Herrick. was a native of Connecticut. When Harriett's mother was a child of ten, her ]jarents mo\e 1 to New Jersey and later to Illinois, wdiere her father died. She, her sister and the mother went to South Dakota, and lived there until her marriage to Mr. Gerner. In her younger days Mrs. Gerner attended the L'ni\ersity of Michigan at -Ann Arbor. She began teaching school at the age of sixteen, in Illinois, and later taught in South Dakota until her marriage, .\fter they came back to Indiana she taught in the public schools of \\'aterloo for three years. She became a member of the Progressive Literary Club at \\'ater!oo. and \\as also a valued member of the Fortnightly Chili of that ])lace. In the littrary clubs she began to urge the desirability of a public library at \\aterloo. and continued to urge the idea with great persistence. Others took up the proposition and with the joint effort of all the clubs of the town and the Woman's Christian Temperance L^nion, a library was finally established, and later the Carnegie Library w^as erected as a result of that beginning. Mr. and Mis. Gerner have two children, Karl and Harold. Karl is clerking in the offices of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad at Garrett, and Harold is still at home.

Mr. Gerner has always taken an active part in different fraternal organizations. 'While in Dakota he was grand master of the Ancient Order of

United Workmen. After coming to Indiana he became worsliipful master of the Free and Accepted Masons at Waterloo, and he also served one term as worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. ^Ir. Gerner has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and his papers ha\^e always upheld the principles of that party. In his long service as a newspaper man he has had the opportunity to advance the interests o\ 1iis partv in a verv material way.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerner ha\-e ahvays taken a large part in e\er\- actix'ity which had for its object the bettering of the community in which they live. They ha\e lieen on the right side of all the educational or moral questions, and their influence has been an u])lift to the neighborhood in which they have li\-ed. It is generally acknowledged that the influence of Mrs. Gerner had more to do with the decently dedicated lil)rary at \\'aterloo thnn anv. other person.

Elias Schopf

To attain a worthy citizenship bv a life that is always honored and respected even from childhood deserves more than mere mention. One may take his place in public life through some \-igorous stroke of public ]jolicy, and even remain in the hearts of neighbors and friends, but to take the same position by dint of the practice of an upright life, and without a craving for exaltation and popularity, is worthy of the highest praise and commendation. The late EHas Schopf, one of the successful men and public-spirited citizens of DeKalb county, Indiana, who departed this life on January 31, 191 r, and who was well known throughout this community, was a man lionored and respected, not because of the \igorous training of his special talents, but because of his daily life, each day Iiaxing been one that was abov'e criticism and ]3assed upon in the light of real, true manhood. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men, he not oidy made his presence felt, but also gained the good will and confidence of l">oth his associates and the general public, ever retaining his re])utation among men for integrity and character, no matter how trying the circumstances, and never losing that dignity which is the birthright of a gentleman. Consequently his influence for good in the general life of his community was most potent, and he will long be sadly missed from the various circles in which he moved and over which his influence was like sunshine on a field of ripened wheat.