DeKalb County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 14 of 20)

having been born in Lancaster county on the 5th day of April, 1831. He was a son of Henry and Ehiora Schopf, who, in 1840. loaded their household effects into a co\-ered wagon and brought their children with them to \\'a\ne county,, Indiana. There the subject of this sketch grew to manhood and in i860 was married. Three years later he and his wife came to DeKalb county, locating on a farm aliout one mile south of where Garrett is now located, buying the place where Mrs. Schopf now lives, consisting of eighty acres. At that early day 1mt little of this land had lieen cleared, the major part of the tract l)eing swampy and densely co\'ere(l with timber and undergrowth. Through this wild solitude deer were still to be seen and man\' other wild animals were found, some of whom found a place in the larder of the pioneer families. The hrst home of the famih' here was an old big cabin, l;ut soon afterward a more comfortable and attracti\e frame bouse was erected, and in i8(ji Mr. Schopf erected a sul)stanti;d, well-arranged and attracti\e brick house which is still standing and in which Mrs. Schopf now lives. Early in life Mr. Schopf had learned the trade of cigar makmg, which, for a time, be followed here in the earl\ days, luit he soon abandonefl that work and ga\e his entire attention to farming. In this be was successful, for he was energetic and methodical in his work, giving attention to every detail of the impnjvement and cultivation of bi^ land until he bad developed it into one of the best farms in this locality. Personally, Mr. Schojif was a man of intelligence and high character, whose life, though (|uiet. was eminently useful to the community in many ways. He was a man among men, standing "fours(|uare to e\ery wind that blew." and all who knew him realized that he was the possessor of good attributes which could be relied upon. Broad-minded and sagacious in his views of men and things, he was generous in his relations with all causes which appeared to him to be for the betterment of the community and in the early life of neKalli couiU) he was e\er read\- to perform bis share in helping to lighten the Inirdens of his fellow iiioneer.s. He was -trongly domestic in bis tastes and to his wife he was a loving, thoughtful husl)and, with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of life for (wer a half centurv, while to bis children he ga\e that thoughtful care and kindly attention which endeared him to them. His death was the first in this large fnmily, as all the children and grandchildren sur\ive him.

On Novemlier 15, 1860. Klias Schopf married fatherine Strouse. who was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, November 28, 1841, a daughter of .Philip and Sarah (Long) Strouse. \Mien she was about eighteen years of age she came to \N'avne county. Jndiana, to join ;i brother who had jM-eceded her and with whom she lived until her marriage to Mr. Schopf. To them were bom ten children, four sons and six daughters, namely: Boston Walter, born August 12, 1861, lives on the home farm; Savannah EHzabeth, born October 18. 1862, is the wife of Irving Smith, of Hillsdale, Michigan; Viola Ellen, born March 28, 1864, married Daniel Lung and lives in Butler township, this count}- ; Sarah Catherine, born December 28. 1867. is the wife of Percy Cornell, of Jackson, P>utler township, this county: Philip Monroe, born November 18, 1869, married Louise Miller, and they li\'e in Garrett, this county; Carilla Larah, torn May 18. 1872, is the wife of \Villiam Heitz, and lives in P'owlerton, Indiana; Anise Maria, born March 22, 1875, is the wife of Bert Fitch, of Garrett: Sylvester Sydney, born January 12, 1877. married Semma Knott, who is now deceased, and he lives on the old home place, being in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Companx-; Preston Darius, bom April 15, 1879, and who is a watchmaker by \-ocation. is living at home; Almeda Stella, born .\pril i-j. 1881, is the wife of Alliert Barringer,, of San Francisco, California. The following grandchildren are included in this family record : Mrs. Savannah Smith's two children, Russell and Raymond; Mrs. Daniel Lung's fixe children, .\lta, .Vrchie, Arlie, Frankie and Edna: ]Mrs. Sarah Cornell's four children, Ethel, Esther, Ernest and Myrtle: Mrs. .\nise Fitch is the mother of four children, Ivan, Oscar. Thelma and Floretta; Sylvester has a son, Danford; Mrs. Lung's daughter, Alta, married Walter Downend, and they have two daughters, Catherine and Laurine. and Mrs. Lung's son, Frank, married Myrtle Mowen-, and they have one son. Lester.

In 1868 Mr. and Mrs. Schopf became meml)eis of the Reformed Mennonite church, and their li\es e\er afterward were fairly consistent with the profession they thus made. Generous, charitable and kind in all their relations with their fellin\s, none of the old residents of this communitx' ever enjoyed the confidence and respect of all more than this worthy couple, and Mrs. Schopf is now belo\-ed l^y all who know her because of her kinrlK- (|ualities and the thoughtful regard which she entertains for all who come in contact with her.

In the death of H. F. DeLong, which occurred on February 4, 1889, there was removed another one of those prominent agriculturalists of DeKalb countv, Indiana, who made thei^r wav in life bv force of their merits and in- dustry from small beginnings to splendid successes, and his meiiior\- will long be revered and his influence for good felt in this section of nur cduinionwealth, for he belonged to that class of worthy and no]>le citizens who leave behind them a worthy name. 3ilr. DeLong was born on November 19, 1836, in Miami county, Ohio, the son of James and Elizabeth DeLong, both of whom were natives of Penns\'Ivania. They were the parents of the following children; Mrs. Philena Junes, who li\es in Kansas: M. F.. the subject of this sketch: David D.. deceased: Sophia, deceased, and Mrs. Emma Bangs, of Montana.

The subject of this sketch was linu'ght liy his |iarents in DeKalb c')unt\-, Indiana, when but two years old, and has thus been an eye witness of the w'onderful transformation which lias taken place during the iuter\euing years. At that early period settlers w'ere but few and far between. The timber stretched for many miles in e\-ery direction. \\ ith an occasional caloin clearing here and there, while but few efforts had at that time been made to develop agriculture as it is now practiced. He devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, and in iSf)T .-ettled im the fine farm of eighty-nine acres in Richland townshi]). where his -widow now resides and to the improvement and cultivation of which he dexoted liimself through the years and the success he attained entitled him to rank among the foremost farmers nf the vicinit\ . He carried on generrd farming and also gave some attention to .stock raising, giving intelligent and agreealile direction to all of his lal.iovs.

On July 25, 1867, Mr. DeLong married Jane McCrum. who was born in Canada on September J5. 1838, the daughter of James and Mary A. (Chugham) McCrum, both of whom were nati\'es of Ireland. Mrs. DeLong was but three vears old wdien her parents brought her to DeKalb county, and here she has resided continuously since. To Mr. and ^Mrs. DeLong w ere born the following children: Marian S., of DeKalb county: Mrs. Alice Wittig, of Defiance county, Ohio: Mrs. Zoe Washburn, of this county: Clarence E., of Whitlev county, this state. The mother of the'^e children is still residin- on the old farm and, despite her se\enty-five years, she is enjoying good health and has the confidence and esteem of all who know her.

Politically, Mr. DeLong was a Republican of the luost radical t>i)e, and took an active interest in the success of his party, as well as in general affairs, though he held no public office. Religiously, he was a consistent and earnest member of the LTnited Brethren church, to the support of which he contributed liberally of his means. Mr. DeLong was a public spirited man in all that the term implied, being ever interested in enterprises tending towards the general welfare, and withheld his support frcjiu no movement foi- the good of the locality so long honored by his residence. His personal relations with his fellowmen were e\er mutually ]ileasant and agreeable, and he was highl\- regarded by all, being easily appn^ached. obliging and straightforward in all the relations of life.

Forrst Millf

Tt was remarked by a celelirated moralist and biographer that "there has scarcely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would not have been useful." Believing in the truth of this opinion, expressed by one of the greatest and best of men, the writer of this review takes pleasure in presenting a few facts in the career of a gentleman who, by industry, perseverance, temperance and integrity, has worked himself from an humble station to a successful place in life and won an honorable position among the wellknown and highly esteemed men of the localit}- in which he resides.

Forest Miller is a nati\-e of Steulien county. Indiana, where lie was bom on September 20, 1875, and is a son of William Henry and Sarah (Martin) Miller. William H. Miller was born in Stark county, Ohio, and came to DeKalb county, Indiana, when nineteen years of age. In 1874 he married Sarah, the daughter of .Mbert ^lartin, and his death occurred l'>l)ruary 5, iQOd, on the homestead farm. Mr. Martin, who was a millwright by trade, lived in Steuben county, Indiana, although a native of Ohio, owning a farm in the abo\e countw and also one in DeKalb county. Mr. Martin was a soldier in the Civil war and died in Kentucky after two years" service. His widow went to Kentucky and brought his body home and he was burietl at Hamilton, Indiana. Mrs. Sarah Miller, his mother, who also was a native of Ohio, is now deceased. They were the parents of nine children, \v/. : Forest, the subject of this sketch; Don Carlos, William, George A., Lew, Mrs. Florence Sutherland, and three who died in infancy. Don Carlos li\-es on a farm in Smithfield township and also operates a threshing machine. \\"illiam is married and li\es in San Francisco, California. George, who also is married, lives in South Dakota, where he runs a grain ele\ator. Lew li\es at \'ancouver. Canada, and is a gas fitter by occupation. I'^orence became the wife of Elmer Sutherland and lives in Snu'thfield tciwnship, where her husband is following the farming pursuit.

life began assisting in tlie work on the home farm. At the age of twenty-one years he received an inheritance of thirteen hundred dollars, and tlieieafter was employed at various lalior until twenty-six years of age, when he liought eighty acres of land in Smitlificld township. After farming this land for three years he sold it and hDugiit a Iialf interest in a favm <.\ one hunched and sixty acres known as the James Clark farm, acniss from the Clark school. This land he operated a year, and then sold his interest in it to his wife's uncle. O. J. Camp. Then he rented this farm for nine \eais. making many improvements and spending about five hundred and fifty dolLars on it.

In 1907, after the settlement of the father's estate. Mr. Miller hnuglit the interest of the two brothers in forty-five acres of lanrj in the southern part of the old homestead across from the Christian church in Smithfield township, and in April, 1913. he bf>ught one hundred and sixty acres from the O. J. Camp estate, comprising the farm he originally rented.

Mrs. Miller received forty acres from her father's estate in igoH, and subsequently she bought forty acres more from her sister, Mrs. Maude Duncan, this land being now rented to Coliert C.aetz. in all his affairs Mr. Miller has been characterized by sountl judgment antl untiring energy, so tliat he has succeeded in achiexdng a genuine success where man_\- others would have gained but mediocre results. He gave his personal attention to ever_\- detail in his farm work, and maintained his place at the place of h.ighest agricultural excellence. He raises all the crops common to his locality, and also gives some attention to the handling of Vwe stock, in w hich he has lieen \-ery successful.

On December 25, 1901, l^Vtrest Miller was married to Eva Camp, the daughter of Aaron and Amanda ( Hasselman ) Camp, and to tliem has been born one child, Lloyd Wilson, and iMr. and Mrs. Miller, out of the kindness of their hearts, have adopted a daughter who is now known as luhel ( Hope) Miller. Politically, Mr. Miller is a Democrat, progressive in his ideas and is numbered among the men of achanced thought in that localit\-. iM-aternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of .X.shley, and is held in the highest esteem by his fraternal brethren. He is one of those solid men of brain and substance so essential to the material growth and prosperity of a community and whose influence is willingly extended in behalf of every deserving enterprise that has for its object the advancement of the moral welfare of the locality. His success in life has been the legitimate result of consecutive effort, directed and controlled l>y good judgment and correct i)nncii)les.

Samuel Harrison Downend

Improvement and progress may well be said to form the keyn(jte of the character of Samuel Harrison Downend. a well known and influential farmer and stock raiser of Keyser township, and he has not only been interested in the work of advancing his own imlividual affairs, but his influence is felt in the upbuilding of the community. He has been an industrious man all his life, striving to keep abreast of the times in every respect, and as a result every mile post of the years he has passed has found him further advanced, more prosperous, and with an increased number of friends.

Samuel Harrison Downend is a native son of the old IBuckeye state, having been born on December 13, 1859, in Richland county, Ohio, and is the son of John and Sarah (Bechtel) Downend. John Downend, who also was born in Richland county, Ohio, on July ti, 1834, was the son of James and Eliza Downend, who were natives of Lincolnshire, England, from whence they came to America probably in W-ax. 1834, locating in Richland county, Ohio, where the}- spent the remainder of their lives on a farm. There their son John grew to manhood, and on February to, 1859, married Sarah A. Bechtel, who was born in M'ayne county, Ohio, on May 6, 18^0, the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Harmon) Bechtel. On !\farch 20, t86t, John Dowend and his wife came to DeKalb county, Indiana, locating in Kcjser township, wdiere Mr. Downend had pre\'ious]y liought a tract ' of land in sections 7 and 8 in the southwestern part of that township, and here they lived until their deaths, acquiring a fine estate of one hundred and forty acres. They became the parents of four children, Samuel H. ; Clara, deceased ; Franklin, who died in infancy; and Charles E., the latter now living in Fort Wayne, and is a traveling salesman. The father of these children died on October 11, 1895, and his wife on October 6, ]S^2.

The subject of this sketch \\as reared under the parental roof and' as soon as old enough took a hand in the culti\'ation and improvement of the home farm. He received his educational training in the district schools of that neighborhood, and at the age of twenty-two years he went west, where the following two years \\ere spent. At the death of his mother Mr. Dow nend returned home and remained witli his father and sister, having operated the home farm continuously since.

On March 11, 1885, Mr. Downend was married to Laura Houser, who was born in what was then the northern part of Butler township, now in Keyser township. Her death occurred on February 21, 1912, at the age of forty-eight years. She was the daughter of Henry and EHzabeth Houser, and was born on May 30, 1865. She was a devoted \\ife, a lo\'ing mother, a good neighbor and highly esteemed by aU who knew her. By her uniun w ith Mr. Downend she became the mother of four children; Harr}- E., born June 29, 1886, and who married Ella Clark, now lives in Garrett, and is the father of two children, Dorothy and Harriett; Walter E., liorn April 27, 1888, married Alta Lung, and has two daughters, Catherine and Laurine. He li\es on the home farm with his father; Bertha, born January ly, 1890, married Perry Gump, and they live on the latter's farm near Mr. Downend's place; William J., born May 19, 1896, lives in Garrett, where he is employed in the LTnited States Express Company and also farming.

Mr. Downend is an active supporter of the Democratic party and in 1908 was elected trustee of Keyser township, holding the office for a six-year term and being its present incumbent. He exercises in his official position the same business methods and enterprising spirit which has characterized his own affairs, and is performing the duties of his office to the full satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a man of kindly impulses and genial nature and because of his excellent qualities of character and the splendid success which he has attained, he is deserving of the high regard in which he is universally held throughout his section of the county.

Simon Peter Kosht

There is nowhere a more lieautiful fanning country than the fertile rolling prairies of Wilmington t(nvnship in DeKalb count}'. In the growing seasons of the year they present a rare picture, rattle grazing in the verd:mt pa.stures. fields of corn and oats waving in the l)reezes. Not only do they gratify the eve. but tliev as well richly reward the men who possess them and are the owners of the luxurious crops which they produce. ' And the farm of ]\rr. Kosht is unexcelled among the farms of U'ihnington townsln'p.

Simon Peter Kosht is a native of the old Buckeye state, liaxing been born in .Ashland county, Ohio, on .\ugust 2_|. 1858, the son of Daniel and I^izabeth (Dash) Kosht. The father was a native of Pennsyhania and his wife was born in Ohio. He came to the latter state from Pennsyhnnia and there met and married his wife. Afterwards in i86ri. they mcned to HeKalb (50) count}', Indiana, settling' in Union township, where he followed farming during the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife are now deceased. To them were born fifteen children, namely: Philip, Josiah and Harriett, who are deceased; George, Sarah, Eli, Simon P., Francis, David: Mary Ellen, deceased; Barbara Jane, deceased; \\'illiam, Emma and Emmett, twins, and Cora.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools and has followed farming since his boyhood days, to which vocation he vfas reared. His tine farm in Wilniington township comprises seventy-four acres of good, tillable land, on which he carries on general farming, raising a general line of crops, and in connection therewith a portion of his time and attention has been given to the raising of live stock, which in these modern days of intelligent farming is one of the most valuable auxiliaries to a w-ell conducted farm. Mr. Kosht is progressive in his ideas, hesitating not to adopt new niethods and discard the old when the change is fmmd to be advantageous. He keeps his fences and Iniildings in good repair and buys the very best machinery, and is industrious and energetic in his personal habits, so that he. has been enabled to reap a large reward for his labors.

On May 4, 1884, Simon P. Kosht and Elizabeth Grabill were united in marriage, the fruit of their union being two cliildren. David R., who married- Donna Engle, and .\nnie May, who became the wife of Don Hindeman, of -Concord township, this county. Mrs. Kosht is the daughter of Abraham and Mary ( Saylor) Grabill, the former a native of the German empire and the latter born in Penns\'l\'ania. They became the parents of seven children, namely: David: .\gnes, deceased: Katherine, Elizaljeth, Jacob, Henry, and Anna, deceased. The parents of these children are also both deceased. They were residents of DeKalb county from 1863 up to the time of their death, and during this period the_\' enjoyed the confidence and gODfl will of all \'i ho l<new them.

Mr. Kosht, in his political views, is in fair harmon}' with the platform and policies of the Democratic party, which he has supported ever since attaining his majority and he takes an active interest in advancing the party in this locality. Fraternall)-, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Eellows and his religious affiliation is with the Christian chruch. He has been successful in his efforts, and is today, not only one of the leading farmers of the township in which he resides, but occupies a prominent place among the solid and substantia] men of the community. His character is such as to win for him in a marked degree the esteem and friendship of those who know him and all who meet him are favorably impressed.

John Deihl

Prominent in tlie affairs of DeKalb county and distinguished as a citizen whose influence is extended tar l)eyi)nd tiie limits of the community honored by his residence, the name of John Deihl stands out a conspicuous figure among the successful farmers of the locality of which this volume treats. .Ml of his undertakings have been actuated h)- noble motives and high resolves and characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong indix'idualit}-, and his success and achievements but represent the result of tit utilization of innate talent in directing effort along those 1ine^ where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way.

John Deihl was born on May 8, 1865, in Indiana countw Pennsylvania, and is a son of George and Nancy (Oba) Deihl. George Deihl was a native of (rermany and a son of John and Elizabeth Deihl. who. in 1830. brought their family to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, George Deihl being at that time about six years old. He had a brother of precocious intellect and attainment, who. at the earl)' age of eight }'ears. was clerk at a s.ale in Ciermanw He never left the fatherland and died there, (ieorge Deihl was reared in Pennsylvania and there married Xancy Oba. a native of Bedford county. that state, and the daughter of John and Xancy ( Bachtel ) Oba. Cieorge Deihl died in Pennsyh-ania in Xo\-ember. r8(S(). and two years later his widow came to DeKalb county and made her home w ith her children until her death, which occurred on July 3, 1906.

John Deihl was reared to manhood in l'enns\l\ama, --ecuriug his e;hication in the common schools of his home locality, and on Septemlier 9. 1879. he left home and came to DeKalb county. Indiana, where his father owned a farm in Richland township and there the suliject has lived continuously since with the exception of aliout two years, which he s])ent back at liis Pennsylvania home a short time after coming to this state. Upon coming to Indiana the second time he made lii-^ home for a while with the ()1)a family antl while there met his future wife. She later moved to .\bi!ene, Kansas, and there he went and married her in 1891. She had received a splendi<l education and had engaged in teaching school near her present home three \-ears before she went west. Her maiden name was Emma C. Davidson, a sister of Henry Davidson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and in which will be found something of the family history. John Deihl, at the time of his marriage, owned a farm of forty acres in the northern part of Keyser township. near his present home, and on this place he li\ed until 1896, when he sold it and moved to near Haynes Corners. In 1896 he built his present home on the old farm formerly owned by his father and mox-ed there in 1897, and has lived there continuously since. He is now the owner of over t\\ o hundred acres of splendid land in his home farm in Richland township, and in tlie operation of this place hte has met with a well merited success, for he has so conducted his operations as to insure a successful outcome. He has carried on a general line of farming and in connection with agriculture has given considerable attention to the raising of live stock, ha\ing raised and sold more sheep than any other man in DeKalb county. In this line alone he has earned a wide-spread reputation and has done much to advance the interests of sheep-raising in this section of the state. He has made man\- permanent and substantial improvements on the home farm, all of which licar evidence to his enterprise and progressive spirit, and in the public and civic life of the community he is ecjually enterprising, gix'ing his support to e\erything which promi.=es to be of material, social or educational benefit to the community.

To Mr. and Mrs. Deihl have been torn four children. George. Roy, \'ictor and Dorothy, all of whom are at home w ith their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Deihl mo\e in the best social circles of the community, where they ha\'e long been numbered among the best citizens, and wherever known they are held in high esteem, for they possess to a marked degree f|ualities wiiich win and retain friendship.

The following is a brief sketch of the life of one who, by close attention to business, has achieved marked success in the world's affairs and risen to an honorable position among the enterprising men of the county with which his interests are identified. It is a plain record, rendered remarkable by no strange or mx'steriijus ach-enture, no wonderful or lucky accident and no tragic situation. Mr. Milks is one of those estimable cliaracters whose integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality upon the a,ge in which they live.

David Milks was born on .\pril 3, i8()i, in Green county, Wisconsin, a son of Ezra and Sarah (Ronds) Alilks. Ezra Milks, who was a native of New York state, went to Pennsyhania with his parents in young manhood and soon afterwards migrated to Wisconsin, where he followed agricultural pursuits during practically his entire life. He was born in 1820, and died at the Soldiers' Home in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1907, having- been a veteran of the Civil war. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Ronds, was born in Massachusetts in 1827 and died in Wisconsin on June 7, 1909. Mr. Milks was the father of seven children, of whom three, Amori, Thomas and Hattie, were born of his first union, and four, ['"rank, Ruth, David and Ella (Mrs. Estes), to the second union. Mrs. Milks, the subject's mother, had a child, Martha, by a former marriage, she being now deceased.

David Milks was reared on the paternal homestead, receiving a common school education and following the \ocation of farming during his early manhood years. In the spring of 1887 he went to Kansas, where he remained until 1902, being engaged in farming operations, and then came to Smithfield township, DeKalb county, Indiana, and bought the Kimmel farm of one hundred and forty acres. In the fall of 191 1 he bought a residence property in Ashley, this county, remodeling the same and moving into it in the spring of the following }'ear, his son, Bert, taking charge of the farm. The latter place is one of the best farms in Sniithlield township, being well drainetl and practically all under cultix'ation, \er)' little timber being on the place. From the age of tweh'e years until he attained his majurity Mr. Milks was reared by Arnold Bennett, who gave to him the same careful attention that he would have given to a son of his own blood. Mr. INIilks has proven to l>e a man of broad, humanitarian impulses, and he has not only achie\-e(l a large success in his own personal affairs, but has also been successful as a citizen, giving the proper care and attention to those things which have for their object the advancement of the general welfare of the community.

On Christmas day, 1886, Mr. Milks was married to Maria, the daughter of Jacob and Angeline (Mincrt) Ahley. Jacob .\bley was a native of the little republic of Switzerland, where he remained until twenty-four years of age, when he emigrated to the United States and here followed the trade of a carpenter until his marriage, in September, 1859, tn .\ngeline Minert. He was married in Wisconsin and there he settled on a farm. He followed agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred on April 18, 1897. By this union Mr. Abley became the father of six children. Mrs. Maria Milks. Cassie, Ida, Mrs. I-izzie Lewis, William and ]\Irs. Vera Marlcook. The mother of these children was a native of Indiana. lx)rn near Covington, Vermilion and died in Albany, Wisconsin, on July 28, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs.

Politically, David .Milks, gives liis earnest support to the Repulilican part}', in the counsels nf which he was a prominent figure for nianv vears. Fraternally, he is a memlicr of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Ashley! Religiously, he has for a numher of years been a member of the Christian cliurch, of which he has ser\-ed as treasurer and is now one of its deacons. A man of kindly and charitable impulses, he breathes a spirit of optimism wherever he goes, and those who know him best hold him in the highest regard. A man of clean character, a g(iod business manager and "keenly alive to the highest and best interests of his community, he is entitled to that measure of confidence and regard in which he is held bv his fellow citizens.

The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their family and of the community, and it is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men in the ranks of whona may be found tillers of soil, mechanics, teachers, as well as lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other vocations and professions. The subject of this sketch is distinctively one of the leading citizens of the township in which he li\-es, and as such has made his influence felt among his fellow men and earned a name for enterprise, integrit}' and honor that entitles him to worth}- notice in a work of the nature of this volume.

Xoah A. Lung was born in Ihitler townshi]). DeKalh county, December 2T,. 1862, the son of Samuel and Sarah Jane ( Showers) Lung, the father a nati\e of Ohio, born Juh' 25. 1835, and died October 12, 1900, the mother born November 29, 184^, and died March 3, 1888. To them were born ten children: Charity. Xoah ,\,, Daniel, Ferry, deceased; Thomas. William, Alice, deceased: Jeremiah, Paul, deceased, and Samuel, deceased. The subject of this sketch was given a good common school education, after which he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, and engaged in teaching" for three years. Subsequently he took up the pursuit of agriculture and followed the same in Butler township until 1904, when he moved to Union township, where he farmed for fixe years, from there removing to Fairfield township, wliere he now resides. His landed possessions amount to one hundred and sixty acres. Noah Lung was married on Juh- 28, 1886, to Sarah Hawk, daughter of Adam and Nancy (Johnson) Hawk. Adam Hawk was Ijorn in Chanii)aign county, Ohio, in 1826, and died in 1878. }le was a farmer all his life in Adams county, Indiana. His wife \vas born in Harrison count\', Ohin, June 10, 1833, and she passed away February 3, 1904. The Johnson famil\- were among the first settlers in Harrison county, Indiana. To Adam and Xancy Hawk were born seven children; Lemuel, deceased: John, deceased; .\. J.; Rebecca, deceased: ^lary, deceased; Sarah J. and \'alentine. To the subject and wife have been born six children; Alabel married Henry Emme, of Union township: Jennie married Max Lower, of Toledo: Arthur is at home; Lulu married Herman Alartz; Blanche married Paul Smith, nf Sturgis. .Michigan : Edna is at home.

Fraternally. Mr. Lung is a member of the Knights of Pythias Imlge at Auburn, having gone through the chairs of said lodge. He was elected and served as trustee of Butler townsliii) from Xoxenilier 10, ic.oo, to January i. 1905. He was a member of the state niiliti;i fur three _\'ears and ]3erformed service in the Pullman .strike of 1893. for which he received a bronze medal for meritorious service.

Charles Lehaiback

The virile and wholesome blood of the fatherland, which has .steadily flowed in all its enriching and ])urifying power into the arteries of every industrv and occuiiation of this land, lias prol-ab'y i)een more marked in the development and uplift of agriculture than in any other vocation. With wholesome minds and bodies these welcome emigrants from ih.- Kaiser's domain have formed a part of the vanguard of almost every band of pioneers fighting their way through fore.sts dense, braving untold dangers and suffering severe privations that the\- might do their full share in making their adopted land the glorious nation it is toda\'. Xo more worthy son of the Teutonic race could find a place in the ])ages of this work than he who forms the caption of this brief sketch. The i)hra,se "a self-made man" lias been so frequently abused and so carelessly applied that its full im])oit is often lost, but the friends and accpiaintances of the subject will readily grant, and insist, that, in all its broadest meaning, it but justly and truthfully describes the one whose life inspires this article.

Charles Lehmback was l)orn .\ugust 2^. 1841, in (lerniany. the son ot Christian and Hanna (Geist) Lehml^ack. The father. Christian Lehmback. spent his entire Hfe in Germany, where he died in 1841. He was a farmer all his life and was noted for being thrifty and progressive in his methods. The mother, also a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States w hen the subject was about twenty-six years of age. his two brothers also coming. They came to Auburn, which at that time was sparsely settled. The mother lived in Auburn with her son John until her death. To the subject's parents were born six children; Sophia, deceased: John, who lives in Auburn; Minnie; Reggie, or Regina, deceased; Mary, deceased, and Charles. The mother was married a second time, to Carl Kruse, whose decease occurred previous to her deatli. To this union was born one child. William, who lives in Auburn.

In December. i8fi8. Charles Lehmback was uniteil in lioly wedlock with Fredrekia, daughter of John Strube and Fredreka ( Shultz ) Strube, both natives of the fatherland, who came to America and located in Chicago, where they spent the balance of their days, John Strube ])assing aw'ay in 1902. his wife having preceded him across the dark ri\-er one year. To them were born six children; Fredrickia, Charles. Fred. John. Minnie and Lena (Mrs. Brochar).

To Mr. and Mrs. Lehmback ha\e lieen born si.\ children: Minnie; Frank, who lives in Garrett and is em])loyed l)y the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, is married and has three children ; Joh.n. a carpenter, who is married and has four children, living also in Garrett; Lizzie is married to a Mr. Schulthess, retired, of Garrett, and the\' have had fi\e children, two of W'hom are deceased; Liddie, who also lives in Garrett, married a Mr. Martz, who is employed by the Baltimore «S: Ohio Railroad Companx . and they lia\"e one child: Tillie is married to W. M. Miller, also a retired resident of Garrett.

Charles Lehmback worked in .\ul)urn for nine } ears and li\ed for one year on a farm betwen \\'aterloo and Auburn, .\fter leaxing .\u1nirn he came to Keyser township, and rented a farm of one hundred and ten acres, about one-half of which was in timber. He cleared a good portion of this timbered land and after renting the farm for twenty-two years he purchased the tract and is still engaged in active farming. He has built a comfortable residence on the place and the substantial outbuildings are also evidences of his thrift and energy. He has remodeled the barn and fenced and drained the land until it today stands as one of the best agricultural plants in the township and is an inspiring illustration of the old axiom, "where there's a will there's a wav." In the development of this wild tract of timbered land into the model farm it is today, and in the struggles, hardships and trials incident thereto, he has been loyally assisted by his devoted helpmate, who with her honored spouse has the satisfaction of duty well done. They came to the farm with empty hands, but by keeping "everlastingly at it" they ha\e prospered and have been rewarded with a goodly share of this world's goods.

Politically, Mr. Lehmback takes an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party, while his religious affiliations are with the (Jernian Methodist church, of wiiich he is a trustee.

William Goodwix

In the history of DeKalb county, as applying to the agricultural interests, the name of William Goodwin occupies a conspicuous place, for through a number of years he has been one of the representative farmers of Smithfield township, progressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities win success, sooner or later, and to Mr. Goodwin they have brouglit a satisfactory reward for his well-directed efforts, and while he has lienefited himself in a material way, he has also been an influential factor in the educational. ])olitical and moral uplift of the community fa\'ored with his citizenshi]).

William Goodwin was born on August 24. iS^'i, on the old (ioodwin homestead in section 33. Smithfield township. DeKall) county. Indiana, and is the son of Daniel and Susannah (Kiefer) Goodwin. Daniel Goodwin, who was a native of Ashland county. Ohio, emigrated to DeKalb county, Iiidiana, when about thirty years of age, coming with his wife and son in 1S54. Hebought two hundred and eight acres of land in the fall of the previous year. going then back to Ohio and bringing his famil\- in May of the following year. With the exception of five years, when he lived in Waterloo, Mr. Goodwin ga\e his undivided attention to the operation of this land, having a renter on the place during his absence, .\fter spending fi\e years in Waterloo, Mr. Goodwin moved back to the farm, where his death occurred on July 2, 1903. He was twice married, .\fter the death of his first wife, in the fall of 1854, he was married, on April 26. 1855, to Susannah Kiefer. By liis first union were born two children, Phileman, deceased, and Henry A. Henry. who has never married, now lives with his stepmother on tiie home iilace, she being now about eighty-five years of age. By his second marriage Mr. Goodwin became the father of five children : William, the immediate subject of this sketch, .Mrs. Ehza Dilgavd. .Mrs. Ehnira I'arnell, John and David. Eliza, who became the wife of Simon Dilgard, a farmer of Grant township, this county, is the niotlier of three chikh'en h\ing- and twci deceased, those living being Raymond Curtis, Jaijues and A'era: Elmira, who liecame the wife of Curtis Parnell, a farmer of Pleasantville, Iowa, is the mother of two children. Mrs. Si valla flickenliaugh and ]\lrs. A'esta McElrea ; John, who is a traveling salesman and manager for tlie T. C. Xorwall Company, of Siou.x City, Iowa, married Irena Riachart. and they have two children, Odessa and Erwin, both of whom are married; Da\-id marrietl Dora Smith, and is a farmer near Cedar Lake, Smithfield township, and they have four children living and one deceased, those living being Mrs. Nellie Danner, of Fort Wayne, Raymond. Mrs. Elmira Myers, of Fairfield township, this count)-, and Virgil. Su.sannah (Kiefer) Goodwin was a native of Delaware county. Pennsylvania, moving to Ohio with her ]iarcnts when about eight years of age. After living in Wayne county. Ohio, about ten miles from Wooster, she became the wife of Daniel Goodwin, with whom slie came to Indiana, and now makes a home for her stepson, as stated abo^'e.

William Goodwin was reared on the paternal homestead and has (le\oted practical!}' his entire life to farming, the onl\' excejition being a period of about fotu- years which he spent as a travelinu" -salesman. In the spring of 1887 Mr. Goodw^in bought fifty-seven and one-half acres of the home place, and in .\pril, tqio. he bought one hundred and twent\- acres of land in Grant township, near AA'aterloo, formerly known as the S. P. Klotz farm. Of this he deeded eighty acres to Daunt Updyke. a son-in-law . retaining forty acres in his own name. There were no improvements on the forty-acre tract, although the land liad been cleared, and on ]\Iarch 10. rgi2. lie bought ten acres of the Seery farm adjoining his first purchase. He has tiled and drained his jiresent farm, putting the soil in s]3lendid condition, and has erected all the buildings which now render the place one of the most \-aluable of its kind in this township. The land is practically all now rented, as 'Wv. Goodwin retired in the spring of 1q^ t,. though he lives in the old farm residence. He has bought residence pro]iert\- in ^^'ater]oo and expects to mo\-e to that place in the spring of T914.

On January 3, 1878, William Goodwin married Emma R. Shaffer, daughter of William and Rebecca (Francis) Shaffer, and to this union have been horn six children, namely : One who died in infancy ; Orpha A. became the wife of Daunt Updyke, a farmer of Grant township, near Waterloo, this county, and they have two children living, Carroll and Oliver, and one de- ceased; \'esta I. became the wife of Charles White, a farmer near Waterloo in Smithfield township, and they ha\e two children, Francis and Robberta; Lulu E. became the wife of Ward Jackman, a farmer of Grant township; Helen B. lives at home, as does Francis W. Religiously, Mr. Goodwin is an earnest and faithful member of the E\-angelical church at \^'aterloo, to which he gi\'es a liberal support, being interested in its x-arious actixities and doing what he can to forward every worth}- niu\ement under its auspices, (ienial and unassuming in manner, Air. Goodwin has earned the high regard in which he is held in the community, he and his wife mo\ing in the best social circles and, taking a broad view of men and e\ents, he gi\es his support to all movements having for their object the adxanceiuent nf the ])ul>lic welfare.

Reverting to the family history nf Mrs. Gundwin, it may be stated that William Shafifer was born on Jul}- 2(). \S-2j. in \\ C-tniureland count}-. I'ennsylvania. When a young man he nioxed to Stark county, Ohio, with his parents, Simon and Margaret ( Kinnard ) Shaffer, and tliere followed his vocation of wagon-maker, though in later years he becan-ie a farmer and thresher. . On August 15, 1850, William Shaffer married Rebecca .A. brancis. who was born on December 27, 1833, in IMadison county, Ohio, where their marriage occurred, b'rom Ohio he remo\-ed to Harrison count}-, Missouri, in 1853, from there to Mari(jn county, Iowa; from there the fan-iily came to DeKalb county, where .Mr. Shaffer engaged in farming, operating his mother's fanu of eight}- acres in Richland township, and also ran a threshing machine outfit. His death occurred on Februarv 3, 1890, and his wife died on January 27, 1804, at Centerville, Iowa. Just prior to his own death Mr. Shaffer moved into the home of his son, Oliver Shaffer, where his death occurred. He was hale and hearty up to the time of his decease, ha\'ing worked just ])rior to his death in a carriage factory at Auburn, and also worked in a repair shop run by his cousin, John Shaffer. He was twice married, there lieing five children born by his union with Rebecca Francis, namely: Isaac .\".. deceased: Oliver E.. Emma R., Clara I., Ida L. Of these, Clara I. married David Dilgard, a railroad engineer at San .\ntonio, Te.xas, and they have two children, Mrs. Olive Bateman and Mrs. Flora Anderson; Ida L. became the wife of Charles Lehmbeck, a railroad emplo}e at Sedan, Indiana, and they have two children. Delia and Milda. Oliver E. married Vesta F. Husselman October 2. 1883, and they had one child, Arthur, deceased. On February 26, 1874, Mr. Shaffer married Mary Ann Rohm, and to them were born two children. Nettie and John, both of whom are deceased.

Chester Prentice Hodge

It is the dictate of our nature, no less than of enhghtenecl social policy, to honor those whose lives have contributed in any way to the good of their community and their associates; to bedew with affectionate tears the silent urn of departed worth and virtue, to unburden the fullness of the surcharged heart in eulogium upon deceased benefactors, and to rehearse their noble deeds for the benefit of those who may come after us. It has been the commendable custom of all ages and all nations. Hence the following feeble tribute to one of nature's noblemen. In contemplating the many estimable qualities of the late Chester Prentice Hodge, industry and integrity appear as prominent characteristics - an integrity that no personal or other consideration could swerve, and an industry that knew no rest \\hile anything remained undone. In tiie field of pedagogy Mr. Hodge stood in the front rank among his contemporaries, his reputation as an able, successful and popular educator far transcending the limits of his home county. His temper was calm and equable and his manners were emphatically those of the gentleman, - plain, simple, dignified. - despising sham and pretense of all kinds. His devotion to every duty was intense, while hi? perception of truth and worth was almost intuitix'e. In his estimate of tiie.^c he was seldom mistaken, and while his (^pinions were strong, he was always o]ien to conviction, and when satisfied that they were erroneous his concessions were graceful and un(|ua1ified. He Avas a man uhom to know was to respect and admire, and his loss was keenly felt by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Chester Prentice Hodge was born at LeRaysville. Luzerne count}-. Pennsylvania, and was a son of James and Keturah f Ransom) Hodge. His maternal grandfather, Samuel Ransom, was a son of Samuel Ransom. Sr.. Avho was beheaded at the historic massacre of the Wyoming valley during the war of the Re\'olution. He was a prominent man in his community and a successful farmer, had served in the French and Indian war and in I77'6 was commissioned cajitain of a company, being the second independent company attached to the Connecticut line. Rev. James T^odge. paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a Methodist circuit rider in Pennsylvania, and at the same time dealt in groceries and lif|uors. the two stocks being carried in conjunction in those days and considered a perfectly proper proceeding. He and his wife are both now deceased and lie buried in the oemeten- at EeRavs\ille. Chester P. Hodge, who was horn December 16,

1834, at Pennsyhania, prepared for college at the Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, that state. He then engaged in teaching school for a while, after which he became a student at Union College at Schenectady, New York, where he stood high in his classes, especially in mathematics and sciences, graduating with the degree of r^fastcr of Arts in June, 1862. In August of the same year Mr. Hodge enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortyfirst Regiment, Pennsylvania \'olunteer Infantry, with which he went to the front, and in October, while near Poolsville, Maryland, with General Robinson's brigade, having been appointed assistant brigade quartermaster, be was seized with bilious colic, from wliich he nearlv died. His reco\-er)- was so slow that late in December of that year he received an honorable discharge. His mother had died on November 21, 1862, and his father went to Towando, Pennsylvania, to live with bis daughter, Priscilla Lee, who had lieconie the wife of John H. Codding, at that time sheriff of Bradford county. The other sister, Sara Lucretia, went to \We with her older brother, James W., who had been married eighteen months before and lived at Harrisburg. Taking his sister back with him, Mr. Hodge opened the abandoned house, brought his father to it, and tlie)- formed the famih- household until spring. On the 14th of April, 1863, Mr. Hodge married Julia E., only daughter of E. B. Mott, one of the pioneers and prominent citizens of DeKalb count}-, Indiana, who had been at that time a resident of Auburn for almost twenty years. Mr. Hodge and his wife spent a year in LeRays\'il!e, but his father died on Nox-ember 5, 1863, and Mr. and ]Mrs. Mott were anxious to have their children with them in Auburn, especially as one son. Sheridan, was in the army, while the eldest son, Egbert B. ]\lott, Jr., and the youngest, Jolin Cirenxille, were in California. Mr. and Mrs. Hodge reached .\uburn. Indiana, on .\pril 24th. just three weeks bfore the death of Sheridan, which occurred at Nashville. He had been wounded in the battle of Chickamauga. Here Mr. Hodge engaged in the pedagogical profession, and the many hundreds who, during a period of thirtv years or more, profited by his instructions, are witnesses to the abilitv, energv and faithfulness which he brought to the discharge of his duties. As a teacher of mathematics he had few equals, and for clear, logical and forcible reasoning it was difficult to find his e(|ual. .\s a man, he was honest, upright and pure, one whose judgment was unbiased by selfish motives. Modest and unassuming himself, he disliked pretension wherever he found it, but he was quick to recognize intelligence, integrity and genuine piety. Mr. Hodge was converted while yi^tmg, united with the Methodist Episcopal church and remained a faithful member of that denomination for many years, but circumstances eventually persuaded him to join the Protestant Episcopal church, to which he became strongh- attached and he was confirmed in 1874 and remained in that communion the rest of his life. A lover of music, he possessed a splendid singing voice and during most of his life he was a member of choirs, first in the Methodist and later in the Episcopal churches. His health had been gradually failing through many years and for almost three years prior to his death, which occurred on November 8, 1887. he had Ijeen disabled from regular work. His wife, Eugenia Mott, was born at Frederickstown, Ohio, on June 3, 1837, the daughter of Egbert Benson and Mary (Winterbottom) Mott, who, in 1843, mo\'ed with their four children to Auburn. Indiana, at which time Mrs. Hodge was but six years old. Here she was reared and passed her early womanhood except two or three year'^ spent in completing her education at Wyoming Seminary. Kingston, Pennsylvania, where she graduated in 1857. It was at this school that she first made the acquaintance of Chester Prentice Hodge, to whom she was married in April, 1863. She and her husband lived at various places in northern Indiana, where he was following his profession of teaching, but e\'entuall\- located on the Mott farm north of Auburn, which was their home from that time for many years. Here her youngest child, Teresa, died in 1884. Her eldest living son, Egbert, at attorney of Chicago, died in 1893, and her mother also died in 1893. She spent the last few winters of her life in Kirkwood. Missouri, with her daughter, Julia M. Hodge, a teacher there, her death occurring at the latter place on January 8, 1912, at the age of seventy-four years. Of her nine children, she was survived by her daughter, Julia Mott, now a Bible teacher at Manila, Philippine Islands, and a son, Chester James, who li\es on the old farm known as Greenhurst, in I'nion township. DeKalb county. She was a woman of unusual gifts and rare \irtues. Her friends were many and her life of childlike faith was full of gracious ministrations to those about her, lea\ing behind her a host of blessed memories. She v as a poet of exceptional facility of expression and a gift of reaching the lieart. her poems being admirably written and possess rhythm and meter. The Mott family have for many years been prominent in American life, and Mrs. Hodge is related to several well-known people. .\nn ^^'interbottom Ste\ens. a famous author, her aunt : John Gren\ille Mott, her only li\'ing b-other. of Chicago, a man of affairs, well known in business circles and others of equal prominence. Specific mention to the Mott family is given elsewhere in this work, therefore further detailed mention of the family will not be made at this point.

John S. Potts

From remote antiquity agriculture has been considered an honorable vocation, and in all ages men of sterling worth and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, ha\e been tillers of the soil. The free, out-door life of the fanii, besides inspiring new life and hope, has a tendency to develop and foster independence of mind and self-reliance, characteristic of strong, virile manhood, and no greater blessing can befall a Isoy than to be reared in dose touch with nature amid the healthful labors of the field, b'rom this fruitful soil and air spring in a large degree the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of America's great warriors, wise statesmen, renowned scholars and distinguished men of letters, as well as the great captains of industry and leaders in the domain of thought, were born and reared on the farm, and to this fact is largely due the eminence to which the}- lia\e attained. The well-known subject of this review is one of DeKalh county's representative agriculturists and as such has met with deserved success. He stands liigh in the esteem of his fellow men and as a br(_)ad-minded, progressixe citizen, fully abreast with the times, exercises a whoies(_ime influence in the community, besides being a factor of no little weight in the iniblic affairs of this township and county.

John S. Potts, of Fail-field township, DeKalb county, Indiana, was Ijcjrn in Lawrence county, Illinois, on January 31, 1864, and is the son of Wilson and Louisa (Pitman) Potts, both of whom were nati\es of the state of Ohio. Wilson Potts went to Illinois in a very early day, settling in Lawrence county, where he followed farming and where be became a prominent and respected man in the community. To him and his wife were born four children, Priscilla, Ella, John S. and .Vnna.

John S. Potts secured his education in the public schools of Lawrence county, Illinois, and at the age of twelve years came to DeKall) county. Indiana, making his home with John Potts. He was reared to the life if a farmer and has followed this vocation during all of his active years, in which lie has been verv .successful and is now the owner of one hundred acres of land in Fairfield township, to the cultivation of which he is devoting himself assiduously and with practical ideas and up-to-date methods. He carries on mixed farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country and also gives some attention to the breeding and raising of live stock, which he has found to be a very important and profitable adjunct to farming.

Samuel and Elizabeth (Melton) Ziegler, who were old and prominent families in DeKalb county. To Mr. and Mrs. Potts have been born the following children: Grover C. Cora M.. Bessie E., Elossie M., Louisa E., John E., Samuel \\'.. \'e?ta E. and Charle\- V.

Politicall}-, Mr. Potts has been a life-long supporter of the Democratic ])art\-. in the success of which he has been an important factor, especially in local elections, and he is at present a member of the county council, in which position he is rendering efficient service to the county. He has succeeded in life because he possesses to a notable degree those qualities which will insure success in any undertaking, persistency in action, a clearly defined purpose and correct business methods, and because of these qualities and his high personal worth he has won an enviable standing in the community with which he has been identified for so man\- rears.

Isaac M. Thomas

It is by no means an easy task to describe within the limits of this review a man who has led an active and eminently useful life and by his own exertions reached a position of honor and trust in the line of industries with which his interests are allied. But biography finds justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history, as the public claims a certain interest in the career of every individual and the time invariably arrives when it becomes advisable to gixe the right publicit}-. It is, then, w ith a certain degree of satisfaction that the chronicler essays the task of touching briefly upon such a record as has been that rif the subject who now comes under this review.

Isaac M. Thomas, the well-known ice manufacturer of Auburn, is a native of Stark county, Ohio, where his birth occurred on October ifi, 1841. The father, John Thomas, also a native of Ohio, was a prominent minister of the United Brethren church. He came to DeKalb county, Indiana, in the early days, settling on the Grogg farm, which he afterwards sold, and bought a farm near Feagle's Corners, Richland township, and subsequently they moved to Elkhart county, this state, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He also traveled as an ordained minister of the United Brethren church, going to various parts of the state, and was well and widely known as a successful minister of the gospel, doing much efifective and valued work in this line. As a farmer he also succeeded well, exercising fine judgment and being progressive in his ideas. His death occurred in 1905. He married Mary Grim, who also was a native of Stark county, Ohio, and whose death occurred in 1 841. John Thomas was three times married, the first union being to Mary Grim, by whom he had three children, John, who died while serving in the army; Joseph, and Isaac M.. the immediate subject of this review. By his second marriage, which was to Julia Ann Ponies, who died in 1897. ^^r. Thomas became the father cf six children, Simon, Da\id Henry, Elizabeth (deceased), Julia Ann, Mary and Jacob. Mr. Thomas was married a third time where he was residing in Kansas, and to this union were born two children, Benjamin and Amanda, both of whom live in Kansas.

Isaac M. Tliomas came to DeKalb county in 1853. when about fourteen years of age, and gave his attention to farming; ])ur-uits until his marriage in 1865, when he engaged in the saw-mill busino^ at Auburn. This line of business engaged his attention during the following six }ears, at the end of which period he became the station agent for the F'ort \^'ayne & Jackson railroad, now known as the Lake Shore. He was the first agent appointed at this place and held the position four years. He then engaged in the threshing business in this township, running the threshing outfit for twelve seasons, and also engaged to some extent in farming. He then retired from the threshing business and again entered tlie saw-mill Ixisiness, which engaged him for about eight years. At the end of that period he sold his saw-mill interest and engaged in the manufacture of artificial ice near Auburn, then known as Auburn Junction. This business, which is now in its eighth 3'ear, has enjoyed a healthy and steady growth from the beginning, and is now one of the most important industrial concerns in this locality. ^Ir. Thomas has as partners in his enterprise his sons, John C. and Arthur L.

Mr. Thomas is an intelHgent and well-read man, having supplemented a good common school education with two terms in the Auburn high school, after which he engaged in teaching school for two terms prior to his marriage, he then taking a live interest in local public affairs, and from 187.2 to 1876 rendered efficient service as trustee of Union township. Politically, he is an active supporter of the Prohibition party, believing the temperance question to be the greatest issue now before the American people. Religiously, he is a member of the Church of God at Auburn, and is an ordained minister in this church, being also an elder in the church, in which he is active and influential.

In 1865 Isaac M. Thomas was married to Sophia Buss, the daughter of Christian and Margaret (Staley) Buss. Mr. Buss was born in Switzerland, and as a young man came to America, locating iirst in Ohio, where he followed the carpenter trade, which he had learned in his nati\e land. Jrle married Margaret Staley in Ohio, and continued to follow his vocation until coming to Richland township, DeKallj count), where he engaged in the of barns. He here bought eighty acres of land on which he engaged in farming, and also ran a saw-mill. The farm which he purchased has on it an old water power saw-mill, which he later replaced with steam power. This saw-mill is still standing and is in operation the greater part of the time. Mr. Buss died in the summer of 1867 on his home farm in Richland township. His wife, who also was a native of Switzerland, came to .America with her father and two brothers, who located in the state of Ohio, where her marriage occurred. She died in 1874. To this union were born thirteen children : Sophia, Christian, Samuel; Henry, deceased.: .Mrs. Marv Sherlock. who lives in Auburn. Indiana; Mrs. Clara Lahnuni, who is a widow and lives with her sister, Mary, in .Auburn ; Maggie ; Ida, deceased ; and there were fi\e others \\ho died in infancy and youth. Mr. lUiss was an aL-ti\e Democrat in his political affiliations, and took a li\e interest in local affairs, though he ne\-er held public office. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have Iieen born six children: Laura Margaret, deceased; John; Mrs. Viola Kessler, who lives near Auburn, Indiana, and is the mother of one child, Arthur ; Saloma, at home ; and Vesta, who died in infancy. Saloma has for four years been connected with the office of the ice plant.

Mr. Thomas is a man of kindly impulses, and liecause of the splendid relations that he has sustained witli tliose about hiiii he enjoys to a marked degree the confidence and regard of the comnninitx'. I'Aen-tempered. scru])ulously honest in all his relations -with life, hospitable and cliaritable, his many kindly deeds have been actuated chiefly from his largeness of heart, rather than from any desire to gain the approval of his fellow men. His record is too familiar to the readers of this work to require a fulsotne encomium here, for his life speaks for itself in stronger terms tlian the l)iogra]iher could employ in polished ])eriods.

John C. Thomas was born on January 19, 18O9, at Aul)urn, and li\'ed Avith his parents until 1889, when he went to Topeka, Kansas, as operator and became manager for the Postal Telegraph Company, which position he held successfully for fifteen years. In 1904 he returned home and immediately engaged in the saw-mill business with his brother. Arthur, and his brotber-in- law. He later went into business with iiis fatiier and brother Arthur in the ice manufacturing business, and they are still actively engaged in this enterprise. At the same time he is continuing the saw-mill business with his brother and brother-in-law, W. H. Kessler. Mr. Thomas is a man of good education, having attended the common schools and also learning the telegraph profession, which he followed, as above stated, for many years, enjoying the confidence of his employers and holding high official position with his company. Politically, he is a Republican. On May 13, 1894, John C. Thomas married Maggie Aldridge, the daughter of John and Sidena (Innis) Aldridge. and to them have been born five children, Marie, George, Ralph, Mary, who died in infancy, and Margaret Grace.

Arthur L. Thomas was born on November 7, 1872, at Auburn, and received a good practical education in the common schools of his home neighborhood. His first acti\-e business \\as in connection with a saw-mill, in which he took a one-tbinl interest and later bought a one-third interest in the ice business which bad been established by his father, and is still actively engaged in both enteqjrises. He is a man of industrious habits, good business judgment, and because of his upright cliaracter and genial nature he enjoys the friendship of all who know him. Politicallx-, he is a Republican, though with no political aspirations. In 1003 .\rthur L. Thomas married Maude Musser, the daughter of Jacol) and Le\ina ( Rock) .Musscr, and they have two children, .Vrnold and Charles V.

Orlando Elliott

It is with marked satisfaction that the l)iogvai)ber adverts to the life of one who has attaineil success in any \ ocation requiring definiteness of ])urposc and determined action. Sucli a lilc. wliether it l)e one of calm, consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric acconii)li'.hnienls, must al)oun<l in both lesson and incentixe and prove a guide to \diuig men whose fortunes an<l destinies are still matters for the future to determine. Tlie sul;jfct of tliis sketch is distinctively one of llie re])resentati\ e agricultiu'i'^ts of Dekalb county. i<"or a number of years be directed his efforts toward the goal of success and by patient continuance in well doing succeeded at last in o\ercoming the manv olistacles 1)y which his pathway was beset, and is today considered one of the foremost farmers of the county.

Ohio, and is a son of Nathan and Jane (Ling) Elhott. Nathan ElHott. who was also born in Coshocton county. Ohio, followed farming pursuits throughout his active life, and when the subject of this sketch was about five years of age. or in 1864, the family came to DeKalb county, where the father bought eighty acres of land in Fairfield township in 1867 and moved onto the same. However, he sold this farm and bought one hundred and twenty acres known as the Barker farm, near Summit, and lived there until about .1898, when hesold this tract to John Conrad and moved to Jackson county, this state, w here he bouglit one hundred and sixty acres of land to which he moved ; but resided there only a few weeks, when, in the spring of igoi. his death occurred. He was one of the first settlers in DeKalb county, the journey from Ohio liaving been made by wagon to this locality, the mother and children coming b\- train. Jane (Ling) Elliott was abo born in Coshocton C(wnty, Ohio, and her death occurred on the Barker farm near Summit in 1880. She was a hard-working woman, a true helpmate to lier husband, and her loss was keenly felt by him and the sur\-i\ing children. The}- became the parents of ten children, namely: ]Mar\'. deceased: Orlando, the immediate suliject of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy D. Rufner : Emma, deceased; Mrs. Zora ^Nleek; John, deceased; James; Jesse; Cora, deceased, anrl Jennie, who died in infancy.

Orlando Elliott was reared under the parental roof and secured a good, practical education in the common schools of his home neighborhood. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and followed this \ocation practically all of his active years. At one time he owned forty acres of land east of Summit which he traded for his present farm of eighty acres in 1895. and eventually he bought twenty acres additional off of the John Gramling farm adjoining his own tract. The latter purchase included a barn which Mr. Elliott mo\-ed to his present farm and remodeled it. Mr. Elliott is progressive in his agricultural methods, giving proper attention to every detail of his work, and has maintained his farm at the highest standard of agricultural excellence, the buildings being kept in good repair, the soil well-drained and tiled, and the fences in good shape, so that the whole estate presents a pleasing- asiject to the passer-by. The residence which was on the farm when he bought it is a large brick structure, well-arranged, and provided with modern conveniences,, and it is considered one of the liest homes in that section of the township.

On March 7. t88i. Orlando Elliott was united in marriage with Eliza .\. Gramling. daughter of John and Mageline (Fretz) Gramling. John Gramling was born in Pennsyhania, but in his youth moved from that state to Stark county, Ohio, thence to DeKalb comity by wagon and canal boat, com- ing here when quite young. He was reared to the Hfe of a fanner, and also gave some attention to the vocation of carpentering, at which he \\as an expert. He owned forty acres of land near Summit, to which he ga\e intelligent direction, and was numbered among the enterprising and inHuential citizens of his locality. He is now deceased. His wife, whose maiden name was Mageline Fretz, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and came to DeKalb county in 1854 when about twelve years of age. She is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have been born twelve children, namely : Carl, deceased ; Mrs. Mary Mageline Lemmon : Mrs. Elsie Greer, deceased ; Mrs. Lulu Zonker; John, deceased: Walter, deceased: Mrs. Blanche Gonser, Jesse. Jennie. Mildred. Clarence and Edna.

Politically. Mr. Elliott is an actixe supporter of the Republican party. and has been prominent in local affairs, ha\-ing ever gi\en his support to every movement looking to the athancenient of the welfare of the community in general. Religiously, he is an earnest meml)er of the Christian church, to which he gives a liberal supix)rt. while in all things relating to the moral, social or educational advancement of the community, he is an acti\e figure. Mr. Elliott is descended from sterling old stock, his father having evidenced patriotism of the highest order when on November 14, 1863. he enlisted at Camp Chase, in Company .\. Sixty-ninth battalion Ohio' Volunteer Infantry. He was commissioned as second lieutenant, l<"ebrunry 6. 1864, and served under General Grant until his muster out on the 13th of Seiitemher. 1864. he having enlisted forty-one days service.

Adam Leins

In examining the life records of self-made men it will invarial)ly be found that indefatigable industry has constituted the liasis of their success. True, there are other elements which enter in and conser\e the advancement of personal interests, perseverance, discrimination and mastering of expedients, but the foundation of all achievement is earnest, persistent labor. At the outset of his career the subject of this review recognized this fact and did not seek anv roval road to the goal of prosperity and independence, and the result is that he is now numbered among the progressive, successful men of DeKalb county.

(Miller) Leins, both natives of Germany, the .subject first seeing the light of day in Noble county, Indiana. John G. Leins arrived in America when he was a young man and after locating in DeKalb county endured the struggles and hardships of home-making, he finally being successful and earning the respect and admiration of his fellowmen. To the father and his faithful helpmate were borntwehe children: Airs. Roseta Schurr li\es in Richland township; Mrs". Alary Ho^-arter is deceased: Airs. Kathren Schou]) li\-es in Richland township; (jeorge V. and Henr\- also li\-e in ivichland towiisbip; \\'i!liam lives in Fairfield; John b". li\es in Richland township: Alanda is deceased; David' lives in Fairfield; .Adam; two children died in infanc}-.

The subject of this sketch secnrefl his education in the common schools of DeKalb county and followed farming in his younger days. He served two terms as township assessor in Richland township, having been elected to that responsible office on the Democratic ticket.

Air. Feins is at present the owner of eighty acres of knid, which he has brought to a high state of culti\-ation. The ]ilace has lieen impro\'efl by the erection of convenient and substantial Ixiildings and the general appearance of the farm indicates that an up-to-date and progressive man is at its head. The Futheran church receixxs the acti\e encouragement and support of the subject and family. Politically, he is allied with the Democratic party.

The subject of this review is one of the stiu-dy spiritswho has contributed largelv to the material welfare of the community where he resides, being a farmer and stock raiser, and as a citizen he is public spirited and progressive in all that the terms iinpl\-. l'"or a number of years Mr. Daniels has been actively identified with the agricnlturrd interests of DeKalb county, and he is the owner of a very desirable landed estate in Smithfield township.

Arthur (\. Daniels was born on tlieold Daniels farm in seetinn jn. Smithfield township, DeKalh count}-. Indiana, on August 13. 1N54. and i> the son of Reuben (i. and Susanne ( }-!all:il)autili ) Daniels. Mr. Daniels was rtarecl under the parental roof and secured his education in the district schools of the conimunitv, his vacation periods being employed in assisting his father in his farm work. After his marriage in 1875 ^^^- Daniels farmed the home place on shares with his father, he and his wife residing in the old home, as his mother had died several years prior. He continued farming on shares until May If), 1887, when lie bought the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres from his father and gave untiring de\otion to its cidtivation and improvement. A few years later he bought thirty-eight acres adjoining his farm on the south and is thus n:i\\ the owner of about two Innidred acres cf as iin.e f;irming bind as can be found in DeKalb county, lie is not satisfied with medioci'e accomplishments in any line and has not only maintained the productive capacity of his faiin u]) to the highest standard. l)u.t has alsn -iNcn S(jme attention to the aesthetic side of life, maintaining the li'iuie in ^^ucii a. \\a\- as [n make it sser-liv and aUo to llie fainily. The large ruid well ;;midsl a cluster of line diad.e irce^.wlnle the lawn is well 1 with shrubbery, the interior of the liouse being charfurnishings ar.d an aii- of c mifort which an])eals to the Daniels nun-e in the best social circles of the comown honii' the sjjirit of old-time hospitality is e\-er in e\idence.

On September -'5. iNjf). Arthur (i. Daniels was married to Mary Lucinda b'razer. who was born in Williams county, r)hi<i. and is the daugliter of Jacob Israel and Dvdia iS]jaug]er) Frazer, who are mentioned on other pages in this work. To Mr. .and Mr^:. Daniels have been bom three children, namely: I'earl is the wife of \\';dter P.. Fretz, a furniture dealer and undertaker of Sidney, Ohio, and tbe\- lia\e a son. Roliert: .Mabel is the wife of La- Ro\- Waterman, of Hudson, Indiana, where he is cashier of the Hudson Bank, and thev are the parents of two -^ons. Ross and .\e:d : Hazel, who is at home with her jiarents, is attending high school at Waterloo and will graduate in tlie s])ring of 1914.

In the civic life of his community Mr. Daniels has long been an important and influential factor, being an ardent advocate of temperance princii)les and of pulilic righteousness, in the intere.sts of which he has long taken an active jjart. He and his wife are members of the P.arker Methodist Episcopal church, in the prosperity of which they are interested and to which they contribute of their means. Fraternally. Mr. Daniels is a member ot Lodge No. 205, Knights of Pythias, at Waterloo, in the work of which he is interested. He is a well educated, symmetrically developed man and keeps abreast of the times in his knowledge of current thought, and because of his earnest life, high attaiimients. well rounded character and large influence he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.

Andrew Schiffli

DeKalb county, Indiana, is characterized by her full share of enterprising and progressi\-e farmers, who lia\e been tlie mainstay and backl)one of the wonderful development which has marked this section of the state during the past few decades, and today among this class stands Andrew Scliiffli, whose finely improved and cultivated farm lies in Sniithfield township, where he enjoys a high standing among his fellow citizens.

Andrew Schffli was Ijorn on January 25. 1874. in .\lsace. (levmany. whicli formerly, howexer. belongcl to France, and is one of nine children born to John and X'ictoria (Halm) Schiflli. both also nati\-es of .Klsace, tlu- father born in 1837 and the mother in 1844. the latter l)eing a daughter of (icorge Hahn. John Schiffli and Victoria Hahn were married in their native country, and in 1881 they and their children came to the United States, at which time the subject of this sketch was but se\en years of age. .Vndrew well remembers a stormy day on shiplxiard during their voyage when, because of the high waves which broke o\'er the ship, the passengers were not allowed on deck. However, he disregarded orders and went out to the end of the deck, where he ran great danger of being washed overboard. He was found by a sailor, who gave him a liberal spanking and sent him to a safer spot. Upon their arrival in the United States, the Schiffli family came at once to DeKalb count}-, where the father bought twenty acres of land in the northern part of Smithfield township, aljout one-half mile S(juth of the county line. After remaining there four years he sold that place and bought fort\' acres of land in section II, on which only about seven acres had been cleared and on which was a big house. The greater part of the land was covered with swamp water and brush, and so bad was the condition that the cows mired in the barn lot. In the hope of improving the condition they moved the house, log at a time, to a better location, and gave their attention to the ditching and draining of the

soil. At the beginning it was necessary to go through water waist deep to get the cows. Eventually by tireless effort, conditions were improved, and when, about fifteen years ago, the big ditch was put through their land, the soil rapidly became more cultivable, and now the farm is one of the best in the locality. From tlie time they came to this land until 1900, it took about all the efforts of the family, including the heljj gi\-en l^y the hoys who worked in the shops, to pay off eight hundred dollars owing on tlie ]nirchase of the farm. In 1900 Mr. Schiffii built a good bank barn; in 1902 a splendid house, and in 1903. a hog house. The\- are now prospering and reaping the result of tlieir former years of strenuous endeavor. The farm is well supplied with all the implements necessary for intelligent labor and, under the wise direction of Mr. Schiffii, the farm is one of the best in the township. To John and Victoria .'-^hifrti were born nine children, namely: Klizaljeth. the wife of Jo.-eph Ba])st. of riarrett ; ^Tattlu'as, wlm owns ninet>-two and one-half acres in .tiie eastern part of Smithfieid tnwushi]); .\ndrew. the immediate suliject of this sketch: Emil, wlio owns a farm north of Marker's cliurch : .\ugust. wiio lives on tlie home farm; Ada, tlie wife of Louis Steinkohl, of South Bend, Indiana; Theresa, Mary and Louise, who are unmarried; Theresa at home; Mary and Louise, residing at Soutli Bend, and one child, a l)oy, who died in .\lsace in early infancy. The father of these children died in ignS, and his widow is still residing on the home farm.

Andrew Schiffii lived at home until attaining his majority, ha\ing ablv assisted his father in the efforts to reclaim the farm and he secured what education was possible in the district schools. After arriving at le.gal age he started w ork on his own account in the railroad shops at Garrett, where he remained nine }-ears, and then during the following four years he engaged in farm work bv the month, .\fter his marriage in 1908 he began farming on the Taylor farm in Franklin township, but two years later moved to the George Shoner farm in section 13, Smithfieid township, where he is now engaged in the operation of one hundred and forty-three acres of land. His earl\- farming efforts under his father's direction were strenuous years, but thcv- well qualified hini for the later duties of life, and now he is achieving a splendid success under favorable conditions. He keeps his farm up-to-date in all particulars, using none but the best of farming implements, keeping high grade live stock and giving his personal attention to e\ery detail of the farm work. Steady, industrious and exercising sound discretion in his labors, he so maintains the fertility of the soil as to realize abundant crops, and among his fellow agriculturists he is held in esteem because of the splendid success he has :achieved.

In 1908 Mr. Schiffli married Katie Shoudel, the daughter of Michael Shoudel, and to them have been born two children. Agnes and Wilfred. Mr. and Mrs. Schiffli and their children are members of the St. Michael's Catholic church, in the success of which they are interested and to which they contribute of their means. Mr. Schiffli has gained his success through his own efforts, is regarded as a man of s])lendid character and is highly e.steemed by all who know him.

George May

It is proper to judge of the success and the status of a man's life by the estimation in which he is lield liy his fellow citizens. Thev see him at his work, in his family circle, in his church, at his (le\i)tii)ns. hear his views on public questions, observe the outcome of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and ci\'ilization and thus become competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such <lail_\' ol)scr\-itiiiu it would lie out of the (|uestion for his neighbors not to know his wortli, liccause, as has lieen said. ".Xctions .speak louder than wrords." In this count}- there is nothing heard concerning the suljject of this sketch but good words. He has ]iassed s(] maii\ years here that bis worth is well known, liut it will be of interest to run o\-er the busy e\ents of his life in these ])ages.

George May was l)orn on January 3, 1S54. in lu'ie. county, Xew York, and is a son of \''alentine and .Magd.alcne ( Kulm) .AK'n-. I'.otb of these parents were born in Alsace, iM'ance. where \'alfntine grew to maturity and spent seven years in the b'rench army. Al)out [S50 he came to .\merica with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rhineli;irt .May, locating in Krie county, Xew \nvk. There, after reaching the years of maturity, he married Magdalene Kuhn, the daughter of Anthony and Christina Kuhn, and there he spent the remainder of his life, being" engaged in farming, his death occurring on Ma\- 1, 1903. His widow is still living and resides at the old home in Erie county, being now eighty-two years old. Mrs. May's mother, Christina Kuhn, died on May 5, tqii, at the remarkalile age of one hundred and three years. Christina, the mother of Mrs. Christina ( Steinnietz ) Kuhn, lived to lie one hundred and ten years okU . She died three days after the battle of Wurth^ where the Prussians so decisively defeated the Erench, her death being caused by fright when the house in which she was living was shot to pieces over her

George May remained at the parental homestead in Erie count}-. Xew \'lork, until t\\ent\-i'our \ears nld, having received his education in the district schools of that locality. In young manhood he learned the blacksmith's trade and was busily engaged at the forge, his early life being characterized by persistent industry. In Feliruary, 1877, he came to DeKalb cnunty. Indiana, lucating in Smithtield townshi]), where for a year or twu l:e farmed on shares. In .\pri! of the year of his arrival here he married .\gnes Shoudel, the (laughter of .Matthias Shoudel and sister of Michael L. Shoudel, whose sketch appear-; in this work. She was born in Chicago and \\a-^ i)rought to this localitx when about two weeks old, her parents settling in .Smithtield township among the early pioneers. .Mjout fi\e years after his marriage (Jeorge May bought the farm where he now resides in section 14, Smithfield township, and to this he ha^ since de\-oted himself with the most persistent energy and with \i'ry gratifying results. The hunl which he owns is characterized b\' great fertili(A'. a quality w hich he has maintained liy careful rotation of crops and fertilization when necessar}- and he has made man)' substantial and permanent impro\'ements. ha\ing erected most of the buildings and rebuilt the barns. The general condition of his farm ])esiieaks for the proprietor a .spirit of thrift and progress which lia\e won for him a consjiicuous place among the county's most enterprising agricult'.irists.

Mr. May is a citizen of broad \-iews antl of public spirit and one who takes ])ride in the ])rogre-;.>- of liis townshi]) and the enhancement of the i)u!)lic weal. In 1900 he was elected township assessor and ser\-ed in this office four years and also serx'ed one _\-ear as a memiier of the count}' council, hax'ing i>een elected in ri)04, 1nit resigning at the end of one }-ear's serx'ice. He is the solicitor for Smithfield ln\\ns]iii-) for the Mutual I'^ire Insurance C'om])an}- for DeKalb county and also for tlie Mutual e'\cloue Insiu-ance C"om]Kinv of Indiana, and in this line is building ui) :i large business. IN.litically, he is a Democrat just as long as his party insists on putting up good men for office, but is indei^endent when it comes to the choice of men for whom he shall vote.

To Mr. and Mrs. Mav hax'e been born the following children: Mike, who lives in Buffalo, Xew York, married Carrie Housworth, and they have three children, Marian. Certrude and .\rthur: Lena is the wife of .\ndrew Zircher, who lives north of Summit in Smithfield township, and the}- haxe three children, Michael, Christina .and Mary: John, who lives west of his father, married Mary Dapp, and they have two children, Agnes and Esther;

Kate is at home with her parents; Annie is the wife of George Dekicenay, of the northern part of Smithfield township, and has four children, Frances, Elmer, Leo and Mary : Mary is at home with her parents. Mr. May and his family are active members of the Catholic church, of which he was the youngest member when it was organized in this locality and of which he has been an earnest supporter and attendant since. Mr. May and his wife mo\e in the best social circles of the community and are extremely popular. Mrs. May is a lady of refinement and culture, her unassuming manner, charming personality and excellent traits of character gaining for her the friendship of all who meet her. Mr. May is an honest and upright man of the strictest integrity and nolily has he earned the wholesome reputation which is his.

DeKalb ciumty is fa\-ored in numbering among its enterjjrising farmers and i^rogressive men of affairs the well known and highly esteemed gentleman to a brief review of whose life and achievements we now direct attention, his well im]>roved and valualile farm being one of the attractive places of Smithfield township, where he has maintained his home for many years.

bVank Walker was born in March, 1877, on the well known Walker farm in Smithfield township, DeKalb county, Indiana, and is the son of Eli and Susan (Wilderson) Walker. Eli Walker was born in 1844, in Smithfield township, this county, and was the son of John R. and Catherine ( Krumrine) Walker, the former of whom was born in York county, Penns\'l\'ania, and whose father was a nati\-e of England. Catherine Krumrine was of German descent. Eli ^^'alker was reared on the liome farm, and in i865 married Susan ^Vilderson, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, the daughter of Martin and Barbara (Crook) Martin, she having come to De- Kalb county with her parents in about 1851. They located in Smithfield township on a farm adjoining the Walker place, .\fter his marriage Eli Walker farmed on shares on the old home farm for three years, and in 1872 bought the farm where he now li\'es a short distance north of Waterloo. where he has resided for over forty years. He put in many years of hard and strenuous labor during the pioneer period and when but a youth he hauled many loads of wheat to Fort Wayne with oxen, the trip requiring three days and but few houses being passed on the way. The roads were only trails and were in such a condition tliat at two hills on the journey he was compelled to carry half of the load uphill a sack at a time. He has for many years been active in the Democratic party, having held various offices, was supervisor for two years, justice of the peace for fourteen years, and a member of the board of county comnu'ssioners for one term. To him and his wife were born six children, namely: Mary, the wife of William Bachtel, lives one and onehalf miles west of l':ii \\"alK-er, and they lia\-e two sons Harrv and ^'erne: Dora, the widow of Douglas Kelly, who was killed by a falling- tree about ten years ago, and left one son. Walker Kelly, and a daughter. T.mma ; his widow afterwards married Clark Campbell and lives near her f;it!ier : the daughter, Emma, died from the effects of scalding in rqi^; Laura is tlie wife of Bert Campbell, and li\es three-' |uarters of :\ mile n.ortli and one mile west of her father, and they have two sons. Edward and Jerr\-: Cerandi is the wife of David Hamman, and they have two cliildren, Eester and ]\[abel : Erank married Dora Gfellers, and they lr;i\-e three sous, IHnyd. Russell and Carl; Daisy is the wife of Wid Childs, and thev live on the home place with lier father, and have a son. Ralph. Eli W'alker is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Masonic order, while he and his wife lielong to tlie P\tliian Sisters and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Frank Walker was reared on the farm of his father, where he remained until t\\-enty-two \-ears of age. Tie secured his preliminary trainingin the district schools and afterwards attended the Tri-State Normal School at Angola. Indiana. \\' hen be was twenty-one years of age he rented a farm ;ind operated it on shares with his father. The next year he bought eighty acres of his father's farm and on this he now resides, and to the cultivation of which he gives his undivided attention. Progressive and up-to-date in his ideas, he has made many permanent and substantial im]iro\-ements on the ])lace, which is now uiunl)ered p.mong the best farms in the communitv. In T900 Mr. Walker built the splendid residence in which he now resides, and three years later erected a large and commodious bank barn, besides which he has made many other impnwements which have added to the value and attractiveness of the farm. In tc)o6 he bought eighty acres from W. H. Leas, adjoining his father on the south, and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres lying in close proximity, one hundred and thirty acres f)f which is under active cultivation.

On Januarv 10, 1900, Erank Walker was married to Dora Gfellers. the daughter of Ered and Mary Gfellers. who are mentioned elsewhere in this work, and to this union have been born three children : Eloyd. born De-

Fraternally, Mr. Walker is an active and appreciative member of the Knights of Pythias, and in his daily life endeavors to exemplify the sublime teachings of that order. He has been successful in his financial affairs and lives in a home which is characterized by furnishings of taste and elegance, and among the luxuries which he enjoys is an up-to-date automobile, this being but one of the many things which characterize him as a man of progressive tendencies. He has attained success through his own efforts, having been dependent practically upon his own resources since attaining manhood, and because of his business success, integrity of character and genial disposition he has won and retains a host of warm personal friends throughout this section of the countv.

Eli Walker

This \enerable and hcjnored pii)neer of DeKalb county is approaching the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is still hale and vigorous and finds a full measure of contentment and serenity as the shadows of his life begin lo lengthen from the west. He has made his days count for good, has acquired a competenc}' and is satisfied in that he has tlone the best possible and has wronged no man in thought, word or (hcd. He has been a life-long resident of DeKaH) count}- and has here ac(|uired a good farm, reclaiming much of the land him.self and being one of the sterling old citizens of this locality.