DeKalb County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 16 of 20)

Starting in life with a good education, Mr. Arford has been a close observer of men and methods, and his extensive travels, from coast to coast, embracing three-fourths of the states and Canada, ha\e gi\en him a viewpoint in the affairs of life which could not be gathered from mere book study. The mere fact that, after seeing so much of this country, he should be content to settle down and spend the remainder of his days here, speaks well for the county of DeKalb. He is a member of \Yilmington Grange Nn. 2178, Patrons of Husbandrv.

The uccupation of famiiny. In which the major part of the Ijusiness life of Thnnias Hamiium. one (if the well known and jxipulnr citizens of DeKatTi C(junt\, has lieen ile\()ted. is the (iklest pursuit ior a lixelihood of mankind and tile one in wliich lie will e\(.r be the most indcpemlent. His name has loiiy been inseparalily connected with the general growth of DeKalb county. of which he is a natiw and wliere, in fact, he has spent most of his life. Whik' ])riinarily attending to hi^ own \aried interests, bis life has been largely -dexoted to bis fellow nia.n. ha\iiig been untiring in his efforts to ins])ire a prop.er respect for law and order antl ready at all times to uplift Inimanity .along ci\ic and social line^.

Thomas Haniinan, a ])ulilic-spirite(l citizen and ;i ])rogressi\e and successful farmer of Smitbfield township, HeKalb county, was liorn on July _':, 1866, on the old home place in this township, and i>^ the son of Thomas and Elizabeth ( Scluder ) Hamman. The subject's father was born in Osnaburg township. Stark county, Ohio, on .\pril 11, 1823, and his death occurred on August 8, 1897, at the age of seventy-four years. In the fall of 1847 he came to section 16, Smithfield township, DeKalb county, Indiana, where he became a successful farmer and stock raiser. At the time he entered upon this land it was heaxily timbered, and the following year he began clearing the same, the succeeding years being characterized by toil of the most strenuous character, but eventually the fruits of his labors were apparent and the farm became recognized as one of the best in the kxality. The year he entered upon the land he began the erection of a dwelling, which he finished in

Dekalb Col'Ntv, Ixdiana. 65 1

1849 '^"'^1 wliicli was tlie first frame house in Sniithfield township, it was eighteen b}- thirt\' feet in size, with thirteen-foot posts. During the first six 3^ears Mr. Hamnian cleared sixty acres of heavily timbered land and chopped the timber from one hundred and forty acres. In 18(14 he built a liarn . eighty-fi\'e by fort}-tw() feet in size, which for a lung time was the best in the township. 'I'he buildings were of unusually substantial and permanent character, and he was recognized in all departments of his work as al)o\e the average in excellence. In 1850 he married Elizabeth .Shu\ler. who was a native of York count}', Pennsyh-ania, and who came with her ste])falher, Adam Hood, to DeKalb county in early days. He was the father of nine ohildven. John. Henry, Caroline, Thomas, Simon, Samuel, Eliza and two who died in infancy. Mr. Haniman became a member of the Lutheran church when twent}- years of ai^e. and maint;iined liis interest in religious matters throughout his mature life. He was a mible man in bis motives and actions, and, through his persistence, industry and wise management of his affairs he was enabled to accumulate a fine pro])erty. He was a faithful husband, a kind father, acci.mmodating neighluti' and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him. I lis wife was liorn in \'o-rk county, renns\I- \ania, in 1823, and died at the okl home farm in this county on .\])ril 4, k^oi, at the age of se\ent\-eight years. She moved to DeKall) ci>unt\- in 184J, and here was a consistent member of the Reformed church, to which she ga\e stanch and faithful allegiance throughout her life.

Thomas Hamman was reared on the old farmstead, securing his eilucation in the common scliools of the locality, and from an early age de\-oted bis labors to the farm. In the spring of 1887 he left home and lived on a farm one-half mile south of the home place and wliich was ownetl by lii> father. Two years later this tract was deeded to him liy his father, and he remained there se\'en years longer, at the end of which time he sold the place to Jose])h Hold, and then botight eighty acres st)uth of the home place, where he li\ed one and one-half years. He placed this tract in good condition In- draining and tiling the soil and building good fences, and exentually traded this tract for one hundred and sixty acres of lanrl about one and one-half miles west of the home place where he now li\'es, and on tn which lie moxed in i8i)<'i. At that time it was in a ver_\- rough and unin\iting condition, the liuildings lieing poor and in other ways run down. In i88q Mr. Hamman birilt a splendid residence and in if)0_^ a large and well arranged barn, the olil barn being remodeled into a sheep barn, and the old residence that was on the place was turned into a hog barn. The farm is now generally recognized as one of the

ID e\er\ relatinii nl nie. an example vv liicli lias iieeii an iiispnaiinii in nuiers. and his mlluence has been fell in the cnmninuitv hnimred bv his cili/enship. I',. \. Triplett. nne nf ihe lu-si knnwu citizens nf kichkmd |..vviislu|i. is a native of the conntv iit which he now li\es. and was bmn mi July J^. iS'17. He is a son of Charles H. and Sarah (Owens) Triplett, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Charles H. Triplett was one of the first settlers of DeKalb county, havin.e: come here in 184Q in childhood, his birth havin.? occurred on

Februai")- 14. 1844. He remained in DeKalli cuiint\ engagetl in laiminiL; nntil October 24. \H()3. when he went in ln(h;mai)nlis at the age of eighteen years and enh'sted as a )iri\ate ni the T\\ent\ -ihinl llattery. whicli \\as-assigned U' ihe Second lliigade, 'I'hird Divisi.m. and ni the fall <)1" 1 S63 he was confined fur several weeks in the hospital at Indianapolis. He was, when aljle, assigned In forage (lut\. ])ut on account of disability he was gi\en an. honorable discharge on July _'. 18O3. While in the held he look part in some of the most hotly contested battles in which the armies of the South were engaged, being in the battles of Buzzard Roost. Resaca, Dallas. Altoona. Ivenesaw Mountain, Neucer Creek, siege of Atlanta, Columbia, Franklin, Xaslnillc ami nunieroir^ minor engagements and skirmishes. He came from sturdy ].arenlagv, his parents being Abrahjun and h'.hza (Jnddi Triplett. both of whom .are now deceased.

On I'ebruary 3. iS3(.. Air. 'i'ripletl was married lo Sarah Owen-., who was born on July _'4. 184,. at moomdale. Seneca counlv. Ohio, ihe u;iughter of I'jlniond an<l bucy il'.eagel) Owen. To ihiv unu.n were lioru three children, l^llswortji .\., Ja.mes W. and .Myron O. A brother of the -niiject's father, Joshua Triplett, was a veteran of tlie Civil war. serving as a private in the Twelfth Michigan Cavalry, while the subject's grandfather was a captain in the Mexican war. and a great-uncle. Charles Triplett. served in the war of tSij. having licen wotnided at the liattle of ^'orktowu, from the efifect of which his death occurred. The subject's military ancestral liistory is still further noiewortln from the fact that his great-grand fatlier. Wilbam Tvi])letl, ser\ed in the Revolutionary war. while on the maternal -idc his wife's lirotbei-. jolm. wa- a memlvr of the ( )ne Ilumh-ed and horly-Seecond Ivegiment of Indiana \'oluuteer Infantry, while her grandfathers on both maternal and jialernal ^ide> were \etcrans of the war of iNij. Charlc- 11. Tri]ilett's death occurred on .\pril 3, i()03, in the sixt\-second year of bis age. Hi.- widow, who was l;orn on jul\ jj. 184-'. in St irk counl\. Ohio, is also deceased. For many years this worth}- coui:)le had lixed just east of Cedar Lake m Smithheld township. DeKalb count), reliiing from active farm lab.n- only wlien comi.elled to ,1,. ,so b\ defective eyesight. They were a kind and generous c<iui)le, wlio enjoyed al all lime> the rcsjjecl of all who knew them.

F. .\. Triplett received his education in the common -chools of DeKalb county, and during his earlier \ear> followed farming, and at that time became settled in his coinietioii that tbj basic art of agriculture .aboi'ded not onlv a sure income, but an independence which could not be found in .any

Other vocatiiin. Therefore, he wisely cuncluiled to make this his hfe woriv and lias been eminently successful in this pursuit. He is now residing' on his fine farm of one hundred and ten acres in Richland townshi]), where he carries on general farming and some stock raising, and where he has a pleasant and attractive residence, substantial and well arranged barns and outbuildings, and where he enjoys life as only a successful farmer can anil to a degree which the city resident cannot fully appreciate.

On July 25, 1889, Mr. Triplett married Annie E., the daughter of John r^inehart and Margaret (Hart) Rinehart. Her father was born in Germany on March 31, 1832, and died on May 4, 1888, while his wife, who also was born in Germany on June 2^. 1829, died on March 9,1907. To Mr. and Mrs. Triplett have Ijeen ];orn three children: Orville, born September 13, 1891, died on .\ugnst ro, i8c,7: Hugh L., bom April 29, 1893, ^"^^1 Orlena, born I'ebruary 20, 1895.

i'olitically, Mr. Triplett gives hi-^ earnest sup]invt to the Democratic partv. while, religiously, he is afiiliated v. ith the I'nit-.d r.rcthren church, of which he has been a consi.stent and a^-tixc niemlier for many years. Mr. Triplett has been successful fin;mcially, and is today num1)ered among the well-todo men and representative citizen,-, of the community in which lie resides. He is enterprising in all thj term implies and i)ul)lic-s])irite(l, lending his aid and induence to further all meaMU-es for tlie general welfare, no worthy jiroject ever appealing to him in vain. He is a close ol>server of current public events, and has intelligent, well-defined views relative to all matters of interest before the people. A gentleman of strict integrity, he is held in high esteem by all who know him. and the conlidence which be commands has been fairly and honorablv earned.

The visitor to the highly improxed farm of this gentleman, in Smithfield township, finds it difficult to realize its former state and the many hard strokes necessary to Ijring it to its ])resent condition. There is little in the commodious residence, fine barns and (Hitbuildings, cultivated fields and lowing herds to suggest the pioneer period, but this beautiful place represents a link in that remarkable evolution which, in the lifetime of men still li\ing. has converted Indiana from a wilderness to a smiling garden.

ful city of Crawtordsxille, ]\i(jnti;uiiiery count}', Indiana, and is the son of William C. and .Mary Elizabeth (Hickox) Lockhart. William Al. Lockhart was horn on Alay 27. 1834, at Troy. Richland countw C)hio, a son oi' James and Jane Lockhart. James Luckhart was a n:iti\-e of county Tyrone, Ireland, and was a son of \\ illiaiii and Alar_\- Ann ( .McLaren) Lockhart. James was left an orphan in infanc\- and learned the trade of a linen weaver. .\t the age of twenty-live he emigrated to America, locating in Pennsylvania, where he worked for several years and then learned the trade of a distiller. 1 le was intensely loyal to his adopted country in her hour of need, being a strong supjiorter of the L'nion and the Constitution. In 1856 James and Jane { Mc- Bride I Lockhart came to Snn'thlield township, DeKalb count}', bringing with them their son. William C The latter had from early childhood until his majorit}- lix'ed in Le.xingt<in. Oliio. where his father, through the dish!.)nest\' of a partner, became bankrupt. William C and his l)rother nobi} determined to pay the father's debts and this the}' did, though it meant tremendous exertion and untold hardsl]i])S. The financial condition of the fauu'l}' interfered with the education of the 1.m\ ^ wli.. received \er}- little schoolin.g. William C. Lockhart was a --'ildicr \i'v the Ihinn during the l'i\il war, w lieie he was severely wounded and wa^ di.-cluirged from the scrxice ];ecause of ])h}sical disability after about fifteen months' ser\-ice. In 1864 he married Elizabeth Spencer at Salesxille, Ohio, her death occurring ui October, 1867. On Ala}' 5, i86g, Mr. Lockhart married Mary Elizabeth Hickox, and to them was horn, on Xoxemher 28, 1872, a son. the immediate suliject nf this sketch. ( )n l-'ebruary 6, 1884, ]\lary E. (Hickox) Lockhart died, and on October 17, 1887, Mr. Lockhart married Julia P. (Hickox) Osborn, a sister of his former wife. Her death occurred at Waterloo. Indiana, on December 16, i8gi, and on Januarv 4, 1894, he married Elizabeth .\mes .\nsle}'. \\fter recovering from hi> nrmv wounds, Mr. Locklrn-t resunied the lumber business, in which he had lieen engaged before the war and was quite heavily interested in this business for a number of }'ears. In December, i86q, he nio\'efl to traw f(jrdsville, Indiana, where he was engaged in the sawmill business, an<l in which he was \'erv prosperous, so that just prior to the panic of 1873 an in\'oice showed the business to be worth ninet}' thousand dollars, with many good contracts on hand, .\long with the panic came serious losses by fire, the iiiill in Parke county and the dry kiln in C'rawfordsville being burned, and manv creditors failed to ])ay them what they owed. They had hard work stemming the tide, but, extending their business to Iowa, they began to recover linancia'lx', when the fiood washed out a big jam of logs, the loss amounting

Rohert W . l.oekha.rl reeeivt-d a -ood eoinnion sehi>ol education a! Waterloo. Craw fonisxillc .nnd 1 )es Monies. Iowa, and was then employed at ditTerenl \-oeations .lud in dilVerLiil places until the fall prior lo his marriage, and after that event lie 1 icalcd, ni i;s()4. on the farm in hairlield l.iwnsliip. which he uperateil for n.ine \ears. Ik- fell heir to fortx-fne and one half acres of land from his father, which he -.Id .and then l.ou-ht ei-hty acies of j^on,! land in I'airlield township, luentually he sold this tract and liought one hundred and si-xty acres if laud in section 17. Sniithlield township, which is the present home.stead. and t.. this he has devoted his uudn idc^l a^'eiUiou. so thai toda> there are f^w fariiis in this facired sfctiou of l;ci\alh coiuity which arc its eitual. l! is known :-,s i!ie old j.^tl If. 'idiomps,.n h,,niestead. X.t only has the fertility of the soil j.i-cu maintained, hut the permanent iniprox ements on dale, roomy and well arranged harus and filler si.li-^ianti il ou.tlnukh'ngs. the house of modern and altiacti\e a])peaiancc. the welCkept fences and all other hy. and add to the value .and desir.ahility of tlic plare. .Mr. i.ockhart has keen mteu.sely progressive in everuhing he has ,1 ,uc and the karn erected hy Joel If. riiomi.son was the first one kuill along m..deni ideas in this towiishi].. lie has now lived on this farm for live years and has already achieved a spleiiilid reputation among his fellow a.griculturisls.

On k'elini.ary J3. i.^'o.i, Rohert W. kockkart married .Marv tatheriue llartnian. the daughter of J,, el If. and Sarah ((.iishwa) klartman. who are referred to elsewhere in lliis work. 'I'o this union have keen horn six children. namely: Carl W.. Raljih Russell. Mary Dorothy. Ifda Grace. Wilma, deceased, and Uokert Spencer, the latter keing tlie eighth generation of Roherts on the .Mcl'.ride side of the familv . 1 'olilicallv . .Mr. Lockhart was formerly a Reiinhlican. hut is inclined to the support of the Progressive party, helieving that the iirincijiles as advocated ky 'kheodore Roo.sevelt and <ither distinguished advocates of I'rogressive ])riiiciiiles to he the most conducive to the welfare of the American people. Mr. Luckluirl was appuinled Ujunshi]) coiiiiniueemaii of the Republican part}', but in 1898, because of pressing duties of his private business affairs he resigned the position after one year of efifective service. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Ashley, while, religiously, though not a member of any church, his sympathies are with the Baptist faith. Mr. Lockhart has no special fads or specialties, Init cuntents him.self with' general farming operations, not neglecting stock raising on a moderate scale, and .-dtogethev enjoys the rejiutation of being a painstaking and prudent Ini^Iiandman. Because of his business success and his high personal (|ualitie>. he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens of .Smithtield townslii]) and is entitled to rank among the rejjresentative men of lii^, profession in DeKidl) count\ .

niodeslx and unpretenlionsiiess would l.e wu^-l incoiigiuous. and yet in rexiewing the career oi" the subjecl o !' iliis sketch, w In . is one of the sterling reared and married on June |fi. 1 8 :; 1 . to jane Taxlor. also a n:ili\e "f Washington et)unt\. I 'ennsxhania. born oil Ma\- 25. i8i j. In \Hj,() they moved to .Sumnnt eonnl\. Ohio. :nid thenee lo l)eiv;dl. couiUy. making llie journey by team, taking two weeks i(, make the trip, am! locating on the southwest ((uarter of section 28. .Smitbheld lo\en^hip. on the i_'tli of M;iy, 18.17. This farm bad been entered in 1S31, ])y j,.bn Taybir. i.alher of .Mrs. Campbell, who sold it to .\ndrew lloubn, from wb,m) .Mr. (.ani])bL-ll b.u.glu U. .Sixteen acres were clea.red and there was a small, round-log bouse on the land into which the family moved. Mr. Campbell cleared about seventy-live acres and erected good buildings, making it his home until his death, which occurred on November 9. i860. They had a family of eight children. Abel Campbell was one of the most prominent men of his comnuuiit\- and in politics was first a Whig, but later a strong supporter of the Republican party. His death occurred on the day following the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency. His wife lived to a ripe iild age. her death occurring on the old homestead farm im ]\lay 20, igo,^. when she lacked Init twenty days of being ninet^'-one \-ears old. .\l;»el Campliell follDwed ;icti\-e farming pursuits up to the time oi his death .and served one term as trustee of Smithfield township.

Edward Campbell was reared to the life of a farmer and was successful in his pursuit. He remained with his muther after his father's death and was drafted for military ser\ice during the Ci\-il \var. His mother being a widow with three children to care for, the subject felt it his duty to remain at home and help her, and he therefore purchased his release, obtaining a substitute at Waterloo, to whom he paid three hundred dollars. This money he \\as compelled to borrow and thus when he returned home he was three hundred dollars in debt. However, he went to work in earnest on the homestead farm and eventually rented one hundred and sixty acres known as the old Campbell farm, to which he kept adding by bu\ing the interests of the other heirs. This farm he still retains and has maintained it through the years at the highest ])0ssihle standard of excellence, so that it has Ijeen long considered one of the noted f.irms of Smithfield township. The place is kept well improved in e\ery respect, the old buildings being commodious and con- \enient. the soil's fertilit\- being conser\-ed. and in e\ery respect Afr. Camphell has shown his abilit} as a progressive and enter])rising farmer.

On Alay 4. iH()^. Mr. Campbell married .Marium Child^. daughter of B. E. and Jane .\. (Wood) Childs. Mr, Childs. who was a native of Xew York state, was a farmer and also \\i irked at the carjienter trade, although agriculture commanded the greater ])art of his attention. He came to DeKalb county. Indiana, in September. 1N47, buying fortx" acres of land in Fairfield township, which he traded five years later for one hundred and eleven acres in Smithfield township, to the operation of which he gave his attention until his death, which occurred in 1S78, He was an active Republican in politics, but held no public offices. He was well liked, thoroughly posted in all the branches of agriculture and was successful in his operations. He was a faithful member of the A'lethodist church. His wife, on coming west, came as near as she could to DeKalb county by canal boat in 1847, and prior to her marriage was a seamstress and also taught school. To Mr, and Mrs. Childs were born eight children: Theodocia, Marvin. Marium. Frances. Martha J.. Sarah A.. Henry and .\nson .A.. Theodocia became the wife of Henry Will- ing. and she now lives at Los Angeles, California. Her husband was a successful merchant in Iowa and died there, after which she moved west. She had two children, Arminta and ^^'illiam ; Henr\- Charles is a railroad carpenter and lives in Hudson, Steuben county, Indiana; Sarah Childs became the wife of William Hefty, of Hicksville, Ohio, and they have four children, three boys and a girl; Martha J. i^-- the wife of Andrew Cole, and they li\e in Iowa; they have four children; Henry ChiMs. who operated the home farm for a year, is still following agricultural ])ursuits. To Mr. and }*lrs. Campljell have been born five children, Frank, Elnora, .\lbertus. Clark and Thomas S. Elnora is the wife of 01i\'er Hinnian, a car]enter at W'aterlod. and llie\ ha\e one child, INIary W.

Politically, Air. Camplsell i-^ an ardent Repulilic:in and has l:ei.n influential in advancing the interests of that party in this locality. Fraternally, he has for a half century been an enthusiastic member of the Masonic order. Iieing the onh' survivor of the charter members of the lodge at Waterloo. On the 25th of August, IQ13, a party of thirty members of this lodge came to Mr. Campbell's home and presented him \\ith a jeweled gold ]\Iasonic eml)lem liar pin, which he prizes ver)- highly. In every i)liase of life's activities in which he has engaged Mr. Camjihell hris ])erfiirmed his full part and, because of his genuine worth, his liusiness siuccs- and liis intL'i'est in the welfare iif the CDmmunitv, he is deserving nf the h!'.;li i)lace he h 'hU in public esteem.

Among the substantial men w ho^^e labur and influence gave im])elu^ to the agricultural interests and general material imijrovements of DeKalb count)- in \'ears gone l>y and who today occuines a liigh place in the esteem of the community in which he lives is the worthy gentleman whose name introduces this article. Connected as he was for a period of vears with one of the most important official positions in the county and prominently identified with the material growth of his locahtx , he has been a forceful factor in agricultural circles and a leading citizen in all that concerns the public good.

John Hoffelder was born in 1843 i" south Bavaria, Germany, and is the son of Francis Charles Hoffelder and wife. The subject was reared in his native land and received a good, practical education in the schools of that locality, remaining at home until 1870. in the meaiuime he had followed the vocation of a farmer and also learned the trade of a weaver, raising riax and hemp in summer and spinning and weaving it into clotli in the n inter. /Dn^ was all done by hand, somewhat after the fashion of the carl} ])ii:)neei-s in this country, excepting that it was ch^ne in" organized sliojj work. Ill the summer nf i S70 Mr. Hoffelder concluded td emigrate to .America, the land of goKk-ii upportunities. and he reached lastle (iardeii in .\e\\ ^ iirk liarhcir on .\ugnsl 7, 1 N70. hi .\'o\ emher of that year he came to Smithheld Idwnship, DeKalh count\. Indiana, coming directly to the ( ierman settlenienl, which was located in the midst nf a dense trad of liml>er. The f.)11owing spring Mr. iloffeldcr weiil tM near (.)hio, where for a season he was cmiiloyed in farm w nrk", Iml in \'o\emher, 0S71. he returned to DeKalh county and he and liis hrother-indaw rented a little place near where they now li\e. In ( fclolier. 1X78, .Mr. I hitfelder had about determined to go fuither west, liul his lamlkird re(|uested him to sta\ , ottering to sell him llie ])lace > >u which lie li,-id been w..rkiiig. .Mr. Ih.ttelder had cent, on an axerage .-tiul .mlv i)art ..| his h,,,,] was cleared. lie h.a.l wnrked hard on ihis hmd nem-l) seven years, and had had a struggle to make both ends meel. The k.w jKirt of ihe land lui.l imi been dramed :wA allMgether conditions were umI \ ei\ prdini-ing fi>r the near future. Ibi'.\e\er. after much hargaimug. in whicli .Mr. lloHekler showed good business ju-lgment and sagacilw he clused ilie deal and secured '.hv land. Il was a re;^ular' w ilderness, bin to its impn.\ement he at nnce a])pbed hini-elf witli a zeal and energy that soon showed delinite results. Much drainage and ditching was reciuired. bul some tif the 'and which before had lieen the most wi.rlhless eventually b.ecame nf ilie greatest \alue. .Mr. I li iffeldcr's purchase cnniprised one hundred and twenty acres and to this he has during the suh.seipient vears ap])lied his energies with a sdundness (if judgment that has been productive of very gratifying results until today few farmers in his locality are held in higher esteem than he. He has erected a comf<M-tahle and attractive residence, a commodi<ius and well arranged barn, while the big yard surrounding the hiime has been set liUl with beautiful sbaile trees and shrnbhery which adds greatly U< the attraclix eiiess ;:n<l \alue of the jilace. In the sjiring of \q\2 .Mr. lloffelder planted six ihdusand nurserv forest trees of \arious kinds. The following summer was extrenielx dry and many of these trees were lost. However, two fhousand more were planted and fourteen hundred more will be planted in the spring of i(>i4, altogether covering about six acres of land.

flimsy and were rapidly wearing- nut. new ones heiii;.^- needed. Mr. finffcldt had traveled oser Cieriuany while a .- seen considerable of the country since coming to America and knew prett\- well what good bridges should lie like. The coinniissioners determined to revolutionize the methods of doing business .and to tliis end the\- insisted on expert advice and exact and complete s]iecihcations. competition on bids and inspection of the work being done, which -.lionld !>e a];])ro\ed ';efore beiiit; paid for. .Ml these things teiideil to not only secure a better (|ualily of work. but also saved the county many thousands of dollars. For this work alone .Mr. Fbififelder deser\es the everlasting regard and commeudatioii of his fellow citizens.

In 1873 ^^^- Hoftelder married I'ba.nces .Miller, who was liorn ni C'hicago. Illinois, the daughter of Francis Antone and Magdalene (Schmidt) Miller. Her parents were natives of (jermany who came to America and settled in Smithfield township, DcKall) count\-, Indiana, where they spent the lemainder of their b\e>. To .\!r. and Mr--, Hnttclder have been born six children: l-'rancis Charles, who li\es near ihe Barker church in .^luithfield township, married l.i^uise Da])]), and they have five children, Helene, Esther, b)bn, I'bancis and Agnies ; Catherine dierl at the age of sixteen \ears; John .\, lives with his father; Lena is ;ilso at home; Frances is the wife of pjiiil Schiffle. who lives north of the Barker church in Smithfield townshi]). and they have five children, Ca'l. ,\dolph, Ravmond. deceased, Joliii .ind Frances: iMarv .\. is the wife of Fred Brooks, of Cleveland, where he ;i successful and they ha\'e one child. Mary; Peter Fl. is at home with his father,

Mr. lloffeldcr .and hi- famib are earnest, faithful ;iiid ]iromincnt members of the Catholic church, lo the su])i3ort of which they contribute liberally. Mrs. Frances Hofifelder died January 29, 1895, and in 1897 Mr. Hoffelder married Mrs. .\lar\- S. (Alay) C. feller, the widow of Frederick C, feller, deceased. Mr. Hoffelder and the members of his family are popular in the circles in which thev move and are highly resjiected by all who know them. Mr. Hoffelder has attained success in spite of most discouraging circumstances. Coming to a new country with no knowledge of its language, he was not able to speak English until after fifty years of age, but he now is able to converse with considerable freedom and speaks well. He has had a splendid career, including three months' service in the German army, during which he took part in the war of r866, in which his country separated from the Hapsburgs of Austria, and resulted in the welding of the various states comprising the present German empire under the Hohenzollerns. Personally, Mr. Hoffelder is a warm and true friend. Fearlessness is one of his marked characteristics and he hesitates not to do what he considers his whole duty regardless of the consecjuences. Above all, he has been a man of unquestionable integrity and unblemished honor and he will do nothing which' will lower himself in his own esteem or that of others. His standard is high and he has always endeavored to live so that his exam])lc niay be imitated by the young men of the rising generation. E\er ready to contribute of his means and influence to all objects for the material, charitaljle or religious welfare of the communit\-, he is considered one of the most enterprising and ]M-ogressi\-e men of the locality, and in a large sense he is and always has been a true benefactor of his fellow men.

In placing the name of the late John Matthias Shoudel before the reader as one who stood for many years in the front rank of the enterprising men of affairs and a leader in agricultural circles of DeKalb county, Indiana, whose influence tended to the upbuilding of the localit\- of his residence and the advancement of the affairs of his county, simple justice is done a. biographical fact, recognized tliroiighoul the coninuniity b}- those at all familiar with his history and cognizant of the im])ortanl part be acted in the circles with which he was identified. His career ]iresents a notable example of those cjualities of mind and character which overcome obstacles and win success, and he was eminently deserving of the high place he held in the hearts of tliose with whom he was associated.

lohn Matthias Shoudel was bnrn in 18J4 in Bavaria, Germany, and was the sou of John Shoudel. He was reared and educated in his native land, and there, on reaching mature years, he married Magdalena Miller, a nati\e of the same locality and a daughter of John Miller. Mr. Shoudel learned the trade of a weaver in his native land and also gave some attention to farming. In 1S54. (le-iring larger opportunities for ad\-ancenient. he can^e to the

United States. After spending a few months in New York he went to Chicago, and while Hving there, in 1855, he sent for his family, who had remained in the fatherland. He was employed on the docks in Chicago, but in 1857 he joined, with four others, Frank Miller, John Miller, Xavier Schmidt and Frederick Schmidt, and they brought their families to DeKalb county, where they bought forty acres of land, for which they paid three hundred dollars, and then they divided the land between them, eight acres each. This land was located in section 15, Smithfield township, and had not been disturbed by human hand since the red men left it. Mr. Shoudel at once cleared a s]>ot on which he erected a log cabin, and applied himself to the strenuous task of felling the timber and getting the land in shape for cultivation. His first winter's efforts amounted to two acres of cleared land, and during that season the main diet of the famil}- consisted of corn liread and wild game, of which latter there was an aliundance. Eventuallv Mr. Shoudel was al)le t(j buy a yok-e of steers, and after a while he secured a ."^eccjud yoke, which greatly facilitated his labors. He managed well, was wiselyeconomical and at length was able to Imy forty acres more land, antl with this as a nucleus his affairs a;-sumetl a i^romising aspect. Industry, persistence

.and good management were the essential qualities which contributed to his success and he was al)le to Ijuy more land from time to time until at the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred acres of splendidly impro\'ed farm land. John ^Matthias Shoudel died in 1880. and was survived a few years by his widow, whose death occurred in 1886.

In the affairs of the community Mr. Shoudel took a leading part and no movement of any moment was launched without his assistance and co-operation. When St. Michael's Catholic clmrch w.a- in^-tituted here during the eighties. ?iJr. Shoudel was one of the thirteen persons who requested the bishoo of the diocese to establish the church, and for many years lie was one of the leading members of the parish. He was one of the oldest men in the community, and to him many looked for advice and counsel in their temporal affairs, and he ever prov.ed worthy of their confidence. His integrity and fidelity were manifested in every relation of life, and his plain, rugged honesty, his open-hearted manner, undisguised and unaffected, is to his descendants a sweet and lasting memory.

To John Matthias and Magdalena Shoudel were born the following children; BaUzer, Michael L., Matthias, Agnes and John, the latter dying at the

Henry M. Showalter was horn near Straslmrv. Tuscarawas count\ . Ohio, on June 1, iS_|4. the son of Xoah and l-di/ahetli (Moore) .Showalter. who were nalixes of ( )hio. Tlie\ were reared and married in that state, coming lo DeKalh comix- in 1S4S ami settling on a tract of land in l-'ranklni townshi]i. where the father snccessfnllv follo\\ed agncnllnre for a numl-.er of \ears. l..-iter. al;orl iNj'i. he mo\e<l lo W'ilmin-ton lownshi]). where he settled on a farm and spent the remainder of Ins life To Inm an.l his wife were lorn fliree children, ,\ancy l-.llen : deceased). Henrv M. and James W .

The subject of this skelr'h received his education in the common selio,>l> of l^'ranklin townshi],. and also m the public sch .ols ,,r I'.niler and Waterloo Ife then engaged in leaching sehool |,,nr terms, ni winch he gained a high farm, to the cult i\ at ion of w hich he has de\ oied hinrself continuously sin.ce and m which he has met with pronounced success. | le not only successfully conducted the afifairs connected with fa.rming. and made many permani'ut and substantial improvements on the place. Imt a number of \ears .igo he be.gan the importation of hea\'\ draft horses ;ind Shetland pomes. lie was one of the ])ioneers in this Inisiness and at one time was tlie heaviest inipoiter in the LTnited States of Shetland ])i nies. of which he has .sold many thousands. He has handled these ])onies for twenty-si\ years and is still actively engaged in the enterprise. lie has iniproxed the breed so far as is ])0.ssible by .selection, and his patronage has extended o\ er nearlv all the slates of the nuddle West and in many distant parts.

of Belthaser and Rufina Margarettc ( Wittman ) I >in,!;ic<linc. I'.otli nf these parents were born in \\'ittenlnii,i4, (lennany, and u|iiii) eniiL^ratini; Id the Tnited States settled in Hohnes duinty, Ohio. They were the parents .if mie child, Mrs. Showalter. IJy a former marriage Mr. Dingledine was the father (if ele\en children. To Mr. and Showalter have been born four children: Maud, wlio is the wife of Clark Brown, of Butler, and the\- ha\'e three children, Wanda .Margarettc, Ralph S. and Lulu X'irginia. I,ulu is the wife of Winfred Powers Keep and the\- ha\c one child. Edw in H. Myrtle is deceased. Frederick W. is at liome with his parents.

In local ])ublic affairs ]\lr. Showalter has long taken a prominent ])art. ha\ing a deej) interest in e\"erything that pertains to pulilic welfare, and he served one term efficiently as a member of the ndvisory lioard. rolitically, he is a Republican and has long been active in his party. ITaternally. he is a member of the Free- and .\ccepted ]\Ias(jns, belongmg to the blue lodge, the council of Royal and Select Masters, the chapter of I^oyal .\rcli Masons, the commandery of Knights Temj^lar, and to the Scottish Rite, in w hich he h;ts attained til the lliirty-second degree. He is also a member (if the Xohles of the Mystic Slnine, and of the subiinlinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Showalter has been very successful in everything to which he has gi\en his attention, and has ac(|uired interests aside fr.im those w itli his farm, bt-ing a stuckliolder and vice-])resitlent of the b'irst National Bank of Butler. Mr. Sliow altcr's life has been an unusually active and useful one, and though the limited space at the disposal of the writer permits no more than a casual mention of the leading events in his career, sufficient has been said to show that earnest en.'eavor and honesty of purpose, rightly applied and persistently tollowcd, will lead to un(|ualified .success. Mr. Showalter is intFif-ntial in local affairs and is looked upon as thoroughlv in svm])ath\ with an\- mo\ement looking toward the Ijetterment and ad\ancement in an\' way of his communit\', where he has al\va\'s been regarded .as a man of sterling honest\- and worthy of the utmost confidence and res]iect, which his fellow citizens have been free to accord.

\'o other peo])le that go to make up our cosmop(ilitan civilization have better habits of life than those who came originally from the great (ierman empire. These people are distinguished for their thrift and honest\ , and (55) these two qualities alone in tlie inhabitants of any countr\- will in the end make that country gre.at. When with these two qualities is coupled the other quality of sound sense, a strong German characteristic, there are afforded such qualities as will enrich any land and place it at the top of the countries of the world in the scale nf elevated humanity. Of tins excellent people came Michael L. Shoudel, who for maiiy years has Ijeen one of the well known farmers of DeKalb county, Indiana, lie comes of a race that produced the famous "Iron Chancellor," the greatest statesman, all things considered, that ever walked this terrestrial siihcre. He comes of a race that is famous fur 'its original investigations in the jirolilems of civilized life, such men as Goethe and Meckel, to say nothing of a coterie of the greatest musicians of all lands and climes. The Germanic blood is found in the veins of the greatest men and women of this and former generations and the Shoudel family may well be proud of their descent from such a race. The subject of this brief sketch is easily the peer of any of his fellow citizens in all that constitutes right li\ing and cov;-ect citizenship. lie is a close and intelligent obser\er, has reail much, and takes pains t(j keep himself well informed upon ciUTeiU events. Me is (juiet in demeanor, a thinker, and a man of tleeds rather than \\(.)rds. He is essentially a man of the people liecause he has large faith in luimanit)- and is optimistic in his xiews.

Michael L. Shoudel, who for many years has been one of the best known and influential citizens of Smithheld township, DeKalb county, Indiana, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1844. He is a son of Matthias and Magdalena' (Miller) Shoudel, who.se personal .sketch appears elsewhere in this work, therefore further mention of the subject's antecedents will not be made at this point. Michael L. Shoudel was about eleven years of age when tlie family emigrated to the L'nited States, locating- in Chicago in iS()3 Two years later thev came to the little patch of wild land in Smithfield township, DeKalb county. Indiana, where tbe_\- made a start in tlieir struggle for financial indei)endence in a strange land. Her^f tlie sul]ject ol this sketch performed his full sliare of the strenuous toil inciik-ut to the clearing of the land and putting it in shai)e for cultix .ation, and he distinctly recalls having ])lowed a six-acre lieM which rei|uired ten days' \vork with a yoke of oxen, for the ground was full of roots and slumps and progress was exceedingly slow and wearing on both men and beasts. Soon after his marriage in 1872, Mr. Shoudel commenced farming on his own .account on fortx acres of land which he had received from his father, and as he was prospered in his undertaking he bought more land from time to time, until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres of as fine land as can be found in DeKalb county. He is up-to-date and progressive in his methods of \\()rk and has achie\'ed a .distinctive success in Iiis vocation. He has l)een a hjM'd worker continuallv from his first initiation into the pioneer struggle and indeed in that cari\' dav at one time they would ha\e retiu-ned to Chicago if they could ha\'e done so. but tliey had not been able to make much progress and were not financially able to make the trip, so they struggled on and the struggle became a triumph. Mr, Shoudcl, although aliout sexeiity years old, is still actixe jjliysically and is able to ])erform a good day's labor on tin.- farm, lie lias ne\er been sick much and has always been active in anything to which he has applied his efforts. He has been an eye-witness and a participant in the wonderful growth which has characterized this section of the state and remembers well when Waterloo consisted of but three stores, a saloon,. a hardware store, a dry goods store and a few buildings, and when the court hou.se at Auburn was a very primitive and poorly furnished affair. Mr. Shoudel had but limited educational opportunities, never attended school a day until after sixteen years of age. He then started in the primer and in fift\-eight days was in tlif third reader. Tlie second winter he again attended school and worked hard to gain knowled.ge and has been a continual I'eader throughout his life and is toda_\- considered a man of wide and unusual information on many subjects. One <if bis leading (|ualities is bis persistency in his api)licalion to any task to \\hicli he applies himself and tliis has enaliled him to con(|uer where man\- others would ha\e failed. In the public and civic life of the communit\' 'Sir. Shoudel has for many years been an influential factor and has always exerted his influence in favor of such movements as have tended to advance the best intere.sts of the community.

In 1872 Mr. Shoudel married Joanna Reinig. whit was l)orn in Bavaria, Germany, the dau.ghter of bVank and Joaun.-i (Lal-'roise) Reinig. She came to .\merica late in i 87.' with her mother, her fatlier lia\ing already emigrated to this countrv. Here they ap])lied themselves to agricultural ojjerations, as had their fellow citizens, the Shoudels, Millers and Smiths, To Mr, and Mrs. Shoudel have been born ele\-en children, six boys and five girls, namely: Tohn, who lixes on the Hezekiah Leas farm, married Margherita Hoff. and they have four children, .Mbert, Clara, Michael and Ksther; Annie is the wife of Frederick Gfeller, who lives south .)f the Catholic church, and tl!e\- ha\e eight children, Freddie, Dora, Matthias, Mary, Celia, Joseph, Herman and a baby .girl: George, who married Marie Hoft', lives on .)ne of his faliier's farms near Summit, and has two children, .\gnes and a liaby bo\- ; Michael is unmar- ried and lielps his tatliei- lun tin.- farm and also o]:)erates a tlireshing machine; Matthias, whn is also unmarrie<l. is at liome ; Kate is the wife of Andrew Shiflli. wh.o H\es two and onedialf miles east of hi.s father on the Shoner farm, and is the father of two children, Agnes and Wilford; Lena, Marv, Caroline, Joseph and Frank are all unmarried and at home with their jjarents. The subject and his wife also reared Fred Elliott, who was Imrn Xoxemher 26. 1880, the son of George and Caroline (Rennig) Elliott, the latter having given up her life at the birth of her son. Fred Elliott died on September 8, 19 10. Mr. Shoudel and the members of his family are all connected with the Catholic church, in the prosperity of vi^hich they are deeply interested and to the support of which the\' contrilnite lilierall}". ^^fr. Shoudel is a man whom to know is to respect and admire, for, havin.i:;- started in a low!)' capacity, he gradually forged to the front and In- f.-iithful effort and ]>rompt discharge of e\-er\' duty de\ol\ing upon him he finally aci|uired a comfortable competency and has won and retains the good \\i]l and regard of all who know him. He has e\-er tried, lo do the right as lie has seen and understood the right and as a representati\-e citizen of his communit\- he is eminently entitled to rejiresentation in a \\(irk of the character of the one at hand.

Joseph Hohl

The people who constitute the bone and sinew of this country are not those who are unstable and unsettled, who fly from this occupation to that, w ho do not know how to vote mitil they are told, and who take no active and intelligent interest in affairs affecting their schools, churches and property- The backbone of this country is made up of families who haA'e made their homes; who are alive to the liest interests of the community in which they reside: who are .so honest that it is no trouble for their neighbors to know it. and who attend to their own busines-; and are too busy to attend to that of others; who work on steadily from day to day. taking the sunshine with the storm :ni(l who rear a fine family to a comfortalile home anil an honest life. Such people are .alwavs welcome in any cotuilry and in any community. The)- are wealth producers and this country is blessed with many of them, among whom is the subject of this sketch.

To.seph Hohl was born in 1855 in Rhinepfalz, Ciermanv . and is a son of Sebastian and Marv (Miller) Hohl, the latter being born in January, 1827. Sebastian Hohl died in his native land in 1866, aged about forty years. He was a man of eminent respectability and standing in his native community. Tlie subject was reared in his Cierman home, where he remained until twenty-eight years of age. In February, 1883, he was united in marriage to Anna Leidner, a native also of Rhinejjfalz, and a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Boltz) Leidner. In 1883 Mr and Mrs. Hohl came to .America. locating at once in DeKalb county, Indiana, being employed in Frank Hamman's tile and brick yard in Smithfield township. In 1894 Mr. Hohl bought the farm where he now lives, comprising seventy-seven and one-half acres in section 15, Smithfield township, on which he has since resided ;md which he has developed into an ideal agricultural homestead. He has made nianv permanent and substantial impro\-ements, not the least of which was moving the home out nearer to the ]niljlic road and remodeling it. the building of a new and commodious hank liaru and other impro\-ements of a like nature. which have contrilnited to tlic gener,al appearance and value of the iaini. .About 1903 Air. Hohl lioughl another farm of seventy-four acr-s and onehalf cornering on the southwest his first tract, the railroad track running between, and he is also the owner of aiKither farm northwest of the last named tract, owning one hundred and sixlv acres in all. To all of this hmd Mr. Hohl gi\'es his undi\-i(Ied attention and in its operation lie has met with the most pronounced success. He raises all the crops common to this localitxand also gives some a.ttention to the breeding and raising of live stock, these two things going hand in hand and each contriliuting to the success r)f the other. Starting in a strange land with Init little capital and slight exijerience in farming, Mr. Hohl has achieved a success of which any man can be justifiably proud. AH that he has has been attained by the hardest kind of work, combined with grit and wisdom, good common sense and sound judgment, which have guided him in all his eflforts. Mr. Hohl has contributed largely to her husband's success, encouraging him by her efforts and advising him wisely in his dealings, and together they have accinnulated a gratifying portion of this world's goods.

To Air. and Airs. Hohl were born the follow 111- children: Matthias. born in 1884, and lives on a farm near his father, married Elizabeth Dapp, and they have two children, Henry and .\l\iu; Jose])h. born in Xovember, i88s, died at the age of thirteen years; .M.-iry, born in September, 1888, lives at home: Louis, born in l-'ebrua.ry, 1890, died at the age of seven years: Frank, born in 1892. lives at home: the next in order of birth was an infant daughter, who died very earlv in life; Joseph, bom on .\ugust 16, i8<)0, died at the age of thirteen years, and an infan daughter died in Alarch, 1901.

AJr. Hdhl is hcuesl. straightforward man in all ni his dealings, conscientions in his work on the farms, and it is with [jleasure that this brief synopsis of his life and tribute of his worth as a factor in the affairs of his locality is gi\-en a place in this work.

Air. and Airs. Jlohl are earnest and faithful members of St. Alichael's Catholic church, of which they are regular attendants and to which they contriibute liberally of their means. Politically. Mr. Hohl \ntes with the Democratic part}'.

Elmer Goodwin

There can be no impropriet_\- in scanning the acts of an_\ man as they affect his public, jiersonal and business^ relations. So in this biographical work will be found mention of \Mirthy citizens of all X'ocations, and at this juncture we offer a resume of the career of one of the substantial and highly esteemed representatives of the agricultural interests of Grant township, DeKalb county, where he has not only attained a high degree of success in his chosen field of labor and enterprise, but also established an imperishable reputation for uprightness in all tlie relations of life.

born in Somerset count}', Penns}'l\'ania, on b'el)ruary 12, 1837, the daughter of Jacob AV'iltrout. Six months after his marriage David Goodwin came to DeKalb county, Indiana, and in the fall of 1855 '^^ moved upon the farm near Waterloo, where be resided for forty-four years, lie was a man of considerable enter])nse and energx . liis acctnnulations lieing the result of hard labor an(V rigid econom} . lie ;in<l lii> thrifty wife cleared and improved the farm, which, when they took possession, was in its primitive wildness. In the earl}- da\-s of their residence here Mr. Goodwin wis converted and became one of llu- tirsi nieniljers of the Walciioo clri.-s of Uh- Inilcd P.rethrL'ii churcli. and when that scjciety built a new church edilice he was one of llie most liberal donors to the building fund. His death occurred at Waterloo on March 9, 189CJ, at the age of seventy-two years. 'I'o him and his wife were born four children, namely: Mary, wife of Jonas K. Dilgard, of \A'aterloo: Elmer, the immediate subject (jf this sketch; AJrs. Allie Gavitt. of Logansport, Indiana, and Frank, of Waterloo. In December, 1903, Mrs. Sarah Goodwin became the wife of B. F. McEntarfer, whose death occurred in February, 191 1. Her death occurred on October 5. 191 2, at the age of seventy-five years.

Elmer (ioodwin was reared on his father's farm at where he ha^ spent his entire life, and to the cultivation of which farm he has devoted his attention with vevy gratifying success, lieing now numl)ered among the successful and substantial citizens of his community.

In 1883 Elmer "Goodwin was married to Almeda McJlntarfer, who was born at Waterloo, Indiana, and is a daughter of David and Mar_\- (Wildersin) McEntarfer. David McEntarfer was born near Waterloo and was a son of Jacob and Drusilla ( Saynor ) McEntarfer. Jacob McEntarfer was a son of John and Catherine McEntarfer, who came from Stark county, Ohio, to DeKalb county, Indiana, in 1 N39, locating in Smithheld townshi]) when there were only four or h\e families in the townshi]). The countr\ liad been lint little im])roved anil wild animal> and Indians were numerous. .Mr. .Mc- I'jitarfcr ofti.n \isited the Indians and attended their dan.-es. There on the home farm David McEntarfer w;is reared to manhood and married Mary Wildersin, who was the daughter of Martin and Barbara ( Crouk ) lie secured a good education in the schools and earl\; in life became a teacher, his death occurring at the early age of twenty-one years, leaving a wife and two children. Emma and .\lmcda. His widow afterwards became the wife of Solomon Link and lived in Sniithlield townsliip near Waterloo until her death, which oi-curred on ( )ctob.er <S, 1903. I'.y her second marriage she bore three children. .Mrs. .Maude b)anicls, ]\1rs. Tearl Pi.arncs and llenjamin. To Elmer. (ioodwni and wife ha- been born 1 daughter, Grace, who is now the wife of John Thomas, of Waterloo, an<l they have a daughter. Ruth. Mr. Thomas is the son of Jonathan and Phoebe ( hAerhart ) Thomas, and he was born at lulon, Ohio. .\t the time of his marriage .Mr. Goodwin built a \ery attractive antl commodious residence where he now resides, and he ga\e his attention to the operation of his fine farm, which is nnmbered among the best jiieces of agricnitm'al lam! in this localitv. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in the workings of which order he takes a deep interest, and ac- cording to those ulio know him best he is a good citizen in the broadest sense of the phrase, giving his support to those enterprises which promise to advance the best interests of the community materially, morally and educationally. His personal relations with his fellow men have ever been mutualh" agreeable and he is liighly regarded by all, being easily approached, oliliging and straightforward in all the relations of life

Albert H. Peters

Among the enterprising and public-spirited farmers of Jackson township, DeKalb county, Indiana, none has been granted a greater meed of respect and admiration than the gentleman concerning whom this brief is written. Although a comparatively young man, he has for many years been an etiicient and widely recognized factor in the growth and advancement of the interests of his community. A keen appreciation of the utility of modern methods <:)f agriculture has made for his success in his chosen \i)cation uf agriculture, and he is e\er 1 eady to ad<ipt new mo.les anil apj)liance- when their worth is proven.

.\lbert H. Peters comes of sturdy Teutonic stock, he being the son of Ernest and Ricca (Gael) Peters, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the New World from the fatherland in 1872, settling in DeKalb county. Indiana. The father and mother are still living in Jackson ti>\\nship. To them were born six children: Albert H., who was born Februar\ 3, 1873. in DeKalb county; Charley, who lives in Jackson twvnship; bVed is deceased: Mrs. Sarah Dannenberg lives in DeKalb county: Edward, a farmer of the same county ; Freda Habig lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The common schools of DeKalb county were the source of the subject's early education, the time not devoted to his studies l)eing occupied in assisting his parents in the labor of the farm. Upon reaching maturity he was elected to the position of constable in Jackson township, which office he filletl for a period of eight years to the eminent satisfaction of his fellow citizens.

On April 11, 1900. the subject of this review was united in marriage to Delia Kester, daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Shilling) Kester, natives of DeKalb county. To this union has been born one child, June B., whose h'wth occurred on June 19. 1912. The only brother of the subject's wife, Leon, is deceased.

Albert H. Peters And Family

Mr. Peters is now conducting- a line of general farming on the ninety acres of good land which he owns. A splendid home has been erected here, and his barn and other farm buildings are of the \ery best. In fact, it would be hard to find a better agricultural plant than that possessed bv the suliject, and it is a matter of just pride to him that it stands as a work of his own hands.

In rehgious matters Mr. Peters gives his sujjport to the Lutheran E\angelical church, in which he takes an active interest, while, politically, he votes the Democratic ticket.

One of .Sniithtield township's agriculturalists and slock men .who is de.serxing of a place in this h.iok is k/irl W. l-'orrest. a man of courage, selfreliance and llic utmost nite,i;riiy of ]iurpo-e, as a result of which he has. <lniing his entire life, stood high in the estimation of his neighbors and friends, w hcjse interests he has sought to promote while entleavoring to advance his own.

Earl \\\ Forrest was born on August 6, 1879, o" the old homestead farm on section 19, Snn'thtiekl township, Delvalb count}-, Indiana, and is the son of Willian-i R. and Lucy C ( Canfield ) Forrest. He was rearetl under the parental roof, securing a good education in the schools of his native township, and has followed farming from his Ixiyhood. lie was early in life imbued with the notion that there was a dignity anil indejjendence in the agricultural \ocation not to be found in any other line of effort, and he has intelligently and properly directetl his efforts along this line, liis labors lieing crowned with a fair measure of success. In addition to farming o]ierations. Mr. .k'orrest has also engaged in threshing ii-i season up to tlie present time, lia\ii-ig purchased, in the fall of igog, a con-iplete, modern threshing outfit, and in this special line of effort he has lieen successful on his ow-n account, and has been of great assistance to the farmers of his C(jmmunity. He engages in farming operations on his father's farm of one hundred acres and forty acres where he lives, and he jnst completed the erection of a fine, up-todate barn, costing about three thousand dollars, and which is generally considered one of the best structures of its kind in the township. It is noteworthy that most of the heavy material for this barn was cut and shai^ed on the farn-i where it was used. .Active, resourceful and progressive. Air. Forrest has the true twentieth-cenUiry spirit of enterprise, not being bound by old-time methods; but has forged ahead and followed the most improved lines, being rightfully classed among the leading agriculturalists of his county. I'olitically, Mr. Forrest is an earnest Republican and active in his interest for that organization, th(jug!i bis prix'ate affairs ha\e made such hea\'y demands onliis time that he has not aspired to any public office for himself.

Air. I'orrest v.as married on July 9, 1898, to Myrtle Curry, the daughter of David and Emma (Thorpe) Curry. .Mrs. Forrest's father was a native of Ohio, who came to ,\llen county. Indiana, in 1874, \i\mg in Huntertown until about three years ago, when he located in Garrett, Indiana, where he now resides. To liini and his wife \\ t-re liorn six children, vva. : Henry; Myrtle. Mrs. Forre.st: INlrs. Luella Ibvixer, of Ciarrett : ?ilrs. Carrie W'aterbeck, of Carrett : Charles and f'>es>ic. Mr'-. I'urrest's mother. Whn was born near Maysvi'lle, now known as Harlan. Indiana, is still lixing. To Mr. and Forrest ha\'e lieen born se\en children. \iz. : Li.ytl. wbn died at the age of three years: Or\ilIe, deceased: l-^dna. Lavon, \^iola, Donald and Clark.

In his relations with liis fellnw men. Mr. I'orrest has lieen guided Ij}' the highest motives. He has the greatest .-sympathy, for his fellows and is always willing; to aid and encourage those who are struggling to aid themselves, ^'et in this, as in utlier things, be is entireh' unassuming. When be believes that be is on the right i)ath. nothing can s\ver\-e bini from it. His home life is a sacred trust, and his friendships are inviolable. He has commanded the respect of all classes liy his exemjilary life, and today is an honor to the communitv in which he lives.

Isa.Ac F. Barkfr

It is with jileasure that we present to our readers the life record of Isaac v.. r.arker, for he is a prominent and influential citizen of DeKall) county and one who for various reasons, is entitled to distinctive re]iresentation in this vobinie. The Barker family, of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy representative, is one of ibe old honored ones of HeK.alb counlv. The lirst representative of the faniil> who came to America was bjlward llarker, who was born in Nottinghamshire, Fngland. in June, 1806, and in 1834 came with his wife and two daughters to the I'nited .States. He first lived two years at Detroit, Michigan, and then moved to Branch county, Michigan, where he lived until 1850. ciniiing tri Haniilloii. Steuben cnunty, Indiana, where he hved two years. Al>out 1832 he bought a farm in the northeast (|uarter of Smithfield township, DeKall) county, just east of Summit. Rdward Barker was bv trade a miller. ha\ing served :in appventictslii]) in luigland and work-ed at his trade in connection with fanning ])rior to his settlement in DeKalb county. He was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church and a zealous worker in that society. He. was the prime mover in the organization of a .Sunday school in the early days, which was the forerunner of the Barker Methodist Episcopal church, that church having been organized at his house in the fall of 185J, and of which lie was the first class leader. He was an earnest Christian, broad and liberal with all classes, Protestant and Catholic and unbelievers, and v>;i.~ rc-^pccicd \r: ,iii ;i- a go; id. reliable citizen and a true friend, his advice being frecjuently sought and carrying great w eight. .\t the time Air. liarker came to DeKalb county the country seemed wild and \-enlonely, but little improvement having been made, the only features of note or. his farm of one hundred and sixt}- acres being a log house and rude barn, with only a part of the land cleared. He was progressive and public spirited in his attitude toward local affairs and gave the land on which was built the Methodist church which bears his name. His death occurred in September, 1872. He w-as married in England to Susannah Pitts, who died in September, 1840, leaving four children. Subsequently he married Rebecca Ohrani. of Ohio, who died in 1876. Of his children, ]\Iilton T. Barker was born at Detroit. ^Michigan, on June n, 1840. He was reared on his father's farm in DeKalb county, on which he resided until 1898. wlien he moved to Asliley. v\hei-e he now resides. When almut thirt\- vears of age he received from his father fortv acres of land in section 11. on which he had already built a !iou-e. and subsefjuenth- he l)ought fort}' acres more; in all he ac(|uired the fiwnership of one hundred and forty acres, but in March, Kjoo. he sold ofl' eight}- acres of this farm, and two -years after his removal to Ashley lu bought a small farm at the east edge of that town, where lie now lives. .Mr. l«irker was for manv \ears prominent in the local life i'\ the communitv . served as justice of the peace one term and was elected for a second term, but declined to (|ualif\. He also served as trustee of Smilhheld lovvnshi]) two terms arid in other wavs took a leading part in the advancement of the local welfare. Though he did not receive an extensive education in his boyhood, he was an extensive reader and close observer, and was considered a well informed man. Milton P. Barker was twice married, first to Margaret Dirrim. the daughter of Tames Dirrim, of Franklin township, this county, to which uniun were born ti\e children, Clara, the wife of I'reston Miller, of Jackson county, Michigan, is the mother of four children, Mrs. Lela Gee, Charles, Hattie and Harry; Hannah D. is the wife of William Updegraph, of Oklahoma; she has two children, Waldo and Mrs. Nina Smith; Isaac E. is the immediate suljject (jf this sketch; Charles M., who lives in Jackson county, Michigan, married Juliette Sea\y, and they have one daughter, Mabel ; James C, who lives in Jackson county, Michigan, married Bertha Betz, and they have a son, Chde. Mrs. ^Margaret Barker died on April 9, 1893, and in 1896 Mr. Barker married Mrs. Harriett (Smurr) Packer, the daughter of Nelson and Rebecca Smurr. She was born in Wilmington township, this county, of which her parents were early settlers ; was reared there and eventually married Oscar Packer, their'home l^eing at Butler, this county, until his ileatli. in May. _i888- They were the parents of four children, two sons and twn daughters: Jay Packer, of Detroit; Jennie, who is deceased, was the wife of John Lowe; Annie is the wife of Lew Groff, of Edgerton, and William, -who is a worker in pow der mills at various places.

Isaac E. Barker was born on July 7, 1869, on the home farm east of Summit, this county, and was there reared. He secured a good practical education in the common schools and then was a student at the Tri-State Normal School at Angola, and also took sjiecial studies at Auliurn. In [889 Mr. Barker began teaching school, in which \-ocation he was liusily engaged during the following sixteen years, the first year in Jackson township, the second year in b'airfield township, and the reniainder of the time in Smithfield township, ha\-ing taught thirteen years in two schools in the latter township. He attained a w ides])read reputation as a successful educator and his services were in great (k-niand. Pl(n\e\er, in 1893, ^^^- Barker relin(|uished his pedagogical work and has since gi\en his undi\-i(!ed attention to his farming operations, in which he h.as met with a large and well deserved success. Mr. Barker is the owner of one hundretl ;uid twent_\' acres of land. ha\'ing bought eight)' acres from liis father and forty acres of it comjirising the old Barker homestead. With the exception of about five acres all of his land is in a fine state of cultivation.

In 1892 Mr. Barker married Georgia Chapman, tlie daughter of Lewis Chapman and a sister of L. N. Chapman, in wdiose sketch elsewhere in this wrork apppears the record of the Chapman family. Mrs. Barker was born and reared in Siuithfield township, this county, and is a woman of many fine personal cpialities of character which have endeared her to all who know her. To Mr. and Mrs. Barker have been born four children, Paul, Claudo, Milton and Rdssaline. The first two named are attending the high school at A-hley. i'ohtically. .Mr. Barker is an earnest advocate of Democratic ]jrincij:)Ies, and as a nominee of his party he was elected in Kjrn :is trustee of Smithfield township, holding tiiat ofifice for four and di^cha.rging his oiilicial duties to the entire satisfaction of liis constituents. JM-alcrnallv, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, while, religionsh, he and his wife and three sons are members of the .Methodist l-'.pi-op.al church, of which they are earnest and faithful workers and to which they give a liberal supi)Ovt. Personally, Mr. Barker enjoys a wide pojiularity, for he hns taken an intelligent interest in the welfare of the communitv whicli is honored hv his citizenship, and has at all times given his earnest siippurt to e\er\ thing tending to advance the welfare of his fellows. LViurteou> and kind to all, l)r(iaii-minded in his views of men and affairs, and lirm in hi'^ '-oin iction-;. it is a eomplinienl \vorthily bestowed to speak of him as one of the wortln- citizens of his locality, and he is eminently entitled to representation in a w oik of the character of the one in hand.

Albertus C.Kmpbf.Ll

Indefatigable industry, sound business iudgment and wise management have been the elements which ha\e contributed to the success achie\'ed by Albertus Campbell, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Smithfield township, DeKalb county. His farm is well improved and highly productive, being numbered among the good farms of the township in which he lixes, and because of his high character and unquestioned integrity he enjo\s to a marked degree the sincere respect of the community.

.\lbertus Campbell was born on April 13, 1871, on the old homestead farm close to Waterloo, DeKal!) count}-, Indiana, and i> a -^on of I'dward and Mariuni K. ( Childs) Campbell, who are specihcallx' mentioned elsewhere in this work. The subject was reared under the parental roof, securing his education in the district schools and .gave his assistance to his father in the operation of the home farm until he was married, after which event he engaged in the baled ha\- business in partnership with his brother, Clark. During the same period he was also engaged in the operation of forty acres of land adjoining his father's farm and which belonged to the old homestead. In December, 1905, Mr. Campbell bought sixty-five acres of the old Jerry Hempstreet farm, belonging to Mrs. Hempstreet, and at the present time is the (iwner of ont liundred and thirteen acres of that farm. About eight acres of the land i-- still in finiher. but the Iialance is all under cultivation and splendidly improved in e\er_v respect. When he obtained this land the barn was there, but the residence was in very i)oor repair and IMr. Campbell at once moved his present residence off the forty acres belonging to the homstead farm one mile away and moved it to its present location, the oper;ition recjuiring eight days. He then remodeled the residence, converting it into a large, roomy, convenient and comfortable home, where the family now reside. In every respect Mr. Campbell has shown an intelligent understanding of the requirements of successful agriculture and has achie\'ed a success which has placed him in the front rank of the farmers of Smithfield township, the splendid success \vhich he has enjoyed being attributable entirely to his own efforts and to his indomitable industry and perse\erance.

On June 7. rf^c/i. ^Ir. Campi)tll married Laura Walker, the daughter of Eli and Susan (Wilderson) W'alker, and to them have been liorn two children. Edward E. and Jeremiah. In local public affairs Mv. Campbell has taken a deep interest and was townshi]) assessor for four years, from 1904 to iQoS. discharging the duties of this ]5ositioii to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He was ordered to raise the assessment of real estate five jier cent., liul did nnt (|uitc succeed in tlial effort. EiMternally, he is a member of the Eree and .\ccepted Masons and the Knights of I'ythias at Waterloo, and he takes a deep interest in the workings of these societies. Mr. Campbell is wide-awake to the best interests of the community and gives a wholehearted sup]3ort to all worthy mo\-ement-; for the good of hi-; fellows. He enjox'- :, wide acc|u.-iinlance rmd i^ \'ell lil-ed b\- rdl wlio 1 now him liecan-e of hi- b'>iness success and his sterling iiralities of character.

as a usual thing men of honorable and humane im]ndses, as well as ol energy and thrift, have been the leading patrons of husbandry. The farm lias been the fruitful soil from which has emanated the moral bone and sinew ot the nation, and from the labors of the field ha\c come forth in fo the most exalted planes of usefulness the strongest men of the coinurv. while all who have appreciation of true \alues will regard with admiration the dignity of the farmer and the \alue of the work he accomplishes, .\mong llic enterjiris- ing citizens of DeKalb.cuunt_\- is the suliject dI" this liriti" skelch. wlm i> an honored resident of Smithfield township, with whdse a.^ricuhural develupnienl and progress he has been intimately identified, while lie has sd li\ed as U> merit and receive the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem.

Henry Dapp was born on January K). i860, in Alsace. France, now belonging to (ierniany. He is the son nf Alois and l-llizabeth ( \lavtin) Dapp. both of whom were l)orn. reared and married in .\lsace. wliere the father followed the i)ursuit of farming. Henry Dapp was reared in his nati\e locality and in 18S0. at the age of twenty years, accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, settling at once in Summit. DeKalb count}-, Indiana, where the father liought one hundred and sixty acres of splendid land, comprising the northeast quarter of section i-i, where he made his home. gi\ing his undivided attention to the cultivation and improvement of his farm as long as he li\'ed. He was a man of sterling (pnlities of character and enjoved the respect of the entire community. To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Henry, the immediate subject wife of John Trapp, of (larrett. this county: Laro Deitch, of .\\illa. Indiana, and is no\\- deceased; .\nlhon\- (Irist ;md li\es at Garrett: Louise and ijeth, deceased, was the wife of William Long an( her death. The father of these children died or mother on December i. 1897.

The sui)ject of this sketch lixed on the old home jilace. eventually buying eightv acres from his father and after the latter's death he liought out the interests of the other heirs in the remaining eighty acres of the estate, thus being now the owner of the entire farm of one hundred and sixty acres. The place is well imprnxed in every respect, the fertilitx of the soil ha\ing been maintained by judicious attention to tlie rotation of crops and fertilization, and Mr. Dapp has achieved a splendid success in his t)perations. He carries on a diversified system of farming, raising all the crops common to tlii^ localit\ and gives some attention to the breeding and raising of live st'ick. in which he has met with success.

In 1884 Afr. Dapp married Magdalene .Schiflh. a daughter <if Anthon\- Schiffli. and to this union ha\e been born eight children, namely: Mary is the wife of John May, who lives near her father's farm in Smithfield township and thev have two children, .\gnes and Esther: Elizabeth is the wife of Matthias Hohl, and they live west of the Catholic church in Smithfield township: they have two boys, Henry and .\lvin : Theresa is the wife of John

Schlusser, who lives in the western part of Smithheld tow nship, and the\- have a son, Paul Louis ; -\nthony li\es near his sister in Sniithfield township and married Esther Gabe; John is unmarried and is attending St. Meinard Colleg-e in southern Indiana; Louise, Albert and Katie are at home with their parents. Mr, Dapp and his family are all earnest members of the Catholic church. Their lives ha\-e been sucli as to earn the warm commendation of all who know them, for they have been true to their highest conceptions of right and in the civic life of the community Mr. Dapp has taken an intelligent interest, giving his support at all times to every movement. which has for its object the advancement of his fellow men. Personally, he is genial and companionable and has won a host of warm personal friends.

Frederick Gfeller, Jr

In every community some men are known for their upright lives, strong common sense and industry, rather than for their wealth (.ir political standing. Their neighliors antl acipiaintances respect them, and when they "wrap the drapery of their couches about them anil he dow n to pleas:nit dreams" posterity listens with re\erence to the story oi their (|uiet and useful lives. Among such men of a past generation in DeKalb county was the late Frederick Gfeller, Jr., who was not only a progressive man of affairs, successful in material pursuits, but a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, a fine type of the reliable, self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and who always stood read\- to unite with them in every good work and active in the support of laudable jjublic enterprises, a man who in every respect merited the high esteem in which he was held.

Frederick Gfeller, Jr., was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, on Mav It, 1850. and was the son of Frederick. Sr.. and Katherine Elizabeth ( Schiba) Gfeller. \\'hen the subject was but two years old the family came to the United States, locating in Stark county, Ohio, where they lived for several years. Thev then came to Sniithfield township. DeKalb county, Indiaan, locating ju'^t west of tlie Catholic church A year later they moved to the Hot¥e!der farm, remaining there two years. Vnv a short time ihey then lived east of Waterloo, eventually returning lo Sniithfield township, where for eleven years the father engaged in farming. They then returned to the vicinitv of Waterloo, the parents .spending their last years in Ihiion-

Frederick Gfeller, Jr., remained with his parents until his marriage, ^in i^c^ 1872, when he engaged in farming on his own account, leasing land from George Wolfe just east of the Catholic church, where he remained eleven years. While on that land, he bought thirteen acres of land adjoining, though he did not live on it. He next bought forty acres a short distance northeast of where he was renting, and four or five years later bought forty acres more just north of where he was farming, to which he moved two years later, making it his pemianent home. In all, he accumulated two hundred and twelve acres of good land and was considered a \ery capable and successful business man.

Mr. Gfeller took a large interest in the welfare of the community in which he lived and was one of the original members of St. Michael's Catholic church. He served as road supervisor and as constable, and was twice elected trustee of Smithfield township, being nominated for a third term, but dying before election day. He enjoyed a well-deserved popularity throughout the section of the county in which he lived, enjoying a wide acquaintance, among whom were many warm personal friends.

In October. 1872, Mr. Gfeller married Mary .\. Mehr. who was liorn in Germany in 1854, the daughter of Johannes and Dora ( Schoudel) Mehr. In August. T871. Mary and her fifteen-year-old sister, Katherine. now Mrs. [-"rank P. Miller, came to the United States, and came at once to DeKalb county. Indiana, making thejr home in Smithfield townshi]). Mary Mehr was .seventeen rears old and could talk no English. She secured work in private t.imilies, with whom she was employed for a number of years, and during this period accpiired a thorough command of the English language. By her marriage with Frederick Gfeller she became the mother of four children, namely: Frederick, who lives near St. Michael's Catholic church, married Annie Shoudel. the daughter of M. L- Shoudel. and they have nine children, l^red, Dora. Matthias, Mary, Celia, Joseph, Herman and Christian. Mary is the wife of Thomas Smith, of Kosciusko county, Indiana, and they have one child. Genevieve. Frank, who lives on tlie old home place, married Anna 'Schififli and to them were born four children, 01i\ia. who died at the age of ten weeks, Lauretta, Clarence ;ui(l Raymond. Dora is the wife of Frank Walker, of Smithfield township, this count)-. The father of these children died on November 24, 1895, and two years afterwards his widow became the (56) wife of John Hoffelder, also a resident of Smithfield township. However, she still spends much of her time with her children, by whom she is held in most afifectionate regard. I'rederick Gfeller was a man of steady, industrious habits, his success in life being due sosely to his own efforts, and he ne\er \iolated m the slightest degree the confidence which his fellows repo.^ed in him. .V faithful husband, loving and affectionate father, faithful friend ami loyal citizen, his death was considered a distinct loss to the community which had been honored by liis citizenship.

Lemuel N. Chapman

It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimatiun in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization, and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and tlemerits; After a long course of years of such daily obser\-ation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words." In this it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch has passed a life of unusual honor, that he lias been industrious and has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his friendship.

Lemuel N. Chapman, an honored citizen and industrious farmer of Smithfield township, DeKalb county. Indiana, was hovn in that township on January 22, 1867, and is the son of Lewis ;uid Mary ( Duncan) Chapman. Lewis Chapman was born in Wayne county. Ohio, on July 17, 1S32, the son of Lemuel and Ruth (Harding) Chapman. The Cba])man family is of English ancestry, the progenitors of the faniilx- ha\ iiig lirst settled in Pennsylvania, where they married into Pennsylvania Dutch slock. Lemuel Chapman, the paternal grandfather, liccaiiie a jirominent man in his day. being known as General Chapman in Ohio and commander of the state militia. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. and Iiis deatli occurred in i8,:;7. He was a man of many accomplishments, being a fine penman and well educated, as well as being powerful physically. Lewis Chapman was reared in Ohio, attending high school, and some time before the Civil war he came to DeKalb count\', Indiana, and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land north of the east part of Waterloo. He also taught school during two winters. In 1861 he married .Mar_\- L". Duncm, who was liorn near Pittshurgh. Pennsylvania, in 1 83 J, the daugluer of ( a-oige j. :im\ .Mary ( Ba.xter ) Duncan. When two years old her parents moved to Holmes count}-, Ohio, and later to Wayne county, Indiana, and in 1832 the faniil\- nio\ed to DeKall) county, locating a short distance from where the Barker Methodist Episci.ipal church is now located in Sniithlield townsliip, where lier parents built a home and li\ed the re^t of their lives. George J. Duncan was lioth a shoemaker and a farmer, but his sons mostly followed farming. Mary Duncan li\ed on the home farm until her marriage, and some time prior thereto had taught school at the Center school and other schools in Smithtield lownslii]), ami it is -related that at one time when .-he w eul to the Center school house she saw six deer standing in the school yard, who, ;.fier looking at her for a nn nienl. ran into the woods. I'or aI)oi!t fifteen years after tlieir ii-aniage ^dr. and Mrs. Cha;)- man li\ed northeast of Wa.terloo. wlieu they sold that farm and liought a tract south of Summit, and tliere Ined imtil in old age, tliongh during the past twelve years they had given up active farm work and lived with their children. Lewis Chapman died on December 14, 1913. and Mary Chapman on December 17, 1913. Mr. and iMrs. Chapman ha\e lieen liard workers all their lives and ha\-e richly earned the prosperit\ which has resulted from their efforts. They reared seven children, all of wliom .grew to maturity, married and ha\e children of their own. These chiklren are as follows- May. w idow of Albert Gramling, now- deceased, lives one mile west of Summit, and is the mother of six children living, four sons and two daughters: Jennie is the wife of Jay Shaffer, of Smithbeld township, and they have tw-o children: Lenuiel N. lives in the northeastern part of Smithfield townshi]) and is the immediate subject of this biographical review : Margaret, who is the wife of (ie(.)r,ge Corbin, of the northeastern part of Smithfield township, lias a daughter: Georgia is tlie w-ife of Isaac Barker, of Smithfield township : William H. lives in Manly, Iowa, where he is a successful carjienter and contractor, and is married and the father of four children: L. Edward, who lives at Grand Island, Nebraska, is married and the father of two children. Of tlie si.sters of Lemuel N. Chapman, it is noteworthy that three of them have taught school, Tennie, Maggie and Georgia. The subject of this sketch, being the oldest son, was compelled to remain at home to assist his father, but benefited b\- that because he there learned how to work to advantage and imbibed those traits of character which have been instrun-iental ir-i his later successes. He did much pioneer work, such as clearing land and draining.

and, in the broadest sense of the term, he is self-made. He remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age and then engaged in farming his mother-in-law's place for twenty years. About 1904 Mr. Chapman bought one hundred and twenty acres of land and so well did he manage this tract that in four years he made enough on it to pay for the tract. It is a good farm in every respect and is handled to the liest advantage, Mr. Chapman adopting up-to-date methods in its cultivation and exercising personal supervision over every detail of its operation. It adjoins the Kegerreis farm, and he still 'lives there and operates both tracts. He has worked diligently and steadily at his vocation, losing no time and overlooking no opportunity to improve the fami and to turn things to the best advantage.

In 1893 Mr. Chapman married Sarah May Kegerreis, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (James) Kegerreis, who are mentioned elsewhere in this sketch, and to them have been born three children, nanicl}- : Inez, who is now in the last year of high school at Ashley, having attended three terms at Waterloo ; Madge, who is in the second year of high school, and Maude, four years old. The mother of these children died on July 23, 1912, and was buried on July 25th, her birthday anniversary. She was a faithful and earnest member of the Barker Methodist Episcopal cburcli and active in its various avenues of usefulness from her childhood, living close to the Icachings of the Bible all her life and proving a good wife and faithful and loving mother. Mr. Chapman has also for many years been an active and faithful member of the Barker Methodist Episcopal church, contributing of liis means to its support and giving his attention to all its interests. I'Vaternally. he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and in every axenue of life's activities in which he has engaged he has done his best, so that he has richly earned the high regard in which he is universally lield thrnughout the community.

.\mong the successful, self-made men of a past generation in DeKalb county, whose efforts and influence contributed to the material u]ibuilding of their respective communities, the late Joseph Kegerreis, of Smithfield townshiji, occupied a conspicuous place. He won for himself a jilace (jf prominence and honor as one of the world's honored army of workers and enjoyed tn a notable degree the esteem and good- will of all who knew bini.

Joseph Kegerreis was born on July 14. 1838. in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and his death occurred at his home in the northeastern part of Smithfield township, DeKalb county, Indiana, on January 27, 1889. He was a son of Jacob and Sarah (Smith) Kegerreis, who removed with their family to Columbiana county, Ohio. There, soon afterwards, the father died, and his widow eventually became the wife of Michael Mottinger. Some time later they came to DeKalb county, Indiana, locating in section 2, Smithfield township, in 1850. when the subject of this sketch was twelve years old. Here the latter was reared and secured his education in the common schools. On April I, i87'3, Mr. Kegerreis moved to a tract of land, comprising one hundred and forty acres, which he had bought in section 2. Smithfield township, where he made his permanent home and where he remained until his death. He was an energetic and practical farmer, giving intelligent direction to his operations, so that he was enabled to leave his family in very comfortable circumstances.

On September 28, 1862. Joseph Kegerreis was united in marriage with Catherine James, who was born in Summit county. Ohio, on Februarv 19. 1843, the daughter of Henry and Maria (Furry) James. When she was a liaby of but six months, the family moved to Indiana, locating in Steuben township, Steuben county, just across the line from Smithfield township, DeKalb county. There for forty years her parents made their home, and then moved to Kansas, where they bought a farm and spent the rest of their lives, the mother dying in 1891 and the father in r8g8. Mrs. Ke.gerreis was reared by her parents in Steuben county until her marriage to Mr. Kegerreis. and secured a good education in the public schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Kegerreis were Itorn four children, namely: John, who was a young man of excellent habits and fine promise, died on September 10, 1882. at the a.ge of nineteen years: Sarah May. who was the wife of L. N. Chapman, died on July 23. 1912, leaving three children; Dessa. who was the wife of Rolland S. Clramling. of Summit, this county, died on March 24. loio. aged twentythree years and ten months, lea\'ing a daughter. FMelyn M. .Slie was a graduate of the common schools, a successful teacher, and an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church from her youth up; Alta remains at home with her mother. T^lrs. Kegerreis is a woman of many gracious qualities of bead and heart, which have endeared her to a host of warm personal friends.

Mr. Kegerreis was a kind and loving husband, an affectionate and indulgent father, and earned the respect and friendslii]) of all who knew him. because of his higli character and genial dis])osition. Large-hearted and generous, he ga\e lil)erallv to all worthy causes, especially in the spread of

Christian work and to the relief of those in distress. In these things he was entirely unostentatious, many of his kindly acts being known only to himself and the recipients. Air. Kegerreis was a soldier of the Ci\il war, hax'ing served faithfully and courageous!}- as a member of the Se\-entv-ninth Regi-. ment Indiana \'olunteer Lifantry. He had been an earnest member cjf tlie Methodist Episcopal church for some _\ears prior to liis death and has taken a deep interest in religious matters, being a constant and thoughtful reader of. religious literature. He exerted ;i lieneficent influence rm all who came into contact. -with him and liis career was rounded in. its beautilul simplicity, for he did his full duty in all the relations of lite, which, after all is said, is. the sum total of real success.

The, subject of this re\-iew is a gentleman of high standing to whom has' not been denied a full measure of -success. He is ilislincti\elv one of the representative citizens of Smithticid township, and. ha> long been a recognized factor of importance in connccti.in with the agricultural interests of the county of DeKalb. Mr. (ifeller has been conspicuously identified with the material growth and ]jrosperit\- of this part of the state and his life has been very closely interwoven with the history of the county where he has lived.

Frank ^^"illiam Gfeller was Iiorn on December 23, 1877, just east of St. INIichael's churcli, in .^mithfield township, DeKall) county, Indiana, and is a son of Frederick and Mary ( Mehr ) Gfeller. When he was about three years of age the subject's parents mo\-ed to their present home, which is located a little over a lialf mile north of St. ATichael's church, and there he has lived continuously since. He was reared to the life of a farmer and secured his education in the district schools of the community. He assisted his father in the o])eration of the home farm until the latter's death, when he bought out the interests of all the other heirs to the estate, except his mother's life interest in one hundred and se\enty-two acres. He-has devoted himself indefatigably and persistentl}- to the development. impro\-ement and cultivation of the fami and that he has met with well deser\ed success is a matter of common knowledge in his locality. Among his fellow citizens he has earned the splendid reputation which he now enjoys by honest, intelligent effort and is eminently deserving of the splendid success which has crowned his efforts.

Antliony and Katherine (Fetters) Schiflli, her birtli having occurred in Alsace, France, now Germany, and being- brought to the United States with her parents when but five years old. To Mr. and Mrs. (;fcller ha\e lieen liorn three children li\-ing, I.aurette, Clarence and Raymond, and one, Olivia, who died at the age of ten weeks.

Religidusly. :Mr, and Mrs. Gfeller are earnest and loyal nienibers of St. Michael's Catholic church, in the prosperity of which thev are tleei^ly interested, and they give their earnest support to every movement for the uplift of their fellow beings. Mr. Gfeller is a man of wide knowledge, being a great reader, a deep thinker and a good con\'ersationalist, and withal is a pleasant gentleman to meet. He possesses a personalitv tliat wins friends and all who know him speak in high terms of his manv fine (|ualities and upright conduct.

Anthony Schiffli

The biographer is glad to herein set forth the salient facts in the successful and honorable career of the well-remembered and highly esteemed citizen of DeKalb county whose name appears al)o\e, the last chapter in whose life record has been closed by the hand of death, l:ut whose infli'.eiice still pervades the lives of those with whom he came in contact. Those w ho knew him best could not help but recognize his many fine attributes and his efforts to inspire good citizensliip and right living, because of whicli characteristics he won and retained the confidence and good will of all who had (h-alings with him in any uay.