DeKalb County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 19 of 20)

On January i, 1884, Elias Zimmerman married Priscilla Coder, who was born in ^^'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Griffith) Coder. Her parents, who were both natives of Westmoreland county, Penn.sylvania. moved first to Ohio, and eventually to DeKalb county, Indiana, locating in 1867 on a farm west of .Spencerville. They lived there until about i88r), when the father retired from active farming and mo\-ed to St. Joe, where they spent their last days and died, the father passing away at the age of se\enty-six }'ears and the mother when se\-enty-four years old. They were well known throughout that community and were highly esteemed. About 1869 IMiss Priscilla Coder began teaching school and during the following twelve years she v.-as successfully engaged in the country schools and at Spencerville. In 1880 she came to Auburn and taught in the primary grade for four vears, having an average of eighty-fi\"e pupils and at one time as many as one hundred and fifteen. To Elias and Priscilla Zimmerman has been born a daughter, Elizabeth, who is \\ell educated. After graduating from the xAuburn high school she became a student in DePauw University, where she was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Her scholarship was of such a high standard that she was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa membership, a membership in a national organization that is based solely on high scholarship.

Religiously. Air. Zimmerman is an earnest and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Auburn, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. It is useless to say thnt ]\lr. Zimmerman has worked hard and honorably earned the reputation which he enjo>-s as one of the leading publicspirited citizens of this locality, and it is also needless to add that he is held in the highest esteem bv all with whom he has come in contact, for through the years he has thrown the force of his strong individuahty and sterling integrity into making the county what it is, efforts which have not failed of appreciation on the part of his fellow citizens.

George W. Trostle

Among the citizens of Concord towujhi]), Delvalb countv. Indiana, whu have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with valuable landed estates and persdunl properlw lew ha\e attained a higher degree of success than the suliject ol this sketch. With few opportunities except 'what his own eti'nrts were capal)!e of mastering and with many di.sconragements to overcome, he has made an exceptional success in life and in his old age h'as the gratification of knowing that the community in which he has resided has been benetited b}' his presence and his counsel.

George \\'. Trosde, one of the successful farmers and substantial citizens of Concord township, this county, was born on August 12, 1843, -" Stark county, Ohio, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Swiggart) Trostle, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of four children, namely: George W. ; Eliza Solsbury. deceased: Thomas B., deceased, and Lucinda, also deceased.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools of his native state and about forty years ago came to Indiana and was here married to Sarah Sewell, the daughter of Joseph and America Sewell, natives of Ohio. To this union were born the following children: Abner W., of Garrett, this count}-; ]\Iary A., who li\-es with her parents at home, and Mrs. America A. Tustisan, who lives on a farm in Concord township, this .county. -\bout thirty years ago George W. Trostle came to DeKalb county and about twenty-three years ago located on his fine farm of forty acres in Concord township, to the culti\-ation and improvement of which he has since devoted his attention. His place is well improved in every respect and indicates the tjwner to be a man of discrimination and excellent taste.

On February 15, 1862, George W. Trostle gave evidence of his ]iatriotic spirit by enlisting for service in Company F, Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in defense of his country, and for four years he proved a valiant and courageous soldier, being honorably discharged from the service on May 9, 1866. He is a member of the John C. Kerns Post No. 144. Grand

Army of the Republic, at St. Joe. He has taken an active part in public affairs in his community, having served as a member of the school board for several years and also has served as township trustee and supervisor of roads for several years. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party and, religiously, he is affiliated with the Christian church, in the prosperity of which he is deeply interested and to which he contributes liberally of his means. Mr. Trostle has eight grandchildren, of which he is very proud, namely: Wayne and Dale Trostle. and George W., Paul, Harold, Alice M., Carl and Russell Tustisan. He is a man of many praiseworthy traits of character, being scrupulously honest in all his dealings with the business world, generous and pleasant, possessing rare fortitude and good judgment, advocating clean politics, wholesome living and honesty in business. Needless to add that such a man has hosts of friends and stands high in the estimation of all who know him.

The New Garrett City Hall

. This beautiful structure was started in year 1913 and completed in 1914. The cost was thirty-five thousand dollars and the people of the city are justly proud of it. The building is located at Randolph and Keyser streets. The architects were Ellwood & Ellwood of Elkhart, Indiana, and the contractor was Nelson R. Allman, of Garrett, Indiana.

Brick is used in the construction, with cut stone trimmings consisting of Indiana fine grain of blue Bedford stone. The building is fifty feet wide and one hundred twenty-five feet long, two stories high, with basement under entire building.

The first floor contains the offices of the mayor, city clerk, treasurer, superintendent of water and light department, and general waiting room, and two public comfort stations, also public telephone booth, city fire department, city jail and police officers in the rear of building.

The second floor contains the offices of the city civil engineer, city attorney, secretary of the city board of health, public school board, township trustee and large council chamber, as well as a dormitory for members of the fire department. The building is heated with waste steam from the city water and light plant; the steam pipe is seventeen hundred feet long, the first system of its kind ever installed in DeKalb county.

The equipment throughout the building is modern, also including an automatic private telephone system connecting all city offices in the building.

New City Hall, Garrett William J. Nodine

It is the progressive, wide-awake .man of affairs that makes the real history of a community and his influence as a potential factor of the body politic is difificult to estimate. The examples such men furnish of patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish, and there is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting even in a casual way to their achievements in advancing the interests of their fellow men and in giving strength and solidity to the institutions which make so much for the prosperity of a community. Such a man is the worthy subject of this sketch, and as such it is proper that a review of his career be accorded a place among the representative citizens of the city and county in which he resides.

\\'illiam J. Nodine, one of the prosperous merchants and public-sjjirited, citizen- of Waterloo, is a native of DeKalb count)-, having been born in Grant township, this county, on April lo, i860, and is the son of Hiram and Mary (Nodine) Nodine. The Nodine family history is an old one, being traced back through England to France. Hiram was born near Sharon, Litchfield county, Connecticut, on April 7, 1827, and was the son of John and Laura (Bierce) Nodine, John Nodine being the son of Elias, who married a lady of title. John Nodine, who married Laura Bierce on October 2^;, 1825, came from Sharon, Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 1846, and located in Union (now Grant) township, this county, on section 12. having entered land from the government. This land he cleared and on it built a home, in which he lived during the remainder of his life, giving his time and attention to farming and surveying. While engaged in the latter occupation with his brother, Joseph, he took a severe cold, from the effects of which he died. Joseph Nodine was countv surveyor during the fifties and was considered a very competent man in his line. Hiram Nodine, son of John and Laura Nodine, was reared in Connecticut, and on January 31, 1848, married Rebecca Miller, who was born in Connecticut on August 20, 1826. To them came four children: Silas, born November 19, 1848: Laura, born Ma>- 26. 1850; Benjamin and John, twins, born December 2, 1851. the mother .giving up her life at the birth of the twins. Hiram Nodine became a blaster in the iron mines near his home, in which employment he was engaged until 1848. when he and his family came to DeKalb county, Indiana, locating on the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 12, Grant township, (61) near his father. The long journey from Connecticut was made by canal and lake to Fort Wayne, thence by stage to Waterloo. Here Hiram engaged in farming, in which he prospered and eventually he bought more land until he owned two hundred acres. He was a man of good education and during the early days here lie engaged in teaching school during two winters. Some time after the death of his first wife Hiram Nodine returned to Connecticut, where for one summer he was again employed in the mines. E\-entually he returned to Waterloo, and on November 25, 1853, he married Mary Nodine, the daughter of Benjamin and Julana Nodine. She was born in New York and came to this state with her parents in 1844, locating in the southwest quarter of section 12. Later her parents sold their farm there and moved to Branch county, Michigan, where they lived a number of years, but later they bought a farm east of Fremont, in the southwest corner of Clear Lake township, Steuben county, Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their lives. To Hiram and Alary Nodine the following children were born: Albert, born October 5, 1854, died at the Soldiers' Home at Marion, Indiana, on January 15, lyoO: Ann Melissa, born September 27, 1856, died July 29, 1869; Emeline, born June 30, 1858, became the wife of Edward Thompson, now deceased, antl she later married A. C. Jackson, and they live in Michigan; \Villiain Jefferson is the immediate subject of this sketch; ilary Marilla, b(.>rn December 12, i80i, died on October 31. 1868, from the effects of a fall from a tree-top; Ophelia, born August 21, 18O3, died September 12, 1873; George, born April 25, 1865, is a manufacturer of cement blocks and tile at ^^'aterloo; Charles, born June 13, 18(117, lives on a farm near Waterloo, in Smithfield township; Orsmus, born January 24, 1869, lives near Los Angeles, California; Dora, born January 19, 1870, is the wife of John Shaw, and they live in Oklahoma; Amos, born January- 2, 1873, lives in Waterloo; Richard, born August 31, 1874, died January 31, 1875; Henry, born November 30, 1875, is a fireman at the W. J. Nodine mills at Waterloo; Chloe, born June 8, 1877, died May 2, 1892. The father of these children died on October 11, 1902, while his wife died on January 30, 1885.

William J. Nodine was reared on the home farm and secured his education in the district schools of that neighborhood. \Mien he reached the age of twenty-one years he engaged in farm labor, in which he was emploxed two years, and then rented a farm in section 11, Grant township, for fi\e A-ears. the place comprising about eighty acres of land. He lived at home while operating this farm, he and his brother exchanging work and thus mutually advancing their interests. He farmed with his hrother. Silas, until 1896, from which year until igo3 he remained on the home farm and rented land and farmed for himself. In 1903 he bought the half interest of James Barr in the flouring mills at Waterloo, the other half interest being owned by his brother, George. .Vfter one and a half years the subject rented his brother's half hiterest in the mill and in 1907 bought the interest, being now the sole owner of this enterprise. About 1907' Mr. Nodine added the coal business to his milling interests and does a large business in that line. His mill has a daily capacity of sixty barrels and is well equipped for the production of high grade flour and allied products. In 1909 Mr. Nodine bought a mill at Jamestown in the northern part of Steuben county, a si.xty-barrcl mill that was operated li)- water power at the outlet of Lake George. He has been successful in e\ery thing he has undertaken and because of his persistent effort, soimd judgment and wise discrimination in his business affairs, he has well merited the jirosperit}- which he now enjoxs.

In 1896 William J. Nodine was united in marriage with .Vddie A. Blauser, who was born in Lafayette township, Allen county, Indiana, the daughter of Noah and Eliza (Seaman) Blauser, the father a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and the mother of Stark county, that state. Eliza Seaman's parents came from Pennsylvania to Stark county-, Ohio, and were married. In an early day Noah Blauser came to Allen count}-, Indiana, and the Seaman family at that time lived in Wells county, this state, and where Eliza and Noah were married on August 25, i860. Both are still living in Lafayette township, Allen county, Noah Blauser being eighty-seven }ears of age and highly esteemed in his community. To Noah and Eliza Blauser were born nine children, of whom Mrs. Nodine was the fourth in order of birth. Eliza Seaman is the daughter of Joseph and Maria (Bailey) Seaman, her father being a son of John Seaman and Elizabeth (Loeb) Seaman. John Seaman v^^as a son of Eberhart Seaman, who was a son of John Ludw iy Seaman. The Seaman famih' is belie\'ed to have originated in the cantons of Aaran, Berne and I'ri in Switzerland, the name "Seeman" liaving ])een known in Berne as earl}- as 1304. John Ludwig Seaman was of German blood, born about 1722, and came to, Philadelphia from the fatherland, having sailed from Rotterdam on Octoioer 23, 1874, at the age of twenty-si.x years. He settled in Berks county, Pennsyl\-ania, where he was prospered in hi? material affairs, leaving at his death an estate \-alued at about twenty-five thousand dollars. He and his son, Eberhart. were elders in the Lutheran church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Nodinc have been born two children, Mary E., born December 18. 1897, and Vera A., born March 20, 1899. William J. Nodine has been a member of the Knights of the Maccabees since 1888, having joined the order soon after its establishment at Waterloo. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, joining about 1898, and about 1908 he joined the Knights of Pythias, and about 1910 he became a Master Mason.

l-ur a number of years the subject of this review has been one of the leading business men of Butler, Delvalb county, Indiana. He ranks among the representative citizens of his community and occupies a conspicuous place in the commercial world. His connection with \arious lines of activity, involving important financial and industrial enterprises, has made him w ideh' and favorably known, and since engaging in his present business his name has become intimately associated with commercial transactions which have brought him to the favorite notice of the public, not only of his immediate community, but, in ever widening circles, to the uttermost parts of the country.

L. C. Harding was born in Steuben county, Indiana, in 1S73, ^^^^ ^^^^ of William and Mary (Andrews) Harding, he a native of Steuben county, Indiana, and she of St. Joseph county, Michigan. W'illiam and 'Mary Harding were among the. early settlers in Steuben count}-. The father was engaged in the mercantile business at Fremont, that conntw '1 :i ir.tiii were born two children, Louella and the subject of this review.

The suliject received a goi^d common school education, which was supplemented by a course in a business college, where lie gained a special training for the lines of activity which he followed in later life. Cijuiing to Butler, DeKalb county, sliortly afterward, he accepted a position in the T. J. Knisely Bank, which occui)ied his time for the next seven years, at the end of which time he became secrelarv and treasurer of the Butler Company. afterward becoming president of this concern.

The Butler Company, one of the leading institutions of its kind in the state, was organized in 1894, with a capital stock of forty thousand dollars, and the following officers: President. Roscoe Beams: secretary, T. C Munger; treasurer, .\. G. Jones, the other memiicr of the firm being T. J.

Knisely. The factory at lirst engaged in the niannfacture of bicycles and windmills, but in 1900 the bicycle department was discontinued and the manufacture of buggies taken up. The business has liad a steady and healthy growth until at the present time the output of buggies amounts to over twenty-five hundred a year, while the numlier of windmills annually marketed reaches about the same figure. Besides these two leading lines, tanks and tank heaters are also manufactured. The present officers of the cumpany are: President, L. C. Hardmg; vice-president, D. C. Henry, of Auluirn, Xew York: secretary, George .V. Powers; treasurer, J. C. Baker. The board of directors consists of the officers named and Samuel G. Stone and T. J. Knisely.

Fraternally, the subject of this review is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed the chairs and been honored with election as a delegate to the grand lodge, and he also belongs to the Masonic fraternit\-. in which he is a member of the chapter and the commanderw

Tack M. Beams

Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character ha\^e gained for them a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of their fellow citizens is the honored subject of this sketch. A leading business man of the town in which he resides and a man of decided views and laudable ambitions, his influence has ever been made for the advancement of his kind and in the \-ocation to which his energies are devoted he ranks among the representative citizens of the count}'. .

Jack M. Beams was born on February 10, 1869, and is the sun of John A\'. and .Mice i Ivhodes) Beams. John W. Beams was Ixirn on April 21, 1843, i" Adams county, Pennsylvania, being the son of John and I'.arbara D. (Bishop) Beams, tlie former a native of Mar\laud and the latter of Pennsylvania. John \V. Beams received his education in the common schools of Allen county, Indiana, to which locality the family had moved in an early day, and was reared to the life of a farmer, giving his assistance to his father until eighteen years of age when, in 1S62. he gave evidence of his patriotic lovaltv bv enlisting in Company K. Fifty-fifth Regiment Indiana

\ olunteer Infantry, with which command he participated in many, of tile most hotly contested hattles of that great struggle, and at the close of his military service he received an honorable discharge. He married Alice Rhodes in 1867, she being the daughter of Daniel and Mary Rhodes, both of whom were natives of Ohio. To this union were born the following children : Edward, who is engaged in the general mercantile busuitss and undertaking at Spencerville, this county; Jack M., the immediate subject of this sketch; Nettie, deceased. On October 4, 1883, Mr. Beams married Fannie Miller, the daughter of Abraham S. and Jane (Chamberlain) Miller, the former a native of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania, and to this union were Ijorn the following children: Walter, deceased; Robert, who li\es with his parents, is a graduate of Butler College of the class of 1910, after which he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, and is now a teacher in the high school at Spencerville. John \V. Beams is the owner ot thirt}-three acres of land in Spencer township, to which he has given his attention with gratifying success. He is a notary pul;lic, haxing held this office for the last twelve years. He is an old settler of DeKalb county and well remembers when where now stands the thriving town of Spencerville was nothing but a wilderness. About thirt}- three years ago he engaged in the dry goods, hardware and undertaking business, and carried them on successfully until 1900 when he turned the business o\er to his sons, who are still actively engage'd in these lines. Politically, he is a Republican, while, religiously, he is a memlDcr of the Evangelical JAitheran church. Fraternally, lie i- a member of Lodge No. 556, Free and Accepted Masons; Lodge No. 320. Knights of Pythias, and John C. Nern Post Nil. 330, (Irand Ami}- of the Republic. He owns a beautiful home in Spencerville, where he is now living in quiet enjoyment of that rest to which his acti\"e years so richl\' entitle him and lie enjoys to a marked degree the warm regard of his fellows.

Jack M. Beams received his education in the common schools of De- Kalb county and in the Normal University at A'alparaiso. this state. He then returned to Spencerville and became connected with the mercantile liusiness which had been established here many years before by liis father, and he is still actively connected with that enterprise which has been prospered by his steady efforts and strict integrity in business affairs. In 1897 Mr. Beams was appointed postmaster of Spencerville by President McKinley and has held the office continuously since that time, a period of sixteen years, the discharge of his official duties being entirely satisfactory to the department and to the patrons of the office. Aside from his official position, Mr.

Beams has never held pubhc office, but he has consistent!)- given his support to ever}' enterprise looking to the advancement and welfare of the community in which he resides. Politically, he is an earnest Republican. P>aternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Free and Accepted Masons, in the lattef order having attained to the degrees of the Scottish Rite and holding membership in the consistory at Fort ^Vayne. -He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star..

On February 14, 1889, Mr. Beams married Hattie Shutt, daughter of George and Mary (Houck) Shutt, the former a well known fanner in this county. He and his wife came from Stark county, Ohio, and were among the early settlers of DeKalb county, where they have continuously since maintained their residence. To Mr. and Mrs. Beams have been born two children, Agnes, deceased, and Argyle, who at present is preparing himself for the practice of medicine. Mr. Beams is a man of commendable enterprise who takes pride in his business affairs and in the faithful and honest discharge of his official duties. Personally, he enjoys a high degree of popularity in the community, possessing as he does the qualities of mind and heart that retain warm friendship.

Christian C. Buss

Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens oi DeKalli county within the pages of this work, citizen? who have figured in the growtln and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its ever>' phase of progress, each contributing in its sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this numht-r is he whose name appears above, peculiar interest attaching to his career fmm the fact that his entire life has lieen spent within the liiink-rs of tin's county.

Christian C. Buss was born in DeKalb county, Indiana. June _'. i84_|, the son of Christian and Margaret (Staley) Buss, natives of Switxerland, who were married after coming to Ohio. In 1843 they came to DeKalb coinit\-, and settled in Richland township, entering govenmient land. The deed for this entry was signed by President Polk. Here they spent their lives, enduring all the hardships of pioneer life, and both died on the home farm. To them were born twelve children : Sojihia. Christian I'.. Samuel. Margaret.

The subject was educated in the common schools of DeKalb county, and after completing the course he engaged in the saw-mill business, first for four years at Auburn and then for some time in the northern part of DeKalb county. Subsequently he took up farming, in which vocation he has achieved marked success, now owning one hundred and twenty acres of splendid land in Richland township.

In 1866 Christian Buss was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Elizabeth Park, daughter of William and Barbara (Warner) Park, who came from Maryland to Ohio, and then to Allen county, Indiana, after which the} moved to DeKalb count}' and located in Richland township, being among the early settlers in that county, where they spent the remainder of their da}s.

To the subject and wife have been born nine children : Eda (deceased). William, John. Belle, Isaac. (Jeorge (deceased), Charles, .Almetta and Jefferson. Early in the history of the county the subject rendered splendid service to his fellow citizens as a member of the town board. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and politically gives his preference to the party of Thomas Jefferson.

Franklin Monroe Teeters

The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chietly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration and respect to those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of DeKalb county, Indiana, who are well known because of their successful lives and the upright character they have borne, is the gentleman whose name appears above.

Franklin Monroe Teeters was born January 12, 1859, on section 35. Keyser township, two and one- fourth miles west of Auburn, DeKalb county, Indiana, on the old Washington Teeters place, the son of Washington and Ethalinda E. (Cupp) Teeters. The father and mother were born in Stark county, Ohio, the father coming to Auburn April i, 1850, and working at his trade of carpenter and joiner for a time, then purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land, but one acre of which was cleared. After acquiring his farm, the subject's father was married and here he and his wife lived until his death on September i, 1885; his widow still lives at Auburn, now in her seventy-sixth year. Washington Teeters was a Democrat and he and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian' church. To them were born seven children, na,mely : Franklin, Samuel S., Josiah C, Anna E., Isaac S.. Lydia B. and Maiy S.

Franklin Monroe Teeters acquired such early education as was afforded by the district schools of his community, the family taking a great interest in educational matters and five members becoming teachers, Samuel, Josiah, Lydia, Anna and Mary. Samuel, after teaching two years was taken into the J. L. Davis' Banking Company for a few years. He then took up the hardware business and for seventeen years followed that calling. He then bought a farm of three hundred sixty-eight acres in Calhoun county, Michigan, and. with his family, removed to that place. Lydia is now teaching in Auburn : Josiah was professor of mathematics at Berea, Kentucky, and at Aulnun. but now has retired from pedagogical pursuits and is a ranchman at Weiser, Idaho. All but three years of ^ilr. Teeters' life has been spent on the old home farm, that short jieriod co\-ering his connection with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company as a bridge and elevator constructor.

On March i'/. 1890, Mr. Teeters was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Amanda T. Ober, daughter of Levi S. and Elizabeth Ober. who came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, to DeKalb county, Indiana, in March, 1866, settling in Butler township, where they secured land and spent the rest of their lives, Mrs. Teeters' father dying on December 5, 19 13, and the mother on May 5, 1905. They were members of the Dunkard church and he was a strong Republican. They were the parents of eight children : Sabina, Anna (deceased), David, Mrs. Teeters. Ida. Perry, Etta L. and Jolin Arthur.

To jNIr. and Mrs. Teeters have been born eight children, Ida E., ]\Iar\- E., Ruth B., Ethalinda B., Esther F., Washington O., Anna S. and Levi M.

Since March, 1890. Mr. Teeters has had charge of the old home place, he being the owner of one hundred and ninety acres of land there. One hundred and fifty acres of this are under a high state of culti\-ation, general farming and dairying being engaged in, modern methods used in all the farm operations having made the farm a most productive and valuable holding.

In political matters, Mr. Teeters is a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and has served on the township advisory board. He is a member of the Methodi.st Episcopal church.

A man who has won a competence by working long and hard in the proper direction and is now Hving surrounded by the comforts of life as a result of his former years of strenuous endeavor, is P. A. Shurts, of Concord township, Delvalb county, Indiana. He is one of the sturdy spirits who contributed largely to the material welfare of the locality in which he resides, having been one of the leading farmers and stock men for many years, and as a citizen he has always been public spirited and progressive in all that the term implies.

P. A. Shurts was born on April 6, 1849, in Spencerville, DeKalb county, Indiana, the son of George and Martha E. (Miller) Shurts, natives of Ohio. These parents had the following children: Mrs. Samantha Kimes, who died in 1908; Uriah, who died in March, 1913; Mrs. Emily C. Woodcocks, of St. Joe, this county; John, of Chicago; P. A., the immediate subject -of this sketch ; Mrs. Hattie R. Culberson, of Auburn, this county, and George T., who lives in Columbus, Ohio.

P. A. Shurts secured his education in the common schools of his native locality and Auburn and was reared to manhood mainly in the home of William Phillips, his own father having died \\hen the subject was but four years of age. He did not need his father's attention, however, as Mr. Phillips ga\'e the lad all the love and protection that his own father would have done and Mr. Shurts retains a very warm affection for Mr. Phillips, remembering w-ith gratitude the eft'orts in his behalf. At the age of twentyfour years Mr. Shurts took up the vocation of teaching and was thus engaged for ten terms, sex'eral of which were in the school located on the farm that he now owns. The farm, which consists of sixty acres, is known as Locust Grove farm, named bv Mr. Shurts in 1901, and has for man}^ years been considered one of the most fertile and productive farms in Concord township. Mr. Shurts has given careful and intelligent direction to his efiforts, supervising every detail of his farm work, and liis eft'orts have been rewarded with abundant returns for his toil.

On June 8, 1873, Mr. Shurts was married to Maggie M. Boyle, daughter of Jonathan and Susan Boyle, and to this union were born two daughters, Ella Myrtle and Pearl, the former of whom died in early childhood. Mrs. Shurts was bom in Concord township, this county, on March i. 1852, and died on July 9, 191 3, in the sixty-second year of her age. Early in life she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Spencerville, but after her marriage she united \vith the Concord Methodist Protestant church. She was a true Christian, faithful wife and a loving mother and her deafli left a void in the community which cannot be fihed. Personahy, Mr. Shurts is a very congenial gentleman, always ready to assist in any worthy cause looking to the betterment of his community and he has a host of friends throughout the county who esteem him for his high character and genuine personal worth. Politically, he is a party Prohibitionist, being the first to endorse that movement in Concord township in 1884.

Allen Wolf

The following is a brief review uf the life of one whu, by close attention to business, has achieved success in the world's affairs and has risen to an honorable position among the enterprising men of the county with which his interests are identified. It is a plain record, rendered remarkable by no strange and mysterious adventure, no wonderful and lucky accident and no tragic situation. Mr. Wolf is one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individualitAupon' the age in which they live.

.\llen Wolf wris lx)rn August 15. i8(:)0, on the paternal homestead in Franklin township, and is the son of Daniel and jNIary (\Valter) ^Volf. The father was born Xoxemlier 23, 1S08, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and (lied December jo. iJ^I^.v I be mother was horn January 30, 1820, in L'nion count}'. Pennsyh-ania.. antl died January 17, njoj. These parents came from Ashland county. Ohio, to Indiana, in the year 1850, being among the very earliest settlers. The subject's parents settled in Franklin township, near Franklin Center, at which time they were in very moderate financial circumstances, having but little ready money. Here the subject's father cleared his homestead entirely by bis own efforts. To tlie snliject's jjarents were Iiorn eight children, namely: Mrs. Melinda .Myers, of Walerlo,,; Mrs. Amanda Myers, of fioshen, deceased; Andrew, also deceased: Mrs. Lucinda Hendricks, of ^^^^ite Pigeon, :\ticbigan: Mrs. Matilda Robrbaugb. of near Butler; Samuel. Allen and ^^'illiam. of Franklin township.

cation, which is somewhat Hmited, at the public schools of Franklin Center. He has spent practically his entire life in Franklin township, having remained at home until twenty-four years of age. Soon after his marriage Mr. Wolf moved onto his father-in-law's farm, near his present location, but nine years later moved to Auburn, where, during the following five years, he was employed Ijy the Wabash railroad. At the end of that time he came to his present fine farm, which is located in b'ranklin township, and to which he has given his undi\ided attention since. He has made many substantia! improvements, ha\ing rebuilt the comfortable and attractive residence, erecting the large and commodious barn and other necessary outbuildings. The present appearance of the place reflects great credit on the owner. Mr. Wolf gives his attention to the raising of general crops and also to the breeding and raising of live stock, in which he is ver}- successful.

On January 17, 1884, Mr. Wolf married f'liila Clark, who was born October 16, 1863, in Franklin township, Delvalb county, and whom he had known from childhood. , She is the youngest daughter of John N. and Mary Magdalena (Hammond) Clark, who came to Delvalb county in 184J from Stark count}', Ohio, where the mother was born September 14, 1822. Her father, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, May 2^, 1822, is of Scotch-Irish descent, his father having crossed the Atlantic ocean at the early age of two years. Mr. Clark entered eighty acres of land in Franklin township, which at that time was densely co\-ered with nati\-e forest trees. For this land he paid the sum of one dollar and a quarter per acre and this mone}- he borrowed of old "Uncle Jimmy" Matson, one of the earliest settlers of the community and well known throughout this part of the state for his charitable work among the new settlers. Mr. Clark, by the help of his noljle wife, cleared their land and at the time of their death were the possessors of two hundred acres of fine farming land. They were the parents of the following children besides Mrs. Wolf: Levi Clark; Mrs. Olive Rohm, of Franklin township: Mrs. Mattie Oberlin, of Cdldwater, Michigan: also an adopted son, John Clark, Jr., who ownes and operates a part of the old Clark homstead in Franklin township. The names of the deceased sisters of Mrs. Wolf are as follows : Mrs. Susan Van Wagner, Mrs. Joan Gurtner, jMrs. Fietta Clark, Phiana and Irene. The father died May 25, 1905. and the mother on December t. 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have one son, P. Carl Wolf, who was liorn September 28, 1892, in .\uburn, Indiana. He was married June 20, 19 1 2, to Alice Emma Bostwick, of Detroit, Michigan. At pres-

Politically, Mr. Wolf is an ardent .supporter of the Democratic party. but has never been an office seeker. Fraternally, he has for a quarter of a century been an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Hamilton. Personally, Mr. Wolf is a most affable gentleman, of honest convictions and sincere purpose, his upright life and wholesome moral influence making him popular throughout the locality in which he is so widely known and in which practically his entire life has been spent. His wife is also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah and an ardent worker in the Woman's (liristian Temperance Union and is noted for her charitable work in the community where they live. Together they have made for themselves a successful life.

The subject oi this sketch is one of the -uhstantial and well known agriculturists of Spencer township, DeKalb county, Indiana, being regarded as one of the leading farmers of this locality, his fine farm representing much hard labor, but the subject is a man of well known energy and determination in business affairs. Indolence and idleness are entirely foreign to his nature. and his continued activity in the management and development of this property has made his one of the \aluable farms in this count)'.

Reed F. Place was born in Bradford county, Penns\l\ania. on Septenilier 30. i8fi2, and is the son of James Al. and Fucretia (Miller") Place, who also were natives of the old Keystone state. h^veuiually they left their homes there and mo\ed to Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father was a tail<ir b\- trade, which \-ocation he followed for many years, but eventuallv took up farming in Ohio. They were the parents of seven children. Orris, Delia, Reed S., George, Mary, James and Louie.

Reed F. Place Avas reared under the parental roof in his Penns\hania home and recei\ ed liis education in the common school of that -^tate. Me has followed agricultural ]iur>nits ihrouglioul his active life and ha> met with well deserved success. He accompan.ied his parents on their removal to Ohio, where he remained until 1902. when he came to DeKalb county and bought the fine farm of one hundred and four acres in Spencer township, which he now owns and to the operation of which he is de\-oting his entire attention. He has been deservedlv successful, for he has faithfully given the most intel- ligent direction to his efforts and is today considered one of the up-to-date and progressive farmers of the communit}-. He does not confine himself to any special line, but carries (in general farming and stock raising, finding that the combination of these two lines affords the best chances of successful results. He has made many ]3ermanent and substantial improvements on his farm, whiqh have increased its value and made it one of the good farms of Spencer township.

In 1886 Mr. Place married Delia Berrington, tlie daughter of Samuel and Martha Ann (Johnsdu) Berrington, who were natives of Ohio, from which state the}- cuiic \r, Del\alb county, where the_\- reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Place lia\e lieen born six children. Bertha, Aha, Mervin, (ilad\s, ( ilenn and Roscoe.

Politically, Mr. I'lace gi\es his .nllegiance fn the Democratic ]iart_\-, helieving the pob'ncv in the platform nf that party to be the best adapted to the Deeds of the .\merican peo])le. Religiously, be is a memljer and a regular attendant of the Christian church, to the suppijrt of which he contributes of liis means. Mr. Place has al\\a_\s been a farmer anil is regarded by his neighliors as one n\ the liest in ihe township, kee]nng his jilace well impro\-ed and under a high state of culti\ation. What he has accomplished shqws that he has been a man of unusual business aliility and has exercised rare soundness of judgment in all his transactions. Though not by any means a life-long resilient of tlie locality, he has alread}- attained to a marked degree of po]nilarit\ .and is numbered among the prominent men of his community, for he has so ordered bis life as to merit the high regard and confidence of all who ha\e come in contact with him.

Benjamin F. Hawver

Among those persons who have, jjy virtue of their strong indixidual ciualities, earned their way to a high standing in the estimation of their fellow citizens, having by sheer force of character and persistency won their way from an humble beginning to a place of influence and prominence in the community where they are active in industrial affairs, the subject of this sketch is entitled to special mention in a volume of this character.

Benjamin E. Hawver is a native of DeKalb county, having been born in Butler township, on October 17, 1867, the son of Samuel and Eliza (Studebaker) Hawver, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio.

Samuel Hawver came from Maryland to Ohio in August, 1849, and aiter his marriage, which occurred in the latter state, he came to DeKalb county. Indiana, in the fall of 1853, settling in Butler township, where -he remained during the balance of his life. He was a cooper by trade in Ohio, but after coming to Indiana he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. To him and his wife were born fourteen children, all dying in infancy except five who grew to manhood and womanhood, namely ; Mrs. Laura Singrey, of Fort Wayne; Merritt, deceased; Samuel, Benjamin and \\'ilbur Hawver, of La Otto postoffice, residing in Butler township, DeKali) county. Mrs. and Mrs. Hawver are both now deceased.

Benjamin F. Hawver was reared under tlie parental roof and during his youth was given the opportunity of attendance at the common schools. After completing the grades he attended the Fort Wayne Business College, where he gained a practical knowledge of business methods and then engaged in farming, which he has made his life pursuit and in which he has met witli well deserved success. He is the owner of one hundred and nineteen acres of well improved land in Butler tu\\nsliip, to which he has given thoughtful and intelligent attention, so that his labors have been rewarded with a high measure of success. The attractive and well furnished residence, large and well arranged barns with silo, good fences, well tilled fields and other ini])()rtant items of an up-to-date farm, convince the pas.serby that the owner is a man of good judgment and sound discrimination in his methods, the reputation which JNIr. Hawver has borne for many years in the community which has been honored by his citizenship. Among the up-to-date features of Mr. Hawver"s farm establishment are' rural mail (leli\-ery at his door, telephone service, and a large touring car, all of wh.icli go to make farm life a ioy and blessing, rather than a life of toil and hardships.

On Tanuarv 2, i8qo, Mr. Hawver married Audree E. I-'air. the daughter of U'illiam and Adeline ( Moody ) Fair. She was one of the first graduates from the Butler township schools and afterwards was a successful teacher. She is a representative of old pioneer stock in this county,, the Fair family having been one of the first to locate in the w'ilderness in DeKalb county. An Indian trail led past their cabin door, and not infrequently the duskv red men would stop for milk to drink, showing their strings of scalps. However, they never harmed the white settlers, who had l)een kind to them. P.arbara Fair was the first white child bom in DeKalb county, her birth occurring in Octcjber. 18:56. To Mv. and Mrs. Hawver have l)een born two children. Don. who has completed the grade work in the common schools, was a grad-

ReHgiously, Mr. Hawver gives his support to the Methodist Epicopal church, of which he has been a member for a number of years, and in which he takes an active and effectual interest. Politically, he gives a stanch support to the Republican party, though he has never lieen an aspirant or seeker' after public office. A man of strong mentality and steady habits, he has won a warm place in the esteem of the entire community in which he lives, and is properly numbered among the representative citizens of Butler township.

Franklin Pierce Seiler

Well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life and his capable management of his business affairs have brought well deserved prosperit_\- to the gentleman whose name heads this paragraph, and his career forcibly demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of any discouragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact and a biographical history of this locality would need to contain his record should it profess to be complete.

Franklin Pierce Seiler was born Octoljcr 11, 1855, in West Lebanon, Wayne county, Ohio, the son of John and Lucetta Seiler, and, with his parents, came to Fairfield township, DeKalb county, Indiana, in the spring of T864, locating on a farm in the dense timber. Accpiiring a good rudimentary education in the district schools of those days, the subject of this re\'iew took up pedagogical work and for twenty years was a teacher in the schools of this county, establishing a splendid reputation as an educator and showing a knowledge of improved metliotls in school work far ahead of the times. In 1880 Mr. Seiler completed a commercial course at Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, a training n Inch stood him in good stead in his later business career.

On October 7, 1887, Mr. Seiler was united in marriage to Mino I. Andrews, of Newville township, DeKalb county, and this union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Paul Waldo graduated from the Auburn high school and is now employed as a traveling auditor for the Ford Auto-

Dekalb Countv, Indiana

In 1898 Mr. Seiler was elected auditor of DeKalb county and served in that responsible position for four years, his administration of the affairs of that office winning for him the warm commendation of the citizens of the county, regardless, of political afifiliations, the many businesslike methods which he introduced effecting a great saving in the expense of the office, to the gratification of the tax payers. At the close of Mr. Seller's term of office he remained in Auburn, engaging in the real estate, loan, insurance and abstracting business, having built up a splendid business. The scope of the subject's operations may be understood when it is known that he buys, sells and exchanges farm lands of all kinds, wild lands, irrigated and virgin timber lands, stock ranches, city property, mills, hotels, stocks of merchandise, and also is largely interested in colonization projects and co-operative real estate.

Mr. Seiler and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give a loyal and earnest support. Politically, his allegiance to the principles and practices of the Democratic party has never been questioned, and his activity in behalf of this party has contributed largely to its prosperity in the community.

William Clayton Kettering

The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article contains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well defined purposes which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an influential place in business circles and high personal standing among his fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has ever followed have resulted not only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a large and profitable business.

William Clayton Kettering, one of the public spirited citizens and successful business men of Auburn, was bom in Steuben township, Steuben county, Indiana, on August 5. 1874, and is the son of Moses and Eliza (Henderson) Kettering. Moses Kettering was born in Wayne county, Ohio, and was a son of Philip Kettering. In young manhood he went to Anamosa. (62)

Iowa, where he enlisted in Company H, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged in service in the Southland to the end of the war. He was in the attack on Fort Donelson, the campaign in Tennessee, on Sherman's march to the sea, including the battle of Atlanta, and after the conclusion of the Southern campaigns he took part in the Grand Review at Washington, the greatest military pageant the world has ever seen, and then received his honorable discharge. He had a sister living near Kendallville, Indiana, and coming to that place he accepted employment in a shoe Store. While there he married a Miss Haughey and turned his attention to farming, settling on a tract of land in Steuben township. She died and he afterwards married Eliza Henderson, who was then living in the northern part of Lagrange county, this state, her birth having occurred at Canal Dover, Ohio. After his marriage Moses Kettering continued his farming operations during the remainder of his life in Steuben county. The subject of this sketch remained on the home farm there until twenty years of age, receiving his education in the public schools, graduating from the high school at Pleasant Lake. At the age mentioned he went to Ashley and during the following three years was employed in Stoner's drug store. One summer he went out of the store and then went to Garrett and took a position with the L. W. Stoner drug store there until January, 1898, when he returned to Ashley and took a position temporarily in the store in which he had first worked. In May of that year he came to Auburn and took a position in the drug store of H. B. IMcCord, with whom he remained nine years and nine months. He then, with his wife, went to Oklahoma on a visit and after his return here, on April i, 1908, he bought the drug store owned by H. M. Phillips, at the corner of Sexenth and Main streets, Auburn, where he has continued in business ever since. The location is as good as can be found in Auburn and here Mr. Kettering has built up a large and constantly increasing trade due to his courteous treatment and his evident desire to please his patrons. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs, books, stationery, wall paper and all other accessories of an up-to-date drug store.

On Tune 17, 1903, Mr. Kettering married Leila \Varrick, of Aulnirn. who was bom at Melburn, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Bertha (Poole) Warrick. To whom have been born two children, Margaret and William.

Fraternallv, Mr. Kettering is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Auburn, in which he has held the office of master of exchequer for two years. T^eligiouslv, he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Kettering takes a deep interest in the commercial and civic welfare of his city and is an active member of the Auburn Commercial Club, one of the most influential factors in the recent development of this locality. Owing to his genial disposition and genuine worth, Mr. Kettering has gained the unreserved confidence and esteem of the people of this locality and is deservedly numbered among Auburn's representative citizens.

William G. Erick

In placing the subject of this re\iew before the reader as une standing in the front rank of Spencerville's enterprising men of affairs, w*liose influence has tended to the upbuilding of the locality, simple justice is done a biographical fact recognized throughout the community by those at all familiar with his history and cognizant of the important part he has acted in the circles with which he is identified. His career presents a notable example of the exercise of those qualities of mind and character which overcome obstacles and win success, and his example is eminently worth)- (if imitation by those dissatisfied with their present attainments who would aspire to higher positions of honor and trust, or wider spheres of usefulness.

\\'illiam G. Erick was born on .\ugust 7, 18A7, and i< the son of Enos \V. and Sarah C. (Hoffmyer) Erick. Enos \\\ Erick was a native of Pennsylvania who, at the age of six years, was brought first to Huntington county. Indiana, by his father, Peter Erick, who was the third man to locate in Huntington county, where he followed blaxrksmithing as a \i)cation. He was also a minister of the Gospel, to which he devoted his attention all his active life and was a preacher at Spencerville, this county, for ten years. He was a man of marked intellectual attainments, a forceful pul)lic speaker, who exerted a marked influence on the lives of all with whom he came in contact. Enos W. and Sarah C. Erick were the parents of se\-en children, namely: One who died in infancy; Sylvester G., who died in Oklahoma: Beeks, who was for many vears engaged in the mercantile business at Spencer\ille. but now resides at Fort Wayne: Ethel, deceased: Libbie P..: Hea. wlio was accidentally killed, and William G.

William G. Erick received his education in the common schools of Middlebury, Indiana, completing his .studies in the high school there He then went to \\'hite Pigeon. ^Michigan, where he engaged in the mercimtile business, in which he cuntinned f(ir fuur )ears, returning at the end of that time to Spencerville, where for a while he was employed by his brothers in -their store!. Going then to New Paris, Indiana, he carried on a general store for about eighteen months and then returned to Spencerville, but soon afterw-ards went to Hamilton, this state, where for a year he also conducted a mercantile business and then returned to Spencerville. where he opened a store and where he has remained until the present time. He has been gratifyingly successful in this enterprise and has enjoyed his full share of the public patronage in his line, his evident desire to please and his courteous treatment of his customers "gaining" for him a well reserved popularity.

On August 6. 1891, Mr. Erick was married to ]\label Murray, daughter of James H. and i\Iargaret (Langley) Murray, who are referred to specifically in a later paragraph. To Mr. and Mrs. Erick were born two children, Murray E., born November, 1892, and W. Beeks, born in July, 1894.

Politically, Mr. Erick has been a life-long supporter of the Democratic party and is the present trustee of Spencer township, in fact he is the first and only trustee of this township, from the fact that in 1909, owing to differences in school matters, Concord township was divided, the new division lieing called Spencer. Mr. Erick takes a justifiable pride in educational matters and had the high school of this township commissioned. He is actively interested in furthering ever)- m()\-ement which will advance the best interests of his fellow citizens, who have appreciated his earnest efforts in behalf of the community.

Fraternally, Mr. Erick is a member of the Eree and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, in the work of which he takes an appreciative interest. Mr. Erick possesses a pleasing personality and is easily approachable. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men, he not only makes his presence felt, but has also gained the good will and commendation of both his intimate associates and the general public, retaining his reputation among them for integril)- and high character and never losing that dignity which is the birthright of the true gentleman.

James H. Murray, father of Mrs. William G. Erick, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, on November 7, 1839, the son of James and Nancy R. (Herin) Murray, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. James C. Murray followed farming all his life and remained in his native state, where his death occurred when Mrs. Erick's father was but nine months old. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: Davie' H., Marv and Thomas are all deceased, and James H.

The latter received his education in the common schools of his native state and came to Indiana \vith his mother and settled near Leo, where on attaining mature years he took up farming. After remaining there for five years he came to Spencerville in i8()0 and here became identified with milling interests, and remained identified with this for about fifty years. He is now retired from active business pursuits and is living in Spencerville.

In 1873 he married Margaret Langley, whose parents were natives of Virginia, and to them were born two children, Mabel, the wife of William G. Erick, and \\'inifred, who married Dr. B. O. Snook, of Spencerville. Politically, Mr. ^lurray is a Democrat, while, fraternally, he is a member of the blue lodge of the Free and .\ccepted Masons at Spencerville.

Tacob F. Snyder

The record of Jacob F. Snyder, a leading farmer of Smithfied township, is that of an enterprising gentleman who worthily upholds an honored family name and whose life, for many years, has been very intimately associated w-ith the material prosperity and moral ad\ancement of the locality where he resides, and during the most ]irogressive periods of the history of this vicinity. He has always been found on the right side of questions looking to the development of the same, and he has at the same time won an en\iable reputation for honesty and wholesome living.

Jacob F. Snyder was born in 1862 in Seneca count}, Ohio, and is a sou of Carolus and Lovina (Kistler) Snyder, the father a native of Lehigh county, Penns\'l\ania, and the mother born in Seneca county. Ohio. When Jacob F. was about six months old the jiarents mox-ed to Allen count}-. Indiana, locating in Cedar Creek township, and on ihe parental farm there the subject remaineil until twenty-four years of age, having during the early vears assisted his fatlier in the cultivation of the hoiuestead and securing a good practical education in the public schonjs of that community. His parents spent the remainder of their years on the Allen county farm and died there, having, because of their high ijcrs.mal i|ualities and industry, earned and retained the respect of the entire communit\-. .\bout 1886 Mr. Snyder was married and soon afterwards came to DeKalb county and rented fariu laud in Smithfield and I'ranklin t.nvnships. where he engaged in agricultural pursuits during the fdl-iwing twenty years as ;i renter, occupying only tln-ee farms during that period. In the fall of 1905 Mr. Snyder bought ninetyone acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 24, Smithfield township, and five years later he bought forty acres additional a short distance northeast of his first holdings and in Franklin township. He has made his home on the Smithfield township farm continuously since first locating there, and has achieved a splendid success in its operation. Practical and up-to-date in liis ideas and methods, he has left no stone unturned in his efforts to bringsuccess out of his enterprise, and that he has accomplished the desired result is c\-idenced by the high standing he occupies among the agricultural element of his section of the county. He gives every detail of his farm work his personal attention, raising all the crops common to this locality and giving due attention to rotation of crops and other important features of successful farming. He has a neat and attracti\-e residence, commodious and well arranged barns, while the well-kept fences, highly cultivated fields and the general appearance of the place indicates the owner to be a man of intelligence and sound judgment. In addition to the cultivation of the soil Mr. Snyder gives a proper share of his attention to the ]:)reeding and raising of live stock, in which also he has been very successful.

In 1886 Mr. Snyder married Ida A. Harwood, who was born in Allen county, Indiana, the daughter of Edward and Louisa (Spencer) Harwood, both parents also nati\es of Allen county and members of jjioneer families of that locality. Mrs. Snyder died on May 11, 1901, leaving three sons and a daughter. Orange, Elmer, Dora and Lester. Orange, who lives in Franklin township, married Ruby Wolfe, and they have a son, Frank ; Elmer, who lives in Smithfield township, married Mina Enzor, and they have a son, Perry, Dora and Lester are at home. In December, 1901, Mr. Snyder married Est ella Grats, a native of .Mien cdunty, this state, and a daughter of Silas and Alice (Wherley) (Jrats. She was reared in Allen county, where her father, who has been a life-long farmer, still lives. Her mother died there in March. 1913. To Mr. and Mrs. Snyder ha\e been born three children, Mildred, Milford and Velma. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are earnest and faithful members (if the United Brethren church, giving their support not only to all the interests of this society, but also to every movement which promises to be of material, social, educational or religious benefit to the com- ' munity. They move in the best social circles and because of their genial qualities and the success which they have attained they have earned and retained the sincere regard and respect of all who know them.

Henry D. Shoemaker

Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earhest ages and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free out-of-door life known to the tiller of the soil has a decided tendency to foster and dexelop that independence of mind and self reliance which characterizes true manhood, and no truer blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of our nation's great w^arriors, renowned statesmen and distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and were indebted largely to its early influence for the distinction which they attained. From the farm came the Shoemakers, one of the honored and representative families of DeKalb county, of whom Henry D. Shoemaker, one of Smithfield township's most progressive agriculturists, is a worth\- member.

Henry D. Shoemaker, who for a numljer of years has Ijeen one of the most extensive fanners and influential citizens of Smithfield township, was born on August 27, 1858, in this township, and is the son of I^. K. Shoemaker, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, therefore his ancestral history will not be referred to further at this point. Henry D. Shoemaker was reared on the parental farmstead and in his youth attended the district schools of the locality, his vacation periods being spent in farm work. Later he attended the college at Valparaiso, Indiana, securing a good, practical education and then, returning to the vocation to which he had 1)een reared, lie has continuously applied himself to it since witli the most iironouncetl success. Mr. Shoemaker is gi\'ing his attention to the o|)eration of three hundred and sixty acres of land in Smithfield township, Ijesides one hundred and sixty acres belonging to the family that is rented. He has an unusual well equipped farmstead, the detailed description of which would occup_\- more space than is permissi'jle in a work of this character. The e(|uipmei.it includes a blacksmith outfit, an arrangement for slaughtering and fine, big liank barns which are in every respect a credit to tlie owner. Mr. Shoemaker's liome is pleasant, attractive and con\-eniently arranged, and the surroundings are in keeping with the residence. The farm owned by Mr. Shoemaker is a credit to him and reflects credit on his sound judgment and good taste. Mr. Shoemaker has a splendid record as a business man, and for many years has made it a business rule to run no accounts, and give no promises to pay in the future, every transaction being strictly cash, and this lias undoubtedl}- been one of the secrets of the eminent success which he has reahzed in his affairs. Progressive in his disposition, public spirited in his attitude toward the civic and community affairs, obliging in his relations with his neighbors, he has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him and is numliered among the truly representative men of DeKalb county.

In 1892 Henry D. Shoemaker was united in marriage with jMahala Bachtel, the daughter of Henn' Bachtel, and they have one son. Russell, born November 15, 1895. He is a man who would win his wav in an\- localitv or station where fate might place him. for he has sound judgment, cou])led with great energy and business tact, together with upright principles, all of which make for success wherever and whenever they are rightfullv and ]iersistentl\- applied.

Samuel L. Widney

The name borne by the honored subject of this review is one which has been long and intimately identified with the history of DeKalb .county, its identification with the annals of this favored section of the Hooseir state dating back to the early epoch in which was initiated the development of the industrial and civic interests of DeKalb county. He has here passed his long and useful life, and as its shadows begin to lengthen from the west he finds himself favored in being surrounded with hosts of friends and enabled to enjoy the rich fruits of his former years of earnest tuil and endea\-or.

Samuel L. Widney was l)orn in Xewville township. DeKalb ctauity. Indiana, on June 26, 1839, and is the son n\ Julm 1'. \\"i(lney. who is referred to elsewhere in this work. When he was liul three years cjkl the family moved to near St. Joe. where his father had traded tlie XeWville farm for one hundred and thirt\-fiiur acres of raw land. The new place was densely covered with timber except a small tract which had lieen slashed, that is, the timber cut and piled up in winrows to be dried and burned. The only attempt toward the construction of a dwelling had been the erection of the frame of a plank house, in which not a nail had yet been driven. The frame work was of ])oplar wood and the planks were afterwards fastened on with wooden pegs. That was in 1X42 and in this house the family lived until 1S58. when the}' Iniilt a commodious and comfortable new resilience. l*".\en at that period all ]uml)er came rougli and all dressing was re(|uireil to he done h\- hand. The house that was built in 1842 was an up-to-date building for that period, having the first brick chimney built in that part of the country, at the foot of which \\as an old-fashioned fireplace, with the customary accessories of that da\', inchidiiiL; a crane, reflector and other pioneer baking and cooking facilities. When the family bought a cook stove in 1847 it was a great curiosity in the new settlement and many came to see it. In other ways the Widne\'s followed the pioneer customs of the period, doing their own spinning and weaving and enduring the hardships and prixations of frontier life.

Samuel AVidney attended the subscription schools in early childhood and in 1N31, when the family moved to Auburn because his father had become county clerk, the subject completed his schooling in that city. In i860, at the age of twenty years, Mr. Widney married Mary A. Moore, a daughter of James and Ellen (Hemphill) Moore, her birth having occurred in Richland county, Ohio, in 1837. In 1842 she accompanied her parents to DeKalb county, they locating southeast of Auburn in Jackson township. Soon after his marriage Mr. Widney returned to the farm near St. Joe and there engaged in operating that land. He was an industrious and intelligent farmer, giving close attention to all the details of his work and being progressive in his ideas he was somewhat in advance of his neighbors in many respects, especially in relation to the proper rotation of crops in order to conserve the fertility of the soil. During all his active years he devoted his main attention to general farming, although to some extent he engaged in the raising of Shorthorn cattle, in which he was successful. E\-entuall}- he became the owner of three hundred and thirty-three acres of splendid land, one hundred and twenty acres of which he had cleared from the xirgin forest by his own efforts. Sixty acres of the original farm north nf St. Jrie had liecn given him bv his father at his marriage, but he soon Ixiught fort_\- acres more, for which he Avent in debt. \Mien that tract was paid for he continued to l)uy more land as opportunity offered and at length was enabled to realize the returns on his investment in both labor and nione_\-. .\fter many years of arduous toil :\lr. Widney retired from farm work and resided in St. Joe until kjij, but in that year he sold his home in the latter i)Iace and returned to the farm, where he now resides with his son.

To Samuel -L. and Mary were born fixe cliildren, namely: ]\Iarion died at the age of four months; Byron E. lives on a part of his father's farm near St. Joe; he married Rosetta Sechler, and they have a daughter, Edith, who is the wife of Ross Abel; Viola is the wife of D. L. Carpenter and lives on the farni north of St. Joe that was her father's from i860; she is the mother of three sons, Deral, Carl and Paul; Otto L. married Bernice Vandergraft, of Adrian, Michigan, and is now living at Hicksville, Ohio, where he is engaged in the general merchandise business; he has no children of his own, but has adopted two little girls, Dorothj' and Ruth ; Iva, who died in 1905, was the wife of Clarence Hart and lived at St. Joe. Religiously, Mr. Widney is a member of the Methodist Protestant church at St. Joe, of which he is a trustee and in which he has taken an active interest for many years, being a generous supporter of its \-ari(ius interests. Mrs. Widney died on October 20, 1905, their daughter. l\a, having preceded her in death on the /tli of that same month, and Mr. W'idney's father also died on the nth of that month, there being thus three deaths among his immediate blood relatives within two weeks, a daughter, wife and father. It is scarcely necessary to revert in detail to the experiences of Mr. Widney in his boyhood days, for the tale of the scenes and conditions of the pioneer period has been often told. Modern facilities were notable for their absence and the pioneers were self dependent to an extent that seems almost impossible of realization to the younger generation of the present time. Mr. Widne\- stands today as one of the venerable and sturdy pioneers of the county, and it is gratifying that his life history can be perpetuated by outlining his useful and !ionora])le career as a man and as a public-spirited citizen.

Oliver Perry Eldridge

Self-assertion is believed by many people to be absolutely necessary to success in life, and there are good reasons for the entertainment of such a belief. The modest man very rarely gets what is due him. The selfish, aggressive man elbows his way to the front, takes all that is in sight and it sometimes seems that modesty is a sin, with self-denial the penalty. There are, however, exceptions to all rules and it is a matter greatly to be regretted that the exceptions to the conditions are not more numerous. One notable exception is the case of the honorable gentleman whose life history we here present, who possesses just a sufficient amount of modesty to be a gentleman at all times and yet sufficient persistency to win in the business world and at the same time not appear o\er bold. As a result of these well and happil\- blended qualities Mr. Eldridge has won a host of friends in DeKalb county, where he is well known to all classes as a man of influence, integrity and business ability.

Oliver Perry Eldridge was born in Richland township, DeKalb county, December i8, 1869, the son of Thomas J. and Mahala Jane (Keenan) Eldridge, natives of Ohio, their marriage having occurred at Fremont, that state. On commg to. Indiana they first located temporarily in Noble county. In 1864 they bought a farm in Richland township, DeKalb county, to which they moved in 1866. The father followed agricultural pursuits during his lifetime. To them were born six children : Ida, Edward, Eva and Benjamin E., all deceased, and Anna M. and Oliver P. Prior to taking up farming, in which he is still actively engaged, Oliver P. Eldridge received a good education in the DeKalb county public schools. He began operations on the home farm and is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-one acres of good farm land, eighty acres of which are in Richland township.

Oliver Perry Eldridge was, on September 22, 1898, united in marriage to Pauline Wiehmueller, daughter of John and Barbara (Beauchley) Wiehmueller. They are natives of Germany and came to this country when the subject's wife was but five years old. To Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge ha\-e been born four children, Dennis, Ralph C, Helen Juanita and Thomas.

Hugh Merxix Widxey

Today the farmer is coming into his own. Once he seemed to be at the mercy of every other occupation and profession, all of whom were exploiting him, while he drew from his acres a bare living and little more. But in those days there was a surplusage of farm population as compared with tlie city. Now the city has drawn so man}- within its portals that there is a practical scarcity of farmers to supply the demanils made upon them, im- ])rove(l implements and in\-entions ha\-e lessened the farmer's toil, and those who li\ e in the rural districts today are reaping a ricli reward for their la1x)rs and winning the envy instead of the contempt of the city dwellers. Among the residents of DeKalb county who have reaped ainindantly and in satisfactory measures from Mother Earth is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, who as farmer and fruit raiser is meeting with splendid success from his fine farm in Concord townslii]). He is well eilncatefl and has gained a wide reputation, especially as a lecturer on agricultural, horticultural and kindred topics, and today is nuniliered among tlie leading and progressive citizens of his township.

24, 1866, and is the son of O. H. ahd Emily F. (Alaxwell) Widney. Oliver H. Widney was born on November 12, 1841, near Newville, DeKalb county, and was the son of John G. and Jane (Lynn) Widney. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools at Orangeville. afterwards studying in the schools of Auburn and at Newville Academy. Re engaged in teaching school for a while, but in young manhood gave his attention to the clearing of a farm of seventy acres, which he developed from swamps to one of the Ijest farms in his community. In 1877 he traded this farm to his father for the old homestead on the St. Joe river near tlie town of St. Joe. There he successfully carried on his agricultural pursuits, possessing a tine farm of one hundred and thirty-four acres. On August 7, 1862, Oliver H. ^^'idney enlisted as a private in Company H, Eighty-eighth Regiment Indiana A^olunteer Infantry, with which he took part in some arduous service during that fall, participating in the battle of Perrysville. On December 15th of that same year, he was discharged because of physical disability and remained at home until he had regained his health, when, on July 18, 1863, he again enlisted as first sergeant of Company B. One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which lie did valiant and courageous service until March 14, 1864, when he received his discharge. He later became a member of John C. Kern Post No. 144. Grand Army of the Republic. In politics be was a Republican up to the }-ear 1870, after which he affiliated with the Democratic party. On November 3, 1864, O. H. Widney married l-'mily IMaxwell. of Concord township, this county, and they became the parents of two children, Hugh Alervin, the subject of this sketch, and Lenore, who was bom on May iS, 1881. Mr. Widney was a man of prominence and influence in his community and rendered good service to his county as a member of the b()ar(l of count}- commissioners for two terms.

Hugh M. A\'idncy secured his elementary education in tlie common schools and was reared to the life of a farmer, which vocation he followed for a while after attaining mature years, but turned his attention to the lumber business, in which he was successfully engaged for a time, first in the retail business and later as a wholesaler and manufacturer. He then again returned to the farm for a time, but later engaged in the lumber and hardware business at St. Joe, which, however, he later disposed of and again turned his attention to farming, which now occupies his attention. He owns a splendid tract of land in Concord township, and here he makes the raising of fruit a specialtv. l^or twenty years he lias gi\en tliougb.tful and intelligent direction to this line of effort, having one of the best orchards in DeKalb county, and he has earned a wide reputation through this section of the state as one of the most successful fruit raisers, for he has followed advanced methods and applied up-to-date business ideas to his affairs. That Mr. Widney is a man of more than ordinary ability in his special line is evidenced by the fact that during the last three years he has been a lecturer at Purdue University and on the subject of soils and all matters pertaining to horticulture he is generally considered an authority, iiaving given much thoughtful study to that special subject as well as done much practical experimental work on his own account. His orchard contains some of the very best varieties of fruit, which he handles with the greatest care, spraying his trees as their special needs require and giving due attention to all phases of his special line so that in the market the ]M-oducts of his orchard command the best prices.

On December 30, 1885, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Harriette A. Davis, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Jones) Davis, natives of Ohio and early settlers of DeKalb county. Mr. Widney's grandfather, Joel Davis, was one of the pioneers of this locality and a man highly respected by all who knew him. To Mr. and Mrs. Widney have been born two children, Blanchard V. and Doris D. Blanchard married Flossie Copp. of St. Joe, on August 19, 1913.

Politically, Mr. Widney assumes an independent attitude, preferring to vote for the man whom he considers best fitted for office rather than to be guided by party alliance. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, while his religious membershi]) is with the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Widney has honestly earned the high repute which he enjoys in his community and Spring Brook Fruit Farm is one of the best known pieces of rural property in DeKalb county. The one hundred and thirty-five acres which Mr. Widney owns are all under cultivation or in orchard, and the fruit, melons and berries which he raises find a ready market owing to the well known conditions under which they are raised. In 19 13 he bought sixty-six acres known as the David Pope farm. Mr. Widney has found out and proved to others that it pays to raise the \ery best produce and he has set a valuable example to the community along this line. Personally, he is a genial and com|ianionable gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet, and he is not onl}- well known throughout tlie section of the state in which he lives, but is ecjually well liked by all who know him.

Byron E. Widney

After a long course of years of daily observation on the part of his neighbors, it would be out of the question for them not to know the worth, moral standing, public sentiment and social conduct as well as something of the private life of Byron E. Widney, one of the substantial agriculturists of Concord township, because, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words." In his community and, in fact, anywhere in DeKalb county, there is heard nothing concerning Mr. Widney but good words and well deserved praise, for he has passed so many years here that his worth is well known, but it will be of interest to run o\-er the busy events of his life in these pages.

Byron E. Widney was l)orn in Concord township, DeKalb county, Indiana, on March 29, 1862, and is the son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Moore) Widney. Samuel L. \\'idney, who was the son of John P. and Jane (Lynn) Widney, was born in DKalb county on June 26, 1839. He received his education in the schools of his native locality and assisted his father on the home farm until attaining mature years. After his marriage, which occurred on Januar}- i, i860, he lived on his father's farm a year and the following year located on the farm in Concord township, where he spent the remainder of his days, and where he ac(.[uired the ownership of three hundred and thirtythree acres of fine land. His wife was a daughter of James and Ellen Moore, -early settlers of Pleasant township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Widney were horn five children, namely: Marion, Byron E., Viola, Otto L. and I\-a May.

Byron E. \Vidney was reared under the parental roof and was earl}- inducted into the mysteries of successful farming. His education was received in the common schools of Concord township and he has devoted his entire mature life to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been eminently successful, owing to his untiring' efforts and persistency and the sound common sense with which he has characterized his labors. He is the owner of one hundred and three acres of good land, practically all of whicli is under the plow and the well-kept condition of the fences, the neat and well arranged barns and other outbuildings testifying to the progressive ideas and enterprising methods of the owner.

On January i"], 1883, Mr. Widney was united in marriage to Martha Rosetta Sechler, the daughter of Levi and Mary Barbara (Kistler) Sechler, the latter family being one of the oldest in DeKalb county. To Mr. and Mrs. Widnev was born one child, Edith, who became the wife of Ross Abel, of Newville township, this county. Mrs. Widney, who was born on September 17, 1862, is a lady of many kindly qualities and because of her earnest life and pleasing relations with those with whom she associates, she enjoys a well deserved popularity.

Politically, Mr. Widney has been a life-long supporter of the Republican party and, though deeply interested in its success and active in its interests during campaigns, he has never sought nor held public office of any nature, his private affairs making heavy demands upon his time. He is deeply interested in everything that pertains to the welfare of his community, supporting all worthy movements, and among those who know him best he is held in the highest measure of esteem.

Sheldon Horatio Hine

Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the worthy citizens of DeKalb county, Indiana - one who has figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its progress. Additional interest also attaches to his career from the fact that practically his entire life has been passed within the borders of this county.

Sheldon Horatio Hine, one of the Iiest kn(j\vn citizens of Waterloo, Indiana, was born on March 22, 1849, in Erie count}-, Ohio, the son of Horatio Sheldon and Cynthia (Brooks) Hine, who also were born and reared in Erie count}-. Horatio Sheldon Hine was a son of Sheldon Horatio Hine, who had (^ome from Connecticut and settled in Erie county. The .subject of this sketch has a son, Horatio Sheldon, and the latter has a son, Sheldon Horatio. Thus it will be seen that for five generations the two given names of the eldest son in each family have been reversed. Sheldon H. Hine lived until twelve years of age in Erie and Lake counties, Ohio, having spent much of his time witli his grandfather Brooks in tlie latter county. -\t the age of tweh-e vears he came with his father to Sedan. DeKalli count}-, Indiana, where the father had settled about a year before. The date of the subject's arrival here was Christmas day, i8f)i. At Sedan his father was engaged in the lumber business and farmed, and had also for a few years run a grist mill. Here the subject was reared to manhood and eventually took his father's place in the mill and on the farm, where he worked for ten years. He then bought a farm in the west part of Grant township on the township line, where he hved until March, 1902, when he moved to Waterloo, and where he has since resided. Here, on April i, 1902, when the rural routes were established from Waterloo, he became a mail carrier and is still following this Aocation. He sold his farm in the \\est part of Grant towur ship to his son, ]\Iaynard, but still retains the part of his father's estate in Richland township. His life has been characterized by the strictest integrity of motive and action, and he is one of the most popular rural route carriers of DeKalb count}^, faithful to the duties of his position. Religiously, Mr. Hine is a member of the Presb}'terian church. He has for many years taken an active part in public affairs and at the age of twenty-four years was elected justice of the peace of Richland, discharging the duties of that responsible office to the entire satisfaction of those who elected him. When Henry Hines died during his term of office as county treasurer, about two months after assuming the office, the subject of this sketch was appointed to fill the unexpired term, thus serving as county treasurer for nearly two years. He has given a life-long support to the Republican party, in whose ranks he has been an effective and earnest worker, and in many ways he has exhibited a commendable interest in the welfare of the community, withholding his support from no mo\'ement which has for its object the benefit of his fellow men.

On December 25, 1870, Sheldon Horatio Hine married Catherine A. Houser, who was born in Fairfield township, this county, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gonser) Houser. Her parents were from northeastern Ohio and came to DeKalb county, Indiana, about 1838 or 1840, being among the pioneer settlers of Fairfield township The father farmed there most of his life, but for about two years was also engaged in the mercantile business at Fairfield Center. By this union Mr. Hine became the father of six children, of whom four are living and two died in infancy. Those li\-ing are as follows: Horatio Sheldon Hine, born on August 19, 1872, was reared on the farm and attended school at Waterloo. He farmed a few }'ears. and when about twenty-eight years old he went west and was em])loved at \arious places, taking the keene.st interest in his olxservation of the country through which he passed. Returning to DeKalb county, he wa- married here in 1905 to Maude Warner, daughter of Jesse H. and \lmina ( Walters) Warner, who are represented elsewhere in this issue. Mr. Hine is a builder and contractor, and also substitutes in winter as rural mail carrier. He has had two children, one son who died in infancy, and one, Sheldon Horatio Hine, nowliving. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Clyde L., the second son, was born March 31, 1874. He attended the Waterloo public school and graduated with the class of 1895. He belonged to Company I, Third Regiment Indiana National Guard., being sergeantmajor to Colonel Kuhlman. He completed a course in dentistry in Indianapolis, graduating in June, 1904. On December 28, 1903, he was married to Delia, daughter of Michael and Flora Kiplinger, who was a graduate of the Waterloo schools in the class of 1900. They b.ave three children, Cleo K., Maynard K. and Maude. They live in Tuscola, Illinois, where he is successfully engaged in dentistry.

Maynard Hine, the third son of Stieldon Horatio Hine and wife, was bom on January 2, 1876, at Sedan, DeK'alb county, Indiana, and li\ed on the home farm during his boyhood j'ears, attending the high school, where he was graduated in 1897. I" th'it year he went to Auburn and hel])ed his father in the county treasurer's office during a part of the latter's term. He became a corporal of Company I, Third Regiment Indiana National Guards, and during the Spanish-American war he went to the front with his company, which became a part of the One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with the regiment until the close of that brief war. He returned home and thereafter for several years was employed on the home farm. In 1901 he married iMabel Scattergood, and at that time began farming for himself. In February, 1912, Maynard Hine bought fifty-eight acres of his father's old home place and is engaged in the operation of that land, as well as some other land adjoining. He and his wife are both members of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Mabel (Scattergood) Hine was born east of W^aterloo, Grant township, DeKalb county, and is a sister of George Scattergood, who is represented elsewhere in this work. When she was four years old her parents moved to the east part of Richland township, this county, where she lived until her marriage.

Lula Hine. the daughter and youngest child, was born May 3, 1880. She graduated from Waterloo public school and attended the Normal school at Valparaiso for one year. .After teaching a few years she became the wife of R. C. Smith, of Tuscola, Illinois, who is a real estate agent of that city. Mrs. Catherine Hine died on June 10, 19 10, and on June i, 19 13, Mr. Hine married Mrs. Bertha fClosson) Knott, who was l)orn and reared in the southern part of Steuben county, Indiana, and was a teacher in the public schools for more than twenty years. Her parents were early settlers of Steuben county and were people of respectability and prominence. Mrs. (63)

Hine is now librarian of Waterloo. Her first husband, John Adams Knott, died about twenty-five years ago, al^otit five years after their marriage, which was without issue.

Personally, the subject of this sketch is a man of clean moral character and marked business ability, which was evidenced in the successful management of his farming enterprises, and now he is numbered among the earnest and respected citizens of the section of tlie county in which he lives, his daily life being evidence of the high motives which control his actions.

Among the citizens of Concord township who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with landed and personal property, few have attained a higher degree of success than the subject of this sketch. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mastering and with many discouragements to overcome, he has made a success of life and has the gratification of knowing that the community in which he has resided has been benefited by his presence.

Ell W. Saylor, who occupies a fine farm in Concord township, is a native of DeKalb county, Indiana, having been born on August 17, 1858, and is the son of William and Mary J. (Stiltz) Saylor. These parents were natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and came to Concord township, this county, in 1850, locating on two hundred acres of land which he bought here and one hundred and forty of which the subject of this sketch now resides. William Saylor was twice married, first to Rosan Wade, to which union were born the following children : Mrs. Susan Stafford, now deceased ; Samuel, deceased; Calvin, of Allen county, this state; Mrs. Catherine Rickett, of St. Joe. To William and Mary J. Saylor the following children were born; Mrs. Annie Baker, who lives in Concord township on a farm; E. W., the immediate subject of this .sketch; William H,, of Hicksville, Ohio; Joseph H.. of DeKall) ccuinty, and Orman F.. who lives in Indianapolis.

The subject of this sketch received his early education in the common schools of DeKalb county and was reared to the life of a farmer, a vocation to which he has devoted all his active years and in which he has met with most pronounced success. Careful, methodical and energetic in his operations, he gives his strict attention to his own affairs, with the result that he lias met with a degree of success commensurate with his efforts. As before stated, he is residing on one hunch-ed and forty acres of the old home place and he takes a justiiial)le iM'ide in the manner in which he keeps up the ap- .pearance of the place. The neat and attractive residence, the substantial and commodious barns, well kept fences and the condition of the fields indicate the owner to be a man of good taste and sound judgment in the handling of his farming operations. He raises all the crops common to this locality and also gives some attention to live stock, which he has found to be a valuable adjunct to successful farming.