DeKalb County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 9 of 20)

Tn January, 1882. Aiyron Kutzner was married to Mar^' Cov. nlio was born in Jackson township, this county, the daughter of John and Maria (Fiant) Coy, who came to this county from Wayne county, Ohio. John Coy, who was a son of Jacob and Barbara (PVied) Cov, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on October 23, 1819, and at the age of six years accompanied his parents on their removal to Wayne county, Ohio, where he lived until 1845, when he came to Jackson township, DeKalb county, Indiana, and settled on what is now known as the Coy farm on the Auburn and Spencerville road. His wife, Maria Fiant, was born in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, on May 15, 1830, and in 1834 accompanied her ])arents to Wa3'ne county. Ohio, where they remained until 1845. wiien they came to DeKalb county, Indiana, her marriage to Mr. Coy occurring on December 6, 1840. They took up their home on the Coy farm, built a pleasant and attractive residence and reared a family as follows: Jacob B. ; Rebecca; Isaac N. : Belinda; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Mary; Andrew; Franklin, who died in infancy; Martha; John, who died at the age of twelve years. In the early eighties John Coy and family mo\ed to Angola, Indiana, where they lived about ten years, but eventually moved back to their farm and s])ent their last years with their eldest daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Miller, .south of Auburn. To Mr. and Mrs. Kutzner have been born three children, namely: Winnie, born in 1883, is the wife of John Buss, of Auburn, and they have two children, Edith and Mary Elizabeth: Allie, born in 1887, died at the age of four years; Carl C, bom April 27. 1896. Mrs. Kutzner has a vivid recollection of conditions in DeKalb county when she first accompanied her parents on their removal here. Her people told her that the wolves used to howl and scratch around their cabin door at night. Indians were frequent callers at their home, and even bears were to be seen occasionally. Mrs. Kutzner was reared on the farm which her father had homesteadcd and reclaimed from the wilderness and their cabin home was characterize<l bv all the primitive utilities which characterized that period. She well remembers the old "fat" lamp, tallow candles and how when the first oil lamp was introduced into the community people were extremely careful to avoid explosions. Mr. and Mrs. Kutzner are members of the United Brethren church, and because of their earnest, upright lives they enjoy an enviable standing among their acquaintances. Mr. Kutzner through the years has always stood for the highest and best standard of Hving and has given his support unreservedly to every movement to advance the welfare of his fellows in any wav, so that he has honestly earned the position which he has long enjoyed as an enterprising and progressive man and a leader in the moral, educational and social advancement of the communitv.

Abraham Grogg

All callings, whether humble or exalted, may be productive of some measure of success, if enterprise and industry, coupled with a well directed purpose, form the motive force of the person directing the same, and in no case is this fact more apparent than in agricultural pursuits. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and w ell api^lied energw unflagging determination and perseverance as well as the above enumerated qualities. When a course of action is once decided upon these attri- Inites are essential. Success is ne\'er known to smile ujjon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer and only those who have diligentlv sought her favor are crowned with her lilessings. In tracing the history of the prosperous and influential gentleman whose name forms the caption of this biographical review, we find that the above named elements hax^e entered largel}- into his make-up and therefore we are not sur])rised at the large and e\er-growing success which he has attained.

.\braham Grogg was born on December 30. 1846. in Stark county, Ohio, and is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Hultz) (irogg. Daniel (uogg was one of the early settlers of L'nion township. DeKalb county, and was born in Stark county, Ohio, on .August 13. 1818, a son of Dorman and Alary (Snyder) Grogg, who were natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They emigrated to Stark county, Ohio, in an early day and there the father died, the mother afterward coming to DeKalb countw Indiana, with her children, and dying here at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Daniel (irogg received a common school education, spending his early years under the parental roof. In May, 1849. he came to De- Kalb county, settling on a farm where he spent the remainder of his life. His first purchase was of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he added until he owned three hundred and eighty acres of good land, on which he built a large, two-story brick residence and other farm buildings also of substantial character. He was married in Ohio in i8_|^ to Klizabeth Hultz, and to this union were born six children : John, Abraliam, George, Peter, Frankhn and a daughter who died in young ladyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Grogg were membersof the Lutheran church. When Daniel Grogg came to this county but ten acres of his land had been cleared, and on this land the trees had been simplychopped, but the ground was not cleared of the rubbish. A log house was there and here the family established themselves until a more substantial and modern house could be built. Their first home was located just east of where the county farm now is. Before moving there Daniel Grogg had bought a farm in the northwestern part of what is now Grant township, but never made his home there, though he kept it and added to it the original Grant township tract, comprising one hundred and fifty-eight acres, for which he paid five hundred dollars, this land being now worth many times that price.

Abe Grogg was reared under the parental rotjf and as soon as large enough was compelled to assist in the work of clearing the farm; most of hisyouth, however, was spent with his uncle Jacob Grogg, who lived at the northern edge of Auburn, where he operated a farm and ran a mill. Here the subject did all kinds of work and proved a valuable assistant to his uncle. After he attained his majority he spent three years with Moses Gonser, and when the county farm was instituted he was employed by the first superintendent of the farm, Conrad Miller. While thus employed he made the acrpiaintance of Mr. Miller's daughter, .Ada, who afterwards became his wife, their marriage occurring in 1872, and after that event the young couple moved to their present home, the tract which his father had bought in ])ioneer davs. .At this time only four acres had been cleared and no buildings or fences erected. Air. Grogg first built a log house and started to clear the land much in the way his father had done many years before. In the winter lie would clear four or fi\e acres for corn land and then in the summer give his attention to the cultivation of the soil. By this method followed persistently \'ear after year he has succeeded in developing a most excellent farm on which he has resided continuously since. He follows modern methods in agricultural operations and is numbered among the progressive men of his locality, for he hesitates not to adopt new methods when their superiority over old ways has been deuK^nstrated. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Waterloo, and are earnest supporters of every movement for the educational, moral or social advancement of the community, sothat they enjoy the confidence and good will of all who know them.

On January 2, 1872, .Abe Grogg married Ada Miller, the daughter of Gonrad and .A.nna (Long) Miller, whose personal sketch appears elsewhere- in this work, and on April 3d following their marriage, they moved to their present home. To them has been born one son, Arthur M.. whose natal daywas February 25. 1877. He was reared on the home farm, securing his education in the common schools, graduating from the high school at Waterloo in 1897. Until 1902 he remained with his father on the home farm and then became a rural mail carrier from \\'aterloo, traveling his route five and onehalf years. Then after passing an examination he was appointed a railway mail clerk and followed that occupation about nine months, when he was compelled to give up that line of work on account of an attack of measles which had settled in his eyes and almost blinded him to such an extent that it re- (|uired many months of heroic treatment before he received any assurance that he would not lose his eye sight entirely. Upon leaving the road he came bdnic, where he remained until 1909, when he bought the farm adjoining his fatlier. to the o]ieration of which he is now de\'oting his attention. On February 23, 1910, Arthur (irogg married Mildred I'owman, the daugbtei- nf Archie and Alice (Kelly) Rowman. her l)irtli ha\ing occurred in .\danisvil'e. Michigan. Her fatlier, who was l:orn near Waterloo, this county, was a son (^i Cyrus and Sarah (Smith) Bowman, the former of whom was at one time a member of the county board of commissioners. Mrs. (irogg's ])arents now live about two and a half miles northeast of Waterloo. Mrs. (irogg receixed a good education, ha\-ing graduated from the Waterloo high -chool with the class of 1907. after which she attended the Tri-State Normal School at Angola, and afterwards engaged in teaching school in Waterloo foi- two \ears. .\rtbur Grogg is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he ai'd his wife belong to the T\vthian Sisters, of which lodge she is dei)uty grand chief. .\lr. r,rogg al'^o l)elongs to the Gleaners, a farmers' fraternal oigani;<ation.

Abe Grogg has been a resident of DeKalb county during the most active peiiid (if his life and has been an eye-witness and a participant in the wonderful tlevelopment which has characterized this locality. He retains vivid recollections of the early conditions here and also has a numl^er of valuable heirlooms which are interesting and unii|ue. .\mong them is a pewter plate 1 rought by his ancestors from Germany, on which are stamped German, I'rencii and English seals, the plate being at least one Inindred and fifty years old. He also has a porcelain goose-oil jug of unique design, also the old spinning wheel, which his mother used, as well as other mementoes of more than intrinsic worth. The Grogg family have been not only successful in the .-H'(inisition nf material wealtli, but have been prominent factors in the life of

Of the suljject's brothers and sisters it may be stated that John h\es in the northwestern part of Grant township; Peter resides on the old homestead east of the county farm : George died at the age of forty-six years, leaving a wife and daughter, now deceased; Frank lives about three miles west of Auburn and Emilv is deceased.

The gentleman to a review of whose honorable career we now call the attention of the reader is one of the representative citizens of DeKalb county and one of the best known and most substantial farmers in Grant township, being the owner of a fine landed estate. An analyzation of his life work shows that he has been dependent upon no inheritance or influential friends for what lie has acquired, but has through his continued efifort and capable management gained a desirable property whereby he is classed among the selfmade and influential men of the community.

Adam W. Husselman was born on November 9, 1859, in the western l)art of Grant township, DeKalb county, Indiana, and is the son of Samuel and Amanda (King) Husselman. Samuel Husselman, who was one of the honored old pioneers of Grant township, was born on December 11, 1827, in Wayne county, Ohio, and is the son of John and Catherine (Miser) Husselman. A history of his parents and the ancestral record appears in the sketch of Henry Husselman elsewhere in this work. Samuel Husselman was but fourteen years old when his parents brought him to DeKalb county in 1842, and they located in the wilderness about half way between Waterloo and Auburn. When he was but twenty-three years of age his father gave him one hundred and sixty acres of uncleared land, to the clearing of which he immediately applied his energies and he recalls the hard plowing among the roots and stumps and the toil incident to the placing of the land under cultivation. At the age of twenty-three years Samuel Hussciiuan married Amanda Kmg, who was born about thirty miles from Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of John and Catherine King. The parents came to DeKalb county, Indiana, in 1846, locating northeast of Auburn, near where the county farm is now situated. Samuel Husselman has remained on the farm where he now lives during all the subsequent years and for man\- years has lieen numl)ered among the most respected and substantial eiti:^ens of his locahty. To him dnd his wife were born four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: Emme- Hne, the wife of Jacob Amstutz, who lives in section 6, Grant township, this county; Adam li\-es in section i8, this township; Lewis, who lix'es with his father and is the owner of eighty acres south of his father's place, and Rda, wIki is the wife of John Monroe, lives in the eastern part of Richland township. Mrs. Husselman, the mother of these children, djed on April i, n;ii. Mr. Husselman is an earnest and faithful member of the United r^rethren church, and in his daily life he has long eudea\dred to exemiilify the teachings of the Divine ^Master.

Adam W. Husselman was reared on the paternal farmstead and secured his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. After his marriage in 1885 he began fanning for himself in the southwestern part of Grant township on land which he rented for ten years, but finally boitght. His pl^ce comprises eighty acres and is most elegantly located, being improved to an extent that reflects great credit on the owner. The splendid and attractive residence, commodious and substan.tial liarns and other outbuildings have all been erected b\- Mr. Husselman and he adopts modern methods in his agricultural operations, realizing gratifying profits from his efforts. When he mo\ed upon this laud it contained a lot of timljer, Init this has all been cleared away and now all the crops common to this section of the country are raised here, and in connection Mr. Husselman also gives some attention to live stock, which he has found to be a profitable source of income.

On -\ugu.st 18, 1885, Mr. Husselman married .\niy McCague. who was born in Richland township, this county, the daughter of John and Julia iWvrick) McCague, her birth having occurred October 14, i860, and her death occurred on August 2, 1912, at the age of fifty-one years. At the age of twenty years she was taken into full membership in the Lutheran church at Sedan, and lived a faithful and consistent life until her death. A faithful wife and loving mother, a loyal neighbor, she was sincerel\- mourned by all who knew her, for her life has ];een a blessed benediction to the community in which she lived. To Mr. and -Mrs. Husselman were born three children, namely: Howard Earl, Donald Roscoe and Viola Ruth. Howard is helping to operate his uncle's farm near his father's place, and Donald and Viola are at home with their father. Quiet and unassuming in his manner, but sociable with his friends, Mr. Husselman has won a large and admiring ac- ([uaintance throughout the locality and is "counted a good citizen. He gives his support to every movement haxing for its object the ad\ancement of the general welfare of the community.

Herman D. Boozer

Among the enterprising and successful business men of DeKalb county, none stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Persistent industry, well-directed effort and sound business judgment have been the concomitants which have contributed to the success that has crowned his labors, and his sterling integritv and upright life have gained for him universal respect.

Herman D. Boozer was born on I)eceml:)er 2, 1862, in Richland county, Ohio, the son of James A. and Marsella ( Barnett ) B(K)zer. James A. Boozer was born in Lan.caster county, Pennsylvania, in 1833, the son of Henrv and JViary (McEwan) Boozer, and Henry Boozer, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1798, was the son of a German emigrant. Marv McEwan was born in Pennsylvania in 1800. James A. Boozer came to Ohio at the age of eleven years with his parents in 1844, li\-ing in Richland county where he grew to manhood, and in February, 1862, married Marsella Barnett, who also was born in Richland count)-, the daughter of David and Mary (Stewart) Barnett, her father of Irish descent, his mother s maiden name being Lattimer. In April, ]86b, Jcnues A. Pxiozer moved to Waterloo, Indiana, where he engaged in ihe agricultural implement business for two \-ears, ])ut in the Irig fire which (iccurred at that time, his stock w.-i'^ destroyetl. fie then went into the general mercantile business in partnershij) with O. 1". Clark, l)Ut two vears later Mr. Clark sold his interest to Mr. Blattner, and the firm of l^oozer & Blatlner was in existence until 1873 when they were put out of business by the se\"ere financial panic of that xear. Mr. Boozer then again engaged in tiie agricultural implement laisiness and was .also agent for the i->ucke\-e Harvester Company until his death, which occurred in Sei)tember, 188S. He was an earnest member of the Presbyterian church and a man of spV-ndid qualities of character. His widow survived him about twenty years, her death occurring in ic)o8. her latter years having been spent in the home of her son, Herman These parents had three children, the subject of this sketch being the first in order of liirtli, the others being Henrw w lio was born in 1866 ;ind died in October, 1007, leaving a wife rmd a son, Rrdph, who is a graduate of the mechanical engineering department in Purdue University, and Hugh H. Bofizer, who li\es in Baltimore, Maryland.

Herman D. Boozer was reartd at Waterloo and until his father's death assisted him in the iiu])lement business. He then went on the road as salesman for the I'uckeyt' Har\'ester Company, remaining in that capacity until

January, 1903. In the fall of the previous year he had been elected auditor of DeKalb county, and at the first of the year entered upon his official duties, holding the office until January i, 1907, and retiring from his ofifice with the conjniendalion and approval of all who knew him. He had resided during his official life on his farm on the southeast edge of Waterloo, and he has remained there continuously since. He has one hundred and thirteen and a fraction acres of splendid land, which has been maintained at the highest standard of cultivation and the farm is further attractive because of the splendid residence and other up-to-date improvements.

l:i January. 1889, Mr. Boozer was married to Mary E. Beard, wlu/ was born in ]''ranklin township, tliis county, tiie daughter of Jefferson Beard, who was born between Canton and Massillon, Ohio, on August 2'^, 1834, a son of John and Kli2al)eth Beard. Jefferson Beard owned a farm near Taylor's Corners at the lime of his second marriage, and a year and a half later lie bought the Mooney farm adjoining and later sold his first farm. Since nis death, in 1906, the widow lives in W'aterlru]. .Mr. I'eard was ;i lilelong farmer, v»as township assessor for several terms and also justice of the peace. To his first marriage, which was to a Miss Riche\ , were born three children: Mary, wift of the immediate subject of this sketch; Ella, wife of Commodore Hammond, and May, deceased. By his second marriage, which was witli .Samantha Ivelly, there were three children, (ieorge, Edson and Berlha. Mr. I'.eard died on December 15, 1906. Mr. P>eard's seciiud wife, Samantha (Kelly) Beard, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in [849. and came to I^e- Kalb countv with her jiarents when but six years of age, being reared near Tavlor's Corners. In 1868 she was married to Mr. Beard, and of their children it may be stated that (Ieorge ni.-irried Klia Sangsler, and lives at Taylor's Corners. The\- have two daughters, l^sther old home farm, and married Hilda Clark, an Bertha is the wife of Bert Heffelfinger, and li Te.xas. They ha\'e two children. Koliert an( Mrs. Boozer has been Ijorn a son, James J. December 24, 1891, and who is now engaged in elt lia\ing made an extensive and extiausti\-e study

Mr. P>oozer is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party and has rendered efficient .service as a memlier of the executive committee of his party. He stands for right principles in everything and is a strong advocate of temperance and for all movements that promise to be of benefit to his communitv in anv wav. Thrifty, progressive, industrious and a good mana.ger.

1k' is iKH (inly acliieving- matfrial success in his business affairs, but has also gained that which is of more value, the regard and esteem of his fellow citizens. No movement for the advancement of the cimimunitv but receives his hearty endorsement, and, keen-sighted and sagacious, his advice is considered \ aiuab'e in all affairs affecting the public interests.

That life is the most useful and desirable that results in the greatest good to the greatest number and, though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellow men; it is not necessary for one to occupy eminentpublic positions to do so, for in the humbler walks of life there remains much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for one to exercise one's talents and influence which in some way will touch the lives of those with whom we come in contact, making them better or brighter. In the list of DeKalb county's successful citizens, the subject of this review occupies a prominent place. In his career there is much that is commendable and his record forcibly illustrates what a life of energy can accomplish when one's plans are wisely laid and one's actions governed b}- right principles, noble aims and high ideals.

F. H. Ritter was born h'eliruary 25, 1885. at Mav.path, now 'i'^peka, Lagrange county, Indiana, and is the son of James H. and Mary A. (Hall) Ritter. both of whom were also nati\-es of Indiana, the father born in Lagrange county and the mother in Noble county. Both are descendants of early settlers in their respective counties. The subject's father, who followed farming throughout his active life, is a man of strong character and stands high in his community. To him and his wife were born three children, Ashley, Icy and F. H., all of whom are living. Ashley has charge of the home farm and Icy is the wife of L^. E. Mast, of Shipshewana, Indiana.

F. H. Ritter secured his elementary education in the common schools of Lagrange cotmty, completing his preliminary studies in the high school at Topeka and then engaged in teaching school for three years. Having determined to make the practice of law his life work, he then entered the State LIniversity at Bloomington, Intliana, but a year later became a stutlent at Notre Dame University, where he completed his professional studies and received the degree of Bachelor of Law. He at once located at xA,lbion and entered upon the practice of his profession, but a year later located at Butler, where he has since remained and where he has attained to a gratifying degree of success in the practice of law. Well qualified by natural ability and training, Mr. Ritter has successfully handled many difficult cases in the local courts of the county and has earned the warm regard of his professional colleagues. He is careful and painstaking in the preparation of his cases, never going into court with a case until thoroughly prepared and, judging from his record thus far, the future holds promise of still greater successes.

On June 25, 1908, Mr. Ritter was married to Flora G. Holcomb, the daughter of John W. and Amanda (Wert) Holcomb, both of whom were natives of Lagrange county, this state, their respective families having been early settlers of the eastern part of that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Ritter has been born one son, Harold, who is at home with his parents.

Aside from his professional interests, Mr. Ritter has taken an active part in the various civic activities of the community, ha\ing served one year as president of the Butler Commercial Club, and is at present city attorney for the corporation. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican party, taking a deep interest in political campaigns, while fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, belonging to the subordinate lodge at Butler, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at Lagrange,. Indiana. His religious membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church, in the prosperity of which he is deeply interested and to the support of which he contributes liberally. I\Tr. Ritter has hosts of friends in DeKalb county owing to his honesty in business, his success in his profession and his upright social and private life and he enjoys a marked popularity in the circles in which he moves.

The subject of this review is a representative farmer and stock grower of Grant township, DeKalb county, Indiana, and he is known as one of the alert, progressive and successful agriculturists of this favored section of the Hoosier state. In his labors he has not permitted himself to follow in the rut in a blind, apathetic way, but has studied and experimented and thus secured the maximum returns from his enterprising efforts, while he has so ordered his course at all times as to command the confidence and regard of (39) the people of the community in which he hves, being a man of honorable business methods and advocating whatever tends to promote the public welfare in any way.

John Frantz is a native of the little republic of Switzerland, which ha.s sent so many of her best citizens to America and who has contributed so largely to the upbuilding and development of the country. He was born on July 5, 1850, the son of Christian and Margaret (Amstutz) Frantz. When the subject was about four or five years old in 1853, the family came to America, locating in what is now the northwestern part of Grant township, DeKalb county, Indiana, where they Ijought a farm from the mother's brother, who had preceded them here. Here the subject's parents spent the rest of their lives, being numbered among the best citizens of the locality, the father dying about 1893 and the mother in the spring of 1907. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Christian A., who lives with the subject: John, the immediate subject of this sketch : Tillie McClellan, of Huntington, Indiana; Mrs. May Cirogg, the wife of Oliver Crogg, who lives west of Auburn: Maggie, now deceased, was the wife of Peter Schull ; Samuel, Henry and Fred all died in childhood at the same time of diphtheria, and the subject of this sketch himself almost died of the same disease at that time.

John Frantz has lived on the home farm in this county ever since coming to this countr\ and after the death of his father iind mother he bought the interests of the other iieirs in the estate. He had received a good, practical education in the district scliools and devoted himself with indefatigable in- -dustrv to tlie cultivation of Uu- farm so tlia! he has developed it into one of the best agricultural tracts in this section of the county. In 1885 he married Joanna King, who was born in Union township west of .\uburn, the daughter of Alexander and Caroline (Bowman) King, who were early settlers in this county. Thev came from Haltiniore, Marxhmd, aliout 1X40, and liought a farm west of Auburn where they spent tiie remainder of tlieir lives and where Mrs. Frantz lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. I'Vantz are the i)arents of a daughter, Doreas, who received her education in the high school at Waterloo, and who is a popular member of the social circles in which she moves. Mr. Frantz has a pleasant and attractive house and the farm, which is well kept in every respect, is a credit to him. He is a man of marked domestic tastes, his greatest pleasure l)eing found in his home and its surroundings, to the improvement of whjch he constantly devotes his attention. His brother, Christian, who is unmarried, also lives with the subject. John Frantz is regarded as one of the most progressive and painstaking agricul- turists in his township, using rare judgment and foresight in all his undertakings and seldom makes a mistake in his calculations. He is liberal minded, whole-souled, kind-hearted and withal a useful and noble man who has justly Avon the praise and respect of all wild know him.

To rescue from fading tradition the personal annals of the pioneers of our country is a pleasing but laborious task; not so laborious, perhaps, as perlile.xing, b\- reason of the fact that many facts and impressions of the early days have faded from memorw To gather u]) the broken threads of strange yet simiile stories of individual lives, to catch the fleeting stories and fireside histories and liand them down to posterity is a laudable ambition worthy of encouragement on the part of everyone interested in his community. John Lutz. who long since passed to "that undiscovered bourne from whence no traveler returns," was one of the pioneers of DeKalb county, Indiana, that noble band who were in the \an of cixilization moving westward, and who here passed through years of arduous toil and hardships, amid primiti\'e conditions which sound strange to the present generation. Because of his labors and his character he is eminently entitled to reiiresentation in the annals of his county.

John Lutz was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1826, and was a son of Michael and Magdalena (Crawford) Lutz, who, in 1847. came to DeKalb county, entering a tract of government land in I'uion township. Here the father commenced the task of clearing the land, but his death occurred within two years after his arrival here, leaving to his widow and children the gigantic task to complete. Mrs. IaUz was an energetic, amljitious woman, and worked hard to make a home and rear her children. In this she was assisted l)v her son, the subject of this sketch, who devoted himself to his mother with a faithfulness and devotion that was commendable in him. She died in 1882, after a life of usefulness and honor. John Lutz inherited seventy-three acres of land from his father's estate and to the culti\ation and improvement of this land he bent his energies. He was accustomed from his youth to hard work, which became a habit with him. In his younger days to him was assigned the duty of hauling the farm produce to market and bringing back the needed supplies. He generally drove over the miserable roads to Ft. Wayne, Kendall ville and other points, and it was always necessary to carry along an axe to clear the roads of the fallen timber before he could get through. Mr. Lutz, by hard work, good management and wise economy, was prospered and at the time of his death, which occurred on Decemlser 15, 1894, he owned two hundred and seventy acres of good land, his farm being well improved in every respect, including a splendid frame residence and other features that made it one of the attractive and valuable homesteads of the county.

On March 24. i868,- Mr. Lutz was united in marriage with Susannah Oberholtzer. who was born in the northeastern part of what is now Grant township, this county, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gingrich) Oberholtzer. To them were born six children, as follows: One died in infancy; Bessie died on October 17,' 1884, at the age of five years, a sprightly and lovable child, of pleasing manners: John, Jr., born in Xovember, 1875. died on August 9, 1894. aged eighteen years and nine months. He was singularly exemplary in character, a dutiful son and affectionate brother: the other three, fennie. .-\ddie and Martha, live on the old homestead, east of Waterloo. Thev were born, respectively, on February 28. 1870. December 21, 1871, and August 26, 1873.

John Lutz was liaptized in the faith of the Lutheran church, and was faithful to his religious convictions to liis death. A faithful husband, kind father and upright citizen, he was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. and his death was considered a di.stinct loss to the community which had been honored by his citizenship.

Daniel Grogg

The student interested in tlie history of DeKalb county. Indiana, does not have to carrv his investigations far into its annals before learning that Daniel Grogg was long an active and leading representative of its leading agricultural interests and that his labors proved a potent force in making this a rich agricultural region. Through se\'eral decades our subject carried on farming, gradually improving his valuable place, and while he prospered in this, he also found ample opportunity to assist in the material dex'elopment of the countv. and his co-operation was of value for the general good.

Daniel Grogg. who became one of the earliest settlers of I'nion township. DeKalb countv. Indiana, was liorn in Stark county. Ohio, on the 13th day of August. 1818, and was a son of Solomon and Mary (Snyder) Grogg. who were born in X(Mtham]iton county, Pennsylvania, but who became pioneer residents of Stark count), Ohio, where the father died, the mother afterwards comings to DeKaib county with her children and li\ing here until her death, which occurred at the ad\anced age of ninetv-hve \ears. The Cirogg family is of (iernian descent, and tliere are still in ])ossession of members of this family \alual)le heirlooms, among which is a pewter plate one hundred and fifty years old, on which are stamped German, French and English seals; a goose-oil jug of unicpie design and an old spinning wheel used by Mrs. Qrogg. Daniel Grogg was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of his locality. In May, 1849, he became a resident of DeKaib county, settling on the farm in Union township, where he spent the remainder of his life, the farm being located near the county farm. Daniel Grogg had also bought a farm in the northwestern part of what is now Grant townshi]). comprising one hundred and fifty-eight acres, for which he ])aid five hundred dollars and which afterwards became very valuable land. Daniel Grogg married Elizabeth Hnltz, and to them were born six children, namely; John, who now lives in the northwestern part of Grant township; Abe, who lives near him and who is rej^resented elsewhere in this work; Peter, who lives on the old homestead east of the countv farm; George, who died at the age of fort_\'-six years, lea\ing a wife and one daughter, now deceased; Frank, who lives west of .-\uburn. and Eniil\-, also deceased. Daniel Grogg died at his L'nion townshi]i home on Marcii -?3. 1887, and his wife died in December, 188S. .Mr. and Mrs. Grogg were for many years acti\e and earnest menibjrs of the Lutheran cliurcli. in the ])rosperit\- of which thev were deeply interested and to the su])]i(irt <>( which they contributed liberally of their means. Mr. Grogg during hi- lifciimc made many permanent and \-aluable impro\-enients on his farm, so that at the time of his death it was luimbered among the leading agricultu.ral tracts in the count}-, .\mong the imi'roxenients was a fine two-story brick house, which is still standing. Mr. Grogg's domestic life was e\em|ilar\-, for the home was a genial and ha]);)y one. I-Ie was an affectionate and faithful fatlier and his smus have cause to honor him and re\ere his memory. He was a liospitable man and cordially res])onsi\e U> all social claim- ,ind his home was attracti\e to all whom he numbered in his list of friends. The death of such a man. e\en in the rounded fullness of a long life where his work had ceased to be more than an example, was a public loss, and not only his intimate associates but the people generally of the community felt that his passing away was a distinct loss to the community. He left to his family the rich memory of an unstained name and to the locality where he lived the record and e\ani|)le of an honorable and well spent life.

Revertinsi- to Mr. (irogg's ancestry, it may be stated that his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Snyder, was born in Penns\'lvania. moxing to Ohio in a da\- when there were but few wliite ])eople in all that country, the savage red men being jjractically the only human beings, and they were not very peacealjly inclined to the whites. Her mother's father, Henry Keichelderfer, came to this country from (yermany, and it is related that he was nearly a year making the trip across the ocean, during which everyone on board the ship nearh^ starved, it being necessary to eat the rats that infested the ship in order to keep ali\'e. Henry Reichelderfer was a great hunter and settled in Ohio in an earl\' day. .\n aunt of iMary Sn\(ler was captured by Indians in Stark count\- and tied to the ea\es of the cabin by the little fingers of her hands, so that her toes barel}- touched the ground, and another aunt was horribly gashed and criss-crossed, dying from the effects of her injuries. Following these atrocities Captain Brady and his famous band of Indian fighters follo^ved the red men and wreaked on them \engeance for their misdeeds.

Wesi.Rv Fulton

The sul)ject of this sketch is one of the progressive farmers and enterprising citizens of (ivant township, DeKalb county, where he has made his liome for a numl)er of years, being closely associated with its development and welfare. He is a thoroughly practical agriculturist and a man of business, and, like the great majority of successful men, has been the architect of his own fortunes. His fidelity to his duties has never been neglected in acting his part as a worth}- son of the great ,\merican commonwealth.

Wesley Fulton was born on October lo, 1847, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of David and Mary (Knight) b'ulton. David I'"ulton was born in Somerset county, Penn.sylvania, and was a son of James Inilton, who was of Irish parentage, his forbears having come from the north of Ireland. David Fulton was married to Mary Knight, who was l:orn in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Tames Knight and wife. David Fulton remained in Pennsylvania about four years after his marriage, then sijent about nine years in Perry county, Ohio, after which he returned to I'avette county, Penn.sylvania, to care for liis ])arents. who were getting old. He remained there about nineteen years and in 1805 went to t^arroll county, Illinois, where he bought a farm and spent the remainder of his life there, his death occurring in February, 1884. He was sur\i\ed a number of years by his widow, who died in i8q8 on the old farm in Illinois. David Fulton was a lite-ion^- farmer and was also a local iireaclier in the Methodist E])isco])al church. He was prominent in the local pujjlic affairs of the communities where he lived both in the East and in Illinois.

Wesley Fulton lived under the parental roof until iSUj, when, at the age of twenty-two years, he was married and then began farming for himself near his home. He conducted agricultural operations about six rears and then moved to Lucas count}'. Iowa, where he bought a small farm, on which lie li\ed until the death of his wife in 1880. .\hout 1882. or the vear following, Mr. Fulton sold his Iowa property and came to Indiana, where he was again married, and he then engaged in farming on the place where he now lives lives south of Waterloo. He is the owner of sixty-five acres of good land, which has engaged his undivided attention antl wliich he has develo])ed into one of the choice agricultural homesteads of the section of the countv in which he lives. His life here has been characterized by persistent and \\ isely directed industry, his efforts being rewarded with a degree of success commensurate with his efforts. He has a good set of farm liuildings. while all the operations of the farm are given his personal supervision, and in the conduct of his affairs he has been guided by the soundest of judgment which has characterized him in exerything to which he has given attention.

In 18(19 Mr. Fulton married Elizabeth Dorr.s, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsyhania, the daughter of John Dorns. Her parents mo\ed to Fulton count}-, Illinois, when sjie was l)ut a child, and there she li\td unlil about a year before her marriage, when she located in Carroll count}-, Illinois. Her death occurred in 1880, she leaving three children, namely: Newton A., Cora B. and Mary L. Newton, who was born in December, 1874, now lives at Danbury, Connecticut, where he is engaged in pedagogical w ork, being .superintendent of a conunercial school. He has taught six or se\en \-ears in Xew ^'ork and Connecticut. Cora B. became the wife of I-'rank Williams, and the}- li\-ed in Xebraska, where her husband died, leaving two children, Grant W. and Jessie. She afterwards became the wife of ( )~car Kent, and they live on a farm near Alma, Nebraska. By her second union she is the mother of three children: Mary L. is the wife of Fred Lampman. of Milledgeville. Carroll county, Illinois, and they have three children, I':thelyn, Margie and a baby boy. Mr. Fulton's second marriage was to Mrs. Sarah .\. (Stroh) Dunn, the widow of the late William Dunn. She was born in Greensburg, Summit county, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Dice) Stroh, She was brought to DeKalb county when onh nine months old by her parents, who located on the northern edge of Cnion township, and there .she was reared and received her education, her marriage to Air. Dunn occurring on January i, 1865. After that event they lived on the Dunn homestead in Grant township until Mr. Dunn's death in 1871. she leaving tliree children, namely: Mrs. Ettdessie Goodwin, deceased: John Dunn, of \\'aterloo, and William Dunn, of Grant township. To Mr. Fulton's last union has been born one child, Zella G., who is now the wife of Ernest Cole, of Toledo, where he has a good position with the street car company. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Fulton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the prosperity of which they are deeply interested and to the support of which they contribute of their means. Mr. Fulton is one of the leading citizens of his communit\- and enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends throughout (Srant township. His career has been eminently honorable and all who know him speak in high terms of bis many sterling qualities and characteristics.

Frank D. Fanning. M. D.

There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at large than the self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose life work is the alleviation of suffering and the ministering of comfort to the afflicted, to the end that the span of human existence may be lengthened and a greater degree of satisfaction enjoyed during the remainder of their earthly sojourn. There is no standard by which their beneficent influence can be measured, their helpfulness being limited only by the extent of their knowledge and skill, while their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful laws of nature that spring from the very source of life itself. Some one has aptly said, "He serves (iod best who serxes humanity most." .\niong the physicians and surgeons of DcKalb county who ha\e risen to eminence in their chosen field of endeavor is the subject of this review, whose career has been that of a broad-minded, conscientious worker in the sphere to which bis life and energies have been devoted and whose profound knowledge of his profession has won for him a leading place among the most distinguished medical men of his day and generation in the city of his residence.

Frank D. Fanning, an enterprising physician and public-spirited citizen of Butler, DeKalb county, Indiana, was born on May 4, 1873, at Butler, DeKalb county, and is a son of Dr. Fred W. and Carrie M. (Myers) Fanning. Fred W. Fanning, wh<i was born at Belleville, Ontario, in 1841, was educated in Coburg College, Coburg, Ontario, graduated in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and shortly afterward he located at Butler, DeKalb county, Indiana, where he practiced his profession for thirtysix years, having previously been located at Beaver Dam, Ohio, for two years. His record was an honorable one as a citizen and professional man and he stood among the leaders of his profession in this part of the state. To him and his wife were born two sons, the subject nf this sketch and Charles H., who is a stationary engineer at Bryan, Ohio.

Frank D. Fanning receixed a good pujjlic school education and then attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, after which he matriculated in the medical department of the University of Illinois at Urbana. whsre he was graduated in 1897 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately afterwards he came to Butler and became a partner of his father in the practice of his profession, remaining with him until the latter's death, since which time he has engaged in the practice alone on his own account. He has been eminently successful in his treatment of tliseases, having handled many very difficult cases and is held in high repute among his professional brethren. He specializes in diseases of the eye. ear. nose and throat, of which he has made a close and critical study, and in which he is considered an authority. He is local surgeon for the Pennsylvania, Wabash and Lake Shore railroads and is a member of the ^^"abash Railway Surgeons' Association, the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Surgeons' Association and the Pennsvlvania Railway Surgeons' Association. He possesses that broad human sympathy which aids him to sympathize with those who come to him for assistance and in the sick room he carries the spirit of optimism and hopefulness which enter so largely into the successful treatment of |:hysical ailments.

For manv vears Dr. Fanning has had a keen interest in political affairs and is now an ardent and enthusiastic supjiorler of the Progressive party. Religiously, he is a member of the Church of Christ, while his frate;-nal relations are with the Free and Accepted Masons, Modern \\'oodnien of America and Lodge No. 1 58, Knights of Pythias.

In 1888 Dr. Fanning married Florence B. Agler, the daughter of Hiram and Laura Agler, of Butler. Dr. Fanning is an enthusiast in his chosen calling, a close student, an original thinker and an untiring investigator. He avails himself of every legitimate means to keej. in touch with the trend of modern medical thought and is familiar with the leading authorities, liaving a fine professional library in which he spends much of his time when n.^t re- spending to the calls of his numerous patrons. In him are combined two facts which have been the main contributing elements of hi.-- success ; thorough preparation and a deep interest in the profession, qualities wliicli are absolutely essential to advancement in a calling requiring such proficiency and skill as the healing art. His knowledge of the kindred .sciences of medicine and surgery is broad and comprehensive and in his professional labors he has shown himself amply qualified to cope with the intricate problems that continually confront the practitioner in his efforts to prolong life and restore health. Personally, he is genial and unassuming and easily makes friends and enjoys a wide and loyal acquaintance throughout the county.

William H. Hinman

.\mong the prosperous business men of DeKalli county, Indiana, the subject of this review occupies a deservedly conspicuous place and the following brief outline of his career and tribute to his worth should be perused by those whose lifework is yet a matter of the future. Honorable in all his dealings, considerate of the rights of others and a man whose influence has ever been on the side of right, his life has been fraught with good to his fellows and the world made better by his presence.

William H. Hinman is a native of DeKalb county, Indiana, having been born in Smithfield township on December 2, 1858. His parents were M(jrgan O. and Mary Jane (Yard) Hinman. Morgan O. Hinman was born July 20, 1832, between Akron and Middlebury, Ohio, the son of Orron and Elizabeth (Haynes) Hinman. Long lief ore the advent of railroads through this section of the country and when Alorgan Hinman was but a lad of thirteen vears, his father had come to DeKalb county, Indiana, and bought two farms, one located at Haynes' Corners, north of Garrett, and the other in Smithfield township, near the Cedar Lake church. He returned to his Ohio home and prepared to bring his family here, Init his death occurred before they started. He left a widow and six children, four daughters and two sons. A year later the widow and her children came to DeKalb county, establishing the family home on the Haynes' Corners farm, where she spent the remainder of her days. Morgan Hinman was fourteen years old when the family came here, and, Ijeing the oldest son and next to the oldest child, he became practicallv the head of the family, remaining with his mother until his marriage.

About 1857 he erected a rude cabin on the Smithheld township farm, which had no floor and was a typical home of that period. He married about that time Mary Jane Yard, born June 13, 1835, in Devonshire, England, the daughter of John and Elizabeth ^'ard. She was eighteen years of age at the time of the family's emigration to America, her birthday having occurretl while on the ocean, f)n which trij) the family spent eighteen weeks. Her family was among the early settlers near (iarrett. and all the members of this familv now living here are well known and respected citizens of their respective communities. Mary Elizabeth ^ ard and her Ijrother were engaged in teaching school here in the early years, and thus performed their part in the early progress and advancement of the community, .\fter his marriage he went ahead clearing and draining his farm, which he developed into a fine tract of land, and when the Air Line division of the Lake Shore railroad was projected through this locality, he engaged in clearing off timber for the right-of-way of this road. His first purchase of land was forty acres of the old homestead, but later he also bought the interests of two sisters in his father's estate, thus becoming the owner of eighty acres of fine land. Eventually he sold that place, which is now known as the Ben Farrington farm, and about 1865 he moved to the Myers farm, two miles .south and one and one-half miles west of Corunna, where he remained imtil about 1881, when he moved to Dixon county, Nebraska, buying a farm at Wakefield, There his wife died, February t, 1Q05, and subsequently lie moved to Oklahoma, locating in Garfield county, four miles south of Enid, where his death occurred on May 12, igo8.

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on the farm southwest of Corunna, DeKalb county, Indiana, and imtil attaining his legal majority he worked out by the month. During liis youth he had obtained a fair education in the public schools, and thus by the time he had attained manhood's years he had fonned a very definite idea of life's responsibilities and of its serious aspects. After his tnajority he was for four years engaged in farming on his grandmother's place at Haynes' Corners, and then spent a year engaged in a like pursuit in Smithfield township. He then went to Nebra.ska. where he resided about a year prior to his father's removal to that state. Eventually he returned to DeKalb county, Indiana, and after his marriage in 1883. he bought forty acres of land just east of Cedar Lake, Smithfield township, where he lived about seven years. He then moved into Waterloo, and for a year was employed in a furniture store. .\b(nit 1805 Mr. Hinman started a wagon shop, which he has c(Miducted continuously since, erectflJO DEKALB COUNTY. INDIANA.

ing a building on the lot where he is now located and equipping it with every appliance necessary for wagon repairing and work in kindred lines. About five years ago Mr. Hinman also put in a line of agricultural implements, and in this enterprise, as well as in the former, he has been very successful, being now numbered among the leading business men of his city. 7\bout 1907, Mr. Hinman sold the forty acres which he had first purchased here and bought fifty-six acres near Cedar Lake, and in the fall of 19 13 he bought the Smalley farm, and now is the owner of one hundred and twelve acres of as good land as can be found in DeKalb county. In 1908 Mr. Hinman bought a nice hc^me on Union street, in Waterloo.

On February 1, 1883, Mr. Hinman was united in marriage with Zella Smalley, who was born in I^ichland township, DeKalb county, Indiana, the daughter of Jonathan and Loretta (Farrington) Smalley, who are referred to later in this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Flinman has been born one daughter, Leone, who is now the wife of Lee Wise, of Auburn, and tliey have two children, Thelma and Lois.

Fraternally, Mr. Hinman is a member (if tlie Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd I'elldws, while he and his wife belong to the Order of the Fastern Star and the Daughters of Rebekah. Religiously, they are earnest members of the Christian church, to which they consistently give a liberal support, and in every phase of Christian endeavor they have stood for the best type of life. Mr. Hinman is a (|uiet, unobtrusive man of steady habits and good character, and he has jjerformed his full part according to the dictates nf an lumest conscience. P)ecause of his sturdy integrity and his business .success he is deser\'ing of the honorable position which he holds in the community.

As mentioned before, the father of Mrs. Hinman was Jnualhan Smalley. son of Chester and Esther Smalley, he having been born in Crawford county Ohio, on the 5th of April, 1837. With his i)arents. he came to DeKalb county, Indiana, in September, 1856, the family settling in the dense wilderness which then covered the western part of the county. Jonathan assisted his father in the making of the new home, helping to l)uild the log cabin wiiich was their first habitation. The nearest town t<i them \\as seven miles distant and the nearest railroad twenty-five miles. In the winter of 1858-1859 Jonathan Smalley united with the Christian church. He was married to Loretta A. Farrington, a member of the same church, of which they both always were faithful members. Three children were born to this marriage: Mrs. Zella Hinman, of Waterloo; Albert B., who was killed in a sawmill explosion in December, 1888, and Bolland D., of Auburn. In 1866 Mr. Smalley bought a tract of unimproved land in Smithfield township, DeKalb county, which he cleared and developed into a fine farm, erecting a comfortable home and good buildings. Here he and his wife spent the rest of their days, he passing away December 22, 19 12, and she preceding him to the great beyond on November 13, 1912.

Arthur Caryden Wolfe

It is a generally acknowledged fact that jomnalisni is one of the most important factors in twentieth-century life, e.xerting as it does an influence on j:ractically every department of society. This relation is just as actual and uoient in the smaller cities and towns as in the large cities, and he who dirtct*; ihc policy of a newspaper, or wields the pen which e.xpresses that polic\ . exerts a personal control o\er local thought and action not equalled by any other profession. Among the newspaper men of DeKalb county who ha\e, by their progressive attitude toward local affairs, contributed in a very definite w ay to the advancement of the community, is the gentleman whose name appears above and who is successfully publishing the Nezi's at Ashley.

.\rthur Caryden \\'olfe, third son of John Manuel and Sarah Elizabeth ( Frazier) Wolfe, was born at .\ntwerp, Paulding county, Ohio, .April 9, 1870. Ik'ing one of ten children, he was forced by necessity to lea\e school after finishing the eighth grade, and his education was finished while learning the piinting trade, under Col. James H. Fluhart, publisher of the Conlinciital I Ohio) .VcTivs-. Colonel Fluhart outlined a course of study, furnished the books and acted in the double capacity of tutor and employer for a period of si.x years, beginning in October, 1891. The Colonel was a grand type of man, possessing a fine sense of honor, and was also a man who would rather be right than President of the United States. He was a college graduate and taught school prior to the Civil war, in which latter service he won lioth hon(jrs and distinction, wearing the regalia of a colonel when the war closed. It was under Colonel Fluhart that Mr. Wolfe was inspired with the idea of becoming publisher of a country newspaper, for Mr. Fluhart was an ideal pioneer publisher, his young apprentice often sharing hardships, which have since proved invaluable to him in his work.

Mr. Wolfe first became interested in the j^rinting business while residing with his parents in Chicago. Illinois, where, after school hours and during school vacations, he was a "newsie." His first armful of daily papers came from the office of the South Chicago Calumet, after which several of the down-town papers were sold by him. pilgrimages often being made to the down-town streets, where he sold to many of the hiir;-ying people on the main thoroughfares. The battles with tlie other newsboys for "corner rights" but added to his knowledge of humanity and broadened his ideas as to the "common rights of others." O. C. LaBoe, a reporter on the Daily Caliniict, interceded in his behalf and "Newsie Wolfe" was granted the right to sweep the offices and composing room at a dime per night. The scattered type in the composing room and his manifest interest in the types lead "Shorty" Burk. a comjiositor. to teach "Newsie Wolfe" the news case, and subsequently, when the XA'olfe family returned to Ohio to reside, he kept asking Editor Fluhart for a "job." until that kind, benevolent old gentleman finally consented for him to become an apprentice, under the condition that be was to study sucli liooks as would lie furnished and endeavor to become, to use the exact phrase of Mr. Fluhart. "mentally equipped to become a great editor." Mr. Wolfe lays no claim to being the great editor as indicated: but be does consider that the editor of even a country newspaper has a great responsibility. He endeavors to be consistent and not to betray his trust nor take advantage of his position in the communit\- b>- perverting his columns to a wrong use.

Mr. Wolfe ])ul)lished weekly papers at Deshler. Ohio. Columbus (irove, Ohio, and Montgomery, Michigan, after working in \arious offices as printer and local editor, buying the Ashley Nc-a's in igio of J. L. Gillespie, the founder. The Ashley Xcics was started in 1909, after J. F. Coss, publisher of the Ashley Tiiiirs. became involved in a suit over a deal of his newspaper property, when the Times was discontinued. The subscription list of the Nc7vs was very small, nnl\ containing two hundred names when purchased b\- Mr. Wolfe, Init toda\ it contains nearly eight hundred and fifty names - which gives one some idea of Mr. Wolfe's ability as a newspaper man.

Mr. Wolfe was united in marriage October 10, 1897, at Continental. Ohi(j, to Julia Irene, daughter of Irene and Kmma (Hull) Harliaugh. To this union sex-en children were born, one dying in infanc)'. The six li\iiig children are: Emma Elizabeth. Edward Keith, Lester Kenneth, Leota .\\is, .Arthur Charles and John Manuel.

The Ashley Nczi's is equipped with modern power machinery and up-todate printing material throughout, which is free from incumbrance. The volume of business done each year is about four thousand dollars, which" would indicate that the Xr^^'s office is at least getting the business rightly belonging to it in its field.

Henry E. Coe

.\mong the men of earnest purpose and useful life whose recurd has been not only creditable to themselves, but has dignified the community in which they have resided, the subject of this sketch holds high rank, and in the ];edagogical profession, to which his lifetime has been devoted, he has acliieved a record next to none of his contemporaries.

Henry E. Coe was born in Cuyahoga county. Ohio. September 24, 1853, the son of William I., and .\nn ( Crooks ) Coe. William L. Coe was a natixe of New England, his ancestors being of English descent, the lineage being traced back to the fourteenth century in the mother country. The subject's mother was horn in Trumbull county. Ohio, and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. William L. Coe removed from his New England home to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and was there married to .\nn Crooks, who accompanied him on their remoxal to DeKalb county in 1858, the subject of this sketch at that time being but five years old. The family settled in Union townshi]3, where the father followetl day laboring and where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1887. His wife died in 1882. The subject received his education in the public schools of Union townshi]x the high school at Waterloo and Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, after which he engaged in teaching in the district schools of this county. After following teaching in the graded schools for a while, Professor Coe became principal of the high school at Waterloo, and was later principal for four years of the high school at .\uburn. Then followed one year as principal of the schools at Orland, Indiana, after which he returned to .\uburn, where he taught for four years, at the end of which period he was elected superintendent of the Butler schools. After three years' efificient and appreciated service in this cai^acity he was elected county superintendent of the schools for a twosear term, and then, by tlie same board, was elected to the regular four-year term. .\ noteworthy testimonial to Professor Coe's ability and standing in the community is the fact that, though Republican in his political views, he was elected h\ a Democratic board. He served fourteen years as count}- superintendent, at the end of which period he was called back to Butler to take charge of the schools of that place, and where he is still actively engaged. A well-educated, symmetrically developed man. Professor Coe takes a deep interest in his profession, keeps in touch with the most advanced thought relati\e to pedagogical matters, and as an educator has a reputation which extends far beyond the borders of his own county. A public speaker of recognized ability, Professor Coe has made many forceful and effective addresses on educational and kindred topics, and is a welcome member of any circle which he enters.

On November i6, 1875, Henry E. Coe was united in marriage to Hattie A. Reed, the daughter of Isaac and Harriet E. ( Hackley) Reed. Isaac Reed was a soldier in the Civil war and was killed in a charge of Union troops at Atlanta. He was a native of Pennsylvania, as was his wife, and was an early settler of DeKalb county. To Professor and Mrs. Coe have been born five children, viz : Jessie, the wife of Spencer Bair of St. Paul, Minnesota; Robert, of Burbank, California; Bernard H., deceased; George, of Auburn; and Earl, who is attending Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. Politically, the subject of this sketch is a Republican, while fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a consistent member and an earnest supporter. Genial and unassuming in manner. Professor Coe has a wide acquaintance throughout DeKalb county, and enjoys a large circle of warm and loyal personal friends.

Frank W. Olinger

Among those persons who have, by virtue of their strong individual qualities, earned their wav to high standing in the estimation of their fellow citizens, having by sheer force of character and persistency wdu their way from an humble beginning to a place of influence and prominence in the community, where they are active in business affairs, the subject of this sketch is entitled to specific mention in a volume of the character of the one at hand.

Frank W. Olinger was liorii in Keyser tf)wnshii), DeKalb county, Indiana, a short distance west of Auburn, on March 4, 1870, and lie is a son of John S. and Lucy (Yard) Olinger. The subject's paternal grandparents were David B. and Rebecca (Svvihart) (dinger, David B. Olinger was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, on Jime iy, 1813, and died near Auburn, Indiana, on December 19, 1896. at the age of eighty-three years. He was descended from good old Pennsylvania Dutch stock. He emigrated from Maryland to Stark county, Ohio, where, on February 18, 1836. he married Rebecca Swihart, and there, on February 21, 1837, their only child, John S., was born. They remained in Stark county until August, 1846, when they came to Indiana. They drove through, the journey being one characterized by hardships, poor roads, bridgeless streams, and other conditions which made the journey a tiresome and ofttimes dangerous experience. Upon their arrival here thev located two and a half miles east of Auburn, where Da\id bought eighty acres of timber land, on which not a stick had been cut. For a time the family lived on a near-by tract, on whicli was a small cabin, with the roof so low that they could reach it from the ground. About a year later they moved to the Henry Shull place, north of Aulnirn. where they lived about three years, moving from there to the Brandon farm, two miles west of Auburn, where they remained ten or twelve years. Then Mr. Olinger bought eight v acres just south of that tract, on whicli he built a house, that being about two years prior to the outbreak of the Civil war. and there David Olinger made his permanent home. His first wife died on February 20. 1870. and on October 10, 1878, he married Margaret Kie.strick. who died on the 12th of Otoher. 1891. After her death he lived with his son. John S. Olinger. I'or about twenty-five years David B. Olinger served iiis community as justice of the peace and was honored and esteemed by all who knew him.

John S. Olinger was a lad of ten years when his parents brought him to DeKalb county, and he was thus an eye-witness of the early development of this section of the country. When he came here Indians were still roaming the forests and deer were as numerous as sheep are today. T.iving conditions were primitive in the extreme for the first few years, and in tlie gigantic task of clearing the land, developing farms and making public imnro\cments he had an active part. He was reared to the life of a woodsman and iiis own first land was accjuired through his skill in woodcraft, for by cutting the timber from forty acres he was given a forty-acre tract in payment for his labor. In 1862, John S. Olinger enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, his regiment being assigned to tiie Western Army. He proved a faithful and couragi'ous soldier, but after about ten months' service he was honorably disch.-irged because of physical disability. His illness so incapacitated him that he was practically unable to work for about a year afterward. He then bought forty acres of land north of Garrett, a part of which lie cleared, and then sold that tract and bought forty acres located about one and a half miles farther east, of which about an acre had been cleared and on which was a log house. He cleared the remainder of that land, which he cultivated for a few years, and then sold it and bought forty acres a mile and a half west of Auburn, which, like the preceding place, had but a small portion cleared. However, a trifling matter (40) like that offered to him no discouragement, and he soon had the tract cleared and in cultivation. He has lived on that place now for forty-five years and has made of it one of the best farms in his section of the county. In addition to his labors as a farmer and woodsman, Mr. Olinger worked much at the carpenter's trade during his active years.

On April i8. 1861, John S. Olinger married Lucy Yard, who was born at Exmouth, England, on June 9, 1842, the daughter of John and Marv (Simmons) Yard. Her parents, wlio were highly educated and well-to-do, were princijials of an academy in England, hut emigrated to this countrv in an early day, probably in 1852. They first located in Cleveland, where they remained a short time, coming then to DeKalb county and locating a mile north of Garrett, where they bought a farm and made their permanent home, their original tract comprising about sixty acres. Though Mr. Yard was handicapped by having the use of only one hand, he was a man of energy and good business ability and eventually became quite well-to-do. To John S. and Lucy Olinger were born six children, namelv: Salome died in infancy; David B. died at the age of ten years; Frank W. is the immediate subject of this review; Cora E. is the wife of George M. iJitmars and they live two miles south of Auburn; Mitchell H. is a barber and lives at Garrett: Nettie May is the wife of I'ert Lockwood and they li\e on her father's farm, one and a half miles west fit .\uburn. The mother of these ciu'ldrcn died on January 2g. 1908, at the age of sixty-five years, having been an invalid for many years. Despite her sufferings, she ever remained cheerful and jiatient. evincing and expressing an unfailing trust in an all-wise Providence. She was reared in the Church of England, or the Episcopal churcli. but later identified herself witli the Lutheran cburcii, of which she was an earnest and faithful member. John S. Olinger is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and tiie l''armers' Alliance. He is a man of unquestioned integrity and consistent life and, because of his right li\-ing, his kindly nature and his success in life, be enjovs a high standing in the community honored by his citizenship.

Frank W. Olinger remained with his pareiUs on the home farm until he had attained his majority. In No\'eniber, ir)o8, he mo\'(."d into .Auburn, Inlying a good residence iiroperty on South Jackson street. He was associated with John Clark in the furniture business until he accepted the nomination for sheriff in the fall of 1912, being nominated by the Republican party for that ofiice, but, owing to the Democratic landslide of that year, he went down to defeat together with the rest of the ticket. On March 14, 1913, Mr.

dinger engaged in the lumber business at Auburn, in partnership with Ora Brandon, and to this business he is now giving his undivided attention. Thev carry a complete line of all kinds of lumber, togetlier with general building supplies and, owing to their excellent l)usiness methods and evident desire to please their customers, they arc enjoying their full share of patronage. In September, 191 1, Mr. dinger bought a beautiful home at the corner of Thirteenth and Main streets, which he has improved and where he now resides.

On SeptemlKT 30, 1801. Frank W. Olinger was married In Mary M. Ditniars, who wa.-. burn abdut three miles snutb of Aulnirn. the daugliter of Isaac and Martha, ((ieorge) Ditmars. Isaac Ditmars, whd was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on Septemlier 7, 1837, was the son of John A. and Eliza (Neff) Ditmars, who, in 1853. came to DeKalb county, Indiana, locating a mile and a half south of .'Vuliurn, where thev made their permanent home. There John A. Ditmars owned a farm and a good water-power sawmill. In the building of the latter Isaac Ditmars bad a band and there be labored many a da} and night. John .\. Ditmars, who was liorn in Newjersey on Noxember 2H. 181 i. married bdi/.a Neff, who was a native of Hunterdon county. New Jersey. On their DeKalb county homestead Isaac Ditmars was reared to maturity and took up farming for his life occupation. On .September 22. 1861, be enlisted in C'ompanv ]\ b'orty-fourtb Regiment Indiana N'olunrt-er Infantrv, with wiiicb he saw some severe service. At tinbattle of Sbilob be received a serious wountl, from tlie effects of whicii be was rendered unfit for duty and r'.-ceive<l an bon<irab!e discli;irgo. He still limps some from the effects of the inii'ry. .\fter returning home, Isaac Ditmars resumed bis tri.rniini;- opcraioi's Miulb of \i b'u-n. in wliicb lie met with good success, at one tirne owning three hundred and twent\- acre-; of land. Since the death of bis wife be has made bis home with bis sister. .Mrs. F.mily Reed, about a mile and a half north of .\nburn. On Octolier 30, t86j, Isaac Ditmars married !\lartba ( ieorge. who was liorn in \\a\-ne county. Ohio, and was the daughter of John T. ami Nancv ( .McOlelljuid ) r,eorge, who came to Indiana in 1844. To Isaac and Martha Ditmars were born four children, namely: I'ly-^-^es b'.llsworth was killed bv falling from a tree October 2, 1873, in the eleventh vear of bis a.ge ; Ceorge M. is a farmer about two miles south of .Auburn; I\I.-iry M., the wife of Frank W. f^linger; -\nna L.. the wife of Frank Dawson, who lives a mile north of .\uburn. The mother of these children, who passed awa\- on .\pril jo. 1005, w;is ,-i wortliv woman and a bighl\- esteemed member of tlie P>a]itist c!im-cb at

Auburn. To Frank W. and Marj' M. Olinger have been born three children, namely: Everett D., born September 30, 1803. cl'^^' "ii December 5. iHt)/; Ethel Geraldinc, born June 16, iSciT', is a student in the .\uliurn high school. and George M.. wlio was bom on Aiiril i". 1899. is also a student in the public schools, h^raternally. Frank \V. Oliriger is a memlier of the Knights of Pythias and tlie Knights of the Maccabees. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with, mature judgment and common sense, have been among his most prominent characteristics, and he has merited the respect and esteem which are accorded him by all who know him. He is broad-minded, kind-hearted and friendly in his relations with others and is universally well liked.

Charles Capp

While success cannot be achie\ed without unflagging industry, the futility of effort is often noticeable in the business world and results from the fact that it is not combined with sound business judgment. Many a man who gives his entire life to toil, earnest and unremitting, never acquires a competency, but when his labor is well directed, prosperity always follows. Mr. Capp is one whose work has been supplemented by careful management and today he is among those who have triumphed over adverse conditions and won success.

Charles Gapp was born in Lorain county, Ohio, on July 12, 1864, the youngest son born to Edward and Sarah Capp. His early life was spent on the paternal farmstead and his education was secured in the district schools of that locality, .\fter the death of his parents, and that of his elder brother in 1882, Mr. Capp went to Morenci, Michigan, to carry on the latter's business. After spending five years in that city as a stock dealer and butcher, Mr. Capp came to Butler, Indiana, and entered into a partnership with his brother Edward in the meat business. They started in on a small scale, but by strict attention to their enterprise and fair dealings with their patrons, they built up a large and prosperous business, so that later on they were enabled to purchase a building of their own. Edward Capp sold his interest in the business to his brother \\'illiam, but eventually the subject bought his brother's interest and conducted the meat market successfully for twenty years. In 1903 Mr. Cajip purchased the Madden farm, located east of Butler, on which he built a slaughter house and a large stock barn, and in 1908 sold his meat market in Butler to A. L. Lake, of Si-)encerville. Indiana. Mr. Capp lias continued to butcher for the local trade, but is giving his chief attention to the buying and selling of live stock of all kinds, in which business he has met with pronounced success. He is a good judge of live stock, and has bought and shipped immense quantities throughout this locality. He possesses splendid business qualifications, and by untiring perseverance and the of sound judgment he is achiexing a splendid success in his enterprise.

On November 24. 1889, Charles Lapp was united in marriage witii Lizzie Swift, of l'"ayette, Ohio, and to this union have been born six children, four sons and two daughters, of wliom two sons and one daughter (liefl in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Capp are well known throughout this communit\- and enjoy the friendship of all who know them, who esteem them because of their excellent qualities and genuine worth.

Giles Thompson Abbey

The life history of Giles Thompson Abbey, one of the well known and highly esteemed venerable \eterans, now living in honorable retirement in the picturesque little town of Waterloo, Indiana, shows what industry, good habits and staunch citizenship will accomplish in the battle of acquiring property and rearing children to lead steady and respectable lives. His life has been one replete with duty well and conscientiously performed in all of its relations. He has not l)een a man to shrink from his duty, however irksome or dangerous, and it is such traits that win in life's afifairs. He has come down to us from the jiioneer period and has noted the wondrous transformation from that time to this, playing well his part in the drama of civilization. He has been an advocate of wholesome living, and cleanliness in ])olitics as well, and has ever been outspoken in his antipathy to wrong doing, whether by the humble cftizen or by the incumbents of influential offices.

Giles Thoni])son .\bbey, who for forty-nine years has been a resident >if DeKalb county, Indiana, was born on November 24. 1827. in Sandusky county, Ohio, and is a son of Alanson and Lucy (Daggett) Abbey, both of whom were born and reared in Ontario county. New York, where their marriage also occurred. The subject's paternal ancestry is traced back in an unbroken line to emigrants from England, who located in Massachusetts, they being the subject's great-grandparents. The subject's paternal grand- father, Joshua Abbey, who was born in Massachusetts, was a soldier in tlie war of the Revohition, in which also his brother, John, was an officer. Joshua Abbey moved to Ontario county. New York, and there .\lanson Abbey was born in 1793, and who was eventually a soldier in the war of 181 2, .\fter his marriage in 1819 he moved to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he bought and developed a farm. In 1838 the family moved to Steuben county, Indiana, settling in Steuben township about one-half mile south of Pleasant Lake, where the father spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1877, at the age of eighty-four years. His First wife, who died in 1840, was the mother of ten children, six of whom li\ed to maturity. In Xo\-ember, 1841, Alanson Abbe}- married Mary Boyce, whose death occurred when the subject of this sketch was fifteen years old, at which time the father broke U]) housekeeping. His first wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, was I'orn in New York in 1803 and was the daughter of Jacob Daggett.

Giles T. Abbey received his education in the district sclmols of Sandusky county, Ohio. One of his first teachers w-as the grandmother of Gen. J. P>. McPherson, the latter having been a playmate of the subject in his youthful days. Giles Abbey was but eleven years of age when brought to Steuben county, at which time the Indians were numerous here, and in his youth he wrestled, ran foot races and engaged in nearly all the sports with which the Indians were familiar. At the age of fifteen years he started out in life on his own account and for a year was em])loyed at farm work. He then ap])renticed himself to learn the tanner's trade in his home townshi]), at which he was employed vmti! he was twenty-one years old. It was not a hard matter to find employment. biU it was extremely difficult to get money. Before Mr. Abbey had attained to his majority he had, by dint of the most persistent economy and closest sa\'ing. accumulated money enough to purchase forty acres of land and about the time he became of age he bought one hundred and two acres adjoining his first tract, and upon this land he engaged in farming on his own account. -\t the time he first engaged in learning the tanning trade lie had reser\ed the pri\'ilege of going to school three months each winter. This he did until the age of eighteen years, when the teacher-bf his school quit and Mr. Abbey was put in his place and taught school during the winters until twenty-four years old. He had very little education except what he could pick up outside of the schools which he attended, but by dint of the most persistent reading and close observation he became a well informed man. In 1850 Mr. Abbey was married and then continued farming three years, at the end of which period he sold his farm and moved to Flint, Steuben county, and bought two hundred and fort\- acres of land there, which he sold a year later. He then moved to Lagrange county, this state, and for three years was engaged in the milling business at Mongo, fonnerly called Mongoquinon. In i860 he moved back to Steuben county, where he resided four years and where his wife died in 1864. He then moved to DeKalb county and for a year was engaged in the li\er\ business at Waterloo, but sold the business back to the parties of whom he bought it. The next year he erected a three-story brick business block on the east side of Main street, about a block south of the railroad, and during this same period he lost three thousand dollars through endorsing notes for a Waterloo merchant. During the following two years Mr.- Abbey wasengaged in a mill at Waterloo, doing the bu}'ing and selling, in 1870 he became agent of the I'"ort \\'a)ne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroad, which runs north and south through Waterloo, retaining this position for six years. In 1876 Mr. Abbey becanie cashier of the DeKalb Bank, and during the following twenty-seven years he filled this position to the entire satisfaction of his associates in the bank and to the patrons of the institution. Since that time Mr. Abbey has not engaged in any permanent business because of im- ]iaired health, though he has settled a number (if estates and bought and sold some real estate. In 1909 he unfortunately fell and received an injury ti) his spine which has since rendered him an inxalid, though until the summer of IQ13 he was able to go about and, to some extent, atttntl to business. He is now residing in Waterloo, where he has a pleasant and attracti\e home on the south edge of the town, his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs_ Hollester. living with him.

Politically, Mr. .\l:be\- has al\\a\s leen a staunch Renulilican. and was an enthusiastic worker in the interests of the party in early days, having assisted in forming the Republican organization in Steuben count\-. Fraternally, he has been a meml^er of the Masonic ortler for forty-eight years and has been appreciative of the work and, in fact, lias endeavored to exemplify the sublime precepts of that time-honored order.

In 1850 Mr. Abbey was united in marriage to Martha A. Long, wlio was born in Steuben county. Indiana, the daughter of James and Mar\- (Guthrie) Long. Mrs. Abbey died in 1864, leaving two children. Ella J., now the wife of Wellington H. Hollester, of Waterloo, and Carrie J., the wife of John B. Parsell, who is cashier in the First National Bank at Angola. Indiana. In 1866 Mr. Abbey married Mrs. Lurene (Howe) Davis, the widow of Joseph D. Davis, deceased, late of Auburn. She was bom in New York state and was the daughter of James Howe. She came to Fort Wa^ne. Indiana, with her parents and there married Mr. Davis, by whom she had two sons, Hugh and Emniett. To her union with Mr. Abbey were born two cliildren, Edith L, the wife of Albert Theiss, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Earl G., who lives in Kansas City, where he is employed in the secret service. He is a man of great physical courage and is sent by the service to the most important cases. He was recently assigned to recover two pictures of rare \nluc that had been stolen and his finding of them caused a great deal of fa\()rable comment. He married Maude Drake, who died leaving two children. Ethel and Mino. Mr. .Vbliey's second wife died in 1882, and in 1885 he married Saphronia (Hohnes) McEntarfer, the widow of .Xnthony Mc- Entarfer. She had two children by her first marriage, both of whom are deceased. ?\Irs. Abbey died in 1909 after twenty- four years of happy wedded life together, and, being a woman of many fine qualities of head and heart, her death was considered a distinct loss to the community. Mr. Abbey's life record exhibits a career of unswerving integrity, indefatigable private industry and wholesome home and social relations, a mo.st commendable career crowned with success. It is the record of a well-balanced mental and moral constitution, strongly marked by those traits of character which are of special value in such a state of society as exists in this countrw .\ resident of DeKalb county for nearly a half centriry, he has been an eye witness and participant in the wonderful development which has characterized this locality, and among the venerable and honored citizens of the county no man enjoys to a more eminent degree the respect and veneration of the people with whom he has mingled so long. Because of his genuine worth and his record in the community he is clearly entitled to representation among DeKalb county's representative citizens.

It is with pleasure tliat the biographer has an opportunit_\- tt) place before the readers of this work the life record of the honorable gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, for he is deemed eminently worthy of re])resentation along with the best and most industrious citizens of DeKalli countx-, owing to the fact that he belongs to the energetic and enterjirising class that has made this favored section one of the most noted and richest in the great Hoosier state. Enjoying distinctive prestige as a farmer, he has achieved marked success, while his practical intelligence, mature judg-

John W. Duesler was born on September 21, 1862. in Sandusky county. Ohio, and is a son of Lorin G. and Mary ( Hampsher) Duesler. Lorin G. Duesler was born on July 12, 1834, in l^otter, Yates county. New York, the son of William and Catherine (Slosson) Duesler, and died at the home of his daughter, ]\lrs. J. W. Metcalf, east of Auburn, DeKalb county, Indiana, on October 5, 191 2, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was one of a family of eight, six daughters and two sons, and was descended from sturdy German ancestry on the paternal side, his mother being of Yankee parentage. When he was twelve years old the family moved to Seneca couiUy, Ohio, and later to Sandusky county, that state, near Fremont, where he married Mary J. Hampsher, a native of Clyde. Ohio. They became the ])arents of five children, namely: Francis M. ; Ada S., who died in infancy; Fliza M.. now Mrs. J. G. Diehr; John W. and Minnie B.. the wife of J. W. Metcalf. All of the children are now living in DeKalb county, except Mrs. Diehr, who resides in Fremont, Ohio. After living eight years near the old home Mr. Duesler mo\ed. in May. iS()4. to Indiana, locating about two miles east of Waterloo, where he began to clear land and make a home. By industry and thrift he was enabled to buy a small farm which, as his means permitted, he added to from time to time until he owned a splendid tract f)t land. In 1869 he moved to Elkhart, but nine months later returned to the home farm. After nearly fifty \ears of wedded life, his wife died on December 10. 1904, her death being considered a distinct loss to the community in which she had spent so many useful years. Lorin G. Duesler was a man of rare qualities of character and was ne\er happier than when attending to his farm and cultivating his garden. He was a faithful husband, a lo\ing father and a helpful and considerate neighbor and upright citizen. To him and his wife were born five children, namely: One who died in infancy; Francis M. lives about one and one-half miles east of Waterloo; Eliza M.. the wife of George Diehr. of Fremont. Ohio; Minnie, the wife of William Metcalf, who lives about two and one-half miles east of Auburn.

John W. Duesler came to DeKalb count\- with his [jarents when but two years old and was reared in Grant township with the exce])tion of a part of a vear. when the family lived at Elkhart. Indiana. He was reared to farm labor and secured an educatitMi in the public schools. At the age of about twenty-three years he began agricultural efforts on his own account on the home farm, to which he gave his attention until thirty years of age. In the spring of 1895 he rented a farm in the south jiart of Grant township and in the following year bought forty acres of land in the northwest part of section thirteen, which he operated until 1907. In 1904 he had bought the farm where he now lives in the northwest quarter of section fourteen, the place comprising eighty acres, which he rented until 1908, when he located on it. In the spring of 1910 he sold his first forty-acre purchase in section thirteen. The farm on which he now lives is splendidly improved in every respect and is numbered among the best farms of the township. The present condition of the farm is due to the persistent and untiring efforts of Mr. Duesler, who has spared no labor nor expense in putting the farm into condition that will in the future bring the best results. He raises all the crops common to this locality and also gives some attention to live stock and in all his efiforts is meeting with well deserved success.

On February 6, 1894. Mr. Duesler married Rosa Mutzfelt, who was born in Wilmington townshij), this county, the daughter of Christian and Magdalena (Sclaugh; Mutzfelt. Christian Mutzfelt was born in Nassau, Germany, on March 25, 1827, and his wife in Baden, Germany. Mr. Mutzfelt was reared in his nati\e community and in 1850 was married to Henrietta Schneider, to which union six children were born. He came to America in 1854, locating west of Auburn, Indiana. In 1864 he enlisted in the United States army and on January 28th of the following year his wife died. On Jul)- J^J,. i86(), he married .Magdalena Sclaugh. who was bom on February 24. 1835, the daughter of Detrich and Katherine ( Happ) Sclaugh. Her mother died wiien she was but eight years old and thereafter she lix'ed in (iermany until nineteen years old, when slie and a sister, Rosa Sclaugh, three \ears older than herself, came to America with a party of neighbors. She had a brother and two sisters in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and her purpose was to li\e with them. Howe\er, when her sister married and mox'ed to Ohio, she accomjianied her, and e\entuall\ came to DeKalb count}' with her sister, living near Corunna until her marriage to Mr. Mutzfelt. Mr. Mutzfelt was a successful farmer, having started with twenty acres of land west of Auburn, but later sold this and bought a farm west of Butler, where he spent the re.st <if his active years, his death occurring there on November 6, 1S92, leaving a wife, nine children and nine grandchildren, a brother and sister. He was a memlier of the Cnited Rretliren church from the year 1878, and was faithful and earnest in the performance of his church duties. He helped to build a new church edifice, which was dedicated just two weeks after his death. Mrs. Mutzfelt now li\es with her daughter, Mrs. Duesler. To Mr. and Mrs. Duesler ha\e been born five children, namelv : Lena Ml, born May 5, 1895; Helen V., born October 14, 1898; Ralph L., born June 21, 1901 ; Charles W., born September 29, 1904, and Ruth W., born March 13. 1907, who died in infancy. Mr. Duesler and the members of his family are all affiliated' with the United Bretliren church, in the prosperity of which they are all deeply interested and to the support of which he contributes lilierally of his means. Mr. Duesler has a wide acquaintance and hosts of friends as the result of his genial disposition, his kindness, honesty and uprightness and his unquestioned business ability, being one of the most highly respected citizens of his community, where he has spent the major portion of his useful and busv life.