Delaware County, Indiana - The whole text, 1908 (part 11 of 15)

In Muncie, Indiana, April 14, 1875, Mr. St. Clair married Anna E. Mark well, a daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Over) Markwell, both natives of the Buckeye state. Mr. Markwell was a life-long farmer and a member of the Lutheran church. To him and his wife two children were bom, one being Mrs. St. Clair and the other Henry, a resident of Delaware county. Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair are the parents of the following children, viz. : Dora Gebhard, of Muncie, Indiana ; Clara Calhoun, of Fair View, and Carrie Bader, of Red Key, Indiana, are twins ; Minnie Nenstiel ; Asa E., who is married and lives in Delaware township ; Glennie Mabel ; Addie ; Lovema ; and Okay R., the eighth child in order of birth, who died, aged eighteen months. Mr. St. Clair is a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and takes high ground on that issue, and in his political affiliations is a strong Prohibitionist. He and his wife and family are members of the Christian church at Albany, and he is one of its active workers, serving as clerk in the official board. He takes an intelligent interest in public affairs and while a resident of Albany served three years as city marshal. One of the progenitors of the St. Clairs being an officer in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war makes him and his posterity eligible to the order of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution.

Randolph county, February 22, 1877. His paternal grandfather, Rev. Wesley D. Ross, a preacher in the Christian church, was one of the pioneer circuit riders of Randolph county, and in the pursuance of his pious duties traveled over an immense stretch of territory to reach his appointments. In wide contrast to the modes of travel by the clergymen of the present day these long trips were oft-times laboriously made in rude lumber wagons, and very frequently over heavy and almost impassable roads. He was a man of strong pefsonality, and for many years was a faithful worker in the Lord's vineyard.

M. L. Ross was born in Parker City, Randolph county, and for upwards of thirty-five years has been engaged in the livery business in his native county. He is numbered among the substantial citizens of his home town, and is one of the earnest supporters of the Republican party. He married Sabina J. McNess, a daughter of John B. McNess, of Randolph county, and into their household eight children were born, namely : W. W., the subject of this sketch; Bertha, deceased; Marion A., Grace E., M. C, Rose E., Ralph McNess and Jesse S.

Attending the public schools during his earlier years, Wycliffe W. Ross obtained a substantial education, and as soon as old enough to begin the battle of life on his own account embarked in the business followed by his father. In 1903 he located in Albany, at the comer of Broadway and State street, where he has a large, two-story brick building, admirably adapted for a livery stable. He keeps a fine stock of horses, good roadsters, gentle and speedy, and has a good supply of up-to-date carriages and surreys. Thoroughly acquainted with the business in which he is so successfully employed, Mr. Ross has won a large and lucrative patronage in Albany and vicinity, and is known as one of the most accommodating and popular liverymen of this section of the state.

In Albany, Indiana, December 12, 1901, Mr. Ross married Rosa B. Wroughton, daughter of John H. and Mary E. (Starr) Wroughton. John H. Wroughton died September 29, 1907, and is interred in Muskogee, Indian Territory. John F. McNally was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Ross, and her grandfather, Cyrus L. Wroughton, was one of the earliest settlers of Delaware township, Delaware county. Four children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ross, namely : Lafe E., Lelia E., Naomi Grace and Vivian Pearl.

Cyrus J. Stafford. Among the wideawake, energetic and progressive agriculturists of Delaware county who have attained success from a financial point of view is Cyrus J. Staflford, a well-known farmer and stock raiser, who has won an extended reputation as a breeder and raiser of fine horses. He was born July 3, 1869, in Delaware township, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, George A. Staflford. He comes of good old Irish stock, his great-grandparents, George and Catherine (Fair) Staflford, having

Ralph Stafford, the grandfather of Cyrus J., was born in 1806 in Giles county, Virginia. In early manhood, desiring to try the hazard of new fortunes, he crossed the country to Indiana, at times following an almost trackless path through the dense forests. Locating in Delaware township, he purchased a tract of wild land, on which his first improvement was the erection of a log cabin for a dwelling. He was a hard-working, persevering man, and as a farmer met with success, living on the homestead which he cleared until his death. He married Jane Black, who was bom May 30, 1815, in Clark county, Ohio, a daughter of Andrew and Susan (Ross) Black, and into the household thus established five children were bom, namely: George A., James E., John H., William H. and Susan M.

George A. Stafford was born on the parental homestead, in this township, November 23, 1835, and has here spent his entire life. When old enough to labor he assisted his father in the labors of the farm, watching with gratification its gradual transformation into a rich and productive estate. He subsequently embarked in agricultural pursuits on his own account, and, profiting by the lessons learned in the days of his youth, became very prosperous as a farmer, acquiring much wealth, and early becoming a citizen of prominence and influence. He married Sarah A. Zehner, who was bom June 14, 1844, in Wayne county, where her parents, Bert and Hestei (Hoppis) Zehner, were early settlers. Of their union four children were born, namely : David R., who died in February, 1898, at the age of thirtyone years; Cyrus J., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Emma C. Brammer, and Roy J.

Brought up on the home farm, Cyrus J. Stafford acquired a good common school education, and while yet a youth became familiar with farm work. Having a natural aptitude for farming, it followed as a matter of course that he should specially study its various branches and make this industry his lifework. As he accumulated money Mr. Stafford wisely invested it in land, and has now a finely-improved farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, well located in a rich agricultural region. He makes a specialty of raising hackney horses, having on his stock farm some of the finest horses of that grade to be- found in this part of Indiana. A young man of ambition, energy and excellent business ability, he is making a grand success in his operations, his life record thus far being such as to reflect credit on the place of his nativity.

In 1892, in Delaware township, Mr. Stafford married Cora Marquell, who was born here, a daughter of James Marquell, a well-known resident and one of its representative men. Mr. Marquell is a native bom citizen, his birth occurring January 7, 1844, 'on the homestead improved by his father, Nason Marquell. Of English ancestry, Nason Marquell was born and reared in Virginia. Migrating from there to Ohio, he lived for two years in Greene county, from there coming to Delaware county in 1832, as a pioneer settler, and was here employed as a tiller of the soil until his death, at the age of seventy years. He married Elizabeth Selvey, a daughter of Samuel Selvey, who came from Virginia to this township at an early day. She died on the home farm, at the age of sixty-five years. She was a true Christian and a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the children born of their marriage three survive, namely: William, who served in an Ohio regiment for four years during the Civil war and is now in the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Lucinda McGallier and James. James Marquell has been engaged in agricultural pursuits the greater part of his active life, and by thoroughgoing, systematic methods and keen foresight in the management of his affairs has met with unquestioned success in his operations. On September 12, 1865, he married Louisa Godlove, who was bom in Delaware township, a daughter of Abram and Laura (Sellers) Godlove. Four children were born into their home, of whom Cora, wife of Mr. Stafford, is the only one living. One child died in infancy ; a son, William, died when seventeen years old ; and a daughter, Eliza Jane, who married James Selvey, died at the age of thirty-two years, leaving one child.

Lewis H. Stoner. Distinguished as a native born citizen of Delaware county and as an enterprising and progressive business man of Albany, L. H. Stoner is eminently worthy of representation in this biographical volume. A son of Frederick Stoner, he was born October 12, 1857, in Delaware township, not far from Albany, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth.

Coming from Ohio to Indiana at an early day, Frederick Stoner settled as a pioneer in Delaware township. Purchasing a tract of wild land, he built a rude log house for himself and family, and with characteristic industry and courage began the improvement of a homestead. For many years he carried on general farming successfully, and at the same time followed his trade of a brickmason. In this capacity he assisted in the building of many of the substantial residences of the place, including among others the home of J. B. McKinney. A man of sterling integrity and worth, he was held in high respect throughout the community in which he resided, his death, which occurred at the ag'e of seventy-nine years, being a loss to the town and county. He married Jane McKinney, who died at the age of sixty-eight years. Nine children were bom of their union, three of whom are living, namely : Jefferson, of Des Moines, Iowa; James; and Lewis H., the special subject of this brief sketch.

Growing to man's estate on the home farm, Lewis H. Stoner attended the pioneer schools of the neighborhood, and under the wise tuition of his parents was trained to habits of industry and economy, thus in youth laying the foundations for hfs subsequent success in life. Soon after embarking in business on his own account Mr. Stoner turned his attention to the manu- facture of cement posts, and in recent years has made such improvements in the admixture of sand, gravel and cement that the products of his plant are well known throughout the middle west, the Stoner cement posts finding a ready market in Indiana, Illinois, Canada and other places of importance. He is the first person who ever made the cement telegraph or telephone poles of Portland cement. In the manufacture and sale of posts Mr. Stoner has acquired a competence, and in addition to owning a handsome residence in Albany has other property of value.

In Jay county, Indiana, September 13, 1877, Mr. Stoner married Ida Rees, who was born in Ohio, but was brought up and educated in Jay county. Five children have been born of their marriage, namely : Ethel, Glen, Pearl, Lora and Robert. In politics Mr. Stoner is independent, working for the best men and measures regardless of party prejudices. Socially he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.

Columbus L. Friddle. Conspicuous among the many energetic, progressive and practical farmers of Delaware township is Columbus L. Friddle, who is successfully engaged in his independent vocation on one of the most pleasant and desirable homesteads in this part of the state. He is an excellent representative of the native born citizens of this place, his birth having occurred August 30, 1859, on the farm which his father, John W. Friddle, cleared from its original wildness. His grandfather, Moses Friddle, was born in South Carolina, being the descendant of a family that emigrated from Germany to the United States in early colonial times. He lived in Charleston, South Carolina, many years, but in, or about, 1836, accompanied by his family, he journeyed to Greene county, Ohio, crossing the intervening country with ox teams and carrying with him all of his worldly possessions.

John W. Friddle was bom in 1823 in South Carolina, where he lived until fourteen years of age. Going then with his parents to Ohio, he remained in Greene county until 1846, when, following the trail of the pioneer, he came to Indiana, locating in Delaware township. Taking up land that was in its primitive condition, he labored unceasingly and ere many years had elapsed had a good farm, much of which was under cultivation and producing good crops each year. Thus successfully employed in tilling the soil he spent the remainder of his long life, dying in February, 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He married Mrs. Mary J. (Campbell) Boots, a widow, who by her first husband had three children, namely : Daniel D. Boots, Adam Boots and Anna Boots. Of Mr. Friddle's union with Mrs. Boots four sons and two daughters were born, namely : James C, Levi M., Elizabeth C, George B., Columbus L. and Mary E., but she died when to agricultural pursuits, he found pleasure as well as profit in the occupation, and when ready to establish himself as a householder he took possession of his present property, which is finely located, and has since continued the improvements previously started. By persistent energy, well-directed toil and exceptional business ability on his part he has as good and productive a farm as can be found in this vicinity, consisting of grain, grass, pasture and woodland, and in addition to this has two large oil producing wells, which add greatly to the value of the estate.

On February ii, 1888, Mr. Friddle married, in Delaware township, Mary M. Cartright, who was born in this township November 8, 1863, a daughter of Henry Cartright. Mr. Cartright, one of the substantial farmers of this neighborhood, was bom in Cambridgeshire, England, and there lived until twenty-eight years old, when he emigrated to America, locating first in Ohio, from there coming to Indiana. He married Barbara Fulhart, a daughter of John and Mary (Fulhart) Fulhart, and they became the parents of three children, namely : Mrs. Mary M. Friddle, wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Oma J. Saunders, of Delaware township; and Sarah A., who married Levi H. Hollaway, and died, leaving one son, Everett Hollaway. Mr. and Mrs. Friddle are the parents of three children, namely : John C, in the senior class of the Albany High school ; Herschel B., in the Albany High school, a member of the freshman class ; and Qarence G., in the sixth year of the school. Politically Mr. Friddle is a sound Democrat. Fraternally he is a memt)er of Heart and Hand Lodge, No. 361, I. O. O. F., of Albany ; of Fair View Encampment, No. 92, of Albany; and both he and his wife belong to Rebecca Lodge, No. 433, of Albany. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Friddle are faithful members of the Christian church, and in their daily walks of life exemplify its teachings. Mr. and Mrs. Friddle have one of the old parchment deeds which was executed by President Martin Van Buren and dated August i, 1837. This is the twelfth deed of the kind found in the county.

Levi Booher. Numbered among the enterprising farmers of Delaware county who have met with success in their chosen occupation and are now enjoying a comfortable competency, acquired chiefly by their own exertions, is Levi Booher, living near Albany. A son of the late Daniel Booher, he was bom July 4, 1850, in Randolph county, Indiana. His paternal grandfather, John Booher, was bom in Pennsylvania, of German ancestors, but after his marriage moved to Darke county, Ohio, where he and his wife spent their remaining years.

Bom and educated on a farm in Darke county, Ohio, Daniel Booher grew to manhood beneath the parental rooftree. Although poor in pocket when he started in life on his own account, he was blessed with strong hands, a willing heart, indomitable courage, and a never failing energy that enabled him to cope successfully with all difficulties that arose. Deciding to try life in a newer country, he walked from Darke county, Ohio, to Ran- dolph county, Indiana, and locating in what is now Farmland, took up land from the government Laboring with characteristic industry, he improved a good homestead, on which he resided until his death. He married, first, Susanna Booher, who died on the home farm in Farmland at the early age of thirty-three years, leaving five children, namely: Catherine, John Wesley, Josiah, Levi and George R. He married for his second wife Mary Shank, by whom he had three children: Manuel, Elizabeth H. and Henry. He was a man of fine character and a member of the German Baptist church. He attained the venerable age of eighty-six years, and during his long life was honored and respected as an honest man, a good citizen, and a kind neighbor and friend.

Brought up on a farm, Levi Booher developed an aptitude for agricultural pursuits, and at the age of nineteen years began the battle of life for himself as a tiller of the soil, an occupation in which he has since been most prosperously employed.

At the age of twenty-two years, September 26, 1872, Mr. Booher married Amelia G. Campbell, who was born in Randolph county, June 29, 1852, a daughter of Samuel Campbell and a granddaughter of James Campbell, a pioneer settler of this place, and the original owner of the homestead now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Booher. Samuel Campbell was bom in Ohio, and there married Paulina Gibson. They subsequently came to Delaware township as pioneers, and here spent the remainder of his long life, dying when eighty-one years old. She is living, at the age of eightysix years. They reared six children, namely: Eliza, William D., Amelia G., now Mrs. Bodier, Amanda, Elizabeth and Thomas H. The two latter died, both leaving families. Mr. Booher has one hundred and five acres of rich and arable land in his estate, and is carrying on general farming with undisputed success. He has made substantial improvements on the place, having erected new buildings of modem construction, his barns and outbuildings being commodious and convenient, and his farm well supplied with the requisite appliances for carrying on agricultural operations.

Mr. and Mrs. Booher are the parents of seven children, namely : Myrtle lola, Forest Violet, Samuel C, Thomas E., Ivy Dell, Naomi V. and Warren Waldo. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Booher are eamest and valued members of the Christian church in Delaware. Their daughter. Naomi, who was an invalid for many years, was cured by faith and prayer, her recovery becoming completed on January 18, 1906.

Isaac Mann. Noteworthy among the active, enterprising and progressive men who did so much towards the development and advancement of the various interests of Albany was the late Isaac Mann, who was practically a lifelong resident of this part of Delaware county, coming here with his parents when a child of two years. He was bom in Highland county, Ohio, near Leesburg, June 12, 1834, a son of Warner Mann and a grandson of Joseph Mann.

Joseph Mann was born in Delaware, and there married Elizabeth Blades. He subsequently migrated to Ohio, locating in Highland county, from there coming to Niles township, Indiana, where both he and his wife spent the closing days of their lives. He was a man of strong character, honest and upright in his principles, and an excellent representative of the honored Quaker family from which he was descended.

A native of Delaware, Warner Mann was taken to Ohio by his parents when a small boy, and there grew to man's estate. A man of much push and energy, he saw unlimited possibilities in the uncultivated lands of Indiana, and in 1836 came to Niles township, bringing with him his family and all of his worldly goods. He subsequently took up land in Delaware township, and within the limits of Albany cleared and improved a large tract of land, rendering his homestead one of the best in point of improvements and equipments of any in the locality. He married, in Highland county, Ohio, Nancy, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Pavy, and they became the parents of the following named children : Elizabeth, deceased ; Mary, deceased ; Mrs. Rhoda Wright, of Delaware township ; Joseph, who settled in California ; Isaac, the subject of this biographical sketch ;. Martin, of Dunkirk ; and Thomas, who died at the age of three years. Warner Mann died in manhood's prime, being but forty-four years of age, but his wife, who survived him, attained the ripe old age of four score and four years. Politically he was a stanch Abolitionist, and with his keen knowledge of public affairs foresaw the Civil war. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

But two years of age when he was brought to Niles township, Isaac Mann attended the pioneer schools of his day, and in the log cabin erected by his father spent his early years. Subsequently assisting his father in the improvement of the homestead in Albany, he became skilled in the various branches pertaining to agriculture, and selected farming as his life occupation. Energetic and capable, he made a success in his chosen career, his farm being well managed and improved, while his farm buildings were models of convenience and comfort. Politically Mr. Mann has been prominently identified with the Republican party since casting his first presidential vote, in 1856, for John C. Fremont, and has served his fellow-townsmen in many offices of trust and responsibility, performing the duties devolving upon him with ability and fidelity.

Mr. Mann married, in 1859, Mary L. Krohn, who was bom in Albany, a daughter of William F. Krohn. Mr. Krohn was born in Germany, but when a boy came to the United States, locating first in Ohio. He there married Maria Pendray, after which he migrated to Delaware county, becoming an early householder of Albany, where he spent the remainder of his years. Of the children bom of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mann, seven volume; Gustave E., deceased; and Thomas P., of Muncie. Mr. Mann has been an Odd Fellow for thirty-three years, belonging to Heart and Hand Lodge, No. 361, L O. O. F. Mrs. Mann is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William John Burden. Noted as a native born citizen of Delaware township, and as one of the most able and prosperous agriculturists of this part of the county, William John Burden is eminently worthy of representation in a work of this kind. He holds high rank among the intelligent and able farmers of his neighborhood, and is everywhere respected as a substantial man of business, honor and worth. A son of the late Nehemiah Burden, he was born on the homestead where he now resides, March 10, 1851. He is the descendant of an old family of prominence in New Jersey, and is the grandson of William Burden, formerly an influential citizen of Ohio.

A native of Ohio, Nehemiah Burden grew to manhood on a farm, and finding the life congenial to his tastes, adopted the occupation of his ancestors. Coming when a young man to Delaware county in pursuit of a favorable location in which to locate permanently, he took up eighty acres of government land, selecting what he deemed the most desirable tract in the vicinity of Albany. Clearing an opening he built the typical log house of the pioneer, and for many years afterwards was one of the foremost in advancing the settlement of his adopted town. Deer, wild turkeys and other game was plentiful at that time, frequently visiting the clearing. Meeting with good results in his agricultural labors, he subsequently bought other land from time to time, becoming owner before his death, which occurred December 14, 1892, at the age of eighty years, of a farm containing nine hundred acres of land. He married Margaret Campbell, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of James Campbell, a pioneer settler of Delaware township. She died at the age of fifty-three years, leaving seven, children, namely: Christiana, Elizabeth, Augustine, William John, Catherine, Julia and Mary J.

Having completed his early education in the district schools, William John Burden, choosing farming for his occupation, made a practical study, under the instructions of his father, of the various branches of that industry, becoming proficient in the science and art of agriculture. Succeeding to the ownership of the homestead, he has made improvements of a marked character, his dwelling house, bams and outbuildings being substantial, well built structures, admirably adapted for the purposes for which they are used. He is busily and successfully engaged in general farming, and^has his farm, which is a model in its appointments, well stocked with a -good grade of cattle, horses and hogs. Mr. Burden married, October 12, 1872, Orilla M. Wasson, who was bom in Blountsville, Indiana, a daughter of Theophilus and Sarah Wasson, early settlers of Henry coimty. Mr. and Mrs. Burden have one child living, namely: Catherine, wife of Charles May, who lives on the home farm. Their other child, Roby, died when but two years old. Mr. and Mrs. May have three children, namely: Anna, Alma and Leffler. Politically, Mr. Burden uniformly supports the principles of the Democratic party at the polls, and religiously both he and his wife are consistent members of the Qiristian church.

George R. SxRONa Among the native bom citizens of Delaware township who have spent their lives within its precincts, and have in every possible way aided its growth and development, stands George R. Strong, whose birth occurred on the homestead where he now resides October 30, 1854. He is a son of the late Alfred B. Strong and a grandson of Reuben Strong, an early pioneer of this place, and the original owner of the homestead property.

Born in Pennsylvania, Reuben Strong moved to Ohio in early manhood, and there married Barbara Boots. Subsequently coming with his family to Delaware township, he took up land from the government on sections 2 and 12, and in course of time, by dint of hard and persistent labor, he had title to a good farm of three hundred acres. The small log cabin, which was his first dwelling place, was replaced by a substantial frame house, in which he and his worthy wife spent their remaining days in comfort and peace.

A native of Ohio, Alfred B. Strong was born, in 1816, in Greene county, where he was bred and educated. In 1832 he came with his parents to Delaware county, and assisted in the pioneer work of clearing a farm from the primeval woods. Industry, economy and integrity were the first and last lessons of his early days in this locality, and were his guiding principles through life. He was the third child in a family of seven children, and succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead, on which he was prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1895, at the venerable age of seventy-nine years. Generous and liberal, he was always an encourager and supporter of everything calculated to advance the welfare of his community, intellectually, socially or morally, and was an active and valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he served as clerk and class leader for many years. He was a liberal supporter of the church, and gave to the society the ground on which the church edifice was erected, and also gave the ground for the cemetery, to the addition of which George R. Strong, the subject of this sketch, has promised to give additional lots. Under the management of the officers of the Strong Cemetery Association, consisting of Harry Waller, president ; Elmer Ferguson, secretary, and R. A. Maxwell, treasurer, the cemetery is admirably kept, resembling in its appearance a beautiful park.

Alfred B. Strong married Mary Shearon, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, the birthplace of her father, George Shearon, who was also an early settler of this part of Delaware county. She died in January, 1872, at the comparatively early age of forty-three years. Six children blessed their union, namely : Reuben, deceased ; Nancy, deceased ; John, deceased ;

Brought up and educated on the home farm, which adjoins the city of Albany, George R. Strong spent the days of his childhood and youth in very much the same manner as most farmers' boys, attending the district schools and helping in the harvest fields. He obtained a practical knowledge of the science and art of agriculture, and, as he reached maturer years, decided on farming as his life occupation. Becoming owner of the ancestral homestead and also of a magnificent stock farm, he has since been extensively engaged and profitably employed in general farming and stock raising. He makes a specialty of keeping poultry, his Barred Plymouth Rocks being among the best grade of chickens to be found in the county. His large farm is under excellent cultivation, and with its substantial set of buildings and their tasteful surroundings, invariably attracts the attention of the passer-by, and indicates to what good purpose Mr. Strong has employed his time and means.

On August 7, 1895, Mr. Strong married Amelda Mann, who before her marriage was a successful and popular school teacher of this locality. Her parents, Isaac and Louisa (Krohn) Mann, were early and honored settlers of Albany. To Mr. and Mrs. Strong three children have been born, namely: James Walter, Thomas Lloyd and Alfred Robert, but the last named died at the age of fourteen months. Politically Mr. Strong is a steadfast adherent of the Republican party, and religiously both he and his wife are conscientious members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Albany, Indiana. Mr. Strong has three of the parchment deeds executed under the hand and seal of Presidents Andrew Jackson and Van Buren, one dating August 5, 1834, and another February 10, 1835, and the Van Buren deed was executed September 20, 1839. This makes eleven deeds of the kind found in the county.

John M. Monroe. Among the substantial business men of Albany no one holds a more assured position than John M. Monroe, a well-known contractor and builder, his specialty in building materials being cement. With this material he takes contracts for building walks, cellars, houses or their foundations, and bridges, in his work meeting with great success. A son of the late John W. Monroe, Sr., he was born, December 31, 1856, in Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, of old Virginia ancestry. His great-grandfather, James M. Monroe, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and this entitles Mr. Monroe and his descendants to become members of the great order in the United States of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution. Mr. Monroe is also a lineal descendant of the President Monroe.

After completing his early education, John M. Monroe, then a youth of seventeen years, began learning the trade of a plasterer and stone mason, which he subsequently followed for many years. Since coming to Albany, in 1893, Mr. Monroe has worked almost entirely in cement, filling large and valuable contracts, among others being the putting in of six hundred and forty feet of cement at the Enlow Springs bridge, and one hundred and seventy-six yards at the strawboard plant, both expensive pieces of work. The twenty-seven years of experience that he has had in his line of business has rendered him proficient, and he is kept busy all of the time, his honesty, trustworthiness and the durability of his work being fully appreciated throughout this part of the state.

Mr. Monroe was married first when but twenty-one years of age, in Shelbys county, Ohio, to Tryphena Spencer. She died in early womanhood, leaving three sons, namely: Harley R., a druggist in Valparaiso, and Forest and Fred, who are associated in business with their father. Mr. Monroe married, second, October 21, 1891, at Bluffton, Ohio, Mary E. Murray, a native of that place. In the course of his active career Mr. Monroe has accumulated considerable property, and aside from the pleasant home that he owns and occupies in Albany, has acquired title to many valuable house lots in that vicinity. As a neighbor, friend and citizen he is held in high respect. Politically he is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Albany, to which his three sons also belong, and he is likewise a member of the Encampment and has served as a delegate to the Grand Lodge. Mrs. Monroe is a faithful and valued member of the Presbyterian church, toward the support of which Mr. Monroe is a generous contributor.

Alexander H. Anderson. Among the sturdy, energetic arid able men who assisted in developing and advancing the industrial and agricultural interests of Delaware county was Alexander H. Anderson, late of Delaware township, who was well known throughout this locality as a man of sterling worth and integrity, an enterprising and skillful farmer, a patriotic citizen, a kind neighbor, a loving husband and father, and his death, which occurred January 10, 1907, at the homestead where he had so long resided, was a cause of general regret. A native of old Virginia, he was born March 14, 1842, near Staunton, a son of William Anderson, of thrifty Scotch ancestry.

- William Anderson was born and spent the earlier part of his life in Virginia. In 1848 he migrated with his family to Indiana, locating in Delaware township. He subsequently moved to Edgar county, Illinois, where, a few months later, his death occurred. His widow, whose maiden name was Jeannette Murray, returned with her family to this township, which she made her permanent home while living. She had four children, namely: Alexander H., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Calvin Wachtell, of Muncie ; Mrs. Nathan Spence ; and Mrs. Dorcas Crowley, of Vincennes. But a child when he came with his parents to Indiana, Alexander H. Anderson was practically a lifelong resident of Delaware township. In the small log school house of his day, with its slab seats and puncheon floor, he acquired his first knowledge of books, and on the old home farm he became thoroughly initiated into the mysteries of farming. During the Civil war he enlisted, in September, 1864, in Company G, Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was sent with his 'regiment to join Sherman's troops in Atlanta, and there met in battle the Confederate soldiers who were under the command of General Joseph Johnston. At the end of a year's service he was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, and returned home to more peaceful pursuits. Resuming the carpenter's trade, which he had previously learned, Mr. Anderson followed it for a number of seasons, as a builder doing much of the carpenter work in this locality. Wise in his savings and prudent in his expenditures, he accumulated money, which he invested judiciously. Buying land from time to time, he became owner in the course of a few years of a large and finely improved homestead, on which he had a substantial set of farm buildings, and all of the machinery and appliances for carrying on his chosen occupation. His home farm contained one hundred and ninety-six acres of choice land, well adapted to the raising of the cereals common to this section of the country, and in its management he met with most gratifying results. He had likewise other real estate of value, being the owner of a fine and productive farm in Monroe and Perry townships, that farm containing one hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Anderson was a man of exceptionally good business ability, and possessed in a high degree those sterling traits of character that won for him the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he served as a trustee, and belonged to Ira J- Chase Post, G. A. R., of De Soto, Indiana.

In Delaware township, March 10, 1866, Mr. Anderson married Rhoda C. Hatfield, who was born December 31, 1847, a daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Thompson) Hatfield. He died in early manhood, leaving his widow with four young children, namely: John, who served during the Civil war as a member of the Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Kenesaw mountain; Mrs. Mary Pittenger, of Delaware township; Mrs. Malissa Myers, of this township; and Mrs.

During their years of happy married life Mrs. Anderson well assisted her good husband in all the cares and burdens of life, encouraging and counseling him in times of trouble, at all times proving herself a true helpmate and a loving companion. She is a woman of high principles, and a conscientious member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which she united when but thirteen years old.

William W. Green. For upwards of half a century a resident of Delaware township, William W. Green has been actively identified with the advancement of its growth and prosperity, as a carpenter erecting some of its most substantial buildings and as an agriculturist aiding the improvement of some of its choicest lands. He owns and occupies a valuable farm, which is well equipped with modern machinery and furnished with all of those conveniences that make rural life so desirable, including among other things excellent telephone service and rural free mail delivery. A son of the late James W. Green, he was born March lo, 1840, in Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, the descendant of a well-known and highly respected family.

A native of Virginia, James W. Green removed with his parents to Greene county, Ohio, when young. He came of patriotic stock, and one of his brothers was a soldier in the Mexican war, serving under General Winfield Scott and General Zachary Taylor. While living in Greene county, he married Rebecca Cahill, who was bom in Ireland, of Protestant Irish parents, with whom she emigrated to the United States, locating in Ohio. In 1 85 1 he came with his family to Indiana, settling first in Delaware township, but afterwards locating in Nile township, where he died at the age of sixty-three years. His first wife, Mrs. Rebecca Green, died when but twenty-six years old, leaving five children, of whom but two survive, namely : James P., of Dunkirk, Indiana, and W. W., the special subject of this brief biography. The father subsequently married a second wife, Mrs. Martha (Smith) Whicker, and by her he had three children, two of whom are living: Jesse and Newton J., both of Jay county, Indiana. He was a Democrat in politics, and his first wife was a member of the Christian church.

A boy of eleven years when he came with his parents to this county, W. W. Green completed his early education in the district schools, after which he learned the carpenter's trade. Following his chosen occupation for a number of years, he built many houses, both for business and residential purposes, his services being in demand throughout this part of the county. Since 1902 Mr. Green has devoted his entire time and attention to the management of his finely improved and well-kept farm, exercising wise judgment in its care. He has a substantial set of farm buildings, which are models of comfort and convenience, and which with their neat and attractive surroundings evince the thrift and prosperity of the owner.

from the state of Delaware. Mr. Hitchens was born in Delaware, removed to Clark county, Ohio, where Mrs. Hitchens was bom, and afterwards settled in Delaware county, Indiana, where he resided until his death, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife survived him, dying at the advanced age of four score years. Mr. and Mrs. Green have four children living, namely: Alice, wife of E. E. Marks, of this township; Elmer, likewise of Delaware township ; Ida, wife of Walter Miller, of Liberty township ; and William, of this township. Four of their children have passed on to the higher life, two having died in infancy, Emma at the age of seven years and Mrs. Minnie Bartlett, at the age of twenty-six years. In his political afiiliations Mr. Green is a Democrat, and socially he is a member of Anthony Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M., of Albany. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has served as steward and trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Green have one of the old parchment deeds, which was executed by President Martin Van Buren and is dated August i, 1837. This is the eighth deed of the kind found in the county, so far, a valuable relic in Mr. Green's home.

William W. Goontz. Prominent among the sturdy and enterprising men who have been instrumental in developing and advancing the rich agricultural resources of Delaware county is William W. Goontz, a well-to-do farmer residing on section 29, Delaware township. He is a man of influence and prominence, and is now serving as a member of the advisory board. A son of Lewis Goontz, he was bom in Liberty township, near Selma, May 7, 1861. He comes of thrifty German ancestry, his paternal grandfather, John Goontz, having emigrated from Germany to this country when yoimg. He settled in Pennsylvania, and there married. Settling upon a farm, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, while yet in the prime of life, having been accidentally killed in 1848. He left a widow and four children.

A native of Pennsylvania, Lewis Goontz was bom in 1839, on the homestead which his father cleared from the wilderness, and was there brought up and educated. Coming to Delaware county in 1845, he assisted in the pioneer labors of that early day, and in course of time became owner of a tract of land near Selma, and was there successfully employed as a general farmer the greater part of his active life, although he spent the last three years in Muncie, where his death occurred when sixty-eight years old. He married Nancy A. Hedrick, who was born in Delaware township, a daughter of Cyrus Hedrick, one of the very early settlers of this part of the coimty. Mr. Hedrick, a man of much enterprise and force of character, was recognized as an important factor in the development of town and coimty, and during his long and useful life of eighty-eight years exerted a beneficial influence in the community in which he lived. Mrs. Nancy Goontz survives her husband, and is now living in Muncie. She has the following children, namely: William W., the special subject of this brief sketch; Mrs.

Molly N. Cowley; Harrison; Charies L., of Delaware township; and Edna M. Clark. During the Civil war Lewis Goontz served as a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was for many years a member of De Soto Post, G. A. R. Both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Brought up on the parental homestead near Selma, William W. Goontz acquired his first knowledge of books in the common schools. On the home farm he had a practical drilling in the various branches of agriculture, and naturally adopted farming as his life occupation.. When ready to establish a home of his own Mr. Goontz bought his present farm, advantageously located in Delaware county, about eight miles from Muncie. A man of push and energy, diligent in his labors, and wise in his management, he has been uniformly successful in his undertakings, and is now the proprietor of a valuable farm, which in regard to its appointment and equipments compares favorably with any in the neighborhood.

On January 28, 1885, Mr. Goontz married Caroline Kelley, who was bom in Randolph county, a daughter of Leander and Frances (Blakeley) Kelley. Mr. Kelley was born in Fairview, Randolph county, Indiana, and there grew to man's estate. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war, in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain Kearney and Colonel William Gross. He went with his comrades first to Richmond, this state, then to Indianapolis and to Jefferson, from the latter place being ordered to Kentucky. He was first under fire at the battle of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing, as it is called, afterwards taking part in the engagement at Perryville, Kentucky, and serving under General Rosecrans at the battle of Stone river. He subsequently participated in several minor engagements, serving in the army until August, 1864, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. Mr. Kelley was born in Miami county, Ohio, a son of William and Sarah (Edwards) Kelley, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, while the latter was bom and reared in Georgia. Mr. Kelley, now a resident of De Soto, Delaware county, has been twice married. He married first, at Fairview, Frances Blakeley, who was bom in Greene county, Ohio, October 4, 1840, and died May 10, 1867. He married second, in January, 1870, Margaret M. Skillman, of New York. By his first marriage Mr. Kelley had four children, of whom but one is now living, namely : Mrs. Emma E. Bell, of Indianapolis. Politically Mr. Kelley is a sound Republican, and socially he is a member of the Ira J. Chase Post, G. A. R., of De Soto.

The life of Mr. Goontz and his family has been saddened by the death of Mrs. Goontz, who passed to the life beyond December 2, 1902, at the comparatively early age of thirty-seven years. She was a sweet dispositioned woman, amiable and kind, a home maker and keeper in every sense implied by the term, and her loss is deeply moumed. She left four children, namely: Nellie M., Fanny Hazel and Lewis Haskell, twins, and Helen Elizabeth. She was a true Christian and a valued member of the Methodist church. Politically Mr. Goontz is a stanch Republican and a zealous worker in the party ranks. In 1906 he was elected a member of the township advisory board, and in this capacity has served ably and faithfully. Fraternally he belongs to Welcome Lodge, No. 37, K. P., of Muncie.

William Garland. Inheriting in a marked degree the brave and patriotic spirit which characterized his ancestors, William Garland, of Delaware township, won honor and distinction as a soldier in the late Civil war, and for his services therein has the gratitude of his countrymen. As a man and a citizen he is held in high repute, having by his excellent character fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of his associates and neighbors. Since coming to Delaware county he has been employed as engineer at the Albany Paper Mills, filling the responsible position most satisfactorily to all concerned. A son of John Garland, he was born March 15, 1841, in Darke county, Ohio, and was there reared and educated.

John Garland was a son of Joseph Garland, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812, being under command of General Jackson, and as a- reward for his services was given a tract of land in Tennessee by the government. John Garland spent the larger part of his life of seventy-eight years in Ohio. He married Ellen Albright, whose father, Adam Albright, was also a soldier in the War of 1812, and into their happy household fourteen children, eight %ons and six daughters, were bom, namely : Elizabeth, who married W. E. Murray, of Indiana; William, the subject of this sketch; Sarah J. Clapp, of Randolph county; Jesse G., deceased; Nancy F. ; Mary; Allen; Adam; Isaac ; Harvey P. ; Philip ; Susan M. ; Stephen D. ; and Katie Clapp, of Whiteley county. The mother lived to the good old age of eighty-one years. The father, who died at the age of seventy-eight years, came from a family noted for its longevity, his father having died at the age of four score and four years, and his grandfather at the age of one hundred and four years. Both parents were consistent Christians and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Reared on the home farm in Ohio, William Garland as a boy became familiar with the many branches of agriculture. On the breaking out of the Civil war he offered his services to his country, enlisting, in May, 1861, at Shelbyville, Indiana, in Company C, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was stationed at Phillipi, West Virginia, the greater part of the time. At the end of his three months' term of enlistment he was honorably discharged, and returned home. Subsequently responding to Lincoln's call for more troops, Mr. Garland enlisted on August 26, 1861, for a term of three years, in Company F, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain J. E. McGuire, Lieutenant Colonel J. N. Flynn, and Colonel A. D. Straight. Joining the forces of General Buell, he took an active part in the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, and was at Chickamauga with General Rosecrans. He was subsequently captured and confined first at Belle Isle, and afterwards at Libby prison, remaining in the latter place a week before he was paroled. In Nashville, Tennessee, Mr. Garland joined his company and took part in engagements at that place, in Huntsville, Alabama, and at Greenville, after which he went by boat to New Orleans, then across the gulf to Indianola, Texas, thence marched with his comrades to Green Lake, Texas, a hard trip, and one in which many men perished for want of water. Being taken seriously ill, Mr. Garland was in the field hospital for a while, but when opportunity occurred was taken to a hospital in San Antonio, Texas. After a service of four years and eight months he was honorably discharged January 12, 1866. Some of his comrades who shared with him the hardships and privations of army life are still living, namely : George Stafford, Joseph D. Smith and W. E. Stafford. Returning to Indiana, Mr. Garland was for several years engaged in farming at Shelby. Since locating in Delaware township he has served as engineer at the Albany Paper Mill, a position that he is most ably filling.

In Deerfield, Indiana, September 6, 1868, Mr. Garland married Abigail Suter, a daughter of Washington and Susan (Ayers) Suter. Seven children were born of their union, two of whom have passed to the higher life, namely : Frank, who died at the age of five years, and Maud, at the age of eighteen months. Those now living are as follows : Fannie, a clerk ; Harry, of Albany ; Addie, of Winchester ; Frederick N., of Newcastle ; and Ray, a clerk. Mr. Garland was for four years a resident of Dunkirk, Jay county, and while there served for four years as marshal. Fraternally he is a member of Dunkirk Lodge, No. 275, A. F. & A. M. ; of Dunkirk Chapter, No. 43, R. A. M. ; of Dunkirk Council, No. 41, R. & S. M.; and belongs to Williams Post, Grand Army of the Republic. For more than thirty-eight years Mr. Garland has belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and has done all that he could to promote the good of the order. IJe has served in official capacities, for two years being master of the Blue Lodge in Dunkirk.

Charles R. Austin. Standing high among the representative business men of Albany is Charles R. Austin, superintendent of the Albany Paper Mills. He is a man of ability, possessing in an eminent degree the discretion, trustworthiness and force of character necessary for the responsible position which he has so well filled during the past fourteen years. A son of R. A. Austin, he was born January 28, 1868, near Mt. Solon, in old Virginia, being descended from an old and honored family.

R. A. Austin was born in New York city, and was there brought up and educated. During the Civil war he served as a gallant soldier in the Union army, taking part in many engagements. At the close of the war he located at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he resided several years. He is now a resident of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and was officially connected with the Albany Paper Mills. He married, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Emma Cunningham Light, who was born in that state, and there spent the larger part of her life. She died in Albany, Indiana, at the age of fifty- seven years, leaving three sons and^two daughters, namely: W. Hamilton, Charles R., Frank, Emma Manor and Lillie Howell. Mr. R. A. Austin is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religion he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife was also a member.

Brought up mostly in Virginia and Pennsylvania, Charles R. Austin acquired his education in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-one years began life on his own account. Going to Australia, he spent three years at a paper mill in Melbourne, there becoming familiar with the details of paper-making. Returning then to the United States, Mr. Austin came to Albany in 1893, and at once accepted a responsible position with the Albany Paper Mill, which he has since filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the company by which he is employed. The plant of which he has charge is the leading manufacturing plant of this part of Delaware county. The large two-story building is finely equipped with the most modern machinery, including two Corliss engines, one of two hundred and fifty horsepower and the other of one hundred and fifty horsepower. Employment is here given to fifty men, who turn out sixteen tons of paper daily, the material used in its manufacture being straw, which is bought in the neighborhood or shipped in by the railroad companies. The Albany Paper Company, which owns the paper mill and the strawboard factory, is composed of well-known business men, with William Schaetle as president, Phillip Haucke as vice president, Henry Schmidt as secretary and treasurer and Mr. Austin as superintendent.

While a resident of Australia Mr. Austin married Miss Florence Ryan, who came with him to Indiana and died in Albany, leaving one son, Murray Austin. Mr. Austin married for his second wife Mrs. Imo Steed, who was born in Red Key, Indiana, a woman of education and refinement. Politically Mr. Austin supports the principles of the Republican party by voice and vote. Socially he is a member of Anthony Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M., of Albany, and of the Knights of the Maccabees. Religiously he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man of unquestioned integrity, and during his residence here has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen in a marked degree, being in every way worthy of the high regard in which he is held.

Samuel G. Selvy. Prominent among the early and honored pioneers of Delaware township was the late Samuel G. Selvy, whose death, which occurred on the family homestead January 4, 1903, was a gjeat loss to the pioneer courage and ambition he bravely dared all the privations and hardships incidental to life in an undeveloped country in order to pave the way for those who followed and to establish a home where his children and their descendants might enjoy the comforts and even the luxuries of this world without the labor and toil in which his early years were spent. His untiring efforts were crowned with success, his land becoming transformed into a large and highly improved agricultural estate, while he himself became one of the leading farmers of this locality and a citizen of influence.

A native of Virginia, Mr. Selvy was born in 1826, coming from substantial colonial stock. With his parents he migrated when a boy to Ohio, where he grew to manhood, living on a farm in Clinton county, not far from Xenia. Working with his father, he received an excellent training in matters pertaining to the cultivation of the soil, and naturally decided to take up farming as his life occupation. In 1854, following the march of civilization westward, he came with his family to this county in the early days of its settlement, and having erected a small cabin of logs in the space which he cleared on his land, at once began the improvement of a homestead. As previously stated, he was well rewarded for all of his pioneer labors, his persevering energy, wise management and good judgment enabling him to make his farm one of the best in regard to its appointments and improvements of any in the vicinity. He added by purchase to the original property, at the time of his death having a clear title to two hundred and sixtyfive acres of choice land. The log house had been replaced by a comfortable and conveniently arranged residence, and his outbuildings were of modem construction, well adapted for farm purposes. While living here, Mr. Selvy witnessed wondrous changes throughout this section of the state, and in the grand transformation took an active part, contributing his full share as a good citizen towards the development and growth of his adopted town and county.

In Clinton county, Ohio, October 10, 1852, Mr. Selvy married Clarrenda Mclntyre, who was born in that county, a daughter of John and Polly (Howland) Mclntyre, both natives of New York state, their places of birth having been at the foot of the Catskill mountains. Mr. and Mrs. Mclntyre were pioneer settlers of Clinton county, Ohio, and there spent the larger part of their lives. Both, however, died in Indiana, spending their last days with their daughter, Mrs. Selvy, the mother dying at the age of seventy years, and the father attaining the age of four score years. Of the five children born to them two grew to years of maturity, namely : John E. G. Mclntyre, who died in Ohio, and Clarrenda, wife of Mr. Selvy. Mrs. Selvy still lives on the homestead in which she and her husband passed so many years of happy married life, a woman of intelligence and refinement, who is respected and esteemed by old and young for her many excellent qualities of heart and mind. She was a loving wife and true helpmate to her husband, and one to whom he ever turned for counsel and encouragement

Five children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Selvy, namely : James G., of Delaware township; William H., a prosperous farmer, living threefourths of a mile south from his mother's home ; Samuel S., having charge of the homestead ; Mary A., wife of Manuel Johnson, of Grant county ; and Ella, wife of Azure E. Holloway, of this township.

Charles Asbury Evans. Actively and prominently identified with the agricultural and business prosperity of Delaware township is Charles Asbury Evans, a well-known farmer and stock-raiser. He is a man of enterprise, ability and sound judgment, and one whose general worth strongly impresses all with whom he comes in contact. He and his family reside on section 26, and their farm home, a model of comfort and good taste, is an attractive place for the large circle of friends whose esteem and respect they have won. A son of Evan Evans, he was born June 16, 1850, at Redkey, Jay county, Indiana. He comes of Welsh ancestry, the founder of the branch of the family from which he is descended having emigrated to this country from Wales in early Colonial times. His grandfather, John M. Evans, a native of Virginia, born about 1789, served as a soldier in the war of 1812, after which he located as a farmer in Ohio. His father, Evan Evans, was l)orn in New Jersey about 1752, and died in Highland county, Ohio, at the age of ninety-five years. He had one sister that lived to be ninety-eight and another to the age of ninety-nine.

In Highland county, Ohio, near Hillsboro, was born Evan Evans, on November 19, 181 5, being the second child and eldest son of his father's family. The hardships of pioneer life did not altogether prevent him from getting a common school education. April 13, 1836, he was united in marriage with Rhoda Allegre, who represented an old family of Ohio and this county. Her father was James Allegre, a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, who was born September 9, 1782, and died at Albany, August 6, 1852. His wife was Rhoda Phelps, bom January i, 1787, and died at Albany, November 22, 1871. The AUegres formerly emigrated to Virginia from France during the Huguenot period on account of their religious faith.

For a year after his marriage Evan Evans remained in Ohio, as an employe of Lorenzo Allegre, receiving one hundred dollars for the year's work. In 1837, about four years after the platting of Albany village, he came to this vicinity, and for three years lived on James Allegre's farm. In the almost unbroken wilderness, near where Redkey now stands, he bought a farm of eighty acres. From this place to Albany he blazed a road through the woods, and frequently walked out from Albany to the farm before moving his family to the home he was getting ready for them. On one such occasion he was pursued by a wildcat, and the experience of running for his life through the woods, until he reached the home of George Smith, who lived about a mile northeast of Albany, was one that he never forgot throughout his life. Their first home in Jay county, to which he moved his family in 1840, was a round log cabin, about fourteen by sixteen feet. A hewed log house was the next family residence, and a number of years later a substantial ten-room frame house was built. Evan Evans was a man of courage, energy and great activity, and met with fair success in farming and the other enterprises of his lifetime of eighty-one years. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, the latter having been converted at the age of fourteen. They gave three hundred and fifty dollars toward the erection of the first M. K church in Redkey, in 1871 (his being the largest individual contribution). He was one of the trustees of the church at that time. When the present church, costing ten thousand dollars, was erected in 1894, he contributed altogether seven hundred and fifty dollars, two hundred and fifty dollars being a memorial to his deceased wife, Rhoda Evans, who had died December 9, 1889. Evan Evans passed away November 8, 1898. Financially his career would be called highly successful, since he was the owner of three hundred and seventy-five acres of good Indiana land, and he earned by hard work all the money which he had paid for this estate. In politics he was a Whig, until the formation of the Republican party, when he became one of its most loyal adherents. Of the seven children, four are now living, namely: Wesley, of Redkey, who served during the Civil war in the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, later for twenty-two months with the One Hundred and Thirtieth, making a total of three years and four months, and was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh; Charles Asbury (see forward); John B., of Redkey, and Mrs. Emma Dunn. Of those deceased, one died in infancy ; Calisty, at the age of forty-one, and Mary, at the age of thirty-four.

Very pleasantly located, his hcnne farm being but four miles from Albany, Charles Asbury Evans carries on general farming and stock raising after the most approved modem methods, keeping well abreast of the times by reading and observation, as regards agricultural advancement. His fertile and well improved farm yields excellent crops each year, and in the breeding and raising of stock he is meeting with the success of the leaders among eastern Indiana stock-raisers, having some of the finest cattle, horses and hogs to be found in this locality. His excellent dwelling, ample bams and outbuildings, and plenty of machinery to carry on the work, are improvements that mark the most progressive farms of the state. Mr. Evans has been twice married. He married first, Mary Strong, who was bom in Delaware county, the youngest child of John W. and Oarissa Strong and granddaughter of Reuben Strong, one of the original pioneers of this count)^ Further ancestral history of the Strong family may be found on another page of this volume, in connection with the sketch of George R. Strong. Mary A. Strong was converted in a most powerful manner while at prayer in her father's orchard, in September, 1871, and lived a most beautiful Christian life. She possessed a faith that g^ve her indescribable visions of angels and the Heavenly world, and was a kind and devoted wife and a loving and affectionate mother. She died in 1889, aged thirty-eight years, in the triumphs of the Christian faith. Her last words were : "Jesus has come - Glory, Glory." Her happy spirit then went sweeping through the gates into the city. She left three children, namely: Mrs. Grace Wingate, of Delaware township ; Burton L., of Jay county, and Mae. Mr. Evans married second, March 5, 1895, Mary Baughn, who was born in Liberty township, a daughter of John Baughn. The latter, who was a native of North Carolina, moved from there to Fayette county, Ohio, when young, and from there to Liberty township in this county, where he lived to the advanced age of four score and four years. By his first wife John Baughn had three children, and by his second (who was Rebecca Jones, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Jacob Jones, of the same state) were born ten children, of whom six survive, namely: Susan; Mary, now Mrs. Evans; Walter; Nancy; Nora, and Gertrude. Rebecca Jones Baughn was a member of the Methodist church, and had attained the age of seventy-nine years. Mrs. Evans is a woman of most excellent Christian character, a kind and devoted wife and a loving and indulgent mother. One of her marked characteristics is her charity. She is always ready to sacrifice to help the needy and is ^industrious and hard working. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have had one child, Margaret, now deceased. Mr. Evans is a straightforward Republican, and in the Methodist church at Mt. Pleasant is a steward and trustee and one of the earnest workers of the Sunday school.

William Frank. Distinguished not only as a prosperous farmer and respected citizen of Niles township but for his gallant services as a soldier in the Civil war, William Frank is especially worthy of representation in this volume. Pleasantly located on section 13, he has a farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he is managing with ability and profit, devoting his time and attention to the raising of small grains, fruit and stock. A son of Stephen Frank, he was born March 6, 1842, in Mercer county, Ohio, near Celina, coming from a German family that settled in Pennsylvania in early times.

A native of New York, Stephen Frank was bom and brought up in Chautauqua county, but subsequently settled as a farmer in Ohio. He died while yet in manhood's prime, in Coldwater, Ohio, aged forty-five years. He married Delilah Downing, who was bom in Virginia, a daughter of William Downing, a soldier of the war of 1812. She survived him, coming to Indiana and dying at the home of her son WilKam in Niles township at the age of seventy-six years. Of the children bom of their union three are living, namely : Dennis C. ; William, the subject of this sketch ; and Mrs. Catherine Shatto. Margaret and Perry died in childhood. Politically Stephen Frank was an earnest supporter of the Whig: party and a

Before attaining his majority, on September 20, 1861, William Frank oflfered his services to his country by enlisting in the Fifth Ohio Battery, Light Artillery, under command of Captain Andrew Hickenlooper. With the battery he went first to St. Louis, Missouri, to the old arsenal, and from there to Jefferson City, Missouri, and in April, 1862, took an active part in the battle of Shiloh, subsequently being present at the siege of Corinth, the engagement at luka, at the second battle fn Corinth, at the skirmish in Coldwater, Mississippi, and at the siege of Vicksburg, which capitulated in July, 1863. Mr. Frank, with his comrades, was then sent to Little Rock, Arkansas, to assist General N. P. Banks, and from that time until his honorable discharge from the army in October, 1864, he was on duty in camp or field.

Returning home, Mr. Frank remained in Ohio until 1869, when he came to Delaware county to locate. Buying land in Niles township, he turned his attention to its improvement, and has now a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he successfully pursues his pleasant and independent occupation. His farm is on the trolley line, but one and one-half miles from Dunkirk, and is considered one of the most desirable pieces of property in the neighborhood.

Mr. Frank married, June 4, 1866, Catherine Carson, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Mary Carson. She died in 1 88 1, aged forty-three years. Four children were bom of their marriage, two of whom have passed to the life beyond, and two are living, namely: Delm.ar Logan, who has a farm near his father's, and Mrs. Irene Bantz, of Blackford county. Mr. Frank married second, April 9, 1887, Mrs. Leah (Bales) Wingate, widow of the late Philip Wingate and a daughter of James Bales. Philip Wingate was bom in this county, a son of James and Belinda (Stewart) Wingate, and died here at the early age of twentyeight years. He was a man of irreproachable character and a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wingate four are deceased, namely : John H., who died at the age of eighteen months; Cora MeHssa, at the age of ten months; Sophia Jane, at the age of twenty- four years ; and Mrs. .Minnie Myrtle Hultz, at the age of twenty-one years. The two now living are Alfred Ellsworth Wingate, of Blackford county, and Renie Belle, wife of Henry Thomas, of Albany.

James Bales, the father of Mrs. Frank, was a pioneer settler of Niles township, coming here from Greene county, Ohio, in 1853. Taking up land that was still in its virgin wildness, he erected a log cabin in the space which he cleared, and with the counsel and assistance of his young wife set to work in earnest to build up a home. Hospitable and kind almost to a fault, he gave hearty welcome to all that entered his door. He cleared a farm and lived to see the land around him settled up and improved, his death occurring on his homestead in 1892, at the good old age of seventy-four years. On November 10, 1842, Mr. Bales married Malinda Shirk, by whom he had eleven children, four of whom are deceased, while seven are living.

namely: David, who served in the Civil war; Alfred, also a soldier in that war; Henry; James A.; Jacob; John; and Mrs. Leah (Bales) (Wingate) Frank. Politically Mr. Bales was a stanch Democrat, and both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Politically Mr. Frank was a Republican, but is now a strong Prohibitionist. Socially he is a member of Benjamin Shields Post No. 289, G. A. R., of Dunkirk, and religiously both he and his wife belong to the Baptist church, in which they are earnest workers and of which he was a trustee.

John A. Cross. Widely known throughout Niles township as a man of honor and integrity, and one of its most successful farmers, John A. Cross has won distinction both as a citizen and as a gallant soldier, his services in the Civil war being worthy of record. On August 15, 1862, responding to Lincoln's call for more troops, he enlisted, in Ritchie county, West Virginia, in Company G, Fourteenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantr>', under Captain Mott Reitz, the officers of the regiment being as follows; Colonel, David D. Johnson; lieutenant colonel, G. W. Taggart; major, S. Moore; adjutant, H. H. Moss; regimental quartermaster, J. E. Hooton; and chaplain, Rev. John L. Irvine. With his regiment he was subsequently in action much of the time, taking part in many engagements of note, including among others those at Massanutton Mountain, Qoyd Mountain, Lexington, Curtis Farm, Winchester, Martinsburg, Lynchburg, Halltown, Berryville, the second battle of Winchester, Foster Hill, and was at Cedar Creek on that memorable day when brave Phil Sheridan, at Winchester, thirteen miles away, heard

A son of Nimrod Cross, John A. Cross was bom in Ritchie county. West Virginia, May 6, 1839, of honored English ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Dickey Cross, was a lifelong resident of Virginia. Nimrod Cross married Eliza Richards, who was bom in Virginia, of German ancestry. They had a family of ten children, all of whom grew to years of maturity, namely : George W., of Ritchie county, West Virginia, served during the Civil war in the same regiment as his brother John, and was wounded at the battle of Winchester ; Mary ; John A., the subject of this sketch ; Catherine ; Jane ; Susan ; Martha ; Ellen ; Victory ; and Louise. The father, who was a Republican in politics and a stanch Union man, lived until eighty years old, while the mother died at the age of three score and ten years. Both belonged to the Dunkard church.

Mr. Cross has been twice married. He married first, in Ritchie county. West Virginia, June 7, i860, Caroline Snodgrass, who was bom in Virginia, a daughter of Nathan J. Snodgrass, and there spent her entire life.

She bore her husband ten children, five of whom died in childhood, and five are living, namely: Jack, Creed and Edward, living in Virginia, and Willie and Mrs. Zena Wilson, living in Indiana. On June 15, 1892, Mr. Cross married for his second wife Josephine Moats, who was born in West Virginia, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Swadley) Moats. She is one of a large family of children, namely: Katie; Josephine, now Mrs. Cross; Delia; Etta; Alice; Vallie; Cora; Belle; and Danie G., deceased. In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Cross came to Indiana to make their permanent home. Locating in Niles township, Mr. Cross bought the farm which he now occupies of Mr. William Rutledge, and in its care and management is taking much pleasure. Although comparatively newcomers here, both he and his wife have won the esteem and confidence of their neighbors, and their pleasant home is the center of a generous hospitality that is truly characteristic of the Virginian people.

Thompson M. Huffman. Prominent among the native-bom residents of Niles township is Thompson M. Huflfman, who has been an important factor in bringing this particular section of the state to its present fine agricultural condition. He is a man of good business capacity, intelligent and well informed, and is actively associated with the progress and best interests of the people of this community. A son of George Huflfman, Jr., he was bom on the homestead where he now lives March 22, 1862.

George Huflfman, Sr., Mr. Huflfman's grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania of German ancestry. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, after which he moved to Ohio, locating first in Greene county, but subsequently settling in Guernsey county, where he spent his last years of earthly life. He married Mary Kimble, of Pennsylvania birth, and they became the parents of eleven children, all of whom lived to be married, the youngest member of the parental family dying first.

A native of Pennsylvania, George Huflfman, Jr., was born and brought up on a farm, and after attaining his majority assisted his father, who was a miller as well as a farmer, in the management of the mill for seven years. In 1849 he came to Niles township to locate on the land which had been entered from the government by his father under the law of 1822, at one dollar and a quarter per acre, the deed to this property being signed by Martin Van Buren, president of the United States. Settlers were few and far between in those days, and the nearest market was miles away. He built a log cabin of the true pioneer style, and, having cleared a suflScient space, sowed grain for his first crop. Wild animals of all kinds were numerous and destructive, bears, deer, wolves, foxes and wild hogs frequently visiting the clearing, necessitating the guarding of the growing grain and the sheltering of the stock at night. On one occasion, when he was returning from a trip to the distant mill, he found a family of wild hogs near his door, and he killed the sow, while his bulldog attacked and killed the boar.

in the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He lived in this township, honored and esteemed for his many excellent qualities, until his death in 1880, at the age of fifty-six years, being then but a little past the prime of life. He was a man of sterling integrity and honesty and a faithful member of the Baptist church.

In 1844 George Huffman, Jr., married Nancy Cox, who was bom in Ohio, a daughter of Ephraim and Margaret (Christie) Cox. Mr. and Mrs. Cox migrated to Iowa in 1854, settling as pioneers in Poweshiek county, where they spent their remaining years, beloved and respected by all. Of the union of George and Nancy (Cox) Huffman seven children were bom, namely: Two that died in infancy; William, of Albany, Indiana; Samuel F. ; Joshua C, who died, leaving a wife and one child ; Mrs. Mary M. Limerick, of Hartford City, Indiana; and Thompson M., the subject of this sketch.

Growing to manhood on the parental homestead, Thompson M. Huffman acquired a substantial education in the district schools, and while assisting in the pioneer labor of clearing and improving a farm acquired a practical knowledge of the details «of agriculture in its many forms. Succeeding to the ownership of the home farm, he is managing it with skill and abihty. Since the days of his boyhood he has witnessed many changes throughout this locality, and as a good and capable citizen has contributed his full share in promoting its growth and prosperity. His farm contains eighty acres of good land, and he farms the eighty acres belonging to his sister, from which he annually reaps rich harvests of grain and fruits, his ag^cultural labors being well rewarded by the abundant crops produced.

Mr. Huffman married, September 5, 1905, Helen V. Williams, a daughter of Edward James and Margaret (Wilson) Williams, of Allegan county, Michigan, and their pleasant home is a center of social activity. One little child, a boy, Everett Thompson by name, was born December 9, 1907.

John J. Hook. As a soldier in the Civil war John J. Hook, now a resident of Niles township, bravely assisted his country in her time of need, and as an industrious and progressive farmer and a man of honesty and integrity is now faithfully performing the duties devolving upon him as an esteemed and valued citizen of our state. A son of Lewis Hook, he was born February 18, 1845, 1^ Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, coming from a prominent Virginian family. His grandfather, James Hook, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, married Mary Lewis, who was bom in Kentucky, and soon after taking that important step moved with his family to Ohio, locating in 1806 in Greene county. Courageous and persevering, he ily's first home. The country thereabout was then a comparative wilderness through which the deer and other wild animals roamed at will, while wild turkeys were more plentiful than the barnyard fowl. He married Minerva Lloyd, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, a daughter of John Lloyd, who was a soldier in the War of 1812. John Lloyd married Sophia Owens Wright, whose father, George Wright, served on General George Washington's staff during the Revolutionary war and was at one time taken prisoner by the British. Lewis Hook was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his comparatively brief life of forty years. His wife preceded him to the life beyond, dying when but thirty years old. They had five children, namely: Maria; Thomas Corwin, who served under General Sherman in the Civil war and died in Greene county, Ohio, in 1901 ; Mary Ellen ; John J., the subject of this sketch; and Martha C, deceased. The Lloyd family was very prominent in Greene county in early times, and were charter members of the old Methodist Episcopal church established at Union Church in 1807, and among its most generous supporters.

But a young child when his mother died, John J. Hook was brought up in the family of his Grandfather Lloyd, receiving his early education in the common schools of Xenia. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain Joseph Bouk and Colonel Robert Stevenson, and after serving gallantly both in camp and on the field of battle until the expiration of his term of enlistment was honorably discharged from the army September 5, 1864, at Camp Denison, Ohio.

Mr. Hook married, October 31, 1872, Josephine St. John, who was bom in Greene county, Ohio, a daughter of Cyrus B. St. John, but was brought up and educated in Jay county, this state. Five children have been bom of their union, namely : Lewis C, living in Richmond, Wayne county ; Ora G., residing in Delaware county, near Albany ; Paul D., of Coldwater, Ohio, is a railroad man; Cyrus Raymond, of Dunkirk, is employed in the Dunkirk National Bank; and Walter M., living with his parents on the home farm.

A son of John St. John, Cyrus B. St. John, father of Mrs. Hook, was bom August 20, 1827, in Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, of French ancestry. John St. John married Eliza Bone, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, a daughter of Cyrus and Sarah (McPherson) Bone, both of whom were of Irish descent. He was a farmer, and died on his Ohio homestead at the age of sixty-eight years. In his earlier years he was a Whig, but afterwards affiliated with the Republican party. Both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their large family of children eleven grew to years of maturity, namely: Cyms B., Joseph, John, Charles Wesley, William, Franklin, Morgan, Raper, Ira, Isaac Wilson, of Dunkirk, and Jane Peterson. Cyrus B. St. John married, at the age of twenty-one years, Dorothy Hickman, who was bom in Greene county, Ohio, a daughter of Laban and Catherine (Price) Hickman. Mr. Hickman was one of the original settlers of Greene county, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, selecting what he deeftied to be a desirable tract of land. Having cleared a space in the forest, he built a log house, and by indomitable perseverance and resolute labor cleared a homestead. In 1856 Cyrus B. St. John came with his family to Jay county, Indiana, and as a farmer met with eminent success, becoming owner of a magnificent agricultural estate containing three hundred acres. Since his retirement from active labor Mr. St John has made his home in Albany. Mrs. Dorothy (Hickman) St. John died in April, 1891, at the age of sixty- four years, her birth having occurred September 27, 1827. She bore her husband ten children, of whom nine are living, namely: David Milton, of Niles township ; Joseph W., of Randolph county ; Lewis R., of Jay county, living on the old homestead property ; Catherine, wife of William Campbell, of Hamilton township; Cyrus R., of Richmond; Josephine, wife of Mr. Hook; Roscoe M., of Jay county ; Lillie, wife of James Lewis ; and Jeremiah Franklin, of Muncie.

Matthew Davis. The prosperous and substantial citizens of Niles township have no more worthy representative than Matthew Davis, who occupies a good position among the keen, enterprising and business-like farmers who are so ably conducting the agricultural interests of this part of Delaware county. A son of the late Rev. Christian S. Davis, he was born July 18, 1852, on the parental homestead, and comes of patriotic stock, his grandfather, Matthew Davis, for whom he was named, having served in the Revolutionary war.

Christian S. Davis was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the farm which his father hewed from the dense wilderness, and received his elementary education in the typical log schoolhouse of his day. From childhood he showed a strong tendency to religious thought and feeling, and from an early age was a close student of the Bible. When but twelve years old he went to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood. Coming then to Indiana, he located first in Randolph county, but afterwards removed to Delaware county, and while here assisted to redeem a portion of the uncultivated soil and also labored to incline the hearts and minds of the people to religious things. He was a preacher in the German Baptist church, and in the performance of the duties devolving upon him in this capacity traveled extensively throughout Delaware and Jay counties. He lived a long and useful life, exemplifying in his daily walks the beauties of the gospel which he preached, and passed away at the age of eighty-four years, serene and happy in his faith of a better world beyond. He married Christina Metzer, who was born in Pennsylvania, and died at the age of seventy-six years in Indiana, leaving three children, namely : John G., of Tennessee ; Matthew, the subject of this brief biographical sketch ; and Charles, of Tennessee.

The son of a pioneer minister of the gospel, Matthew Davis attended the brief sessions of the district schools, in the meanwhile assisting his father during seed time and harvest. Developing a liking for the rural occupation to which he was reared, he became a farmer from choice and is now the owner of a fine farm of eighty acres, whose broad fields yield him rich harvests. He has a modemly built house, with a creditable set of farm buildings, and on his estate he has both gas and oil wells.

Mr. Davis married, in Delaware county, June i8, 1874, Lizzie Beal, who was born in this township, a daughter of John and Rebecca Beal. She was born December 12, 1853, and died September 10, 1876, at the early age of twenty-three years. She bore him two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other being Mrs. Nettie G. Ledbetter, of Niles township. Mr. Davis married second, November 22, 1877, Mary E. Beal, a sister of his first wife. She died December 5, 1884, aged twenty-seven years, leaving two children, namely: Orville L., of Randolph county; and Mrs. Lola S. Philabaum, who lives on her father's farm. Mr. Davis married third, December 3, 1885, Rose E. Fleming, who was bom and bred in Niles township, bom March 4, 1855, ^ daughter of William C. Fleming and granddaughter of Caleb Fleming, of Ohio. Mr. Fleming was bom in Ohio and during the Civil war served for nine months. He subsequently settled on a farm in Niles township, and for a number of years was actively employed in tilling the soil. He is now living retired in Hartford City, where he is esteemed and respected as a man of honor and integrity, and is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Sarah Worster, who was bom in Fayette county, Illinois, a daughter of the late Amos M. Worster. Mr. Worster had passed the age limit for soldiers at the time of the Civil war, but so anxious was he to serve his country that he put the number forty-five in his hat and testified that he was under forty-five, and at the same time a young son of his, a beardless youth, put the number eighteen in his boots and said that he was over eighteen, and both were mustered into service. Seven children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. William C. Fleming, namely: Mrs. Rose Davis, wife of the subject of this sketch ; James A. ; Mrs. Sarah O. Caldwell ; Mary E., who died at the age of nineteen years ; Mrs. Sophronia King, of Pueblo, Colorado; Mrs. Rachel Cassiday, of Wabash, Indiana; and Mrs. Mattie Tilton, of Danville, lUinois. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have one child, Ivan C. Davis, living at home. He was educated in the common schools and is a progressive farmer. He wedded Miss Ethel Vincent, daughter of Minan Vincent. They were married November 16, 1907, and reside in Niles township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Davis are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and liberal supporters of the organization.

Calvin C. Edgington. A farmer of well known ability and enterprise, Calvin C. Edgington is closely identified with the agricultural interests of Niles township, where, by persevering labor and judicious forethought, he has a finely improved farm of eighty acres. A son of Job Edgington, he was born May 5, 1839, in Adams county, Ohio, almost on the banks of the

A native of Virginia, William Edgington was born of English ancestors. He served in the war of 1812, and on land which he received from the government in Adams county, Ohio, he subsequently settled. With his wife, whose maiden name was Phebe Jane Nolman, Mr. Edg^ngton's great-grandfather made the journey across the rough and hilly country lying between Virginia and Ohio with two pack horses, taking their two children in baskets, one being swung on each side of a horse, while in the saddle-bags of the other horse their clothing, bedding and some of their household goods were stowed. He, however, walked the greater part of the way.

Job Edgington was born on the parental homestead in Adams county, Ohio, and was there brought up in true pioneer style. From his youth up he worked on the farm, and when ready to establish himself in life came to Delaware county, where he improved a good homestead. He became one of the leading farmers of his neighborhood and a citizen of prominence and influence. Taking intelligent interest in public affairs he was actively identified with the Democratic party, and for nine years served as justice of the peace. He died on the home farm at the age of fifty-eight years, his death being a loss to the community. He married Huldah A. Smith, who was born in Adams county, Ohio, where her father, William Smith, settled as a pioneer, moving there from Virginia after the war of 1812, in which he served most vaHantly. Mr. Smith married Rachel Tennis, who was born in Virginia, of German ancestors. Of the union of Job and Huldah A. (Smith) Edgington seven children were born, namely: Calvin C, the subject of this sketch ; William, who served for three years in the Civil war, belonging to the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, and died in 1902 at Muncie, Indiana; Sarah Jane, deceased; James S., deceased; Mary E.; Joseph, deceased; and Catherine R., in Adams county, Ohio.

Brought up on a farm and educated in the district schools, Calvin C. Edgington has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active career and is seemingly proficient in the art and science of this great industry. Coming to Niles township to settle permanently, he bought, in 1892, from Elisha R. Wingate, his present farm of eighty acres, which formerly belonged to Charles Dudelson. The place was somewhat run down when he took possession of it, but through his wise judgment in the rotation of crops and the raising of clover and stock, he has added to the richness of sixty-three years. She was a woman of much force of character, a faithful Christian and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their marriage three children were bom, namely : Mrs. Emma H. Dowden, of Cowan, this county ; Henry K., a prominent and highly respected resident of Niles township; and Mrs. Eliza B. Walbum, of this township. Mr. Edgington has one of the old wooden clocks which belonged to his grandfather Smith and it is now eighty-six years old and keeps good time, a relic of the pioneer days. He also has one of the old parchment deeds executed by President Van Buren, the seventh deed of the kind found in the county.

William Bach. A skilful and practical farmer, systematic and thorough in his methods, William Bach, living on section 12, Niles township, is a fine representative of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of this part of Delaware county and one of its most respected residents. A son of John George Bach, he was boni, February 22, 1852, in Jersey City, New Jersey, being the descendant of a Bavarian family of worth.

Bom and bred in Bavaria, Germany, John George Bach remained in the fatherland a number of years after his first marriage. Becoming convinced, however, that on that side of the ocean it was almost impossible for a man to rise very much above the condition to which he was born, he decided to seek more favorable opportunities in the new world. He sailed, therefore, with his family, in January, 1852, for New York, arriving in that port after a tedious voyage of seventy-three days. Locating first in Jersey City, New Jersey, he carried on market gardening successfully for a few years and then moved to Seneca county, Ohio, where he carried on general farming, later to Hancock county and thence to Putnam county in 1861, and there died April 7, 1901, at the venerable age of eighty years and two months. He was a man of honest integrity, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the German Reformed church. He married first, in Bavaria, Catherine Baker, who was born and brought up in that place and died in 1868 in Putnam county, Ohio, aged forty-nine years. She bore him nine children, two of whom are dead, one having died in Gerinany, and one, Jacob, dying in this country. Seven are living, namely : Anna Mary, George H., William, Eva, Edward, John Thomas and D. H. By his second marriage he had one child, Ludwig B.