Elkhart County, Indiana - Topographical and Industrial, 1881 (part 3 of 11)

Anthony Rink, farmer, sec. 11; P. 0., Millersburg; was born in Clinton tp.. this county, Oct. 21, 1841, the son of George Jacob and Catherine (^Clinei Rink, natives of Germany, who came to this tp. in ISiO. where they still reside. Anthony is the eldest son in a family of 11 children, 7 of whom are living, all in this county, and 0 are married. The subject of this notice received his education mostly in the common-schools of this tp. In 1866 he married Margaret Lesh, and they have had -'half a dozen" boys, as he expresbed it. In 1861 Mr. Rink enlisted in tlie Titli Ind. Yol. Inf., and was disch?.rged at tlie close of ilie war; was in all the battles in which his regiment was euo-aged, iucludina' that of Missionary E,idge, and was wounded at tlie battle of Jonesboro, Ga. He owns 83 acres of land valued at $60 an acre. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat, believing in the union of States and a government of the people, for the people and by the people.

Joseph Rippey, farmer; P. 0., Syracuse; was born in Jackson tp., this county, Oct. 30, 1831, and is the son of Matthew and Jane T. (Montgomery) Rippey, natives of Ohio, father of English and mother of Irish descent. His father was an early settler in this connty, and is a wealthy and enterprising farmer living in Jackson tp.; has represented his county in the State Legislature. The subject of this sketch received his education mostly in Jackson tp., this county, and partly in the high school at Goshen; he has been remarkably successful as a farmer and stock-raiser; he m&kes the short-horn Durham a specialty, and usually receives the first premium on the cattle he takes to the fair. Besides fine cattle, he keeps a stock of horses and h(jgs. He has one calf for which he paid $175 when it was six montlis old. He has 320 acres of land, most of which is under good cultivation; has also a neat and substantial residence, barn, out-buildings, etc. Jan. 29, 1S57, Mr. Eippe}' married Sarah B. Snyder, and they have 3 sons and 2 daughters; Mrs. R. is a daughter of Jacob Snyder, who was a native of Peniisylvaiiia, and of German ancestry; she was born in Ohio. Mr. R. is a Democrat, and was Constable for the year 1859. A portrait of Mr. Rippey appears in this work. James Roach, farmer, sec. 15; was born in Warren county, 0., in 1838, the son of James and Maria (^Hampton) Roach, natives of Yirginia, father of Welsh and mother of English descent; educated in the common-schools of Indiana and Hillsdale (Mich.) College. Sept. 16, 1861, he enlisted in the 30th Ind. Yol. Inf., and was discharged Oct. 1, 1804; he was at the siege of Corinth and several other battles; was a non-commissioned officer a part of the time. In 1^71 he married Paulina Baker, and they have 1 daughter and 1 son, Carrie Dell and Albert D. Mrs. R. is a member of the " Chnrch of God." Mr. R.'s mother is still living with him, 71 years old, and has li^'ed in this county ever since the subject of this sketch was two and a half years old. In earh' day all kinds of timber were burned in heaps to get them out of the way, but now a tree is frequently worth $100, and Mr. Roach has one for which he has been offered $115.

Thomas W. Boach, farmer and stock- raiser, sec. 15; was born in Warren county, 0., in 1836, brother of the preceding ; educated in the common schools in this connty; married in 1863 to Hnldah Harper, and they have 3 sons and a daughter. Mr. R. is an " old settler" in this county as he was but five years old when he was brought here by his parents, who settled on sec. 15 on the day that

Gen. Harrison took his seat as President of the United States. ' This tp. was then a wilderness, the woods alive with squirrels, wild turke)'' and deer. Mr. Roach, the subject of this sketch, has traveled some in the West; tanglit school awhile in Illinois. Here he owns 120 acres of land, a residence costing about §3,000, splendidl_y finished, and as a farmer he has been very successful. Is a Eepablican and has served several terms as School Director.

John Roohstool, farmer, sec. 5. is a pioneer of this county; was born in Virginia in ISIS, son of George and Catharine (House) Rookstool, natives of Virginia and of German descent; educated in the Ohio common school; by occupation he was a farmer, but has also followed threshing for the last 30 years. In early life worked at many kinds of business, including that of the still-house; but he has been a temperate man, and thinks he has never drank as much as a quart of whisky in his whole life. He owns 120 acres of land, and has made most of his property by his own exertions. When he first came to this county he made his home with Jacob Ott, an uncle of Samuel Ott; for several years his inci-ease in this world's goods was very slow, but by indnstryand economj' he has made himself comfortably circumstanced. His first marriage was to Mary Ott, who lived bat a year afterward, and May 11, 1851, he married Catherine Kitson, and they have had 13 children, 11 of whom are living, 3 sons and S daughters. Mr. R. is a Democrat, and has been Supervisor two or three terms.

George Simpson, i&Ymei\ie<i. 1; P. O., Millersburg; was born in Tennessee Oct. 7, 1S19, the son of Roadham and Mary (Tnomas) Simpson, natives of Virginia, and of English descent; attended school but a few days in his life, but is successful as a farmer. June 19, lSi3, lie married Margaret Justis, and 10 of their 13 children are living, 4 boys and 6 girls. Mr. S. emigrated to this county in 18-4S, settling the ne.xt spring on sec. 1, where he is still living. He and his wife say that they were never so happy as when they got the timber cut away far enough from the house so that they felt secure in time of a storm.

Mrs. M'lrgaret Simpson was born in Baden, Germany, in 1836, and was a daughter of Michael and Catharine (Desson) Barton, who emigrated to this country when the subject of this sketch was a j^oung child, and resided for some years in Pennsylvania; in 1860 they moved to this State, where they still reside. In 1862 Miss Barton was married to John Simpson, a native of Tennessee, born in 1812; in 1830 he came to Indiana and settled on sec. 2, this tp. He was a successful farmer, in politics a Democrat, was Tp. Supervisor one or more terms, and finally died Aug. 14, 1375. The children are: Estella, born Dec. 23,''lS64; Henrv, Jan. 6,1867; Frederick, May 28, 1869; John, Oct. 5, 1872; and Mary Catharine, Dec. 5, 1874.

i^oali Stark, I'armer, sec. 12; P. O., Millersburg; was born in Pennsylvania in 1833, the son of Philo and Permelia (Haden) Stark, father a native of Rhode Island, and of English descent, and mother a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Mr. Stark was educated in the common schools of this county, and has been all his life a farmer. In 1S57 he married Eliza Jane, daughter of William Simpson, the first settler on Elkhart Prairie (1S2S). Mr. and Mrs. Stark have 3 sous and 4 daughters. Mr. S. is a Democrat, and has been School Director three terms and Supervisor. He owns SO acres of good land.

Hiram Stetler, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Benton; was born in Oliio July 12, 1S30, the son of John and Catherine (Shoup) Stetler. natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry; educated in the common schools of this county ; learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked about IS years, when he was 36 years of age, since which time he has followed farming; started poor but has accumulated a handsome property by his own exertion, now owning 200 acres of land, worth $50 an acre, a brick house costing §2,000, a barn §2,500, etc., etc. In 1860 lie married Martha D. Vail, and they have 2 sons and 2 daugiiters living. She is a member of the M. E. Church, and he isallepublican; has been Justice of the Peace four yeai-s. He settled in this tp. in 1S3S, and in 1S65 he moved to sec. 27, where he now lives. His parents are still living in Benton. His father is a Democrat, but his 4 sons are all Eepublicans.

J. J. Stilhoell, deceased, was born in 1S18 in Ohio, of English and Irish ancestry; came to this county in a very early day, and died in 1870. His widow, nee Mary M. Richards, a native of the same State and of German ancestry, is still living on the home iarm, which is superintended by Benjamin, the youngest son and unmarried. Pie was born Nov. S, 1852, educated in the common school of this co\inty, and in politics is a Democrat.

John F. Stillwell, farmer, sec. 19, was born in Ohio, Feb. 3,1843, son of the preceding, and the oldest of a family of 6 children; Vvhile a lad at home he was noted for his honesty and frankness in the confession of wrong; was educated in the common schools of this State. In 1862 he married Mary A., daughter of Samuel Ott, and they have 4 daughters. Mrs. S. is a member of the Evangelical Chnrcb. Mr. S. is a Democrat and has often been desired by his friends to run for office, but this tp- is strongly Republican. He is one of the substantial men of this community.

John J. Stiver, farmer, sec. 5; P. 0., Millersburg; was born in Preble county, 0., in 1823, and is the son of Valentine and Margaret (^Cook) Stiver, natives of Lancaster county. Pa., and of German descent; they were among the early settlers of this community, settling in 1844 one mile south of where John J. now lives, and are perhaps the oldest couple living in the county, being 81 years of age and still keeping house. John J., the subject of this sketch, received his education in the common schools; in addition to farming he has run a threshing-machine for 25 years, doing a profitable business; he owns 153 acres of land. He was married in 1850 to Elizabeth Ann Shevrev, and 5 of their 6 children are living; John

Jesse D. Vail, the most widely known resident of Benton tp., settled here in 1837; he was born in Fayette county, Pa., in 1814; his parents were San:iuel and A^nes (Griswell) Yail, father a native of New Jersey, of Welsh descent, and mother of Pennsylvania, of Eno-lish descent; received liis education in the pioneer log schoolhouse; his occupation has usually been fanning; was in the mercantile business four years, which was just long enough to break him up completely, but has always paid 100 cents on the dollar. His first marriage was to Elma Cope in 1838, and -2 of their 5 children are living; one son is studying law in Goshen. His second wife died without any children; by his present wife he has had 2 children, one of whom is deceased.

Mr. Yail has seen both sides of life. His pioneer experience was not alwaj's smooth, for in 18i0 he found himself in debt $1,000, and nothing to pay it with; but in 1849 he was again above his debts, and was worth nearly $500; since that time he has attended to farming and stock-raising, and is at present the owner of 215 acres of land, well stocked and improved. During the war he was a member of the militia board and spent most of his time in his duties as such; he was the enrolling officer of this tp. He is an out-and-out Republican, has held several minor offices, as School Director, Trustee, etc. lie was raised a Quaker, is triendly to Churches, but does not belong to any particular denomination himself. His wife belongs to the M. E. Church.

EU Verno7i, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 15; P. 0., Millersburg; was born in Ohio in 1S29, the son of Allen and Elizabeth Hage) Vernon, natives of Virginia, and of English descent; educated in the common school in Ohio; in 1853 he married Frances Butler, whose parents were among the early settlers of this county, and their 6 children are all living; their eldest sou is teaching penmanship in Ligonier College ; 2 others are attending the same institution. Mrs. V. is a member of the M. E. Church. Politically Mr. V. is a Republican, and has been Assessor five years. He came to this counti-y in 1852, cleared ov;r 100 acres of heavily timbered land, has done a great deal of hard work, is a successful farmer, now owning 140 acres of land.

Wdlicnn Wehrly. farmer, sec. 19; P. 0., Benton; was born in Ohio in 1S23, the son of George and Margaret (Fi.x) Wehrly, natives of Virginia, and of German ancestry; obtained most of his education after night by a firelight made of hickory bark gathered for that purpose; attended the subscription school a short time at the old-fashion log school-house; has taught school in this State 15 years, most of this time winter terms only. Feb. 5, 1851, he married Susannah Conrad, and they had 2 sons and 1 daughter; she died Aug. 9, 1S59, and Mr. W."in 1860 married Charlotte Dates, and their children are 2 daughters and 1 son, the latter now a babe, who -- must and shall be a congressman." Mr. W. is a Republican, has been Supervisor, Town Clerk, Trustee, etc.; owns 370 acres of land and is a very prosperous farmer. He often contrasts his present financial condition with what it was in 1S49, when he first came to this connty, and when all his earthly possessions consisted of $1.50, which he says was good money, - all in silver. He worked out by the day and month, and taught school at $10 per month, to get a start in the world. He helped to build the first school-house in his district, and taught the first school.

Daniel D. Whitmer, farmer, sec. 27; P. 0., Ligouier; was born in Stark connty, 0., in 1825, and is the son of Benjamin Whitmer. Both his parents were "Pennsylvania Dutch." Mr. W. was educated in the common schools of his native county, and Mav 21, 1862, he was married, and 5 of his 6 children are living. She died Sept. 28, 1876, a member of the Lutheran Church, to wliicli Church he also belongs. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns 130 acres of land. He recently built a large barn 70.\;40 feet, with a wing 30x40.

Henry Wilhhison was born in this State in 1S69, and is a son of Austin and Margaret (Hellser) Wilkinson, natives of Ohio, of English and GeriKan ancestry; was educated principally in the common schools of his native State, and attended high school two terms in Michigan. In 1875 he married Mary Grisamer, a native of this count}-, and their only child, lona, was born in 1876. Mrs. W. is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. W., politically, is a Democrat; has taught school several terms, follows farming, and financially has been successful.

L. W. Wiimer, proprietor of the Millersburg Steam Planing a'ld Saw-mill, was born in l^iagara county. N. Y., Fel>. 1, 1832; his parents were John and Mary (Herr) Witmer, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. At an early age, with his parents, he removed to and settled in Benton tp., this county, where he received such education as the common schools of that time afforded, and assisted his father upon the farm until about the age of 16, when he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he continued to "work till 1S5S; then he made a trip to Colorado, being amona: the first to settle in that territory, and assisted in erecting tlm first shingle-roof building in Denver. There he remained some two and a hall years, a portion of the time employed as foreman for a prominent building firm, and at intervals was engaged in mining, and met with a fair share of success. He returned to Indiana and was united in marriage in 1S62 with Mary Ann, daughter of Abel and Catharine (McClellan) Lyons, the daughter of old residents of Noble county, Ind. They have had 4 children, 2 of whom are living, viz.: D. S. Witmer, now in his ISth year, and Lettie V., in her 13th year, both of whom are pupils in the Millersburg high school. Mr. Witmer is the proprietor of the extensive manufacturing establishment known as the Millersburg Steam Sawing and IPlaning Mill, which, under his management, has developed from a comparatively small business to one of much magnitude and importance.

He has been a member of the Board of Education, and Inspector of Elections for the tp. of Benton. Himself and wife are members of the Christian denomination. Mr. W. is an active Republican, having cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856. He owns 40 acres of fine land ia this tp., and 160 acres in Kansas. Mr. W. is wholly self-made, and is highly esteemed as a successful business man and worthy citizen.

Swegler Young, blacksniith, was born in Ohio in 1824, the son of George and Margaret (Swegler) Young, natives of Maryland, father ot Irish and mother of German descent; educated in the common schools of his native State; learned the trade of blacksmith, which he has followed ever since he was 16 3'ears of age; settled in Benton in 1845; Jan. 2, 1848, he married LacindaEahart. and they had 3 daughters and 1 son. Mrs. Young died April 19, ISSO. Their son James was married in May, 1879, to Etta Sloan. Mr. Young is, as was his wife, a member of the United Brethren Church; is a Republican, and has been Tp. Trustee 6 years, and is the owner of SO acres of land, worth $75 an acre, besides shop, etc. Mr. Y. is a man of great endurance and constitutional vigor, as he has not been sick more than three days in his lite.

The true history of tliis townshi)5. even from the most authentic sources available, is difficult to obtain, and cannot in all particulars be insured as accurate, from the fact that much connected with its settlement remains couched in remarkable obscurity.

This township was formerl}^ a portion of Concord; but in the vear 1S35 a division was made, and that portion lying between the Michigan line on the north and the St. Joseph river on the south, St. Joseph county on the west and Washington township on the east, was organized as an independent township; and from the '- Forest City " in Ohio, it was duly baptized and sprang into active life with the name of Cleveland." In the winter of lS37-'38 a petition was circulated suggesting that this territory should be again divided. The requisite number of signatures was received, the division accordingly made, and the eastern division, by proper organization, was made the township of Osolo.

The first settlement in Cleveland township was made about the year 1830, when Francis Eork. John and Frank Bashford and Mr. Bogart came and located by pre-emption on Cobert's creek on the western side of the township. Mr. Eork kept a public honse for a time, his house being about the first erected in the township. In 1834 this company was reinforced by the arrival of Mr. Dibble, Mr. Smith, D. J. and R. B. Clark, Mr. Jackson, Silas T. Mattox and possibly a few others. In the following fall, in 1835, came John and T. H. Evans, Walter Strong, Joseph Call, Samuel Houghland and Mr. Ormsby; also, soon afterward, J. D. Carlton and Mr. Bnrgitt. F. Bashford sold his pre-empted claim to Mr. Shiphard. T. H. Evans yet resides upon land of his first entry and upon which he first settled.

The first school was taught in 1835, which was held in a cabin belonging to Mr. Rork. The second term was taught by Miss Wealthy Evans, who was at that time but li years of age. The school room was soon found to be not sufficiently large to accommodate the school youth, who at one time, with accessions from the settlement at the south, numbered about 100. when a building of greater capacity was erected and schools were an acknowledged reality.

A settlement was begun in the southern part of the township by- Mr. Wagner, the Piersons and a number of others, who came in 1837. Several gentlemen by the name of Kedfield came from the State of New York, in 1835, and purchased a large tract of land lying ill this township and in the State of Michigan, adjoining. Mr. George Eedfield yet lives on a part of this purchase, being one of the wealthiest gentlemen in the township. Also the Ervin brothers are mentioned as coming in an early day and purchasing a large tract of land in the western part of the township, on which they made considerable improvement. George Ervin, one of the original owners, has since sold IjiiO acres of this land to the Notre Dame University, a large Catholic institution situated in St. Joseph county, on which this property bordered.

The first religious meetings were held in the school-houses, and the first preachers were Mr. Selcraig, an Episcopal, and Mr. Avery, a Universalist minister. The first church was built by the Methodist denomination, and stands on the township and county line, on the west. Jan. 12, 1878 a nieeting was called to perfect an organization looking to the erection or a church in the northern part of the township, in the locality now known as " Yankeetown." It then numbered about 25 members, among whom were Hiram Kautz, Andrew Kantz, Mr. and Mrs. Shinn, David and Susan Coleman, Joseph Dasher, Sarah Dasher, Hannah and Henrj' Dasher, Jacob Coleman, Amos Shinn, Lucinda Coleman, Sarah C. Shinn, Emeline Coleman, Agnes Kantz, Jonathan Brouse, Ester Brouse, C. Walter and Susan Walter, Mary Shafer, now deceased, and John E. Arbosest, - who immediately engaged zealously in the work, and as the result of that earnest determination, and the unselfish labors of all, they saw a house for worship erected within that year, being dedicated to that service Dec. 15, 1878. The building, in size, is 30xi5 feet, and 18 feet high in the main. The building and the o-rounds which the society purchased cost $1,800. Sunday-schools are continued throughout the year. During winter the attendance is about 60, and through the summer season the average is about 100. In 1878 the Methodists erected a fine and commodious church building, in a beautiful grove of oaks on section 2, in the southern part of the township.

In 1856 a flouring mill was built by Mr. James High, on Cobert's creek, in the southwest part of the township. The mill has two run of stone, is now owned by Mr. D. Darr, and is doing a thriviner business in that line.

The first election was held at the residence of T. H. Evans. Mr. Smith and Mr. Dibble were elected as justices of the peace, Mr. Evans was elected treasurer, and one of the trustees, which offices he held for several years.

The soil of this township o-enerally is very fertile, producing handsomely all kinds of farm crops. It is universally of a sandy nature and easy of cultivation. The farms are in the main under good cultivation, and many fine country residences are found. The farmers generally are iu good spirits, denoting prosperity, enterprise, tlirift and future liappiness.

Bioge.Iphical Sketches

JFoilowing are biographical notices of prominent citizens of Cleveland township, whose nationality, parentage, children, politics, religion, etc., are of interest to the commnnity.

T. H. Evans, an elderly farmer on sec. 29, whose P. O. address is Elkhart, was born in Rutland county, Vt., May 21, 1S03, the third son of Erederie and Wealthy (Cleveland) Evans. His mother was born in Connecticut, and died at the age of 86 years. His grandfather deserted from the old government of Great Britain, and with the notorious " Till '' came to America, and in the war of the Kevolution did valiant service in aid of the colonists in their struggle for liberty and independence. The subject of this sketch left Jiis parents at the age of nine years, to make his home witii Mr. Samuel Wright, who was a member of the Great American Eur Company. He lived with Mr. Wright, attending school and doing chores for board, nntil he was 14 years old, when he was placed in control of the saw-mill and oil mill owned by Mr. Wright. He made several expeditions with Mr. Wright to the headwaters of the Sennac, remaining about four montiis in the spring season, and three months in the fall, trapping for furs and bartering with the Indians. At the age of 19 he made a trip by water from Buffalo to Chicago, visiting the divisional points of trade established by that company. When 21 years of age, he superintended an extensive brick mannfactory at Dansville, New York. Jan. 5, 1826, he was married to Miss Lucinda Hughes, ot Washington county, New York, with whom he happily lived for more than half a century. Mrs. Evans died Nov. 6, 1879, at the age of 77 years. After their marriage they moved to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where for the following nine years Mr. Evans was engaged in the wagon and carriage trade. In 1835 they came to Elkhart county, Indiana, and began life here on a new farm, npon which Mr. Evans yet lives. They had 4 children born to them. 2 of whom are yet living: Ann. who is now the wife of Mr. Asa Clark, a tin merchant in the city of Elkhart; and Horatio,

Mr. Evans is the owner of 120 acres of fine land, under a fair state of improvement and cultivation, which is worth $60 per acre. He is also an earnest advocate and supporter of the principles of Eepublicanism.

Jacoi G. Frank is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Washington county Aug. 27, ISOi. He is the third son of George and Margaret Frank. Mrs. Frank is a member of the Hewit family, of Pennsylvania. At the age of seven years his parents moved to Stark county, Ohio, whither he accompanied them, and worked with his father on his farm until his 27th year, when he began farming for himself.

In 1S32, in order that life should be more pleasant and success more certain, he united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Lewis, daughter of Wm. and jS^ancy Lewis, natives of Pennsj'lvania, where Elizabeth was born in the year ISll. They remained in Ohio for about 22 years, when they came in IS.^i-l: and located on the land where they yet reside, in the full enjoyment of age, peace, and plenty. Tliis union of 1832 has been blessed by the birth of 8 childi'en, 4- of which are yet living, and are all married. George married Miss Mary llnggle, and now resides in the city of Elkhart. Saloara, who is the wife of the lie v. Michael Grager, is a resident of Elkhai't. Elizaljeth. also, is a i-esideut of this city. B. Quesual married Miss Jennie White, of Michigaii. Franklin was a member of the 48111 Tnd. Vol. Inf, and died of fever in the hospital near Corinth, Miss., one of the thousands who gave their life for the salvation of the country of their birth. Mr. and Mrs. Frank are worthy members of the Evangelical Church. They now own SO acres of valuable land, well improved with good buildings, and under good cultivation, worth §60 per acre. Thus it is demonstrated that a worthy farmer is not without honor even in his own country.

D((vid Hunt.finger was Ijorn I^ov. 15. 1821, in Montgomery count}-, Ohio, son of Henry and Mary Huntsinger, both natives of jSTorth Carolina, and emigrated to St. Joseph county in 1831. In this count}' our subject gained his majority, and was married jSTov. 27, 181:7, to Miss Julia A. High, who was born in Miami county, Ohio. They have had 7 children, o of wliom are living: Alice, James J., Joh.n C, David E., and Sarah M. Mr. H. settled in this tp. in 1860, where he has resided since. He served nearly three years in Co. G. 71th Ind. Yol. Inf, and was in Sherman's famous march to the sea. Mr. and Mrs. H. arc members of the First. Baptist Chui-ch at Elkhart; P. 0., Elkhart.

Hirain Kaiitz was born in Union county. Pa., April 11, 1833. His parents, Cristian and Anna Mary Kantz, were also natives of Pennsylvania. His lather is deceased, and his aged mother now resides in Snyder county, Pa. The subject of this sketch was reared as a farmer, which occupation he followed for two years after he was of age ; at this time he embarked in the mercantile trade in partnership with William Bojer, at what was afterward known as Kantz, Pa., there being a postoffice established through the labors of Mr. Kantz. After a few years Mr. K. sold out and went to farming, which occupation he has followed since. He emigrated to Bristol, this county, in 1872, and here he onlj^ made a short stay, when he settled in this tp., where he has followed the vocation ol farming. Mr. Kantz was married Dec. 8, 1859, to Miss Casandren Walter, who was born Jan. 5, 1839, in Union county. Pa. They have had 7 children : Agnes P., Calvin A., Sarah J., ITora 1)., Annie M., Charles W. and Ernest. Mr. Kantz is one of the leading citizens of this tp. At present is Township Trustee. He and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Residence, sec. 22; P. 0., Elkhart.

Mr. K. lived and worked on a farm with his parents until 23 3'ears of age, when he was married to Miss Sarah Click, daughter of Samuel Click, of Pennsylvania. They were married in Stark county, O., whes-e he had n)oved with his parents when 14 j'ears of age. Tlie}' lived i)i Ohio and continued farming until 1864, when they moved to Elkhart county, Ind., and located on the farm v\diere he now lives. They have had 3 children, 1 of which, Cornelius, died in Ohio at the age of seven years. The two yet livingare Gernianus D., married to Lovina Saunter, and resides in Elkhart county; and Samuel, married to Mary Xoyes, and also lives in this county.

Mr. Kuhns is the possessor of SO acres of excellent land, which is under a high state of cultivation, and worth, at a low estimate, $60 per acre. They are members of the Evangelical Church, much respected -in theii' community, and are living alone at their old home, in the full enjoyment of a retired farmer's life.

Leiand Ramadell^ deceased, was born in Vermont, Jan. 22, 1816, and is a son of Gideon and Sarah Ramsdell, natives of the same State. Mr. Pamsdell was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, which were the best that country afforded. In his 20th year he went to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he lived till 1865, when he came to this county. He was married March 31, 1841, to Phebe King, and had 7 children ; of these, 5 are living, viz. : Henry, Addison (who married Lizzie Mock), Lyman, Albert and Milton. Mr. Pamsdell was quite a prominent man in this county. He left a farm of 240 acres, which was all accumulated by his own industrious efforts. He died Feb. 19, 1876, aged 60 years and 28 daj's. He had been a member of the Evangelical Church for several years. The respect in which he was held by the Church and community was attested by the large attendance at his funeral.

G- W. Shipha7'd. until recentl}' a famner on sec. 15. is a native of Vermont, having been born at Edwardsbnrg, in sight of the Green mountains, Aug. 30, ISIO. He is the youngest son of David and Diadama v^Hopkins) Shiphard, natives of Bennington, Yt. His father died when he, George, was 11 years of age. He was married in 1S32. at the age of 22 years, to Miss Fannie Gottrel, daughter of Nicholson and Abbie Cottrel, natives of Massachusetts. Mr. Shiphard -and Miss Cottrel wei"e in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where they continued until 1S37, when thej' came to Indiana, and settled on the farm which he bought in 1S35. Mrs. Shiphard died in 1S3S. They had 4 children, of whom but one is yet living, Fannie, now the wife of Mr. Marks. Leander received a wound at the battle of Chickamauga, and died from the effects of that wound soon after. In the spring of 1839 Mr. Shiphard was married to j^chsah Cottrel, sister of his first wife. They have had i children. The 3 living are Lucia, now the wife of Mr. Dunama-ker, of Minnesota; Corwin married Miss Mary Luther and is living in ISTebraska. Solon, one of the deceased, while serving in the war of the rebellion, was taken prisoner, and for nine months was confined in Anderson ville prison; was afterward paroled, and when on his way home to "God's country" and when near Memphis, the boat on which they were sailing was blown to atoms by an explosion, and Solon's life went out before he reached the home of his father. Ella is married to Mr. Curtis and yet resides with her parents. The second Mrs. Shiphard died in 1871- The farm which Mr. S. has ust sold consisted of 160 acres, under a fine state of cultivation and worth $60 per acre.

Ch/irles L. Smith, farmer; P O., Edwardsburg, Midi.; was born in ( 'hautanqna county, !N'. Y., Oct. 21, 1826, the first son of Milo and Mary (Lathrop) Smith. His father was a native of Yermont, born Aug. IS, 1796, and his mother a native of Massachusetts, and died in Elkhart county in the 38th year of her age; father died in the 82d year of his age, at Edwardsburg. Charles remained on his father's farm until 13 years old, when they moved to St. Joseph connty, where he continued living with his parents until 21, teaching school and farming with h.is father until he was 27 years of age, when he married Miss Amelia Eoberson, daughter of Zachariah and Agnes Roberson, natives of New Jersey. He then bought a farm in Elkhart count}', on which he moved and where they have resided until the present tinie. They have had 3 children, all now living: Milo, who married and is living on the old farm; Charles A., who is now attending the college at Valparaiso, Ind.; the youngest, a daughter, is Cora B. Mr. Smith was nurt ured according to strict Democratic principles, but is now an earnest advocate and supporter of Republicanism. His grandfather went into the Revolutionary war as drummer boy and remained until peace was declared. Mr. Smith now owns a finely improved farm of 120 acres, with many e.xtra conveniences of his own arrangement .

Geo. A. Smith was born in Stark county, Ohio. Oct. 5, ISSli; his father, John S. Smith, was a native of Alsace, France, and came to America in 1S3S, settling- in Stark county, Ohio. He came to this connty with his family in 1S37 and settled in Cleveland tp. He died Oct. 29, 1ST9, lamented by all. He was a worthy member of the Evangelical Association; his two brothers, George and Peter, were soldiers in j^apoleon's army. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common school. He was married in 1SG2 to Miss Snsan Ever, daughter of Isaac Ever, and they have i children, viz.: Albert H.. Wesley E., Anna B. and Clara E! Jlr. Smith owns 280 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He held the office of Township Trustee for two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Evangelical Association.

John Stewart was born in Dauphin county. Pa., Jan. 13, 1S07, sou of John T. and Barbara (Lingle) Stewart, both of German descent; his fiither emigrated to Ohio in 1807. John, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania. He was married to Miss Margaret liudy March 15, 1S32, who was born May 20, ISll. in Dauphin county. Pa. They have 5 children: Margaret Samuel, John. David and Matilda. Mr. Stewart followed weaving in Pennsylvania, ami since locating here he has followed farming and stock-raising. Mi-. S. and also his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. Residence, sec. 26; P. O. Elkhart.

Jdcoh Wahl was born in Wirtemburg, Germany, Feb. 7, 1S09 His parents were George and Catharine ( Kaiffer) Wahl, of whom he is the youngest child. At the age of 22 he came with his parents to America and settled in Mahoning county, Ohio, where he continued working at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned and followed in the old country. He was married Aug. 23. 1838, in Mahoning count}', where lie and his wife continued to live until 1850, when they moved to Elkhart count}', Ind., and upon the farm wljere they now reside. Mrs. Wahl is the daughter of George and Sarah King, natives of Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Wahl was born August 23, 1816. Mr. Wahl was permitted to attend at the co!nmon schools of his neighborhood until his 14th year, which completed his education. Their children have been 8 in number, 6 of whom are yet living. They are Catharine ( now Mrs. Smith), Sophia (now Mrs. Jacob G. Gatz, of Grand Papids, Mich.), Jonathan H. (now a merchant in Illinois), Jacob (married and resides in the city of Elkhart), Wm. F. (married and living at Grand Papids i. and David (married and livingnear the old home in this county). Mr. Wahl is the owner of 200 acres of well-improved land, on which he resides, in the pleasant decline of old age. They are members of the Evangelical Church, in which society they have continued for U]jward of forty years, and when they shall have " finished their course" it shall certaink,- be said of them, that they " fought the good fight" and victory is surely theirs.

Inasmuch as the facts in this history of Clinton township are gathered only from the most reliable sources, and dates as to organization of township, biographical sketches, etc., carefully looked into, it were strange indeed if the items gathered together and blended and interwoven in this our historj' of a prosperous township and live, wide-awake people were not entirely, if nearly, free from error; and at the outset, for whatever merit these pages may possess, the writer thereof wishes to extend his thanks to the people of this township for the necessary information so kindly furnished, that they may there read, when the iiistory shall have attained massive proportions, a record of their lives as cast amid pioneer associations and worthy their manhood in the trying scenes of Western life. The township of Clinton, but a small spot indeed upon the surface of the globe, is yet fraught with interest to the sons and daughters of that agricultural class, who, through an energy born of the scenes in which they lived, have arisen from the obscurity of poverty to attiuence or to a position of independence in a financial view, at least.

From a careful search of the records and a personal interview in many cases, the township is found to be named by one of the earliest Elkhart county pioneers in 1S36, in honor of his son Clinton, now a practicing physician near Ligonier, Ind. The first election was held on the first Monday in August, 1836, and the following were the names of the voters at the time: Solomon Benner, Wm. Pearman, ^Ym. Carmien, Wilson McConnell, Enoch Bomer, Samuel Thomas, Jacob Baker, Isaac Biby, James Acton, Peter Mont, Martin Biles, Geo. Biles, Peter Biles, Wm. Denney, John Denney, George Zullinger and Col. Denney. The Board of Trustees consisted of Geo. Zullinger, Wilson McConnell, Peter Mont and Jacob Bockenover. The justice of the peace, we are informed, was Wilson McConnell. Elias Simpson, son of Wm. Simpson, was the first child born in the township. To the casual reader it might appear that the history of the townships would be in corresponding ratios to each other. The habits of the people difier but little. There was a social equality and depth of good- (692) will that cemented firmly the bonds of friendship between these people strngglino- for foothold upon the soil of the Hoosier State, and vet in some respects the history of one township would not be the history of another.

Inasmuch as one such history is replete with the soul-stirring incidents of the deer-hunter or the backwoodsman, wliose fields went by default while he knelt in the solitude of the forest upon the banks of some clear, rnnning stream and adjusted the traps that brought a small revenue from the fur catch usually made duiing the spring and autumn seasons, and thus while the broadshouldered yeoman of one township shouldered his gun in merry independence of the land that could have been obtained for a trifie, his neighbor, perhaps, of an adjoining township, with a keen eye to business, raised his lowly cabin, planted his first crop, cleared the mighty oak from his pathway and prepared for an advance in land and an era of prosperity in the future years; and others of like ilk, having no time for idleness or dissipation, emulated his example, and soon the smoke from a score of cabins floated out over the tree-tops, and the grand work of founding a township, a county and a State had fairly begun. Such were the men who settled within the borders of this township, whose lessons of economy in the old-time States of Pennsylvania and Ohio were not lost upon them here; and not many years elapsed before neat frame houses were seen in lieu of tlie cabin with its wide, unseemly rireplace and stick chimney. Yet it is not to be presumed that a community of any township allowed the pressure of business to interfere with all social pleasures. On the contrary, many a prosperous citizen farmer of this townsliip recalls, with fond recollections, the giddy mazes of the dance, the mirth-provoking husking-bees, cabin-raisings, shooting-matches and kindred sports, that made up the sum total of frontier happiness.

It may not be amiss here to relate one or more anecdotes of events at a time when the raili'oad found a resting place only upon Eastern soil, and the steamboat, unquestionably one of the great civilizers of this age, rode in triumph only the billows of the Hudson or Eastern waters.

Samuel Ulery is a true ty]3e of tlie pioneer, fond ot a joke, and a presiding genius on any and all occasions, a practical joker. He frequently called down the vials of wrath upon his youthful head, only to be turned into merriment the nest instant by the ludicrous aspect of the humorous joker and well-timed remarks. One day it was announced in the community that all hands were expected to bear a part in a log-rolling the following day. After a few preliminary remarks some dispersed to their homes, and those who did not were instructed by an excellent leader, Mr. Ulery, to finish the allotted task for the morrow by moonlight, and on its completion to proceed to the smoke-house of the individual, where all eatables were stored, and despoil the receptacle of such substantial articles as hung therein. lu due time this silent, self-appointed committee succeeded admirably in both designs, and the following morning were to all intent, innocent and amazed spectators of an empty larder, and an utterly non-plussed aad bewildered neighbor, whose astonishment knew no bounds at a prospective day's work accomplished.

"Wm. Pearman (deceased) was a well-remembered citizen of this township, and among the earliest settlers. During the days when the aborigines were still numerous, he frequently made long trips to mill. In the meantime his family awaited patiently his return, but the absentee, as it frequently happened, returned only after the lapse of days, and the family of the energetic pioneer dined upon a rude, but we will suppose invigorating, repast, in lieu of the meal or flour so farfetched. In imagination let us lift the latch-string of the cabin door, a harbinger of welcome alike to friend or stranger, and enter the humble abode where the family had gathered around a plain deal table to partake of their noon-day meal. Dishes or bowls, few in number, rest securely upon a snow-white table-cloth, tlieir contents plain, unadulterated hominy save the extra bowls of sweet fresh milk that formed a most delicious dessert for an otherwise decidedly limited bill of fare.

But as the years fled by and immigration quickly populated this township, the pastimes and hardships became emblems of the past, and handsome and substantial farm houses arose upon the site where formerly nestled an abode of far humbler pretentions. Churches were also erected by a now prosperous people; also school-houses, neatl}' painted and lavishly furnished within.

Twenty-three years ago the religious sect known as Amish worshiped in private dwellings, but shortly thereafter became enabled to build a house of worship. The first ministers were John Smiley, Chris. Plank and J. Troyer. Present pastors, Benjamin Slirock and Eli Miller. This church was rebuilt four years ago. Present membership, about 200.

Twenty years ago the religious community known as Dunkards, or German Baptists, worshiped during the summer season in i^artis. The first pastor was Jacob Berkey. Present membership in the comparatively new Church, about 200; cost of building, about $3,000. Elders, Levi H. Weaver, D. J. Hostettler, Isaac Berkey and Benjamin Stutzman.

The Lutheran Church, presided over by Eev. John B. Blakemore, is a decidedly handsome brick edifice, and the attendance is quite large. The number of inhabitants in the township is probably about 1,000, and there are few townships in the county, if any, where farming is more successfully carried on, or a more liberal spirit pervading its citizens.

There are few individuals now living within the corporate limits of Clinton township, or, indeed, the county of Elkhart, who have contributed more toward its prosperity and progress than Solomon Miller, who settled in this township iu 18i2, one year later locating on the site of what is now the fiuurisiiing city of Millersburg. During the winter of 1S55 he conceived the idea of a town that would answer the ]'>urpose of diverting trade from some of the country towns, as Bristol, Middlebury, Goshen, etc. He was at the time the owner of 1(30 acres, all of which is now comprised within the corporate limits of Millersburg, in the southwest quarter of section Si. Tlie town was platted by Mr. Miller, and surveyed by J. R. McCoi-d, wiio for many years was county surveyor. Streets were laid out and names given to them, as Walnut, Cook, Clinton and Jefferson.

James C. Miller, son of Solomon Miller (from whom this sketch is obtained), erected the first building, a small but neat frame dwelling-house, in what is termed the original town of Millersburg. Additions have been made by others as the town grew in importance. David Eld ridge built the second residence in the place, and the first store. He is described as a soznewhat eccentric genius, who opened out with a limited stock of dry-goods and groceries. On one occasion a customer wishing to purchase twenty yards of muslin was firmly but respectfully declined, on the plea of limited stock and an unwillingness to be the proprietor of an empty store. "Wm. A. Potter was the successor of the above gentleman in the mercantile line, and succeeded, transacting a somewhat lucrative business, and added somewhat to the appearance of their infant village by the erection of what might be termed au eight-square building, to which he afterward transferred his stock. The railway projected in 1S55, known a.- the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Air-Line, aud completed in lSo6, was the means of a large increase in population: and mechanics, business men and farmers became eager purchasers of town lots, some of which were sold by the fortunate owner for almost fabulous sums. Considerable building was carried forward prior to the war; but when armed treason had been trampled into the dnst by the loyal people of the North, when victory wore a garland of peace tliroughout the lengtli and breadth of the land, the now noticeable town had gained some commercial importance that caused a feeling of uneasiness to pervade the inkabitpnts of other inland towns whose birtii dated back a score of years or more previous. A temporary depot for the accommodation of the traveling public was built in 1837 or 185S, which served the purpose of freight and passenger traffic until 1878, when the present depot, constructed after a more modern style, became a source of creditable ]3ride to the worthy people of Millersbnrg.

From 1856 to 1860 the town boasted of but few inhabitants, and for four long, desolate years, from 1861 to 1865, the fruits of the war, as we have stated, cast a sliadow upon it; but from 1866 to 1S79 the people, aroused as it were from the ashes of inactivity, went to woi'k with renewed zeal, and the very air became musical with the ring of the hammer and the rasping sound of the saw in mechanical hands. ISTot only were new houses seen going up in all directions upon every street, but new store buildings began to go up, ultimately presided over Vjy men of force and standing in the community; and among those men we take especial pride in mentioning, besides those we have alluded to, Messrs. Hoffman & Davis, who built the store building now occupied by Mr. Pence, a leading drj'-goods merchant, and successor of Hoffman & Davis; Elhart Ells & Bowers can also be included in the list as dry-goods merciiants, and were gentlemen of unquestioned ability and decided energy. John U. Christener, deceased, opened out with a miscellaneous stock. Pie is described as a man of honor, thrift and uncommon energy, and succeeded well with the people with whom he cast his lot. He died some four years ago, and the business of the store is now successfully carried forward by the estimable widow of tlie deceased. Eli Wilson and Messrs. J. & J.

W. H. Kiblinger &Co. is a firm that commands the confidence of the people whose trade center is at Millersburg, and we accordingly speak of it. The firm is composed of father and son, though the junior member is senior in point of age. The origin of the business dates back to nine years ago, the firm style then being P. F. Kiblinger. "W. H. Kiblinger afterward became sole proprietor, and subsequently a In-other, J. W. Kiblinger, became a partner. Last fall he retired from the firm, and P. F. Kiblinger again became connected with the business, really in name alone, however, for he is interested in the introduction of a patent eaves-trough, and the management of the business naturally rests with his son, who is a business man by training and experience; was for three years bookkeeper in a large book and publishing house of Chicago, and since locating here he finds his time well occupied. The firm is the only one in the village which does a hardware, stove, tinware and agricultiiral implement trade. They have a well-stocked establishment, too. Mr. Kiblinger, Sr., is a native of Virginia, and 28 years ago located in Lagrange county, this State, from there removing here. "While not among the oldest residents of this immediate iocalit}', both father and son are to be spoken of as progressive business men, and so we make this mention.

W. T. Barnard is the only representative of the drug trade in Millersburg. Mr. Barnard has been a resident of the county for the past nine years; he is a native of jSTew York State and once before lived here, and seven years ago engaged in the grocery trade in this village. Continuing it as a specialty until three years ago he then added drugs to his other stock, and since then drugs and groceries have comprised his trade. Mr. Barnard has a good business, a business built up by fair dealing. He is well known to all who make Millersburg a purchasing point and our report upon the trade of the county naturally enough embraces him. Mr. Barnard is a middle-aged gentleman - a reporter's guess would place him at about "40." Pie is wide awake to his business interests, and it is to be hoped he will be comprised in our business circle these many years yet.

D. & H. Hockert constitute, we believe, the most recently organized firm in the village, they having established their present house last July. Neither of the gentlemen are strangers to this community, however, for they are, although young men, among the oldest residents of the county, iu fact they are natives. For the past ten years thev have been in. the mercantile business in Pleasantville, Iowa. The Messrs. Hockert are making a specialty of the drygoods and general merchandise trade.

The first physicians of the place were Wm. Chamberlain and Bartlett Larimer, who located about 185S. The minister was Wm. Bowmer, who settled about 1S50, and preached in the school-house, built in 1855. The first church was of Lutheran denomination, was commenced Aug 7, 1867, and dedicated one year later, Aug 18. Pastor, G. J. Biddle. A second church of the Presbyterians was built about this time, and of the two was the first organized. The German Reformed Church, or perhaps now more widely known as the "' American " Reformed Church, was brought to completion in 1S68. Pastor, Henry Bayr. Iu 1878 the present commodious school-house, superseding the frame, and rather classed as a " pioneer " school-house, was erected. In 1879 the first school-honse situated in town was destroyed by fire.

Miller's north addition to the town was made in about 1860, the eastern addition during tiie war. The town coiniirises about 80 acres, numbers about 500 ]3opulation, is very pleasantly situated at the extreme southern portion of Clinton township, and is a shipping town of considerable importance. Its leading professional and business men, not omitting the ministerial profession, are: Drs. Bartlett Larimer, S. B. Junkins, J. W. .Jennings and Dr. Witmer; Rev. Mr. Work, uastor of the Methodist Episcopal; of the Lutheran, Jabez Shaifer; Rev. Mr. Ziegler, of the Reformed; Presbyterian, no regular pastor; Roman Catholic, built during the present year and dedicated; no regular pastor to date. There are two grocerystores, three dry-goods stores, two drug stores, two hardware stores, one grist-mill, one saw-mill and planing-mill (the proprietor, Mr. L. W. Witmer, also attends to scroll work in connection with his other business enterprises); and two cooper shops.

The first postmaster was Wm. Brown, appointed by Buchanan; there have been several since then. In 1877 Mr. Miller became the postmaster, receiving his recognition as such from President Hayes. The first hotel was built by J. and J. Singler, occupied at first by Singler, then David Gross and Samuel Weyborn; the present occupant is .J. S. Vanhauten. Lawrence Konant built a hotel, now known as the " Union House."

Each one has lifted a hand that the tide of aliiaence might tend steadily upward and onward, and great honor rests upon them for their eiforts in the founding of a town, their extension and diffusion of knowledge, and liberal patronage of literary productions of merit. The town is quiet and orderly; few disorderly characters stain the records of its existence. The Constable is Ernest Long; Justice of the Peace, Wm. B. Paish.

Biogkaphical Sketches

The histor}' of Clinton township would be far from complete v.'ithont the sketches of the lives of its most prominent citizens, which we now proceed to gi\'e as faithfully as it is possible to corajiile such mat

Daniel Bachelor, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 3; P. 0., Millersburg. In this friendship is seemingly at a discount and sociability of rare occurrence when compared with former years, it is with a feeling of unalloj'ed pleasure that one grasps with friendly hand the pioneer whose aged footsteps still traverse the shores of time. Among the few veteran pioneers Daniel Bachelor is wortliily classed. He was born in Hancock county, Me., in ISOS, the son of Benjamin and Olive (Layton) Bachelor. After a short residence at his native place he accompanied his parents to Athens county, 0., where ho received a district-school education. He married Mary, daughter of Eli Evritt, of the State of New York. Moved from Ohio to this county in early day, when the forests were inhabited by wild beasts and Indians, and the prairies were unbroken; the dwellings of white people were few and far between. He purchased a piece of land, and here, enclosed in the forest and surrounded by the aborigines, the wolves and plenty of wild game, he lived happily for many years, participating occasionail}' in the log-j'ollings incident to the time, and in hunting expeditions, etc., killing one autumn season 27 deer. At this time it was his wont to make his way to what is called "Elkhart Prairie" for breadstuif. There was tlien upon the banks of Elkhart river a grist-mill, constructed after the ]iattern of that day. There were no regular schools or churches, although it was the habit of those religioush' inclined to assemble for worsiiip at some neighbor's cabin. Mr. and Mrs. Bachelor have 5 children living : Marion, William, Mary J., John and Eliza. Mr. B. votes the straight Democratic ticket, casting his first vote for Jackson and his last for Hancock.

Mrs. Esther Beanewas, born in Preble county. O., Nov. 14, 18U9, the daughter of Adam and Esther (Hardmau) Harter, of German descent; was educated in Ohio, where she resided until marriage, in 1830, to Joseph Beane, a native of Virginia; they 'have had 8 children, of whom 2 sons and 5 daughters are living. The fauiily removed to Elkhart Prairie in 1S37. aud endured all the privations of pioneer life. Mrs. B. was obliged to fasten her doors and secure her children in the house, so numerous were the wolves in the immediate vicinity. Mr. B. was a prominent and well-known citizen of Elkhart county, having served several terms as Justice of the Peace, several years as an Associate Judge, and one term as a member of the Legislature. During his life-time he married more couples than any other official in the county; was also a man of considerable literary taste, and died in 187S, an exemplary member of the M. E. Church. j\[rs. E. is a member of the same denomination.

J . H. Berry, farmer, sec. 35; P. 0.. Millei-sburg; was born in the State of JS' ew York in 1S34. the second child of Thomas and Margaret Berry; father a native of Mexico, and mother of Holland. They became residents of Ohio in 1834. J. H. grew to mature years in liis native place and in 1S63 he married Margaret, daughter of Amos and Susannah Down, of this State, and their 3 children are: Clarence D., Marj- E. and Amos. During the war Mr. B. dealt considerably in tax-title land, and in 1867 he purchased his present propertj' of 1-16 acres.

Simon' Booinershire was born Aug. 3, 1813, in Montgomery county, O., a son of Peter and Maria M. (Eumberger) Boomershire, of German ancestry; attended high school one term; followed farming and also taught school in Ohio until 23 years of age, when he was married to Hannah C. Schroyer, a native of Ohio, and of their 10 children 6 are living, and are well-known residents of this county. Mr. B. is an old resident here; has been Tp. Trustee, and Assessor of Jackson tp. for a number of years. He resided in the latter tp. from his immigration to this county in 1838 to his removal to Millersburg in 1877. Himself asid wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Amos Brown, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10; P. O., Goshen; was born in Pennsylvania in 1818, the sixth child of Kobert and Sarali Brown, natives of Maryland and early settlers of the Keystone State; they removed to Perry county. Pa., in 1827, and in 1837 Amos settled in what is now Middlebury tp., in this county, and subsequently changed his residence to this tp., where he now resides on a farm of 80 acres. In December, 1838, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of John Phillips, of Virginia, and of their 8 children 4 are living. Mrs. Brown died in 18.5-1, and the following year Mr. B. married Mrs. Brode, relict of David Brode, and daughter of Miles Evans, of Pennsvlvania; bv this marriacre there is 1 child.

Jo}iii. Bryner, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Millersburg; was born in Pennsylvania in 1833, a son of Jacob and Rachel E. (Hart) Bryner; settled in this tp. whe,n 21 years of age; married Malinda, daughter of David McGeary, and they have i children, Charles, John, James and Jennie. Mr. Bryner is a zealous Republican.

Madlsoii C'hivington, deceased, was born in Ohio in 1S30, a son 01 John and Harriet (^Patten) Chivington; the exact date of his settlement in this county cannot now be ascertained, bnt it was probably over 25 years ago. He ^vas married in this tp. to Miss Fanny, dauo;hter of Fred and Maria (Pickle) Staver, and their 5 children are Aadelia. Annabel, Sarah J., Thomas J. and Mary Emily. When the " Solid Sonth " Jiang- to the breeze the black flag of secession. Mr. C. enlisted in the defense of the Union, and served faithfully for 15 months, when he was honorably discharged; he died in ISB-t, from the effects of exposure in the service. He was a faithful member of the M. E. Church.

John Conkliii was born in Wayne county, N. Y., Oct. 29, 1S30, son of Gabriel and Maria (Dygert) Conklin, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of iNew York State; when very young his father died, and in IS-i-t he was brought by his mother and stepfather in immigration to this county; worked in a saw-mill near Goshen IS years. Li 1853 he married iSfancy E. Hunt, who died in August, 1S50, leaving 3 children; in September, 1861, Mr. C. married Angelia Mabie, who died two years afterward, leaving 1 daughter, who now resides in Kosciusko county. During the war i\ir. Conklin enlisted in the 7-lth Ind. Vol. Inf., and paiticipated in the battles of Perry ville, Chickamauga Sept. 19-20. Mission Ridge Xov. 25, 1863; was wounded at Chattahoochie July 9, 1864, when he was sent to the Jeftersonville, Ky., hospital, and thence to Madison, Ind., where he was discharged March 7, 1865; he then returned to his own home in this county and resumed his former occupation at the mill. Sept. 22, 1865, he married Mary Ann Knpp, and they have 1 son and 4 daughters, all bnt 1 of whom are now attending the high school at ilillersbnrg. Mr. C is now foreman in the extensive steam saw and planing mill of L. W. Witmer, in Millersburg. Pie is a staunch Republican, and both himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

B. F. Dewey., farmer, sec. 33; was born in this tp. in 18-1:7, the son of C B. and Mary Ann (Benjamin") Dewey, who were natives of Ohio, and of English descent; father was an early settler of this county, a prominent farmer, and in politics a Republican; he died in 1862; B. F.'s mother was a member of the Lutheran Church and died October 22, 1S79. B. F. and his brother C. N. are conducting the farm of the old homestead, and the latter is also a successful school-teacher; a sister is at home with them. The farm which they successfully carry on consists of 230 acres, 80 acres of which belong to B. F. Dewey. The latter was married Sept. 21, 1871, to Samantha Longear, and they have 3 children. He is a Republican, and she is a member of the M. E. Church.

Dillon was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1817. His parents were natives of the same State, and of English ancestry. He removed with his parents to Ohio in 1819, where he attended the common school; at a suitable age was apprenticed to the blacksmithing trade for a term of six and one-half years. Was Constable and Snpervicor in (Jhio, in which State he vras married in 1839, to Mary Green: they have had 2 children, who are now residents of tliis State. -\Irs. Dillon died in 1858. Mr. D. was again married in 1861, to Elizabeth Grimes, daugh.ter of an old resident of Clinton tp. They are the pai'cnts of 6 children, of whom 5 are living, viz.: James F".. born Aug. 31, 1862.; Marion Belle, May 23, 1868 f William E., Dec. 8, 1872; Eufiis W., June 10, 1875; Emma Jane, April IS, 1879. Mr. D. is a member of the M. E. Church, and politically a E-epnblican.

Jonathan Guntle, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Fish Lake; was born in Preble connty, 0., in 1827, the 3d son of Peter and Mary Gnntle, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, father a resident of Ohio from 1802 to 1849. and mother from ISOi to 1869, when she died. In 1865 Jonathan settled in this township, where he has since resided, following farming and school-teaching. In 1863 he enlisted as a private soldier in the service of the Government, and experienced the exciting episodes incident to Morgan's memorable raids. In 1854, in Preble county, O., he married Miss Caroline, a daughter of Henry Snider, sr., of that county, and of their 10 children 7 are living : William II. H., James M., Sivilla H., John D. D., John Q. Adams, Charles Carroll and Caroline. Mr. G. is a gentleman of refined taste, liberal education and exemplary manners.

Jacob Ildsel was born Oct. 32, 1834, in Pennsylvania. His parents were John M. and Mary (Frederick) Hasel, natives of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. They removed to Huntington county. Ind., where he was for some time employed in a saw-raill, but soon became dissatisfied with that part of the country, which was tlien densely wooded, and he soon concluded to return to Ohio, where he made but a short stay, and once more came to Indiana, this time settling in Middlebury tp., whei-e for a portion of the time he followed carpentering, and was also engaged in farming.

Mr. H. was married Jan. 1, 1857, to Elizabeth Yonker. They are the parents of 5 children, 2 of whom are living, namely: Ellie J., about 20 years of age. and Willie L., about IS years of age. Mr. H. is a member of the German Baptist Church; was Land Appraiser for one year: owns a valuable farm, with pleasant surroundings.

Peter Hoffman was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1826, the son of Micliael HofFman; educated in the common schools^ of his native place; emigrated to this country, landing in Kew York in 1847; learned, and followed for a number of years, carpentering and cabinet-making, by which he made his start in the world; for 14 j'ears he was road-master on the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne railroad, a position that requires a thorough business man; at the end of this time, although the company was not willing to give him up, he resigned his situation and went to farming, and since that time has been engaged in that vocation. He was married Nov. 10. 1852, to Elizabeth Dillman. and they have 2 sons and 7 daughters. Mr. and Mrs. H. belong to the Lutheran Church, of which society

]Mr. H. is one of the trustees. Politically be is a Democrat, and as a farmer he is considered first class; he owns 240 acres of good laud. He settled in this tp. iu 1S60.

John Hoovens. farmer, sec, 20; P. 0.. Goshen; was born in this county in 1838, son of Matthias and Frances Hoovens, natives of Virginia, who settled here in 1835, and were therefore among the original pioneers of Northern Indiana. Mr. H. received a fair education considering the period of time in which he passed his boj'hood. and acquired his present property by the slow and gradual process of unremitting toil. He now owns 140 acres. In 1S66 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Samuel Gripe, of this tp., and they have 6 children: Emma. Amza, Maranda. Gordelia, Gharles and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. H. belong to the Baptist Ghurch.

J. A. Hoover, a prominent and successful farmer on sec. 8, was born in Pennsylvania March 3, 1825, the son of Abraham and Christina (Martin) Hoover, natives of that State, and of German descent; educated in the common school in Ohio; was married in IS-xS to Susannah Eschliman, born Aug. 22, 1826, and of their S children 6 are living, namely: Abraham, born Aug. 3, 1849, and died April 2, 1873; John M.. born Aua;. 20. 1850; Martin E., born Sept. 27, 1852; Mary, born Feb. 22, 1854, and died May 1, 1873; Christian, born May 17. 1856; Elizabeth, born March 27, 1858; Samuel A., born Aug. 16, 1S60; and Jonas 0., born Aug. 10, 1863. The eldest was born in Stark county. O., and all the rest of the children in Indiana; they are all intelligent and industrious, and have a good education; most of them are members of the Church, Mennonite or Amish. Politically Mr. Hoover is a Democrat, and has held the office of Tp. Trustee. He owns 120 acres of land where he resides, besides 160 in Illinois, where he lived several years.

Isaac Sorn, farmer, sec. 29; P. 0., Millersburg; was born in Ashland county, O., in 1844, and is the third son of Frederick and Deborah Horn, ?z.t'e Green, residing in Ohio until attaining his 20tli year. Isaac located in this county in August, lS(i2. He enlisted in Co. E, 74th Ind. Vol. Inf., for three years' service or during the war, participating in numerous engagements, as Cliickamauga. Spoon liiver, etc. During the fierce combat at Atlanta he was severely wounded in the face. Feb. 27, 1S65, he was iionorably discharged, wlien he returned home, where since the war he has established a well-stocked farm, comprising 60 acres. The wife of Mr. Horn was Miss Sarah Simpson, a daughter of George and Margaret, nee Justis, Simpson, and their marriage occurred in 1869.

James JS'or?!, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Goshen; was born in Ohio. He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in August, 1862, in Co. E, 74th Ind. Vol. Inf., and participating in the battles of Chickamauga. Jonesboro, Mission Ridge, etc. He was married Nov. 1, 1864. to Miss Elizabeth Hostetler. wlio died iu February, 1879. The second wife of Mr. Horn was Miss Mahala King, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth King, nee Burns.

AhraJio.m Hostetler, fanner, sec. i; P. 0., Fisli Lake; was born in Lagrange county, tliis State, in ISiO, the son of Emanuel H. and Fanny (Stutzman) Hostetler; married Miss Priscilla, daughter of John and Mary Yoder, who was born in lSi6 in Wayne county, 0., and settled here 12 years ago. The children are Chauncey M., Harmon H., Franklin, Ardelia May and Alvin E.

Mrs. Isahella Hulvey was born March 20, 1S29, in Champaign county, 0., and is the daughter of William and Matilda Latta, early settlers on Elkhart Pj'airie, who emigrated to Indiana in 1S29. The subject of this sketch was educated at the college at Ontario, Indiana, and in 1S56 was married to Henry B. Hulvey, and their 4 cliildren living are: Lilian, aged 23; William II., about 22; Anna M., I'J; and Susan E., 16. "When Mr. Hulvey was married he was extensively engaged in the dry-goods trade, and ran a grist and saw-mill; he afterward went to farming in Benton tp. He died Sept. 24, 1S76, leaving a handsome piece of property, v/hich he had accumulated wholly by his own industry. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Clini'ch.

J. H. Kaiijfjnan, farmer and fruit-raiser, sec. 21); P. O., MiUersbnrg; was born in 1S35 in Ohio, the eldest son of David Kauffman, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Ohio many years ago. The subject of this biography was united in marriage, in Wa)-ne county, 0., to Miss Barbara Smoker. For some little time Mr. K. worked at- his trade of carpenter and joiner, and in 1S53 located in Lagrange county, Iiid., where he married Miss Lydia Miller, a daughter of Solomon and Pache! Miller, by whom he has 10 children: Mary, Adeline, Pebecca, Barbara, Lydia A., Martha, Daniel, Samuel, Fanny and Emanuel. Mr. K. is very successful as a small-fruitraiser, especially of the AVilson strawberry, rasj^berries, grapes of all varieties, aiul other small fruits too numerous to mention. He also manufactures an excellent l.)rand of grape and o;her wines, that have brought him considerable more than a local reputation. Adjoining the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Miller is a spring of living water, unsurpassed in this county, and of an even temperature throughout the year. Mr. K. has 60 acres of land.

Joseph S. Kauffman. deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in September, 1819, a son of Andrew and Anne (Stod'er) Kauft'inan, and their children since burn are: (.'hris.. John, Jacob, Fred., Andrew, i'enjamin. Joseph. Magdalena, Elizabeth and jSTancy. In Bedford county. Pa.. jSTovember, 1850. Mr. Kauffman married Elizabeth Evans, a lady of unusual intelligence, who proved a good help-meet in the subsequent battle of life. Their children are: .Vlbert, ilahala. Levi, Itufus, .Vmzi. John H.. and Laura, deceased. Mr. K. settled in this tp. in 1S51. he i:)urchased SO acres of land, on which he conducted his farming business with success. He died in 1S7G. respected as a gentleman, and as a man of advanced ideas. He was a member of the M. E. Church.

Eachel Larimer, wlio were married March 12. ISIS, the names of the childrer being Brice. William. Isaac. Margaret, Eleanor, David, Bartlett, John and Edson. Jolm Larimer was of Irish descent, Rachel Larimer of Scotch descent. John moved with his family from Ohio to Middlebnrj tp.. Elkhart county, lud., arriving Oct. 1.5, 1S35. being among the early settlers. Bartlett Larimer had bad health when starting to move, and it was expected by many that he would be planted by the road-side, but on the way he began to recruit, and soon after arriving in Indiana would call for something to eat through the night. He was so slender and light that coming along his father could lift him in and out of the moving wagon by the coat collar. His father entered and settled on 2S0 acres of land in Elkhart county, and owned 160 acres more in Noble county, Ind. At this time there were still a good many Indians in Middlebiiry tp. and they used frequently to visit Mr. Larimer's residence. The Doctor's mother died Aug. 15. 1S3S. in the 3Sth year. The family lived as well as they could without a mother, till the father went back to Ohio and married Mrs. ISancy Smith, Jan. 30. ISiO. She brought along with her. her 3 children) Ellen, John and Green Smith., which considerably increased the size of the family. They all lived peacealily together, for tlie stepmother was a very tine woman. The father died Feb. "li. ISiS. in the 1:9th year of his age. After that the familv lived on the farm as usual for a 3'ear or two, when the stepmother concluded to go back to Hocking county, O., to the farm she had left on coining to Indiana. Brice, Eleanor and Bartlett Larimer carried on the old farm, till the fall of 1850.

Up to that time Bartlett Larimer had attended the district school about three moutlis each year; also attended the Lagrange Collegiate Institute at Ontario, Lagrange county, Ind., Wabash College, Michigan University, and worked hard and economically to make his way through school and get a start in the world. After traveling some time in the Northwest and West, teaching school and doing other odd jobs, he attended a medical course at the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, dissected subjects of both sexes, and Jan. 7, 1864, he received a diploma from the Rush Medical College, at Chicago. Commenced tlie practice of medicine in Missouri in 1858, followed his profession about five months in Columbus Citj', Kansas; taught singing school also, with success. Arrived in Elkhart county in April, 1S59; spent the two ensuing summers in Lagrange county, Ind.; bought some land, 120 acres all together.

Aug. 23, 1860, he married Sarah Emily, daughter of Solomon Miller, on whose farm Millersburg was located. His children are: Bartlett, jr., born July IS; 1870, and John, born May 10. 1872. He began the practice of his profession here Oct. 1. iS60;Luilta. house the next spring. In February, 1S62, his brother Edson began studying medicine with him, continued till Oct. 1. 1862, and then he, Edson, attended a six months' course of medical lectures at the Michigan University. Nov. 3, 1862, Edson Franklin, first son of

Bartlett Larimer, was born. April 1, 1863, his brother Edson came back from college and studied with him and practiced some till Oct. 5, 1S63, when Bartlett Larimer left his business with him and to Chicago and attended another full course of medical lecturesat Rnsh Medical College, where he graduated, as before stated.

He returned to Millersburg the latter part of January, 186^. and has carried on a successful practice till the present time. He kept his business settled tolerably close, and in 1864 purchased SO acres of land in Noble county, Ind., for $680.00, twenty acres joining Millersbnrg on the north, for $1,000.00 ,and 523 acres in Lagrange county, Ind., for $1,569; sold house, and built another in Millersburg. In September, 1865, W. H. Short commenced to study medicine with him, attended his first course of lectures, term of 1866-'7, at University of Michigan, then returned, studying and practicing some with him until the fall of 186S, when he went back to the Michigan University and graduated in the spring of 1869. W. H. Short located in Lagrange, Ind., May, 1869, where he has been doing a very large and successful practice. In a letter to Dr. Larimer he says: " Noting the above dates brings fresh to my mind, many pleasant times and recollections of Millersburg. I often think of the encouragement you used to give me, when I was almost discouraged, especially the first year. I now look back over the period that I was studying and trying to prepare for the work as the most pleasant part of my life."'

Dr. Larimer is an independent thinker in the science of medicine, and evidently does not dose his patients any more than he believes is necessary for their good.

Dr. L. is a strong temperance worker, believing that both alcoholic drink and tobacco are never required by the human system. At one time he, with the aid of counsel, prevented all the drunkardmakers in the county from obtaining license. He is also active in Sunday-school work; has been S. S. Superintendent 16 years.

The Doctor has owned considerable land; has sold from time totime, and still has 160 acres in Elkhart county, 155 in Noble county, and 378 in Lagrange county.

In 1879 Dr. Larimer visited Europe, via Ireland, Scotland, England and the continent, and saw the principal sights, too numerous to mention here. Since returning to "sweet home" he has attended to his usual business, and at the solicitation of others hasdelivered several public lectures on topics relating to this grand tour.

Anthony Lesoh was born in Luxemburg, Germany, May 22, 1818; his father, a leading citizen of his locality, was William and his mother was Margaret (Strae) Lesch. The subject of this sketch received his education at the graded or common schools of his native country, and was apprenticed to the cabinet business, which he thoroughly mastered. He underwent a critical examination, at which specimens of his handicraft were exhibited before receiving* a license to follow the cabinet-makiuo- business. He was married in 1S3S to Angelina Hoifman, and they had 9 children. She departed this life in 1S61. Mr. L. was married again in 1868 to Mary Eiland, and is the father of 16 children, 9 of whom are living, - i sons and 5 daughters. Mr. Lesch has been for many years extensively engaged in the shipping of lumber and staves to Chicago and other points, in connection with which he also carries on farming. He also bnilt the lirst house within the corporate limits of Millersburg; also keptjboarding house and grocery at an early day, and has accumulated by energy and industry a handsome competence. Mr. L. and family are prominent members of the Koman Catholic Church, and were largely instrumental in securing for the Catholics of Millersburg and vicinity the line church in that town, now nearly completed.

Ernest Long was born in Allen county, Ind., in 1S55, the son of William and Mary i^Muldoon ) Long, father a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, and mother of Canada East; received his education in the common schools of this county. He has been twice married; the lirst time was in 1877, when he moved to Kansas, and before the close of the year Mrs. Long died; ho then returned, and in 1879 was married to Mary Long, his present wife. In politics be is a LJemocrat, and is holding the office of Constable, to which office he was elected April 5, ISSU, and has filled the office with credit since. Mr. Long seems to take the trouble to qualify himself for his business. He is as well posted in law as some are who practice at the Ear.

Daniel JLuts, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 28; P. O., Millersburo-; was born in Lancaster count)', Pa., in 1835, a son of Christopher and Magdalena (nee Eoyer) Lutz. During the year 1835 the family settled in Stark county, Ohio, and Sept. 1, 1851, located in Concord tp., this county. Li 1855 he married Miss Susan Ulery, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine Ulery, whose biography will be found elsewhere; 10 children were born of this marriage, 3 of whom are not living. Mr. L. has been financially successful in life, and is a most worthy citizen of this tp.

Reuben Ltttz, farmer, sec. 6; P. 0., Goshen; was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1851, a brother of the preceding. Mr. Lutz moved to this State and first settled in Concord tp., this county. Aug. 10, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G., 97th Ind. Yol. Inf , for three yeai-s' service during the war, participating in the engagements at Jonesboro, Atlanta, etc., and became one among the many sterling actors in the terrific drama known to history as the Atlanta campaign. In 1860 Mr. Lutz was married to Miss Amanda M. Kessler, by whom he has 6 children: Effie A.. Laura Y., Bertha F., Orvil, Archie 0., and Rollin Y. Mr. L. is the owner of 120 acres of land.

John McJxihhoii, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 12; P. O., Fish Lake; was born in Ireland in 1804, and is the 5th child of Thomas and Jane Mclvibbon, who came to this country in 1812, locating in

Somerset county. Pa. In 1840 John McK. settled in this tp., he now owns 2-10 acres of land. He is a generous old gentleman who has long since passed the traditional three-score years and ten alloted to man. In early day he was an indefatigable worker, and fully merits the success he has achieved. In pioneer times he became an adept at hewing timber, at which business he would receive a dollar a day.

Geo. E . Miller^ farmer, sec. 31 ; P. 0., Millersburg; was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1S36, son of Jacob and Catherine Miller, natives of Germany, who were among the firstsettlers of Ohio. In 1S16 the family removed to this county and tp. Mr. Miller is a farmer of some means, liberal in his views, and a man of advanced ideas. He is the owner of TO acres of land, and is a member of the Dunkard Church.

Jacoi J. Miller, farmer, deceased, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1822, the 2d son of Jacob Miller, a native of France, who by occupation was a carpenter. Jacob J. Miller was married to Miss Mary A. Stntzman in Fairfield county, Ohio; 32 years ago he moved to this county, locating at first near Rock linn, ultimately six miles west of Elkhart, where he purchased SO acres of land, tillable but heavily timbered; he set resolutely to work at his laborious task of clearing awaj' for a homestead, during the first year clearing one acre, and in addition working at his trade. Mr. Miller is described as an agriculturist of unusual intelligence and a worthy Christian citizen, whose untimely death 16 years ago, while yet iu the flush of early manhood, was deeply regretted by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Zevl J. 31 tiler, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. IT; P. 0., Goshen. The subject of this sketch belongs to that numerous class of selfmade men who passed their childhood, youth and manhood in this county at a period of time when that advance guard of civilization, the log cabin, nestled among the clearings that marked tlie progress of Western enterprise. In this tp., in 1843, young Levi first saw the liglit and grew up with vivid recollections of the industry of the people ainjng whom his lot was cast, who, though poor in purse, were millionaires in all that make up the manhood of an individual or a nation. In common with the youth of that date, he received a good district-school education. In ISTi he was united in marriage to Miss Leah Bnrkhart, by whom he has 1 child. They have also an adopted son. He owns 160 acres of land. Himself and estimable wife are members of the Amish Church.

Solomon Miller, from whom the flourishing village of Millersburg derived its name, was born March 2, 1803, in Anderson county, Tenn. His father was Frederick, a native of Tennessee, and of German descent; his mother's name was Ann Elizabeth, 7;.ee Sharp, of Welsh extraction. Mr. Miller's parents emigrated to Preble county, Ohio, during his infancy, where he received such an education as was available at that early day, in the rudely constructed log school-houses. Followed farming until 1827, when he removed to Indiana, where he remained some three years, when he returned to Ohio and was married to Eh'zabeth U. Unger that year. This marriage was blessed with S children, 7 of whom are living, viz.: James Carnahan. Amanda Jane. "William K., Sarah Emily, Andrew U., Hester Ann Elizabeth and Alexander Cowper. The two elder children are citizens of Kansas; Sarah Emily is the wife of Dr. Bartlett Larimer, a prominent citizen and leading physician of Millersburg; Andrew U. is an extensive farmer in Lagrange county, Ind.; Hester Ann Elizabeth is now residing with her parents in Millersburg.

Mr. Miller was Captain of an infantry company in Ohio, his command being on one occasion armed and equipped to resist the anticipated attack of the "Wolverines upon the sovereign State of Ohio, and also acconipanied the Eangei's at the capture of Black Hawk. Mr. Miller purchased the site of what is now Millersburg in 1S34, and removed permanently to this State Sept. 30. lSi2. ]\[rs. Miller, who is still hale and hearty, and her husband are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. M. was Tp. Trustee for seven years, also Assessor for two years; was appointed Postmaster by President Hayes in 1S77, - in all of which positions he has won golden opinions as a most worthy and efficient public servant. He cast his first vote for Henry Clay, was identified with the Free-Soil party, and was an active supporter of John C. Fremont in 1S56. Fiuaucialiy. Mr. Miller has been moderateh' successful.

John D. Mijers is a son of Abraham L. and Susanah (Garnett) Myers, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio; was born in this county !N^ov. 18, 1S41, and received a fair education in the common schools, which he continued to attend until his removal to Iowa in 1856, where he remained some two years, and was emploj'ed at farming and in a saw-mill until his enlistment in the 7-ltli Ind. Yol.; was with his regiment in the battles of Chickamanga and Mission Ttidge, and accompanied Gen. Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta. He also took part in the famous charge at Jonesboro, and was with Sherman's army in all their campaigns from Atlanta to Savannah. He was mustered out of the service with his regiment in Indianapolis. Mr. Myers, after his return from the war, learned the carpenter's trade; was married in 1S70 to Martha Elizabeth France, and they are the parents of 2 children: Edith, born Nov. .5, 1871, and Mary Ettie, born July 10, 1873. Mr. Myers and wife are members of the M. E. Charcii. and politically Mr. M. is a Eepublican.

Jomithan Myers was born in Ohio in 1815, the son of Jacob and Hester Ann (Bowman) Myers, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He received his education in the common schools in Ohio; was married Aug. 1, 1836, in Ohio, to Saloma Wyland, and they have 6 children, all living, 2 boys and 4 girls. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been members of the German Baptist Church since 181:8; he is a Democrat, in politics, but has not voted for 2'.> years. He has been Constable and Townskip Trustee two terms, and has been Deacon in the Church for 37 years. He came to this count)' in 1S36, settling on sec. 21, Clinton tp. He started with onl}' $2.50, but is now the owner of 260 acres of good land; he is a farmer, and has been successfal in life. He has given to each of 5 children SO acres of land. He is a man that stands high in the estimation of all his neighbors. P. 0.. Millersburg.

William Pearman, farmer, was born in Tennessee Sept. 12, ISOl, where he passed the earlier j'ears of his eventful and busy life. He became one among the pioneers of Elkhart Prairie and this tp. His wife was Miss Chloe Piggs. who was born April 7, 1S02, and they have had S children, viz.: Elizabeth, born Jane 23, 1821; Solomon, Feb. 21, 1S2S; Benjamin P., June 8, 1S27; Elias E., Jan. 17, 1831; Jas. P., Feb. 28, 1S33; Francis M., May 19, 1S36; Louis A.. July 18, 1838; and Wm. A., March 15, 1840.

Benjamin F. Pearman. now living in JSToble county, this State, is the 3d child among the above mentioned; he was brought up in this tp., where he was married to Miss Mary E. Simpson, of Indiana; there were born of this marriage 3 children: John, who married Miss Emma Gehring, a daughter of John and Rosina Gehring, natives of Germany; he has had 3 children: Melvina E., Carrie B., Albert E. and Albert P. Elias E., born of the marriage of Benjamin Pearman and Mary E. Simpson, married Cynthia P. Loy ; Mary E. Pearman died many years ago in this county, and in March, 1S5S, Benjamin Pearman was married to Adeline Whitmer, and their 7 children are: Mary A,, Solomon F.. Levi, Chloe, Martha, Isaac and William. Mr. Pearman is the owner of valuable farm property; is literally a self-made man and fully merits the success which has crowned his efforts through life.

Peter Phillips, a. xiYOwnn&ni iAvme,r and stock-raiser of Clinton tp., was born in this county Jan. 25, 1840; his parents were John and Esther (Bachelor") Phillips, the former of Virginian birth, the latter of Maine. They emigrated to this tp. in 1836. Mr. Phillips, sr., departed this life Aug. 15, 1872. The subject of our sketch was united in marriage in 1861, to Elizabeth Williams, and they are the parents of 7 children, 4 daughters and 3 sons. Mr. P. is considered a model farmer, and is the owner of valuable farms, with fine improvements. Politically he is a Democrat.

Joel Potter, a native of Middlebury tp., this county, was born in 1S3S, and is the son of William and Mary (Bachelor) Potter; Mr. P. received his education in the common schools of this county, and followed i'arming till 1860, when he was married to Sarah A. Simpson, daughter of one of the early settlers of Elkhart county. They are the parents of 2 children. Minnie B., born in 1864, and Charles, in 1870. Mr. Potter owns and manages a steam saw-mill, just across the line in Lagrange county, and is extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber, laths and shingles; and he also owns a farm of 65 acres, in Benton tp. The former enterprise he has conducted for the past 15 years, with a fair amount of success. Is 7iot a member of anv religious denomination, but is an active worker

William A. Potter, one of the pioneers of this countv. was born iu Lower Canada in 1S09. His father was a native of Connecticut, his mother of New York State. His parents moved to the latter State while the subject of our sketch was yet in his infanc}^, and when about five years of age was an eye witness of the battle of Plattsburg. of which he has a vivid recollection. Pie remained in New York State until about 20 years of age, working on his father's farm; emigrated to Ohio in 1S29 and passed through Cleveland, then but a small hamlet, and located in Portage county. Ohio, where he i-emained for about five years. He then determined to go further West, and consequently the year 1835 finds him in the wilds of Indiana, having settled in Middlebury tp.. this county, where he located some land, and underwent all the hardships and privations incident to a pioneer's life. Indians and wolves were still quite plenty in that part of the country, the former causing considerable trouble to the settlers at such times as they succeeded in procuring fire-water. Mr. Potter was nuirried Sept. 13, 1S3T, to Mary Bachelor, daughter of one of the old settlers of the county. To this marriage was born, Dec. 16, 1S3S, Joel, now a business man in this tp. Mr. Potter is an Elder in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and an old Jacksonian Democrat, and has been moderately successful iu business.