Huntington County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (1 of 11 so headed), 1887 (part 4 of 4)

Ohio Regiment. Was entered as Captain, in which rank he served until December, 186:3, when he resigned. In 1863, he was commissioned Major, in the Seventy-Fifth Battalion, 0. N. G., and in 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the Second Regiment Militia, of Fulton County, Ohio. In August, 1866, he came to Huntington, where he has resided continually ever since. Since that time his exclusive attention has been given to the ministry. He has now been pastor of the Christian Church of this city, over twenty years. He was married September 10^ 1853, to Livona A. Jewell, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born, of English descent, November 25, 1834. She was the daughter of William and Rachel (Jones) Jewell, both natives of Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandparents were William and Nancy (Jones) Jewell. Rev. Smith and wife are the parents of six children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are DeEtta O., Nelson B. arid Ernest D. Politically our subject is a Republican. He is an earnest worker in the cause of Christianity, and a worthy and honored citizen.

JACOB F. SOUERS, one of the pioneers of Huntington County, and one among the first settlers of Rock Creek Township, was born in Fayette County, Pa., December 14, 1812. He was the second in a family of nine children born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Franks) Souers, of Dutch descent, with whom he came to Wayne County, Ohio, when he was but four years old. There his early life was spent working upon his father's farm. When he became of age he began farmins: for himself. He continued in Wayne County, Ohio, until in October, 1838, when he came to this county and settled in the woods of Rock Creek Township. There he built a cabin, and immediately began improving his land, and after a few years of toil the dense forests were converted into well-tilled fields. He continued upon the farm until in August, 1886, when he came to the city of Huntington, and since then he has been comfortably located in a handsome brick residence on South Jefferson Street. He was married April 24, 1834, to Ruth Merriman, a native also of Fayette County, Pa., born February 1, 1815. She was the daughter of Micaiah and Anna (McCoy) Merriman, both natives of Fayette County, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Souers have had six children: Ehzabeth A., Micaiah M., James, Mary E., Sarah R., and Xantha M. The third, James, died in infancy. Our subject and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics the former is a Democrat. He served as trustee in Rock Creek Township several terms. Mr. and Mrs. Souers passed their fiftieth wedding anniversary more than two years ago, upon which occasion their relatives and friends congregated era masse and made them the recipients of many valuable and handsome presents. They have living five children, nineteen grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

L. and Hannah (Lancaster) Spencer, both natives of Harford County, Md., of Enghsh descent. While our subject was yet a child, in February, ISi-i, his parents came to 'this county and located in Dallas Township, where Maurice spent his early life working upon a farm. At the age of seventeen he took up the vocation of a teacher and for a number of years thereafter he was engaged in teaching and going to school. During his career as a teacher he devoted his leisure time to the study of law. In June, 1871, he was elected to the office of County Superintendent and was re- elected in June, 1873, but in the spring of 187J: he resigned the office. In October, 1876, he was admitted to the Bar, since which he has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law. December 34, 1867, he married Almira Best, who died October 15, 1873. On the 5th of March, 1878, he was married to Blanche Brookover, by whom he has two children: Herbert B. and Mary E., both living. By virtue of his birth Mr. Spencer is a member of the Quaker Church. Politically he is a Eepublican.

JOHN P. STOFFEL, proprietor of a meat market on North Jefferson Street, is a native of Germany and was born October 18, 1843. He was the son of Peter and Margaret (Feitd) Stoffel. In 1867 he emigrated to America and reached Huntington on the 6th day of November of that year. He first found employment in a tannery. After working for other parties for ten years he had saved sufficient money to engage in that business for himself. He gave his attention to thab about five years. In August, 1885, he opened up a meat market and has given his attention to that ever since. May 3, 1867, he married Margaret Ludwig by whom he has tw^elve children : Maggie, John, Annie, Henry, Elizabeth, Charles, Jacob, George, William, Lee, Mary and Hermon, all of whom are living. Mr. Stoffel is a member of the Catholic Church, and a Democrat.

JOHN STRODEL, a dry goods merchant of the city of Huntington, is a native Bavaria, Germany, where he was born March 29, 1850. When he was five years old his parents came to America, and reached Huntington in April, 1855. During his early life he assisted his father at the butcher's trade. In the fall of 1864, at the age of fourteen, he went into the employ of Townley, DeWald, Bond & Co., of Fort Wayne, for whom he clerked in a dry goods store, six years. By the end of that time, he had, in addition to a knowledge of a good trade, $350.00 in money, and had purchased with his earnings, a lot for his father, which cost $180.00. He then returned to Huntington, and, in connection v?ith father, engaged in the dry goods business. A few months later the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Strodel again became a clerk. That was for Alhson, Gifford & Co., of this city. Six months later he became a member of the firm of Crabbs, Strodel & Co. He did a successful business with this firm for two years. The failure of Mr. Crabbs in the commission business, at Toledo, embarrassed this firm to such an extent that an assignment became necessary. The entire stock was disposed of and the creditors were paid in full. In the fall of 1884 he sought a situation in this city as German clerk, but without success. This was in September of 1874. October 1, of that year, he was employed by A. S. Purviance. Thirty days later he was promoted to a clerkship for the firm of A. S. Purviance & Bro. He was thus employed five years, at which time he was entrusted with the responsible position of foreman. In July, 1880, Mr. Purviance sold out to H. H. Arnold, our subject retaining the position of foreman. In November, 1880, he sought from Mr. Arnold a leave of absence, with a view to engage in business for himself. He retained his position until February 15, 1881. On the 12th day of March following, he engaged in business for himself. He has occupied his present business room since 1883. Ae was married July 15, 1870, to Sophia W. Wuersten, who was born in the city of Fort Wayne, July 3, 1853, being the daughter of Jacob and Louisa Catharine (Miller) Wuersten, the former of whom was born in Prussia^ and the latter was born in Wuertemberg, Germany. Mr. Strodel is the father of four children: John C, born January 23, 1871; the next was a son, born September 18, 1873, died in infancy, unnamed; then Julius H., born July 22, 1875, died November 15, 1879, and Martin F., born December 4,1877. Our subject and his entire family are members of the German Lutheran Church, U. A. C. Mr. Strodel has been honored with an official position in that church for fifteen years. Politically, Mr. Strodel is a Democrat. He has been Councilman in this city two terms, and he is now serving his third term as a member of the Board of Health.

DAVID STULTS, a worthy and honored citizen of Huntington Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 10, 1817, being the fifth son born to John H. and Catharine Ann (Smith) Stults. He was reared up on his father's farm in his native county. He remained at home until the time of his marriage, which occurred October 1, 1846. The lady that became his wife was Mary Lichtwalter, who also was a native of Stark County, Ohio, born July 23, 1826. She was the daughter of Michael and Mary Lichtwalter, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Stults located upon a farm of his own (which also was situated in Stark County, Ohio), and there he and his wife continued to reside until the union was broken by the latter's death, which occurred April 20, 1852. On the 12th of February, 1854, he was married to Margaret Overholt. She was born in Holmes County, Ohio, November 12, 1832, being the daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Cline) Overholt, with whom she went to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, while yet a young child, and when she was seven years old went with them to Stark Ohio, where she lived with her parents at the time of her marriage. In the spring of 1858, Mr. and Mrs. Stults came to this county and settled where they now reside, in Section 3, Huntington Township. The life occupation of Mr. Stults has been farming, in which he has been very successful. He and his first wife had born to them three children: John E., William P. and Mary C, of whom only the last is living. He and his present wife are the parents of nine children, as follows: Joseph O., Uriah H., Charles F., Cyrus D., Jemima B., Elmer E., Ida M.' Laura L. and Alice J. Of these Joseph O. and Jemima B. are deceased. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Stults formerly affiliated with the Whig party, casting his first presidential vote for Gen. Harrison, in 1840. Since 1856 he has ardently supported the principles of the Republican party. He has been an industrious farmer, and though he began life poor, through industry and economy he has accumulated considerable property. After providing each of his eight children with a good home, he has a handsome farm of 160 acres left for himself, where he and his wife are spending the decline of life in a o.uiet, happy way.

JOSEPH STULTS, than whom probably no one in Huntington County, is more favorably or popularly known, was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 7, 1821. He was the son of Harman and Catharine Stults, a more extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He received in the schools of the day the rudiments of an education, but the advantages were poor, consequently it was not his privilege to receive what could be considered even a finished common school education. This lack of early training has been somewhat mitigated, however, and from reading, observation and experience, he has acquired a good practical education. At twenty-one years of age, or in 1842, he was married to Harriet Guest, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 17, 1823. She was the daughter of Pitney and Catharine (Miller) Guest, both of whom were natives of Few Jersey, of English descent. Her father. Rev. Pitney Guest, was a minister in the Baptist Church. For six years following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stults resided in Ohio, but in October, 1848, they came to this State and located upon a tract of woods land in Whitley County. The land was cleared by Mr. Stults and in the course of a few years it was developed into a good farm. They continued to reside there until in November, 1863, when they removed to this county and located upon the farm they now occupy. Mr. Stults has frequently embarked in mercantile enterprises and for a period of over forty years he has served the public more or less in the capacity of an auctioneer. Some idea of the magnitude of his service in this direction, may be obtained from the following facts gathered from an article published more than a year ago, in one of the Huntington papers: Total number of sales, 1,500: of which 1,040 were cried during the past twenty years, or an av- erage of fifty-two per year. The sales would average $600 each, making an aggregate of 8624,000.00 worth of property. Within the past eight years he ha.s sold over 800 buggies and carriages, aggregating §6,000.00 or $75.00 each. At one sale in less than three hours, he sold fifty- two buggies and carriages at an average of $85.00 each, or a total of $4,420.00. His greatest sale in a single day, is $6,000 worth of property. The attendance would average 350 or a total of 260,000 people. The distance he has traveled would average twelve miles to each sale, or a total of 12,480 miles. During the year 1885, he cried sixty-five sales. The best of feeling always prevailed. There was but a single case of litigation and that was the fault of the purchaser. Mr. Stults will long be remembered by the posterity of this county as the Veteran Auctioneer. He and wife are the parents of nine children - six sons and three daughters - all of whom are living. Their names in the order of their ages are as follows: George W., born February 6, 1843; Elizabeth C, born March 8, 1845; Mary A., born June 3, 1847; Jacob P., born September 20, 1849; William W., born November 30, 1851; Ellen J., born April 18, 1854; Joseph E., born December 20, 1856; Harman M., born December 19, 1859, and Charles E., born April 19, 1862. The oldest, George W. Stults, is an attorney- at-law, in Huntington. The two sons, Joseph E. and Charles E., are at present practicing medicine in the city of Ft. Wayne. The husband of Ellen J. - Monroe W. Webster - is also a physician, and is located at South Whitley. Mr. and Mrs. Stults are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge and a Republican in politics. In 1880 he was elected to the office of Treasurer of Huntington County, and served one term. He and wife are highly esteemed by all who know them.

WILLIAM STULTS, an old and honored resident of Huntington Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 27, 1826. He was the youngest of ten children, eight sons and two daughters, born to J ohn H. and Catharine Ann (Smith) Stults, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter a native of Bedford County, Pa., both of German descent. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in his native county, working upon a farm in summer and attending the district school in winter. At the age of twenty he took up the avocation of a teacher, and this furnished his winter's employment for a period of sixteen years, or until 1864. In the meantime, in the spring of 1848, he came to this State and located in Washington Township, Whitley Co., and during the following year he taught the first term of school that was ever taught in that township. He continued to reside upon a farm in Whitley County, until the fall of 1853, when he came to Huntington County and settled upon a farm in Clear Creek Township, and in the spring of 1874 he removed to his present home in Section 10, Huntington Township. In 1869, in connection with farming, he engaged in buying and selling stock, and thus continued until about 1878, since which time he has acted to a considerable extent in the capacity of a contractor. He has, however, attended to the management of his farm also. He was married October 23, 1863, to Ellen Jane Best, a native of Bracken County, Ky., born August 8, 1834, being the daughter of James C. and Jane (Doke) Best, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, the former of Irish, and the latter of Dutch descent. Mr. Stults lost his iirst wife February 18, 1864, and on the 10th day of January, 18G9, he was united in marriage to Rebecca F. Campbell who was born in Huntington, July 14, 1848, being the daughter of Joseph and Judith Campbell, both natives of Ohio. The first marriage of Mr. Stults resulted in the birth of two children: Emma J. and Augusta E., the latter of whom died in infancy. He and his present wife are the parents of four children: Ernest W., Cora E., Francis I. and Austin W., all of whom are living. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, the former is an ardent Republican.

MARION B. STULTS, one of the prominent and reliable furniture dealers of this city, and the senior member of the firm of M. B. Stults & Bro., was born in Clear Creek Township, this county. May 13, 1855, being the eldest child of Jacob and Margaret (Best) Stults, old residents of this county. He remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-four, where, after he became old enough, he assisted to clear and cultivate the farm. He attended the district school, in which he received a good common school education. At the age of eighteen he took up the avocation of a teacher and was thus successfully engaged for six years. In the meantime he had fitted himself for this work by attending the normal school at Valparaiso six terms. In June, 1879, he was elected to the office of County Superintendent and served in a very creditable manner one term. In the spring of 1883 he engaged in selling agricultural implements. To this his attention was directed one summer. In November, 1883, he engaged in the furniture business in connection with John F. Fulton - the firm name being Fulton & Stults. In May, 1883, the name was changed to M. B. Stults & Co.. Mr. Fulton retiring. He has recentlv formed a partnership with his brother, 8. P. Stults, the firm name being M. B. Stults & Bro. December 25, 1878, he was married to Lydia O. Mishler, third daughter of Jacob and Sarah Mishler, of this city. She, also, was born in Clear Creek Township, this county, August 38, 1857. This marriage has resulted in the birth of two children: Clarence E. and Flora May. The former died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Stults are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is a member of the K. of P. Lodge, and a Republican in politics.

Clear Creek Township, this county, December 28, 1861. He is the second son of Jacob and Harriet (Kennedy) Stults, now of Clear Creek Township. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth working upon his father's farm. During that time he attended the district school, in which, by the time he was nineteen years of age he had obtained sufficient education to teach school. After teaching one term he entered the normal school at Valparaiso, where he attended two terms. He then taught, another term of school after which he located upon a farm in Clear Creek Township. There he was engaged in a,gricultural pursuits until in January, 1885, at which time he came to the City of Huntington and took an interest in the large furniture establishment owned by M. B. Stults & Co. He now has a half interest in that establishment. They have a large and commodious store-room well stocked and are doing a good business. May 9, 1883, our subject was married to Katie R. Mishler, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Shock) Mishler, of this city. She was born October 6, 186i, and died January 9, 1885. Mr. Stults is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the K. of P. Lodge.

WILLIAM G. SUTTON, deceased, was born in Greene County, Ohio, August 8, 1807. When but a lad his parents moved to Madison County, in the same State, but a little later returned to Greene County. Here, in 18^6, he was married to Eliza Jane Pendry, with whom he lived happily until her death. To them nine children were born, four of whom, Christopher, Jeniah, William W. and Albert, are yet living. In 1836 he moved to Huntington, then a few straggling houses, and in the same year he purchased and moved to a farm in Huntington Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. In 1850 his first wife died, and in 1851 he married Abigail Edith Patterson, of Greene County, Ohio, who continues to reside upon the farm. From a wilderness he helped to make a garden, and from a mere trading post, he helped to build a flourishing little city. For nearly half a century he labored to advance the condition of Huntington County, and the interests of her people. He was a vigorous, positive man, stern by nature but with a heart of whose tenderness many were made to know. He never held but one office of any importance, that being Township Trustee, which he held four terms, being elected first in 1849. He never identified himself with any church, but his life was none the less upright and honorable. About the 1st of November, 1884, Mr. Sutton had his left foot tramped upon while in the act of unharnessing a horse, and, curiously enough, the wound sustained by this incident resulted in his death, February 24, 1885. No pioneer of this county deserves to be held in more grateful remembrance

Ohio, March 24, 1816. He was the sixth in a family of eight children - six sons and two daughters - born to Bezaleel and Mary (First) Tracy, the former a native of Maryland, of English descent, and the latter a native of Fayette County, Pa., of German descent. Our subject spent his boyhood and early youth working upon a farm in his native county. At the age of eighteen he entered upon an apprenticeship with a view to learn the trade of a cabinet maker and carpenter. During the course of his apprenticeship he accompanied his brother to whom he had been apprenticed, to Alligan County, Mich. That was in 1834. At the end of two and one-half years he had finished the trade,^ and in the fall of 1836, he returned to Wayne County, Ohio. There he worked at his trade until the year 1843, when he came to this State and located upon a tract of land that he had entered in Whitley County, in the spring of 1837. In the meantime, before leaving Ohio, he was married on the 14th day of December, 1841, to Maria Merriman, also a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born March 25, 1823. She was the sixth in a family of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, born to Micaiah and Anna (McCoy) Merriman, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of English and the latter of Scotch descent. On locating in Whitley County, Mr. Tracy immediately set about clearing a farm out of the woods. To do this, occasioned for him a great deal of hard work. He chopped, grubbed, burned brush, rolled logs, split rails,^ and, in fact, did all kinds of hard work which the development of a new country necessitates. The course of improvement went on, and in a few years the forest was converted into a good farm. In September, 1860, he and his wife left the scene of their labors and came to Huntington, residents of which they have been ever since. Since locating here, Mr. Tracy has devoted his attention to the carpenter's trade. He and wife are both members of the Baptist Church.

WILLIAM H. TEAMMEL, attorney-at-law, was born in Wayne County, this State, June 12, 1835. He was the second son born to James A. and Mary Ann (Wagner) Trammel, natives of Georgia and Ohio, respectively, the former of Scotch, and the latter of German descent. When William was yet a young child, his parents moved over into Preble County, Ohio. In 1843, the family returned to this State and located in Eandolph, where they resided upon a farm until 1856. In April, of that year, our subject came to this county and located in the woods of Jefferson Township, whence his parents had settled in February, previously. There William pursued the avocation of a farmer and school teacher until 1860, when he located in Warren and engaged in merchandising. In February, 1861, he came to the City of Huntington, having received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff. Ip the following October he volunteered in Company H, Forty- Seventh Indiana Regiment, from which he received an honorable discharge June 4, 18G2. He participated in the engage- ment at Island No. 10. On leaving the army he returned to Huntington and engaged in buying grain. He thus continued until February, 1863, at which time he entered upon the study of law. In February, 1864, he entered upon the practice of his profession. This has received his undivided attention ever since except one year, during which he was engaged in the retail business. He was married January 23, 1867, to Laura F. Coffroth, a native of Franklin County, Pa., and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Wood) Coflfroth. She was a grandchild of ex-Gov. Wood, of Virginia. Politicully our subject is a Republican. In 1863, he received the appointment of Township Trustee, and discharged the duties of the office for seven months. He has also been honored by the position of Deputy Internal Revenue Collector. In 1872, he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia.

JOHN UFHEIL, of Huntington, is a native of Germany, and was born May 26, 1838, being the second in a family of eleven children, born to John and Johanna (Bechdold) Ufheil, with whom he came to America in 1847, and to this county in 1853. John spent his youth working upon his father's farm four miles west of Huntington. When he became of age he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade. This was learned in due time, and to it his undivided attention has been directed ever since. He continued to make his home at his father's until he reached the age of twenty-five, when on the 33d day of November, 1866, he was married to Margarethe Schafer, also a native of Germany. She was born December 35, 1841, being the daughter of Lawrence and Catharine E. (Kauf) Schafer, with whom she came to America and to the village of Huntington, in the spring of 1857. Since his marriage Mr. Ufheil has been a resident of Huntington. He and wife have had born to them eight children: Ann Elizabeth, Mary Louisa, Catharine Frances, John Henry, Edward Stephen and Magdalena (twins), Joseph, and a daughter that died in infancy, unnamed. Joseph and Magdalena also died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Ufheil are members of the ^Catholic Church.

HENRY UFHEIL, of Huntington, was born in Baden, Germany, July 16, 1837. He was the oldest of eleven children born to John and Johanna (Bechdold) Ufheil. It is noteworthy that ten of these children have lived to be grown, and all are married but one. Henry came with his parents to America when he was but ten years of age. The family first settled in Stark County, Ohio. When he was fifteen years old - or in 1853 - they came to this county and located in the woods of Huntington Township. There Henry assisted his father to clear and cultivate the farm. At the age of twenty he began to learn the carpenter's trade. This was finished in due time and to it his entire attention has been devoted ever since. He has been a contracting carpenter since the age of twenty-two. He was married November 34, 1S63, to Elizabeth. Gelzleichter, a native of Prussia, born February 4, 1843. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Weisgerber) Gelzleichter, with whom she came to Americain 1853. They located upon a farm in Whitley County, where they resided when Elizabeth was married. Iramediately after his marriage, Mr. Ufheil located in Huntington, a resident of which he has been ever since. He and wife have had born to them ten children: John R,, Stephen W., Mary E., Frank J., Peter, CeceHa C, Ida M., Clara H. and two daughters that died in infancy, unnamed. The oldest, John R,, was born November 18, 1864, attended the Catholic School in this city during his early youth, and at the age of seventeen learned the carpenter's trade. His character was irreproachable, his friends many, and he had a prospect for a bright career, but on the 38 th day of February, 1886, just as he was entering manhood, the hand of death stole upon him and took him from among the living. Mr. and Mrs. Ufheil are members of the Catholic Church. Politically the former is a Democrat. He has served as Councilman in the First Ward four years, and as such discharged the duties of the office in a creditable manner.

HENRY H. WAGONER, of this city, was born in Clear Creek Township, this county, March 8, 1858. He was the youngest son in a family of four sons and four daughters, born to Joseph and Margaret (Hilderbrand) Wagouer, who are old residents of Clear Creek Township. Henry spent his boyhood and early youth at the home of his parents, in this county. During that time he attended the district schools, in which he received sufficient education to teach school, which he did a t the age of eighteen. He taught, in all, six terms - three of which were in Whitley County and three in Huntington County. As a teacher he was very successful. In the fall of 1880, he received the appointment of Deputy Surveyor for Huntington County, in w hich capacity he served two years. In the fall of 1883, he was elected to that office himself and was re-elected in 1884, serving in the capacity of surveyor, in all, six years. He was married April 6, 1883, to Mary E. Sprinkle, daughter of Jonathan and Catharine A. (Stults) Sprinkle, the former a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and the latter a native of Stark County, Ohio. Mrs. Wagoner was born in Whitley County, this State, iMarch 6, 1861. This marriage has resulued in the birth of one child, Harry M.

CHARLES A. WALTER, druggist, of the City of Huntington, is a native of Switzerland, where he was born February 19, 1853. He was the youngest son born to John A. and Catharine (Kohler) Walter, both natives of Switzerland. His parents emigrated to America when he was but two years old. They settled in Adams County, this State, where they still reside. There

Charles spent his boyhood and youth working upon a farm. At the age of twenty-two he accepted a position as clerk in a clothing store at Bluffton, this Sta,te. In the fall of 1879 he came to the City of Huntington, and engaged in the drug business, in connection with Martin Jacquemai. That partnership existed until in May, 1884, after which time Mr. Walter became the partner of John Eisenhauer. Since October, 1886, he has been in business alone. September 29, 1883, he was married to Cecilia M. Moffit, a native of Ohio, and daughter of W. P. Moffit, of Portland, Ind. This marriage has resulted in the birth of one child, Clara, born July 28, 1885. Our subject is a member of the Catholic Church, and a Democrat in politics.

JAMES O. WARD, dealer in agricultural implements, of Huntington, is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., where he was born May 8, 1840. He was the seventh in a family of eight children, born to John A. and Eliza (Bond) Ward, both of whom were also natives of Onondaga County, K ; Y., of English descent. When James was a lad ten years old, his parents removed to Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio, and a year later at the tender age of eleven years James left home and placed himself at the mercy of an unfriendly world. He made his way to the Atlantic coast, and for a year was employed upon the ocean. He then returned to Ohio, and for some two or three years was employed as a teamster in Akron. At the age of fifteen he took a position as a fireman upon the Michigan Southern Railroad. Two years later while he was but seventeen years of age, he was made a locomotive engineer on that road, and was the youngest engineer on the road. In the fall of 1858, he went into the employ of the Wabash Railroad, and at the end of one year becanae an engineer on a freight train. In the spring of 1860, he was transferred to the Logansport & Peoria Railroad as freight engineer. In the spring of 1861, he went to New York City, and took a position as fourth engineer on the vessel Great Eastern, and made one trip to Liverpool and return. In the following fall he became an engineer on the I. P. & C. Railroad. October 26, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, and was mustered out October 26, 1865. He first entered the service as a private, but was afterward promoted to the rank of Sergeant and then to Lieutenant. For one year thereafter he was an engineer on the Wabash Railroad. In 1867 he opened up a grocery at Roanoke, this county. He continued there in the grocery and dry goods business until 1884, when he came to Huntington. Since that time he has peen engaged in selling coal and agricultural implements. December 25, 1866, he was married to Annie E. Hagans, daughter of William and Catharine (Johnson) Hagans, both natives of Huntingdon County, Pa. Mr. Ward is the father of seven children, Fannie F., Mertie A., John W., Darris P., James 0., Annie L and Lulu, all living. Mr. Ward is a

CHARLES W. WATKINS, a member of the Huntington Bar, was born in Logan Co., Ohio, on May 3, 1849. He was the second son born to William W. and Rebecca (Elliot) Watkins, the former a native of Logan County, Ohio, and the latter a native of Stark County, Ohio, both of English descent. The former was the youngest child of James and Nancy (White) Watkins, both natives of Sussex County, Virginia. The latter was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (John) Elliott, both natives of Washington County, Pennsylvania. Our subject spent his boyhood working upon his father's farm, in his native county. At the age of fourteen, he entered Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Ohio Volunteers, from which he received an honorable discharge in August, 1865. He participated in the engagements of Rosacea, Picket's Mills, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville. At the close of the war he returned to his native county, where until March, 1872, he was attending school and teaching. At that time he entered upon the study of law, under Judge William Lawrence, of Bellefontaine, Ohio. He pursued his legal studies under his instruction two years. His admission to the bar occurred at Kenton, Ohio, September 1_, 1871. In March, 1874, he came to the City of Huntington, in which he has ever since been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. He first formed a partnership with James C. Branyan which existed until in December, 1882. On the first day of January, 1883, he became associated with B. M. Cobb, whose partner he has been ever since. November 8, 1877, he was married to Irene Wickersham, also a native of Logan County, Ohio, born May 15, 1856. She was the daughter of Cyrus and Susan (Leymaster) Wickersham, the former a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and the latter a native of Bucks County^ Pennsylvania. This marriage has resulted in the birth of two children: Cosette I., and Grace A., both of whom are living. Mrs Watkins is a member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is a member of the F. & A. M. and G. a. R. Lodges, and a Republican in politics. He has been twice elected Circuit Prosecutor for the Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit, of Indiana, composed of Grant, Blackford and Huntington Counties.

ANTON WEBER is a native of Germany, born March 6, 1826, and oldest child of Anton and Elizabeth (Lahr) Weber. His boyhood and youth were spent in his native country. At six years of age he entered school and continued to attend until he reached the age of fourteen. He then spent the rest of his youth working upon a farm. At the age of twenty-one he left home and emigrated to America, reaching New York City in the latter part of September, 1847. Upon reaching this country he immediately set out for the far west and reached the village of Huntington about the 8th day of October, of the same year. During the first few years of his residence here he worked upon a farm by the month. His marriage to Rebecca Kettring occurred March 15, 1853. She was born in Stark County, Ohio, August 28, 1831, and was the daughter of Jacob and Dorada (Miller) Kettring,. both natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in 1826. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Weber located upon a farm in Section 6, Huntington Township, where they have ever since resided. The life occupation of Mr. Weber has been that of a farmer, and as such in former years he was very successful, but more recently the impaired condition of his health has interfered to a considerable extent with his ability to attend to his farm. He and his wife are the parents of fourteen children: Jacob J. and a twin sister, that died in infancy, unnamed. The others are: Anton, Elizabeth, William, Mary R, Frederick, Rebecca D. and Addie E. (twins), Maggie, Wilhelm L., John, Oscar P. and Peter 0. Of those named, William, John and Oscar P. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weber and family are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Weber i& a Democrat. He owjis ninety-two acres of good land, where he and Mrs. Weber are spending their declining years in a quiet, happy way. They have resided where they now live for thirtyfour years, and they are among the worthy and honored citizens of the township.

ORLANDO W. WHITELOCK, of the Huntington Bar, is a native of this county, and was born July 12, 1857. He was the only son born to Jonathan and Elizabeth A. (Souers) Whitelock^ old residents of Rock Creek Township. The boyhood and youth of our subject, were spent working upon his father's farm in this county. During the winters of 1872 and '73, and 1873 and '74, he attended graded school at Bluff ton. Wells County. In the fall of '74 he took up the vocation of a teacher and taught school for four consecutive winters. His vacations were spent attending school and working upon the farm. In April, 1878, he entered the normal school at Valparaiso, where he completed the Scientific course in August, 1879. He then entered the Law Department of that school, where he remained one year. He then came to Huntington and read law with Milligan & Moore one year. In the fall of 1881, he entered the Law School at Ann Arbor,,from which he graduated in March, 1882. He then returned to Huntington and entered upon the practice of his profession. In November^ 1883, a partnership was formed in the practice of law between him and Col. Milligan, which partnership still exists. June 1, 1882, he was married to Jennie M. Nottingham, by whom he has two children: Wilfred J. and Mary E. Mr. Whitelock is a member of the L O. 0. F. Lodge, and a Democrat in politics.

ALFRED C. WILKERSON is a native of Allen County, this State, and was born ISToVember 17, 1847. He was the tenth in a family of thirteen children, born to Thomas and Nancy (Lawrence) Wilkerson, the former of whom was born near Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the latter was born in Clinton County, Ohio, both of English descent. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in his native county, working upon his father's farm. In winter he attended the public school, receiving a good common school education. He was married September 18, 1870, to Amanda E. Slater, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born of English descent, January 1.3, 1853. She was the ninth in a family of twelve children, all of whom are living, grown and married. The parents of Mrs. Wilkerson were Joseph and Mary Ann (Thompson) Slater, the former a native of Eentucky, and the latter a native of Ohio. Two years after his marriage Mr. Wilkerson moved to Decatur, Adarns County, but a year later he returned to his father's farm, in Allen County, and during the five years which followed he farmed the old home place. In January, 1879, he came to Huntington and operated a saw mill until the following September, when he removed to Whitley County. There he had charge of a saw mill until the following December. He then came to Roanoke, this county, but in September, 1883j he returned to Huntington, where he has since continued to reside. Since returning to this county he has given his entire attention to his saw milling interests and to the lumber business in general. He and wife are the parents two children: Bertha D., and Effie B.; Bertha D., born February 22, 1871, and Effie B., born September 31, 1873, both living. Our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge.

HENRY F. WILLIS, coal dealer of Huntington, is a native of Morris County, New Jersey, and was born October 36, 1838. He was the third in a family of five children born lo Thomas C. and Deborah (Farrand) Willis, both natives of New Jersey, of English descent. Henry spent his early life in his native county. He received a good knowledge of the Ordinary branches of learning, and also a fair knowledge of some of the higher branches. His early employment was in a rolling mill owned by his father. For a number of years preceding the war, he was engaged in mining and merchandising, in Morris Coimty, N. J. In August, 1863, he organized Co. L, 37th New Jersey Regiment. He served as captain of that company about six months, when he was promoted to the rank of Major. As such he served, until in July, 1863, when the regiment to which he belonged, was mustered out. He participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. From the army he returned to his native county and resumed the business of mining and merchandising. Some two or three years later he went to Harford County, Md., and there he was engaged in agricultural pursuits about ten years. In 1878 he removed his family to a home near Stanford Conn., and from this place he went daily to New York City, about forty miles distant, where he had employment in a steel manufacturing establishment. He thus continued about three years. In August, 1881, he came to Huntington, where he has since resided. His first employment here was for the C. & A. Railroad, for which he purchased ties and timbers for its construction. Since June, 1884, he has given his attention to the coal business, though more recently, he has also been more interested in the real estate and insurance business. June 9, 1864, he was married to Mary J. Fairchild, a native of Hyde Park, N. Y. To this union two children have been born, Louis C, born April 17, 1865, and Ella C; born January 20, 1867.

WILLIAM K. WINDLE, Treasurer Huntington County, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and was born June 3, 1840. He was the youngest child born to Benjamin and Lydia (Cooper) Windle, both natives of Lancaster County, Pa. His boyhood was spent working upon his father's farm in his native county. In 1856 he went to Massillon, Ohio, where he was employed as a clerk in a store. He followed clerking about two years, a part of which time was spent in Cleveland. In the spring of 1858 he came to this county and located at Roanoke, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Until the fall of 1867 he had a stock of general merchandise. In the spring of 1868 he engaged in the hardware business in which he has ever since continued. February 21, 1860, he was married to Mary B. Bash, by whom he has had four children: Ion B., Frank M. B., Charles D. and William C. The third, Charles D., died in infancy. Mr. Windle is a member of the I. O. 0. F. Lodge, and a Republican in politics. He held the position of Postmaster at Roanoke a number of years. In the fall of 1886 he was elected to the oflSce of County Treasurer, and is the present incumbent. He is an influential and highly respected citizen, and well worthy the confidence the public has imposed in him.

CHARLES L. WRIGHT, M. D., was born in Jefferson Township, this county, June 30, 1862. He was the youngest son born to Marshall and Mary (Bain) Wright, the former a native of Virginia, of English descent, and the latter a native of Wayne County, this State, of Scotch descent. His early life was spent attending school and clerking in a drug store. In 1878, he entered the High School of Huntington. Durmg the Junior year he quit school and engaged in the drug business in Huntington, in connection with his father. A year later he began the study of medicine. In the fall of 1881, he entered the Indi-ana Medical College, where he attended one term of lectures. In the spring of 1882, he went to Portland, this State, where he was employed as clerk in a drugstore three months. He then went to North Manchester where he had a like position nine months. In the summer of 1883, he became a student in the office of Dr. Sever- ance, of Huntington, and pursued his studies until the fall of 1883. At that time he went to Plymouth, Ind., and clerked in a drug store until the spring of 1885. After clerking in a drug store in Peru a short time, he returned to Huntington, and continued his studies with Dr. Severance until October, 1885, when he entered Rush iledical College, of Chicago. He graduated from that institution February 16, 1886. He then entered upon the practice of his profession in the City of Huntington. He is a member of the K. of P. Lodge, and a Republican in politics. In the fall of 1886, he was elected to the office of Coroner of Huntington County.

WILLIAM A. ZELLER, of Huntington, was born in the State of Baden, Germany, January 11, 1837. He was the only son born to Matthias and Elizabeth (Obergfell) Zeller, both natives of Germany. His paternal grandfather was Anthony Zeller. William spent his early life in his native country, where, when he was fifteen years of age he be/?an to learn the trade of a shoemaker. He served an apprenticeship of two years and nine months in the City of Donaueshingen, in the southern part of of the State of Baden. At the age of eighteen he left father, mother, relatives and friends and emigrated to America, landing in New York City, May 6, 1855. He soon drifted to Auburn, N. Y., where he worked as a journeyman shoe-maker until 1858. In the spring of 1859 he went to Wisconsin. In the City of Madison, of that State, he was married to Frances Prinz, on the 3 1st of July, 1859. She was also a native of Germany, where she was born May 8, 1837. She came to America with her parents in 1854, landing at New York City, August 15. In the fall of 1859 Mr., and Mrs. Zeller located in Fort Wayne, this State, where the former worked at his trade until August, 1862, at which time he came to the City of Huntington. His residence has been in this city ever since. October 5, 1864, he entered Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-Sixth Indiana Regiment, from which he received an honorable discharge on the 81st day of November, following. On the 7th day of March, 1864, he went into the employ of E. T. Taylor, formerly a prominent boot and shoe dealer of Huntington. His first employment was upon the bench. He continued thus until in November, 1867, and from that time until April 1st, 1873, he did tte cutting in the boot and shoe establishment. He was promoted from this to the position of salesman and foreman in that establishment. On the 14th day of March, 1886, he purchased the entire stock, and thus became sole proprietor of one of the best stocks of boots and shoes in Northern Indiana. To this was added, a few days later, another stock that he purchased from H. K. Parry. The two stocks were consolidated, making a stock worth over $13,000.00. Our subject and his wife are the parents of seven children: Lizzie F., William A., Anna B., Charles F., Edwin S., Lma C. and Henry A. Charles F. died

July 14, 1886, aged nineteen years, one month and one day. Mr. Zeller is a member of La Fontaine, I. 0. O. F. Lodge, No. 43, and of Silica Fons Encampment, No. 88.

P. W. ZENT, one of Huntington's prominent citizens, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, and was born May 3, 1827. He was the seventh of eleven children born to Samuel Zent, a native of Franklin County, Pa., of German descent. His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Hege, was also a native of Franklin County, Pa., of German descent. She was a descendant of Hans Hege, the progenitor of the Hege family in the United States, who emigrated from Switzerland, crossed the ocean on the ship, James Goodivill, commanded by David Crocket, and" reached the City of Philadelphia on the 27th day of September, 1827. He settled upon a farm in Lancaster County, Pa. He was the father of several daughters and a son named John, who was married to Elizabeth Pealman. By her he became the father of eight children, one of whom. Christian, married, as his second wife, Maria Shank. This marriage resulted in the birth of seven children, one of whom was Elizabeth Hege, who, through her marriage to Samuel Zent, became the mother of P. W. Zent. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm in his native county, and during that time received in the district school an ordinary common school education. For a few years after he became of age he farmed the old home place in Stark County. In 1853 he came to this county and located in Jackson Township where he pursued the vocation of a farmer until about 1869, when he removed to a farm in Clear Creek Township. There he resided until the spring of 1876, since which time he has been a resident of Huntington. Here he was engaged in the grocery business and the sale of agricultural implements until his retirement from active business, which occurred in 1884. He was married October 10, 1849, to Belinda F. Bitter, also a native of Stark County, Ohio, born January 4, 1838. She was the daughter of Henry and Sarah (Kryder) Ritter, who were natives of the State of Pennsylvania. This union was broken by the death of Mrs. Zent on the 3d of January, 1853. His marriage to Catharine H. Gallatin occurred March 3, 1854. She was born in Franklin County, Pa., March 30, 1833, being the daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Howard) Gallatin, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. The first marriage of Mr. Zent resulted in the birth^of two children, Lovenia C. and Franklin S., both of whom are living. He and his present wife are the parents of two children, Isaac K and Howard P., the former of whom died in infancy. Howard F. Zent has the general agency of the State for the J. I. Case machinery, and resides, at present, in Indianapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Zent are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, the former is a Republican . For six years he served as president of the Huntington County Agricultural Society, and he was instrumental in effecting a re-organization of that society. From boyhood he has been an ardent temperance worker, and, in sentiment, is a prohibitionist. He takes an active part in Sabbath School work, and, at this time, he is superintendent of a very interesting and successful school in the Methodist Episcopal of this city.