Huntington County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (3 of 11 so headed), 1887

JERMAN BECK, farmer and stock raiser, was born August 29, 1826, in Mifflin County, Penn., and is the eldest son of Henry and Mary A. (Beighel) Beck, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. Henry Beck was a miller by occupation, and followed the trade until 1833, at which time he emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio and engaged in farming. He died in that county a number of years ago. Jerman Beck was seven years of age when his parents moved to Ohio. He grew to manhood in Montgomery County, that State, and assisted his father on the farm until h,is twenty-second year, attending school at intervals in the meantime. He began farming for himself in 1846, and four years later came to Huntington County, Ind., and located on the farm where he still resides in Jackson Township. He purchased his land in 1849, and for several years worked early and late in order to develop a home, an undertaking at that time attended with many difficulties. He finally succeeded in making a good farm of 160, which to-day is one of the best places in the township. He was married August 13th, 1848, to Miss Mariah Christian, of Huntingdon County, Penn., by whom he had four children: Joseph, Mary C, Samuel and Sarah A. Beck. Mrs. Beck died November 8, 1859. Mr. Beck's second wife was Lydia Angelmire, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, March 13, 18o9, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Good) Angelmire, of Pennsylvania. She was the mother of two children, viz.: "William H. and Eva B. Beck, and departed this life on the 9th day of November, 1870. December 3, 1875, Mr. Beck married Margaret Angelmire, sister of his second wife. She was born in Ohio, March 34, 1843. Mr. Beck is a Republican in politics, and u strong advocate of the temperance reform. He and wife are worthy members of the German Baptist- Chprch.

W. F. BRYSON was born February 32, 1840, being the third of nine children, born to Thomas and Hannah, (Henshaw) Bryson, who are natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent. Thomas Bry son was born 1813, in Butler County, Penn., where he was reared as a farmer boy receiving a fair education from the district school. In 1835 he was married in Butler County, Penn., then removed in 1854 to Wells County, Ind. He was a man of great energy and endurance and of large size. He now has a nice home, the results of his labor. Our subject was reared as a farmer boy in Butler County Penn., until fourteen years of age, when he removed with his father to Indiana. Two years later began learning the harness trade, and after three years went to Pike's Peak, where he remained one year when he came home and enlisted in the army September, 1861, Company I, Thirty-Fourth Indiana, and served till February 22, 1866. Mr. Bryson went into the army as a private, filled all the grades of oflBces and name home commanding a company. After coming home he worked at his trade ten years, when he began business in lumbering with J. B. Bryson, his brother, where he remained until 1883, when his business was burned. Mr. Bryson then went to Hickman, Kentucky, there remained in lumber business about two years, when again burned out, then moved to Indiana, since remaining at Roanoke, where he has been engaged in pension business, which has been very successful. He was married in 1867, to Miss Lucretia Stough, and two children have been born to them: Charles B., June 29, 1869; Ida M., May 16, 1873. Mrs. Bryson belongs to the Methodist Church.

« DANIEL CHRISTIAN", prominent farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, the fourth son and sixth child of a family of eight children^ born to Samuel D. and Mary (Culclesser ? ) Christian, of Huntingdon, now Blair County Penn. Samuel D. Christian grew to manhood in his native county, and subsequently with his wife and three children emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he became one of the leading farmers and stock raisers. In an early day he came to Huntington County, Ind., and purchased for each of his children, 160 acres of valuable land. August, 1865, he located on Section 29, Jackson Township, and a few years later settled in Section 20, where he lived until his death, which occurred JsTovember, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and business capacity, and for many years a devoted member of the German Baptist Church. His wife preceded him to the grave several years, and of their family three members are surviving, and are living, one in Montgomery County, Ohio, the one at Port Townsend, Oregon, and the third, the subject of this sketch, in Huntington County, Ind. Daniel Christian was born July 8, 1835, and grew to manhood in his native county. He enjoyed the advantage of a common school education, and until his twenty-first year, remained under the parental roof, familiarizing himself with the rugged duties of the farmer's vocation in the meantime. On attaining his majority he began farming the home place, and was thus engaged until his removal to Huntington County, August, 1863, when he located upon a tract of land in Section 29, Jackson Township. He subsequently moved to the place where he now resides, which at that time was a dense forest. By persevering industry and a determination to succeed, he finally cleared away the heavy timber and developed a home which in point of fertility and improvements will compare favorably with any farm in the township, his dwelling being one of the finest and most commodious in Huntington County. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Christian deals exten- sively in live stock, and of late years has given a great deal of attention to poultry, being one of the largest breeders of fine varieties in Northern Indiana. He was born and raised in the Democratic school of politics, and as such has been an active worker in his party, having served two terms as Couaty Treasurer, and one term as member of the Board of County Commissioners. He is a man of superior business qualifications and is widely and favorably known throughout Huntington and other counties in the northern part of the State. His marriage with Miss Lydia Warner, daughter of John H. and Charity (Hill) Warner, was solemnized March, 1857. Mrs. Christian was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 6th, 1833, and is the mother of two children, viz.: John H., born December 11th, 1857, and Mary E., deceased, born December 30th, 1859.

JAMES B. DbAEMITT is a son of John and Margaret (Gallagher) DeArmitt, who are natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. The parents were reared in Huntingdon County of their native State, and remained there until 1869, when they came to Indiana. Their marriage occurred November 27, 1856. John DeArmitt has followed farming all his life, and although he began a poor man he has, by energy and economy, acquired a competency. He has a well improved farm of 100 acres where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. DeArmitt are both members of the Catholic Church. Their son, James B., was born September 3, 1857, and received a good education in the normal school, at Danville, Ind., and in the Seminary at Roanoke. He was thus thoroughly prepared to become a teacher, an occupation he has followed nine terms in Huntington County. He is a young man of correct habits and highly esteemed in the community where he is known. John A. DeArmitt was born December 20, 1861. He received a similar education to that of his brother, and has followed the vocation of a pedagogue. The DeArmitts are all Democrats and men well and favorably known in the northwestern part of the county.

DAVID HAMILTON (deceased), son of James and Mary (Bradford) Harailton, was born in Washington County, Penn., in the year 1820. At the age of ten he accompanied his parents to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and where in the common schools, by diligent application, he acquired a practical English education. He remained with his parents until 1849, at which time he moved to Allen County, Ind., and began pioneer life in the woods, where for some years he experienced manifold hardships and privations. On leaving the parental roof he had little or no means, his only capital being willing hands and a determination to succeed in everything he attempted. After living in Allen a few years he traded his place for a farm on the edge of Whitley County, which was his home until I860. In the latter year he exchanged his farm for property in the town of Roanoke, where his family now reside. Mr. Hamilton in 1863, responded to the country's call for volunteers, enlisting August 6, of that year in Company H, Seventy-Fifth Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for a period of three years, earning the reputation of a brave and gallant soldier in that time. He left the army in poor health, and, with the hope of regaining the same, visited Kansas in 1868, but alter a short sojourn returned to Roanoke without deriving any material benefit from the trip. He died at his home on the 20th day of May, 1870, lamented by all who knew him. He was a man of honor and integrity, a strong advocate of temperance, and in short one of the most esteemed and highly respected citizens of Jackson Township. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha J. Bradford, daughter of John and Ann (Hamilton) Bradford, was born in Washington County Penn., August 27, 1834. She is the mother of five children whose names are as follows: Ann E. (deceased), wife of George Schoeff; Mary Agnes, wife of D. M. Rose; Charles E., and James A. (both deceased), Margaret M., Jennie B., wife of Abraham Kahn; Henry H., (deceased) David G. (deceased), and Millie G., wife of Charles D. Christy.

GEORGE W. HAMILTON. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Washington County, Penn., September 1, 1827, the fourth son of James and Mary (Bradford) Hamilton, parents both natives of same county and State. When four years of age he was taken by his parents to Jefferson County, Ohio, where on a farm he grew to manhood, acquiring a very limited education in the meantime. When eighteen years old he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the tin and copper smith's trade, at which he served for a period of three years, opening a shop in Richland at the end of that time, where he soon worked into a comfortable business. His father lived near by and he would occasionally go home and assist in the farm work of busy seasons. While assisting in threshine August, 1850, his arm was caught in the cylinder of the machine and horribly crushed to the shoulder, rendering amputation necessary. After this he was compelled to abandon manual labor, and in order to fit himself for other employment, entered the Richland Academy, where he purused his studies for two years, with the object of teaching in view. He was engaged as teacher for a period of sixteen years, fourteen of which were spent in Jefferson County, Ohio, and two years in Huntington County, Ind., where he moved in the fall of 1866. He abandoned teaching in 1868 and engaged in farming and stock raising, in Whitley County, and subsequently in 1871, purchased 110 acres of his present farm in Jackson Township, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Hamilton has met with encouraging success in life, and at this time is the possessor of nearly 300 acres of valuable land. He was married May 14,

1850, to Caroline Hertford, of Jefferson County, Ohio, where she was born, March, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are worthy citiizens, and enjoy the esteem and confidence of all who know them.

MILTON" W. HUFFMAN" was born in Jackson Township, Huntington County, Ind., January 25, 1860. His father, John Huffman, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 31, 1819, and was the son of Abraham Huffman, who came to Huntington County about the time the land came into market, and entered a tract of land for each of his children, five sons and two daughters. John Huffman became a resident of Jackson Township in 1855, and in addition to the original farm of eighty acres, succeeded in accumulating a handsome competence, including 266 acres of valuable land, which was highly improved. He married September 29, 1 841, Miss Ann Harvont, who bore him five children, four of whom, two sons and two daughters, are living. He died at his home in this township August 21, 1862. His wife survived him several years, dying August 23, 1874. The immediate subject was left fatherless at the early age of two and a half years, and when fourteen years old his mother died. His preliminary education was acquired in the common schools, supplemented by a one year's course at North Fairfield, Ohio, and he later became a student of the Huntington High School, September, 1877, he entered the normal school at Valparaiso, where he pursued his studies for a period of two years, completing a business course during that time, besides making rapid progress in music. Owing to ill health he was compelled to quit school, and in order to recuperate he went west in 1879, and until the fall of 1880, was employed in a hotel at Denver, Colorado. Returning to Indiana the latter year, he engaged in farming in Jackson Township, where he has since resided. October 6, 1881, he married Miss Arbie M. Koch, a native of "Whitley County, Ind., and daughter of William and Sarah (Yeater) Koch, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. The issue of this marriage is one child, Lorenzo M., born May 23, 1883. Mr. Huffman is a public spirited citizen and an ardent worker in the cause of temperance. Politically he is a Republican, and in religion is a member ot the Church of God, as is also his wife.

OLIVER JOHNS, Trustee, and prominent citizen of Jackson Township, is a native of "Wayne County, Indiana, born near HafersfcowjQ, March 28, 1842. His parents were David M. and usanna Johns, the former born in Stark County, Ohio, October 30, 1821, and the latter in Montgomery County, same State, August 20, 1823. David A. Johns, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier in the "War of 1813. He was a wagon-maker by trade, and, after leaving the army, settled in Ohio, where his death occurred many years ago. David M. Johns early learned the wagon-maker's trade, and worked at the same, until his removal to Huntington County, Ind., in 1854. He purchased land in Section 8, Jackson Township, and lived upon the same until his death, vsrhich occurred March 26, 1861. He married, in 1840, Miss Susannah Overholser, by whom he had eight children, six sons and two daughters, the subject of this sketch being the oldest of the family. Mrs. Johns, in 1867, married Stephen C. Ulrey, and moved to Kosciusko County, where she still lives. Oliver Johns was twelve years of age when his parents moved from Wayne to Huntington County, and from that time until the present has been one of Jackson Township's most highly esteemed citizens. He was raised to farm work, and on the death of his father was left in charge of the home place, being at that time nineteen years of age. Two years later he purchased an interest in a saw mill, and after continuing the lumber business for some time, sold out and invested his means in the home where he now resides, moving to the same in 1868. He is a Eepublican in politics, and as such was elected Trustee of Jackson Township in the spring of 1886. His marriage on the 14th of October, 1862, to Miss Sarah Zent, of Richland County. Ohio, and daughter of John Zent, has been blessed with the birth of the following children, viz. : Edwin E., deceased; Jennie M., wife of Rufus Langston; Ellen M., C. C. and Daniel W.

OLIVER F. LANDIS, Minister, was born September 4, 1860, being the fifth of eight children (living) born to Michael H., and Mary A. (John) Landis. He was reared until seventeen years old at North Manchester, Ind., vsrhen he removed with his father's family to Huntington County. Mr. Landis for three years worked out as a farmer. In 1881, he was married to Matilda M. Price. Two children have been born to this marriage. Mr. Landis has been a hard working man. In early life he received a limited education, but in 1885 began a series of studies at United Brethren Seminary, at Roanoke, studying for the ministry. To Mr. and Mrs. Landis two children have been born.

HENRY L. MADDUX. The gentleman whose sketch is herewith presented, is a native of Huntington County, Ind., born in Warren Township, on the 9,2d day of September, 1852. His paternal ancestors were early residents of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, John Maddux, born February 1, 1788, emigrating from that State to Ohio, many years ago, where he reared a family of eight sons and three daughters. He subsequently purchased from the government a tract of land for each of his children in Huntington, Wells and Allen Counties, Ind., about the time those parts of the State were open for settlement. David Maddux, father of subject, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, July 13, 1820. He was one of the early teachers of Huntington County, and an early settler of Wells County, moving there in the year 1840. His wife, Ellen R. (Carroll) Maddux, was born in Washington County, Md., June 3, 1823, of German parentage.

Mr. and Mrs. Maddux, early settled in Warren Township, Huntington County, where they experienced many of the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He died March 10, 1880, havingsuffered nearly total blindness in his later years. His widow still survives him and lives upon the home farm. Henry L. Maddux was reared a farmer, and in the common schools enjoyed the advantages of an English education, attending but one term, however, after his fourteenth year, owing to his father's misfortune i. e.,bindness, and was early obliged to contribute his share toward the support of the family, and until his twenty- fourth year lived at home looking after his mother's interests. He then rented the home place and farmed the same, until purchasing eighty acres of land in the fall of 1881, upon which he has since made quite a number of valuable improv^ements including a brick house, second to no farm residence in Jackson Township. He was married March 18, 1877, to Miss Mina, daughter of Charles and Catharine Bickel, parents natives of Germany. Mrs. Maddux was born in Harrisburg, Penn., November 3d, 1853, and is the mother of two children, to-wit: Alice, born December 29, 1877, died 1880, and Laura, born September 28, 1882. Mr. Maddux is one of the progressivp farmers of his township as well as one of its leading citizens. Mrs. Maddux is a worthy member of the Reformed Lutheran Church.

JOHN" MARTZ, retired farmer, is a native of Pennsylvania, and tbe fourth of a family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, born to John and Elizabeth (Beaver) Martz. The paternal grandfather was a native of Switzerland, and on the mother's side he is descended from German ancestry. John Martz was burn in Pennsylvania, and by occupation was a blacksmith. In 1829 he settled in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he made a good home and reared his children to manhood and womanhood. He died September, 1866, aged seventy-nine years. His wife preceded him to the grave, departing this life in 1840, at the age of fifty-one years. John Martz was born August 26, 1815, and at the age of fourteen accompanied his parents to Trumbull Coimty, Ohio, where the years of his youth and early manhood were passed. His education was limited to the subscription schools of that day, and while still a boy he began the blacksmithing trade with his father, and soon became a skillful workman. February 23, 1840, he married Miss Margaret Keller, of Columbiana County, Ohio, daughter of John and Catherine (Kenrich) Keller. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Martz abandoned his trade and engaged in agricultural pursuits, farming for a few years as a renter, and subsequently, 1851, purchased the land upon which h6 now lives in Jackson Township, Huntington Co. His farm and improvements will compare favorably with any other place in the community, and in point of thrift and all that goes to make up substantial manhood, Mr. Martz stands among the first in the township. He and wife are members of the

Lutheran Church, and in politics he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Martz have had nine children whose names are as follows, to-wit: Daniel, deceased; Catherine, wife of Alexander Smith; Sarah, wife of Daniel Goodman; John H., Cornelius, Aaron, Clara H., wife of John Fisher; Mary A. and Elizabeth, deceased.

W. J. McNAMARA, born in Cecil County, Md., February, 18a9. He was second of nine children born to William and Susan {Porter) McNamara, who were natives of Maryland of Scottish descent. William MclSlamara was reared, and lived in Maryland until about forty-eight years of age, then moved to Indiana where he died at the age of sixty-three, 1868. Mrs. McNamara, is still living at Ft. Wayne, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. McISTamara were very worthy people. Our subject was reared as a farmer's boy and has followed farming up to within a few years of the present time, when, he became engaged in stock raising which he now follows. He received a limited education in the schools of his time. Lived with father until about twenty-six years of age, when he was married to Miss Sarah Sibert, who died seven years after their marriage leaving her husband with three children, two of whom are dead, the other being the wife of William Koch. Two years after his wife's death he married a very excellent lady, Catherine Weaver. Mr. McNamara has been a hard working man, and as the fruits of his labor has accumulated considerable property. At the present time he owns some of the finest horses ever brought to Huntington County. He is a strong Deraocract and belongs to the Methodist Church. By his second wife five children have been born, as follows: Frank E., born June 17,1874; Jay B., born December 4, 1876; Leroy E., born March 11, 1880; Pearl E., born April 26, 1883, and Eldie E., born August 22, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. McNamara are good people, and are highly esteemed by the community.

WILLIAM T. PURVIANCE, the subject of this sketch, is descended from an old Huguenot family and traces his ancestry back through many generations. His parents, James and Jane (Ireland) Purviance, were born in Bourbon County, Ky., in the year 1804, and were the parents of the following children, viz.: Andrew I., William T., Elizabeth H. and Jane Purviance. James Purviance, when four years of age, accompanied his parents to Preble County, Ohio, where December 26, 1826, he was united in marriage to Jane Ireland. In 1835 he settled near Goshen, Ind., where on the 29th of September, 1838, Mrs. Purviance died. In 1842 Mr. Purviance disposed of his interest in Elkhart County and purchased 160 acres of land in Jackson Township, Huntington County, to which he moved in the spring of the following year. January, 1844, his second marriage was solemnized with Mrs. Sarah Knox, of Bourbon County, Ky., by whom he had three children, viz.: James M., Charles C.

and Margaret, deceased, wife of William Webb. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Purviance located upon the home place where his death occurred, December 8, 1854. He was a man of great popularity and influence and served in various official positions In the township. Mrs. Purviance departed this life September 1, 1885. William T. Purviance was born in Preble County, Ohio, October 19, 1829, and at the age of six years was brought by his parents to Indiana. When nine years of ag*^. he returned to Ohio and lived with his grandfather until the spring of 1843, at which time he came to Huntington County with his father, and has ever since been an honored resident of Jackson Township. He was educated in the common schools, and on the death of his father took charge of the home farm upon which he still lives and which he has made one of the best places in the township. July, 1863, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, for the six months' service and was with his regiment under Gen. Burnside in East Tennessee during his period of enlistment. He was honorably discharged March 1, 1864, and immediately thereafter returned home and resumed farming which he still carries on in connection with stock raising, being quite successful in both branches of industry. He served as Trustee of Jackson Township several terms and discharged the duties of that office in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to all concerned. He is a member of the G. A. E. post at Roanoke and one of the public- sprited citizens of Jackson Township.

MARVIN W. RICHARDS, manufacturer of lumber and drain tile, was born in Jackson Township, Huntington Co., February as, 1856, the son of Daniel and Harriet (Smith) Richards, natives of Stark County, Ohio. He was reared a farmer, enjoyed the adv^antages of a common school education, and on attaining his majority engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he carried on successfully until the spring of 1886; at that time he began dealing in farm implements at Huntington, and one year later purchased an interest in a saw mill and tile factory two and a half miles southwest of Roanoke, with which he is at this time connected. He is an energetic man, and in his latest business venture has met with the most encouraging success. December 19, 1878, he married Miss Rosa McCaughey, daughter of James W. McCaughey, of Jackson Township. She was born in Huntington County, August 3, 1857. The father of our subject, Daniel Richards, was born March 14, 1814, the fifth child of Benjamin and Rachael (Warner) Richards, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. He is by occupation a farmer, and began life for himself at the early age of fourteen. April 24, 1837, he married Harriet Smith, and a little later moved to Summit County, Ohio, where they lived until they removed to Huntington County, Ind., in the fall of 1851. He located where he now lives, having redeemed from the forest a fine farm of 100 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Richards, in 1838, became converted and have been active Christian workers ever since. They are the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living, to-wit: Ruhamma E., Byron A., Mary A., Marvin W., Ervin E., Harriet R. and Newton B. E.

REV. F. A. ROBINSON, Minister Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in Allen County, Ind., August 14, 1842, and is the seventh of a family of thirteen children, born to H. and Catherine (Freshour) Robinson. The father was born in Ohio, June 23, 1806, grew to manhood on a farm, and when quite young, came to Allen County, Ind., where he has since resided. He took an active part in redeeming the country from a wilderness-state, and bore his full share of the many hardships which beset all early settlers in a new and thickly wooded country. He has for fifty years been a zealous member of the Methodist Church, contributing liberally of his means to its support, besides always being forward in every enterprise having for its object the good of his fellow-man. His wife died February, 1864, and the year following he married Amanda Bart, who bore him one child. F. A. Robinson was raised on his father's farm, received a good education in the common schools, and later attended the college at Ft. Wayne where he made substantial progress in the higher branches of learning. On attaining his majority he engaged in teaching, in which he acquired great proficiency, and in 1869, began studying for the ministry, entering upon the active labors of his holy calling a little later. He is still engaged in the work, being at this time in charge of Roanoke Circuit, where his efforts have been greatly blessed. He owns a farm one and a half miles west of Roanoke, and carries on agricultural pursuits in connection with his ministerial labors. He married December 29, 1867, Miss Rachel Van Arsdol, daughter of John and Lois Van Arsdol. Mrs. Robinson was born June 26, 1851, and is the mother of three children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows, viz.: Charles G., born November 18, 1869; William E., born November 8, 1873, and Lois Gertrude, born January 27, 1878.

WILLIAM M. SHREVE, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Lewis County, W. Va., born November 15th, 1823, to Jacob R., and Susannah (Wamsley) Shreve, of the same State. The parents in an early day emigrated to Monroe County, Ohio, and subsequently moved to Union County, where they resided until their respective deaths. The following are the names of their children, viz.: Margaret, William M., James, Thomas, Mary,MeIvma, Samuel and Harrison Shreve. William M. Shreve was raised a farmer, and spent the years of his youth and early manhood in Virginia and Ohio. June, 1847, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Zent, daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Hega) Zent, of Stark Countj-, Ohio, who has borne him four children, to wit: Emma, Mattie, Katie A., and Cora M. Mr. Shreve, in the fall of 1859, moved to Huntington County^ Ind., and settled upon the farm, where he has since resided, near the town of Roanoke. He is a substantial citizen, and one of the representative men of Jackson Township.

ABRAHAM SIMON, retired farmer and pioneer of Jackson Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, and dates his birth from the 7th day of May, 1813. He is the third of a family of eight children, born to Jacob and Catherine (Dinius) Simon, " both parents born in Pennsylvania of German ancestry. Jacob Simon grew to manhood in his native State, and in early life learned the shoe- maker's trade. In 1819, with his wife and six children, he emigrated to Stark County, Ohio, where for some years he lived the life of a pioneer, and where he succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence, including a fine farm of 160 acres upon which he lived until his death, a number of years later. Abraham Simon was raised in Stark County, Ohio, and upon his father's farm learned those lessons of industry and thrift by which his subsequent life has been characterized. Having early manifested a liking for mechanical pursuits, he while still a young man, took up the carpenter's trade, to which he devoted his attention for about two years, after attaining his majority. March 37, 1836, he was united in marriage to Mary Hafla, who was born in Franklin County, Penn., July 6, 1815, the only daughter of Peter and Sophia (Bruner) Hafla. Mr. Simon farmed his father's place untill the fall of 1844, at which time he moved to Huntington County and settled on eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, which he had located the year previous. Like the other early settlers, Mr. Simon encountered his full share of the difficulties incident to pioneer life, but by energy and determination, finally succeeded in developing from the forest a comfortable home, his farm at this time consisting of 135 acres of choice land, the greater part of which is under a successful state of cultivation. He is a well-preserved man, in full possession of his mental and physical faculties, and is one of the representative, self-made men of Huntington County. He cast his first ballot in 1836, for William Henry Harrison, and since the birth of the Republican party, has been of its most earnest and uncompromising adherents. In religious matters Mr. and Mrs. Simon have always taken an active interest, and it was at their dwelling that one of the first classes of the United Brethren Church in Huntington County was organized. This was in the fall of 1845, since which time the church has grown to be one of the largest and most aggressive societies in the township. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simon, four of whom are now living, viz.: John, William, Josiah and Eli. The first and fourth farmers, and the second and third ministers of the United Brethren Church. The following are the deceased members of the family: Harriet, Rebecca, Daniel and Mary.

E. M. TAYLOR, dealer in general merchandise, Roanoke, Indiana, was born in the City of Eaton, Ohio, June 22, 18J3, and is this son of Enoch and Elizabeth (Clawson) Taylor, natives respectively of North Carolina and Ohio. Enoch and Elizabeth Taylor were the parents of twelve children, whose names are as follows: Rebecca, Alzima, Dudley, Eliza, Jane, Nancy, Mary A., John, William, David, Elizabeth and Ernest M., the subject of the biography. E. M. Taylor came to Huntington County, Ind., in the year 1869, and for some time thereafter was employed as clerk in the mercantile house of S. Moore. He subsequently went to Illinois, and was a resident of that State until 1867, at which time he returned to Huntington County, and remained here until 1869. He went to Michigan that year, in which State, on the 22d of June, 1869, he was united in marriage to Lizzie Ayres, daughter of Peter Ayres. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Tayldr began the manufacture of fanning mills, at the town of Lawton, which branch of industry he continued with good success for a couple of years. In 1873 he engaged with the Studebaker Bros., at South Bend, Indiana, and continued in their employ until his return to Huntington County, in the winter of 1876. In 1883 he moved to Roanoke and engaged in the mercantile business, which he carried on until 1885, at which time he sold out and removed to Huntington, where he still resides. He purchased, in 1884, a stock of groceries at Andrews, and in November, 1886, bought his present large stock of general mercandise at Roanoke, both of which he now controls.

JOHN VAN ARSDOL, retired farmer, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, July 20th, 1813, son of Cornelius and Jane (McLelan) Van Arsdol native of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The father was reared in Kentucky until nineteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he lived until his removal to Delaware County, Ind., about the year 1830. He was one of the earliest settlers of that county, and a pioneer in the true sense of the word. He was a farmer by occupation. Lived to see all but one of his children grown, and departed this life in 1870, aged eighty years. He was for years a leading man of the community in which he resided, and with his wife was an active member of the Christian Church. John Van Arsdol was eight years of age when his parents emigrated to Delaware County. His early years were spent amid the ruggid scenery of nioneer life, and on attaining his majority, he began working for himself, making rails at the rate of three shillings per hundred. By this means he was enabled in a few years to save sufficient means to purchase 110 acres of land, upon which he at once began farming. He subsequently traded his land for an interest in a saw mill and another tract, and followed the lumber business about three years, when he moved to Blackford County. Eight years later he returned to Delaware County, and after remaining there eleven years, disposed of his interest and came to Huntington County, where he has since resided. Hi© has been a life of great activity, throughout which no breath of suspicion was ever uttered against his honor or integrity. February 18, 1836, in Union County, Ind., he married Miss Louis^ daughter of William and Mary Payton, a union blessed witk six children, viz.: Mary J., wife of Robert Shroyer,born January 29th, 1837; William, born November 38th, 1839; Isaac, born May 9th, 1842; Martha, wife of A. J. Bell, born November Hth, 1849 j Rachel, wife of Rev. F. A. Robinson, born June 26th, 1851, and John W., born November 16th, 1856.

AUGUSTUS WASMUTH, prominent business man of Roanoke, member of the mercantile and banking house of Windle & Wasmuth, is a native of Germany, and dates his birth from the 26th day of August, 1841. When quite young he accompanied an uncle to the United States, and in September, 1859, came to Huntington County, Ind., where he remained until entering the army the following year. He responded to one of the earliest calls for volunteers, enlisting in Company E, Forty-Seventh Indiana Infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged at the close of the war, participating in many active campaigns and bloody battles in the meantime. After his discharge Mr. Wasmuth returned to Huntington County, and a short time afterward engaged as clerk in the store of J. S. Grim, at Roanoke, in which capacity he continued for a period of about two years. April, 1867, he affected a co-partnership in the hardware trade with W. K. Windle, and the firm thus constituted still exists, being at this time one of the most substantial houses in the county. In addition to the general hardware trade, Messrs. Windle & Wasmuth deal quite extensively in agricultural implements, grain, etc., besides doing a general banking business, being proprietors of one of the most successful private banks in the county. Mr. Wasmuth married at Roanoke, Ind., Miss Margaret E., daughter of Peter and Barbara (Weimer) Grim, a union blessed with the birth of seven children, viz.: Eva, Edmund M., Arthur D., Daniel A., Lizzie, Lawrence and Harry Wasmuth. Mr. Wasmuth is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and also belongs to the G. A. R.

JACOB WOHLFORD was born in York County, Penn., March 7, 1819, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Wohlford. Jacob Wohlford, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania, his parents moving to that state in an early day from Germany. He grew to manhood in York County and served as a private soldier in the War of 1812. Late in life he moved to Columbiana County, and subsequently emigrated to Indiana, settling near Goshen, where his death occurred. He was the father of eleven children ten of whom grew to man and womanhood, the subject of this sketch being the seventh in number. Subject passed the years of his youth and early manhood in his native county and at the age of eighteen began life for himself as a farm laborer. In 1838, he went to Columbiana County, Ohio, and January 1, 1841, near Wooster that State, was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Kraamer, daughter of Michael and Susan (Shiley) Kraamer, of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wohlford was born in Pennsylvania, October 30, 1825, and is the mother of the following children viz.: Benjamin F., died in the army; Thomas J., John M., James A., deceased; Mary E., deceased; Jacob H., William F., Samuel P., Harriet, deceased. The three older sons served in the late war and rendered eflScient service in defense of the National Union. Mr. Wohlford, in September, 1860, located in Jackson Township, and settled on the place where he has since resided. He owns a good farm supplied with all the modern appliances of agriculture, and is one of the worthy and industrious citizens of Jackson. Prior to the war he was a Democrat, but since that time has voted with the Republican party . He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

AMOS D. YOUNG, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and son of Robert and Nancy Young. Robert Young was born in Maryland, in the year 1802, but in an early day emigrated to Ohio, where he still lives. His wife was the daughter of Caleb Fox, also a native of Maryland, and one of the earliest pioneers of Ohio. He served with distinction in the War of 1812, and departed this life in Ohio many years ago. Mrs. Young died in the year 1855. She was the mother of eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, seven of whom grew to man and womanhood. Amos D. Young, was born February 11, 1839, and passed the years of his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, attending such schools as the country afforded at intervals in the meantime. At the age of twenty-one, he began life for himself as a farm laborer, and was thus engaged until 1856, when he purchased a small tract of land to which he subsequently made additions, and upon which he lived until 1864. In that year he disposed of his interests in Ohio, and purchased in Jackson Township, this county, eighty acres west of Mahon Village, where, in the almost unbroken forest, he began carving out a home. He subsequently added to this purchase, and in 1879 bought his present beautiful home of 130 acres, to which he moved in 1881. He is in every sense of the term, a self made man, and a liberal patron of all public enterprises, having always taken an active interest in the development of the country. He is a Democrat in politics. February 8, 1853, he married Miss Anna E. Palmer, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 6, 1830. To this union four children have been born, two of whom, James F. and Smith, are living. The names of those deceased are: Emily J. and John P. Young.

JOHN M. KEEPER, a Jackson Township farmer, was born January 23, 1847, being the third of seven children born to George and Hannah Keefer. George was reared a farmer's boy and re- mained at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came west to Wooster, Ohio, a poor man, empty handed, and engaged at farm work. Two years later he was married to Miss Hannah Franze, and began farming on rented land near Wooster, and one year later purchased thirty acres of cleared land on which he built good buildings. He, in the spring of 1844, sold and removed to this county, and bought eighty acres of forest land for $300. He erected a log cabin and began in the woods living a life of a pioneer. He and wife were young and both worked hard and thus made their home. He is one of the energetic, strong men, and has by a well spent life made a good home. He has built good buildings and now enjoys the fruits of earlier labor. All their children are located near home and all well-todo. John M. was born and reared in Huntington County. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the army in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-Third Indiana Volunteers, and served seven months, when he was discharged and returned home. He lived with his father about four years when he was married to Miss Caroline Freehafer of this county. After marriage he removed to a farm in Section 33, Jackson Township, where he still resides. He has 115 acres of good land well improved; in early days he was a hard working man and as the fruits of his labor has a good home. He is a Democrat. Belongs to G. A. A. post No. 167, Roanoke, Ind. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keefer three children have been born: Edwin A., Franklin M. and Pearlie I. Mr. and Mrs. Keefer are people well respected.

JOHN M. SETTLEMYRE, a farmer of Jackson Township, was born April 3, 1840, being second of four children born to William and Anna Settlemyre, of Warren County, Ohio. Our subject was reared as a farmer boy in Warren County, Ohio, until twenty-one years of age, when he came with one brother to Indiana in 1860. After removal to Indiana they began farming and clearing on a farm given them by their father. In 1873 he was married to Margaret Arick, of Huntington County. After he had been married two years he began building on his farm a good building. Mr. Settlemyre has remained on the same farm ever since he came to Indiana. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Settlemyre two children have been born, the oldest James - Elmar. Mr. and Mrs. Settlemyre are good people, well respected by the community. He is a Republican in politics.

PRESTON B. SETTLEMYRE, a citizen of Jackson Township, was born June 5, 1857, being the oldest of six children born to Charles W. and Mary (Hathaway) Settlemyre. Our subject was born in Warren County, Ohio; when but three years old his parents removed to Huntington County (1860). Was reared as a farmer boy; lived with father until his death, in 1874. After father's death Mr. Settlemyre remained with his mother until her death, in 1876, when, two years later, he was married to Miss

Nancy M. Arick, of Huntington County. After marriage he began farming on the old home place; remained at farming until 1884, when he began business as a tile maker, in Jackson Township, three miles southeast of Roanoke. Mr. Settiemyre runfe a business of about $2,000 per year. Is a Republican in politics. He and lady belong to the United Brethren Church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Settiemyre two children have been born, the oldest, Charles A., born January 25, 1879; second, Tillie N., born May 15, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Settiemyre are good people; well respected by the community.