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

NELSON H. ABBOTT, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Jefferson Township, was born in Wabash County, Ind., May 4, 1839. His parents were James and Diana (McCourtney) Abbott, the former a native of Ohio, and the ancestors of the latter were natives of Kentucky. They were married in Kosiosko County, Ind., about 1836, and soon afterward removed to Wabash County, and were among the pioneers of that county. Our subject was reared amidst the scenes of farm life, and received his education in the district schools of his native State. At the age of twenty he began to do for himself, and his domestic life began on September 20, 1860, when he was united in marriage with Miss Narcissa Nordyke, daughter of John A. E. and Sarah D. Nordyke, whose biographies appear in this volume. She was born in Jefferson Township, January 24, 1829, and has resided here ever since. This union was blessed with six children: John L., Benjamin F., William L., Leander M., Elizabeth F., Sarah M., of whom John L. and Benjamin P., are deceased, and interred in the Lancaster Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Abbott is a staunch Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of his party. During the late war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty- First Regiment, under Capt. L. C. Bicfork. He began life on his own responsibility in limited circumstances, but by dint of industry and perseverence has been eminently successful. To-day he owns a good farm in Sections 5 and 6, and has a comfortable home. For a number of years he has been engaged at ministerial work, being ordained as a minister in 1868. He has given all the time he could, not to interfere too much with his domestic affairs, to church work.

WILLIAM BECK, a farmer of Jefferson Township, was born in Pennsylvania, August 16, 1822, and he while quite young went to Maryland and resided there with his parents until he was sixteen years old. He was the youngest of a family of seven children, born to Michael and Susanah (Haynes) Beck, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. When William was sixteen years of age he accompanied his parents west, and they finally located in Wayne County, Ind., where they resided until their deaths. William grew to manhood in Wayne County, and during his youth learned the carpenter's trade, and contracted the building of several of the most substantial residences of Jefferson Township. On October 30, 1843, he was married to Eli/;abeth Campbell, daughter of William and Nancy Campbell, natives of Kentucky. Elizabeth was born in Wayne County, Ind., August 21, 1826; this union was blessed with thirteen children, namely: Eli, Susanah, Malinda, Nancy, Caroline, George W., Michael, Elama, William W., Elizabeth J. and Daniel, of whom Eli, Susanah, Michael, Elama, Nancy, Elizabeth J., Daniel, and two infants died unnamed. Eli took a part in the late Eebellion, and died April 30, 1881. Probably contracted the disease in the war. Mrs. Beck was called away October 5, 1875; she died a memlaer of the United Breth-. ren Church, and highly esteemed by all who knew her. In 1853, Mr. Beck mOved upon the farm he now resides upon, which he had purchased some years previous; it now contains 325 acres and can be classed among the best farms in the vicinity. He is a self-made man, and started in life on his own responsibility with a willing heart and a few carpenter's tools. In a financial way he has been eminently successful, but has had the misfortune to lose his wife and nine children. In politics he is a Democrat, and a member of the United Brethren Church. He has lived to witness a great change in Huntington County, and has done his share toward its development.

HORACE O. BRELSFORD, a prominent young farmer of Jefferson Township, was born September 18, 1854, being the second of five children born to Samuel and Deborah Brelsford. Our subject's father was born and reared in Ohio; he lived with his father on a farm until he was about twenty- three years of age when he was married to Miss Deborah Silvers, a very fine lady of Ohio. After his marriage he removed to this county about 1850, and began farming on a farm of his own. When he first settled here he began farming and clearing in the woods in Wayne Township. There was plenty of game when he first came to this country, such as squirrels, deer, etc. In the year 1862 he was enlisted in the Thirty-Fourth Indiana Volunteers, and was killed during the battle of Champion Hills. Mrs. Brelsford is still living in Jefferson Township. Our subject was born and raised in Huntington County, and was reared as a farmer boy. He remained at home with his mother until he was about thirty years of age, when he was married to Miss Ida Bardsley, of this county, June 8, 1885. After marriage he began farming for himself about three-quarters of a mile east of Pleasant Plain, where he remained ever since. He is a Republican. He and lady are both well respected people of the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. B. one child has been born: Lona D., born June 3, 1886. In 1881, he was elected Township Assessor and served two terms very successfully.

SAMUEL CLEMENTS, who has been a resident of Jefferson Township since 1849, was born in Highland County, Ohio, June 3, 1814. He was the sixth in a family of nine children, born to Eichard and Elizabeth (Brown) Clements, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Virginia, of Irish and German descent. When Samuel was about three years of age, his parents removed to Wayne County, Ind., where he was reared on a farm. In 1837, they removed to Delaware County, where his parents resided until their deaths: his mother lacked only a few months of being one hundred years old at the time of her death. From 183? to 1849, our subject followed various pursuits, and during this period took part in the Mexican War, enlisting in 1846, and spent almost three years in conquering Mexico. After the closing of the war, or in April, 1849, he landed in Huntington County. From here, in 1851, he went over to Miami County and entered eighty acres of wild timbered land, but never cleared it up, but he continued to reside in this township. In 1853, he purchased the farm he now resides on, and has lived here ever since. He soon erected a log cabin and began to clear it up. On August 22, 1850, he was married to Martha B. Pinkerton, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1845. This union has been blessed with seven children: Melissa, David, Mary, Richard, William, Elvina, and Martha A., of whom Melissa is deceased. Mr. Clements is a staunch Republican, and firmly upholds the principles of that party. He began life a poor boy, and has earned every dollar he is worth to-day by hard work and earnest toil. He now owns eighty-two acres of fine land in Section 18, and has a comfortable home.

PETER GUNDY was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 29, 1831. His parents were Noah and Anna (Line) Gundy, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio, both of English descent. Our subject was raised on the farm his father was reared on, and at the age of twentythree he began to work for himself by engaging to work on a farm near Ft. Wayne, by the month. In 1856 he took a trip to Missouri, and remained one summer, but returned to Ft. Wayne about the 1st of February, 1857. On the 8th of this month he was married to Miss Mary A Miller. This union was blessed with six children: Ida A., who died when about six years of age; Florence A., Ulysses A., Elizabeth, Sarah C, and an infant who died in infancy, unnanaed. Mrs. Gundy is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Gundy is a solid Republican and took part in the late war. He enlisted in Company C, Fifty- Fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. L. C. Beeford, and took part in the battle of Vicksburg. He mustered out in 1863, and returned home. He came to this county in 1861, and settled on the farm where he now resides in Section 31. He now owns 169 acres of fine improved land which he has developed from the woods. By dint of industry and perseverance he has succeeded in providing himself with a comfortable home. It has taken years of hard and earnest toil, but Mr. Gundy never despaired but kept steadily on. Farming has been his life occupation, and he can be classed among Jefferson's most successful farmers.

A. P. HANKA is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, where he was born November 16, 1831. His parents were John and Elizabeth Hanna, the former a native of Cumberland County, Md., and the latter of Virginia; the former of Scotch-Irish, and the latter of German descent. Our subject was reared on a farm and adopted farming as his life profession. At the age of twentytwo he left home and began to work out by the month and year. On March 16, 1854, he was married to Sarah A. Gundy, daughter of Noah and Anna (Line) Gundy. She was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1830, where she was reared. This union was blessed with two children, Elida J. and Wallace G., both of whom are married and living in this county. Mr. Hanna located in this township March 31, 1860, and settled on the farm Mr. Gundy lives on now. In August, 1861, he purchased the farm on which he now resides, which was then almost all in the woods. Since his arrival, he has developed one of the best farms in this section. It consists of 120 acres, and his improvements are first-class. He began life a poor boy, and when he was married he only had $55, but can now be classed among Jefferson's most successful farmers. He is a staunch Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of his party. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, with which they have been connected thirtyone years.

SOLOMON LEWIS is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio. He was born January 9, 1830. His parents were Nathaniel and Nancy Lewis, natives of Canada, and emigrated to the United States soon after their marriage. In 1828 they removed to Wayne County, Ind., and in 1830 they were both carried away. Our subject spent his young life on a farm. At the age of twentyone he began to do for himself by engaging at farm work. In 1841 he was married to Margaret Rinehart, a native of Preble County, Ohio, and principally raised in Henry County, Ind. This union was blessed %vith seven children: Christina, Jacob, Leander, Isabella, Melsona, Amanda and Daniel, of whom Isabella and Melsona are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis- are members of the German Baptist Church, and have been identified with this denomination twenty-five years. They came to Huntington County over forty years ago, when it was almost a wilderness, but a great change has taken place since their arrval. Mr. Lewis began life a poor boy. He now owns a fine farm of 180 acres in Section 23. His improvements are first-class, which speaks well for the judgment of Mr. Lewis. Honest and upright in all his dealings, he now holds the respect and confidence of the entire community. Politically he is a Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of his party. He has dealt with his children liberally, and has assisted them in securing homes. He is a public-spirited man, and always indorsed any enterprise of a public nature which would benefit the community at large.

ELISHA MARSH, a prominent resident ot Jefferson Township for thirty-seven years, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, December 11, 1827. His parents were Jesse and Rachel (Borton) Marsh, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and was a Quaker; the latter was a native of New Jersey, also reared a Quaker. They were quite young when their parents moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, and were reared in that county. The father of Jesse was Enoch and the mother Phebe Marsh. Jesse and Rachel were married in Guernsey County, Ohio, and resided there until 1836, when they removed to Grant County, Ind., and settled in Washington Township; all of that part of the county was a wilderness then, but the sturdy pioneer went to work with a will and soon made a showing in the wilderness. Mr. Marsh began life a very poor man. About 1809 he was married and was just beginning to get a start in life when the War of 1813 broke out, and Mr. Marsh being compelled to hire a substitute it compellecl him to part with his last house, but he never lost his courage and when he was called away in 1853, he was in comfortable circumstances. When he arrived in Grant County he entered 1,400 acres of land, and together with his large family worked very hard to improve it. Elisha, our subjectj was the ninth child in a family of fourteen children. As stated he accompanied his parents to Grant County when about ten years of age, and spent his boyhood and youth amid the hardships of pioneer days. At the age of twenty-two he began to do for himself, by engaging at farm work. On June 3d, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Charity Tetirick, daughter of John and Mary (Borton) Tetirick, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of New Jersey, Charity was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, July 17, 1828, where she spent her young life, and returned to Grant" County with her step-father, George Wire, and her mother in 18 16. This union was blessed with ten children : Martha, Mary, Lavina, George and Minnie (twins), Enoch, Reuben, Elias, of whom Mary and two infants unnamed, are deceased. Politically Mr. Marsh is a staunch Republican, and firmly upholds the principles of that party, but never sought political honors. H removed upon, and purchased the farm he now resides upon in 1850; this was heavily timbered land and required an unlimited amount of hard labor to clear up a home. He moved into a very rude cabin with a puncheon floor, and Mr. Marsh says to-day that he never remembered seeing a worse abode. This he was compelled to live in for three or four years; many a day he would work in the clearing and spend half the night in burning brush. We have no hesitancy in saying that undoubtedly Mr- Marsh has done more hard work than any other man in the township, and it is said to-day that he has split rails enough to fence the township. He has assisted in laying out almost all the public highways in the township. We now find Mr. Marsh owning a fine farm in Section 19. He and his venerable wife, who has constantly stood by his side through adversity and prosperity, have reared a large family and have set an example for them to follow when they have passed away. Honest and upright in all his dealings, Mr. Marsh now holds the respect of the entire community. He bids fair to live and enjoy many years of happy old age where they have spent the best part of their life in making a comfortable home. Mrs. Marsh owns a copper kettle that belonged to her grand mother. Charity Borton, that is 150 years old and a valuable relic.

SAMUEL MARSHELL, one of the oldest pioneers of Jefferson Township, and a resident of it over 50 years, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 1, 1813. He was the second in a family of ten children, born to Thomas and Margaret Marshell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and of English descent. They were married in Licking County, Ohio, about 1810, and the former continued to reside in Ohio until his death, which occurred in 1844. The latter was called away in Huntington County, while residing with her son, our subject, in 1879. Samuel spent his boyhood and youth on the farm, and received a fair education for that day of log school houses. At his maturity he began doing for himself, engaging principally in carpenter work. At the age of twenty-four, or in the spring of 1836, our subject found his earnings amounted to about $300, and as it would be an endless undertaking to remain in Ohio and save his money until he had enough to secure a home, he resolved to go west. Accordingly, about the first of April, 1836, he started on foot to seek a home somewhere in the west. About the middle of the month he arrvied at Joseph Anthony's, who resided in what was then known as Charleston. Mr. Anthony showed him the tract of land he now lives upon, and he immediately started to Fort Wayne, to enter 160 acres in Sections 9 and 10, this was then a wild woodland, filled with game,, and an occasional Indian. There were no public highways, and pioneers' cabins were scarce. He began working at his trade, here and there, in a radius of fifty miles of what is his home to-day, but occasionally he spent some time in clearing up his farm. On April 5, 1855, he was married to Mary C. Bhull, daughter of John and Lydia Shull, old and respected residents of this township. This union was blessed with nine children: Thomas C, John S., James H., Laura B., Lydia C, Margaret E., Elmeda J., Mary A., and Samuel G., of whom Thomas C, Lydia C, and Samuel G., are deceased, and interred in the Purviance Cemetery. Mrs. Marshell died September 34, 1874. She was a Christian woman, and esteemed by all who knew her. Mr. Marshetl is a member of the Christian Church, with which he has been identified for a number of years. Politically he is a stauach Repablican, and has held the office of Township Trustee. He now resides on his fine farm of IfiO acres, which is under a high state of cultivation,, with good improvements.

BENJAMIN F. NORDYKE, a prominent and energetic farmer of Jefferson, was born on the farnJ where he now resides, and in the same house, May 11, 1852. His parents were John A. E. and Sarah D. (Anthony) Nordyke. The former was born June 7, 1809, in N orth Carolina. There he resided until about the age of twenty -one, receiving a fair education for that day of pioneer schools. In 1830 he emigrated to Ohio, where on September 1, 1831, he was united in marriage with Sarah D. Anthony, who was born in Virginia on December 19, 1807, where she was raised, Her father was Charles and his father was Christopher Anthony, and her mother was Elizabeth Anthony. Mr. and Mrs. John A. E. Nordyke began domestic life in Henry County, Ind. In January, 1836, they located on the farm where they continued to reside until their deaths. The former passed away July 25, 1882; the latter. May 28, 1884. They came here when this was a wilderness and entered over 300 acres in Section 6. It was heavy timbered land and Mr. Nordyke was compelled, on account of scarcity of funds, to rough it for some time in a rude log cabin. This humble dwelling was the scene of many happy hours and after a hard day's work in the clearing it was a comfort to be seated with his family around the hearth stone and enjoy the pleasures of the home circle. He was born a Quaker, but while in his youth he purchased, at a bargain, a rather stylish cloak, which offended the old members of the church to such an extent that they gave him the privilege of either laying otf the cloak or losing his place in the church. He chose to keep the cloak and his name was erased from the books of the church. In after years he and Mrs. Nordyke united with the Christian Church and were members until death. He always upheld the principles of the Republican party. He was one of the earliest settlers in the county and highly respected by all who knew him. He began life a poor man and during life was erhinently successful. His family consisted of ten children: Sophronia, Elizabeth, Mary A., Milton, Narcisus, Leander, Malinda M., Alonzo, Amanda, Benjamin, of whom Sophronia, Milton, Leander, Alonzo and Amanda are deceased, and are all, except Sophronia, who is interred in the Price Cemetery, in Wayne Township, interred in the Lancaster Cemetery; also the parents. Thus we find one son and five daughters surviving, each of whom received a liberal legacy from home. Benjamin now resides on the old home place where he was reared. His early education was good. Being rea,red on the farm he adopted farming as a life profession and can to-day be classed among the most successful farmers of Jefferson Township. On September 17, 1874, he was united in marriage with.

Miss Mahala Simonton, daughter of John and Martha (Calhoun) Simonton, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They emigrated in September, 1835, to Wabash County, Ind., and settled in the woods. They continued to reside in that county, Mrs. Simonton being called away March 23,1885. Mahala was born December 26, 1855i. and received her education in the district schools of Wabash County. Mr. and Mrs. Nordyke have been blessed with five children: Noble, Eva, Bertie, Bell, Charley, and an infant, deceased, unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Nordyke are members of the Christian Church. He is one of the enterprising young men of the township, and expects to continue to make this his home. He owns the old home farm and is comfortably situated. He is a member of the F. & A. M. order.

CONROD S. PLASTER, is a native of Franklin County, Pa., where he was born January 17, 1827. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Snyder) Plaster, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. When our subject was ten years of age his parents removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, receiving a good education in the district schools. At the age of twenty, he engaged in farming for himself. He soon engaged in the lumber business, which he followed until 1861, when he engaged in the drug business in Mt. Etna, which he successfully followed until 1883. During that year he disposed of his stock of drugs and purchased the farm he now resides on, and has given his entire attention to his farm ever since. On October 26, 1862, he was married to Martha Planck, daughter of Abraham and Mary Planck, old and respected residents of Huntington County. Martha was born in Fleming County, Ky., July S, 1843. When two years old her parents removed to Rush County, Ind., and came to Huntington County, when she was ten years of age. This union was blessed with four children: William G., Charles S., Purlee C, and Theodore V. A., all of whom are living. Mr. Plaster is a member of the I. O. 0. F. order, and upholds the prineiples of the Republican party.

JOHN" J. RUGGLES. - The gentleman whose biographical sketch is herewith presented is a native of Lewis County, Ky., and the third of a family of ten children born to James and Drusilla (Voires) Ruggles. The parents were both born in Kentucky, from which State in 1838, they emigrated to Indiana, settling in Huntingtoii County, where they resided for one year, returning to their former home at the end of that time and remaining there until 1843. They then came back to Huntington County, and settled upon their home farm in Wayne Township, where the father's death occurred in 1886. The mother is still living on the home place, having reached a ripe old age. John J. Ruggles was born on the 23d of September, 1837, and grew to manhood in Wayne Township, having been brought to Huntington County in his infancy.

He was raised on a farm and in early life enjoyed such educational advantages as the country afforded, attending the different schools during the winter seasons and obtaining the rudiments of a practical knowledge. At the breaking out of the war he tendered his service to his country, responding to the first call for troops, enlisting for the three months' service in the Twefth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted in 1865 in the One Hundred and Fifty-Third Regiment, and remained with the same until honorably discharged, at the close of the war. On the 4th of August, 1861, he married Miss Lydia Evans^ who was born in Wayne County, Ind., September 1, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Ruggles have had four children, one of whom, James E., born April 16, 1877, is now living. Mr. Ruggles is one of the substantial farmers of Jefferson Township, and at this time owns 325 acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a successful state of cultivation. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, G. A. R., and in politics votes with the Republican party.

OLIVER W. SANGER is a native of Hartford County, Conn., where he was born March 17, 1817. His parents were James C. and Achsa (Blodgett) Sanger, natives of Connecticut, the former of Irish and the latter of English descent. When Oliver was about one year old his parents removed to Licking County, Ohio, where they resided until their respective deaths; the former passed away July 20, 1832, in the prime of life. The widow survived him almost forty years, dying July 11, 1872. Oliver spent his boyhood and youth on the farm receiving a fair education. He worked out by the month and saved his earnings until his twentieth year, when he found he had saved $100. With this in his pocket he started in the spring of '36, to Indiana, a,nd traveled considerable of the northern portion of the State. Nine miles west of Goshen, he purchased a wild tract of land, paying $100 for eighty acres. This land he sold three years afterward for $300. In June he returned to his old home in Ohio, and remained until fall, when he came to Huntington County, and made his home in Wayne Township, but entered a tract of land in Section 19, Jefferson Township. On May 4, '37, he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Snyder, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Snyder, old and respected residents of Wayne Township. This was the first marriage solemnized in Wayne Township. Mrs. Sanger was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 11, 1817, and if this happy union continues until the 4th of May, 1887, a half century will have passed since they began life together, in the little log cabin, long ago decayed and gone to ruin. They were blessed with six children, three boys and three girls. They were: Elvina, who diea in infancy; Achsa A., Mary E., William L., James M., and Joseph E., the latter of whom was called away when about six years of age. During the summer of 'S7 Mr. Sanger got out logs for a cabin on his land in Section 17, and on September 16, of that year, he, assisted by his neighbors.

some comJDg eight miles, raised his first house into which he immediately moved. Here he continued to reside until the 18th of December, 1853, when he removed to a house he had erected on the farm he now owns in Section 16. This was school land and divided into 80 acre lots. He kept adding to his original purchase until he owned 340 acres of the very best land in this section of the county. By hard and earnest toil he has developed what was a wilderness, into a fine improved farm. His sons and daughters are all married, and in comfortable circumstances. He has always been a staunch Republican. He cast his first vote for State and county officers in 1838, when, what is now known as Wayne, Polkr, Lancaster and Jefferson Townships, all voted together, at a little place known then as Charleston. In 1840, he was elected school commissioner, which ofiice he held three years; was re-elected but resigned, and in 184 4, was elected Justice of the Peace, and held that office for fourteeen years. In 1860, he was elected Treasurer of Huntington County. He removed to Huntington, and filled the office creditably. In 1863, returned to his farm and in 1864, was elected Township Trustee, which position he has held nine years. Thus we find that he has held offices of trust in the township and county for over twenty- eight years which speaks volumes for the standing and ability of Mr. Sanger. Honest and upright in all his life transactions, he has won the respect and confidence of all who know him, and can to-day be classed among the most substantial citizens of Huntington County.

SAMUEL E. SATTEETHWAITE, one of the leading pioneers of Jefferson Township, is a native of Warren County, Ohio, where he was born May 30, 1825. His parents were Benjamin L. and Ruth (Evans) Satterthwaite, both natives of New Jersey, the former born in 1800, and the latter in 1801, of English extraction. They began life together in Warren County, Ohio, and resided there off and on until about 1840, when they came west and built a cabin and removed to Huntington County permanently in 1843, and settled on a tract of wild land which Mr. Satterthwaite had entered in 1836. This was in Section 7, Jefferson Township. Here the parents resided until their respective deaths; the former passed away in 1869. He was a public spirited man and was well versed in political history; he always upheld the principles of the Democratic party, but never sought political honors. In theology he had few superiors, and was an able supporter of the Bible and its teachings; he was reared in the Quaker Church, and upheld its principles through life. During life he was united in marriage twice, his first wife dying in 1829. His second wife was Miss Mary Lukens, a native of Warren County, Ohio, who was called away about 1866. Thus ended the lives of two prominent pioneers of Huntington County. Samuel Satterthwaite was reared on a farm, and received a fair education in his youth. At the age of twelve, it might be said he began life on his own re- sponsibility. His father was one of the largest land owners in the county, and Samuel was his main assistant in running this large farm. On September 28, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Thomas, daughter of Jesse and Hannah (Cox) Thomas, old and respected residents of Grant County, and among the first settlers of that county, where Hannah was born August 37, 1839. This union has been blessed with seven children: Orlando, Benjamin T., Charles N., Samuel W., John B., Gertrude, Vera Fay; of whom Orlando, Benjamin T. and Charles N. are deceased, all of whom died aftei- matuiity. Mr. and Mrs. Satterthwaite are members of the Quaker Church, with which they have been united during life. Politically Mr. Satterthwaite is a staunch Democrat, and firmly believes in the principles of his party. He has held the office of Trustee of Jefferson Township, being elected over his opponent by twenty-five majority, when the opposition had about eighty majority in the township. Mr. Satterthwaite has always responded when called upon to aid any public enterprise, and donated liberally toward the construction of the Wabash Railroad, the Mt. Etna Gravel Road and various other enterprises of a public nature. His is a fine farm, situated in Section 7, which is the old Satterthwaite homestead. It is provided with substantial improvements, and one among the best farms in this locality.

JOHN SHULL, one of the oldest pioneers of Jefferson Township, is a native of Augusta County^ Va., where he was born, in 1811. He was reared on a farm in the mountains of Virginia, and his education was limited. At the age of twenty-one he emigrated to Preble County, Ohio, where he reside d until the fall of 1836, when he came to Huntington County and entered eighty acres in Section 26, Jefferson Township. He then returned to Ohio, and remained until the fall of 1839, when he moved upon his land. He built a cabin 18x20, which, at that time, counted the best house in the township, and began to clear up his farm. He landed here the latter part of October, and by the next Easter had seven acres of land cleared, with the logs all rolled, and during that year raised enough corn to do him, besides having four bushels for sale. He assisted in clearing up all of his fine farm of 120 acres. The country has changed wonderfully since he came, and what was a widerness fifty years ago has been transformed into fine, beautiful farms. He was one among the first settlers and has aided in developing Jefferson Township as much as any other man in it. He was married to Lydia Williams on November 25, 1834. She was a native of Preble County, Ohio, where she was born February 23, 1814. This union was blessed with nine children: Mary C, George H., Samuel P., Clarissa T., William Y. and Sarah E., all of whom, including three infant sons^ unnamed, are deceased. William Y. died while in defense of his country at Bowling Green, Kentucky. Mrs. ShuU was called away January 30, 1878. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, and esteemed by all who knew her, Mr. ShuU is now married to Mrs. Sydney Petz. This marriage occurred July 25, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Shull are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former having been a member over fifty years. He began life a poor boy, and worked for fifty cents a day to get the money to enter his land. By sickness he has lost all of his family but one child, who is now the wife of Edward H. Hows, a prominent farmer of Salamonie Township. Mr. Shull is a staunch Republican and has always voted that ticket. He is one of the substantial farmers of Jefferson Township, and attended the first election in the township.

PHINEAS SNYDEE, a prominent farmer of Jefferson Township, was born in Brown County, Ohio, April 18, 1833. His parents were Philip and Eliza (Anthony) Snyder, natives of Virginia. They were married in Warren County, Ohio, about 1826. Phineas was reared on a farm and adopted farming as a life profession. At the age of eighteen he started for Tippecanoe County, Ind., and worked by the day and month for about seven years. In 1855 he came to Huntington County, and engaged to work with Abraham Nordyke. On January 13, 1859, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth A. Nordyke, daughter of John and Sarah Nordyke, pioneers of this township, and whose biographies appear in this volume. Elizabeth was born October 29, 1833, in Henry County, Ind.; her life has been principally spent in Huntington County. This union was blessed with five children: Minerva, Franklin, Sarah F., Emma A., and Jane, of whom Minerva and Franklin are deceased. Mr. Snyder is a member of Lodge No. 333, F. & A. M. Bj' dint of industry and perseverance he has provided himself with a fine improved farm in Section 6, provided with good improvements. Mr. Snyder is one of the substantial farmers of Jefferson, and a highly respected citizen. Politically, he is a Republican, but never held any office. He has done his share toward the developraent of the township.

JAMES P. WIRE, Trustee of Jefferson Township, was born on the farm where he now resides, February 29, 1844. His parents were Peter and Nancy (Blount) Wire, the former a native of Kentucky, where he was born September 15, 1805. At the age of twelve years he removed to Ohio, locating in Preble County, where he was married to Nancy Blount. She was bom in Ohio in 1816. They were married about 1832, and in 1835 came to Jefferson Township, and entered 193 acres in Section 3. This was then a wild country, and it seemed a hopeless task to clear up a home in what was then a dense forest. He built a rude log cabin, moved into it and went to work with a will. He was assisted by a loving wife and family, and his labors were crowned with success. He was blessed with nine children, Newton S., Milo F., Lavina, Angeline, Jane, Emanuel D., James P., Andrew B., and Milton, of whom Lavina, Emanuel and Milton, are deceased, Emanuel dving while in defense of his country at Knoxville, Tenn. Mrs. Wire, the mother, died February 31, 1864. She was a kind lady and esteemed by all who knew of her ster- Img qualities. On October 1, 1883, she was followed by Mr. Wire. Thus ended the lives of two of the pioneers of Jefferson Township, that did their share while here toward its development. Mr. Wire was a public spirited man, and took an active interest in the affairs of the township and county.' He held the office of County Commissioner, and was at one time Assessor of Jeffsrson Township. He did a great deal toward building the Wabash & Lancaster Gravel Road, and the general development of the country. James P. spent his early life amid the scenes of pioneer days, and was reared on the farm, therefore he has adopted farming as a life profession, and to- day can be classed among the successful farmers of his vicinity. On August 38, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty- Fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in the western department under the general command, at different times, of Nelson, Pope, Grant, and Banks, and took part in the following noted battles: The siege of Vicksburg, with all the fights attending its capture, and during the second battle at Jackson, Miss., he received a slight wound. He remained in active service until February 3, 1866, when he received an honorable discharge, and returned home and engaged in farming. On March 5,1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Shideler, daughter of Jonas and Fanny (Berg) Shideler, old and respected residents of Lancaster Township. Catharine was born in Wayne County, Ind., December 2, 1849, bat when about six months old her parents removed to Huntington County. Their union has been blessed with six children, Delia, iSTancy, Charlie, Dessie, Dona, and James Blaine, of whom Delia and N'ancy are deceased. Politically Mr. Wire is a staunch Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of his party. In April, 1884, he was elected Township Trustee, and handled the affairs of the township with such credit that in April, 1886, he was re-elected. He takes a great interest in the affairs of the township, especially the schools. He employs good teachers, and the schools are prospering. He lives on his farm, which is a part of the old homestead. As a public servant he has done his duty, and is one of the rising young men of Huntington County. Our subject had three brothers in the war, Emanuel, Newton S., and Andrew. James P., our subject, was engaged for some time in the grocery business, at Huntington.