Huntington County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 4 of 15)

21,1881. On May 21, 1883, he married Catharine Ryan. The nine children of the first marriage were: Joseph F., Jesse E., George W., Samuel B., William, Mary R., Anna, Thomas J., and Jonna E. The children of the second marriage were: Charles L. and Paul J.

Paul J. Buchanan received the rudiments of his education in St. Mary's parochial school, and was graduated in the eighth grade when he was fifteen years old. On leaving school he learned the plumbing business with his father, and later with C. E. First of Fort Wayne, with whom he remained eighteen months. Thus at an early age he had supplied himself with the knowledge and practical 'experience which have proved a solid foundation for a business career. On returning from Fort Wayne to Huntington he was employed in the electric light business and as a gas-fitter for two years. In 1913 he became manager of the Sanitary Plumbing & Heating Company. This is a large establishment, is incorporated, and all the stock is owned by local capital. He has supervision of all departments of manufacture, and a large number of men are employed. The business has a large local trade in the city of Huntington as well as in neighboring towns and the surrounding country.

Mr. Buchanan was married November 11, 1909, to Miss Mabel Sumner, a daughter of Calvin and Myrtle (Davis) Sumner. Her parents are old and respected citizens and farmers of Huntington county.

FREDERICK SAMUEL Cooper GraystTon, M. D. It is doubtful if there is a vocation in life which offers opportunity for greater genuine service to mankind than that of doctor of medicine, and the physician who fully appreciates his responsibilities and responds conscientiously to every call made upon him is a public benefactor in the highest sense of the term. There can be no question as to the reward that will be his in the after life. Such a man was the late Frederick Samuel Cooper Grayston, one of the best known and most generally beloved medical practitioners whoever ministered to the ills of the people of Huntington county. Lofty ideals, purity of mind and unselfish devotion to his profession and to the welfare of others were manifested strikingly throughout the long period in which he practiced his calling in Huntington and the surrounding country, and in return he was esteemed and loved by those who came under his ministration.

Doctor Grayston was born at Woodbridge, Suffolk, England, April 6, 1823, at which place his father was a practicing attorney. His early education was secured in the schools of his native town and after his graduation from Seckford Academy he spent some time with his father. The legal profession, however, held no attractions for him, and evidencing a preference for medicine he was apprenticed to a pharmaceutist, with whom he studied chemistry, making such progress in this line that at the age of twenty-four years he became assistant to a medical practitioner at Tamworth, with whom he mastered the various branches of medicine. In 1849 he was married to Miss Isabella Custance, and in the following spring determined to emigrate to the United States, and accordingly took passage on a vessel starting for this country, but soon after the start of the journey the ship was overtaken by a furious tempest on the Irish coast. <A terrible night passed on the waves, but in the following morning the passengers were rescued and landed at a point in County Wexford. Doctor Grayston, when recuperated from the illness caused by exposure, returned to England by way of Dublin, adding to his knowledge of the beautiful and picturesque country by visits to various points of interest. In September, 1850, he again started for America, and this time was successful in reaching our shores. Receiving excellent reports as to the opportunities offered by the growing county of Huntington, in Indiana, he continued on his journey until he reached the village of Huntington on the 12th of October of the same year. Early in the following year, desiring to further his medical knowledge, he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and became the pupil of L. M. Lawson, attending private classes in | the hospital during the summer, and in October entered the Medical College of Ohio, there completing a full course of lectures. It may be well to note that the faculty of this school embraced some of the most distinguished members of the profession, among them Professors Mussy, John Lock and John Bell, names with which to conjure. With such excellent preparation, Doctor Grayston returned to Huntington in the spring of 1852, and this city continued to be his field of activity and the scene of his successes until his death. The Doctor was always an enthusiastic student of his profession. In 1860 he attended the Chicago Medical College and graduated therefrom, receiving a prize for the best essay on diphtheria, and in 1864 Rush Medical College conferred upon him the ad eundem degree. In 1866 he was appointed United States Examining Surgeon for Invalid Pensioners, a position which he efficiently filled up to the time of his death. He was an indefatigable worker in the medical societies of Huntington and adjoining counties and of the state, and was one of the most frequent, and accounted among the most able, contributors on subjects of special interest.

Mrs. Grayston, who survives the Doctor, makes her home in Huntington, where her son, Dr. Charles E. Grayston, is following in his father's footsteps and is one of the leading specialists of the city. A review of the younger man's life will be found on another page of this work.

CHARLES E. Grayston, M.D. The medical fraternity of Huntington county has been honored by the activities of several physicians by the name of Grayston, the immediate subject of this review being Charles E. Grayston, a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, at Huntington, where he has long been in the enjoyment of a representative practice. The son of a physician, he was early given the benefit of the excellent preceptorship of his father, subsequently prepared in recognized colleges of medicine, and since his graduation therefrom has continued to be a constant and earnest student. His standing in his profession is high, especially in his special field, and the confidence in which he is held by the general public is but an appreciation of the services he has rendered to his community. Doctor Grayston is a native son of Huntington, and was born November 17, 1857, a son of Dr. Frederick Samuel

Cooper and Isabella (Custance) Grayston. The father, who was a practicing physician for many years in Huntington county, was born at Woodbridge, Suffolk, England, April 6, 1823, and was the son of a practicing attorney of that place. A complete review of the father's life will be found on another page of this work.

Charles E. Grayston acquired his early educational training in the public and high schools of Huntington, and after leaving the latter institution in 1877 became a student in a select school, where he pursued his studies for two years. Following this he took up the study of medicine and entered the Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated with his degree in 1882. His first field of practice was in Huntington, Indiana, where_he has still continued. Soon after coming here he took a special course in*chemistry in the Polyclinic Institute, where he remained two years, then took another special course in the same institution, and completed his preparation by a special course in the diseases of the ear, eye, nose and throat in New York City. Returning to Huntington, he settled down to devote his entire attention to his special line of practice, and his undoubted ability and wide knowledge have enabled him to build up a large and lucrative professional business. Doctor Grayston is a member of the Huntington County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias. .A general favorite in social circles of the city, his pleasant home is a center of culture and refinement. This residence, on Tipton street, is one of the handsome ones of Huntington, a substantial brick with every possible convenience, an extensive lawn and attractive surroundings, and commanding a fine view.

In 1883 Doctor Grayston was married to Miss Jennie Davis, daughter of Jesse Davis, an old resident of Huntington county. Three children have been born to this union: Florence; Jesse, a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and now serving as interne in the Cook County Hospital, Chicago; and Anna, a student in the Huntington High school. Dr. Grayston is a member of the Central Christian Church.

Ira Lanois. Close application, diligent study of the trade and the public demands, unabating enterprise and strict integrity constitute the salient elements which have led Ira Landis forth from a comparatively humble financial position to the plane of affluence. His career is characteristic of the struggles that have marked the lives of many of our most prominent men, yet always he has been going forward and upward, and today, as the head of the large mercantile firm of Ira Landis & Sons, he is recognized as one of Huntington's leading business citizens.

Abraham G. Landis, the father of Ira Landis, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1836. In early youth he learned farming, a vocation which he followed for some years, but in later life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and was so engaged at the time of his death, May 2, 1900. Abraham G. Landis was married to Miss Julia Ann Troxal, who was born in Pennsylvania, and accompanied her parents to Ohio in girlhood, and she survived her husband some years, her death occurring in 1911. Ira Landis was born on his father's farm in Montgomery county, Ohio, April 6, 1857. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and proved himself an excellent farmer. In the meantime he was securing such educational advantages as were attainable in the district schools of his vicinity, and continued to study until he was twenty-two years of age. Mr. Landis then returned to farming, and the following six years found him busily engaged in raising crops and breeding cattle. It was not his intention, however, to devote his career to agricultural pursuits, for he had always cherished a belief that he could make a greater success in mercantile lines, and, finally, in 1893, he accepted a business opening and established himself as the proprietor of a meat market in Huntington for seventeen years. This business proved a'success almost from the start, and vindicated Mr. Landis' belief in his abilities. It continued to develop and grow, and by 1905 Mr. Landis found it necessary to seek a larger field for his activities. Accordingly he came to Huntington and opened his present establishment on East Market street, near the Erie Railroad depot, where he has continued to deal in dry goods, groceries and produce. Mr. Landis is public-spirited in a marked degree, giving his co-operation and aid to many movements for the public good. His life illustrates very closely what may be accomplished by a strong will and a determination to succeed, for, starting out with no assistance of either a financial or educational nature, he has worked his way upward to a prominent position among the world's workers. He is always found on the side of progress, whether in business, community or social interests, and is accounted one of the leading and representative citizens of the city in which he makes his home.

In 1879 Mr. Landis married Miss Sarene Putterbaugh, of Darke county, Ohio, a daughter of George Putterbaugh, an old and respected citizen, formerly of Pennsylvania. Two children have been born to this union: George C., a graduate of the Huntington high school, and Boyd A., who is interested in the department store business as his father's partner. Mr. Landis is a popular member of the Odd Fellows, with which he has been connected for twenty years, and now holds membership in Lafontaine Lodge No. 42 of Huntington. He is a republican, but has never cared for public office, having been too busily engaged in his business ventures. His handsome residence is situated on Center street.

MICHAEL J. Becker. The adroit manipulation of the chisel has at all times commanded a liberal share of the world's applause and admiration. It has preserved to us the beauty of antiquity, has marked the resting-place of our dearest and most beloved friends, and has made the home of their mortal remains a garden of art and loveliness; it has also contributed largely to the beauty of our cities, the adornment of our public parks and to the perpetuating of the memory of the great and the good. In this connection it is a pleasure to present a review of the life of one of the masters of his craft, Michael J. Becker, who as a born carver of stone has won his way to fame and recognition.

Mr. Becker was born in the city of Huntington, Indiana, November 29,1859. He is the youngest of Jacob Becker, one of the early residents of this city, a native of Prussia, who was born July 25, 1824, aud was the oldest of five children, four sons and one daughter, the mother being Mrs. Elizabeth (Loch) Becker, also a native of Prussia. At the age of twelve years Jacob Becker began to learn the trade of a stonecutter, and on completing his apprenticeship started to work as a journeyman, but left his trade when he joined the army, as is customary with the youths of his native land. Entering the Prussian military service, he remained therein for four and one-half years, and during this*time, in February, 1850, was married to Miss Elizabeth Klein, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Stoll) Klein, natives of Prussia. In 1852 Jacob Becker, his wife and child, father and mother, three brothers and a sister, emigrated to America and reached New York on the 5th of April. From that city the little party removed to Williamsport, New York, and later to Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, and Huntington was reached December 11, 1852. The period from 1873 until 1877 was spent in Logansport, but in the latter year Mr. Becker returned to Huntington, and here continued to reside until the time of his death. He was an honest, industrious and thrifty workman, skilled in his trade and possessed of strict integrity. He won the friendship and esteem of his fellow men and at all times proved himself loyal to his adopted country and its interests. In political matters he was a stalwart democrat, while his religious connection was with the Catholic church. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Becker: Elizabeth, Jacob F., Nicholas, Peter, Michael J., and Margaret, of whom three are deceased.

Michael J. Becker was educated in the Catholic schools of Huntington, but at the age of thirteen years laid aside his books to take up the hammer and chisel in association with his father, who had entered the monument business. Thus he learned the business of a stone cutter and then a letterer, gradually acquiring a knowledge of every department of the business. At the age of nineteen he took over the management of the business, which he has since conducted with a full measure of success, and this is now one of the oldest concerns of its kind in Huntington county, as well as one of the most reliable. An artist of true genius, his love for the picturesque and beautiful asserts itself in every detail of his business, and the work that comes from his establishment has excited admiration all over Huntington and the surrounding country. The mechanical equipment of the monument works is driven by electricity, sufficient horse power thus being secured. An ever increasing volume of business testifies to the place Mr. Becker has made for himself in his special field of endeavor. Mr. Becker is a member of the Knights of Columbus, he belongs to Ss. Peter & Paul's Catholic church of Huntington, which the members of his family also attend and in the work of which they have been active. The pleasant family home is located at No. 1034 Oak street.

born the following: Ferdinand J., a graduate of the Huntington Business University, who is associated with his father in the monument business; also meee! with his father; Bertha M., a graduate of St. Mary' s Meh school; and Beatrice, Margaret and Aios, students of Ss. Peter & Paul's school. The entire family are musically educated and have a family orchestra that has attracted wide attention and interest at the many occasions at which they have exemplified their talent. Mr. M. J. Becker has played with the city bands of Huntington since he was fourteen years of age in the capacity of cornetist, and also filled the same position in the Huntington theater for many years.

ApAM Pastor. While it is his special distinction in being the oldest grocer engaged in business at Huntington, Adam Pastor has also gained wide recognition for his business ability in that and other lines and is a man whose progress has been made from an humble financial position to one of affluence. Since the close of the Civil war, through which he served in the ranks of the Union army, he has been identified with the business interests of Huntington, has watched the growth and development of that city, and has contributed his own share thereto, and has prospered along with the city's prosperity.

Like a number of his community's citizens, Mr. Pastor is a native of Germany, having been born in Bavaria May 29, 1841. He was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents, Nicholas and Ellen (Steer) Pastor, to the United States. The family after landing in New York city went at once to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then to Huntington county, settling on Little River in 1850. The mother died in 1854 in Huntington. These children were born to Nicholas and Ellen Pastor: Adam, Margaret, deceased ; George, a florist in Huntington; one that died in infancy ; and Charles, leased.

Adam Pastor was reared in Huntington, received his primary education in a primitive old log schoolhouse in the vicinity of his father's farm, and subsequently was a student in a school conducted in the old log courthouse building. He was twenty-five years of age when his father died, and at that time he began a career of his own in the employ of Thomas Blackburn, a Huntington baker. Thus engaged in August, 1862, his work was interrupted when he answered the call of his adopted country and shouldered a musket for service in the ranks of the Eleventh Indiana Battery, which was at once sent to the front and attached to the Army of the Cumberland under the command of General Thomas. He took part in a number of hotly contested battles, including Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Jonesboro, and was always found fighting valiantly and faithfully, but escaped wound or capture, and was given his honorable discharge in July, 1865.

Returning to Huntington, Mr. Pastor found employment as,a, baker in the establishment of Mr. Thomas Blackburn. With native industry and thrift he carefully saved his earnings with the idea of becoming Vol II - T proprietor of a store of his own, and in 1888 this ambition was realized when he opened a grocery, since which year he has continued to carry on business as sole proprietor. From humble clerkship has come some of the most successful merchants in our land. In America the road to prosperity is that of usefulness and activity, supplemented by laudable ambition, and these are the qualities which have gained Mr. Pastor prosperity and position. Few residents of Huntington have so long been connected with its interests, and during the nearly half century in which he has made his home in the city he has always stood for its upbuilding and progress along substantial lines and co-operated in many movements for the public welfare. His goods are delivered in a handsome automobile delivery wagon, and other innovations in his business show that he is able to adapt himself to modern methods. In addition to his own store building and substantial dwelling, he has invested in other property.

In 1869 Mr. Pastor married Miss Emma Hagee of Peru, Indiana, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Musselman) Hagee. To their marriage has been born one son, Edward, who is his father's assistant in the store. Edward Pastor married Miss Lacy Rex, and they have three children. Mr. Pastor is a member of James R. Slack Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and his political belief is that of the Democratic party. With his family he attends the German Reformed church, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. `

ANTHONY A. WEBER. A native citizen of Huntington county, and president of the firm of Weber & Purviance, Mr. Weber's position in business affairs has long been one of assured prominence. His service in public office and in civic matters has also been of such a character as to make his name one of influential associations throughout Huntington county.

Anthony A. Weber was born in Clear Creek township, Huntington - county, Indiana, on January 21, 1853.. He grew to manhood on a farm, learning from his contact with the rural life of the community and the training he had in his home such lessons of frugality and industry as has been of inestimable worth to him in his later years. This training was accomplished with regular and diligent attendance at the common schools and also as a student in the normal school at Huntington. Having obtained a teacher's license at the age of twenty, for eight successive terms he was employed as instructor in the common schools of the county. The summer vacations were devoted to farm work until the summer of 1877, when he entered the employ of P. T. Baker as salesman of agricultural implements. While the business of the city has long claimed his attention, Mr. Weber may also be classed as a farmer. In 1879 he bought forty acres of his present farm in Union township, later added another forty acres, and seventy acres of the whole has since been reduced to a fine state of cultivation. His subsequent investments in other fine farms have given him a large amount of property in the rural districts.

bore him eight children. In 1840 Michael Weber emigrated to the United States, coming directly to Huntington county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming in Clear Creek township. That was his home until his death in January, 1894, his closing years being attended by all the comforts that his early thrift had provided for that time of life. After the death of his first wife in 1847, he married Barbara Huffman, who is now deceased. By that marriage there were three children, of whom Anthony A. was the oldest. Michael Weber during his early years in Huntington county served as trustee of Clear Creek township, and in that capacity proved himself a man of fine executive ability and a citizen of sterling worth.

The business career of Anthony A. Weber has been one of varied relationships. At one time he was in the grain business with Henry C. Silver, the firm name being Silver & Weber, and continuing four or five years. He then associated himself with Schulenberg Bros., the firm name being Schulenberg Bros. & Weber, whose business was conducted on the same site now occupied by Weber & Purviance. As a Demoerat he early became interested in public affairs. From 1886 to 1890 he served as trustee of .Union township, and in June of the latter year was elected clerk of the court of Huntington county, assuming the duties of his office April, 1891, and retiring just four years later. His office brought him to a residence at the county seat. Concerning his record as county clerk it will be sufficient evidence of his efficiency to quote briefly from two editorials which appeared in the local papers.in April, 1895, and indicate that both parties viewed his administration as one of unqualified success. The Evening Herald, a republican paper, printed the following comment: ''Mr. Moffett will succeed one of the most efficient, courteous and obliging clerks the county has ever had, and his administration will bring no discredit upon himself and his party if it shall prove as acceptable as that of Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber retires with the utmost good will of all our citizens, no matter what their party sentiments are. The office has been run in the interests of the whole people during his incumbency, and he has won the plaudit, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' ''

The Huntington Daily Democrat about the same time said: ''The outgoing clerk, Anthony A. Weber, has been a very efficient officer during his four years of service as county clerk. He has always been courteous, agreeable, accommodating and without any prejudice to party affiliations in the discharge of his duties, has succeeded in meriting the good will of everyone with whom he has come in contact. As a citizen Mr. Weber ranks among the first in the city." The strength of his personal following is also indicated by the fact that he was elected a councilman from the Third ward, on the democratic ticket for four years, the Third being at that time a strong republican ward.

When Mr. Weber retired from office he bought the interests of Samuel Bucher in the firm of Bucher & Son, and the business assumed the new title of Bucher & Weber. They were together in business as proprietors of a large feed and sales stable until Mr. Weber withdrew to associate himself with Henry C. Silver. It was in 1913 that the firm of Weber & Purviance was incorporated, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, and with officers as follows: A. A. Weber, president; Paul G. Weber, secretary; and Donald A. Purviance, treasurer. The firm deals extensively in lime, cement, live stock, coal, tile, hay, grain, feed, etc., and maintain elevators on the Wabash and C., B. & C. railroads at Huntington, Mardenis and Sinipson, Indiana. Their Huntington business headquarters are on Warren street, and their dealings in grain, cattle, hogs and sheep have made them known all over this section of Indiana.

Mr. Weber is a member of the Knights of Pythias, his only fraternal affiliation. He has a fine residence on South Jefferson street. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. `

On March 20, 1879, Mr. Weber married Miss Mary Catherine Bucher, daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Johnson) Bucher. Her father was at one time head of the firm of Bucher & Son, already mentioned. Mrs. Weber was born in Clear Creek township, Huntington county, August 6, 1859, and died January 10, 1889, the mother of four children, as follows: Lilly May, born April 23, 1880; William Michael, born June 28, 1882; Grace Gertrude, born.June 18, 1885; and Margaret Ruth, born February 20, 1888. On January 21, 1890, Mr. Weber married Miss Freelove Clara Yant, a daughter of Eli and Mary (Miller) Yant. She was born on July 25, 1861, in Stark county, Qhio. The children of this marriage are three in number: Paul Grayston, born October 8, 1892; Modjeska Mary, born February 24, 1894; and Myrtle Catherine, born August 12, 1902.

CHARLES K. Lucas. It is seldom that a young lawyer entering upon the practice of his profession achieves instantaneous and striking success. The path that leads to a large and representative practice is in nearly every case a weary and a tortuous one, for in the legal profession there is found no royal road to prosperity, the rewards of the calling going alone to merit. But to all rules there are exceptions, and it is probable that no better example may be found than that in the career of Charles K. Lucas of Huntington. It must not be supposed that Mr. Lucas won his way to the forefront through any lucky chance or adventitious circumstance; he prepared faithfully, worked hard and studied continuously and assiduously ; however, his recognition came far in advance of that attained by most men, and he has never betrayed the confidence which was placed in him when he entered upon his career.

Mr. Lucas is a native son of Huntington, and was born May 17, 1871. His family may be classed among the early residents of this county, which has been their home for a period of sixty years. His grandfather, Fred P. Lucas, was born in Ohio, and in 1854 came to Huntington county, where he became actively identified with Democratic politics and served four years in the capacity of county recorder. He married Hannah Harlan, a daughter of Charles Harlan, a native of Kentucky, who afterwards moved into Ohio. The father of Charles K. Lucas is Thomas L. Lucas, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1841, spent his boyhood there and gained his schooling, and in 1854 accompanied his father to Huntington county. He is now living in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. A prominent democrat of his day, he served as county clerk for two terms, from 1871 to 1879. Thomas L. Lucas married Miss Edith Taylor, a daughter of Charles Taylor, an old resident of Huntington county. She died in 1887 in Huntington. 3

Charles K. Lucas received his early educational training in the public and high schools of Huntington, and early adopted the profession of law as the field in which to devote his activities. After some preparation he began to read law in the office and under the preceptorship of the Hon. James B. Kenner, and in 1894 was admitted to the bar. In 1902 he formed a professional partnership with Mr. Kenner, but after four years this association was dissolved, and since that time Mr. Lucas has practiced alone. He is now in the enjoyment of an excellent and lucrative practice, and his connection with a number of important cases has made him a familiar figure in the courts of the county. As a strict adherent of the unwritten ethics of his calling he is held in high esteem by his fellow practitioners, and public confidence has been his since the outset of his career. At present he maintains offices at 51 East Market street. :

In 1890 Mr. Lucas was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Humbert, daughter of Josiah Humbert of Huntington. To this union have been born four children, namely: Edith, who is the wife of Harrison M. Brightman of Columbus, Ohio; Geneva P., who is the wife of Robert P. Griggs of Florence, Louisiana; Edwin T., a student in the Huntington high school; and Kent, who attends the graded schools.

In political matters Mr. Lucas has republican leanings, although he is somewhat liberal in his views. He is a prominent Mason, holding membership in Amity Blue Lodge No. 483, A. F. & A. M., and Huntington Chapter No. 27, R. A. M., in both of which he has numerous friends.

Wituiam C. Divetsiss. Every village, town and city has a certain number of residents who have passed earlier periods of life engaged in agricultural pursuits, and to eliminate them would be to exclude a body that makes up the most solid and substantial class of citizens. In coming from rural to urban life they bring with them ample means as the result of industry, and they have the leisure and inclination to enjoy them, and this, of itself, adds no little to the general prosperity. Usually also they have the ripened judgment that admirably qualifies them for the necessary calm consideration of matters of public concern, sure to be presented in the every day life of so vigorous a country as the United States, and the force of their their influence must be duly reckoned with. In William C. Divelbiss, a retired farmer, who, since 1910 has been a valued resident of Huntington, Indiana, occupying his comfortable residence on Salamonie avenue, may be found an excellent representative of the class above referred to. He was born in Wells county, Indiana, March 28, 1850, and is the youngest in his parents' family of nine children. Wil- liam Frederick Divelbiss, the father of William C. Divelbiss, was born August 27, 1809, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. When twenty years of age he left his native state and went to Ohio and from there came to Indiana, settling first in Wells county. Farming was his chosen occupation and his first purchase of land was a tract of forty acres, situated near Markle, in Rock Creek township, Huntington county, Indiana. To this section he 'remained loyal all his life and died on the farm which he had already improved, in 1896. In early manhood he married Elizabeth Henleline, an admirable woman, who died in 1881, the mother of nine children, William C., as above mentioned, being the youngest born. This was a patriotic family, four of the sons, John, David, Samuel and Jonas, serving as soldiers in the Civil War, all belonging to Company C, Thirtyfourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The last one was not discharged from the service until in November, 1866, having participated in a battle in Texas after hostilities had been declared closed. All the brothers survived the dangers of war and lived to return and resume their peaceful pursuits.

William C. Divelbiss grew up on his father's farm, an excellent training for any boy, and attended first the district school in Rock Creek township and later the village school at Markle. After his marriage, in 1873, he settled on a farm in the vicinity of Markle and there engaged in general farming and stock raising for fifteen years. Subsequently he purchased a farm of 80 acres situated in Union township, Huntington county, near the old home place, and for a number of years largely devoted his attention to the breeding and sale of registered Polled Angus cattle, shipping to all parts of Indiana. Mr. Divelbiss remained on his farm until 1910, when he changed his place of residence to Huntington. Although he no longer takes an active part in the farm activities, he enjoys a general oversight and makes a daily visit as a matter of recreation.

On January 2, 1873, Mr. Divelbiss married Miss Elizabeth Sparks, who is a daughter of John and Rebecca Sparks, who were early settlers in Huntington county and still survive, enjoying fair health at the age of eighty-eight and seventy-seven years respectively. Their marriage has covered a period of sixty years. Mr. and Mrs. Divelbiss have four children: Charles E., who is a farmer; William, Franklin, who is an employe of the Erie Railroad Company; Clara B., who is bookkeeper for the Majestic Furnace and Foundry Company; and Harry E., who manages his father's farm in Union township. Mr. and Mrs. Divelbiss are widely known. For forty years they have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Markle, Indiana. In his political views Mr. Divelbiss is a republican and has given his support to this party since reaching manhood but has never accepted any public office.

ABNER H. SHAFFER, M. D. Though now retired, Dr. Shaffer is the oldest physician in Huntington, where he has had his home for fiftyseven years. He began practice in this city in 1856, and few pioneers in the county have had more active or more useful careers.

Abner H. Shaffer was born in Starke county, Ohio, January 15, 1829, and at this writing is past eighty-four years of age. In a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, he was the sixth. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Maurice) Shaffer, were born and reared near Gettysburg in Adams county, Pennsylvania. The family has much military service to its credit. The father was a captain during the war of 1812. In 1824 he moved to Starke county, Ohio, where he entered a tract of land from the government, and converted the forest into a good farm. There the parents lived until October 12, 1866, and both died on the same day, the father at the age of seventy-eight and the mother at the age of seventy-six. Their deaths occurred eight hours apart.

It was on his father's.farm in his native county that Dr. Shaffer was reared. During the winters he attended the district schools, and laid the foundation of a sound education. When he was nineteen years old he entered the Western Reserve University at Hudson, Ohio, and continued college studies two and a half years. At Paris in Bourbon county, Kentucky, he taught for two years, and in the meantime his ambition for a career had crystalized into a definite object. Returning to Ohio, he studied under Professor A. Metz, then a noted surgeon of Massillon, Ohio. During the winter of 1855-56, he took a course of medical lectures at the University of Michigan. Returning to Massillon, he practiced medicine a short time with his preceptor, and in August, 1856, arrived at Huntington, and started his professional career in this county.. In October, 1861, Dr. Shaffer entered the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, where he remained until graduating M. D., with honors, in the spring of 1862.

Not long after his return to Huntington, Governor Morton in June, 1863, commissioned him assistant surgeon of the Seventy-Fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. -He at once joined his regiment at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. After the battle of Chickamauga, he was on hospital duty and was captured by the Confederates. Dr. Shaffer has the not enviable distinction of having been confined in the notorious Libby Prison, and his exchange was finally effected at City Point, Virginia, December 28, 1863. On reaching Washington he received a sixty days' leave of absence from the Secretary of War, and on its expiration rejoined regiment at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was with the regiment at the capture of Atlanta, and had charge of the Post Hospital in that place. On September 16, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of surgeon, and was with his regiment under General Sherman on their march to the sea. June 8, 1865, his service ended, and he then returned to Huntington and resumed practice. While a general practitioner, Dr. Shaffer for many years had a high reputation in the county as a skillful surgeon.

In Huntington on March 20, 1867, Dr. Shaffer married Lizzie J. Collins. Her father, John B. Collins, served as a lieutenant in both the Mexican War and the Civil War. The two children of their marriage were: Clyde, and Von C., the former of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Shaffer died November 9th, 1891. On April 19, 1894, Dr. Shaffer married Lizzie M. Snyder.

Dr. Shaffer has long been an active member and also an elder in the Presbyterian church. His politics is republican, and in his earlier years he took a prominent part in public affairs. In 1875 he was elected to represent the counties of Huntington and Wabash in the Indiana legislature, and in 1878 represented the same counties in the state senate. In public affairs he possessed the qualities most needed for effective service, both knowledge and action, and was always vigorous in his championship of causes designed to promote the welfare of state and district. A service which he performed in behalf of his home city was his part in 1879 in the passage of the bill legalizing the act of the common council of Huntington, so that all litigations then existing was annulled or voided. He has often been honored with various smaller offices in his community. Dr. Shaffer is the oldest charter member of Amity Lodge A. F. & A. M., and one of the oldest surviving members of the Presbyterian Church organization at Huntington. He is a charter member of the James R. Slack Post, Grand Army of the Republic, has served. as president of the Pension Examining Board, as president of the Huntington County Medical Society, was for thirty-five years local surgeon of the Wabash Railroad, and his name has been associated as a supporter and interested party in probably every important movement undertaken for the advancement of the prosperity and welfare of his home city and county within the past half century. Dr. Shaffer in 1871 was elected a school trustee, and is now the only surviving member of 'that board. At that time began a new era in the development of the public school system, when suitable buildings for the use of the schools were first advocated and eventually established. Much prejudice was encountered in the efforts in that direction, and it is an interesting illustration of the remarkable changes in public opinion in the course of thirty or forty years that the improvements suggested and advocated by the school board of that time would now encounter opposition from another source, namely, that the improvements were not adequate for the high and important uses of education. Governor Isaac P. Gray appointed Dr. Shaffer a trustee of the schools for Feeble-Minded Youths at Fort Wayne, and he served in that office for ten years, during the administrations of Governors Gray, Hovey and Matthews. Dr. Shaffer in 1875 received from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Indianapohs, the ad eunden degree. Dr. Shaffer is probably the oldest member of the Grand Old Party in Huntington county. His first vote for president was for Fremont, when that general ran as the first nominee of the republicans in 1856. Through fourteen successive presidential campaigns, Dr. Shaffer has voted for every republican candidate.

GOTTLIEB WILLIAM SCHROEDER. The substantial element of German citizenship is represented by G. W. Schroeder, who came to Lagro township, Wabash county, Indiana, about twenty years ago, and has surrounded himself with land, home, and all the products of honest and energetic labor. Mr. Schroeder is a man whose substantial position in the community goes without question, since he is the owner of three hundred acres of the fertile soil of Lagro and Chester township.

Born in Huntington county, Indiana, October 14, 1867, Gottlieb William Schroeder is a son of Fred and Sophia (Poehler) Schroeder. Both parents were born and grew up and were married in Germany, came to the United States and lived in Huntington county for five years, and soon after the birth of their son, Gottlieb, located on a farm in Dallas township, in that county, where both lived until their death. The father owned one hundred and seventy acres, and all his land and prosperity were acquired through his independent effort. There were five children, as follows: Henry, Gottlieb W., William, Charles and Dick.

Gottlieb William Schroeder grew up in Huntington county, had the advantages of the district schools, and has followed a career of hard work and constant attention to business, the result of which has been a generous prosperity. On December 26, 1895, occurred his marriage with Miss Theresa Young, the only daughter of P. P. Young, who was a well known citizen of Lagro township, Wabash county. Mrs. Schroeder died on April 10, 1911. There are seven children living: Philip, who is a student in the Fort Wayne Business College, Adolph, Appolina, Arnold, Sophia, Theresa and Lawrence.

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Schroeder came to Wabash county and bought one hundred and twenty acres from Henry Wendell, in Lagro township. Subsequently he bought forty acres from John Steuber, and from time to time has added to his acreage, until he now possesses three hundred acres in this part of Wabash county. He is one of the largest land owners in the northeastern part of Lagro township, and has a highly creditable standing in the community and is regarded as one of the most successful farmers and business men in that section. He was one of the organizers, and is a director, of the Bippus State Bank, and owns stock in the Farmers National Life Insurance Company. In politics he is an independent voter, and is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Ciry Free LIBRARY. This is the proper title of the Huntington Public Library, with the additional sub-title ''The Building Gift of Mr. Andrew Carnegie." As an institution of Huntington which comes close to the schools and the adult population, a history and description are appropriately inserted in this work.

The building regarded as a model by scientific librarians is of Bedford stone, with an attractive red tile roof, built on a foundation seventy by fifty-five feet, and comprising two stories. It was first opened to the public February 21, 1903. The main stack room was built to shelve forty-five thousand volumes, and while about eight thousand three hundred volumes were moved into the new library, at the end of ten years, the shelves were lined with nearly twenty thousand volumes. The circulation of 1903 totalled the figures 27,463, while the last report shows a circulation of 41,402. Six stacks have been added to the main stack room, and the shelving capacity at this writing is totally inadequate. Improvements have been recently made by which the available space is increased by a new second-story balcony, with a mezzanine floor, and with additional shelving capacity of between fifteen and eighteen thousand volumes. The metal newspaper case, with roller shelving, located on the second floor, was the second equipment of that kind to be installed in any Indiana library. '

The most noteworthy features of the library are its facilities and service to the public. On December 9, 1911, was opened on the ground floor a railroad and scientific room. This is designed as a place where the railroad man, the mechanic, the electrician, or any interested citizen may find answers to his problems, relaxation and instruction. All books on engineering, mechanics, electricity, bench work, shop work of any kind, are placed in that room, besides files of technical magazines and periodicals. The room is splendidly lighted, and the walls hung with pictures and maps donated by different railroad lines. It was due to the interest and efforts of the Erie Railroad officials that this room has become so important a part of the library. Probably of even greater importance to the coming generation is the children's department of the library. This is a spacious room containing several thousand children's -books, and is located on the first floor. Everything possible is being done to encourage young people to use the library. Reading lsts have been compiled by the teachers of the city schools and printed in pamphlet form, and by cooperation between the schools and the officials the circulation of children's books has been greatly increased. While the library board have taken pains to increase their circulation on a systematic and general plan, it has been a special policy to add works of an industrial and technical nature, since Huntington is becoming more and more an industrial city, and the library is the center of information and culture to a great many of the industrial workers in the community.

Concerning the building and its facilities some very high honors have been paid to the Huntington library. The building has been chosen as a model three different times, with respect to its size and plan. Photographs and floor plans have been printed in the report of the Public Library Commission of the State, and similar illustrations of the Huntington institution have been published in a book of small model library building, compiled and issued in Wisconsin. A Norwegian magazine recently printed a lengthy article accompanied by illustrations and the floor plan of the Huntington Library, and containing also a report of the Huntington system of cataloging, and other features of the service. The Huntington Library was chosen as a type representing the best small library for the money in Indiana.

The practical beginning of this institution was the organization in 1874 of the Public School Library Association, comprising life members and yearly members. The life membership fee was twelve dollars, and the yearly fee was two dollars. The first president of the association was James Baldwin, then superintendent of the city publie schools. Room for the collection was afforded in the Central school building, and in a short time there were twelve hundred volumes in the collection. Many of these were descended from the Mechanics and Working Men's Library, a historic institution of early Indiana. That library was estab- lished by William McClure, and a number of the old books, bound in sheepskin and bearing on the cover the words ''Mechanics & Workingmen's Library,"' are still to be found in the Huntington Library collection. The first librarian was Miss Melinda M. Embree, a public school teacher, who was succeeded by Eliza A. Collins, and she in turn by James Roche, after whom Miss Mary Hawley was librarian.

In 1889 the library was reorganized under state laws, and became a free library, its use being extended to the people. Miss Maggie C. Dailey was the first librarian under the new law, and held the office until 1898. She was succeeded by Miss Lyle Harter, who served until 1904, when Miss Winifred Ticer, the present librarian, began her duties. The first and second assistant librarians at the present time are: Priscilla Mc- Arthur and Katherine Hartman. The members of the library board at various times since the reorganization in 1889 have comprised the following well known citizens of Huntington: B. F. Ibach, Dr. B. H. B. Grayston, E. T. Lee, John Frash, O. W. Whitelock, S. M. Saylor, Miss Mary B. Cox, Mrs. Edna B. Felter, Miss Josephine Cox, J. W. Ford, S. E. Cook, W. A. Branyan, J. W. Cline, M. L. Spencer, Dr. Helen K. McIlvaine, Herman E. Taylor, 'Mrs. Ida C. Reichenbach, Mrs. Ella H. Sexton, Mrs. Anna Balfour, James Kennedy, H. I. Young, C. K. Lucas I. H. Heaston, Eben Lesh, Mrs. Emma R. Gibney, M. W. Moore, Peter Martin, C. E. Smith, E. E. Woolery, Thomas Burns, F. S. Bash, J. C. Altman, Mrs. G. H. MeLin, Mrs. John Wallace Caswell, R. I. Hamilton, and W. P. Hart. The present board of trustees is as follows: J. M. Studder, chairman; Horace Weese, vice chairman; E. E. Woolery, secretary; Mrs. A. E. Abbott, Mrs. Charles McGrew, Mrs. J. W. Caswell, Mr. C. A. Small, Mr. Theodore Torborg, Mrs. Crawford Hathway, Mrs. Curtis Merriman, and Mr. A. J. Wilhelm.

In December, 1901, the Huntington school board was offered the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars by Mr. Andrew Carnegie for the erection of alibrary building. The offer was accepted in January of the following year, and a suitable site donated for the building. At the present time the building represents an investment of about $34,000. The contract price of the building was $19,288.69, which of course did not include the heating plant, light fixtures, plumbing, decorating, and other furnishings.

MicHAEL Wers. One of the solid and well established business men of Huntington, Indiana, is Michael Weis, a native son of the county of which he has always continued a resident, and for many years a resident of Huntington. Though reared to farm life, he was still young in years when he demonstrated his fitness and aptitude for other fields, and he has worked his way upward to his present position through years of constant endeavor and honest ambition. Today he is one of the most successful and prosperous grocerymen in the retail trade in Huntington, and he ranks among the most progressive and popular men in the community.

many. While yet quite young Henry Weis emigrated to the United States and from New York City he came direct to Huntington county, locating soon thereafter in Warren township on a farm. There the father died in his fortieth year of life. It was on this farm that Michael Weis was principally reared. He went to the country schools until he was about thirteen years old, at which time he took up work in a general store in Huntington. There he acquired a fairly good practical business education in the several years he continued to be so occupied. The experience he had gained as a salesmen in a general store as a boy and young man called him to embark in business on his own responsibility, and he launched out into the retail grocery business in Huntington. In the same year he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Kuhlman, the daughter of William Kuhlman of Huntington.

Mr. Weis has since become an independent operator in the retail grocery field, and he is one of the best established men to be found in the business in the county. His store is located at No. 1612 North Jefferson street, and there he has a wide and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries. He caters to a fine trade and enjoys a prominence of which he is well worthy as a reliable and progressive merchant. Not only is Mr. Weis popular as a merchant and business man, but he is much esteemed for his admirable character and his pleasing social qualities. His fine residence is located at 633 West Tipton street.

Jonas E. Brxpy. One of Huntington county's honored citizens and business man at Andrews, is Jonas E. Bixby, now retired after a long and successful career as a farmer and wholesale grocer. While his success aS a business man is a matter of note and has been gratifying, Mr. Bixby has also made a record as a soldier and as a public spirited citizen which will always reflect honor on his name, and his descendants may well be proud of the worthy part he took during the war of the Rebellion. .

Jonas E. Bixby was born in Knox county, Ohio, January 29, 1841. His parents were Aaron and Maria (Martin) Bixby, his mother a daughter of Joel Martin, a native of Knox county and representing one of the very earliest families located there. Aaron Bixby moved from Knox county to Defiance county in 1843, and spent the rest of his life near Defiance. He died April 29, 1847. He was born April 27, 1790. He wife was born in 1810, and she subsequently married a Mr. Stacy as her second husband. Aaron Bixby had four children, all of whom are now deceased except Jonas.

The latter's boyhood was spent on a farm in Ohio, and he had the training and environment of a farmer boy until two years before the beginning of the Civil war. His education was acquired by attendance at the country schools and the city schools at Defiance, and he also profited by the fact that his father was a teacher.

When he was little more than twenty years of age, on April 23, 1861, he enlisted for service in the war of the Rebellion in Company C of the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. This was a three months' regi- ment and at the expiration of his term of enlistment was mustered out on August 13, 1861. However, not satisfied with his part as a soldier, and still eager to brave the hardships and dangers of campaign, he enlisted during the Fall of 1861 in the Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry in Company B. He had enlisted for a term of three years, and continued with his regiment in the various operations in the Mississippi valley until after the fall of Vicksburg, and on December 9j 1863, he veteranized, and then continued a soldier of the Union aadi mustered out and given his honorable discharge on July 10, 1865, some weeks after the close of hostilities, and after he had fought with the boys in blue for more than four years. He was in the great Atlanta campaign, and at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain on June 18, 1864, was wounded in both hands. Altogether he saw active service in fourteen important engagements. Entering as a private, he was promoted several times, and made a splendid record as a soldier. Mr. Bixby is now a member of the Andrews Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has served as a commander in New Haven, Indiana.

After the war he returned to Defiance, Ohio, and bought land and engaged in farming for several years. While at home on a furlough during the war he was married on May 5, 1864, to Anna Braucher. She was born and reared on a farm near Defiance, Ohio, and they lived together, as man and wife for seventeen years until her death. She was the mother of five children, two of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Bixby died in November, 1881. On October 6, 1882, he married Ida M. Morse. She was born near Defiance April 4, 1858, was reared on a farm, and received a good education. After their marriage Mr. Bixby and wife lived on his farm five years, then sold out and moved to the city of Defiance, where he entered the wholesale and retail grocery trade with his brother-in-law. Subsequently their enterprise was developed into an exclusive wholesale and jobbing business, the company was incorporated, and he became one of the principal stockholders.

Of the second marriage of Mr. Bixby three children were born, and only one is now living. One passed away in infancy, and a son died while serving with the United States navy. Raymond O. is cashier of the State Bank of Andrews.

Mr. Bixby and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Andrews, and he is a trustee and steward in the church organization, and has served as Sunday school superintendent fourteen years. His wife is vice president of the ladies' aid society. He is one of the stockholders in the State Bank of Andrews, has twelve shares in the Lagro-Andrews Telephone Company, and is a stockholder in the Wasmuth-Endicott Company at Andrews, and also still has stock in the Defiance Wholesale Grocery Company. Raymond O. Bixby, the only living son of Jonas E. Bixby, was born at Defiance, Ohio, October 17, 1888, and though a very young man has already acquired a subanal position in business affairs and is cashier of the State Bank

He acquired his education in the public schools of Ohio and Indiana, and in 1906 graduated from the Huntington Business University. His first business experience Was as stenographer with the Erie Railroad Company in their offices at Hammond, and on January 1, 1907, he took the position of assistant cashier in the State Bank of Andrews. In February, 1912, he was promoted to cashier, and has made himself popular and efficient in that position.

Raymond O: Bixby married Miss Josephine King, of Andrews. They have one son, Robert O., Jr., born July 14, 1911. Mr. Bixby and his wife are members of the Methodist church of Andrews, and he affiliates with Antioch Lodge No. 410, A. F. & A. M., with Andrews Chapter No. 110, R. A. M., and Andrews Council No. 64, R. & S. M. He is now the Master of his lodge. The State Bank of Andrews, of which he is cashier and director, was organized June 1, 1908, and the other officers are E. M. Wasmuth, president, and E. V. Fitch, assistant cashier. The directors are: E. M. Wasmuth, H. R. Wasmuth, A. D. Wasmuth, C. E. Endicott, John H. Sell, William Shinkel, C. E. Fults, and R. O. Bixby. In politics Mr. R. O. Bixby is a Republican, and is serving as town treasurer of Andrews. He is an energetic and honorable young business man, and has made an excellent record since entering upon his career only a few short years ago.

Epwin W. Pointer, M. D. The doctor of medicine who would succeed in his profession must possess many qualities of mind and of heart not included in the curriculum of the schools and colleges which he may have attended. In analyzing the career of the successful practitioner of the healing art, it is invariably found that a broad-minded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an earnest desire to aid his afflicted fellow man has gone hand in hand with skill and able judgment. Dr. Edwin W. Poinier, engaged in practice at Andrews, Indiana, fortunately embodies these qualities, and through energy and ambition has built up a solid reputation in his honored calling.

Doctor Poinier is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and was born April 30, 1879, a son of William J. and Harriet (Hosier) Poinier, the former born in Chicago and the latter in Ohio, and both now residents of the Illinois metropolis. The doctor received his early education in the Chicago public schools, following which he entered high school, and after his graduation therefrom, in 1897, became a student in Northwestern University, at Evanston, where he took the preparatory course in medicine. Later he became enrolled as a student of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, and was graduated from that wellknown institution in 1902. His advent in Andrews occurred in August, 1903, since which time he has been able to build up a lucrative professional business. He is a member of the Huntington County Medical Society, and the high esteem in which he is held by his medical brethren is shown by his service as president of that institution. He also maintains membership in the Eleventh District Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, keeps fully abreast of the progress made in the profession, and has never ceased being a close and careful student. He has gained public confidence through his ability and his abiding sympathy as a physician, and for his sterling and public-spirited citizenship.

Doctor Poinier was married in October, 1903, to Miss Lela Peet, of Chicago, a graduate of the public and high schools of Chicago and of the Cook County Normal school, and for five years a popular educator in the schools of her city. Two children have been born to this union: Emmett W., born in 1904, and Norman E., born in 1907.

Doctor Poinier has been very active in fraternal affairs and few men have a wider circle of friends. He belongs to Lodge No. 410 (Antioch), F. & A. M., Andrews Chapter No. 110, R. A. M., Andrews Council No. 64, R. & S. M., Fort Wayne Consistory, S. R., and Mizpah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.. In Masonry he is high priest and thrice illustrious master of the council. He belongs also to Golden Rule Lodge No. 108, Knights of Pythias; and to Andrews Tent No. 167, Knights of the Maccabees. In all public affairs, affecting his own community or the country at large, he has always been interested, doing his share toward progress and advancement. In politics he is a republican. 'He has been honored by being appointed as health officer for five years, and secretary of the Andrews school board for three years.

JOHN G. GRETZINGER. In preparing the sketches of the living representative men of any community, the biographer meets with many difficulties, because of the prevailing modesty of the average man of business, who almost invariably manifests a certain repugnance for anything that smacks of notoriety or prominence, and thus discourages even friendly attempts to uncover the secret of his success. Genuine success is not likely to be the result of mere chance or fortune, but is something to be labored for and brought out with consecutive effort. Therefore, there is satisfaction in tracing, even briefly, the salient points in the career of such a man as John G. Gretzinger, not alone for the success he has gained, but because he is widely and favorably known in all walks of life.

Mr. Gretzinger has the distinction of being a native son of Huntington county, having been born in Dallas township, in 1874, a son of George and Alice (Sell) Gretzinger, natives of Ohio. The parents were both children when they came to Huntington county, and the father grew up in Dallas township and the mother in Warren. After their marriage they settled in Dallas township where they resided until moving to Andrews, and here his death occurred in 1889, while the mother still survives. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living at this time: Joseph, a resident of Andrews; John G.; Anna R., the wife of C. E. Knee, of Andrews, Indiana; Jacob, a resident of Peru, and a conductor in the service of the Wabash Railroad; Mary L., the _ wife of A. L. Long, of Andrews; Lizzie, the wife of Chester Brown, of Andrews; William H., who is employed by the Wabash Railroad at Peru; and Tracy M., who is the wife of Earl Jefferson, of Polk township.

John G. Gretzinger was reared on his father's farm in Dallas township, and while growing up attended the district schools of that vicinity and the Andrews High school. He completed his studies in the Huntington Business College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1899, and thus prepared embarked upon his career, first in the barber business, to which he devoted four years. He then successfully passed a Civil Service examination, and for two years was carrier for Rural Free Delivery Route No. 3, at Andrews, following which he entered the clothing business and spent two years therein. He is now part owner and general manager of the dry goods. establishment which bears his name, and through strict attention to business, honorable dealing and good judgment has built up an excellent trade. He is known as a business man of foresight and acumen, and has the full confidence of all who in any way have been associated with him.

Mr. Gretzinger is a member of the German Lutheran church. He has been prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Antioch Lodge No. 410, F. & A. M., Andrews Chapter No. 110, R. A. M., Andrews Council No. 64, R. & S. M., Fort Wayne Consistory, and Mizpah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Fort Wayne. He belongs also to Golden Rule Lodge No. 308, Knights of Pythias, and the Uniform Rank of that order; and to the Order of the Eastern Star. His political views are those of the republican party, although he has not been an office seeker. He is a thoroughly progressive public-spirited citizen, and as such is worthy of the confidence and regard reposed in him,

Marcus B. PARK. A resident of Andrews since 1896, Marcus B. Park has during the period of seventeen years been connected in important capacities with some of this city's leading industries and by reason of his business acumen, skill and foresight has done much to further the commercial interests of his adopted community. In the position of chief clerk of the Wasmuth-Endicott Company he is widely known in business circles, while he is equally well known as a publicspirited citizen and as a popular figure in fraternal life. Mr. Park was born in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, April 21, 1869, and is a son of Boyd S. and Katie (Flagg) Park.

Boyd S. Park was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was a young man when he emigrated to the United States, first settling in Connecticut, where he met and married Katie Flagg, a native of that state, about the year 1867. They soon moved to Cleveland, and from that city to Kokomo, Indiana, subsequently going to Logansport, and finally locating in Andrews, where both still reside. Mr. Park was for many years en- | gaged successfully in business, but has now retired from active affairs and is living quietly, enjoying the fruits of his long years of well-directed labor. Mr. and Mrs. Park had three children: Marcus B., Harry W. and Charles A., all well known business men of Andrews.

Marcus B. Park was about five years old when his parents moved to Kokomo, and there he commenced his education in the public schools. Later he attended school in Logansport, where he was graduated from the Logansport High school and the Logansport College, and then took a course in the Marion Business University. With this thorough preparation, he embarked upon his business career as a paymaster in the employ of the firm of P. & F. Corbin, hardware manufacturers at New Britain, Connecticut, with whom he remained for some three and onehalf years. He then returned to Indiana, and during five years was manager of the firm of F. O. Gephart, at Marion, his next connection being with the Marion Cupboard Company, where he remained as chief clerk for two and one-half years. In 1896 Mr. Park came to Andrews to become associated with' the Andrews Cabinet Company, and left that concern to accept his present important position as chief clerk of the Wasmuth-Endicott Company, which he still retains. His ability in his line is unquestioned and his integrity has never been doubted. He has made numerous wise investments in real estate, owning forty acres in Polk township, Huntington county, which he has rented for farming purposes, and has also evidenced his faith in the future prosperity of Andrews by putting his money into realty here.

On September 3, 1893, Mr. Park was united in marriage with Miss Ida J. McKee, who was educated in the public schools and reared in Wells county, Indiana. They have had no children of their own, but an adopted son, now twenty-three years of age, whom they reared from infancy, is now doing well in a business way in St. Louis, Missouri, and they are now caring for an adopted daughter, now a bright and intelligent miss of six years. Kindly, charitable people, they are devout members of the Christian church, where Mr. Park has served for a long period as a member of the board of deacons. He enjoys the companionship of his fellows, and his fraternal connections include membership in Antioch Lodge No. 410, F. & A. M., Andrews Chapter No. 110, R. A. M., and Andrews Council No. 64, R. & S. M., and in Golden Rule Lodge, Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor. He is also a charter member of the Manhattan Athletic Association and has done much to promote its interests. In his political views Mr. Park is a republican, and has been actively interested in various public matters. He has served three terms as town clerk of Andrews and has also acted efficiently as a member of the city council. His devotion to duty has commended him to the general public, and his loyalty and fidelity have won him a wide circle of friends.

ARTHUR D. WasmutTH. One of the best known names in business circles of Huntington county is that of Wasmuth, members of this family having been identified with the commercial and industrial history of the county for many years. In every case they have shown themselves honorable and straightforward men of business, and there is no exception to this rule in the case of Arthur D. Wasmuth, a worthy representative of the name at Andrews. Mr. Wasmuth is now a member of the firm of A. Wasmuth & Sons, and in charge of the lumber interests of the firm at Andrews has shown himself capable, progressive and enterprising in methods and in practice. Furthermore, he has won his community's

Mr. Wasmuth was born in the village of Roanoke, Huntington county, Indiana, November 28, 1871, and is a son of A. Wasmuth, an honored business man and resident of that place. The third in order of birth of his parents' children, he was reared in the yillage of his nativity, and after completing the curriculum of the graded public schools became a student in the Roanoke Classical Seminary. When he had graduated from that institution, he adopted the profession of educator and for some time labored as instructor in the country schools of Allen township, but gave up teaching when he took up the study of law and entered the legal department of the State University at Bloomington, Indiana. There he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws when he was graduated with the class of 1896, and in that year he opened an office.for the practice of his profession in Huntington. For four years he was a familiar figure in the courts of Huntington county, and his reputation as a lawyer was becoming firmly established. However, commercial lines called him, and when his father and brothers embarked in the lumber business at Roanoke, he became a member of the firm and gave up his professional business. In 1910 he came to Andrews as representative of the firm and has continued to be a resident of this city to the present time. His connection with a number of important industries here makes him an important factor in the business life of the city, and his prestige among his fellow-citizens has been gained through none but strictly legitimate transactions. From a small beginning this branch of the business has developed into one of large proportions, trade being attracted from all over the surrounding country. Few men in this section are better known to the trade, and probably none are more popular.

Mr. Wasmuth was married at Huntington, Indiana, to Miss Hazel Thomas, of Berlin, Wisconsin, and to this union there has come a son, Thomas, who was born in 1913. Fraternally Mr. Wasmuth is connected with Roanoke Lodge, F. & A. M., and Andrews Chapter No. 110, R. A. M., and is also enjoying the privileges of membership in Golden Rule Lodge No. 308, Knights of Pythias. Politically a Republican, he has taken some interest in public matters, especially as pertaining to his community, and at one time was his party's candidate for the office of county prosecutor.

JAMES F. STEPHENSON. One of the rising and prosperous young men of this community is James F. Stephenson, now cashier of the Bippus State Bank, and who has held that office since the organization of the concern in 1911. He has been identified with banks and banking since 1906, and has acquired in that time a deal of experience that stands him in excellent stead in his present position.

Mr. Stephenson was born on June 28, 1885, in Adams county, Indiana, and he is a son of William and Jane Stephenson, both of whom are now residents of Allen county, this state. James Stephenson was reared on the home farm, his parents being farming people all their days, and he attended the common schools of Allen county, after which he attended high school at Monroeville, Indiana. He was still later graduated from the Tri-State College at Angola, Andiana, in the teaching course, with the degree of B. E. D. He was even tor employed as a teacher in the common schools for four years, and from 1903 to 1906 he was superintendent of the Hoagland high school.

In the year last named Mr. Stephenson had his initiation into the banking enterprise, when he became assistant cashier of the Hoagland State Bank. After a short time spent there, he became interested in the proposed organization of the new Bippus State Bank, and he was the first cashier of that institution, which first opened its doors for business in July, 1911. He is a stockholder in the bank, and has continued in the office of cashier down to the present time.

Mr. Stephenson was married in 1908 to Miss Etta Barkley, of Hoagland, Indiana, where she was engaged as a teacher in the public schools while Mr. Stephenson was superintendent of schools at that place. The acquaintance formed while carrying on their educational activities resulted in their marriage, as above stated. Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Hoagland, Indiana, and he is a member of West Point Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics Mr.:Stephenson is Independent, and he is one of the most estimable citizens of the town. He is a young man of much energy, and of a pleasing uprightness of character, which have rendered him one of the most admirable younger citizens of the community. Both he and his wife are socially prominent and have many friends hereabouts.

CarL E. Enpicorr. One of the progressive business enterprises of the flourishing city of Andrews, and one which contributes materially to its importance as a center of commercial activity is the Wasmuth-Endicott Company. This concern has been developed from humble beginnings by men of business ability, foresight and judgment, among whom stands prominently the company's present efficient secretary and treasurer, Carl E. Endicott. Mr. Endicott belongs to that class of men who have been the architects of their own fortunes and who have fought their way over every obstacle in their path and by sheer grit and perseverance have attained the goal of their ambitions. His career forms a striking illustration of what may be attained by making the most of opportunities, for when he began his struggle with life he had neither educational advantages or the assistance of means or influential friends.

Mr. Endicott is a native of the Hoosier state, born October 26, 1874, at New London, Howard county, a son of John and Frances Endicott. the former a descendant of Governor Endicott of Massachusetts. Carl E. Endicott was reared as a farm boy and spent his summers in assisting his father, while in the winter months he attended the district schools and subsequently graduated from the township high school. He then borrowed enough money to take him through the State University, where he was graduated in 1897, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in order to liquidate his debts taught school for six years. Later he was superintendent in the Reformatory school at Jeffersonville for four years, and in 1902 came to Huntington county. Here he became one of the organizers of the State Bank of Andrews, of which he was cashier, and continued to act in that capacity for ten yedrs, in the meantime serving for eight years of this period as treasurer of the school board. In February, 1912, Mr. Endicott decided to enter the field of business, and accordingly associated himself with the Wasmuth-Endicott Company, of which he has since been sales manager. Through perseverance, industry and well-directed effort his firm has succeeded in building up a substantial business from a small beginning, and through careful attention to the wants of their customers has won their trade and good will.

On May 24, 1899, Mr. Endicott was married to Miss Elizabeth Wasmuth. They have no children. Mr. Endicott is popular fraternally as a member of Antioch Lodge No. 410, F. & A. M., Andrews Chapter No. 110, R. A. M., Andrews Council No. 64, R. & S. M., Fort Wayne Consistory, S. R. M. and Mizpah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He has served as master of his Blue Lodge for three years. Mr. Endicott also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, and is efficiently serving: in the capacity of treasurer thereof. He is a republican in political matters, but has not sought public preference, although he keeps well posted on affairs of importance, especially those which have any bearing upon the welfare of his community or its people.

Maurice H. Kress, M. D. Among the men of large ability and splendid professional and intellectual attainments who have selected Huntington as the field of their activities, a prominent place is held by Dr. Maurice H. Krebs, who has made the most careful and extensive preparation as a specialist in the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which particular branch of medicine he is one of the most qualified and most skilled practitioners in northern Indiana.

Maurice H. Krebs is a native of New York City, where he was born July 23, 1878. His parents are Sigmund and Jeanette R. (Kerby) Krebs. His father, who for many years was prominent in the dry goods trade in New York City, is still living, now partly retired, and looking after his extensive investments and other interests in the city of New York.

Dr. Krebs grew up in his native city, attended the grammar and high schools, and prepared for college in the Academic department in the College of the City of New York. Subsequently he became a student of medicine, and was graduated in 1900 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia University. His graduation was followed by practical work and experience in the New York Hospital, and in the Willard Parker Hospital, where he remained eighteen months. He began practice in New York City, and continued following the general lines of his profession until 1904. In the meantime his special ability had been demonstrated along the lines of his present practice, and as it was his intention to become a specialist he interrupted his private practice to become a student of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Going abroad, he attended lectures in the Univer- sity of Vienna, Austria, and clinics in the London Royal 'Clinic, and also visited the medical centers of Germany, in Berlin, and Halle, and was also a student for a time at Liverpool. On his return to the city of New York, he practiced a short time, then came west and located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and in 1906 opened a fine office in Huntington. His office is equipped with all the appliances for the successful conduct of his special practice. Dr. Krebs enjoys the patronage of many of the best families in Huntington, and in his specialty has no superior in this part of the state. While all his energies are absorbed by his private practice, he has found time to lend his professional service for the benefit of the public. It was Dr. Krebs who is largely responsible for having introduced the present system of medical inspection in the public schools of Huntington, and he is now serving as medical supervisor of the Huntington public schools. He is a member of the Huntington County Medical Society, the State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Chicago Oto-Laryngolical Society and the New York Ophthalmological Society, ete.

In 1905 Dr. Krebs married Miss Inez Vernon, of Huntington, a daughter of James B.. Vernon, a former county surveyor of Huntington county. The doctor and wife have one son, Maurice Vernon Krebs. Dr. Krebs is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, takes much interest in that fraternity, and was elected to the office of exalted ruler, April 1, 1914; he also belongs to Eureka Lodge No. 248, F. & A. M., New York City, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Dr. Krebs has contributed to literary, medical, society and other journals, and is a public spirited, broad minded and genial gentleman, and has won a notable success in his profession.

WILLIAM FRANKLIN Swarm. All too rapidly the ranks of those who took part in the great struggle between the North and the South are thinning. The gray-haired veterans, one after another, are going to join their comrades in that land where bloodshed and warfare are unknown. But few of the defenders of the Union flag during the sixties now remain who are able to hold their own in the keen struggle of every-day competition. Yet here and there are found exceptions. Now and then a sturdy old warrior is found whose eye is as bright and whose step is as firm as in the days of youth, and who, with intellect still unclouded, finds enjoyment in a struggle in which he is pitted against the sons and grandsons of his former comrades. Although more than seventy years of age, William Franklin Swaim, of Huntington, veteran of the Civil War, and ex-official of Huntington county, continues to remain active in the management of his large affairs. He was born March 16, 1843, on the old home farm in Salamonie township, two miles east of the thriving town of Warren, Huntington county, Indiana, and is a son of the Rev. Samuel H. Swaim.

The ancestry of Mr. Swaim is traced back through many generations to the early settlement of Delaware and New Jersey by the Swedes and Finns, and later the family is found represented among the early pioneers of the historic old North State. From the most reliable information obtainable, the Swaims appear to have been descended from both the above nationalities, and the name is first found in the local annals of Delaware and New Jersey as far back as the year 1638. Samuel Hines Swaim, the father of William Franklin Swaim, was born October 25, 1820, in Randolph county, North Carolina. He was a youth of sixteen years of age when he accompanied the family to the wilds of what is now known as Salamonie township, Huntington county, Indiana. He became a man of education, a great reader and lover of books written by eminent authors and known as standard works, and part of his career was spent as a teacher, beginning in 1834 and continuing for the succeeding twenty years, during which he gained a wide reputation in his calling. Reared a Baptist, he later joined the Methodist religion, became a widely-known minister, and was a great Bible student.

William Franklin Swaim passed his boyhood and youth in assisting his father on the home farm, his education being secured partly in the district schools, which he attended for about sixty days each winter, but principally under his father. The older man's preceptorship advanced the youth so rapidly that while still in his minority he secured a license to teach, although his work in the schoolroom was interrupted by the war. In December, 1863, he laid aside the cap and gown to take up the musket, enlisting in Company D, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and remained at Kokomo until the ensuing March, when it was ordered to join Sherman's army in Georgia. This regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, under General Schofield, being the flanking corps during the celebrated Atlanta campaign, and as such participated in many of the stirring scenes which marked that eventful service during the great War of the Rebellion. On July 22, 1864, while engaged before Atlanta, Mr. Swaim was taken sick, which necessitated his removal from the front to the field hospital, and later the character of his indisposition made it imperative to remove him to Knoxville, where better treatment could be obtained. On September 20, 1864, he left the hospital upon furlough and until the December following recuperated his strength under the care of relatives and friends at home. Rejoining his regiment at Nashville, he took part in the bloody battle at that place, after which he accompanied his command in pursuit of General Hood to the Tennessee river. Later, his regiment embarked on the Tennessee and made its way down that river and up the Ohio to Cincinnati, where it took train for the national capital. After spending a month in Washington the command proceeded by water from Alexandria to North Carolina, landing at the mouth of Cape Fear river, from whence it was ordered to Forts Anderson and Beaufort. After a short stay at the latter place, an order came to proceed to Newbern, North Carolina, from which place the regiment, with others, made a long and tiresome march across cypress swamps and badly broken country to Goldsboro, taking part in the battle of Kingston on the way. Joining Sherman, they went to Raleigh, thence to Greensboro, and there Mr. Swaim witnessed the surrender of General Johnson, an event which broke the backboné of the Confederacy in that part of the South. For some time thereafter the regiment did guard duty at Charlotte, North Carolina, and in August, 1865, a part of the regiment was ordered to Lincolnton, where it remained until November following. In September, 1865, Mr. Swaim was detailed to serve as clerk to the captain of his company, who was inspector general of the District of West-North Carolina, in which capacity he continued until mustered out of the service at Charlotte, North Carolina, December 2, 1865. Eleven days later he was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana, after which he returned to his home and once more took up the peaceful pursuits of civil life.

Mr. Swaim operated his father's farm during the two years that followed his leaving the army, and then embarked upon a career of his own by the purchase of eighty acres of good land. He continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits from 1868 to 1881, and at intervals also worked at the carpenter's trade. Upon disposing of his farming interests, he moved to Warren, and there, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Franklin Shaffer, he operated a planing mill for a period of four years. Subsequently he left this business to take up teaming and also interested himself in various other lines of endeavor. In 1889 he was elected a member of the board of trustees of Warren, and three years later had the honor of being chosen town treasurer, the duties of which position he discharged conscientiously and faithfully for two terms. In May, 1894, Mr. Swaim became the Republican nominee for county auditor, to which office he was elected after a strenuous campaign, with the handsome majority of 403 votes. As in his army life, in his official career Mr. Swaim showed himself true to every duty reposed in him, and through his courtesy won friends throughout the county. Although he retired from the activities of life upon the expiration of his official career, he has continued to look after his business interests, in the management of which he has shown keen discernment, foresight and acumen.

Mr. Swaim was married February 21, 1867, to Miss Mary Thompson, who was born in Salamonie township, Huntington county, Indiana, November 20, 1841. She is the daughter of John H., who was born November 12, 1802, and Mary (Thompson) Thompson, who was born February 14, 1807, both parents natives of Kentucky, from whence they came to Huntington county, Indiana, in the autumn of 1840. John Howard Thompson was one of the prosperous farmers and representative citizens of Huntington county, a man of unimpeachable honor and integrity and a leader in all moral and material movements for the well-being of the community. He followed farming until the year 1870, when he disposed of his property and made removal to the town of Warren, there continuing his residence until his death, October 26, 1889. Mrs. Thompson preceded him to the grave, passing away February 3, 1880. They were devout members of the Christian church and were known as kindly, charitable people. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Swaim: Alfred Edward, September 16, 1868. He was married September 1, 1889, to Miss Amelia M. Irwin, and they had one daughter, Edith Marie, who was born November 8, 1890. Alfred Edward Swaim was his father's deputy while he occupied the county auditor's office, and later became assistant cashier of the Citizens State Bank of Huntington.

Mr. Swaim has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since March, 1857. He exemplifies his faith in his daily life and conversation, takes an active interest in the affairs of the local congregation with which he is identified, and is foremost in all movements having for their object the advancement of education, morality, good citizenship and the public welfare. His fraternal connection is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he also likes to foregather with his old comrades in James R. Slack Post No. 137, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been Adjutant for the last six years.

James Maurice Hicks, M. D. Numbered among the leading physicians of Huntington county is James Maurice Hicks, who for more than a decade has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in the city of Huntington. Dr. Hicks stands high in his profession and has made a great success, but is perhaps equally well known as a gentleman farmer, and his integrity and uprightness and public spirit and enterprise have placed him high in public favor.

James Maurice Hicks was born near the city of Reading, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1867, a son of Jacob S. and Amelia (Moyer) Hicks. His father, a stonemason, followed that trade for many years in Pennsylvania, but in 1889 moved to Indiana and settled on a farm in the vicinity of Huntington, where he remained the rest of his life, his earnest and industrious labor resulting in well-earned success. He died on the farm in 1893, but the mother, who was born in 1842, still survives and makes her home on Frederick street in Huntington.

Dr. James Maurice Hicks received his primary education in the country schools of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and later in the schools of Altoona, Blair county, finishing at the Altoona high school. His studies in medicine were pursued in the office of J. M. Buck at Altoona, then following his instruction there he entered the Hahnemann College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1893. Dr. Hicks has supplied himself with exceptional thoroughness in his profession. He spent eighteen months in the Homeopathic Hospital of Chicago as a surgeon. In October, 1901, he took a trip to Vienna, Austria, and pursued special studies abroad for one year. In 1904 came a post-graduate course at the Detroit Hospital, and he has at all times continued to be earnest in his efforts to keep fully abreast of the various advancements and discoveries marking the progress of his profession. Whenever the opportunity has come he has availed himself of the privilege of attending clinics, he is a close observer and student, and has contributed a number of articles to various medical journals. Dr. Hicks was likewise prominent in organized medical affairs, and has served as presi- dent of the Huntington County Medical Society. Besides membership in that body he is also a member of the Indiana State Medical Society, of the American Medical Institute of Homeopathy and the Indiana State Medical Institute of Homeopathy. His fraternal connections include membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Foresters.

Dr. Hicks has well appointed offices at Huntington, where he has been engaged in practice since 1904, and it is probable that his professional business is the largest of any general practitioner in Huntington. In addition to his modern home, at 325 S. Jefferson street, Dr. Hicks has considerable real estate in the city, and a valuable farm of three hundred acres in Huntington county. This farm is improved with modern and substantial buildings and is stocked with a good breed of cattle, hogs and horses. Personally Dr. Hicks is a man who has no difficulty in making friends and retaining them. He takes a public spirited interest in all matters that affects the welfare of his community, although the onerous duties of his practice will not allow him to enter the field of politics. He is a Democrat and is a member of the German Reformed church.

In 1895 Dr. Hicks married Miss Zella Cameron of Huntington, whose parents came to this state from Ohio. To their union has come one son, James Maurice Jr., born in 1907.

JOHN KeNnNowerR. Now at the venerable age of ninety-four years, an old settler, a resident of Huntington since January 23, 1841, and long an attive factor in industrial and business affairs, John Kenower is one of the men whose careers have been vitally effective in promoting the welfare and development of this Indiana county.