Huntington County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 7 of 15)

Mr. Trout was married in Huntington county to Miss Isabella Taylor, whose death occurred in 1883, and they became the parents of three sons, as follows: Theodore, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Grant county, married Miss Elinore Jones; Samuel N., who is single and is carrying on operations on the home farm in Jefferson township ; and John M., also a successful farmer of this township, married Sarah E. Roberts and has one son, Alvah W. For his second wife Mr. Trout married Mrs. Sarah Eveline Laymon. The members of this family are all widely known in Jefferson township, and have many friends, drawn to them by their sterling traits of character.

Isaac SmirH. Jefferson township, Huntington county, comprises a community of which any section of the great state of Indiana might well be proud, on account of the enterprising class of farmers constituting it and the high moral standard maintained by the leaders of society and business life throughout its extent. Among these is found Isaac Smith, who by his steady habits of industry has gained a competence, and by his steadfast integrity and honorable dealing has established and maintained a reputation as one of his community's reliable and useful men. There may be a feeling of family pride when an indi- vidual may point to his lands and possessions as properties secured and given to him by his ancestors, but it must be much more gratifying to realize that one is the builder of his own fortunes and that the credit belongs to himself for obstacles overcome and successful results accomplished. Mr. Smith has made his own way in the world, and through his own efforts has reached a place of independence.

Isaac Smith was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, March 30, 1872, and is a son of William H. and Emma (Wildemuth) Smith, natives of the Buckeye state. They were reared and educated in their native locality, there met and married and settled down to housekeeping on a farm. About the year 1886 they brought their family to Huntington county, Indiana, and located on a farm in Wayne township, where they continued to make their home to the present time. They are widely known and highly esteemed in their adopted community, have at all times done their full duty in discharging their responsibilities as citizens, and have been the parents of nine children, of whom seven have been reared to man and womanhood and are living at this time: Mary, who is the wife of Ira Fisher ; Isaac, of this review ; Ida, who is the wife of Earl Wilds; Daniel, who married Ona Messersmith; John, who married Mabel Spair; Amanda, who is the wife of William Carmichael; and Orpha, who is the wife of Chester Holmes. All the children were reared to habits of industry and honesty, given good educational advantages, and fitted for the places they have been called upon to fill in the world, and all have proven credits to their community and their training.

Isaac Smith received his early educational training in the public schools of Fairfield county, Ohio, and when thirteen years of age accompanied his parents in their journey to Huntington county. After settling in Wayne township, he completed his education in the district schools, in the meantime being reared in agricultural duties and trained in the many things necessary for the successful farmer to know. When he reached maturity, he embarked in activities on his own account as a tiller of the soil, and has continued to work with such energy and good judgment that today he holds a firmly established position as one of his community's substantial men. He owns a tract of ninety acres, located five miles west of Warren, upon which he has a set of substantial buildings, including a modern residence, handsomely and comfortably furnished, and the various improvements which he has made are attractive in appearance and modern in character. He is a man of exemplary habits, commendable purpose and unbending integrity, and in all life's relations merits the confidence which is so freely accorded him. Essentially a farmer, he has preferred to devote his attention to the tilling of the soil rather than to the activities of public life, although he refuses his aid to no movement which he feels will be of benefit to his community in any way. He exercises his right of franchise in behalf of the candidates of the republican party.

On March 20, 1894, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Lillie M. Young, who was born on a farm in Jefferson township, Huntington county, December 13, 1870, daughter of Dr. E. T. and Elizabeth (Rodaheifer )

Young, who came to this county from Ohio, and settled in Jefferson township, where Mrs. Smith received her education in the public schools. Dr. Young was a well-known medical practitioner and farmer and a complete review of his career will be found on another page of this work. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Ova, born December 23, 1902; and Ovid, born October 13, 1906.

Grorce W. Crick. Maple Grove Farm in Rock Creek township adds not a little to the general prosperity of the community, for it is one of the most productive and well kept spots in the town, and reflects in its every aspect the industry and general character of its owner, George W. Click, who has spent his entire life thus far within the borders of the township. He was born on an adjoining farm on April 3, 1856, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Morningstar) Click. Both were born in Clark county, Ohio, and were residents there until their migration into° Huntington county, Indiana, in the year 1855, when they located on a farm in Section 6, Rock Creek township, and there spent their remaining years.

George Click, father of the subject, died on his home farm on February 14, 1885, and his widow still survives, a resident of Lancaster township. They were the parents of four children: George W. Click of this review was the first born; Mary A. is the wife of J. M. Shidler, of Lancaster township; Jacob A. lives in Salamonie township; Samuel F., of Huntington township.

George W. Click was reared on the home farm, and had his early education in the common schools of the community. As the oldest of the children, he early had to make the acquaintance of hard work on the home farm, and the lot of the average farmer boy was scarcely different from his. When he reached his majority, however, he gained a freedom that had hitherto not been accorded to him, and his earnings were carefully saved and invested, so that he was quite a young man when he became the owner of an eighty-acre farm located about four and a half miles southeast of Huntington, and about six miles west of the town of Markle. His farm is one of the model places of the township, and, in addition to general farming, Mr. Click devotes a good deal of attention to thoroughbred live stock.

Mr. Click married Clara Snowberger, who became the mother of four children: William H. Click, the first born, is a resident of Huntington; Scott S. makes his home in Alberta, Canada. Laura E. is the wife of George Pasko, of Union township. Nina F., the youngest, is single and lives at home.

Mr. Click is a prominent and popular man in his community, being one who displays a healthy interest in all matters of civie import, and he does not disdain the social amenities of life, finding considerable enjoyment in his membership in Amity Lodge No. 285, F. & A. M., and Huntington Chapter No. 27, R. A. M., as well as Huntington Council No. 51, B.S. M.

William Thomas Pasko

' progressive party, and he has been active int local politics for a good many years. Though never an office seeker, he has nevertheless displayed the interest of a good citizen in the politics of his community, and his influence has always been a creditable one.

Epwarp T. Youne. Numbered among the younger generation of agriculturists who are advancing the interests of Huntington county through their intelligent management and well-directed activities is found Edward T. Young, a worthy representative of a respected family and a progressive farmer and stock raiser of Jefferson township. Mr. Young was born on the farm on which he now lives May 11, 1883, and is a son of the late Dr. Edward T. and Amanda (Kindler) Young.

Dr. Edward T. Young was one of the men who have left the impress of their lives and labors indelibly upon the history of Huntington county. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 14, 1827, his parents being Edward:and Rachel (Miller) Young, the former of Irish and the latter of German ancestry. Edward Young went to Ohio at an early day, settling in Fairfield county, where he purchased a farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted the remaining years of his life. Both he and his wife attained advanced years, he passing away at the age of eighty-one years, while she was ninety-seven years old at the time of her demise. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: David, Margaret, John, James, William, Enos, Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary and Edward T. Doctor Young spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and when he was a lad attended the common schools, the sessions being held in a little log schoolhouse kept up by subscription. During those early days, the scholars were put to work cutting the wood with which the room was heated, and the teacher boarded around at the different homes a stated period, according to the number of children there were attending school from each family. At the age of twenty-one years Doctor Young rented the home farm, which he conducted successfully for two years, and in 1854, in company with his brother, Enos Young, he purchased 480 acres of wild timber land in Jefferson township, Huntington county, Indiana. In addition to the land being covered with timber, a great deal of it was under water, but in spite of all these handicaps he moved his family to this locality in November, 1854, and here took up his residence, determined to establish and maintain a good home. In coming to this county, the distance of some 300 miles was made by wagon and the roads, axle-deep with mud, wound round through the woods, making the journey a most difficult one, it consuming nine days. A short stop was made in Warren, the town at that time boasting of two business establishments, a blacksmith shop, which was conducted by L. E. Ewart, and a general store run by Myron Smith. On reaching the land in Jefferson township, the family quickly erected a small log cabin, into which they moved. Subsequently the numerous cracks in the cabin were chinked and the windows were covered with sawed boards in order that the winter might be passed in this crude home as comfortably as possible. The winter proved an exceptionally hard one, and the little party of settlers faced and overcame numerous hardships and privations, but never did they complain nor think of returning to Ohio. Doctor Young was possessed of some money, and he at once began clearing a portion of his land, and by spring had an acre cleared and ready to plant in corn. From that time forward his success was assured, and the farm today is one of the finest and most productive to be found in the county, the primitive home having long since been replaced by a commodious modern residence and substantial barns and outbuildings. ; í

Doctor Young was married in the spring of 1853, in Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Rodaheifer, whose parents were Virginians and migrated to Fairfield county, Ohio, among the earliest settlers. Three children were born to this union, of whom two died in infancy, the other, Lillie M., being now the wife of Isaac Smith, a substantial farmer of Jefferson township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Young passed away in 1875, and the doctor later married Amanda J. Kindler, who was also born in Fairfield county, but had been a resident of Hunt ington county, Indiana, for many years. One son was born to this union; Edward T., of whom more later.

Prior to coming to Indiana, Doctor Young had studied medicine with an uncle in Ohio, and after locating in Huntington county he purchased books and continued his studies. There was much sickness in this vicinity at the time, with a physician no nearer than Warren, and Doctor Young began to be called upon to treat his neighbors. In this way he gradually built up a practice that extended all over the township, and his reputation steadily grew, while he won a firm place in the hearts and gratitude of the people. At one time he had made up his mind to locate in some town to engage in the practice of his calling, but when his neighbors and numerous friends heard of his decision they protested and finally prevailed upon him to remain. He sacrificed his ambition to their wishes, and continued in active practice until 1897. Doctor Young was reared a democrat, but when he ''began to think for himself'' (as he often expressed it) he transferred his allegiance to the republican party. He was elected trustee of Jefferson township, a position in which he displayed marked ability and was able to do much to further his township's interests, particularly in the way of educational facilities. He and Mrs. Young were consistent members of the Presbyterian church, which they attended at Marion. When Doctor Young passed away on March 21, 1904, his community lost a man who in every avenue of life's activities had never failed in his duty to his community, his fellowman and himself.

The only son of his parents, Edward T. Young was reared on the home farm in Jefferson township and secured a liberal education in the district schools. His entire career has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and at this time he is the owner of 230 acres of well tilled land, with excellent buildings and improvements, which he is making pay in full measure for the labor he expends upon it. He is progressive in his business ideas and methods, believes in the use of modern inventions and appliances, and is the owner of a late model Reo automobile, which he uses both for pleasure and for business. Politically he is a republican. but has never taken a prominent part in public life.

Mr. Young was married February 28, 1906, to Miss Anna Hart, born in Huntington county, a daughter of Frank Hart, and to this union there has come one daughter: Bernice, who was born May 13, 1913.

Ora E. Roserts. He whose name initiates this paragraph has secure vantage-place as one of the representative farmers of his native county, and the general appearance of his attractive homestead farm. gives patent evidene of thrift and prosperity. His farm is situated in Jefferson township, Huntington county, and on the old homestead farm of his parents, in Section 12 of the same township, his birth occurred on the 23d of November, 1877. He is a son of William W. and Sarah E. (Morris) Roberts, who now reside in Warren, this county, and who are numbered among the highly esteemed pioneer citizens of Huntington. county, the father having been long and prominently identified with the promotion of the agricultural industry in this favored section of the state. Of the four children three are now living: Lillie E. is the wife of Jonas E. Mason, of Noblesville, this state; Ora E. is the immediate: subject of this review, and Orva M., who likewise is a substantial farmer: of Jefferson township, married Miss Delilah Brubaker.

Ora E. Roberts was about one year old at the time of the family removal to the farm now owned by George S. Morris, and after three years removal was made to the present Roberts farm, the east half of the: northwest quarter of Section 28, Jefferson township. Mr. Roberts was. reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and early began to gain practical experience that has been of inestimable value to him in his. independent operations as an agriculturist and stock-grower. As a boy and youth he attended the district schools during the winter months, when his services were not in requisition in connection with the work of the home farm, and he remained with his parents until the time of his. marriage, since which he has been aligned as one of the progressive and successful farmers of his native county. In politics Mr. Roberts is a stanch prohibitionist and votes in accord with his inviolable convictions, though he has had no desire for public office. He and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, in which they are actively identified with Plummer Chapel, in Jefferson township.

On May 6, 1899, the holy bonds of wedlock united the life destinies. of Mr. Roberts and Miss Laura B. Smethers, who was born and reared in Huntington county, and who is a daughter of John A. and Eliza (Cecil) Smethers. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have two children - Marcus D., who was born August 8, 1904, and who is now attending the district school; and Hester D., who was born March 10, 1914.

James Rmey. Among the men of Huntington county who are maintaining this section's supremacy in the field of agriculture, James Riley is worthy of more than passing mention. After a long career of in- dustry and usefulness to his community, he is the owner of a good farm in Wayne township, and His worth as a man and a citizen is evidenced by the high esteem in which he is universally held. He was born in Mercer county, Ohio, March 25, 1855, and"is a son of John and Mary (Allen) Riley.

John Riley was born in County Louth, Ireland, and was a poor emigrant lad when he came to the United States. In New York City he was married to Miss Mary Allen, who had been born in the same county in Erin, and in 1846 they emigrated-to Mercer county, Ohio, and established a home. Although he had no financial means or influential friends, Mr. Riley had ambition and determination, and succeeded in accumulating a farm of forty acres on which he continued to carry on agricultural operations throughout the remainder of his career, both he and his worthy wife passing away in Ohio. They were the parents of six children, as follows: James, of this review; Patrick, who is still a resident of Mefcer county, Ohio, engaged in farming the old homestead place; Jennie, on home place, who is single; Mary C., who is the wife of William Ax, of Mercer county; Sarah, who is the wife of John McAvoy, of Auglaize county, Ohio; and John, who has large oil interests at Colingo, California.

The homestead farm in Mercer county, Ohio, was the scene of James Riley's boyhood youth, and the schools of that vicinity furnished him with his literary training. His educational advantages were not extensive, as they were confined to about three months each year during the winter, and at the age of sixteen years he laid aside his books to devote his whole energies to his farming operations. At the age of twenty-one years he left his parents' home and faced the world on his own account, going to the West and taking up a pre-emption in Ness county, Kansas. There he spent five years, at the end of which time he came to Indiana, and, locating in Van Buren township, Grant county, accepted employment in the oil fields as a pumper. He was thus engaged for some eight years, in the meantime carefully saving his earnings, so that he was able to come to Wayne township and purchase a tract of eighty acres, to which he subsequently added thirty-five acres, and on this property began his agricultural operations.

On January 26, 1899, Mr. Riley was married to Miss Mary E. Hatfield, who was born in Howard county, Indiana, and she died December 23, 1908, having been the mother of two children: John, born April 22, 1900, and now in the seventh grade of the public schools; and Mary, born April 13, 1904, who is a pupil in the fourth grade. Mr. Riley has clearly won the right to the title of self-made man. Every dollar that is his today has been won fairly and through his own efforts, for when he entered upon his career he was without funds and was forced to depend upon his own resources in able to get a start in the world. Today he is one of the substantial men of his community, and his career should prove encouraging to those who feel that they are handicapped in life by a lack of financial support. He is a quiet, unassuming. man, who has had no desire to hold public office, although ever ready to aid his community in any possible way. He exercises his franchise in behalf of the candidates of the republican party. In fraternal matters he is associated with Mount Etna Lodge, No. 304, F. & A. M., in which he has numerous friends, as he has indeed in all avenues of life's activities.

Asa W. Bonnam. Huntington county has many fine farms and many prosperous farmers, and one of the men who has most ably cultivated his own ability and the resources of land is Asa W. Bonham of Salamonie township. Mr. Bonham has demonstrated that his peculiar fitness among the world's workers has been for the development of farming and stock enterprise, and through this avenue has done his greatest service not only to himself but to society. His life has been one of quiet but effective performance, has seldom brought him into polities or the conspicuous walks of the world, but in his relations to the community and in what he has accomplished has reason to be exceptionally well satisfied with his career.

Mr. Bonham is known as the proprietor of the Cherry Lawn Farm, comprising three hundred and ninety-five acres located a mile north and three-quarters of a mile east of Warren, in Sections 15 and 21 of Salamonie township. Mr. Bonham was born in Rock Creek township, Huntington county, April 12, 1871, and though still in his early forties has won undoubted success. His parents were Carey W. and Sarah E. (Brown) Bonham. Both parents located in Huntington county when quite young. Carey Bonham came from Fairfield county, Ohio, with his father, who located in Rock Creek township and he grew up in that locality and was a prosperous farmer. The family moved to Marion, Indiana, and he spent his last years there. There were six children in the family, five of whom are still living, namely; Asa W.; Russell E. ; Minnie C., wife of Samuel E. Culbert of Huntington; Mary E., wife of T. J. Redding of Rock Creek township, Wells county; Bertha J., wife of W. E. Pribble of Rock Creek township.

The early training of Asa W. Bonham was in the country, his boyhood was spent on the farm in Rock Creek township, and his education was supplied by the district schools of that community. From the time he was eighteen his energies have been directed toward farming and stock raising, and each succeeding year has seen a notable increase in his prosperity and along with experience has come greater capabilities as a tiller of the soil and a manager of his growing resources. On November 12, 1892, Mr. Bonham married Emma A. Thompson, daughter of John H. Thompson. Mrs. Bonham was born in Salamonie township, and like her husband received an education in the local schools. To their marriage have been born seven children, named as follows : Howard W., who is a graduate of the Warren high school and now lives at home and assists his father; Edith L., a graduate of the Warren high school, also at home; Mary E., who finished the common school course and is now a student in the Warren school; Elijah R., fifteen years of age and who has finished the common school course; while the younger children are Ruth E., Lucy, and Bertha G.

The family worship in the Christian church at Warren, and Mr. Bonham is an elder in that'denomination. While a Republican in politics, he has seldom taken much part in party affairs, and has been content to contribute to the advancement of the cOmmunity through his individual business. Besides the Cherry Lawn Farm, Mr. Bonham owns one hundred and sixty acres in Rock Creek township in Section 35, and one hundred and eighty-eight acres in Section 6 of Liberty township in Wells county. His wife is also one of the land owners in this section of Indiana, having two hundred and forty acres in Sections 5 and 6 in Liberty township of Wells county, and the two together have aggregate holdings of nine hundred and eighty-three acres in both counties. Further than a statement of these facts, it is not necessary to coniment upon their position as among the prosperous people of Huntington county, and they deserve well of the present generation and of posterity.

Pump H. SHAFER. Since he was sixteen years of age Philip H. Shafer has been a resident of Huntington county, and at that date began to assist his father in the clearing of a portion of the wilderness, and some of the land which his boyhood labors helped to develop is still in his possession. Having lived in Huntington county for half a century, Mr. Shafer bears an unusual relation to the soil in this locality, and presents in his history elements of unusual interest. The difference in the condition of the land now from what it was when the Shafer family first settled here represents not only the achievements of its occupants in cultivating and improving it, but also the general progress of this region since civilization was first planted in it. Personally Mr. Shafer is regarded as one of Huntington county's ablest and most prosperous farmer citizens, and a man who has used his own success not selfishly, but to promote the welfare and progress of his community and has always taken a helpful part in bearing the burdens of his neighbors.

Butler county, Ohio, is the native home of Philip H. Shafer, and he was born three miles northwest of Middletown March 6, 1846. His parents were George E. and Margaret (Wolf) Shafer, who moved to Huntington county in 1863, locating in Salamonie township, where the father bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. That land was covered practically as to every acre by heavy wood, and the original price paid for it was one thousand dollars. The father with the aid of his boys, of whom Philip was the oldest, started in to hew down the trees, to grub the stumps, and clear off a space for cultivation of field crops. That was a tremendous undertaking, and would be yet today, and it is with a natural pride that Mr. Shafer now regards his possession of one hundred acres of the original quarter section, his own toil having assisted materially in the improvement of that place. The parents continued their residence on the old homstead until their death. The father was a devout member of the United Brethren church and one of the leaders in that denomination in Huntington county. There were six children in the family, five of whom are still living: Philip H.; Emily M., deceased; John W. Shafer, of Bluffton, Indiana; Mary A., wife of Jasper Jones of Warren; Sarah, who is unmarried and lives at Decatur, Indiana; and Jacob E. Shafer, of Salamonie township.

Philip H. Shafer when the family moved to Huntington county in 1863 was already at an age where he was ready to take up the serious responsibilities of life. His education had been acquired by attendance at the district schools of Butler county, Ohio, and the intervals had been filed in by practical training in the work of farm and household. However, he continued his education by one term in Huntington county. When he was twenty years of age he started out to win his fortune, having no capital, and after working for two years was given a small piece of land by his father. His subsequent prosperity has been the result of his steady labor, economy, good business judgment, and from the generous reward which Indiana agriculture has paid to all its devotees during the last half century.

Mr. Shafer first married Mary J. Thompson, daughter of Ebenezer and Pamelia (Ware) Thompson, who were early settlers of Salamonie township. Mrs. Shafer lived as wife and mother for sixteen years, and in that time six children were born, three of whom are yet living, namely: George E. Shafer; Jennie A., wife of Charles F. Bonewitz, of Michigan; and Fannie A., wife of Perry Keller of Huntington. After the death of his first wife Mr. Shafer was married on June 23, 1884, to Sarah L. E. Ruble, who was born in Salamonie township August 29, 1862, a daughter of Jonathan and Ruth (Ruse) Ruble. To this marriage were born eight children, six of whom are living in 1914, namely: Mildred L., who graduated from the common schools and is now the wife of Webster J. Thompson; Ruth E., wife of Ernest Poling; Harry P., a graduate of the common schools and who married Dalta Garretson ; Howard M., who finished a common school course and lives at home; Frances E. W., who has also finished her work in the common schools and is now at home; Weir L., who is thirteen years old and completed the grade school work in 1913.

The family attend worship in the Christian church at Buckeye, Indiana, and Mr. Shafer is very much interested in church affairs. Politically he was always a straight republican up to the campaign of 1912, when he accepted the principles and platform of the new party and voted as a progressive. His many years as a practical farmer has | brought ample possessions, comprising four hundred and seventy acres of fine farm lands in Sections 14, 15, 22 and 23 in Salamonie township, situated three miles northeast of Warren on the Marion and Bluffton Pike. At the same time*he has employed his prosperity to give his family all needed comforts and luxuries, and the children have all been well trained both at home and in school.

SoLomon F. JouHnson. The Johnson stock farm, of Salamonie township, located two miles north and one mile east of Warren, has for a number of years borne a high reputation among the live stock interests of Huntington county. It is noted as a breeding farm for Guernsey cattle, Shropshire sheep añd Duroc hogs, and its owner has jealously guarded the substantial reputation of his stock, and as a result there are few men in the county who have upheld the standards of the stock business more uniformly. Mr. Johnson's farm is one of the best kept and managed in Huntington county, and its proprietor is thoroughly versed in his present profession. From the highway his farm impresses a traveler as one of more than ordinary good management, and besides the comfortable residence, the barns, sheds:and feed lots, one feature that proves the modern spirit of enterprise is the fine silo, and a number of other first-class improvements might be cited as an evidence of Mr. Johnson's enterprise.

For a number of years Mr. Johnson was identified with education in both Huntington and Wells counties, and the success associated with his name as a teacher has been continued in his present vocation. Solomon F. Johnson was born on a farm in Salamonie township in April, 1863, a son of Solomon and Margaret (Wright) Johnson. His mother was born in West Virginia and his father in North Carolina, they were married in the east, and came to Huntington county at an early day, settling in Salamonie township, which continued to be their residence the remainder of their lives. They came to thig county comparatively poor, but lived to enjoy a reasonable degree of comfort and prosperity and did well by their children. The father was an elder and quite prominent in the work of the church. Of the nine children six are still living, namely: Levi, of Wells county ; George, of Wells county; Albert, of Wells county; William, of Huntington county; Sarah J., wife of Eli Cox, of Wells county; and Solomon F.

The district school which supplied Mr. Johnson's early training and with which his first associations of school life are connected was known as the Swamp school, and he later attended the Wells county Normal and Valparaiso College, taking the normal courses in preparation for his work as a teacher. For seventeen years Mr. Johnson was one of the capable instructors of the young in Wells and Huntington counties, and all of his work was done in the district schools. In that time he had charge of schools with enrollment running from fifty to eightyseven pupils, and there are hundreds of these pupils now active men and women who remember with much gratitude his kindly and helpful services as a teacher during their youth. On leaving the work of the schoolroom Mr. Johnson spent four years in the S. A. Pulse store at Warren.

Mr. Johnson married Hattie B. (Mallow) Van Camp. She was a daughter of H. M. Mallow, and by her marriage to Mr. Van Camp has one daughter, Ruby, a student in the Warren high school. Mrs. Johnson received her education in the common schools and is a graduate of the Warren high school. Mr. Johnson affiliates with King Lodge No. 246, A. F. & A. M., and with Salamonie Lodge No. 392, I. O. O. F., and also with the Encampment. He is Past Grand and Past Chief Patriarch of the Odd Fellows and both he and his wife are members of the Lodge of

Grorce H. THompson, Jr. Few Huntington county families have been more closely identified with the agricultural activities and the good citizenship of the county than that of Thompson, represented by George H. Thompson, Jr., whose valuable and productive farmstead is in Salamonie township. Mr. Thompson is a native son of Huntington county, and representatives of three preceding generations have lived in the county beginning with the pioneer times. It is now more than seventy years since the family became identified with Huntington county.

George H. Thompson, Jr., was born on a farm half a mile north of Buckeye, October 9, 1852. He is a son of Ebenezer and Mary A. (Richards) Thompson. Ebenezer Thompson was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, a son of John H. Thompson, and a grandson of Ebenezer Thompson. They all came north and located in Huntington county in 1842, Ebenezer Thompson settling in Union township, while John H. Thompson located in Salamonie township. The latter was a resident of Salamonie until 1870, when he moved into the town of Warren, and remained there until his death. Ebenezer Thompson, father of George H., was seventeen years of age when the family located in Salamonie township, and was married in Jackson township of Wells county. Of the seven children born to their union five are still living: Ezra, of Marion, Indiana; George H., Jr.; Lewis Thompson of Marion; Byron E., of Salamonie township; and Lucretia Thompson of Liberty township in Wells county.

The old homestead in Salamonie was the scene and afforded the environment for the early boyhood of George H. Thompson. While attending district school No. 6 about three months every winter he was trained under the careful supervision of his father in habits of industry and honesty, and from an early age has been more than self-supporting. One of his early lines of work was in connection with a sawmill, and he worked about the mill and also hauled logs to be cut up into. lumber. As a result of his thrift and work he gradually acquired the means which enabled him to make a start in life on his own account.

In March, 1881, he married Arminta Fix. She was born in Jackson township of Wells county, attended the common school, and for more than thirty years has faithfully performed her duties as wife and mother. After their marriage Mr. Thompson and wife moved to the quarter section, one hundred and sixty acres, where he now lives. While this is now one of the best improved farms in the neighborhood, it is so largely as a result of the labor and management of Mr. Thompson, who has put in ditches and tile, has extended the area of cultivation, has put up new buildings, and in many ways has increased the value and fertility of his land.

He and his wife are the parents of eight children still living in 1914, namely: Forrest Thompson, who finished the common school course, is unmarried; Charles, also single, is a resident in Oklahoma; Nellie, a graduate of the common schools, is the wife of Jesse Krinn, of Liberty township in Wells county ; Roy, who finished a course in the common schools and Warren high school, is in the employ of the government in Nicaragua; Ora, after finishing the common school was a student in Warren, and is now married and a prosperous farmer in Liberty township in Wells county ; Nora married Guy Ware and lives in Wells county ; Eugene has finished common school course and is a student in the Warren high school and Nora is living at home. Two children are deceased, Harry H. and Ralph V. s

Mr. Thompson in politics has always identified himself with the republican party, but aside from casting his vote regularly has not been a prominent party man. Besides his fine farm in Huntington county he is the owner of half a section of land in Texas.

Hiram U. SATTERTHWAITE is one of the expert farmers and stockmen of Polk township, where through good management, constant in dustry and consistent perseverance. he has risen to a recognized place among the substantial men of his community. He was born in this township, November 22, 1868, and is a son of Hiram and Margaret (Weller) Satterthwaite. The father, one of the pioneer residents of Huntington county, Indiana, was born April 24, 1830, in Warren county, Ohio, the second in order of birth of à family of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Joel Satterthwaite. His parents and family emigrated to Huntington county in 1840, locating in Polk township, where the parents resided continuously until their respective deaths. Young Hiram Satterthwaite received a common school education, and was reared on the home farm. As he grew to manhood he accepted farming as his life work and remained on the homestead place, superintending the work there until his twenty-sixth year, when, in 1855, he married Miss Margaret Weller, a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, who moved to Polk township with her parents a number of years before. To this union eleven children were born.

Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Sätterthwaite first established their home on a small tract of land two miles west of Mount Etna and a mile south of Monument City. In the years following, by dint of much hard work, economy, perseverance and push, always guided by the valuable counsel of his wife, Mr. Satterthwaite became the owner of 700 acres of land in Polk township and the adjacent vicinity. This acreage was kept under a good state of cultivation and the property was improved in a comfortable and substantial manner. Parents of a large family, they lived in the happiness of domestic contentment which was their due, especially in their later years, as they had started life in limited circumstances. Having accumulated a competence of this world's goods and established the members of their family well, Mr. and Mrs. Satterthwaite gave up the active labors of farm life in 1897 and moved to a modernly appointed residence on Henry street, Huntington. By following the high standard of life that was his wont, Mr. Satterthwaite attained an enviable position in the esteem of the community. Many years he was a member of the Grange society, when that organization was so popularly recognized. In matters political he was a Republican and was the candidate of his party in 1882 for the office of county cominissioner, but was defeated by a small vote. On all subjects of interest to the advancement of the community, Mr. Satterthwaite was public spirited, and he stood high in the councils of his friends. He and his wife were stricken with pneumonia about the same time, although he had been in ailing health for about a year. He was in a critical condition previous to the death of his wife, which occurred in March, 1909, and on her demise it was thought that he could not survive the shock. However, he rallied slightly, but at no time was it considered probable that he would leave his bed. Not long after his rally he relapsed again and the vitality of his once sturdy constitution ebbed gradually until he passed away in May, 1909.

Hiram U. Satterthwaite was given a good education in the public schools, and like his father early chose farm work as the field in which to hew out his success. He was married November 26, 1892, to Miss Mary E. Wiles, a descendant of an old pioneer family of Huntington county, her grandfather being a pioneer minister of the Christian church and a well known and highly esteemed citizen of the county. She was born July 21, 1870, in Lancaster township, Huntington county, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Wiles, and reared and educated there. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Satterthwaite, namely: Iris F., a graduate of the common and high schools of Monument City; Hiram P., a graduate of the common schools; and Charles C., also a graduate of the common schools. Mrs. Satterthwaite is a member of the Salamonie Christian church, which is located on a corner of the old homestead farm. In politics he is a republican, and has been an active worker in the party ranks in township and county affairs. He has always been a money maker, because of his industry, and in the management of the old homestead place displays a high order of business ability. Although he engages to some extent in general farming, with which he is thoroughly familiar, he also devotes a great deal of his time to stockraising, and in this branch of agricultural work has attained great success. He is well and favorably known in business circles of the county, and his name is an honored one on commercial paper. Although not a professed member of any denomination, he is ready to assist all religious and charitable organizations, and in every way does all in his power to advance the cause of probity, morality and good citizenship.

Gitpert M. Jennines. Among the substantial agriculturists of Huntington county who are contributing to their community's welfare by their activities in farming and stock raising, Gilbert M. Jennings holds a prominent place. At this time he is the owner of a well-culti vated farm of ninety-one acres, in Polk township, and is also serving iu the capacity of township assessor, having also held other positions of responsibility and trust within the gift of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Jennings has been a life-long resident of Polk township, having been Vol. TII - 13 born here on his father's farm in Wabash county, March 7, 1854, a son of William and Debora (Mills) Jennings. His parents were born, reared, educated and married in Warren county, Ohio, and not long after their union migrated to Indiana and located on a farm in Wabash county, on which they spent their remaining years in the tilling of the soil. They were known as honest, industrious and Christian people, and well merited the high esteem in which they were held by their neighbors. Of their six children, three are living at this time: Joseph, a resident of Polk township ; Mark W., who makes his home inthe city of Huntington; and Gilbert M., of this review.

Gilbert M. Jennings passed his boyhood on his father's. farm, and early learned habits of industry and thrift, and when eleven years of age began to be self-supporting. For some years he worked on various farms in Ohio and Wabash county, Indiana, in the meantime accepting such educational opportunities as presented themselves. He was married September 19,°1878, to Miss Sarah J. Miles, who was born.in Polk township, Huntington county, January 29, 1861, a daughter of Thomas and Hattie (Keener) Miles, and received her education in the public schools of her native vicinity. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jennings, as follows: Eva, who is the wife of Arthur Lee; Anna, who is the wife of Jacob Caley; Thomas, who married Dora Sanderson ; Walter, who married Miriam Coulter; Belle, who is the wife of Glenn Campbell; Cecil, who married Leona Zerby ; and Miles, Ralph and Mary, all single, and residing with their parents.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Jennings settled down to housekeeping in Polk township, and here through industry, energetic effort and good management they have developed a handsome and valuable property. At this time the farm consists of ninety-one acres, and is located in section 28, township 27, North, range 8, East, and thirteen and one-half miles southwest of Huntington. Mr. Jennings has had wide experience in his chosen vocation, and is known among his fellow citizens as a skilled agriculturist who is able to make his land pay for every bit of labor expended upon it. He is a believer in the use of modern methods, and is at all times willing to give new inventions a trial. A republican in his political views, he has been an active factor in the success of his party in Polk township, where he has served as a member of the board of supervisors and is now township assessor. In his public offices he has shown a conscientious respect for the responsibilities of his positions and the manner in which he is administering the affairs of his office has but strengthened him in the confidence of his fellow-townspeople. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church, and are widely known and have many friends in Polk township.

CHARLES E. Lawrence. Though he claims the old Buckeye state as the place of his nativity Mr. Lawrence has been a resident of Indiana since his childhood days and here he has achieved definite success and prestige as one of the progressive and representative agriculturists and stock-growers of Huntington county. He gives special attention to the raising of high-grade live stock, and is the owner of the Eureka Stock Farm, which comprises 180 acres and which is most eligibly situated at a point five miles west of the village of Warren, and on the admirably Improved Cross gravel road. Mr. Lawrence is one of the alert, loyal and public-spirited men of Jefferson township, and his success has been on a parity with his energy and well ordered efforts, the while he has the high regard of all who know him.

Charles E. Lawrence was born in Adams county, Ohio, on the 8th of October, 1871, and is a son of Jacob and Alice J. (Morford) Lawrence, the former of whom was likewise born in Adams county and the latter of whom was born in Brown county, both families having been founded in Ohio in the pioneer epoch of its history. The parents continued their residence in Adams county, Ohio, until the autumn of 1876, when they made the trip to Huntington county, Indiana, with team and wagon, by the medium of which they transported their household goods and other appurtenances. They first settled on a farm in Rock Creek township, and later they removed to Jefferson township, where the father became a prosperous farmer and valued citizen and where he continued to maintain his home until his death, which occurred on the 7th of February, 1899. His widow still resides in Jefferson township and has a wide circle of friends in the county that has represented her home for two score of years. Jacob and Alice J. Lawrence became the parents of three sons and one daughter: Cora is the wife of Simon Summers, a prosperous farmer of Rock Creek township; William C. is a successful representative of agricultural industry in Jefferson township; Frank, deceased; and Charles E., of this review, is the youngest of the children.

Charles E. Lawrence was four years of age at the time of his parents' removal from Ohio to Indiana and was nine years old when they established their residence on the fine old homestead which is his present place of abode. The land was reclaimed by his father from the virgin forest, and he well recalls the scenes and incidents that marked the gradual progress to effect the development of one of the finest farms in Huntington county. He early began to lend his aid in the work of the farm, applying himself diligently during the summer seasons and giving his time in the winter to the pursuance of educational work in the district schools, in which his advantages were such as to enable him to lay a stanch foundation for the broad knowledge which he has since gained under the direction of that wisest of all headmasters, experience. He has continued the improving of the old homestead farm since he became owner of the property and is a recognized leader in the breeding and raising of high-grade live stock in Huntington county. His farm is also devoted in part to the raising of grain, fruit and to general horticulture in so far as it applies to providing for his own use and placing certain products on the market. Thrift and prosperity are in definite evidence on his homestead, and he is liberal and public-spirited, though entirely without ostentation and without ambition for political office. He is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, and has given active service in its local ranks. He enjoys unqualified popularity in his community, and his*home is known for its democratic hospitality and good cheer. Both he and his wife are zealous adherents of Methodist Episcopal church at Pleasant Plain, and he*is a member of its board of trustees.

In Adams county, Ohio, the place of his nativity, Mr. Lawrence found the gentle and gracious young woman who has been his devoted wife and helpmeet. On the 28th of September, 1893, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Ada Carmichael, who was born in Adams county, Ohio, where she was reared and educated, and of this union there are three children, - Earl M., who is his father's able coadjutor in the work and management of the home farm; Eva V., who is a student in the high school at Warren; and Everett, who is attending school in his home district.

Augustus WasmutH. Epmunp WasmurH. These names introduce a family which for half a century has been prominent in commercial and civic affairs in Roanoke and vicinity, and has probably borne a greater share of responsibility in those directions and has accumulated larger interests than any other single family in this locality. Mr. Augustus Wasmuth has now reached an age when he may properly enjoy the fruits of a well spent career, and has a long look backwards over a life which has been fruitful in a business way and which has included service to his adopted country as a soldier, and in many other ways has been a factor of usefulness to his fellow men. Edmund M. Wasmuth is now in the prime of his vigorous activity as a business man and has made his mark in Huntington county as a member of the state legislature. Augustus Wasmuth was born in Hesse Cassel, Germany, August 26, 1841. With an aunt he came to the United States in 1855, and lived in Starke county, Ohio, until 1858. The latter year was the date of his location in the vicinity of Roanoke. A young man who had received only nominal advantages in the way of schools and had no fortune to begin with, he found employment for his energies as a farm hand at monthly wages. He was still under age when the war broke out, and in September, 1861, he went out to fight the battles of the union as a soldier in company E of the Forty-seventh Indiana Regiment. For nearly four years, or until the close of the war, he continued with the armies of the north, and on returning to Huntington county, in November, 1865, he brought with him a splendid record of service and one which his descendants will always prize. On returning to Roanoke, he found employment as a clerk in the store of J. S. Grim. After two years he formed a partnership with W. K. Windle in the hardware business, and they continued prosperously along that general line until about 1888. Mr. Wasmuth then acquired sole control of the business, and conducted it for several years under the name of A. Wasmuth & Son. From that time forward the enterprise branched out and took on new lines of trade. The firm built an elevator and began dealing in grain, established a lumber yard, and made their activities the chief business of its nd in the locality. Later the firm was changed to A. Wasmuth & Son Company, and the business is still conducted under that name, both at Roanoke, and at Andrews, where the company have important interests.

Augustus Wasmuth was married April 18, 1867, to Miss Ellen Grim. She was born in Starke county, Ohio, April 9, 1847, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Weimer) Grim. The Grim family came to Huntington county about 1852, and various members of the household have been among the capable citizens of this county.

Mrs. Wasmuth died February 26, 1904, after thirty-seven years of happy married life. She became the mother of seven children, as follows: Evaline, who was educated in the public schools and the Roanoke Seminary and is now the wife of Charles L. Hackett; Edmund M.; Arthur D., who is in charge of the lumber business of the firm at Andrews, and is a graduate of the State University of Indiana; Daniel A., also a State University graduate and cashier of the bank at Roanoke; Elizabeth, who graduated from Indiana University, and is the wife of C. E. Endicott, of Andrews; F. L. Wasmuth, who has charge of the hardware department of the firm at Roanoke; H. R. Wasmuth, of Andrews. i

Mr. Augustus Wasmuth is affliated with the Little River Lodge No. 275, I. O. O. F., of which he is past noble grand, and for thirty years served the lodge as treasurer. He keeps up his associations with his old army comrades as a member of William McGinnis Post No. 167, G. A. R., of which he is past commander. For several years he served on the school board. Mr. Wasmuth is a man who has given a splendid account of his talents. He started business with about one thousand dollars in capital, and with the aid of his sons has built up an enterprise whose annual trade runs up into many thousands, and the value of which, as a growing concern, and in its capital investment reaches a figure where it compares favorably with the largest concerns in Huntington county.

Hon. Edmund M. Wasmuth was educated in the public schools, and in the Roanoke Seminary, and was about sixteen years old when he engaged in business with his father. He is exceptionally well known in Huntington county. He is a shrewd business man, always alert, and energetic in anything he takes hold of, and at the same time is admired for his many sterling qualities of character. He is affable, and has at heart not only his own prosperity, but the welfare of his neighbors, and has done much to upbuild Roanoke and vicinity. He has spent all his life in Huntington county, and the county chose one of its really representative men when he was elected and re-elected to the state legislature. Mr. Wasmuth has a beautiful home in Roanoke and an interesting family. He married Blanche Tirey of Detroit, Michigan. . Their children are: Pauline, Vona, Augustus, Catherine and Robert.

Jefferson township, and there occupies a noteworthy position among the more intelligent, enterprising and active citizens. A native of Jefferson township, he was born, September 29, 1860, on the farm of his father, the late William Wiley.

Born and reared in Darke county, Ohio, William Wiley decided when quite young that a change of location would prove beneficial to his finances at least, and about 1845 journeyed on horseback to Huntington county, Indiana. In Jefferson township he entered one hundred and twenty acres of land, in section 4. Remaining a year, he put out a deadening, after which he returned to his old home. A year later, having taken unto himself a wife, he came back with his bride to Jefferson township, and immediately began the improvement of his homestead property. Selling out at the end of ten or twelve years, he bought one hundred and ninety-nine acres of land in section 3, and was there actively engaged in general farming until his death, January 4, 1897. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Layman, survived him, passing away October 15, 1912. Of the ten children born of their union five were living in 1914, as follows: Henry, of Lancaster township ; Joseph L., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; Henrietta, wife of David D. Haire, of Jefferson township; Andrew, of the same township; and William, Jr., of Huntington. X

Growing to manhood on the parental homestead, Joseph L. Wiley attended the summer and winter terms of the district school, and while working with his father obtained a practical experience in the art and science of agriculture. After his marriage, Mr. Wiley rented his father's farm on section 12, Jefferson township, for a period of five years. At the end of that time he invested his money in land, buying that part of his present farm lying in section 9. Succeeding well in his farming operations, Mr. Wiley has since added other land by purchase, and is now owner of one hundred and sixty-two acres of fertile and productive land, located in sections 3, 9, and 10, his home being eleven miles south of Huntington, on the Lancaster gravel road, and seven and one-half miles northwest of Warren.

Mr. Wiley married, February 10, 1887, Mary Minton, who was born in Lancaster township, and into their home seven children have been born, namely: Herman E., a farmer in Jefferson township ; Dessie E., a graduate of the Lancaster Center High School; William N., who was graduated from the same school; Ora V.; Letitia A. N.; Agnes L.; and Garl L. Politically Mr. Wiley is a republican, and for five years rendered excellent service as assessor of Jefferson township. Religiously he and his wife are consistent members of the Church of the Brethren at Lancaster. Mr. Wiley and his family occupy a pleasant social position among the people of their community, by whom they are respected for their many virtues, and heartily liked for their frank, open-hearted hospitality and genial, kindly manners.

of Jefferson township, Huntington county, where he is actively identified with the advancement of the agricultural interests of that part of Indiana. A son of Francis Wiley, he was born July 4, 1885, in Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana.

A native of Huntington county, Indiana, and the descendant of one of its early pioneers, Francis Wiley was born and reared in Jefferson township. After his marriage he removed to Wells county, Indiana, settling in Jackson township, where he continued a resident until his death, October 8, 1888. He married Nancy C. Heaston, who was born in Jefferson township, Huntington county, and there brought up and educated. Left a widow when young, she returned to the home of her father, Jacob H. Heaston, with whom she lived until married to her second husband, Samuel H. Friedley.

Left fatherless when three years old, Charles D. Wiley was brought up in the home of his maternal grandfather, and was educated in the district schools of Huntington county. Becoming a farmer from choice, he bought land in Jefferson township, and is now owner of the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter forty acres of section 9, and in the management of his farm is meeting with well merited success, his farm being pleasantly located three miles north, and four miles west of Warren, Indiana.

Mr. Wiley married, December 24, 1908, Ethel I. Bowman, who was born December 5, 1889, in Warren township, and was graduated from the Lancaster Township High school with the class of 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley have two children, namely: Harriette L., born January 21, 1910; and Paul G., born Decembér 20, 1913. Politically Mr. Wiley is a stanch adherent of the republican party.

WiiuiAmM Howard Surrus. Ranking high among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Huntington county is William Howard Surfus, one of the large landholders of Jefferson township, and the proprietor of Sugar Grove Stock Farm, a valuable estate situated ten miles south of Huntington. A son of Adam Surfus, he was born in Allen county, Indiana, May 10, 1855.

Born in Ohio, Adam Surfus removed to Allen county, Indiana, in early manhood, and there married Experience Fowner, who was born in Virginia. He subsequently removed to Noble county, Indiana, with his family, and there both he and his wife spent their remaining years. Of the - twelve children born of their union, the following named were living in 1914; Rebecca, of Kimball, Indiana; Sarah, wife of Albert B. Marker, of Noble county ; Emma, widow of Adam Dent, of Chicago, Illinois; John W., engaged in farming in Noble county; and William Howard, the special subject of this brief sketch.

Remaining beneath the parental rooftree until attaining his majority, William Howard Surfus was educated in the rural schools of Allen and Noble counties. As a boy and youth he assisted in the care of the home farm, gaining a knowledge and experience of agricultural pursuits that has since been of inestimable value to him in his chosen occupation.

Thrifty and industrious, he accumulated considerable money while farming in Noble county, and m 1900 came to Huntington county to invest a part of it in land. Locating in Jefferson township, Mr. Surfus bought the Sugar Grove Stock Farm, which contains two hundred and seventy acres of choice land, and he has since purchased eighty acres, the east half, northeast quarter of section 8, Jefferson township, now having title to three hundred and fifty acres. He has a fine sugar orchard of sixty-nine acres, containing about three thousand trees, from which he makes a goodly profit, selling all of the sugar in Huntington.

On March 24, 1881, Mr. Surfus married Emma Dobbins, who was born in Ohio, January 29, 1859, and as a child came to Noble county, Indiana, with her parents. Six children have been born into the household thus established, namely : William C., engaged in farming in Jefferson township, married Dottie Colvin, who was formerly a school teacher; Ray, living at home; Curtis, a high school graduate, and also a graduate of the Marion Normal College; Maria, Forest, and Hazel. Politically Mr. Surfus is an active and earnest worker in the republican party. A pleasant and whole-souled man, he is deservedly popular with all classes of people, having hosts of friends.

OuiveR P. M. Mies. Numbered among the enterprising and selfreliant men who are so ably conducting the agricultural interests of Huntington county is Oliver P. M. Miles, proprietor of the Hillside fruit farm, in Jefferson township. He was born August 25, 1864, in Polk township, Huntington county, Indiana, where his earlier years were passed. à

His father, Thomas Miles, was born in New York state. He married Hettie A. Keener, a native of Randolph county, Indiana, and for a number of years thereafter lived in Polk township, Huntington county. About 1880 he removed with his family to Jefferson township, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days, his death occurring February 15, 1890, and hers June 18, 1911. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Sarah J., wife of Gilbert Jennings, of Polk township ; Evaline, wife of Isaac Eads, of Jefferson township; Oliver P. M., the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; Etta, wife of Martin Spangler, of Michigan; and Ella, wife of Wiliam H. Cook, of whom a brief account is given on another page of this volume.

Brought up in Polk township, on a farm, Oliver P. M. Miles obtained his early education in the rural schools, and at the age of sixteen years came with his parents to Jefferson township, which has since been his home. He early began farm work with his father, and finding that occupation congenial to his tastes, as well as profitable, he has continued in it, and when ready to make a permanent location bought his present farm of sixty acres, located on section 16, two miles north, and four miles west of Warren, and twelve miles southwest of Huntington. Mr. Miles is especially interested in the growing of choice fruit, a branch of horticulture in which he has had good success. He has now a choice apple orchard, and a peach orchard of five acres, in which he has eight hundred trees, and intends ere long to have a large part of his farm devoted to the raising of fruit. He also raises registered stock of a good grade, his hogs being a high-grade Poland-China breed.

On January 29, 1889, Mr. Miles was united in marriage with Anna Cook, who was born in Jefferson township, March 9, 1865, a daughter of Nathan and Martha (Mills) Cook, who were married in 1861 in Ohio, and afterwards settled in Huntington county. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miles, namely : Velma H., wife of Virgil C. Follis, of Jefferson township; Vernie M.; Harmon W.; Willard M.; and Ormal S. Politically Mr. Miles is a republican, and religiously he is a member of the Christian church.

FRANK SMELSER. Among the prominent residents of Wayne township is Frank Smelser, general farmer and breeder of good livestock, who is numbered among the old residents of this section, having lived here for upward of fifty-six years. He has therefore been a witness to much of its growth and development and as the years have passed by he has so directed his labors that success has resulted, and his methods are of interest to the business world. He has always based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and indefatigable energy, and the monument to his labors is the South Elkhorn Stock Farm, a tract of 192 acres located at Banquo, Indiana.

Mr. Smelser was born in Wayne township, Huntington county, Indiana, October 16, 1858, and is a son of Smith and Mary (Sparks) Smelser, the latter being a daughter of Elder John Sparks, a Baptist minister. Smith Smelser was born in Union county, Indiana, and was reared in Rush county, where he was married to Mary Sparks, who was born in that county, and in 1853 they made their way to Huntington county and settled on a farm in Wayne township. Through his maternal grandmother, Frank Smelser is connected with the famous Daniel Boone, whose niece she was. Smith Smelser passed the remaining years of his life in agricultural pursuits, became one of the substantial men of his community, and passed away in January, 1911, with the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom five are still living: John, who is a resident of Banquo, Indiana; Frank; Albert, a resident of Michigan; Charles H., who is the owner of the old homestead place in Wayne township; and Dr. J. S. H., a practicing physician of Oklahoma. Smith Smelser was a democrat in his political views, but was never a seeker after personal preferment. He and his wife were devout members of the Baptist church and reared their children in that faith.

Frank Smelser was the third in order of birth of his parents' children, and was reared on the home farm in Wayne township which his father had developed. He received a fair common school education and studied to some extent under the preceptorship of his father, who in addition to being a farmer was also engaged in teaching at various times. On January 11, 1880, Frank Smelser was married to Miss Bettie Kind- ler, who was born in 1856, in Fairfield, Ohio, and educated in the public schools of Ohio and Hùntington county, Indiana, her father, Adam Kindler, having come to this state in 1870 and located in Wayne township on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Smelser had one child, who died when four years old, and they have reared Goldie Smelser, the daughter of Charles H. Smelser, a brother of Frank. She was given good educational advantages and reared to useful womanhood, and August 25, 1906, was married to James L. Goff, who was born in Jefferson township, Huntington county, and is now engaged in farming. They have one daughter: Elizabeth J., who was born September 21, 1907.

Mr. Smelser is a democrat in his political views, and was elected township trustee of Wayne township, but declined to serve as he has never cared for public office, preferring to contribute to his community's welfare rather as a public-spirited citizen than as an official. He has met with success as a general farmer, but has given the greater part of his attention to the raising of stock, and especially as a breeder of fast pacing horses. One of the animals now in his stable is '' Lady Costes,'' a mare with a mark of 2:20. Mr. Smelser is a good business man, shrewd and far-seeing and ready to grasp every opportunity, but his transactions have been carried on in such an honorable manner that he has gained and maintained the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come into contact. His acquaintance is extensive and his friends are to be found all over this part of the county.

RICHARD MESSERSMITH. Among the men of Huntington county whose labor has been the measure of their success is found Richard Messersmith, who for years has been connected with the agricultural interests of Wayne township. A man of energetic spirit and progressive nature, from small beginnings he has steadfastly fought his way to a foremost position among his community's substantial citizens, and at this time is proprietor of the well-known Sugar Ridge Stock Farm, a tract of 180 acres of valuable land, located one mile south and eight miles west of Warren, and-eighteen miles southwest of Huntington. Mr. Messersmith has been a lifelong resident of Wayne township, having been born on a farm in section 35, May 25, 1860, and is a son of Ephriam and America (Dicken) Messersmith, the former born in Wabash county, Indiana, and the latter in Grant county, this state.

Ephriam Messersmith was for some years a successful farmer of Huntington county, but later turned his attention to the manufacture of tombstones and monuments, and in 1862 removed with his family to La Salle county, Illinois. He subsequently became a resident of the city of Streator, in that state, went thence to Monticello, Illinois, and finally returned to Streator, where he passed away. He was a business man of the strictest integrity, a good and public-spirited citizen, and gained and held the respect and esteem of those with whom he came in contact. Ephriam and America Messersmith were the parents of the following children: Hettie Mary, who is the wife of Henry Alf; Richard; George, who is deceased; Effie, who is the wife of Eugene Gentry, and Clara, the wife of Schuyler Lauderback, living near Delevan, Illinois.

Richard Messersmith was two years of age when he was taken by his parents to Illinois, and there he commenced his education in the public schools. He continued to reside in the Prairie state for sixteen years, during which time he followed various vocations, but when eighteen years old returned to Indiana and secured employment as a farm hand, working by the day or the month as labor presented itself. He thus continued for seven years, thriftily saving a part of his earnings, and on September 12, 1885, established a home of his own when he was married. The lady of his choice, Miss Luella Hicks, was born in Grant county, Indiana, March 14, 1864, received good educational advantages and was one of the first graduates of the common schools of Washington township, Grant county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Messersmith located in Jackson township, Wells county, but after one year returned to Grant county, and bought forty acres of land in Washington township. This he operated for several years, after which he disposed of his Grant county interests and came to Huntington county, settling on the present home farm in Wayne township. At that time the farm was in a swale, often soggy and swampy,.and covered with rank vegetation, while other parts were almost wholly covered by a dense growth of timber. It looked like a hopeless task to endeavor to develop this into a productive farm, but Mr. Messersmith and his devoted wife settled down to the work, and the greater part of the farm was soon cleared and ditched, and as the years have passed the property has been made into one of the best in the township. It has a good set of buildings and improvements of the latest character, and Mr. Messersmith devotes his time to general farming and the breéding of blooded stock. He has won the right to the title of self-made man. No fortunate family or pecuniary advantages aided him at the outset of his career. Obstacles and difficulties have confronted him, but these he has overcome by determined efforts and, as the years have advanced, he has worked his way steadily upward.

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Messersmith: Mary Ona, who is a graduate of the common schools and the wife of Dan Smith, of Wayne township; Earl, who is engaged in farming with his father and resides at home; Edna Fay, a graduate of the common and high schools, who spent one term in Franklin College and is now the wife of Arthur Spaulding, a merchant at Banquo; Josie M., a graduate of the common and high schools, and now single at home; and Clara O., also residing with her parents. Mr. Messersmith is a republican, and has been influential in local and county politics, although not an office seeker. Mrs. Messersmith and three of her daughters are members of the Second Salem Missionary Baptist church.

James E. Price has been an agriculturist of Wayne township for fifteen years, and the favorable opinion passed upon him at the outset of his career has in no degree been changed or modified, but on the contrary has been strengthened by the passing years as he has demonstrated his ability in the line of his chosen vocation. Mr. Price has been a very busy man, with large interests to demand his attention yet he has found the time and the inclination to aid other progressive and helpful citizens in advancing the locality's welfare and in forwarding the cause of education, morality and good citizenship. Mr. Price was born on a farm in Wayne township, Huntington county, Indiana, June 26, 1878, and is a son of Daniel T. and Lorena H. (bogan) Price. The father, who was for years a successful farmer of Wayne township, is now living a retired life, his home being at Marion, where he is widely known and highly respected. He was twice married, his first. wife, the mother of James E. Price, having died in 1902. By his first union he had two children, one of whom died in infancy. >

James E. Price was reared on a farm in Wayne township, and in common with other lads of his day and vicinity spent the summer months in the work of the home farm, while in the winters he attended the public schools. He secured better educational advantages than some of his fellows, however, as after he had completed the elementary branches he became a student in the high school, thus securing an excellent training. He was brought up to the work of the farm and trained along lines of industry and integrity, and upon embarking upon a career of his own became a farmer, work in which he has continued to be engaged until the present time. He has been successful in his ventures, so that he has never had any reason to regret of his choice of occupations. He was three years of age at the time he moved to the farm which he now occupies, a tract of 200 acres, of which he took charge at the time of his father's retirement. Mr. Price was married November 7, 1901, to Miss Grace Bradford, who was born in Washington township, Grant county, Indiana, March 29, 1881, daughter of Francis Bradford, a prosperous farmer of that county. Mrs. Price was given a good common school education and her training was one calculated to make her a useful member of her community. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Price settled on the farm on which they now live, and which Mr. Price subsequently purchased from his father. He now has the 200 acres in a high state of cultivation, with improvements of an excellent character and good, substantial and attractive buildings. He believes in the use of modern methods and machinery, through which he has achieved very satisfactory results, and his dealings have always been characterized by the strictest integrity. The fact that he is connected with one of the old and honored families of Huntington county would entitle Mr. Price to mention in this work even if he had not been a factor in the agricultural life of Wayne township and Huntington county. His activity in this relation, however, has had direct bearing upon the development of his community, and the fact that he acts from public-spirited and patriotic motives is indicated by the results which he has accomplished for the general good in various ways. In politics Mr. Price is a democrat, but has never taken any active participation in public affairs, preferring to give his time and attention to his general farming and stockraising operations.

WEADEN W. Ervin. Huntington county is admirably located for the successful prosecution of farming, for the land is exceedingly fertile, water is plentiful and easily obtained, the climatic conditions are nearly ideal and transportation facilities are unexcelled, However, although the agriculturist here has these advantages, he cannot meet the competition about him successfully unless he carries on his operations according to modern ideas and uses modern improved machinery in his work. That the majority of farmers here are progressive is proven by the number of finely developed farms to be found all over the county, which have placed Huntington among the leading agricultural counties in the state. One of the men who has contributed materially to the activities which have brought about this desirable condition of affairs, a live, energetic and enterprising farmer, is Weaden W. Ervin, of Wayne township.

Mr. Ervin was born in Franklin county, Indiana, September 5, 1861, and is a son of Robert and Sarah (Hall) Ervin, the former born in . Franklin county, Indiana, and the latter in England. During the latter sixties, the parents brought the family to Huntington county, settling on a farm in Wayne township, and here continued to spend the remainder of their lives in the tilling of the soil and the establishing of a home for the family. Both passed away here, widely known and highly respected and esteemed by all. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are alive at this time: John, who is engaged in farming in Van Buren township, Grant county; Josie, who is the wife of John Doyle, of Van Buren township; and Weaden W.

Weaden W. Ervin was still a lad when he accompanied his parents to Huntington county, and here his education was secured in the district school during the winter months, while in the summers he worked faithfully on the home farm. He began for himself when he was still in his 'teens, at the age of thirteen was drawing wages, and by the time he had reached his majority had saved himself some capital and was ready to embark upon his career among the world's workers. On October 18, 1888, he was married to Mrs. Mary A. (Gaines) Dicken, who was born in Washington township, Grant county, Indiana, and there educated in the public schools. She was the daughter of George Gaines, and in young womanhood was married to Albert Dicken, who died five years later, leaving two children: George G., of Marion, Indiana; and Bertha A., the wife of Crooks Bish, of Grant county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ervin: Charles R., a fermer of Wayne township, who is married; Frank, a graduate of the common and high schools; Oscar G., a graduate of the common schools and a student in the high school; and Mildred A., the baby, born in July, 1907. Mrs. Ervin is a member of the Christian church at Banquo. In politics Mr. Ervin is a democrat but is not active in public matters, although he takes an interest in all matters which affect his community.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin settled on the farm which they now occupy, and which comprises a quarter-section of land in Wayne township. This has been brought to a high state of cultivation through the persevering and intelligent efforts of Mr. Ervin, who has steadfastly advanced himself to a leading position among his community's agriculturists. He is wide-awake and progressive, and he and his family have a wide circle of friends, to whom the hospitality of their own pleasant home is freely and graciously accorded.

GrorGe W. Duncan. Many of the progressive agriculturists of Huntington township are devoting a large part of their attention to the breeding of stock, for the prosecution of which industry the farms of this section are remarkably well adapted. One of the well-appointed tracts devoted to this line of activity is the Cedar Grove Stock Farm, consisting of eighty acres of good land, located in Wayne township at the forks of the Banquo and the Huntington and, Marion gravel roads, seventeen miles from Huntington and seven miles from Marion. The proprietor of this property, George W. Duncan, is not only a progressive farmer, but a citizen wlio upon numerous occasions has shown his public spirit when questions of importance to the community have arisen, and a man who has won the confidence of his fellow townspeople by reason of his strict integrity and straightforward dealing.

Mr. Dunean is a native of Wayne township and was born October 25, 1854, a son of John and Delilah (Bodkin) Duncan. His father, a native of Scotland, emigrated to the United States when a young man, settling in Shelby county, Ohio. Following his marriage to Delilah Bodkin, who was a native of that county, he came, in 1842, to Huntington county, Indiana, located in Wayne township, and here passed away in 1855 after some years spent in agricultural pursuits. The mother, who was born March 23, 1822, died August 25, 1874. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four are now living: Elizabeth, who is the widow of Archibald Moore; Leann, who is deceased; James, who is a resident of Polk township; Louisa, the widow of William Benson, of Grant county ; Rachael, deceased, who was the wife of George Roberts; Thomas, who is deceased; and George W.

George W. Duncan was reared in the vicinity of Banquo, and his education was received in the district school located at that place. He was brought up to follow the pursuits of agriculture, and when not attending school was engaged in assisting his father in his farm work, remaining under the parental roof until reaching the age of twenty-two years. He was married October 2, 1886, to Miss Martha C. Robbins, who was born near Richmond, Indiana, August 24, 1855, was brought to Huntington county by her parents when she was seven years old, and was educated in the Hann school north of Banquo. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunean: Rhoda, who was the wife of John Carl, a resident of Marion, Indiana, and has six children. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are members of the Missionary Baptist church, and attend services at the Second Salem church of that faith. He is interested in fraternal matters, being a member of Mount Etna Lodge No. 304, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past grand thereof and a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. In politics he is a democrat, but has not been particularly active in public affairs, except as they have affected his immediate community. With other good and publie-spirited citizens he has endeavored to advance movements for the welfare of Wayne township and Huntington county and has withheld his support from no enterprises which have promised to advance education and morality.

Mr. Duncan has always been engaged in general farming, but of late years has made a specialty of raising stock, and has met with much success in breeding Duroc and Poland-China hogs. He has made a careful and thorough study of his vocation and has met with success because of his intelligent application of modern methods in his work. Among those who know him he is recognized as a man of sterling integrity and his friendships are limited only by the number of his acquaintances.

Howard Ler. Methods in the field of agricultural work have changed very materially during the past several decades, and now that even the chief executive of the nation is taking a deep interest in progression among the farmers, there is every reason to suppose that still further advance will be made along all lines in this vocation. Interurban service, the telephone and the automobile, with the consequent bettering of the roads on account of the latter, have brought the farmers much closer together and have placed them in close touch with the various large business centers, and as a class the men today who devote themselves to the cultivation of the land are more independent than any other workers in the world. Huntington county has its full quota of live, progressive men who are taking advantage of the benefits to be derived from this nation-wide advancement, and among them is found Howard Lee, of Wayne township, whose fine farm of seventy acres is located on the Banquo turnpike, one and one-half miles south of Banquo and. nine miles north of Marion.

Mr. Lee was born on a farm in Van Buren township, Grant county, Indiana, March 3, 1867, and is a son of Joseph and Lucetta (Compton) Lee, the latter of whom is deceased, while the former still survives and is a retired farmer of Van Buren township. The father was for many years engaged in tilling the soil in Grant county, and as a hard-working and energetic man accumulated a good property. He has been the father of nine children, of whom seven are living: Angeline, who is the wife of Stephen Baker; Malinda, who is the wife of W. M. Boller; Phoebe, who is unmarried and resides with her father in Grant county; Susan, who is the wife of W. O. Endsley; Anna, who is single and resides with her father and sister; Leander and Sarah, who are both deceased; and Howard.

The boyhood of Howard Lee was passed on his father's farm in Grant county, where during the long summer months he worked with his brothers in the cultivation of the soil, receiving an excellent training for the work to which he intended to devote his life. In the meantime his education was secured in the district schools. Mr. Lee remained under the parental roof until his marriage, in 1892, to Miss Flora Tinkel, who was born in Washington township, Grant county, and at that time they came to Wayne township and located on the property which they now make their home. This is known as the Ingleside Farm, and is a tract of seventy acres which has been brought to a high state of development under Mr. Lee's intelligent treatment. He is a man of good business ability, capably managing his extensive farming and stock-raising interests, so that his labors are bringing to him very desirable and gratifying results, thus placing him in the front ranks of the leading citizens of his township. Politically, he is a republican, but has never taken a very active part in politics.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee are the parents of seven children: Emery J., who is married and lives at Banquo; Bertha, a graduate of the Banquo High school; Wilbur C., a graduate of the common schools; Lucille; Mary; Galen B., and the baby, Verley, who is five years old. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are widely known in Wayne township, where the hospitality of their pleasant home is freely extended to their numerous friends.

JOHN NEUER. When on November 16, 1909, the spirit of John Neuer passed from earth there was completed and rounded out a life that may well serve as an inspiration for aspiring youth, through its disregard of difficulties, steadfastness of purpose, energy and accomplishment, sterling worth and helpfulness. In such a life there is inspiration and encouragement for every young man who is constrained to be the architect and builder of his own fortunes, even as this necessity was laid upon John Neuer. He was probably one of the most popular business men that Huntington has known, and seldom has the community been called upon to mourn the loss of a man who had so firmly established himself in the respect of his fellow men.

John Neuer was born in Huntington, Indiana, December 27, 1869, a son of Charles Neuer. His education as to attendance in the schools of his city was somewhat limited, and he early learned the necessity of hard and industrious labor. He was but a lad when he found employment in the shoe shop of Nicholas Fisher, a pioneer merchant of Huntington, and there, with characteristic energy and perseverance, he learned the retail shoe business, thus laying the foundation stone for his future success. His strict fidelity to duty, his alert and energetic manner and his pleasant and obliging disposition soon attracted attention, and he became known as a decided factor in the business of the old institution to which he was attached, and which, largely through his efforts, was enjoying an increased trade. Eventually, with his brother-in-law, A. J. Eisenhauer, he obtained control of the old store, which he had entered not so many years before as an errand boy. Although much devoted to his business, he was a great lover of home and ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of his wife and children. On the morning after his death, the Morning Times said, in part: '' With the respect of all who knew him, the friendship of the entire community, the love of his family, and the admiration of his church, John Neuer closed his long drawn-out

- fight for life yesterday morning at 6 00, and Huntington lost a citizen whose character was most worthy of praise. For months, afflicted with an incurable disease, John Neuer fought the weakness that gradually grew upon him, in the hope that some day his deep desire to prolong life would triumph over the malady which claimed him. Hopeful to the last, dominated by-a will-power that had enabled him to climb seemingly unsurmountable difficulties, he never ceased his struggle while there remained a spark of vitality in a bit of 'Johnny' Neuer, as hundreds delighted to call him. He was one of the most popular and highly respected men who was ever identified with the business circles of Huntington. Here Mr. Neuer greeted the hundreds who knew him, always with a cordial and happy smile, always alert to please them, and here, too, he continued to prosper in business, and in that which he valued more, the esteem of the community. He was attentive to his own interests, but he never failed to do a favor that was in his power, and when, about two years ago, it became necessary for him to be away from his store at times, no merchant was more greatly missed. Socially, too, Mr. Neuer was prominent. He was a charter member of the local Knights of Columbus. He was a democrat, taking considerable interest in the election of his friends, but in his busy career he never had time to seek office.''

In 1895, at St. Peter and Paul's Church, Mr. Neuer was married to Miss Theresa Eisenhauer, the youngest daughter of Baltzer and Theresa (Holzinger) Eisenhauer. Mrs. Neuer, who survives her husband, resides in the palatial brick residence of her father, at No. 1013 Poplar street. She was born and reared in Huntington and educated in this city, attending the parochial and select schools. She is a lady of many accomplishments and presides over her household with grace and dignity. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Neuer, namely: Theresa E., Carl Baltzer, Baltzer A. and Josephine E.

In closing this all too brief review of a man who so forcibly impressed his personality upon the business and social life of Huntington, we are again allowed to quote from the Morning Times:

'' Seldom has there assembled in Huntington county a larger or more sincere congregation than gathered at St. Peter and Paul's Church yesterday to pay a last tribute to John Neuer. It was an assemblage that included people of all stations in life, and few, if any, who had not pleasant recollections of the deceased. They were gathered because they had no better way to demonstrate that at some time in their lives the pleasant smile and happy manner of John Neuer had left its impress on their memory.

"Reverend Father Miller, whose personal relations to the deceased as pastor of the church to which he belonged and for which he had labored, made his eulogy all the more touching, speaking of the life of Mr. Neuer from his early struggles to his later successes. He dwelt upon the social, fraternal and religious sides of the character of his subject in a manner that was felt and appreciated by all who knew Mr. Neuer.