Huntington County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 9 of 15)

George G. Sharp came with his parents to Indiana when he was a boy, and with them located in LaGro township, where he was reared to manhood, and where his parents lived for a good many years, though late in life the elder Sharp went to Pendleton, Indiana, and there operated a woolen mill with a considerable degree of success. The Williamson family came from their New Jersey home to Indiana in an early day and located in Polk township, where they spent the rest of their lives. It was in Polk township that George Sharp met and married his wife, Anna Williamson, and after their marriage they took up their residence in Wabash county, in the vicinity of Dora, later moving to LaGro township. The father enlisted, with the outbreak of the war, in the Seventyfifth Indiana and was later a member of the One Hundred and Fiftythird, in which he served until the close of the war. To these parents were born five sons, three of whom are here mentioned: William E., of this review; Isaac O., deceased; and G. Ray Sharp, who is a graduate of the Monument City high school and of the Terra Haute State Normal school, and is now superintendent of the Linwood school of La Fayette, Indiana.

William E. Sharp was about nine years old when the family moved to Huntington county and settled in Polk township, and he attended the schools of the latter community for a time, and later was a student at Andrews. He advanced especially well, and became a teacher, being employed for eight years in the schools of Huntington.

In 1890 Mr. Sharp married Amanda L. Slusser, who was born in Warren township in 1870, and educated in the schools of Andrews. She died in October, 1911, leaving two children: Guy G., a graduate of the Andrews High School and the Marion Normal and now a teacher in the schools of Lancaster township, and May M., also an Andrews. graduate, and now the wife of Everett Brown.

In 1898 Mr. Sharp gave up his teaching activities and turnéd his attention to the business of farming, - a work for which he had much early training, and which coupled with a natural fondness for the industry, has brought him a pleasing success. He is one of the foremost. men of his community, and by reason of his accomplishments in an educational way as well as in the farming industry, he is rightly regarded as a man of more than average versatility.

In his politics, Mr. Sharp was always a stanch republican up to the time of the presidential election campaign of 1912, when he joined forces with the Progressive ranks and has since given his support to the new party. He has had a leading part in local politics, and his voice is heard to excellent purpose when matters relating to the civic welfare are under discussion. Between the years of 1905 and 1909 he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Dallas township, and there he did excellent work in the interests of the community. Fraternally he has membership in the Knights of the Maccabees, Tent 167, of Andrews, Indiana, and he is active in the work of the order. 7 ,

Few men in the community, if indeed any, have a better standing, socially or otherwise, and none has a wider circle of friends in and about the county.

JOSEPH A. SCHENKEL. Among the enterprising younger agriculturists of Huntington county, one who has been especially progressive in inaugurating improvements on his property and who has already made a name for himself as a breeder and raiser of fine stock is Joseph A. Schenkel, one of the successful men of Dallas township. Coming of an agricultural family, which has for years contributed its members to the vocation of tilling the soil, he has at the age of thirty accomplished what many men do not attain until past middle life, and his fine farm eloquently testifies to his ability in a calling which is at once the most dignified and most valuable among all the activities of man.

A native son of Huntington county, Joseph A. Schenkel was born in Dallas township on March 28, 1884. His father was Adam Schenkel, a citizen who in his generation was esteemed for his many excellent qualities of character and accomplishment. The son was reared on his father's farm, and attended the public schools of Huntington county. Mr. Schenkel now has charge of his father's extensive farming properties in Dallas township, and having been thoroughly trained to agriculture and stock farming from early youth has accepted the opportunities presented by twentieth century methods and has gained a reputation for success in connection with every one of his undertakings. He is especially identified with the business of breeding thoroughbred Belgian and Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle and hogs. His work along these lines has been very successful, and he has helped considerably in raising the standard of horses and cattle among the farmers of his town and throughout the county. |

In August, 1908, Mr. Schenkel married Lena Gemmer, who was born in Wabash county. To their union has been born three children, as follows: Louise, aged six; Elsie, four years of age; and Paul, about one year of age. Mr. Schenkel and his family are members of the St. Paul's Evangelical church, and in politics he is a Democrat. The Schenkel family is well established in this community, and they have a host of good friends in and about the township, who have known them for many years and who have esteemed them for their many excellent qualities.

Jonn B. STOFFEL. About thirty-five years ago John B. Stoffel came from his native Germany to America. He was then a young man with a few hundred dollars of capital, and with a courage and industry equal to all the hardships and hazards confronting him in his career in the new world. Mr. Stoffel has for the past twenty-five years been a prosperous farmer in Clear Creek township of Huntington county and long since reached a place of high esteem in the community and has founded a beautiful and comfortable home and become able to provide for his growing family and at the same time enjoy the comforts of life for himself.

John B. Stoffel was born in the Kingdom of Luxemburg, December 6, 1852. His parents were Peter and Margaret (Feight) Stoffel, both of whom spent all their lives in the old country. There were ten children and three of them came to the United States.

John B. Stoffel was reared and educated in his native land, was trained to habits of industry, and thrift, and on coming to the United States in 1878 possessed six hundred dollars in cash. His first location was in the city of Huntington where he was employed by his brother in a tannery for a year and a half. After that he bought a farm in Jackson township, and settled down to a career of farming. Mr. Stoffel married Margaret Ludwig, who came from the old country, and who died a few years after their marriage. She left one son, Charles Stoffel, who now lives in Huntington, and another child died in infancy.

On November 17, 1887, Mr. Stoffel married Rosie Scheu, who was born July 15, 1858, in Germany. Their marriage was celebrated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and they came to Huntington county and located on the farm in Clear Creek township where they still reside. Eight children have been born to their marriage as follows: Frank, born November 11, 1889; Celia, born November 23, 1890; August, born March 21, 1891; Peter, born July 14, 1893; Edward, born February 14, 1895; Oscar E., born July 10, 1897; Hilda, born May 6, 1899; and Fred, born December 10, 1901. The family are members of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic church in Huntington and are quiet but substantial people who are prospering and are active workers in behalf of their friends and neighbors.

Henry W. Scuwos. One of the young men whose energy and enterprise have contributed something towards the increase of Huntington county agricultural wealth, and the improvement of rural life is Henry ` W. Schwob, whose home is in Clear Creek township. Owner of a paying farm, Mr. Schwob has his homestead to show for his years of labor and management, and in addition has heaped up some of that esteem and confidence paid by a community to the man who is a hard worker, an honest citizen, and a good provider for his household.

Henry W. Schwob was born in Jefferson township of Huntington county, February 17, 1872, a son of John and Mary (Miller) Schwob. He is of foreign parentage, his father a native of Switzerland, and his mother of Germany, their marriage occurring in the latter country, and in 1860 they emigrated to the United States, first locating in Ohio, and from there moved to Jefferson township of Huntington county. Their home was on a farm, and the father also followed his trade of shoemaker. Later they moved to Belleville, buying a farm at the northeast corner of Jefferson township, where the father spent his remaining years and died on January 6, 1907. His church was the German Reform, in which the children, numbering twelve were reared. Six of the family are living Vol. TI - 16 at the present time, namely: Amos Schwob, of Warren, Indiana; Mary, wife of William Ellerman; Rosena, wife of August Bollhoefer, of Grant county; Kate, wife of Leopold Ruff of Jefferson township; Henry W.; Luella, wife of Harry Posey, of Texas.

The old homestead in Jefferson township was the environment in which Henry W. Schwob was reared to manhood. In the meantime, in addition to learning farming by actual practice, he attended the public schools, and lived at home until twenty-one years of age. Since then he has been on his own resources, and has farmed and accumulated a fine improved estate of eighty-two acres in Clear Creek township.

On February 24, 1897, Mr. Schwob married Lelah Myers, a daughter of M. S. Myers of Jefferson township, Mrs. Schwob having been born in the town of Warren, July 23, 1874, and reared in that vicinity, getting her education at Warren. After graduating from the common schools of Jefferson township, she attended the Marion Normal College, and before her mafriage taught two terms in Jefferson township. Mr. and Mrs. Schwob became the parents of two sons, John W., born January 16, 1898, who graduated from the common schools, and has taken two years of work in the Warren high school, and one who died in infancy, named Henry Myers Schwob. The family belong to the Christian church at Belleville, and in politics Mr. Schwob is a Democrat, but has been little concerned with practical politics, although always ready to do his share of community work.

J. H. Nerr. A resident of Huntington county since 1900, Mr. Neff has been one of the progressive and successful farmers in Clear Creek township since that time. In the early years of his manhood he began working on a farm, and in addition to experience also accumulated a small capital, was married at the age of twenty-four, and with the loyal co-operation of his wife has steadily prospered ever since. His name in Huntington county counts for good citizenship, for effective business management, and for the honesty and integrity always associated with the best citizens. l

John H. Neff was born in Wabash county, Indiana, February 13, 1859, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Fisher) Neff. The founder of the family in America was a Virginian named George Neff, who lived and died in that old commonwealth. Benjamin Neff was born in Virginia, and was three times married, his first wife dying in Virginia. After coming to Wabash county, Indiana, he married Elizabeth Fisher, and they became the parents of six children, of whom John H., the oldest, is the only one now living, The father brought his family to Wabash county, about 1855, and that locality was his home until his death. He was a minister in the Church of the Brethren, and active in the affairs of that denomination until the close of his life in 1899. After the death of his second wife he was again married, and the one daughter of that union is Daisy May, who is unmarried and living in Chicago.

tunities to go to school were limited to the winter seasons. At the age of twenty-one he started out for himself, worked as a farm hand by the month and continued that way until his marriage.

On June 25, 1883, Mr. Neff married Sarah E. Miller of Huntington county. Sarah E. Miller was born February 2, 1861, a daughter of John and Sarah (Seidner) Miller. Her father, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, October 3, 1827, died at Huntington on March T IO He was married in Wayne county, his wife being a native of that locality, and they moved to Whitley county, Indiana, in 1856. About 1875 the Miller family moved to Huntington county, and in 1898 the parents retired to a home in the city of Huntington. John Miller by his first marriage was the father of thirteen children, ten of whom are yet living. Mrs. Neff was fourteen years of age when the family came to Huntington county, and her education was acquired chiefly in Whitley county.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Neff they rented a farm in Wabash county, and that was how they got their start. After some years as renters, they were able to purchase a small place, and through their united labor gradually prospered and got ahead in the world, until April 1, 1900, they came to Huntington county and bought the west half of the northwest quarter of section twenty-five in Clear Creek township. This is a farm possessing many improvements and highly valuable. It is located five miles north of Huntington.

Mr. and Mrs. Neff have two children: Mertie M., a graduate of the common schools, is the wife of H. P. France, of Clear Creek township, and they have two children, Mark and Sarah. J. Quinter, the younger, is a graduate of the Clear Creek high school. The family have active membership in the Church of the Brethren, and Mr. Neff is one of the trustees in the Shock church. His politics is Republican. Mr. Neff pursues his farming industry on a common-sense basis, raises much grain, and feeds practically all of it to his stock. He keeps some high grade cattle and hogs, and good judgment and industry are the secret of his growing success.

Wim F. WETTERS. Among the enterprising agriculturists of Huntington county who have improved their property, and have shown their ability and progressiveness by taking advantage of modern inventions to increase their capacity and decrease the cost of production is William F. Wetters, whose farm is situated in section nine of Clear Creek township. Coming of an agricultural family, which for years has contributed its members to the tilling of the soil, he has made a place for himself among the substantial men of his community.

William F. Wetters is a native of Huntington county, born in Warren township, December 11, 1875. His parents, both well remembered residents of the same county, are Jacob J. and Charlotte (Rice) Wetters, who still have their home in Warren township. There were four children in the family, only two of whom are now living, a brother of William being John F. Wetters, who is also a farmer in Clear Creek township.

tered the district school, which he attended chiefly in the winter seasons for a number of years, and later was for three years in the high school at Bippus. His first important work when he started out for himself was in the construction department of the Bippus Telephone Company, with which he was employed for one year. He also worked at the carpenter's trade for one year, and since that time has given his entire attention to farming.

In November, 1905, Mr. Wetters married Miss Louise C. Kiser of Warren township. Her father is Martin Kiser, of that township. Mrs. Wetters received her education in the common schools and also in the Bippus high school. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wetters lived in Bippus about six months, and in 1906 moved to their present farm in section nine of Clear Creek township. Mr. Wetters is also a stockholder in the Bippus State Bank.

Of their children, it should be noted that five were born to their marriage, and the three now living are: Ruth, aged six years; Dorothy, aged four; and Grace, two years old. Mr. Wetters is a member of the West Point Lodge No. 688, I. O. O. F., in which lodge he is past noble grand and a member of the Grand Lodge. Both he and his wife are members of the Rebekah Lodge at Bippus, and Mr. Wetters is a trustee in the West Point Lodge. In politics he has always supported the Republican ticket, and has taken considerable part in local politics, having served as delegate to county conventions on different occasions.

Dr. Isaac A. Smita. But little over several decades ago ''scientific agriculture'' was little more than a high-sounding phrase; farming was generally considered as an occupation in which the surplus sons of the old-time large families might find their natural and only means of livelihood. With the passing of the years, however, developments of a startling character have been brought about that have entirely changed the aspect of farming as well as the attitude of mankind toward this vocation. Each year witnesses remarkable progress along this line, and to understand this aroused and continued interest, the effective work carried on during the last fifteen years by men lke Dr. Isaac A. (''Soy Bean'') Smith, of Warren, must be considered. A physician by profession, he gave up his practice to experiment along agricultural lines, and through his earnest and unceasing labors has contributed materially to Indiana's importance as an agricultural state, and the Bean Grove farm, a tract of 160 acres located three miles north of Warren, Indiana, on the southwest one-quarter of section 4, township 26 N., range 10, E., in Salamonie township, has been the scene of some remarkable developments and discoveries.

Doctor Smith was born on the farm on which he now resides, April 1, 1849, and is a son of David G. and Mary (Johnson) Smith, the former a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and the latter of Harrison county, that state. They were married in Ohio, and in 1844 migrated to Indiana, locating in Salamonie township, where they entered a tract of 160 acres, the quarter-section described above, all at that time covered by a dense growth of timber. Mr. Smith engaged in farming, cleared his land and became one of the substantial men of his community. He was progressive in his work and public-spirited as a citizen, and is remembered as a man of firm convictions and even temperament. He was the father of five children, of whom two are now living: Thomas J., a resident of Sedgwick City, Kansas; and Isaac A.

Dr. Isaac A. Smith received his early education in the district school, following which he became a pupil in a select school at Warren. At the age of eighteen years he secured a teacher's license and began his educational work in Jefferson township, and, when opportunity offered, he attended Shurtleff College. Following this, he entered the department of medicine and surgery at the University of Michigan, and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1881, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In the same year he established himself in practice at Kelso, Indiana, and was rapidly rising in the ranks of his profession when ill health caused him to give it up after five and one-half years. Returning to the farm, he devoted himself to the raising of small fruits for about fifteen years, and at the end of that period began to concentrate his activities upon the development of the soy bean and to legume inoculation, in which he has become so well known all over Indiana and the surrounding states that he has been given the nick-name ''Soy Bean'' Smith.

To quote from Doctor Smith's book on this product, ''the soy bean is probably the best plant known at present to grow protein for domestic animals in what is known as the corn belt, and second only to clover as an agent to supply nitrogen to the soil - even this latter point may be contested, if we consider the comparative time each crop occupies the land, and are satisfied to remove and sell off the land as small a per cent of the crop as we do of the clover. As compared with the cow pea it is hardier, may be planted earlier in the season and makes its full plant growth more quickly.'' It is interesting to note the manner in which Doctor Smith began to secure successful results in the cultivation of the soy bean. We are permitted to quote from the Indianapolis News, which, in an extensive article, said in part: i

'These beans were little known among the farm products in Indiana and many farmers believed them, as some think of alfalfa, impossible of production in this state. Doctor Smith worked along with reasonable success, but, somehow, the soil did not bring forth the desired yield. In 1905 he received a circular from the Purdue agricultural experiment station telling of the tests made on the Purdue University farm in soi) inoculation. The described the inoculation of soil by transferring bacteria-laden ground from a healthy farm to one lacking in the necessary nitrogen. In this case, the much dreaded word, bacteria, meant profit instead of loss. The Perdue scientists made it clear that the transfer of soils containing the bacteria found on the roots of leguminous plants would reproduce a yield of the same crops in another field if all other soil conditions were right. Sour soil would, of course, reject all attempts at inoculation, but such conditions are easily remedied. The bulletin said, in discussing soil inoculation . . . 'Inoculation may be obtained by scattering over the field to be treated a small quantity (a hundred pounds or more an acre) from a field where the particular legume to be grown has been successfully produced.' It was the last sentence quoted above that caught the eye of Dr. Isaac Smith. If his farm could be made to successfully grow soy beans by the mere transfer of bacteria from the field where soy beans had already been grown he was going to give his farm some soy bean bacteria, as a soil strengthener. One morning Doctor Smith walked into the office of Prof. A. T. Wiancko, soil expert of the Purdue University school of agriculture. Under his arm he carried a large gunnysack.

'* 'T'd like to get a little soil from your soy bean field to inoculate my farm,' Doctor Smith said. Professor Wiancko liked the businesslike tone of the farmer, but was compelled to reply: 'I'm sorry, but we're not permitted to give away any of the soil of the Purdue farm. If we did that it wouldn't be long before we would be without a farm.' 'But I just want a little,' Doctor Smith persisted. 'I've been trying to raise soy beans on my farm, but they don't seem to have the proper amount of growing energy. I thought I'd try inoculating a little piece of ground in a field where soy beans had never been grown. It struck me you fellows here would have just the right kind of soil to give start.' Professor Wiancko found in Doctor Smith exactly the sort of man for whom the university 's experiment station was looking. The school had preached the gospel of soil inoculation, and here was a man ready to try it. The Purdue expert recalled that the men on the farm were employed at that moment plowing in a field that had contained soy beans. He decided to give Doctor Smith a start, and the two went to the soy bean field. There they found the soil rich with the little nodules that contain the nitrogen-giving power. Professor Wiancko explained the fine qualities of this form of plant bacteria and then gave Doctor Smith all the soil he could carry. The Huntington county farmer hurried homeward. On his way, he told several farmers of his intention to inoculate his farm and they laughed at him. Doctor Smith selected for his experiment a corner of one of his least productive fields, a tract that had been steadily farmed for years and practicallly was without soil life. He prepared the tract for inoculation and then placed the Purdue farm soil in a corn drill. Every particle had been crushed so that it would easily pass through the drill. The soil was then distributed over the tract. It was a happy experiment. Doctor Smith's soy bean seed brought forth a good yield the next year, and he then transferred some of the soil from the yielding tract to another that was nonproductive. Gradually he has inoculated his farm until today he has sixty acres in soy beans and is making money out of them. Not only is Doctor Smith finding the growing of soy beans profitable as a hog and cattle fattener, but he is marketing hundreds of bushels to other farmers for seed. He is also selling soil for inoculation purposes and, further, is preparing for the market a process of inoculation that will enter into competition with other prepared bacterial cultures now on the market. He says his process is to be used in connection with the transfer of soils, but the method he holds a secret. There are several patented methods of inoculation, some of which the agricultural experts say are effective while

'Doctor Smith's experience with soy beans shows what is possible in soil development. When he began experimenting with bacteria he was the only farmer in north central Indiana who felt confident of the result. As a scientific man he knew he would at least improve his farm. From the start the soy beans made good. So successful was the experiment that in 1911 Doctor Smith told Professor Wiancko that he was in doubt regarding the future disposition of his soy bean crop. He did not know whether to sell the beans or feed them to the hogs. He had been receiving three dollars a bushel for the beans. With pencil and paper and a good pair of scales he proved to himself that even at three dollars a bushel he could make more money feeding the beans to his stock than by selling the bulk beans. He weighed his hogs at the beginning of the fattening season. So splendidly did they thrive on the beans that he figured soy beans at three dollars a bushel as a loss. He figured he could at least make $3.50 or $4.00 a bushel out of the beans as they produced fat on the hogs. In 1912 he had a crop of sixty acres of soy beans. He has averaged better than twenty-two bushels to the acre in past years. Doctor Smith has an interesting sample of this year's (1912) soy bean crop. He has cut one stalk that contains seven hundred pods, or about fourteen hundred beans, there being an average of two beans in one pod. The physician-farmer has beén trying the experiment of feeding the soy beans to his cows, and he declares there is no greater butter fat producer.''

Here, then, is a record of achievement well worth the life labors of any man. Throughout his career, Doctor Smith has steadfastly endeavored to raise the standard of agriculture and to encourage the efforts of his fellow agriculturists to make their land more productive. Witness the closing paragraph of his booklet on legume inoculation published in 1913: ''In our efforts to build up a prosperous and permanent agriculture, we must keep continuously before us the fact that all plant life depends upon a series of chemical changes, mutually dependent upon each other, forming as it were an endless chain, whose working strength is measured by its weakest link, working automatically when the raw material and the proper conditions are supplied. For instance the raw material for the manufacturer of protein is everywhere inexhaustable. Its manufacture is governed chiefly by activities of the Azotic bacteria, and these again depend upon the existence and thrift of their particular family legume, and its vigorous development is possible only when abundantly supplied, in available form with the various elements entering its make-up; these again depend on the disintegrated remains of former generations of plant life; and thus the round moves on with a vigor which rises and falls in direct ratio with the activities that strengthen each individual link in the chain and determine the sum of results. It is therefore evident that if we would draw largely on this store of unlimited wealth of nitrogen, we must have a chain that draws, and supply each and every link in that chain with the necessary strength to draw the load we want, and it rests with each individual husbandman to determine how heavy a load he will make it draw.'' Even when experimenting with small fruits, Doctor Smith was considered an authority in the farmers' institutes in this line, and it is needless to state that his advice and counsel are being continuously sought in the direction of his present endeavor. He specializes in the breeding of Duroc hogs, with which he has had most excellent success. While he has been an extremely busy man, with large interests to make demands upon his attention, he has nevertheless been ever ready to bear his full share of the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. For eight years he, served as president of the council of Huntington county, and at the end of that period resigned. During this time the building of the New Court House took place and other large matters taken care of, and in every capacity the Doctor displayed his capability and through respect for the high responsibilities devolving upon him. He has been a supporter of republican principles all of his hfe. With his wife and children he attends the Baptist church, where he is serving as a member of the board of trustees.

On April 15, 1876, Doctor Smith was married to Miss Amanda Garrett, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, and reared in Wells county, Indiana, and to this union there have been born two children: Bertha E., a graduate of the Warren High school, who spent one term at the State Normal school and one year at Franklin College, now the wife of Clarence A. Craft, of Kokomo, Indiana, a graduate of Purdue University; and Lucian W., a graduate of the Warren High school and the Indiana Medical College and now a surgeon in the soldiers' home, at Lafayette.

Henry E. Laymon, M. D. The doctor of medicine occupies an established place in any community. His standing in his profession argues in itself for the possession of superior ability, and it is not, therefore, unusual to find one of the medical profession standing high in other fields of endeavor. Dr. Henry E. Laymon has firmly established himself in the confidence of the people of Warren, Indiana, not alone as a master of the healing art, but as a skilled financier whose management of large interests has at all times been such as to give him prominence in a community not lacking in able bankers. His practice in his learned vocation is large, and as president of the First National Bank he is constantly making his helpful influence felt.

Doctor Laymon was born in Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, December 23, 1867, and is a son of Jacob A. and Lockey A. (Trout) Laymon. When he was six years of age he was brought to Jefferson township, Huntington county, where the Laymons had lived since the presidency of Martin Van Buren, during whose administration Joseph Laymon had entered land from the Government here. Doctor Laymon early decided upon a medical career, but the family was in modest finan- cial circumstances, and he experienced some difficulty in obtaining his medical training. After completing the curriculum of the country district schools, he attended the normal school at Marion during the summer months, and finally, in 1893, was able to become a student in the Indiana Medical School. He worked his way through this institution, and in 1897 graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, at once commencing practice in Warren, which city has since been his field of activity. His ability soon attracted to him a large patronage, and he has continued to be one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the county. He keeps fully abreast of the advances made in his calling, and is a valued and active member of the Huntington County and Indiana State Medical Societies. In 1905, Doctor Laymon was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Warren, of which he was elected president in 1907, and his capable management of its affairs has since made this institution one of the most substantial in this part of the state, attracting depositors from all over this and adjoining counties. Another helpful enterprise with which he is connected is the Warren Telephone Company, which he helped to organize, and in which he holds a directorship. Few men take a more active interest in the welfare and advancement of their community. Fraternally, the Doctor is connected with King Lodge No. 246, F. & A. M.; Artesian Lodge No. 388, Knights of Pythias, and Salamonie Lodge No. 392, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given to the candidates and policies of the democratic party.

In 1900 Doctor Laymon was married to Miss Vienna Ruby, of Randolph county, Indiana, a lady of 'superior accomplishments, who was formerly a popular teacher in the public schools. To this union there have been born three children: Ruby, who is thirteen years of age; Robert, aged eleven years; and Ruskin, who is nine years old, all attending school.

Rev. Epncar L. JoNgs, superintendent of the Methodist Memorial Home, at Warren, Indiana, is a man eminently fitted for the work he is now carrying on. An earnest and zealous laborer in the religious field, during the many years he has been a member of the ministry he has gained wide experience and great sympathy, and this, combined with his executive ability, makes him an ideal superintendent. Doctor Jones was born on a farm in Union township, Adams county, Indiana, March 30, 1868, and is a son of John B. and Catherine A. (Walters) Jones.

John H. Jones, the grandfather of Rev. E. L. Jones, was a native of Wales, and emigrated to the United States as a young man of twentytwo years, locating first in Delaware. From that state he moved to Ohio, and thence to Indiana, here settling in Adams county, where he resided until the time of his death. The mother's parents came to Indiana from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. John B. and Catherine A. Jones were the parents of six children, of whom five are living. Edgar L. Jones was reared on the home farm, and his boyhood was divided between work thereon and attendance at the district schools. At the age of fifteen years he entered the Decatur High school, from which he was duly graduated, and he then took a course of two years in the Methodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church in the Northern Indiana Conference after spending two years in De Pauw University, and held various charges for some twenty years. On April 22, 1911, Rev. Jones came to Warren as superintendent of the Methodist Memorial Home, a position he has continued to capably fill to the present time. He has shown himself an excellent business man, and under his direction the institution has grown and prospered. His kindly nature and cordial manners have made him greatly loved in the home circle, and his sympathy with others, manifesting itself in unobtrusive labors for their happiness, has given him a strong hold on the affections of the society in which he moves. He has positive convictions of duty and truth, and, while charitable and tolerant, he has never hesitated to denounce what he has regarded as erroneous in doctrine or degrading in life, however it might be entrenched in popular favor or protected by powerful influence. Doctor Jones has interested himself in fraternal work, belonging to the Masonic Lodge at Ossian, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, and is popular in each.

JAMES W. RUBLE. In the annals of early settlement of Huntington county, one of the names which is first to be mentioned is that of the Ruble family, and it is of this family that James W. Ruble of Salamonie township is a prominent representative. For more than sixty-five years the name has had its place in the history of Huntington county, and James W. Ruble is one of the older native sons of the county, and has been long identified with the industry of agriculture, a vocation which brings credit to its follower and helps to create the resources and wealth of the community. James W. Ruble is known far and wide as the proprietor of the Merry Hill Farm, a highly developed country estate of eighty acres, situated two and a quarter miles northeast of Warren.

James W. Ruble was born in Salamonie township at what is known as the Locust Glen farm, March 4, 1852, a son of Jonathan and Ruth (Ruse) Ruble. His father was a son of Walter and Sarah Ruble, and was born November 9, 1816, in Clinton county, Ohio. It was during his childhood that his parents left Ohio and settled in Randolph county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood, but subsequently returned to his native county, where on April 28, 1842, he married Ruth Ruse. She was a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Ruse, and was born February 13, 1823. A few years after his marriage Jonathan Ruble made a change of residence and established his home in 1848 in what was still the wilderness of Salamonie township of Huntington county. His useful labors helped to broaden the scope of cultivated land in that section, and he was a man of influence and fine character. His death occurred January 20, 1872. He and his wife were very active as Methodists in their com- munity, and took a regular part in the activities of their home church. The faith which they possessed they carried into all their daily activities, and their home was noted not only for its hospitality to friends but for the kindness which emanated from its doors and which made it a source of help and comfort to many who needed assistance in distress. There were ten children in the family, and four are yet living: Mary J. is the wife of Levi Williamson; Sarah L. E. is the wife of Philip Shafer of Salamonie township ; Aaron Ruble lives in Jefferson township ; and James W. is the youngest of the four still living.

His boyhood was spent in the wholesome environment of the country, and his education was acquired by attendance at the old fashioned district schools, a type of educational institutions which have long since gone out of vogue, and there are perhaps only one or two schoolhouses in the entire county which would bear any resemblance to the temple of learning which Mr. Ruble attended as a boy. After his education was finished and he had made a practical beginning of his career as a farmer, he married Berthena Tharp, a sister of Isaac M. Tharp. She was born in Wells county, Indiana. Of the six children of that marriage, four are still living, and their mother passed away July 25, 1888. The living children are: Alva D., a florist in Indianapolis; Charles, who is married and a farmer in Salamonie township; Mamie, wife of George Brown of Liberty Center, Indiana; Lucy, wife of Leonard Break of Adams county, Indiana. For his second marriage Mr. Ruble married Alice (Thrailkill) Day, widow of Richard Day. Mrs. Ruble was born in Liberty township of Wells county, August 23, 1862, grew up there, received her education in the common schools of her native township, and was a daughter of Silas Thrailkill, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, August 5, 1834, and died July 15, 1901.

Mr. and Mrs. Ruble are active members of the Methodist Protestant church, of which he is one of the trustees and has long been one of its most liberal supporters. In politics a Republican, he has often used his influence in the party for the benefit of good government in the locality, and is a man whose opinion and advice are much courted in this part of Huntington county.

CHARLES SMITH. A residence covering a period of thirty-six years in Plum Tree has made Charles Smith one of his community's best known citizens, and the honorable and industrious life which he has led has given him a substantial place among its people. As a business man he has gained success through steady application and well-directed effort, and at this time he is enjoying a prosperous patronage as a blacksmith and is at the head of the general hardware firm of Charles Smith & Son. He has won his own way to position and financial independence, and while so doing has found time to assist in his community's advancement. Mr. Smith is a native of the Empire state, born October 15, 1856, a son of John and Christina (Wilhelm) Smith, the former of whom passed away in 1876 and the latter in 1910.

and at the age of sixteen years left the parental roof and became apprenticed to the trade of blacksmith, an occupation which he has followed all of his life. When he had mastered this vocation, he followed it for some years at different places, finally entering the employ of the Door & Monroe Street Car Company, with which concern he remained for one year. He was highly recommended by this company, and in 1878 came to Huntington county and located at Plum Tree, which community has since continued to be his home and the scene of his success. When he came here, Mr. Smith was possessed of but small means, consisting of what he had, through industry, managed to save from his earnings. He was determined and capable, however, and soon had himself established in a brick shop of his own building, where he has continued to do business with ever-increasing success. Later Mr. Smith established the hardware store at Plum Tree, which he conducted alone for some years and then admitted his son to partnership under the firm style of Charles Smith & Son, and this venture has also proved a successful one and enjoys its full share of patronage. He has likewise found time to interest himself in agricultural matters, being the owner of a farm of seventy acres located in Salamonie township, not far from Warren, this property being under a high state of cultivation and very productive. As will be seen, Mr. Smith's career has been an active and industrious one, and has been marked by consecutive advancement 'and steadfast effort.

Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary L. Sowars, the daughter of M. M. Sowars, and three sons and two daughters have been born to this union: William, who is a resident of Chicago, Illinois; Mabel, who is the wife of James Dodd; Edna, who is the wife of Ira Hawkins; Carl I., a graduate of the common schools, who married Mattie E. Ryan; and M. I., who married Dollie Alexander, of Warren, Indiana. Mr. Smith is a member of Salamonie Lodge No. 392, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Encampment at Warren; the Improved Order of Red Men, at Barbers Mills; the Hay Makers Lodge, and the Ancient Order of Gleaners. In politics he is a democrat, and although he has never cared for public life, he has always been willing to bear his full share of the duties of citizenship, and has served two years as superintendent of the Rock Creek Center and Plum Tree gravel roads. He is a stockholder in the Warren Fair Association.

Fuavius E. SuHuutz. Individuals contribute by various services and heterogeneous gifts to the forming of a city. Some find their field in the founding of law and order, others in the establishing of institutions of religion and learning, still others in opening up the avenues of trade

"and commerce and in furnishing facilities for the transaction of business. In many different, although always converging directions they bend their energies and activities, according to some impenetrable law of organization, to the common welfare. Among all the various lines to which man may devote himself, none is more promotive of the reputation abroad of a growing city than that which furnishes a comfortable home for the traveler. Those whose journeys take them to Warren,

Indiana, find excellent accommodations at the Commercial Hotel and Restaurant, whose proprietor, Flavius E. Shultz, is one of the city's most substantial and popular citizens. Mr. Shultz is a native of Warren, having been born in a house on Wayne street, April 6, 1874, and is a son of Samuel B. and Mary E. (Edwards) Shultz.

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Shultz, Elkanah Edwards, was born in North Carolina, from whence he removed to Ohio in young manhood, and subsequently came to Huntington county, where he passed the remainder of his life. David and Esther (Paul) Shultz, the paternal grandparents, came to Huntington county from Pennsylvania, settling in Lancaster township, near Majenica, where they passed the remainder of well-filled lives in the peaceful pursuits of the farm. The parents of Mr. Shultz were married in Lancaster in 1867, and subsequently came to Warren, later moved to Converse, then to Hartford City and to Bluffton, and then back to Hartford City, where the father is now engaged in the blacksmithing and wagon repairing business. Five children were born to Samuel B. and Mary E. Shultz, namely: Joseph, a resident of Warren, Indiana; Flavius E.; William L., of Alexandria, Indiana; Arthur B., a resident of Indianapolis; and Earl F., of Elwood, Indiana.

F. E. Shultz was reared in Huntington county, Indiana, and received his early education in the public schools of Warren. Following this he attended the Warren High school for one year, at the end of which time he put aside his books and began the study of his trade, that of a baker. He started to work for Henry Badger, then was with Frank Shultz, and for some time worked at different places in Warren, also spending nine months at Greentown. Upon his return to Warren he entered the employ of Henry Badger, then worked for Clarence Harvey and Ora Souers, and April 10, 1897, embarked in business on his own account. He was possessed of practically no capital, but he was a thorough master of his trade and had the additional desirable qualifications of energy, enterprise and modern ideas. With these, during the seventeen years that he has been in business, he has accumulated a handsome competence, has a property worth $11,000, and has interested himself in various lines of business enterprise which have materially contributed to the welfare of his native city. His hostelry is popular with the traveling public by reason of its modern accommodations and excellent table, as well as because of the genial and courteous personality of the host. Mr. Shultz is one of the stockholders in the Warner Fair. He was an ardent republican, and as such served the city two terms as clerk, but in the campaign of 1912 exercised his right of franchise in behalf of the new progressive party. He is known throughout Huntington county as a member of the famous Schubert Quartette that sang at numerous political meetings during many campaigns. Fraternally, he is connected with Artesian Lodge No. 388, K. of P., with King Lodge No. 246, in the Masonic order, and with the Court of Honor. With his family he attends the Christian church.

and four children have been born to this union: Leon, born December 24, 1894, a graduate of thé Warren High school, and now a clerk with W. H. Hickerson; Garl R., born in April, 1896, a graduate of the graded schools and now in his third year at high school; Buena M., born February 3, 1903; and Basil W., born September 22, 1908.

WinuiAm Buzzarp. The dignity of labor raises the farmer to a level of importance corresponding to that occupied by any class of producers. To labor long and faithfully, giving the best of one's ability and talents along any line of endeavor, is to fulfill the destiny of mankind and to make possible a happy, contented old age. William Buzzard, one of the substantial farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Salamonie township, is a man whose life has been one of constant industry and honorable labor, but who although always busy, has never failed to find time to make friends or to contribute to the welfare and advancement of his community. ~*

Mr. Buzzard was born in Jefferson township, Fey oe county, Indiana, November 26, 1859, and is a son of Jesse and Jane (Couch) Buzzard. The parents were early settlers of Wayne township, in this county, but after their marriage removed to Jefferson township, and there spent the remainder of their lives on a farm, the father dying July 7, 1896, and the mother November 27, 1913. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four now survive: Henry, whose home is in Ohio; William, of this review; Lucinda; and Luella, who is the wife of Leander Tumbleson. William Buzzard was reared on a farm in Jefferson township, and there secured good educational advantages. It was customary for farmers' sons of his day to spend the greater part of their time in the fields, and their literary training therefore was confined to such opportunities as offered themselves during the short winter terms in an adjacent district school. Mr. Buzzard was a studious lad, with a retentive mind, and he was able to acquire a much better education than many who had greater advantages. He was reared to agricultural work, and when it came to the time for him to make a choice of vocations he decided upon becoming a farmer, a decision which he has never had reason to regret. He continued to work on the home farm until 1886, having charge thereof from the time he reached his majority, but finally determined to establish a home of his own and accordingly left the parental roof. Mr. Buzzard secured his present farm by purchase in August, 1899, a tract of seventy-five acres located two miles northeast of Warren, on the M. B. & E. Traction line, an excellent location. Mr. Buzzard has one of the valuable farms of its size in Salamonie township, and takes a pride in making it pay in full measure for all labor expended upon it. He has brought the land to a high state of development through scientific treatment of the soil, has a set of handsome, substantial buildings, and his machinery and equipment are of the latest manufacture. In business circles he is known as a. man of the strictest integrity, alert to grasp each opportunity, yet thoroughly respecting the rights of others. In political matters he is a democrat, but he has never been a politician.

On February 7, 1885, Mr. Buzzard was married to Miss Minerva R. Myers, who was born and reared in Jefferson township, a daughter of Irwin C. and Elizabeth (Mast) Myers, of Fairfield county, Ohio. They came to Huntington county, and were early settlers here. Mr. and Mrs. Buzzard have numerous friends throughout this locality.

ARTHUR P. Back. Many lives have entered into the foundation of Huntington county, and none of them more worthy to be considered in a history of the old families than the Back family, represented by Arthur P. Back, one of the foremost farmers and citizens of Salamonie township. The Back family was established in Huntington county more than three-quarters of a century ago. Those who have come and enjoyed the prosperity of the later era, however important their own contribution, have all owed a great debt to the pioneers who first tested the capabilities of soil and climate, who faced the hardships of existence when only the strong and brave could remain, and who laid the foundations of a greater civilization and permanent prosperity. Arthur P. Back is representative of the third successive generation which has thus been identified with this part of Indiana from pioneer days to the present.

His birth occurred in Salamonie township, January 25, 1858, a son of John and Mary A. (Swaim) Back. John Back, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Hamner) Back, who in 1837 emigrated from their home in Preble county, Ohio, to Huntington county. It was John Back, then a young unmarried . man, who had left Preble county some time previously, and after prospecting throughout northeastern Indiana, had finally entered at the government land office in Fort Wayne the North East quarter of Section 33, and the North West quarter of Section 34 in what is now Salamonie township. This land was entered for his father, and all the family came out to occupy it in 1837. Besides the Back household, there were only one or two neighbors in the entire surrounding country, and it required the courage of the real pioneer to establish homes in such a wilderness. The first buildings were erected alongside the Warren and the Montpelier Pike, and on that old homestead the grandfather spent the rest of his years. John Back entered vigorously into the work of clearing up the land, and some years after his settlement in Huntington county married Mary A. Swaim, a sister of Samuel H. Swaim. They established their home a short distance from the Warren and Montpelier Pike, and there lived and enjoyed prosperity for a long period of years. Of their nine children, three are living in 1914: Malinda A. Browley, of Winchester; Rettie C., wife of Abe Clingingpeel of Pulaski county, Indiana; Arthur P.

Arthur P. Back was reared on the farm which is still his home, grew up in the midst of conditions which have greatly changed for the better during his lifetime, and acquired his education by attending three months each year at the public schools of Salamonie township. Though the duties of the home kept him out of school during most of the year, he accepted every opportunity to improve his knowledge and training and acquaintancé with books and attended school at more or less regular intervals until he was about twenty-three years of age. His independent farming enterprise began as a renter of a portion of the old homestead, and he continued in that way until his father's death. s

Mr. Back married Mary L. Irwin. By that marriage one daughter survives, Theodosia P., born January 23, 1888, a graduate of the common schools and also a student in the Warren high school. The mother of this daughter died October 7, 1897. Later Mr. Back married Alice P. Andrew, a daughter of Calvin Andrew. She was born in Salamonie township, and the common schools of that locality afforded her educational advantages. By this marriage there are three children: Edna A., born in 1900; Russell L., born in 1902; and Ardella B., born February 20, 1914; the two older attending the public schools near their home. The family aré members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Warren.

Mr. Back since getting successfully started as a business man and farmer, has taken much part in public affairs, and is one of the men of capable judgment and broad public spirit who have helped to administer the fiscal affairs of the county. For four years he served as a member of the Huntington county council, and it was during his term that the new court house was erected at Huntington. While he gave close attention to all the affairs that came before the board during his term, Mr. Back's chief service probably consisted in his sturdy stand on the matter of the second issue of bonds for the building of the court house. He insisted and finally carried his point that the bonds should be issued for only a short time, and that course proved the wise one, since the bonds carried only a normal rate of interest; were sold at a good price, and have already been paid off and are no longer a part of the county debt. Mr. Back as a farmer has prospered, and his prosperity is represented in his ownership of one hundred and forty acres of land a mile and three-quarters southeast of Warren. His wife owns ninety-two and a half acres from the old Calvin Andrew estate. Mr. Back is a man of thorough public spirit, has a broad outlook on all interests of the world, and has never failed to carry his share of civic burdens. At home he has a number of old relics of the family and pioneer times, which are interesting witnesses of the early days in Huntington county, and are prized heirlooms of this old and notable family of Huntington county pioneers.

WituiAm H. Heums. Now one of the most prosperous farmers in Salamonie township, William H. Helms is a man whose success, which is of a large and worthy nature, has been won entirely as the result of his own well directed efforts. Coming to Huntington county at the age of twenty-one, without money and with only his industry to depend upon as a means of advancement, he soon afterwards had the courage to marry and go in debt for a small farm, which became the nucleus around which he has built up one of the best agricultural properties in his town- ship. Throughout his career he has been public Spirited in his attitude toward local improvements, and stands high in the regard of his fellowmen wherever known.

William H. Helms was born in Randolph county, Indiana, six miles northwest of Winchester on September 12, 1851, a son of Samuel and Anna (Ruble) Helm. His father, who was born in Indiana July 5, 1818, a date which indicates the pioneer residence of the Helms in this state, was a single man about eighteen years old when he entered government land in Randolph county in 1836, and in that county he afterwards married Anna Ruble who was a native of Ohio. At one time in the early days Samuel Helms worked for Ebenezer Thompson in Huntington county, when the city of Huntington was a mere village. Samuel Helms and wife had nine children, and the four still living are: John Helms, of Winchester; Mary, wife of Harmon Oglesby of Wells county ; Thomas A., a resident of Winchester and a former clerk of Randolph county; and William H.

The first twenty-one years of the life of William H. Helms were passed in Randolph county, where he grew up on a farm, attended country school a few months each winter, and developed his physique by vigorous application to the plowing, planting, harvesting and other phases of the farm. The date of his removal to Huntington county was 1872, and for a year or so he was employed at wages by the day or by the month by various farmers in Salamonie township.

The real beginning of his prosperity dates from his marriage on March 11, 1876, to Eunice A. Irwin. She was born in Salamonie township June 5, 1849, a daughter of Newton and Elizabeth (Swaim) Irwin. Both the Irwin and Swaim families are among the oldest in Huntington county, having located here as early as 1836. Newton Irwin walked all the way from his native state of North Carolina to Indiana, and became one of the men who pushed back the forces of the wilderness and made way for civilization and all the improvements which followed the early conquest of the country by the pioneers. Mrs. Helms received her education in the common schools of Salamonie township, and during nearly forty years of married life has proved herself a valuable assistant and . adviser to her husband and at the same time as mother and housekeeper has ordered the affairs of her home in such a way as to win the respect of neighbors and the lasting love of her children. After their marriage Mr. Helms and wife were renters for about four years, and he then bought forty acres of land. As his prosperity increased, he bought eighty acres comprising the west half of the North Hast quarter of Section 26, and that is his present home. The land when he first took it was only partially improved, and he has ditched the lowlands, and has introduced improvements of every kind, keeping it up to the modern standards of agriculture in Huntington county, and has also increased his acreage until his farm now comprises 112.66 acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Helms are the parents of two children, George F. Helms, who is a graduate of the common schools, and is married, lives at Bluffton, Indiana; Ernest R., who finished the course in the common schools and Vol. 11 - 17 the Warren high school, is married and lives on his father's farm. Mrs. Helms is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem. In politics Mr. Helms has for years supported the republican party, and has served as a member of the township advisory board. Always progressive and in favor of public improvements he was one of the petitioners for the Buckeye gravel road.

S. S. Fousr. The village of Buckeye owes its prosperity as a center of trade and community life largely to the enterprise of Mr. Foust, whose varied activities have brought about not only his assured success, but have furnished a constantly growing service to the many people who find at Buckeye a convenient place to trade and to avail themselves of the various other conveniences of civilized life. Mr. Foust is a farmer, a merchant, postmaster, and his home has been at Buckeye thirty-four years, a period which practically covers the entire history of that village.

His birth 6ccurred one and a half miles south of Buckeye on December 7, 1858. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Colbert) Foust. There were nine children in the family, four of whom are yet living: Senna, wife of Jacob Irick of Marion, Indiana; B. F. Foust, of Manton, Michigan; S. S. Foust; and E. A., wife of R. L. Irwin.

S. S. Foust was reared on a farm, attended the district schools, and at the age of twenty-one, being possessed of a small capital of one hundred dollars, had the courage to establish a home of his own, and with his young wife faced the world together and their co-operation has been one steady progress to success.

Mr. Foust was married in October, 1880, to Miss Amanda W. Allen, of Salamonie township, but who was born in Virginia, and came with her parents to Huntington county asa girl. Of the children born to this marriage four are still living: Jesse E., who graduated in the scientific course of the Valparaiso University and took up a career as a teacher, married Olive Redding; Ora S., who graduated from the Valparaiso University, 1s a stock buyer and shipper at Buckeye, and married Ada Caston of Ossiam, Indiana; Grace, who finished the course in the Warren high school, studied music at Valparaiso, Indiana, and in Evanston, Illinois: Esther, who also finished the course in the Warren high school, is a student of music at Evanston.

The family attend religious worship at the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem, and Mr. Foust has long been identified with that organization and is one of its trustees. Among his varied interests at Buckeye and vicinity he is owner of eighty acres of land, which he cultivates through tenant labor. When he moved to Buckeye in 1879 and began business, it was with a very modest stock of goods and with a very slender credit. He tried to give such service to the community that the people would prefer trading at his store rather than going to a greater distance for their wares, and as he furnished reliable goods, always discounted his bills promptly, and kept increasing his stock, it was only a few years before he was in possession of a paying business, and his general store is one of the best country emporiums to be found anywhere in Huntington county. Besides his stock of general merchandise, Mr. Foust buys and sells grain, hay, and coal. He has been postmaster ever since an office was opened at Buckeye, and is also station agent for the Clover Leaf Railroad.

Tuomas W. BURTON. A son of the South, where he spent the early years of his life, Thomas W. Burton has been a resident of Huntington county since 1905, and through industry and energetic effort has become one of the substantial citizens of Salamonie township. His activities have been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and his success has been selfgained, for he embarked upon his career with only determination and ambition as his capital. Mr. Burton was born in Yancey county, North Carolina, March 22, 1867, and is a son of John W. and Sophronia (Ballew) Burton, both now deceased. The parents of Mr. Burton had a family of nine children, of whom seven survive, and all now reside in the South with the exception of Thomas W.

Thomas W. Burton was reared on his father's plantation in his native county, and received a good common school education. He was brought up an agriculturist and when he was ready to embark upon a career and establish a home of his own he adopted the tilling of the soil ag his life work. He secured a piece of property in his native county, and there continued to carry on operations until 1905, in which he left the Old North state to come to Indiana. For one year Mr. Burton rented land while he sought a suitable location, and then purchased a sixty-acre tract one-half mile east and two miles north of Warren, which is now his home. He carries on general farming, and has made a decided success of his ventures, his standing among the farmers of his locality being high. Although he is practical and methodical in his work, he is a firm believer in the use of modern methods and machinery, and his equipment is the best to be secured. Each year finds him making new improvements on his land and his buildings, and he is constantly adding to his stock and his implements. In view of the difference in climatic and soil conditions, Mr. Burton's achievements have been most commendable, and it is doubtful if many men could have scored a success in a new community in such a short period of time. He is a man of wide information, both in his chosen calling and on other subjects, and is a close student of subjects of public importance. Formerly a republican, while still a resident of his native state he served for some time as postmaster at Ball Creek, but in the fall of 1912 he decided to cast his support with the new progressive party, which he has continued to vote. He has shown himself willing to co-operate with others in his adopted community in forwarding beneficial measures. Mr. Burton is interested in Masonry, and has numerous friends among his fellow members in King Lodge No. 246, F. & A. M., and Bluffton Chapter No. 95, R. A. M. With his family, he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church at Warren.

On September 22, 1897, Mr. Burton was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Welborn, daughter of the Rev. J. M. Welborn, a minister of the Methodist church. She was born and reared in the same part of

North Carolina as was her husband, and, like him, received a good common school education. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burton, namely: John Earl, a graduate of the common schools and now attending Warren High school; Gladys O., who also attends the high school; Ted, who is a graded school student, and Claud N., the baby, six years old. :

WintuiAm D. Irick. Huntington county is fortunate in the possession of such a family of splendid citizens and business men as that of Irick, represented by William D. Irick, one of the most progressive agriculturists of Salamonie township. The Iricks originated in Germany, represent the finer qualities of German citizenship, were transplanted and settled in America during the colonial days, and from Virginia became pioneers of Ohio, and from that state and from Preble county, the father of William D. Irick located in Huntington county more than half a century ago. The members of the family have been noted for their thrift, their ability to make a portion of the world the better for their having lived in it, their excellent neighborly qualities, and a high average of personal worth and moral character.

The late Joseph Irick, father of William D. Irick, and founder of the family in Huntington county, was born in Monroe township of Preble county, Ohio, January 17, 1829. He was a son of Andrew and Susanna (Null) Irick, and a grandson of Andrew Irick, who came to the United States from Germany, and was the first of the family to settle in this country. Grandfather Andrew died before the birth of Joseph Irick. Andrew Irick, the father, was born in Virginia, May 16, 1787, and from that old state moved northwest and became a pioneer in Preble county, Ohio. In that county he married in 1813 Susanna Null, and henceforth prospered steadily as one of the leading families of Preble county. Susanna Null was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, January 1, 1796, and when eight years of age accompanied her parents to Ohio. Andrew Irick and wife were originally members of the Methodist church, but subsequently became affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and were devout and active in church affairs. Andrew Irick died in 1860 and his wife in 1879. Their children were: Sarah, born in 1815 and died in 1900, was the wife of Adam Surface; John, born in 1816, married Delilah Doorman; Andrew, born in 1817, and died in 1846, married Catherine Miltonborger; Abraham, who was born in April, 1819, and died in 1891, lived for many years until his death near Huntington; Isaac, who was born in 1821 and died in 1888, married Deborah Cowgel; Jacob, born in 1824 and died in 1895, married Elizabeth Shearer; David, who was born in 1826 and died in 1889, married Susan Gephart; Joseph, the youngest.

Owing to the time in which he was reared and also to the fact that he was the youngest of a large family, Joseph Trick had only a very limited schooling and lived at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He became a successful farmer in Preble county, Ohio, and lived there for ten years after his marriage. Then he and his wife and children moved out to Huntington county, arriving on October 30, 1859. They brought with them a couple of horses, a wagon, some sheep, some cows, and located on the farm where their son, William D. Irick, now lives. It consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and its situation was the North West quarter of Section 24 in Salamonie township. A heavy frontier task confronted Joseph Irick and family since his land was nearly altogether covered with timber, and only a small place was cleared about the rough log house which afforded them their first shelter. The felling of trees, the uprooting of stumps, the draining of the soil, the breaking of the heavy land that had never known a plow, together with the privations and inconveniences of life in a new country, were some of the things the Iricks endured during their early years of residence in Huntington county. Joseph Irick subsequently bought one hundred and twenty acres more land in Salamonie township, and his prosperity and influence made him one of the leading citizens.

On November 29, 1849, Joseph Irick married Catherine Gephart. She was born in Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of George and Christina (Hoobler) Gephart, and. a granddaughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Gephart, all natives of Pennsylvania. George Gephart, her father, was born in January, 1797, in 1805 accompanied his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio, and in 1818 married Christina Hoobler, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1794. After their marriage they lived quietly as substantial farming people in Preble county, Ohio, where he died in 1886 and she in 1850. There were ten children in the Gephart family, mentioned briefly as follows: George, who was born in 1819 and married Elizabeth Pence, moved with his wife to Huntington county, Indiana, where she died in 1881 and he subsequently married Mrs. Anna Stevens; Margaret, born in 1831, became the wife of John Medart; Elizabeth, born in 1823, married Eli Gephart; Sarah, born in 1824, married Henry Gephart; Michael, born in 1825, died at the age of twenty years; Rosanna, born in 1827, married Jacob Shearer; Catherine, born in 1829, became the wife of Joseph Irick as already stated ; Susan, born in 1831, married David Irick; Mary, born in 1839, married William Brady. The children of the marriage of Joseph Irick and wife are as follows: Harvey M., born December 2, 1850, married Almeda Poling in 1876; Amanda J., born October 22, 1852, is the wife of John Shafer of Bluffton, Indiana; Celestia, born July 29, 1854, married Daniel Huffman; George H., born December 21, 1856, was married in 1882 to - Phoebe C. Huffman; William D., born September 30, 1861, was married October 13, 1894, to Sarah M. Shumaker; Cora Alice was married in 1888 to Jerome Minniear.

William D. Irick, whose place in the family of Joseph Irick and whose date of birth is given above, first saw the light of day on the farm where he now lives, and his splendid place is known all over Salamonie township as the Midway Farm. It comprises one hundred and fiftytwo acres located between the Clover Leaf railroad and the Marion, Bluffton & Eastern Traction Company, four miles northeast of Warren. Mr. Irick's father is now deceased, but his mother is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-four. His home farm was the environment in which his early youth and boyhood were spent, and while he belonged to a family in fairly comfortable circumstances and was reared in a community which stood for the better things in education and citizenship, Mr. Irick has always been a vigorous independent worker, has won his own prosperity, and in that way has contributed substantial benefit to the community in which practically all his life has been spent.

On October 13, 1894, he married Sarah M. Shumaker, a daughter of Emanuel and Miriam D. (Joe) Shumaker, farming people of Preble county, Ohio. The father was born in Maryland and the mother in Preble county, Ohio. They moved from Ohio to Indiana in 1871. The father died in 1878 in Arkansas and the mother died in 1888, in Missouri. Of their four children, three daughters are living: Sarah M., Anna McClure of Chicago and Esta Hockett of Marion, Indiana. Mrs. Irick was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1866, and came to Indiana and was reared i the family of Willis Hudson in Wells county. . Mr. Irick and wife have three children as follows: Fern E., born July 7, 1900, who has finished the course of the common schools in Salamonie township ; Ray E., born December 9, 1902, and Ward E., born May 15, 1907. The family are regular church goers and worship in the Methodist Protestant church at Boehmer in Wells county. Though a Democrat in politics, Mr. Irick has manifested little aspiration for political honor, and has been content to do his work as a citizen quietly and individually. As a progressive farmer of Salamonie township, he has always stood for everything that would advance and better conditions in his community. Especially has he worked for and advocated good roads, and when a survey is taken of the local highways and credit for their condition is properly apportioned Mr. Irick must come in for a good share of what has been accomplished. He has also kept his mind broadened and alert to influences and suggestions from the outside, and is interested in the work of the Farmers' Institute and other organizations that mean the improvement of country life in general and of his own community in particular. É

Suvanus E. Sruurs. The substantial and representative agriculturist and honored citizen whose name initiates this paragraph is the owner of a fine landed estate of seventy-eight acres, in Clear Creek township, and is one of the prominent and influential citizens of his native county, where he is well upholding the high prestige of the family name, which has been most closely and worthily identified with the development and progress of this favored section of the state. Heis a scion of the third generation of the Stults family in Huntington county, and here his paternal grandfather established a home in the early pioneer days, when the county was little more than a wilderness. Loyal and progressive spirit has characterized the family in the different generations, and civic and industrial development and advancement in Huntington county have been signally fostered by its representatives.

of district No. 4, Clear Creek township, Silvanus E. Stults was born on the 23d of November, 1862, and he is a son of Herman W. and Lucinda (Kitt) Stults, the former of whom passed the closing years of his life in the city of Huntington, judicial center of the county, where his death occurred on the 10th of November, 1911, and where his widow still maintains her home. Herman W. Stults was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1836, and was a son of John and Mary (Beecher) Stults, both of whom were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where their marriage was solemnized, both having been representatives of sterling pioneer families of the Old Keystone state, where John H. Stults, great-great-grandfather of the subject of this review settled in an early day, upon his immigration from Germany. Within a short time after their marriage John and Mary (Beecher) Stults removed from Pennsylvania to Stark county, Ohio, where they continued to reside until about the year 1849, when they came to Indiana and numbered themselves among the pioneer settlers of Huntington county. The journey to the new home was made with team and wagon and Grandfather Stults became one of the first settlers of Warren township, his old homestead farm having been situated in Section 1 and having largely been reclaimed to cultivation through his herculean efforts. He was a man of strong character and wielded no little influence in the pioneer community, both he and his wife having continued to reside on their original homestead until the close of their long and useful lives.

Herman W. Stults was a boy of thirteen years at the time of the family removal from Ohio to Indiana, and he was reared to maturity under the influences and discipline of the pioneer farm, in the meanwhile having attended the common schools when opportunity afforded. As a young man he wedded Miss Lucinda Kitt, who was born in Clear Creek township, this county, where her parents established their home in the pioneer days. A long and happy wedded life was that of Herman W. and Lucinda Stults, and their loving companionship was sundered only when the devoted husband and father was summoned to eternal rest, his widow still maintaining her home at Huntington, as has been previously noted. Concerning the eight children the following brief record is available: Mary C. is the wife of L. D. Miser of Los Angeles, California ; Almira J. is the wife of Lincoln Rodkey, of Buffalo, Oklahoma; Miss Ida M. remains with her widowed mother, to whom she accords the deepest filial care and solicitude; Landa H. is a properous farmer near Carter, Montana; Della K. likewise remains with her mother, in most tender companionship; Blanche V. is the wife of Professor John H. Shock, of La Fayette, Indiana; Morton is a resident of Decatur, this state; and Silvanus E., this review, was the third in order of birth. Herman W. Stults was one of the prominent and substantial farmers of Clear Creek township for many years, and was a citizen of distinctive influence in local affairs of a public order, with inviolable place in the confidence and high esteem of all who knew him. He was active in political affairs of a local order and served many years as justice of the peace of Clear Creek township. He made this office justify its name and his ad- vice and counsel were sought and followed by many who thus manifested their confidence in his fairness and mature judgment. He served as administrator of many estates in the county and his word was looked upon as being as good as any bond, so that his name is held in lasting honor in the county that represented his home during virtually his entire life. t Silvanus E. Stults, whose name introduces this review, was reared to manhood on the homestead farm of his father, in Clear Creek township, and in the meanwhile he made good use of the advantages afforded nim in the local schools, as shown by the fact that he was granted three certificates as a teacher, one covering a period of three years. He continued to be associated in the work and management of the home farm until he had attained to the age of twenty-eight years. He has been the owner of his present well improved and valuable farm since 1813, and holds distinctive prestige as one of the enterprising and representative agriculturists and stock-growers of his native county.. He is a lover of good horses and has raised on his farm many fine animals in this line, his live stock of all kinds being of the best grade. Broadminded and progressive as a citizen, he gives his support to measures projected for the general good of the community, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He js liberal in his contributions to religious and charitable activities, and his wife is a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Clear Creek.

Mr. Stults is one of the popular and valued members of West Point Lodge, No. 688, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been specially active in its affairs. He is past noble grand of the lodge, is at the present time serving as its financial secretary, and he has represented the organization in the grand lodge of the state. He is vice president of the Bippus State Bank and is one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of his native county.

In the year 1890 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stults to Miss Ida M. Bonebrake, who was reared and educated in Clear Creek township and who is a daughter of Simon S. and Elizabeth (Culp) Bonebrake, sterling citizens of Huntington county, where her father was a prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Stults have two sons, Ray E. and Clark B., both of whom remain at the parental home and the former of whom is a graduate of the Clear Creek high school, the younger son having completed the curriculum of the regular grades of the public schools, in which he was graduated. Both of the sons are associated with their father in the management of the fine home farm and they are popular young men in the county where they represent the fourth generation of the Stults family.

CHARLES KELLER. Among the progressive and enterprising merchants of Huntington county, Indiana, one who has won success through his own energetic and well directed efforts is Charles Keller, the proprietor of a flourishing business at Warren. Left fatherless at the age of eight years, he has steadfastly fought his own way over obstacles and discouragements, and today is eminently entitled to recognition as one of his community's most substantial citizens. Mr. Keller is a native son of Huntington county, Indiana, having been born on a farm near Belleville, in Jefferson township, September 25, 1876, and is a son of Daniel and Laura (Archre) Keller.

The Keller family was founded in Huntington county by Joseph Keller, the paternal grandfather of Charles Keller, who came here at an early day and located on a tract of land near Beileville. He was an agriculturist by vocation and continued as a tiller of the soil until his death, being known as an industrious business man and publicspirited citizen. Like his father, Daniel Keller early embarked in farming, and was so engaged until his death in 1884, two years after he had located in Warren. Several years after his demise his widow was married to John J. Williams, and still survives him, being now a resident of Warren.

Charles Keller has been a resident of Warren since his sixth year. His early educational training was secured in the district schools of Salamonie township, following which he entered the graded schools of Warren, and was graduated from the high school of this city in 1897. In the spring of that year he received his introduction to mercantile pursuits, when he became a clerk in the store of S. A. Pulse, and during the fifteen years that followed became thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business. At the time of Mr. Pulse's death, in 1912, Mr. Keller succeeded to the business, which he has continued to carry on with ever increasing success. By reason of his natural abilities, wealth of modern ideas and constant industry, he has broadened the scope of the business, and through catering to the needs and desires of his customers has attracted a thoroughly representative trade. At this time he is giving employment to from ten to fourteen clerks. Mr. and Mrs. Keller reside on the old Pulse homestead, and in addition to his business he owns eighty acres of land in Salamonie township, located two miles north of Warren. Mr. Keller is a very busy man, with large demands made upon his time and attention, yet he has ever been foremost in contributing of his time, his means and his energy in forwarding movements for the betterment of his community and the advancement of its interests. He has shown an interest in fraternal matters, belonging to King Lodge No. 246, F. & A. M., the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Bluffton. A stanch and active republican, he is widely known in local and county politics, where his in fluence is far-reaching. Mrs. Keller is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Warren.

In October, 1900, Mr. Keller was married to Miss Daisy M. Pulse, who graduated in the same class with him from the Warren high school, and they have become the parents of three children, namely; Charles Allen, eight years old; Virginia Rosadean, four years of age; and Wendell Pulse, who is just past one year of age.

is already accounted one of the influential factors in the public and official affairs of this section of the state. A man of courage, self-reliant, progressive in his views and conscientious in the performance of the duties of his office, his administration of affairs is proving an eminently satisfactory one, and he has succeeded in making friends in all political parties. Mr. Scott is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born on his father's farm in Union township, Wells county, June 24, 1866. He is the youngest son of William and Mary (Byrd) Scott, the former of whom was born in Trumbull county, Ohio. The father came to Indiana as a youth of eighteen years and settled on a farm in Wells county, but after his marriage learned the trade of carpenter, to which he devoted the greater part of a long and useful life. He stood high in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and for some years represented them in the capacity of justice of the peace. His death occurred July 14, 1899, while the mother, who survives him, is a resident of Roanoke, Huntington county, having reached a ripe old age. ý

William E. Scott was granted ordinary educational advantages, attending the country school of Union township, where he was brought up to agricultural pursuits. He remained in that township until 1895, when he removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and for four years was en: gaged in a mercantile business. Succeeding this he located at Roanoke, Huntington county, and followed the same Tine, in the meantime devoting a part of his attention to buying and selling hogs and sheep. He met with excellent success in this line and became widely known in Huntington county, especially among the farming class, with which he associated for some eleven years. For a number of years he has been ` interested in Democratie politics, principally in the interests of his friends, although he also served two years as a member and as chairman on the Democratic County Central Committee. He had proved himself loyal to friends and party, and this, coupled with his splendid record as a business man, brought him into public favor, which resulted in giving him the shrievalty in the election of the fall of 1912. He assumed the duties of his office January 1, 1913, and has since had no difficulty in demonstrating to the people of Huntington county that they made no mistake in their selection and in 1914 they nominated him for a second term as sheriff. There is every reason to feel that still higher honors await this progressive son of Indiana.

In January, 1884, Mr. Scott was united in marriage with Miss Annie Gardenhour, the estimable daughter of John Gardenhour, an old resident of Huntington county. Five children have blessed this union: Thomas, who is now deceased; Nellie, who became the wife of Samuel Rodenhouse; Ruth H. and Rose, who reside with their parents; and Homer O., a detective on the Erie Railroad, and who married Maude Longsdorf, a daughter of Albert and Rosamond Longsdorf. Mr. William E. Scott is prominent and popular in fraternal circles, a member of Roanoke Lodge No. 275, F. & A. M.; of the Roanoke Lodge of the I. O. O. F.; and of the L. O. O. N. fraternity.

JAMES G. I. Penrrenp. For more than thirty years the name Penfield has had valued and honorable associations with the City of Huntington. Both in this city and among the older employes of the Erie railway are many who have a kindly memory for the late Alfred P. Penfield, a veteran railway man, and also one of the useful citizens of Huntington until his death. The family is now represented at Huntington by James G. I. Penfield, a local jeweler, and a man who has won his way by successful position through earnest and well directed efforts.

Alfred P. Penfield, who met his death by accident on September 25, 1900, was one of the most prominent engineers on the Erie system between Chicago and New York. He was an influential member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and was widely and favorably known among railroad men in the middle and central western states. At Huntington his citizenship was regarded as an honor to the community. A man of rugged honesty, fearless in his convictions, with a clear head and a clean heart, he was known not only for his personal character but also through his service in the Huntington City Council and the Huntington County Council.

Alfred P. Penfield was born September 15, 1849, in Warren county, Pennsylvania. His parents were George and Mary Penfield, who had come from New York. At the age of eighteen he began his active career as a fireman on the Pennsylvania railroad. Three years of that work was followed by six years in other lines of business, after which he returned to railroading. In 1871 Mr. Penfield became identified with the construction operations in the building of the Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Pittsburgh railroad. When this road was finished he was made fireman on a passenger engine, and in 1876 was given a regular engine. In 1879 he resigned to become traveling engineer for the Brooks Locomotive Works of Dunkirk, New York. In April, 1882, Mr. Penfield again entered the service of his former employer, who at that time was in charge of the construction of the Chicago & Atlantic railway, a portion of the Erie system. Mr. Penfield was assigned to one of the first engines on the new road, his orders being to take an engine from the Brooks Works to Hammond, hire' his fireman and crew, and take charge of both ends of train engaged in laying track. The road was opened for business in 1883, and Mr. Penfield had the honor of piloting the first passenger train, a solid Pullman, which left Chicago over the Erie track. From that time until his death he was among the most highly prized engineers in the service of the company. During the World's Fair he had charge of the Erie Engineers' Locomotive, the "E. B. Thomas,'' and went with the locomotive after the Fair closed from Chicago to Jersey City. For a number of years he had charge of one of the finest trains between Chicago and New York, and helped to set a record for fast time in the United States. On one occasion he drew his train a distance of forty-two miles in fifty-two minutes.