Kosciusko County, Indiana - The whole text, 1887 (part 18 of 21)

fKTEIl VAIL, a farmer of Van Buren Township, was born in Butler County, -x Ohio, August 20, 1821. His parents were James and Esther Vail, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. The father was an early settler of Cincinnati, Ohio, having located there in 1799. When eight years of age our subject removed with his parents to Vermillion County, Illinois, where they lived nearly two years, then removed to Montgomery County, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood and received a limited education. In 1842 he hauled wheat to Chicago, 140 miles, and sold it for 56 cents a bushel. Wheat in Indiana sold for 31 cents a bushel, and muslin was 33 cents a yard. January 1, 1843, he went from Montgomery County to Butler County, Ohio, wliere he got employment in a pork-house at 50 cents a day and boarded himself. During the summer of 1843 he worked on a farm for $6.50 a month, and was glad to ^e\ tliat, as times were liai'd. He lias been twit-e married. His first wife, whom he married September 8, 1815, was Burnema Smalley, (if Butler County, Ohio. They had two children, both deceased. Mrs. Vail dieil January 1, 1851, and December 25, 1851, he was married to Isaljel Thwarts, of Shelby County, Ohio. They have six children - Jeremiah, Martlia, Mary, Robert, James and Ella. Mr. Vail resided in Elkhart County about eleven years, and has been a resident of this county many years. His last wife died October 4, 1876. He owns 113 acres of good land; is a member tif the Methodist Ep;sc<i|]al church, of which he was formei'ly stew ai-d, and in politics is a Kepniilicau.

T(iwn.~hip, was born in Ohio His ]);irents were Henry H. and Martha Arnold. The father was a native of Penn.sylvania, born June 1, 1817, and settled in Ohio in an early day, and from Ohio moved to Kosciusko County in 1842, and settled in Jackson Township, buyinu; 152 acres of land, on which he lived until his death, which occurred May 8, 1886. The mother still lives on the homestead, and is now about si.\ty-fi\-e years old. They had a family of thirteen children, seven boys and si.x girls, seven of whom are living - Aaron, Susanna, Noah, Lydia, Sarali, Catherine and Samuel. They have forty grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Aaron Arnold was about eighteen months old when brought by his parents to Kosciusko County, and was here reared ami educated. He w^as married February 22, 1863, to Amanda Isenbarger, daugliter of John and Susanna Isenbai-ger. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have had six children, five of whom aiv living - William Harvey, Mai'tha Annali, C-liarlie Franklin, George Calvin and Jesse Earl. ^Ir. .Vrnold owns 164 acres of well-ini]iroved land, where he settled in 1882. He is a member of the German Baptist church, to which he is a liberal contributor. He is industrious and energetic, and is one of our very best citizens. In politics lie is a Democrat. Mrs. Arnold's lather, John Isenbarger, was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, May 10, 1815, and when eighteen years old settled in Clarke County, Ohio, where he married Susanna Shafer, who was born February 5, 1815. In 1857 they moved to Kosciusko County, Indiana, where the wife died March 5, 1864. They had a family of seven children, but three of whom are living - Amanda, William and George. In 1865 Mr. Isenbarger married Catherine Shoemaker, who died August 10, 1886. They had six children, five of whom are living - Noah, Ella, John, Eli and Waily. Mr. Isenbarger has ten grandchildren. He is still living in Kosciusko County.

yy, LONZO C. CHANDLER, engaged in (A the manufacture of wagons and carriages at Silver Lake, is a native of Kosciusko County, Indiana, born at Warsaw in the year 1859. His father,AVilliain Cliandler, was one of the early settlers of Warsaw, coming from Ashland County, Ohio, as early as 1850, and became a noted coacli-maker not only of Warsaw, but of Silvei' Lake. He is the pioneer coacli-maker of Warsaw, and probably made the first wagon ever manufactured in Kosciusko County, he having a shop when Warsaw contained but a few buildings. He was married in Ohio to Miss Rachel Ryland, and of the eight children born to them our subject, Alonzo C, was tlie youngest. Only three of the family are now living, all being residents of Kosciusi<o County - Laura, wife of George G. Iloke, a builder, living in Silver Lake; Ona, wife of William I'aulus, merchant, and Alon- 7.U 0. The latter learned his trade with liis father, and when on]}' sixteen years of age coninienced business for himself in Silver Lake, being one of the youngest tradesmen in the county. He has been actively engaged in business in the same shop in which he is now located since 1865, with the exception of two years spent as a traveling salesman, and by iiis persevering energy and industry, combined with good business ability, he has made his trade a success. July 1, INSo, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie J. Taylor, daughter of Andrew and Susan W. Taylor, of Sheldon, Indiana, her father being engaged in the wliolesale manufacture of wagons, etc., carrying on an extensive factory.

=%AV1D M. BRUMBAUGH was born 'ifj in Montgomery County, Ohio, Septemp^ ber 7, 1829, son of Jacob and Susanna Brumbaugli. His education was obtained in the subscription schools of that day, he !/aving attended three terms during the winter and worked on his father's farm the remainder of the time. September 16, 1849, when only twenty years of age, he was married to Miss Susan Kellar, of Jackson Township, Elkhart County. He has a fine farm of ninety-six acres, ail in a good state of cultivation. He was elected to the oftice of supervisor, and served three terms. J'olitically he afMliates witii the Repuiilican Jiarty, and is a member of the Miisonic fraternity, Lodge No. 418. Mr. and Mrs. Brumbaugh have had ten children, eight are living - j\[artin, Elizabeth C, who married John Brown, of Elkhart County, Milton, who married Elizabeth Clover, of Jefferson Township, Etta, Taze ^Chloe, Emma and Frank. Their second child and Lovina, the youngest, are deceased.

HOMAS DECHEIl is a native of Seneca County, Ohio, a son of Daniel and Margaret (Blechley) Decher, the fatiier being of Holland descent, the mother a native of Ireland. The mother died in 1847, and for his second wife the father married Eliza Earl, by whom he had six children - Ellen, Elizabeth, Ida, Belle, George and Lewis. By his first marriage lie iiad six ciiildren - William II. married Mary Poulston; Thomas, the subject of this sketch; James married Sarah Pontius; Mary A., wife of Cyrus Williams; Isaac, married and living in Seneca County, Ohio, and Clarinda, wife of Jacob K. Miller, the first four mentioned being residents of Kosciusko County. The father immigrated with his family to St. Joseph County, Michigan, in 1863, and later went to Leesburgh, Indiana. He is now a resident of Goshen, Indiana. Thomas Decher, our subject, spent his youth in his native State, and there learned the cooper's trade, which he has made the principal avocation of his life. Lie accompanied his father to Michigan in 1863, and while in that State was engaged in the milling business. In 1862 he married Miss JS'ancy G. Miller, a daughter of Leonard Miller, and tt) this union were born seven children - Iletta, Margaret, James, Austin, Nellie, Jennie and Maude. Mrs. Decher died December 22, 1881, since which time his daughter Retta has acted in the capacity of housekeeper. She is the wife of Henry Bloon, a native of Germany. Mr. Dechei- came to Kosciusko County, Indiana, and the lii-st thre*. years was engaijed in t'ooperiiiif in Wayiif Tnwnsliip, when he catiie to Clay To\vn.~hi]i and tcillnwed tai-niini;-. Six years after cuuiing to Chiy Township he pureliased iiis pret-ent farm, erected a tine substantial brick residence, and also built a shop, and has since devoted his time to farming and coopering, and is niiinl)ered among the most entei-prising men of his neigliborhood, as can easiij' be seen by his success in business and the iiiie improvements upon his farm. He is assisted in his coopering business by two of liis sons, liis son-in-law and Charles (Joibert, and ids trade per annum averages 6,000 barrels. lie was one of tlie original three members nf Claypool Lodge, Xo. 715, 1. C). O. F., and for a number of years one of its trustees.

fOlIX ELDER, or "Uncle John,"' as he is familiarly known, - and it is safe to say that two-thirds of the people of this county know him, - was liorn in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, ^Vpril 8, 1811. His lather was a thrifty farmer of German ancestry, and early instilled into the minds of his clii dren, both by precept ami exan;ple, the necessity of practicing industry and economy. John was a willing listener and an apt scholar, as the i-esnlt of his life has proved. Ilis early days were ])assed, until he became of age, attending to the labors of the farm at home during the summer-time, and, until he left Pennsylvania, three months of each winter at school. When he \> as eigliteen years of age, his father, with liis family, removed to Richland County, Ohio. Here a new field opened lietbre him. That n()W ])opulons and well-tilled county was then a wilderness to a great extent, and it cccupied all the time of the stout hearts and stronir arms tliat liad peneti'ated into it to clear tiie land sntticiently to enai)le them to raise enough of the n cessaries of life on which U> live, .fohn remained with his father until he was twenty-one years old, assisting him in all his labors. October 18, 1832, he was married to Miss Catherine Poorman, who for nearly half a century was a helpmeet indeed, and ]iut to shame, as far as work is concerned, a lai-ge majority of the girls of to-day. That noble wife and mother is now deceased. Li the spring of 1833 they moved upon a tract of land that he had purchased, and commenced lite for themselves. In tlie spring of IS-IS, having cleared up a good farm, but being cramped for room, Mr. Elder sold out and removed to this county, and ]iurchased 160 acres of land about two and a half miles east of Warsaw, lie has since added 160 acres more to the original ])urchase, so that he now has 320 acres, all lying together. Mr. Elder has tor years been a zealous member of the Dunkard church. He has been connected with the Kosciusko County Agricultural Society from its formation to the present day, having been president of the society two years during that time. He is a man of great determination of mind, of sound judgment, and of unimpeachable integiity; in .--hort, one of the very best citizens in this county, and one \vh(»se place it will be hard to till. John and Mary Elder were the parents of our subject. His paternal grandmother was captured by Indians who cob])ei-ated with the Pritish during the Revolutionary war, and would have been put to death by them had not the British interceded in her behalf on account of her being an English woman. Twelve children were born to tlie parents of "Uncle John," of whom three survive - Margaret, of Ohio, Elizfdieth, of iXoble County, Indiana, and John. The deceased are - William. Robert, Catherine, Sarah, George, Mary, Sophie,

Siunuel and Isabel. Mr. Elder's first wife, Catherine Poonnan, was a native of Pennsylvania. They had seven children, fonr of whom are living - Elizabeth, now Mrs. Walford, William, Henry, and Margaret, wife of AVilliaiii Douglass. Mrs. Elder died in September. 1S82, and December 25, 1883, Mr. Elder married Mrs. Sophia Wasser, of Richland County, Ohio. Politically Mr. Elder is a Republican.

"^l a native of Kosciusko County, Indiana, born in Pierceton, November, 4, 1863, the only son of E. J. Ryerson, who is still living at Pierceton. Edward Ryerson was reared in Piercefon, and was educated in the schools of that place. After leaving school he was engaged for a time in assisting his father in his lumber trade, and general business in Pierceton, and in 1882 he entered the office of the Pierceton Independent, where he began learning the " Art Preservative." In August, 1886, he became associated with Hiram F. Smith, and together they commenced the publication of the Pierceton Record, which, under their excellent management, is bound to succeed, both being energeticand enterprising business men, and well qualified for the positions they occupy.

I ', , liorn in Ligonier, Noble County, Indiana, September -l, 1838. He lived in his native town until he was three or four years old. when his parents moved to White County, living there eleven years, thence to tliis county, settling in Tippecanoe Township. One year later the family moved to Turkey Creek Township, where our subject lias since resided, with the exception of one year spent in the army. He was reared on a farm, although his father was a carpenter by trade. His father, John Nyce, was born in Ohio in 1808. He was married in Noble County, this State, and died June 16, 1881. He is buried in Concord cemetery. Van Buren Township. His mother, Matilda (Wilmouth) Nyce, was born in Ohio, and was a year younger than her husband. She died in Noble County when her son William was two years old, and is buried in the Ligonier cemetery'. After her death the father married again, his second wife being Isabel Dunlap,who was born in Ohio, and was about two yeai-s older than her husband. AVilliam's father and mother had four children - Jacob F., Catherine, William and Mary A., wife of John Noel. By his father's last marriage there was one child - Martha, who became the wife of William Stevenson, and died in 1858. She is buried in the Stevenson cemetery. Van Buren Township. Mr. Nyce was married May 30, 1860, to Miss Sarah E. Robison, who was born in Tippecanoe Township, this county, in April, 1839. She died April 1, 1864, leaving one child - Eva F., born January 1, 1864, and died in July, 1865. July 7, 1867, Mr. Nyce married Miss Louisa B. Hervey, born in Lagrange County, Indiana, October 15, 1839. Her parents, Willard and Louisa B. (Crosby) Hervey, were natives of Massachusetts. Her mother is deceased and the father lives on eighty acres west of Mr. Nyce. He has married a second time, his wife being Sabrina C. Crosby, a sister of his former wife. Mr. and Mrs. Nyce have three living children - Emma L., born December 28, 1868; Charles E., born Jnlv 4, 1871; Bertha A., born June 22, 1875.

Nyce, died in Wliite County, this State. His step-grandmother also died in that county. Politically Mr. Nyce is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the United Brethren church. During the late war he was drafted, but hired a substitute, paying $333. The second draft occurred in August. He went in September, 1864, as a member of Company B, Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, and was with his regiment at the first attempt to capture Fort Fisher, but he was soon after sent to the hospital at Bermuda. The regiment was in North Carolina until Johnston surrendered. Mr. Nyce was in no regular battle, but participated in several skirmishes. He was discharged September 5, 1865, and returned home, vphere he has since been engaged in farming.

K. BAIRD, farmer, section ift'-j- 7, Turkey Creek Township, owns 128 'w'- acres of land, a part of which lies in Van Buren Township. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, August 27, 1827, and when he was eleven or twelve years old he came here with his parents and ten children (including himself), the family settling on the farm now owned by George K. His father, John Baird, was born in Kentucky, and when a boy his parents removed to Clarke County, Oliio, where he grew to manhood. When they came to this county the father bought a farm of James Lelser, who had entered it from the Government. There was a small log cabin on the place, si.xteen feet square, and an acre or two cleared. Flere the father commenced to make a home for his family in the wilderness, and here he died, September 9, 1863, and is biii'ied in Sj'racuse. He was of a vei-y jovial disposition, and fond of playing practical jokes. Tlie first of April, one year, he ran hastily to the room of his son George, and told him that there were some wild geese on the pond over yonder. George was surprised, but hurriedly got his gun and started for the geese. Of course he found none. He reported his failure to his father, who coolly remarked that it was the 1st of April. At another time he called to tell him (George) that there was an owl catching his chickens, and ran to get George's gun to shoot it, saying, " I am a better shot than you." George had placed a pail on the gate-post near the hen-house. The father took aim and the bullet pierced the pail through the center. They both ran up to it,and as soon as the father saw the jiail he said, '- It is the 1st of A])ril." George's mother. Catherine (Kirkpatrick) Baird, was born in Ohio, and died the last of November, 1854, and is buried at Syracuse, beside the father. She was about fifty-six years of age. Both parents were members of tlie Presbyterian church, and died clinging to the cross. George was married July 22, 1852, to Sarah Jane Mackey, who was born in Greene Count}', Ohio, February 27, 1828, and was about five years of ao-e when her parents brought her to this county, settling in Van Buren Township. Their first winter in Indiana was spent in Elkhart County. The family settled on land that the father entered from the Government, and where he lived and died. Her parents were William and Sarah (Anderson) Mackey. The father was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1787, where he passed his ea.v\y life and where he was married. He went to Greene County, Ohio, when he was twenty-eight years old, and lived there until he came to Indiana. The mother was born in 1790,and died January 11, 1879. Her father's family were among the fi'-st settlers of Van Buren Township. Turn key Creek ran through their farm, wliich is uow owned l)y LJenjaiiiin Hoover. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian church, and died in the Christian faith. There were nine children in her fatlier's family - James A., Maria, John J., Robert D., Rachel, Arthur, Rebecca A., Mrs. Baird and Joseph. Robert, Rachel, Arthur, Mrs. Baird and Joseph are all that are living. The following are the cliildren of the pai'ents of Mr. Baird - Sarah, William W., John K., Margaret W., George K., Dorotha M., James M., Thomas, Martha A., Mary A. and Minerva. George and Dorotha are all that are living. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have two children - Jennetta, born July 3, 1S57, wife of William C. Holbrook, and living in Chicago, and Emma J., bori) September 23, 1S59, and is the wife of Rudolph Wilkinson, and living in Turke}- Creek Township. Mr. Baird's grandfather, William Baird, was probably born in Kentucky, and he died in Clarke C'ounty, (Jhio. IJis grandmother Kirkpatrick died in Van Biiren Township in an early day. The Bairds are German and Scotch, and the Maekeys are of Irish descent.

;^NOCH HOOVER, one of the old set- "fflL tiers of Kosciusko County, was born Jp^ in Stark County, Ohio, November 2, 1831, son of Jacob and Susan Hoover, the father born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and the mother a native of Stark County, Ohio. The father is now deceased. He liad been twice married, and was the father of nine children, of whom seven yet survive - Betsy, Catherine, Enoch, Elias, Annie, Mary and Reuben. Enoch Hoover grew to manhood in his native State, and received the rudiments of an education in the schools of his district. In his twenty-first year he immigrated with his parents to Ivosciu^ko County, Indiana, they settling in the woods of Van Buren Township, where they endured many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Enoch Hoover was united in marriage March 26, 1856, to Miss Harj'iet Tom, a daughter of John Tom, an early settler of Van Buren Township. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoover five are living - Haaman D., Marj', wife of Charles Matthews; John, Ida, wife of Emanuel Deeter, and Mjn-tle. Mr. Hoover has made farming the principal avocation of his life, and in his agricidtnral pursuits has met with excellent success, and is one of the selfmade men of Kosciusko County. He liegan life a poor boy, but by industry, frugality and good management he has secured a competency for his declining years. He is now the owner of 400 acres, having one of the best improved farms in Van Buren Township. He is a public-spirited citizen, and contributes liberally of his means to all worthy objects. Both he and his wife are active members of the German Baptist church, he being one of the trustees of Pleasant View chapel. In his political views he is a Democrat. He has served his township as road supervisor, giving satisfaction to his constituents.

=5^- parents, Lewis and Elizabeth (Fetters) Trish, immigrated to the United States in 1832, and settled at York, Pennsylvania, where our sultject was reared to manhood. In his youth he learned tlie trade of carriagemaking with his father, that being the trade followed by the Trish family for many generations back. Upon reaching his majority

Mr. Trish settled at Goshen, Indiana. In tlie fall of 1854 he removed to Missouri. locating in the vicinity of Osceola, where he carried on a general country store. In 1856 he came to Warsaw, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. He was successful in business, and accumulated a valuable property at Warsaw. He was married at Goshen to Julia Ann Lose, a native of Hamburg, Germany, October 10, 1854. She came to the United States the spring pi'evious to her marriage. They had four children - John L. and Fred compose the firm of Trish Brothers; Mrs. Henrietta Willke, wife of Professor AVillke, of LaGrove, AVabash County, Indiana, and Jemima, who is unmarried and living with her mother at Warsaw. Mrs. Trish is a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Warsaw. She united with this church in 1868. She is also a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of AVarsaw, and is superintendent of the German department of that society for the State of Indiana. Mr. Trish died July 18, 1870, aged forty-two years.

§AVID C. KENSEY, engaged in farming in Clay Township, is one of the self- -^-. made men of Kosciusko County, where he is classed among the prosperous and influential citizens, he having been identified with the interests of this county since his twentieth birthday. His parents, Francis A. and Esther (Creamer) Kensey, came from Knox County, Ohio, in 1856, to Kosciusko County, and settled o" the old Pophani farm. They brou:rht with them a family of ten children - Benjamin, Charles, Catherine M., Sylvester, Henry, Gurley, Andrew, Elizabeth, Lucy J., and David C our subject, all of whom were born in Ohio, and all yet living.

as are also the parents. Henry volunteered in the service of his country, enlisting in Company I, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served throughout the entire war, and was with General Sherman in his campaign. Sylvester was a member of the same company and regiment, but was discharged on account of disability. Mr. Kensey was married in 1859 to Miss Christiana Scoles, whose death occurred August 23, 1873. For his second wife he married Miss Elsie Greenlee, of Belmont County, Ohio, in 1875, and to this union have been born four children, three of whom are living - Elmer J., Harry M. and Carrie E. Mr. Kensey's first land purchase was his present farm in 1865, on which not a stick had been turned. He felled the logs, and built a log cabin, in which he lived a happy and contented life for many years. lie cleared his land acre by acre, till he has almost the entire tract in fine order for cultivation, and the old log caV>in is now used as a barn, his present residence being a neat frame cottage, which has recently been erected and which is located on a beautiful site about a mile from Claypool. He began life without capital, and his success in life is due to his industrious habits and persevering energy. He now has a good competency, all being made by fair and honorable dealing, and is one of the most respected citizens of Clay Township.

fOHN LEWIS TRISH, of the firm of Trish Brothers, dealers in and nianu- ,^ facturers of carriages and wagcms, at Warsaw, was born near Osceola, Missouri, July 30, 1855, and in 1856 was brought to this county by his parents, who settled in Warsaw, where he received a high-school education. At the age of eighteen he began to learn tlie trade of carriage-making at Warsaw, at wliicb lie worked three 3'ears, then l)ecaine associated with his brother Frederick, and engaged in niannfacturing wagons and carriages at Warsaw under the firm name of Trish Brothers. June 24, 1885, he was married at Columbia City to Miss Minnie Markwood, daughter of Samuel A. and Mary (Cockley) Markwood, of that city, formerly of Mansfield, Ohio; the former was of German and the latter of Scotch- Irish ancestry. Mrs. Trish was educated in the high school at Columbia City, and taught nearly two years in one of the departments of that school, and for three years was principal in two of the ward schools of that city. She is a member of the Lutheran church of Columbia City. Mr. Trish is a prominent Odd Fellow, and belongs to Kosciusko Lodge, No. 62, and Hackelman Encampment, No. 37, and has passed all the chairs in each. He is a member of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, and also a Patriarch Militant, T. 0. O. F.

mOEENZO D. KELLER, proprietor of n/ff saw and planing-mill at Silver Lake, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1841, a son of William and Sophia (Rickel) Keller, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Lancaster City, and the mother in Butler. Their ten children were born in Ohio, their names being as follows - Catherine, Reuben. Eliza, Elizabeth, Mary, Lorenzo D., Michael, Eve, Emma, and an infant who died unnamed. Loienzo D. was reared in his native State, and when a young man learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. On the second call for troops during the war of the Rebellion, he relinquished his line prospects to become a member of Company K, One Hundred and Second Ohio Infantry, with which he took part in many important engagements. He was in Buell's campaign through Kentucky, was on garrison duty at Clarksville, Tennessee, and was with his regiment on the right wing of the Army of the Cumberland, protecting the main army. His last service for his country was at Decatur, Alabama, under General Thomas, which was the last battle fought by the Army of the Cumberland. Half of his regiment was captured by Wheeler and Forrest at Athens, Tennessee, and were victims of the boiler explosion of the transport Sultana, loaded with prisoners to be e.Kchanged. Mr. Keller was united in marringe in 1867, to Miss Helen M. Mattoon, at Greenwich, Ohio. Three children - Helena, Clara B. and Mabel S. have been born to this union. After liis marriage Mr. Keller located in West Salem, Wayne County, Ohio, and commenced to work at his trade. A year later he removed to Medina County, Ohio, remaining there six years. He then located in Huron County, Ohio, where he resided till coming to Kosciusko County, Indiana, in 1880. In that year he purchased a saw-mill of F. M. Shipley, and engaged in manufacturing and dealing in lumber, which he has since followed with excellent success. He disposed of this mill and erected a new one near the depot in 1883, which has a capacity of 8,000 feet per day. In 1885 he built his present residence, which is one of the neatest cottages in Silver Lake. In June, 1886, in company with Ira Burk, he bt)nght the planing-mill and pump factory belonging to Jones & Jontz, which he has since operated, and his business now ranks second to none in the manufacturing interests of the village. Mr. Keller met with an unfortnnate accident in liissaw-mill, which costhim hisleft firm, but in spite of this he can yet do almost as inucli work as most men do who have two arms. He is one of the active and pnblicspirited citizens of Silver Lake, always taking an interest in every enterprise which he deems of betieiit to his township or connty, and by liis fair and honorable dealings as a business man, he has gained the conlidence and respect of all who know him.

imRCHIBALD KIRKENDALL, one of liWi '"^'^ oldest living pioneers of Kosciusko '^^ County, is a native of Ross Count}', Ohio, born December 19, 1811, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Kirkendall, his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Pennsylvania. He was reared in his native State, receiving a rudimentary education in the early subscription schools of Ohio. In 183B he came to Indiana, and lived in Elkhart County for one year, and then came to Kosciusko County, and for several years worked land as a renter. In 1848 he bought a part of his present farm on section 36, Van Buren Township, and has added to his original purchase, until he now owns a good farm of 138 acres, under a high state of cultivation. He has seen much of pioneer life, and has done much hard work, and endured many hardships, but he has been successful, and is now reaping the benefits of a wellspent life. In addition to his homestead in Van Buren Township, he owns considerable valuable property in Pickaway County, Ohio. He is a self-made man, having to borrow $5 to get his family from Fort Wayne to Kosciusko County. In politics he is a Democrat. He is an influential man in the township, and has held responsible official positions. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, and honored members of society. Mr. Kirkendall has been three times married. First in April, 1830. in Ohio, to Ellen Muir, who died in 1833. Their two children are also deceased. His second marriage was with Eunice Nice, and to them were born ten children, five of whom are living - Jacob; John; Lydia, wife of Reuben Hoover, of Kansas; Minerva, wife of Hezekiah Bushong, of Van Buren Township, and Ellen. Mrs. Kirkendall died in April, 1856, and April 12, 1860, Mr. Kirkendall married Mrs. Anne "Wilt, daughter of Conrad and Rachel Stiffler, and widow of David Wilt. To them were born three children, two of whom are living - Eliza, wife of Jonathan Hively, of Van Buren Township, and Alice, wife of Henry Defries. To the first marriage of Mrs. Kirkendall were born nine children, six of whom are living - William H., Ellen, Sarah J., George, Mahala and Caroline.

j^AVID BAKER, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania, April 22, 1824. When a small child he was taken by his parents, Philip and Catherine Baker, to Knox County, Ohio. When he was three years old his father died. When thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and followed that trade many years. September 15, 1852, he was married in Ohio to Nancy Barr, born November 2, 1827, in Pennsylvania, and daughter of David and Mary Barr. When about two years of age she was taken by her parents to Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Baker had eight children - Angeline, wife of Thomas Cretcher, of Missouri; Oscar, residing at Warsaw; Mary, wife of William Gilliam, of Wayne Township; Henry, of Wayne Township; Charles, residing at Warsaw; Ida, a teacher in the public schools; Maud and Frederick. After his marriage Mr. Baker came to this county, and settled upon the farm now occupied h\ his wife and family, in Wayne Township, in 1853, where he died July 1, 1884. He lias served as school director, and was a member of the Dunkard church. Mrs. Baker is a member of the same church. He left his family in comfortable circumstances, having a tine farm of eighty acres. Pie was a kind father, an indulgent husband, and respected by all. He was a self-made man, having very little capital to start with. In his death the community lost one of its most worthy pioneers, of whom it can be truly said that he was an exemplary man.

SAAC IlAKTMAiS' is a native of Penn- 11 sylvania, born in Westmoreland County, ^i""" April 19, 1804, a son of John and Julia (iSpindlei') liartman. John Ilartman was born in Saxony, coming to America when a young man. He lirst settled about forty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was married a few years later. He subsequently removed with his wife and two children, Jacob and Betsey, to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and there were born the following children - John, Katy, Henry, Abraham, Susie, Julia A., Isaac and Simon. The parents lived in Pennsylvania till their death. Isaac Hartman, our subject, grew to manhood in his native county, and was there married, May 2, 1826, to Miss Elizabeth Keister, and in the same county their three eldest children, Isaac, Julia A. and Elizabeth, were born, their children Susanna, Simon and Jacob being natives of Richland County, Ohio. Isaac Hartman was a cooper by trade, and for thirty years followed that avocation in Ohio. He came with his family to Kosciusko County, Indiana, in 1850, and settled on the farm near Burkett which he still owns and occupies. Foi- several years after coming here he followed his trade, being the pioneer cooper of Seward Township. A log cabin had been erected on his land by John Bybee, of Warsaw, before he settled on it, but no inqirovements had been made. He cleared and improved the land and brought it under ailne state of cultivation. Mr. Hartman has spent a long and useful life in Kosciusko County, and with his estimable wife is reaping the benefits of his j-ears of toil and industry, and are among the most respected and honored pioneers of the county. Mr. Hartman is now in his eighty-third year, and his wife in her seventy-eighth. They are in their sixty-first year of wedlock, and are perhaps the oldest married couple living in the county. They are the great-grandparents of twenty-five children. Mr. Hartman has always been an earnest member of the church, first of the Lutheran, and after coming to Richland County joined the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he belonged for thirty years. In 1878, owing to the long distance to his place of worship, he became a member of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Hartman has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since her girlhood. In an early day members of the Methodist Episcopal church had to meet on the first Saturday of each quarter to register and receive their ticket of admission to the love feast on the following morning, without which the doorkeeper would not allow them to enter. Mr. Hartman still has one of those tickets in his possession. Of their children, Julia Ann married Rev. E. M. Baker, and has five children - William, Isaac N., May E., Russel and John. Elizabeth married William Mullenhour, and the children of this union are - John, Isaac, William, Minor, Edward, Lyman, Amos and Hiram. Susannah has been twice married.her first husband being Lvman Lati- more, by whom slie had six children^Lemuel 1 L., Marion. Mary E., Hannah, Nash and Sophia. Ey her marriage with Christian Sarber she has five children - Nettie, Anuie, Julia, Isaac and Simon. Simon Hartman has been twice married. His lirst wife, Maria Martin, left at hei' death two children - Lilly and Julietta. He subsequently married Catherine Deardorff, and to this union have been born four children - Ulysses M., Harry H., Charles C. and Freddy B.

7|»^[0MM0D0RE CLEMANS, attorney at IIf' law, Pierceton, Indiana, is a native of ^i Madison County, Ohio, born near South Solon, December 27,"^1837, a son uf Thomas ]\L and Hannah (Round) Clemans, tlie father a native of Greenbrier County, Virginia, and the mother of Jackson County, Indiana. They were married in Ohio in 1834, the mother havino; gone with her mother (her father being dead) to that State when seven j years of age. They came with their family to Indiana in 1841 and settled on wild land in Tippecanoe Townsliip, Kosciusko County, which the father began to improve, but died in the year 1845. He was in his political views a Jacksonian Democrat. After his death Mrs. Clemans married John Hess. By her first marriage she had five children, of whom the first born, a daughter, died at the age of two years. Commodore is the eldest son; Francis M.,who died in Kansas in 1875, was a soldier in the late war, serving during the greater part of the Rebellion; John, en^ gaged in farming in Washington Township, served three years in the war of the Rebellion, and Joseph H. was killed at the battle of luka, Mississippi, in September, 1862. The mother was formerly a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but. later in life united with the United Brethren church in Turkey Creek Township. Commodore Clemans, wliose name heads this sketcli, was reare<l to agricultural pursuits, remaining with his mother till sixteen years of age, and till that time had oidy attended the district school one term. On leaving home he returned to his native county in Ohio, and attended school for one year, when he returned to Indiana, and spent one year in the high school at Goshen. He then pursued his studies at Warsaw. Kosciusko County, for two years, and subsequently worked as a farm hand until 1861, when he entered the Union Christian College at Merom, Indiana, re- 1 maining there nearly two years. In 1863 I he began reading law in the ofiice of John \ F. Caples, at Pierceton, and was admitted to the bar at Warsaw in 1869, when he commenced practicing law at Pierceton. Mr. Clemans was married near Webster, in Kosciusko County, January 2, 1859, to Miss Catharine Garver, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Mock) Garver, who were early settlers of Kosciusko County. They are the parents of two children - Astor C. and Mrs. Mary Brusingham. of Pierceton. In politics Mr. Clemans is a Democrat. He is one of the oldest members of the Masonic fraternity, and is a charter member of Acker Lodge, No. 321. A. F. & A. M.

JACOB BRUMBAUGH, deceased, was a resident of section 2. Jefferson Township, and was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio. He was one of the first settlers of the township. January 16, 1828, he was married to Susannah Bowser, and to this union six children were born - John, David M., George, William, Daniel and Calhoun. He immigrated from Ohio to tJiis county and township about tlio year 1835, where his widow now resides in her eightieth year. When Mr. Brumbaugh came to this township there were no houses, nothing but Indians and wild animals. He entered 240 acres of land, and later purchased 160 acres of partially-improved land, all of which is now well cultivated, making it one of the finest farms in the township. He died August 11, 1854. His son Daniel lives on the farm, and was the second white child born in Jefierson Township. Politically Mr. Brumbaugh was a Kepublican, as is also his son Daniel. He and his wife were members of the G. B. church, his wife being the only living member who was in the first organized church in Jeiferson Township.

y,irl!HARLES E. RAKTZ, an enterprising mS citizen of Lake Township, is a native of '^l Wabash County, Indiana, a son of Jacob and Mary (Edwards) Kantz, who came to Indiana from Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. When our subject was eight years old his mother died, and his father was again married, taking tV)r his second wife Miss Sarah Robinson, by whom he had four children - Mary, Benjamin, and two who are deceased, The children of the first marriage are - Henry, Calvin and Charles. The father made his home in Wabash County from 1837 until his death at the advanced age of eightyfour years. Charles E. Rantz, the subject of this sketch, was born in the year 1844. He was reared in Wabash County, and there received the benefits of the common schools. He was one of the brave lads who early volunteered in the service of their country, he enlisting three times before he was accepted. He was a brave and gallant soldier, and took part in the battles of the Wilderness,

Spottsylvania, Cold Ilai'lior. the siege of Petersbiirgh, and the taking of Richmond. His company was forty strong at the battle of the Wilderness, and after six weeks' continous fighting but nine remained, our subject being one of the number. His company mustered over 200 men during the term of service, and of these not more than a dozen escaped wounds or death. Mr. Rantz was married October 22, 1866, to Miss Mary J. Herendeen, who was born and reared on the land known as Wells addition to Silver Lake. Her parents, Joshua and Adelia(Owen) Herendeen, had a family of twelve children - Valentine R., Louisa, Sylvania, Rachel, Warreij, May, Benton, Preston, Albert, Wesley, Martha and Elmer. Three of the sons are deceased. The remainder of the family, with the exception of Albert, are married. To Mr. and Mrs. Rantz have been born four children - AVorthy L., Laura E., Walter A., and Grace, who died at the age of three years. All the cliildren have received good edncatic>nal advantages, and Worthy has taught school, although at present he is attending school, completing his education. Laura has almost completed her high-school studies. From 1865 till 1872 Mr. Rantz was engaged in farming and raising and dealing in stock. In 1872 he engaged in the mercantile and stock business in company with M. A. Farrell, with whom he was associated until 1875, when he purchased his present farm. He is now a partner in the firm of Hyer, Bybee & Co., who have carried on an extensive stock business for the past eight years, and are now doing the largest business in stock in Kosciusko County. Mr. Rantz shipped the first car-load of stock over the Chicago, Wabash & Michigan Railroad from Silver Lake, also the first car-load of stock over the Eel River Road from Manchester to Columbia City, Indiana. He put in the first pail- of stock scales at Silver Lake, which were owned by him. He is classed among the public-spirited men of Silver Lake, and in every enterprise for the advancement of his township or county he takes an active interest, and has done his share toward building up the business interests ot the village of Silver Lake.

fEORGE MIDDLETON was born in Seneca County, Ohio, June 23, 1816. When lie was still a child the family removed to Huron County, and lived there until they came to this county in 1834. There were the parents and two children - our subject and his brother Daniel, the two youngest children. The others were married, and remained in Ohio. They afterward followed the parents to Indiana, but returned to Oliio again, as they did not like Indiana Territory'. The family first settled in the northern portion of the village of Webstei-, and purchased forty acres of land from the Government, where the father commenced to make a home by building a log cabin after clearing away the trees and brush. The cabin was 16 ,\' 18 feet. There was no sawmill in the country, and they rived out the clapboards and used them for doors, made puncheon floors, and had greased paper for window lights. When the family came to this county there were only two families in Tippecanoe Township. These were the families of Benjamin Johnson and Ephraim Morehead, who were brothers-in-law. Both of these men had large families. Mr. Morehead first entered land in Tippecanoe Township, and in 1835 built a saw-mill at the head of Tippecanoe River, at the outlet of Morehead Lake. Two years afterward he built a grist-mill, and run it in connection with the saw-mill for four or five years, then sold out to Thomas G. Boydston, who died in 1860. This grist-mill had one run of stone to grind wheat and corn, and the bolt that separated the flour from the bran was run by hand power, it being turned by a crank like a grindstone. This bolt was used about two years, and then changed for M'ater power, like the rest of mill machinery. The mill was patronized by settlers twenty miles distant. Mr. Middleton states that there was a great deal of sickness in the country in an early day; there were scarcely well ones enough to take care of the sick. He has lived in this county ever since his arrival, with the exception of two years spent in the army. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and Nineteenth Regiment. He served nine months in the cavalry regiment, then became disabled l)}- the falling of his horse, which broke one of his ribs and injured his shoulder and upper arm so seriously that he was discharged in consequence. In Marcii, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry, and served with General Sherman. At Marietta, Georgia, he was detailed for hospital service, and went to Knoxville, Tennessee, and remained there until the close of the war. He was at Knoxville when Lee surrendei-ed, and when Lincoln was assassinated. He was discharged at that place in May, 1865, and returned to his old home, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Middleton was first married in July, 1839, to Lucinda Jay, a native of Ohio. They had two children - Ephraira, who was killed at the battle of Stone River during the late war, being a member of the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, and Nancy Ann, who is married and lives in Darke County, Ohio. October 15, 1847, Mr. Middleton was married to Barbara Ann Jarrett, who was a native ol

Virginia, and eanie from there to Wayne Count}', Indiana, witli lier parents when she was two years old. They lived there seven years, then removed to this county. Her parents, George B. and Elizabeth (Massy) Jarrett, were horn, reared and married in Virginia, and both died in this county. The father died in ISSi, aged about sixty-nine years, and is buried in the Webster cemetery. The mother died in 1883, aged about seventy years ,and is also buried at Webster. Mr. and Mrs. Middleton have had twelve children, six of whom are deceased. The living are - Eliza, Emma, Sylvester, Jonas, Luella and Ida. The deceased are - Emeline, George B., Elizabeth, Joseph, Letta and William. The children were all born in Webster. All that are living reside at Webster, and all the deceased are buried there except two, who are buried <>n the farm, and the one who was killed in the army. Pie, with two comrades, Holbrook and McLaughlin, lies buried on the battle-field, all three being residents of this county, and all enlisting from this county. Mr. Middleton was formerly an old-line Whig, and afterward a Republican until twelve years ago, when he became independent. His father died in Huron County, Ohio, in 1841, aged sixtytwo years. His mother died in 1839, also aged sixty-two years.

fACOB GAULT, farmer and stock-raiser, Harrison Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphin County, Tiear Ilarrisburg, April 29, 1805, a son of Hichard and Catherine Gault, natives also of Pennsylvania, the father of Irish, and the mother of German descent. When he was four j'ears old his parents moved to Fayette County, Penrisvlvania, and there Jie was reared. His early life was spent on a farm, and his educational advantages were limited. Of a family of nine children but two are living - Jacob and Abraham, the latter a resident of Michigan. April 1, 1830, Mr. Gault was married to Sarah Myers, who was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1808, a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Myers. Of fourteen children born to them, but live are living - Mary, wife of John Owen; Plannali Jane, wife of Henry Hallock, of Plymouth, Indiana; Cliristena, wife of Eugene Lensibough, of Elkhart County, Indiana; Rachel, wife of Charles Snow, of Marshall County, Indiana; and Pierce, of Plymouth. Mr. Gault lived in Ohio until 1861, when he came to Indiana, and for thi'ee years lived in Noble County. In 1864 he bought the farm where he now lives in Harrison Township, Kosciusko County, which contains 120 acres of good land. Mr. Gault is one of the representative citizens of his towtisliip, and a liberal supporter of all enterprises of public benefit. In politics he is a Democrat.

fOIIN M. BRUMBAUGH, farmer, section 6, Van Buren Township, is a native of Elkhart County, Indiana, born January 27, 1835, a son of Conrad and Catherine Brumbaugh, natives of Montgomery County, Ohio. He is the youngest of five children, four of whom are living - Lydia, Eve, Josephus and John M. The parents were of German descent, and moved to Elkhart County in 1832, locating in a wilderness ami, like all pioneers, had many hardships and privations to endure. They were members of the Dunkard church. The mother died in 1875, and the father in 1879. They were among the most respected of the pioneers of Elkhart County, and among her represents- tive citizens. John M. Brumbangli, onr subject, was reared in Elkhart County, receiving a good common-school education. He was reared a farmer, and with the exception of four years, when he was in the grocery business at Milford Junction, has followed that vocation. He came to Kosciusko County in 1880, and settled in Van Buren Township, having bought a part of the James McCloud estate. He owns about lifty-three acres of good land, and is meeting with fair success, his farm being well stocked, Hnd his building improvements comfortable and convenient. Mr. Brumbaugh was married February 25, 1855, to Sarah A. Pelfly, of Elkhart County, and to them were born ten children, four of whom are living - Ileuben; John D. ; Louisa, wife of Peter S. Rhodes; and Sarah A. Mrs. Brumbaugh died March 12, 1875, and September 21, 1875, he married Mary A. Kintigh, a native of Ohio, daughter of Daniel and Lydia Kintigh, who moved to Indiana when she was sixteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Brumbaugh have two children - JN'oah and Riley. In politics, like his father, Mr. Brumbaugh is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Dunkard church.

^m EWIS CLIPP, farmer and stock-raiser, Mrjf section 11, Jefferson Township, was born ^^ in Germany, November 10, 1841, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Grady) Clipp, also natives of Germany. The family immigrated to this country in 1853, and settled in Mahoning County, Ohio, removing to Elkhart County the following year, where he died in May, 1864. Our subject was twelve years of age when he came to this country. He lived in Mahoning County until June, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Ohio Volunteers, serving in that company until

August 27, 1864, when he was wounded in the second battle of Bull Run. He lay in the hosjiital until November, when he was honorably discharged from the service. In January, 1864, he came to Ohio and reenlisted in Battery A, First Ohio, and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Elkhart County, where he was married to Miss Eliza Clouse, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Jones) Clouse, natives of Pennsylvatiia, who came from Medina County, Ohio, to Elkhart County. Mr. and Mrs. Clipp have had six children - Mary Elizabeth, Emma, Melvin (deceased), Daniel, Elvira and Lewis Orville. All are living at home. In 1869 Mr. Clipp removed to Van Buren Township, this county, and to Jefferson Township in 1879. He purchased 240 acres of partially improved land, all of which he has improved until it is now in a good state of cultivation. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He is one of the representative men of Jefferson Township.

fACOB IvIMES, Sk., was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1814, son of Peter and Nancy (Leggett) Kimes. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and in 1833 was married to Elizabeth Hensinger. To this union were born eleven children, six of whom survive - George, Jacob, Daniel, John, Susan and Catherine. Mr. Kimes came to this county in 1836, from Ohio, where he liad lived about three years pieviously. He settled on his present farm on section 31, Plain Township, in the old "Menoquet Reserve," having entered 118 acres of land from the Government. His home was a wild forest, which at that time abounded with various species of wild game, and it was no remarkable thing to kill a deer before breakfast, and have it dressed and prepared for tlie iiioriiing meal. Mr. Kinies killed a deer on tlie first day of his arrival in the county, and in fact for many years the forest furnished, by his skillful marksmanship, much game and deer, upon which his family in those early pioneer days subsisted. The modern luxuries of beef, pork, etc., were not within the linancial grasp of the sturdy, honest pioneer. Mr. Kimes was a gi'eat hunter in those days, and his steady and sure aim sounded the death-knell of many a forest fowl and deer, but for the last twenty years, owing to the scarcity of game, his former hunting activity has gradually slackened. He was obliged to go to La Fayette for corn, and to Goshen, which contained the nearest grist-mill, lor his flour, and the unpleasant rides wliich he experienced can only be realized by those who have had a similar trial of traveling over those early corduroy roads and rough trails. He has seen much of pioneer life, and is one of the oldest living settlers of Kosciusko County. His wife died in 1884. He is entirely a self-made man. He commenced farming immediately upon his arrival here, with a pair of three-year-old steers and a wagon, and was somewhat in debt. He now owns 600 acres of excellent land, a monument to his untiring industry and perseverance. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as road supervisor. He was formerly a Whig. He is one of the representative pioneers of Kosciusko County.

ffACOB KIMES, Jr., was born in Kosj ciusko County, July 17, 1843, and was reared to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life, receiving his education in a district school. He was married January 2, 1868, to Julia Rosbrugh, daughter of Jacob

Rosbrugh, a pioneer of Plain Township. To this union were born three children - Erwiii E., Edward and Cora L. Mr. Kimes is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics a Republican. At present he is serving as school director. He owns 116 acres of good land, and is a successful farmer.

an active and an of Packerpresentative citizen of Clay Township, is a native of Huron County, Oliio, being reared and educated in the common schools of his native State. He was married in 1859 to Miss Rosina Schnurr, and of the eight children born to this union, only three are living, named as follows - AVilliam A., Alice and Joseph. Mr. Walter owned and operated a distillery in Monroeville, Ohio, for a time, which he sold to his partner, John Lanwehr, in 1861, when he came to Columbia City, Whitley County, Indiana, and was there engaged in the rectifying business for one year. In 1862 he was elected to the office of coroner of Whitley County, serving as such for two years. He was twice elected marshal of Columbia Citj'. From 1862 till 1863 he carried on a grocery in Columbia City, and in the latter year erected a still and engaged in the manufacture of high-wines till 1866. The following year he remodeled his still-house, making extensive additions, and converting it into a brewery, which is to-day known as the Eagle Brewery, and has a capacity of thirty barrels per day. In 1870 he disposed of his brewery, and later embarked in the grocery and saloon business, which he followed most of the time till his removal to Packerton in 1883. He immediately erected a neat two-story hotel, the lot on which the hotel stands being at that time covered with saw-logs, which he removed. Tlie liotel is well and comfortably furnished, the bed-rooms being neat and cosy and the table being always supplied with the delicacies of the season. This hotel contains the only bar in tiie village, and in connection with it there is a good livery and feed stable for the accommodation of the traveling public. No liner hotel can be found in a town of the size of Packerton in Northern Indiana, and by his genial and accommodating manners Mr. Walter makes an excellent host. In 1853 Mr. Walter went to California via the Panama route, and in company with his brother and two other men engaged in mining, in which they met with success. They built a large flume across Trinity County, California, which improvement was disposed of to good advantage, and in that State Mr. Walter laid the foundation of his future prosperity.

jaENJAMlN LOWE, farmer, section 11, Jni^ Wayne Township, was born in Wayne V^ County, Ohio, April 11, 1841. When about twelve years of age he removed with his parents, Elijah and Lucy Lowe, to Miami County, where he was reared and educated. His parents were among the first settlers of that county. They had five cliildren - Joseph, Oliver, Elizabeth, Lucy and Benjamin. March 4, 1875, our subject was married to Annetta Brundige, born November 21, 1841, daughter of LTriah and Adaline Brnndige. The mother died when Annetta was two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have four children - Laura, born January 13, 1876; Clyde U., born December 10, 1877; Martha, horn Mai'ch 21, 1879, and Lucy, born March 4, 1881. In the fall of 1879 Mr. Lowe came to this county and settled jfxEWIS DEWART, one of the old piomw neers of Kosciusko County, and a pros- ^F^ perous farmer of Van Buren Township, was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1826, his parents, Samuel and Margaret Dewart, having been natives of the same State. He was reared in his native State, where he received a fair education, attending the common school and for a short time attended a high school. In June, 1844, he immigrated with his parents to Kosciusko County, Indiana, settling on section 24, on a heavily timbered tract of land, where he grew to manhood, amid pioneer scenes, experiencing many of the privations incident to pioneer life. He was married in Kosciusko County November 30, 1854, to Nancy Brady, and of the seven children born to this union five are living - John, born April 24, 1857; Samuel, born March 1, 1860; James, born March 29, 1862; Sarah E., born June 27, 1864, and Minerva J., born March 5, 1867. Sarah E. married Mathias Warbel, and Minerva is the wife of Charles Rookstool. Mrs. Dewart died in 1869, and in Februai-y, 1870, Mr. Dewart married Mrs. Barbara Snodgrass, boi'n in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 8, 1840, a daughter of John and Susan Overleese, with whom, when quite young, she came to Elkhart County, Indiana. Her parents had nine children, eight still living - Jane, Phoebe A., Barbara, Minerva J., William, Martha, David and Robert. By his second marriage Mr. Dewart had four children - Robert, born May 7, 1871; Lemuel, October 11, 1873; Salome, October 11, 1876, and one who is deceased. By her mar- riage with Wasliington Snodgrass Mrs. Dewart had eight ciuklreii, only two now living - Emanuel, l)orn in September, 1859, and Susan, born January 29, 18G4. Mr. Dewart has been successful in his farming operations, and now has 457 acres of good land. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served liis township as school director some fourteen years. He is a public-spirited citizen, and takes an active interest in all enterprises for the good of his township or county. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, of which he is at present serving as circuit steward.

fOHN B. MORFOKD was born in Wabash County, Indiana, February 3, 1855, and was there reared to manhood. He was married in March, 1879, to Eva Summers, and they have five children - Walter, Howard, Ina, Cora and Nora. Politically he is a Republican. Messrs. Morford & Summers started their popular meat-market in January, 1886, and are doing a paying business. In May they re-opened the Empire Hotel, which contains eighteen well-Htted rooms for the accommodation of the traveling public. Already the house has a large patronage under their management. They are recognized among Leesburgh's most public-spirited and enterprising citizens.

.|»»ARSHAL SUMMERS has been a '||MOT resident of this county since January "=^^©5^ 1, 1886, and is a jiartner of the wellknown Urm of Morford & Summers, proprietors of the meat-market and the Empire Hotel at Leesburgh. He was born in Siielby County. Indiana, xiugust 5, 1853, son of

Jackson and Rachel M. Su miners, the former of whom is deceased. His youth was spent on a farm. January 9, 1879, he was married to Miss Mary Morford, of Wabash County, Indiana. The}^ have one child - Ora E. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican.

jEV. NORMAN B. HEETER is a native M" of Kosciusko County, Indiana, born May 2, 1855. He was reared in his native county, receiving good educational advantages, being educated with a view to entering the ministry. February 9, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Studebaker, a daughter of Samuel and Louisa Studebaker, of Jackson Township. They are the pai'ents of one child, Amsey E., who was born May 4, 1885. Mr. Heeter was ordained a minister in the German Baptist church June 19, 1885, he having acted as deacon prior to his ordination. He has for several years been one of Kosciusko County's successful public-school teachers, and as a laborer in the Master's vineyard he is zealous and conscientious, and is active in advancing the interests of the church. Politically he afhliates with the Democratic party. His father, Ira Heeter, was a native of the State of Ohio, born August 5, 1830, and was a son of John and Ruth Heeter. He was married May 22, 1853, to Mary Cook, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Cook. She was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, coming with her parents to Indiana in 1843, when they settled in Wabash County. Mr. Ira Heeter was a resident of Kosciusko County trom 1849 until his death, which occurred in February, 1886. Of his children only one is living, Norman B.. our subject. In April, 1876, he settled on section 3, Wayne Township, the present home of liis widow. In his political iitfiliatioiis he was a Democrat. lie was an active worker for tlie church, heinff a member of the German Baptist denomination, and died in tlie hope of a blessed iinmortality. He was a kind husband and affectionate father, and an upright and honorable man in all his dealings with his fellow citizens. Mrs. Ira Heeter is also a member of the German Baptist church.

fSAAC N". LUCAS, hardware merchant of Packerton, was born on the old homestead ^ farm inClajTownship, Kosciusko County, Indiana, August 5, 1850, a son of Isaac and Catharine Lucas, who were among the first pioneers of Clay Township, the father being a native of Ohio, and the mother of Pennsylvania, she having been brought to Ohio bj her parents, Robert and Nancy (Carr) Simison, in an early day. The parents came from Higiiland County, Ohio, and settled in Clay Township in 1838, in the thick woods, and there erected a pole shanty, which they covered with bark. Only a few trees had been felled previous to their coming, by the Indians, who were still numerous in this neighborhood, which was a favoiite hunting ground for the last of the Pottawatomie and Miami tribes. The father was a skilled mechanic, and was of gi-eat service to the early settlers. For some time after coming here he worked at the cooper's trade, making barrels for the settlers, while his wife busied herself at I er loom, which she hud brought from Ohio, set it up in her cabin, and there she plied her shuttle, early and late, weaving cloth and coverlets for the neighbors. Siie was an artist in this line, and has yet in her possession some elegant specimens nf her handiwork. After purchasing his 160-acre tract tlie father was left without money, but by hard work and persevei'ing energy, he accumulated a good competency for his old age. Ills first farming was done on the pioneer farm of Joel Long, one of tlie first settlers, and a man who aided not only Mr. Lucas, but many other men in that early day, when their land was covered with timber. Isaac, the father, built a liewed-log cabin, which is still standing, and in which a number of his children were born. His iirst child was born in Ohio, the remainder being natives of Kosciusko County, Indiana. They are as follows - Isabella J., wife of Cyrus E. Conkling; Calvin L., born August 14, 1840, his birth being one of the first in this part of the county; Ezra, born March 2, 1842; Elizabeth, born May 12, 1844; William H., born October 29, 1845; Mary, born December 15, 1847; Isaac N., our subject; Robert- S., born November 30, 1857; all of whom received a good common-school education in the schools of this county. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian church in Ohio, and although there were hardly a score of people in their neighborhood after coming here, they determined to erect a house of worship. Having no money, Isaac and his wife addressed a letter to the members of his church in Highland County asking for aid, which was sent to the amount of $100 in cash. The church, which was named Highland, was completed by the aid of other parties, and is still standing. It was dedicated when the only members were Isaac and Catherine Lucas, Jacob and Catherine Hapner, and Nancy and Mary J. Simison, yet it has grown and prospered, and this religions body now worships in a handsome brick structure, which has lately been erected. The death of Isaac Lucas, Sr., occurred March 30, isr;5, his wife surviving till February 25, 1869. They left eight children, all of whom are uiarried except the youngest son, and six are residents of KosciusJco County. Isaac N. Lucas, wiiose name lieads this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and was engaged in farming on the homestead farm till within the last three years. He was united in marriage October 17, 1874, to Miss Annie C. Swank, and of the four children born to them, three are living - Minnie C, Homer A. and Antoinette. Arthur O., the eldest child, is deceased. In 1883 Mr. Lucas removed with his family to Packerton, where he erected a handsome two-story brick residence, the only one yet in the village. On coming to Packerton he engaged in the hardware business, ])iitting in a tine stock, and by energy and industry, and strict attention to his business, he has been prosperous, and has built up a fine trade, which is steadily increasing. Mr. Lucas was active in tlie erection of the new Presbyterian church, and is one of its first trustees, and is also secretary and treasurer, as well as serving as an elder. He is now the owner of the old church building, wliich was the home of those devout Christians for so many years.

^TEPHEN N. COOK was born in this '^l county April 22, 1845, son of John W. '^^ and Ann Cook. He was thoroughly educated in the common branches in the public schools of this county, and for a short time was engaged in teaching. Having studied instrumental and vocal music at the musical conservatory at Fort Wayne, tliis State, he is considered rjuite proficient in this fine art, and is accordingly employed in teaching it to some extent. May 25, 1876, he was married to Miss Etta Valentine, (hiughter tif Samuel K. and Lutetia Valentine, the latter now deceased. Their three children are - Carrie G., born March 14, 1877; Clarence O., born September 28, 1878. and William IL, born June 6,1881. Mr. Cook is the owner of ninety-six acres of good land, and resides on section 3, Wayne Township. In his political principles he sympathizes with Republicanism.

""^SjiSr-j was born in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, March 6, 1856, the second child of Jacob and Rachel (Phillips) Klingel, the father a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and the mother of Darke County, Ohio. They were married at Eaton, Ohio, in 1851, removing to Kosciusko County, Indiana, in 1856, when the subject of this sketch was six months old, and settling in Monroe Township. In 1863 they removed to Pierceton, Kosciusko County, Indiana, where they have since made their home. They were the parents of four children, three of whom still survive - Mary, wife of Joseph Orr, of Bourbon, Indiana; William J., our subject, and Allie M., living at home. J. M. died, aged about one year. William J. Klingel was reared in Kosciusko County. At the age of fourteen years he began working for his uncle, Joel Phillips, a farmer of Monroe Township, being employed on the farm during the summer months, and in the winter attending the district schools, where he obtained a fair common-school education. In 1877, on attaining his majority, he apprenticed himself to learn the harness-maker's trade under AVilliam Fenton, of Pierceton. After serving his ajiprenticeship he worked as a journeyman in Warsaw and Larwill, Indiana, until 1882. June 29, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa M. Faulkilk ner, born in Monroe Townsliip, Kosciusko County, June 23, 1857, a daughter of Robert N. and Julia A. (King) Faulkner. To this union has been born one son - Charles R., the date of his birth being April 23, 1883. Mrs. Klingel's father is a native of New York State, born January 21, 1822, and her mother was born in Ohio June 6, 1831. In 1882 Mr. Klingel established his harness shop in Sidney, which he carried on till the spring of 1886, when he sold out his business on account of failing health, and has since followed hotel-keeping in Sidney. In politics Mr. Klingel casts his suflrage with the Democratic party. He is a member of Packerton Lodge, No. 620, I. O. O. F.

^RS. SEMERAMIS LONG, postmis- J/fflVat tress at Silver Lake, having spent ^4^*^ twenty-one years teaching, assumed the duties of her present office May 11, 1885, and her education and knowledge of business fit her higiily for that position. She was united in marriage at her parents' home in Warsaw, Indiana, December 23, 1863, to Moses J. Long, who was a noted attorney of Kosciusko County. He was born in Henry County, Indiana, November 21, 1832, on the farm of his parents, Elisha and Melinda Long. His parents had a family often children - Martha, Sarah, Anna, Riioda, Matilda, Ellen, Joel, Moses, Dicy and Van, all of tlie sons becoming noted men. The death of iiis father occurred wiien Moses was twelve years of age, and in 1846 the family came to Kosciusko County, locating on the Hiram Hall farm, near Leesburgh. The sons acquired a thorough education, and the two youngest were afterward teachers. Moses Long began the study of law with Judge Staniield, of South Bend. Indiana, and was admitted to the bar of Kosciusko County in 1857, when he opened an office in Warsaw, with Judge Lowry, of Goshen, as senior partner. His brother Van was later admitted to the bar, and the brothers formed a partnership which lasted many years, and was a noted legal firm of the county, doing an immense practice. This firm was dissolved in 1871, Van Long being elected to the bench. The judicial knowledge of the latter led to his appointment by President Cleveland as Chief Justice of New Mexico in 1885. Moses Long removed with his family to Silver Lake, Indiana, in October, 1877, and took charge of his farm near town, close confinement to business having undermined his health, which gradually failed until his death, which occurred February 12, 1881, leaving a wife and three children, Hattie W., Van and Robert T., to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father. He was a man strong in his convictions of right and wrong, and was equally strong ill his advocacj' of the one and his antagonism of the other. He never failed to help a friend who came to him for advice or assistance, and many there are who cherish his memory. Mrs. Long, whose name lieads this sketch, is a daughter of Robert and Jane Cowen,who were widely known in Kosciusko County in an early day. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in 1810, and were pioneers in the State of Micliigan as well as in Kosciusko County. On leaving their native State in 1835, they first located in Leouidas Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan, at which place Robert Cowen and his brother James erected a mill. Indians were very numerous in that locality, and many came to their house and mill to exchange venison, etc., for flour, pork or bread. When they first went to Michigan, no school-houses bein^,'- in the neighborhood, Mr. Cowen built an addition to his house.

which was used for a long time for ciuirch and school purposes. Tliey came to Kosciusko Cotintj. Indiana, in 1S51, and Mrs. Cowen opened a school at Warsaw. She was a very popular teacher, and at that time had no superior in the county as an instructor and disciplinarian. For twenty-five years she ably conducted a private school, and among her scholars are found many people of noto in the county. Durin<T the war she was an active member of the Dorcas Society, which sent large quantities of needed supplies to the soldiers, and in every enterprise with which she was connected she was always a leader. Her death, which was a source of universal regret, occurred at her residence at "Warsaw, September 27, 1876. Her daughters, Martha and Semeramis, were highly educated both in classics and music, teaching both. Ilobert Cowen, since the death of his wife, has made his home witli his daughter, Mrs. Long, and her children, at Silver Lake. He is well remembered in connection with the building of the first Presbyterian church in 1858, which was erected on the lot now occupied by the opera house. By his quiet, exemplary life he has gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him, and although he has passed his three-score years and ten, he is content to wait his time until the Master shall say, "It is enough, come up higher."

fEORGE TINKEY, a prominent agriculturist of Harrison Township, is a native of this county, and was born May 22, 1839. His father was Noah Tinkey, an early settler of Kosciusko County. July 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, which was attached to the Fourteenth Army Corps, the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the Ijattles of Chickamauga, Nashville, etc. At the first mentioned, September 19, 1863, he received a severe wound in the arm, this being the only casualty happening to him during his military experience, which ended in July, 1865. For fonrteen months he was a member of the Second Battalion of the Veteran Reserve Corps. On the 29th of September, 1865, he was married to Miss Lucretia J., daughter of Norris and Rebecca Jarrett, who settled in this county in an early day. Mr. and Mi-s. Tinkey have had tlii-ee children - Charles M., born February 14, 1870; Oluna, January 21, 1872, and Murlie D., April 28, 1876. Mrs. Tinkey's parents had seven children, three of whom are living - Leander; Alice, wife of Jacob East, and Lucretia J. Mr. Tinkey's farm is unquestionably one of the best improved in the county. He owns 297 acres of land, and is also interested in a mercantile business in Claypool, Indiana. He yjossesses good business ability. He is a member of the United Brethren church, in which he has served as class-leader and steward. He is also a member of Kosciusko Post, No. 114, (4. A. R. Both himself and intelligent wife are prominent and influential in society. Residence, section 10.

fOHN P. BUTTERBAUGH, farmer, Plain Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, September 23, 1838. His parents were Samuel and Catherine Butterbaugh, natives of Pennsylvania. Their surviving children are - John P., Mary, Daniel, Catherine, George, Levi, Noah and Allen. John was brought to this county by his parents when he was an infant, and here he was reared to manhood. He - married Elizabeth Roland, a native of Ohio, and they have had seven children, six living - Alice, Melvin, Emma, Catherine, Susan and .Vrtliiir ]«. Mr. Butterbaiigh owns ninety-two acres of good farming land. He is a consistent member of the German Baptist church, and is at present officiating as deacon. He has a comfortable home and resides on section 22. Politically he is a Republican.

RA SAMPLE, an active and enterprising agriculturist of Kosciusko County, resid- ^ iiig on section 4, Harrison Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Mifflin County, June 21, 1812, a son of William and Betsy (Scott) Sample, the former being of Irish ancestry, and the latter of Scotch descent. His father's brother was a soldier in the war of 1812. In early childhood our subject was taken by his parents to Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and there he was reared to manhood, receiving but a limited education in the schools of that county. He left his native State in his twenty-fourth year for Indiana, and while coming through Ohio he met an old friend, John Wilson, whose family he accompanied to Indiana. He first located in Whitley County, his father coming shortly after, but did not live long after locating in Whitley County. Mr. Sample was married in Kosciusko County, February 20, 1845, to Miss Lucinda Morris, a daughter of Bevan and Mary A. Morris, who were both natives of North Carolina. They were among the first settlers of Kosciusko County, settling in Turkey Creek Township in 1838, where Mr. Morris lived till his death. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sample, of whom four yet survive - Minerva A., wife of Christopher Maggret, of Kosciusko County; Zachary T. ; Lenora C, wife of Oliver Miller, and Barbara Ellen, widow of the late Amos Longfellow. Nancy C, Marv

A., and Eliza J. are deceased. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Sample removed from Whitley to Noble County, Indiana, where he resided man)' years near the Kosciusko County line. He lived almost six years in the State of Iowa, before the war of the Rebellion. In the spring of 1874 he settled on his present farm in Harrison Township, where he has eighty acres of good land well improved. He has seen much of pioneer life, and by a life of energy and industry has accumulated his present fine property. He has been an e.\tensive traveler throughout the Western States and Territories, and is a well informed man on general topics. In piolitics he casts his suffrage witii the Republican party.

,-^ .NTHONY M. BURNS, M. I)., is a V\, native of Carroll County, Indiana, a - ^ son of Anthony and Sarah (Mayer) Burns, who were born, reared and married in Butler Count}', Ohio, the father being of Scotch and the mother of German ancestry. They were among the first settlers of Carroll County, locating there in 1829, and with their own hands reared their humble lug cabin. Their nearest neighbor lived sixmiles from them. The surrounding country was then principally inhabited by Indians. On coming to that county the father entered 400 acres, and at once began improving his land. He lived to an advanced age, dying August 22, 1882, at the age of eighty-eight years. The mother is yet living, now in her eighty-second year. They reared seven children, all being natives of Carroll County, Indiana, e.xf^ept the eldest daughter. Anthony M. Burns, the subject of this sketch, passed his youth in his native county, reeeivine: excellent educational advantaa-es. He began studying medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. George P. Wood, of Deer Creek, Carroll County, and after a two years' course of study he matriculated at the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, graduating from that institution three years later. In 1877 the degree of Ph. D. was conferred upon him by the University of Pennsylvania, the oldest institution of its kind in America. Mr. Burns began practicing medicine in Clement, Clinton County, Illinois. In 1876 he returned to Carroll County, Indiana, and from there he removed to LaFontaine,Wabash County. He remained at La Fontaine till his removal to Silver Lake in 1882, where he has since built up a large and lucrative practice, and by his honorable and upright dealing he has gained the confideitce and respett of all who know him. Dr. Burns was united in marriage in 1882 to Miss Alma Talmage, and after her death, which occurred the same year, he married in 1884 Miss Lydia Davis, of Chicago. The doctor is one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of the village in which he makes his home. He is well skilled in the science of medicine and surgery, yet intends still further to become master of the most intricate of modern surgery by taking a course of lectures at the Polyclinic College at New York.

Kosciusko Co. Court House

the presom the intieise in population ind wealth, from the general diffusion of ^j knowledge, and the indention and use of machinery in all departments of industry, the opinions, habits and pursuits of men are constantly changing, it is not without intera^T^i^w est to look backward to the early *i*-^I/ settlement of the land, and from the simple annals of the intrepid pioneei-s learn something of what they endured, and trace the chii.iiges which have taken place not onh' in the appearance of the country, but conditions of the people.

Under the illusions of fancy, we are apt to blend the true with the false, to lose sight of the difficulties and dangers encountered and see only the successful issue.

It is true that the majority of the pioneers were unlearned men, yet they were none the less great. It required muscle to fell the giant oak, and men who were able to do this possessed some of the rudiments of a business education, and the few now living are mostly men of wealth and unblemished rejiutation.

were pooi'. hardy, strong and hospitable. Their strength made them self-reliant, and their poverty nevei- closed their cabin door. They were fitted by nature to build up a new country, and restless under the conservative influences of old and established communities, they fled from what men call luxuries and securities of civilized life, to try the dangers and discomforts of a new country.

If asked why the exchange was made, in all probability the answer would be, to promote their success in life; but underneath all this was the love of forest life and freedom from conventional restraint. Accustomed to face these privations, the early settler soon learned to regard tlieiri as of little moment.

The forests abounded with game, and each owned a trusty rifle. The mills fift^' miles away furnished corn meal in abundance, and if some one more fortunate than the rest had money enough to lay in a good supply, he freely exchanged a part with some less fortunate individual for almost anj'thing he iiad for barter, else it was loaned outright.

Many of the early settlers came without teams; some having not enough goods to make a load would join together, hire a team to bring them while they went ahead to clear a road through the virgin forest to the place intended for a home.

the dense forests of this county a beautiful but discouraging sight was exposed to view. A picture more sublime than that produced by nature's artist can not be imagined. The many beautiful lakes with varied water courses flowing in different directions presented a magnificent view. This, to tiie seeker of a home which was to be secured by the productions of the country, took from the poetry of nature all its greatest pleasures.

Gazing upon these beauties promised no remuneration; the normal condition of the lands, the inferior facilities for preparing the soil, and the wolf that threatened his door, admonished him thatyearsof toil were in store.

Tliat self-same spirit of determination which had induced him to separate from home and friends, and which had accompanied him upon his perilous and tedious journey to the wilds of Indiana, did not forsake him.

Witii the ax brought from the land of his nativity he erects a rude cabin for himself and family. The frugal meal of corn bread and venison is eaten with relish. At once he proceeds to fell the trees surrounding his cabin. Day after day the echo of the neverfailing ax is heard in the forest. An occasional arrival of a new family who liave determined to seek their fortune in these wilds fills his heart with joy. The spring following, all the pioneers of the neighborhood assemble to engage in " log-rolling." When the task is completed at one place, they proceed to another, until all the trees that have fallen victims to the ax are removed. The ground is then as well prepared for seed as is possible. Slowly, but surely, is the work executed. The coming autumn brings the satisfaction of seeing a meager crop of corn, wheat and potatoes, but perhaps enough to last the family through the winter. Thus were the magnificent lands of this county prepared, and to-day we can

In this country those occurrences live only in story. The cabins are one by one being superseded by elegant residences. Some of the first erected yet stand; it seems almost a sacrilege to tear them down; every log, every chink has a history; could they speak they would tell us of toil and privation; the days made sacred by the births of children, or the death of loved ones; of religious services held, when no place of public worship had yet been erected; of the merry-makings, when neighbors for miles around came to see the young bride and groom, and enjoy a wedding dinner skillfully prepared, but which consisted mainly of corn bread, maple syrup, a haunch of venison and roast wild turkey. The clothing, diet and customs of the country have undergone a complete change; indeed, it seems as if a new race had taken possession of the land. Your fathers formed the advance guard of the pioneer army, and the forerunners of an era of prosperity; men who braved the hardships of the forest, and labored year after year to transform it into a fertile region and earn from the kindly earth a livelihood and competence. Some sank down in the struggle and died, their life-work but half completed; some have survived the shock of time, and, in their declining years, enjoy the fruits of their labors, and to tell to younger generations the tale of their trials during the years of pioneer life. To these men we are indebted for the facts which form the basis of both township and county history, by which we are enabled to assign to their proper place the names of those who took an active part in developing this county. To those noble men and women, most of whom are sleeping that dreamless sleep, is this volume respectfully dedicated.

Early History

lies in the northeastern part of Indiana, south twenty-three miles from the Michigan State line, and west forty-five miles from the Ohio State line.

within the present limits of Kosciusko County were ceded i to the United States October 27, 1832. The President of the Commission, on the part of the United States, was ex-Governor Jonathan Jennings. The agent for the Indians was General John Tipton. The principal chiefs were " Flat-belly," " Waw-wa-esse," and his brother " Musquabuck." The treaty was about three miles from the present site of Kochester, in Fulton County, on the south bank of Tippecanoe Kiver, threequarters of a mile from where the Michigan Road crosses the stream. The treaty was

At the session of the General Assembly of 1834-'35, the boundaries of Kosciusko County were defined and established as follows, to-wit: Beginning at the northwest corner of section 3, township 34 north, range 4 east, thence east with the line dividing townships 34 and 35, distance twenty-one miles, thence south eighteen miles to the correctingparallel; thence west with said parallel one and threefourths miles to the northeast corner of township 31, range 7 east, thence south on the east line of townships 31 and 30, range 7 east, nine miles to the southeast corner of section 13, township 30, range 7 east, thence west through the center of said range 30 eighteen miles, thence north three miles, thence west, between townships 30 and 31 three miles, thence north six miles, to the correcting parallel at the northwest corner of section 3, township 31, range 4 east, thence east with said correcting parallel, one and one-fourth miles, to the southwest corner of section 34, township 32, range 4 east, thence through the center of townships 32, 33 and

34, range 4 east, eighteen miles to the place of beginning. Area, 558 square miles; bounds verified by Ellis Kiser, civil engineer for the company. The C(junty is bounded on the north by Elkhart, south by Wabash and Fulton, east by Noble and Whitley, and west by Fulton and Marshall counties. .

This county was named by Hon. John B. Chapman, in honor of Thaddeus Kosciusko, a Polish noble, of distinguished family and large estate, and graduate from The French Military School at Versailles. He left bis native land, came to America, and offered his services to General Washington in the cause of American freedom. He was assigned by Washington to a position as his Aid-de-camp, and througliout the conflict Kosciusko fought valiantly, and was a warm personal friend of both General Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He returned to Switzerland, and died October 17, 1817, aged sixty-one years.

The county is watered by Tippecanoe Kiver, and numerous lakes which it drains, and by Turkey Creek. The former rises in the northeast, and flows in a southwestern direction to the Wabash River. Turkey Creek rises in Nine-Mile Lake, and leaves the county at the north. Eel River flows through the county for a short distance in the southeastern corner.

The principal lakes are as follows: Nine- Mile Lake, in the northeast corner, the largest in the county, being Ave miles long and over two in width. Tippecanoe Lake, Eagle Lake, Little Eagle Lake, Pike Lake, Center Lake (joining Warsaw), Barber's Lake, Hoffman's Lake, Beaver Dam Lake, Silver Lake, Ridinger's Lake, Palestine Lake, Yellow Creek Lake, Walda Lake, Wawbee's Lake (corrupted from AVaw-wa-esse). There are also numerous lagoons and small streams. The topography of the county is well adapted to agriculture and horticulture. The climate is ppculiarh' pleasant; the heat of summer is modified by the numerous water courses and lakes, and the same modifying influence is found in winter, the more intense culd being absorbed by the water. The railroad facilities secure easy transit to the large cities of the East, West, North and South, and afford equal facilities for shipping to and from those and intermediate points.

Quite a large number of Indians were yet residents of this county when the first settlements were made. Most of the Indian lands had been ceded to the general Government, yet several tribes of the Miami and Pottawatomie nations held tracts in this county.

The villages of the Pottawatomies werealong the Tippecanoe River in the center of this county, and their principal tribes were those headed by the noted chieftains, Musqua-buck, Mo-no-quet, Che-cose and Mo-ta.

The village of the former was located upon the present site of Oswego. The second where tlie village of Monoquet stands, the only one having the name of either of the chieftains. Monoquet was the most important, by reason of its population. The third chief had his village upon the river below Warsaw, while Mo-ta with his band occupied sections 33 and 34, in Prairie, and sections 3 and 4 in Harrison Township. More than half the Indians in 1835 acknowledged allegiance to Mo-no-quet and Mus-qua-buck. Only two of the principal chiefs of the Miami tribes were residents of this county in 1835, and by a treaty concluded October 23, 1834, Flatl)elly and Waw-wa-csse ceded the remainder of the lands that lay in this county to the Government. Waw-wa-esse's village was situated in Yan Buren Township near the southeast corner of Wa-bee's Lake, two and one-half miles from Milford. Flat-belly's headquai-ters were in Noble County near the east line of Kosciusko, and the lands beloiig-inir to him

The most important treaty to the people of this county was made October 27, 1832, which was ratified by the President and Senate January 21, 1833, and was the signal for immediate occupation by the whites. The Indians had small reservations, which were made to include their villages.