Kosciusko County, Indiana - The whole text, 1919 (part 6 of 11)

THOMAS JENSEN. There is no sturdier and better citizen of Kosciusko County than this native of Denmark, who came to America when @ young man and by sheer force of will and industry has created for himself and family an enviable prosperity, and lives on one of the best farm homes in Turkey Creek Township, in section 34, six miles southeast of Syracuse.

Mr. Jensen was born in Denmark October 26, 1854, son of Jens Arickson and Cecil Larsen. His parents spent all their lives in Denmark. The father was a blacksmith, and later followed the business of farming. Of their nine children seven are still living. Two brothers of Mr. Jensen came to the United States, Lars, who developed a

Thomas Jensen lived in Denmark until he was nineteen years of age. He acquired a common school education and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade. When he put into practice his resolution to come to America he had to borrow money to pay his passage. His first employment here during one summer was as a workman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railway, and from his savings he sent back home the money to repay what he had borrowed. In the fall of the same year he went to work on a farm near Milford, Indiana, was there nineteen months, and then learned the miller's trade in a flour mill at Syracuse. He worked there eight years and was promoted to foreman and manager and continued the milling business altogether for twenty years.

In March, 1880, Mr. Jensen married Miss Perrilla Hendrickson. She was born and reared near Syracuse. After his marriage Mr. Jensen rented a farm on Elkhart Prairie four years, and for five years farmed along Solomon's Creek. In 1908 he acquired his present place ef 105 acres, known as the Jensen Stock Farm. His chief business is raising cattle, and the quiet and efficient way in which he handles his affairs is a satisfactory explanation of his success.

Mr. Jensen is a thorough American, is a naturalized citizen, and. is thoroughly in harmony with American ideals of democracy. He was formerly affiliated with and passed the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he votes as a republican. His wife is a member of the Church of God.

Six children were born to their marriage: JLatone, a farmer in Elkhart County ; Ladene, clerk in a general store at Syracuse; Lafern, now in the United States Army; Lamerle, who is employed by the Lightning Rod firm at Goshen; Lela M., deceased; and Marie M., at home. The son Lafern Jensen lived at home until he was nineteen years of age, acquiring a common school education, and was then employed by Sol Myers & Company at Ligonier. He went south for a time, following which he entered the service of H. L. Solomon & Company of Lima, Ohio, and left a salary of $2.500 a year with that real estate firm to enlist as a mechanic in the aviation corps of the United _States Army. He is now in training at Fort Worth, Texas.

GrorceE Cox. In the course of a long and active career George Cox has solved many of the problems of the agriculturist, has met and discharged the responsibilities of good citizenship and has gained an enviable prosperity and place in his community as a resident of Tippecanoe Township.

His people were pioneers in Kosciusko County. Mr. Cox was born January 14, 1851, and his birthplace farm three quarters of a mile north of North Webster is now owned by him. It is not far from his place of residence, which is a small farm of ten acres 114 miles southeast of North Webster and three quarters of a mile south of Yellow Banks.

was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. Jacob Cox when four years old accompanied his parents from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where he lived to the age of seventeen, and then came to Kosciusko County. Kosciusko County was at that time almost a wilderness. The family made the journey in a wagon and crossed through the Black Swamp. After a year's stay stay near North Webster Mr. Cox returned to Ohio and on coming back to Kosciusko County walked the entire distance. He was a poor man and madc his living by working at monthly wages until he was about twenty-eight years old. He did much of the heavy pioneering work, such as splitting rails, grubbing stumps, as well as the usual routine of a farm. His wife, Mary A. Mock, was the daughter of Michael and Catherine Mock. She accompanied her parents to Kosciusko County when seven years old and there she grew to womanhood. After their marriage Jacob Cox located on the homestead farm three-quarters of a mile north of North Webster and cleared and improved that and made it his home the rest of his life. They had four children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: George; Lucinda, wife of Sylvester Middleton; and Franklin, who lives in Wisconsin and married Edith Fiddler.

Mr. George Cox has spent all his life in Tippecanoe Township and was educated partly in the North Webster schools and partly in the Lindamood school. As a boy he also shared in some of the hard labor of his time by splitting rails and clearing land. In September, 1876, he shot and killed the last wild deer known to have been in Kosciusko County. This occurred a quarter of a mile west of North Webster.

January 9, 1881, Mr. Cox married Miss Mary Jarrett, who was born in Turkey Creek Township of this county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cox lived at Boydston Postoffice a year and a half, and then moved to his present farm home. In 1905 he bought the old homestead and occupied it as his residence seven years, when he returned to his present place.

Mr. and Mrs. Cox have two children: Lizzie, born June 26, 1882, spent two years in the high school at Warsaw and is now the wife of John Garber. They live on the old Albert Garber farm and have one son, Robert F., born May 22, 1913. Clinton Cox, the second child, was born February 3, 1889, and married Zeffa Baugher, daughter of William Baugher. They have one child, Dallas E., born March 15, 1916. Mrs. Cox is a member of the Church of God at North Webster. Politically Mr. Cox is a democrat.

Austin Buve. A brief inspection of the farm of Austin Blue, a mile south and a half mile west of Mentone in Franklin Township, bespeaks the enterprise of its owner and is one of the many testimonials of his good citizenship and effective service in that community, where he has spent most of his life. /

Mr. Blue was trustee six years of Franklin Township. He was born in that township December 3, 1863, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Johnson) Blue. His father was born in Fayette County, Ohio, and the mother was a native of the same state. Peter Blue came to Kos- ciusko County when six years of age, grew up here, and had only a common school education, but gained a thorough knowledge of business and practical affairs after his marriage. He was a democrat in politics and his wife was a Baptist. Of their six children Austin, Alonzo, Benjamin, James and Etta, wife of Edward Henderson, are still living. John died when about thirty-four years old.

Austin Blue grew up on his father's farm, attended the public schools, and remained at home until the age of twenty-one. On March 5, 1887, he married Nettie Sarber, daughter of Christian Sarber. She was born in Harrison Township in this county and was educated in the common schools and in the schools at Mentone. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Blue located on the farm where they now live, and for thirty years have given it the best of their energies and abilities. For a time they lived in a log house, and later Mr. Blue constructed the modern home where he now lives. They have two children: Estey Ern, a farmer at home, was educated in the common schools and married Gerne Bettleman. Delta, a graduate of high school, is the wife of A. O. Miller, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The family are members of the Methodist Church at Mentone, and Mr. Blue is one of the church trustees. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge at Mentone and he and his wife are actively identified with the Eastern Star Chapter. Another fraternity with which he is affiliated is the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Blue is a democrat, and it was on that ticket that he was elected trustee of his township. His farm comprises 120 acres, devoted to the staple crops and good live stock. He is a breeder of Poland China hogs, pure-blooded Hereford cattle, and has a fine flock of Orpington chickens.

JoHN H. MI.ter is one of the well to do farming men of Kosciusko County and has reached a position in life where he can be classified as independent, though he is still doing a patriotic part as active manager of his farm in Tippecanoe Township, adjoining Yellow Bank. His farm there comprises ninety-eight acres of good land.

Mr. Miller represents one of several Miller families in Kosciusko County and his own people have been identified with the best citizenship here for more than half a century. He was born in Tippecanoe Township July 2, 1867, a son of Emanuel and Nancy (Maurer) Miller. His parents are still living. Emanuel Miller, whose home is three miles southeast of North Webster, was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, December 9, 1838, and is now in the shadow of his eightieth year His parents were John J. and Elizabeth (Crow) Miller, both natives of Ohio, where they grew up and married. John J. Miller on moving to Indiana located in Kosciusko County, northwest of Webster, but after a short time went to Elkhart County as a pioneer and was a farmer in that locality during his active life. He finally sold his farm and moved to the vicinity of New Paris, in the same county, and died there. He was an active member of the German Baptist Church. Of the twelve children of John J. Miller and wife ten are still living: Emanuel C., Catherine, Nancy, Sarah, Enos, Isaac, William, Lizzie, Louisa and Lewis.

Emanuel C. Miller grew to manhood in Elkhart County and owing to the conditions of his youth had very little opportunity to attend school. He lived at home until the age of twenty-five, when he went to Darke County, Ohio, and married there in May, 1864, Nancy Maurer. She was a native of Darke County. After their marriage they lived in that county for a year and then moved to Tippecanoe Township of Kosciusko County, which has been their home for more than half a century. Emanuel C. Miller still owns ninety-five acres, but at one time his possessions included 250 acres. He is a democrat in politics, and is a charter member of the Mock Christian Church. He was one of the trustees, his associates being Joseph Mock and Silas Huber, who erected the Christian Church where a flourishing congregation still worships. Emanuel Miller and wife have eight children: Salome, wife of Eugene Shoemaker, of Wayne Township; Levi, a farmer in Tippecanoe Township; John H.; Sarah E., wife of Charles T. Mock, of Tippecanoe Township; Samuel Miller, of North Webster, vice president of the Farmers State Bank; Charles Miller, a real estate man of Nappanee, Indiana; Julia, wife of F. O. Richcreek; and Belle, wife of Daniel C. Mock, of Tippecanoe Township.

John H. Miller grew up on his father's farm and had a common school education. He lived at home to the age of twenty-five, and after twenty-one worked out by the day and also rented land. On November 12, 1892, he married Miss Minnie Kleck. She was reared in Tippecanoe Township, a daughter of Alfred and Mahala Kleck. She attended public school at North Webster.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived on the old Dell farm, four miles northwest of North Webster, one year, then for four years occupied a place three miles south of that village, lived on the old Miller farm four years, and then bought a farm of their own, consisting of eighty acres, between Milford and Leesburg. They finally sold that place, and in 1893 came to their present home, which has been the center of their associations and labors now for a quarter of a century.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two children: Kenneth was born October 26, 1893, is a graduate of the common schools and spent one year in high school, and is still at home. Sylvia, born September 16, 1900, was educated for two years in the high school. The family are members of the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Miller is a democrat. Beem one of the organizers of the Farmers State Bank at North

James M. Murpuy. One of the recent additions to the good citizenship of Kosciusko County is James M. Murphy, who for many years had his home in Wabash County, but has been known among the people of Kosciusko County for a long time. Mr. Murphy owns one of the good farms of Jefferson Township, his home being six and a half miles southwest of Milford.

He was born in Noble Township of Wabash County, May 5, 1867, son of John and Anna (Judy) Murphy. His mother was a native of Ohio and his father was reared in that state in Tuscarawas County from the age of four years. After they married both famil'es moved to Wabash County, and John Murphy settled on a farm 24% miles north of the City of Wabash. He began life in limited circumstances, had only eighty acres of land at first, but as his prosperity increased he accumulated 240 acres and had one of the finest farms in the county when he died. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, but later affiliated with the Presbyterian Church at Wabash, and in politics was a republican. In his family were twelve children, nine of whom are still living: Joseph F. and John P., both of Wabash; Mary, wife of Dayton O. Macey, of Miami County, Indiana; Sarah, widow of Douglas Kiser; Adaline, wife of W. A. Wildner, who occupies the old Murphy farm in Wabash County; David G., of Wabash; James M.; Charles E., of Wabash; and Emanuel B., of Wabash.

James M. Murphy grew up on the farm where he was born and attended the local schools there. For twenty-four years he combined the business of threshing with practical farming. June 16. 1889, Mr. Murphy married Miss Sarah A. Scott. daughter of Henry Scott. She was born and educated in Wabssh County. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have six children, William A.. John F., Claude F., Orville Hale. Mary M. and Elizabeth O. The son Claude is now the family's renresentative in the United States Army. being ststioned at Camp Tavlor. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Chureh of the Brethren and in politics he is a republican. On March 9, 1916. he moved to Kosciusko County and bought the old Cook farm in Jefferson Township. He owns eighty-one acres of Jand there and is also cultivating 110 acres more, so that he is doing his full share in the agricultural production of the county.

ALBERT F. Kruty. A Kosciusko County farm that represents many of the ideals in the way of cultivation, productiveness. arrangement and equipment is that of Albert F. Krull in Jefferson Township, 414 miles southwest of Milford. Mr. Krull is a thoroughgoing farmer. one of the older residents of the county, and has proved a resourceful business man and public spirited citizen.

He was born in Union Township of Elkhart County, Indiana, January 14, 1867, and came with the family to Kosciusko County when he was about thirteen years of age.

His father, Frederick A. Krull. who died March 31. 1992. was born in the Netherlands, January 24. 1832. a son of Albert and Tena (Swarts) Krull. also natives of the Netherlands. He attended common school in his native countrv until sixteen, after which he worked on a farm as a day laborer. In July, 1854, he arrived in America and for four years lived in Elkhart County. In 1858 he went out to California and did farm work and also improved and cultivated 340 acres of his own. He was also a teamster and miner. After six or seven years in California he returned to Elkhart County in 1865. On March 15. 1866, he married Simkjen Rystra, daughter of B. Rvstra of Elkhart County. She was born in the Netherlands. Augnst 20, 1841. On April 30, 1880, Frederick A. Krull moved to Jefferson

Township of Kosciusko County and bought 160 acres, where he instituted that industry which eventuated in a fine farm, excellent buildings and all the comforts of a good rural home. In 1882 he was elected township supervisor and served two years. He was a prohibitionist in politics, and he and his wife were active members of the Mennonite Church. They had eight children: Albert, John, Harry, Maggie, Ane, who died in infancy, and a second child also named Ane, George and Isaac.

Albert F. Krull received his education in the district schools of Elkhart and Koseiusko counties, and after reaching manhood he spent several years in the Southwest. In the territory of New Mexico on December 25, 1897, he married Miss Mary DeArcy. She was born at LaPorte, Indiana, December 18, 1867, a daughter of Daniel and Adelia (Welch) DeArcy. When she was nine years of age her parents moved to Kansas, and she grew to womanhood there and received a district school education. When she was twenty years of age her people moved to New Mexico, and she lived there until her marriage. Daniel DeArcy was a native of Canada, while Adelia Welch was born in Ireland and came to the United States at the age of five years. She is still living. Daniel DeArcy and wife had the following children: Patrick W., Anna Mary, John E., Daniel, Adelia, Emmett and Marion.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Krull remained four years longer in New Mexico and then returned to Kosciusko County and bought 233 acres in Van Buren and Jefferson townships. Besides this extensive farm they also have 140 acres in Noble County, Indiana. Mr. Krull is a successful stock raiser, and is a practical and thorough going citizen who can always be counted upon for cooperation and assistance in any movement affecting the local welfare. He is a democrat and he and his wife are members of the Hastings Grange. Mr. and Mrs. Krull had eight children, but seven died in infaney. The only surviving child is Tina, born October 10, 1905. Mr. Krull also reared a boy, Ellis Brown, who is now in the service of his country in France, with the One Hundred and Fifty-First Indiana Infantry, Company G.

CLEANTHUS M. Borton is one of the most widely known farmers in the southwest quarter of Kosciusko County, being proprietor of the Walnut Ridge Farm, a half mile east of Mentone in Franklin Township. He has a large acreage under his management, and has successfully handled this place and all its related interests for forty years or more.

Mr. Borton was born in Franklin Township, April 13, 1857, son of Allen and Anna (Jeffries) Borton. Both parents were natives of Stark County, Ohio, and were brought to Kosciusko County when children. Allen Borton was a son of Ira Borton, who settled south of Mentone, lived there many years, and spent his last days at the Village of Sevastopol. Allen Borton grew up in Franklin Township, and after his marriage located on the farm a half mile east of Mentone. He 'died there in 1864, when a young man. He built the first and only shingle factory here, located on the farm where Mr. C. M. Borton now lives, His widow is still living, and is an active and attentive member of the Baptist Church. Of their four children, two sons are living: Wellington, of Franklin Township, and Cleanthus M.

Cleanthus M. Borton grew up on the home farm, was educated in the district schools, and has always had a part in the management of the old farm. In November, 1884, he married Miss -Alice Garwood. She was born and reared in Harrison Township. After his marriage Mr. Borton bought the old farm, built a good house, and has lived there in comfort and plenty for many years.

He and his wife have three children. Charles G. lives in Franklin Township and married Daisy Black. Ethel, now deceased, was the wife of Dennis Andrews, and her three children were Charles, Alta and Wilma. Wilma, since her mother's death, has been reared by her grandparents. Allen O. is a graduate of the common schools and is now attending the Mentone High School. The family are members of the Methodist Church and Mr. Borton is on the official board. He has served as a member of the Township Advisory Board, is a republican and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.

JacoB Suire. An honored citizen whose life has been identified with Kosciusko County for many years, and always with usefulness to the community as well as to himself, is Jacob Slife, now living retired in a comfortable home at Burket.

Mr. Slife was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1838, a son of Frederick and Christina (Byerley) Slife. His parents were natives of the same county and state, married there, and all their children were born in Pennsylvania. In 1851 they came to Indiana. In Pennsylvania the father had been a renter, and with the modest capital he had managed to accumulate invested in eighty acres of land two miles east of Burket. To this he subsequently added another eighty acres, and was well prospered and became one of the substantial citizens of the county. He and his wife were active in the Lutheran Church, and he was a democrat. Of the eight children, three died in Pennsylvania and five came to Indiana. The only two living now are Geroge W., a Seward Township farmer, and Jacob.

Jacob Slife was a young lad when his parents came to this county and he finished his education in the local publie schools. He attended one of the old log schoolhouses of the county At the age of twenty-one he inherited a modest share in the family estate, and lived at home with his parents until he was twenty-eight. In March, 1865, he married Catherine Raker, who was born in Kosciusko County January 24, 1842. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Slife began renting, and after six years they bought forty acres, sold that and bought eighty acres, and that in turn they also sold and acquired a larger place of 160 acres. For two years they had their home at Burket, and then Mr. Slife bought ninety-three acres north of that village and to it gave his personal superintendence for another five years. After that he sold his farming property and has since been content with one of the comfortable homes of Burkett. He lost his good wife July 14, 1918, after they had been married more than half a century. Mr. Slife reared two boys. In politics he is a democrat.

Ora G. Tucker. The Tuckers came to Franklin Township sixtyfive years ago. In all the time since then no name hag been more substantially identified with the farming. land owning and attendant activities and pursuits in that quarter of the county.

The founder of the family in Franklin Township was John Tucker, who was born in New Hampshire in 1791. He married Mary Ward, who was born in 1800. John Tucker went to Richland County, Ohio, in 1815. He was one of the first settlers in that part of the state. Three years later he returned to his native state and married, and in 1818 brought his bride to Ohio. John Tucker was a man of fine education, and after a few other families had joined him in his pioneer community in Richland County he opened a school and for sixty-five consecutive terms was a teacher. On coming to Kosciusko County in 1853 he acquired land, and was the original owner of the land now occupied by the Village of Sevastopol in Franklin Township. The town was surveyed and was named by him. At that time the Crimean war was in progress in Southern Russia, and the Battle of Sevastopol was the most conspicuous event in foreign lands. John Tucker also developed a fine apple orchard from seed of his own planting. He died in 1879 and his wife in 1877. One of his children was Horace Tucker and another is Albert Tucker, who is still living in this county.

Albert Tucker was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 21, 1831. Since early youth he has been noted for his unusual business ability and enterprise. Before he was fifty years old he had accumulated 2,500 acres of land, nearly all of it in Kosciusko County. He also founded the Village of Mentone, which was surveyed and platted in May, 1882. He built the first elevator there in the spring of that year, and used his capital and influence to promote its growth and development in many ways. On his extensive acreage he raised and bred innumerable cattle, hogs and horses, and at one time he was said to be the largest dealer on his own capital in live stock in the county. He always possessed a keen knowledge of men, and he aided many with loans and with other forms of helpfulness, and never had to foreclose a mortgage. At one time it was said that he had given employment to more men and paid out more money for labor than any farmer in Franklin Township.

In 1856 Albert Tucker married Mary E. Frame, who died leaving one daughter, Alta M. In 1860 Albert Tucker married Miss Sarah Blue, of Franklin Township. She and her only son, John R., are both deceased. On January 14, 1866, Alfred Tucker married Miss Catherine MeNeal, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth McNeal. To this union were born six children: Norman, born in 1868, now living in Lake Township; Charles M.; Lee, born in 1874, deceased ; Curtis,

Ora G. Tucker is one of the prosperous farmers of Franklin Township and has much of the ability and business judgment of his father. He was born in Franklin Township, March 29, 1883, grew up on his father's farm, and had a good education in the local schools. He is now farming 320 acres in sections 22 and 23, and gives much attention to good live stock. .

In 1900 he married Miss Nora Sarber, daughter of Orville Sarber. She was born in Kosciusko County. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have four children: Norman R., born March 17, 1905; Winifred K., born August 16, 1909; Lillie Irene, born January 18, 1912; and Albert M., born July 31, 1914. Mr. Tucker is an extensive stock dealer and has probably made most of his money in that way. In politics he is a republican.

Cuarutes J. SHuper. Some of the heaviest burdens of producing the foodstuffs for the world at the present time fall upon men who are comparatively young and yet past the normal military age. One of these men in Kosciusko County is Charles J. Shuder, who has been engaged in farming here all his active career and now has one of the good farms in Tippecanoe Township, located 414 miles cast of Leesburg on rural route No. 1 out of that city.

Mr. Shuder was born in Tippecanoe Township, September 16, 1883. His parents were Isaac and Nancy J. (Lavering) Shuder, the former born near Dayton, Ohio, and the latter in Kosciusko County. The father is deceased and the mother is still living. Her home is in Tippecanoe Township. Isaac Shuder was a democrat in politics. There were the following children in the family: Henry, of Tippecanoe; Minnie, wife of Harry Larabee; George, of Tippecanoe Township; Charles J.; Elsie, wife of Charles Wiseman, of Tippecanoe Township; Mabel, wife of Everett Leedy, of Plain Township: and Ezra and Cleveland, both unmarried and at home.

Charles J. Shuder grew up on the old farm, and was educated in the common schools to the age of thirteen. After that he busied himself with the responsibilities of the home place until he was twentyone. In 1904 Mr. Shuder married Dessie Whissler. At her death she left one child, Audrie G., now twelve years old. On October 12. 1912, Mr. Shuder married Miss Ina M. Kitson. Mrs. Shuder was born in Northeastern Kosciusko County, in Turkey Creek Township, July 26, 1880, a daughter of Milton and Margaret J. (Hire) Kitson. Her father was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 11, 1852, and died Angust 22, 1914. Her mother was born in Elkhart Connty, Indiana, December 18, 1857. Her father went with his parents to Elkhart County in 1861, and on September 11, 1878, was married. and then moved to Turkey Creek Township. Mrs. Shuder's mother died June 16, 1907. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Richville. Her father was a democrat and served one term dren: Ina M., Mrs. Shuder; Harry E., who married Macy B. Miller and lives in Whitley County, Indiana; Lucy C., wife of Carl Earnhart and a graduate of the Syracuse High School and now living in Kosciusko County; and Floyd J., who lives in Whitley County and married Eva Hibschman. Mrs. Shuder was educated in the public schools of Turkey Creek Township. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Shuder are: Milton H., born March 28, 1914; Neva M., born July 22, 1915; and Wilma J., born February 23, 1918

The operations carried on by Mr. Shuder as a practical farmer are on his home place of about seventy-one acres. After his marriage he lived in Turkey Creek Township for a time and also in Elkhart County but then returned to his present location. In politics Mr. Shuder is independent and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Jacos D. Ricner, M. D. No member of the medical profession has exhibited higher qualifications for his work and has acquired a better practice in Kosciusko County during the past twenty years than Dr. Jacob D. Richer. Doctor Richer represents the Homeopathic school of medicine, and has had a career of self-help and of intense effort and ambition since early boyhood.

He was born on a farm near Peru, Indiana, February 5, 1867. He was one of a family of six children, four of whom are still living, whose parents were John C. and Sarah E. (Miller) Richer. Doctor Richer's grandfather was John Richer, a native of Switzerland. In immigrating to America, and while on board a sailing ship he met a French woman, Magdalena Noftsinger. They were married soon after their arrival in this country. John Richer was a farmer, but also taught school, and he located in Miami County, Indiana, in 1848, and spent the rest of his days there as a substantial citizen. John C. Richer, his son, has been a farmer all his active career and now lives at North Manchester in Wabash County. On the home farm of his parents Dr. Jacob D. Richer was reared to manhood, and his principal advantages when a boy were afforded by the district schools. When sixteen years of age he took the county school examination and began teaching in the rural districts. From his savings he was able to attend the National Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1889. All told he taught nine years in Miami County. After graduating he attended the Northern Indiana Normal School and also the McPherson College at McPherson, Kansas.

Thus it was by hard work and much self denial that Doctor Richer acquired the means necessary to his professional education. In 1893 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, and remained a student there until he graduated M. D. in 1896. Soon after graduating he located at Warsaw and has lived there now for twenty years, looking after a growing practice and each year enjoying a rising esteem in the estimation of his fellow citizens and his professional associates. Dr. Richer is a member of the American and Indiana Institutes of Homeopathy, and fraternally is identified with

On September 18, 1590, he married Miss Cora L. Wilson, a daughter of Harmon H. Wilson, of Peru, Indiana. To their marriage have been born five children: Dr. Orville H., a graduate of Winona College and Hahnemann College. joined the army and is in Siberia in Government service; Paul W., in the Coast Artillery service; and Cecil O., a graduate of the Indiana Dental College and now practicing in Gary, Indiana. Two others that died in infancy were named Ruth and Iva May.

ALBERT GARBER has for many years been one of the factors in business and agricultural affairs in Tippecanoe Township. He has been a farmer, a merchant, and while he still owns other interests in that community is now president of the Farmers State Bank at North Webster. He was one of the substantial local citizens who organized this bank in 1916. It was opened for business in August, 1916, and Mr. Garber has from the first been its president. The other officers are: Samuel Miller, vice president, and James E. Rule, cashier. The directors, all representing the substantial -citizenship of the locality, are in addition to Mr. Garber and Mr. Miller, Arthur Johnson, Grant Bause, A. B. Warner, Joseph Weimer, John Bauher and Randolph Allison. The bank was organized with a capital stock of $25,000.00 and its management has been conservative and at the same time has done much to promote every worthy business object in and around North Webster.

Mr. Garber was born in Tippecanoe Township, February 6, 1864, son of Samuel W. and Polly (White) Garber. His father was a native of Tusearawas County, Ohio, and his mother of Pennsylvania. The Whites and Garbers came to Indiana in early days. After their marriage Samuel W. Garber and wife located on a farm in Tippecanoe Township and were honored residents of that locality the rest of their lives. They were members of the Christian Church. Samuel Garber was a member and past chancellor of his Masonic Lodge and is a renublican and has served as justice of the peace. There were eleven children in their family. Daniel, proprietor of the Twin Lake Canning Factory of North Webster; Mary, wife of Milo Strombeck, a former trustee of Tippecanoe Township now living at North Webster ; Jefferson. who is postmaster of North Webster; Albert; Clementine, wife of George M. Humble; Commodore, whose home is in Washington Township of this county; Emma, wife of Silas Cook; Jacob, of Huntington. Indiana; Barbara, wife of Charles Gandy; Leaner, of Tippecanoe Township; and John, also a resident of Tippecanoe.

Albert Garber grew up on his father's farm and with a district school education acquired a thorough familiarity with the practices of agriculture when a youth. He farmed independently for a year and then joined his brother Jefferson in business at Noblesville, Indiana, under the firm name of Garber Brothers. After six years they sold out and came to North Webster, where they bought a store. Albert Garber was a member of the firm for about ten years and on selling out moved to a farm in Tippecanoe Township, and was one of the practical agriculturists of the locality for nme years. For several years now he and his family have had their home in North Webster. Mr. Garber owns 160 acres of land in sections 25 and 26 of the township.

He married Miss Minnie Hire. who was born in Elkhart County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Garber have one son, Avery, a graduate of high school and later a student at Winona, and is now clerk and deputy postmaster at North Webster. Mrs. Garber is a member of the Church of God at North Webster. Fraternally Mr. Garber is affiliated with North Webster Lodge No. 367, Knights of Pythias, and is a republican voter, never having had any aspirations for office.

Cuarues S. YEAGER. One of the farm homes that include good management and prosperity to owners and occupants is that of Charles S. Yeager in Scott Township, 614 miles southeast of Nappanee. Mr. Yeager has seventy acres of the old homestead, and is one of the live and progressive citizens of that locality.

He was born in Tippecanoe Township of this county February 14, 1856, a son of Andrew and Clarissa (Hull) Yeager. His father was a native of Canada and his mother of Ohio. They married. in Kosciusko County and from Tippecanoe Township they finally moved to section 30 of Scott Township, where the wife and mother died. The father was married a second time, and spent his last years at Nappanee. He was a very active member of the Church of God and a republican, having held several township offices. Of his cleven children, seven are still living: Charles S.; Annis, wife of Daniel Martin. of Prairie Township; Ida, wife of Jacob Thomas, of Scott Township: Rose, wife of Hiram Zinn, of Etna Township; Orvil S. and Orlando, twins, the former a resident of Jefferson Township and its trustee. and the latter deceased; Clementine, deceased; Eva, wife of Alfred Minor, of Etna; and Leonard, of Plain Township.

Mr. Charles S. Yeager grew to manhood in Tippecanoe Township, and attended district schools there. After reaching the age of twentyone he became manager of the homestead and gradually acquired those interests and properties which now constitute his prosperity.

April 8, 1883, he married Eliza Thomas, who was born in Scott Township, May 29, 1864. They have six children: Minnie, wife of Orville Lutz; Clayton, who is married and lives at Nappanee; Versa, wife of Merle Freeman, of Prairie Township ; Victor, unmarried ; Burten, who married Lodema Miller; and Thela, a graduate of the common schools. The family are members of the Church of God, while Mr. Yeager is one of its elders. He is a republican in polities.

Joun A. Bavener. This name is well known in Tippecanoe Township as representing one of the leading farmers of that locality, a banker, and a man of generous interests and inclinations as a citizen and an upbuilder of his community.

locality. His present home farm is 114 miles southwest of North Webster. His parents, Charles and Henrietta (Gigeler) Baugher, were both natives of Germany. His father was born in Bavaria June 24, 1829, and his mother on September 23, 1823. Charles Baugher eame to the United States with his parents when he was eighteen years old. They landed in New York City, went on to Ohio, and in 1848 settled at North Webster, where the Baughers were pioneers and where the name has been known and honored now for seventy years. The mother arrived in the vicinity of North Webster in 1847, and here Charles and Henrietta lived until their marriage and then located for a time in the Village of North Webster, later three miles northeast of the village, and from there moved to the farm where they spent their last years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics the father was a democrat. A brief record of their seven children is as follows: Jacob. deceased; Matilda, deceased; John A.; William F., of Turkey Creek Township; Christ H., of Kansas; Louise and Henry, both deceased.

John A. Baugher as a boy attended the common schools of his home locality, and he lived with his parents until twenty-two He married Miss Clara Gross. At her death she left three children. Mary, Jessie and Charles, all unmarried and still living at home. For his second wife Mr. Baugher married Celia J. See, a native of Virginia, but since early infancy a resident of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Baugher have one child, Kenneth W., who is a graduate of the common schools and is a farmer in Tippecanoe Township. Kenneth married Hattie Reed.

As a business man Mr. Baugher's interests are represented by the ownership of the 120 acres where he lives and also forty acres comprising the well known fishing resort known as Tippecanoe Park. He is one of the directors of the Farmers State Bank at North Webster and in every sense is one of the substantial men of his community. He is a trustee and member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal Church at North Webster.

Cavin W. Burket, M.D. Fully half a century of active practice in medicine in Kosciusko County has made Doctor Burket the dean of his profession, and he enjoys that rank not only hy reason of the many years he has spent here but also for his ability and success as a practitioner. His service has been commensurate with the length of years in practice, and among the wide circle of his patients he has been both a friend and a physician. The doctor is a man of gentle manner in all his dealings, and these qualities, together with an expert knowledge and skill in medicine, have combined to win him the strong and enduring affection of hundreds of families in this county.

An Indiana man by birth, he was born at Hagerstown in Wayne County, December 13. 1838. His parents were Samuel and Hannah (Bishop) Burket, and of their seven children only three now live. The ancestors came originally from Germany, probably in the colonial epoch, and the name when first introduced in America was spelled Burkhardt, but in the course of many years has been simplified to its present form. Samuel Burket, father of Doctor Burket, was born in Ohio and came with his father to Wayne County, Indiana. Grandfather Burket built one of the first grist mills in that county and operated it for the benefit of the early settlers a number of years.

As a boy and youth in Hagerstown Mr. Burket had such advan- : tages and experiences as were common to Indiana boys during the 40s and '50s. He had passed his majority when he took up the study of medicine with Dr. Calvin West at Hagerstown, and during the winter of 1860-61 took his first course of lectures in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. This career as a student was interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil war. Doctor Burket has an interesting record as a soldier during the great conflict between the North and the South. and he was a unit in those great armies which swept the heart of the Confederacy in the years 1863-64. He responded almost at the first call for volunteers, and enlisted in April, 1861, in a three months regiment. He was a member of Company I of the noted Eleventh Indiana Infantry, a regiment commanded by General Lew Wallace. The only engagement in which he participated during that three months' term was a skirmish at Romney, Virginia. When he was discharged it was with the rank of orderly sergeant. He almost immediately re-enlisted in Company I of the Fifty-Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and on its organization was commissioned first lieutenant. He went with the command from Indianapolis to Louisville, Kentucky, from there marched through Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee, and joined Grant's army in time to participate in the great Battle of Shiloh. Then followed the siege of Corinth, and after that Buell's movements through Nashville and South Kentucky in the pursuit of General Bragg. He was with the Union forces at Stone River, and there suffered a severe scalp wound from an exploded shell. However, he never left the regiment, but continued with it and took part in the battle of Perryville, went on to Chattanooga, was engaged in some of the important movements of the campaigns around that city, and fought in the picturesque engagement on Lookout Mountain. Following this he was sent home on recruiting duty, and while he was away his regiment fought in the battle of Chickamauga. He rejoined it in time to help Jead in the historic charge at Missionary Ridge. Then followed the great Atlanta campaign, lasting more than three months, and before the fall of Atlanta he was sent home and no hopes were held out for his recovery from the severe illness from which he was suffering. In July, 1864, he resigned his command and was granted an honorable discharge. In 1862 he had been commissioned captain of his company while at Nashville.

In spite of predictions to the contrary Captain Burket recovered his health and during the winter of 1864-65 resumed his medical studies in the University of Michigan. In 1865-66 he attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, which at the conclusion of his term awarded him the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1866 he opened his office and began practice at Warsaw. That has been his home and the center from which have radiated his service and influence as a physician and citizen for a period of half a century. There is no physician now living in Kosciusko County who has more interesting reminiscences connected with the life of the people and the changes which he has witnessed in his own profession than Doctor Burket.

In polities he is a republican whose loyalty has been a steadfast quality ever since he bore arms to preserve the Union in the dark and stormy days of the '60s.. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belongs to the Masonic Order. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1867, soon after beginning his active practice, Doctor Burket married Miss Martha Elmer. To their union were born five children: Frank, who died at the age of sixteen; Willard, a dentist at Warsaw; Ernest and Edith, twins, the former a dentist at Fort Wayne and the latter the wife of Edward Kuhn, of Warsaw; and Milton, who died at the age of twelve years.

WILLIAM StacKHOUusE, whose death occurred September 12, 1918, was an honored veteran of the Civil war and represented a family that has been identified with Kosciusko County for a long period of years, and have given their best efforts and enterprise as a contribution to the good citizenship -and substantial activities of this community. Mr. Stackhouse owned a large farm, valuable land, well improved buildings, and gave it capable management. The farm is in Seott Township, about six miles south and a quarter mile east of Nappanee.

Though a resident of Kosciusko County from infancy he was born in England June 10, 1843. a son of John and Hannah (Ellison) Stackhouse. His parents in 1846, three years after his birth, came to America and in the fall of the same year located in Scott Township where they were numbered among the pioneers. Here they lived their good and useful lives, and both were identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, while the father was a republican in polities. In their family were fifteen children, two of whom are still living: Hugh, who lives on the old homestead in Scott Township; and Wesley, of Scott Township. :

William Stackhouse grew up in Kosciusko County and his education was partly a product of the subscription schools and partly of the public schools. Before he was yet twenty-one years of age, on January 1, 1864, he enlisted in Company K of the 74th Indiana Infantry, and was with that command during its marching and campaigning until the end of the war. He was with Sherman in the great campaign leading up to the siege and fall of Atlanta, and knows full well the dangers and hardships of a soldier's life.

After the war he returned home and went to farming. He married Anna Teal, who died in 1873, her only child dying in infancy. On May 7, 1874, Mr. Stackhouse married Eliza Martin. She was born in Kosciusko County, daughter of John Martin. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stackhouse went to housekeeping on the farm where they afterward resided. Here they have prospered in material circumstances and at the same time reared a family of children, seven in number: Della is the wife of Ora Anglin, of Scott Township ; Etta is the wife of Zeb Doty; Rosa is the wife of William Harrison ; Cora married Clayton Harlan; Owen lives on the home farm and married Cleo Utter; Urshel and Hazel, the youngest children, are both graduates of the common school and Hershel is a graduate of high school and is a farmer. Hazel is the wife of Harvey Moore. The family are members of the Christian Church and Mr. Stackhouse was a republican voter.

OrLANDo F. Gerarp has sustained a very prominent part in the business and civic interests of North Webster, one of the oldest towns in Kosciusko County. He is now giving practically all his time to his duties as trustee of Tippecanoe Township.

Mr. Gerard was born in that township March 26, 1859, son of Isaac and Louisa (Kirkpatrick) Gerard. His father was a native of Stark County, Ohio, and his mother of Kosciusko County, Indiana. Grandfather Abner Gerard after his marriage located in Stark County, Ohio, and from there came to Indiana and located near North Webster, where he had his home until his death. Isaac Gerard was about twenty years old when the family came to this county. He was married here and they then located on a farm in Harrison Township. His wife died five years later, and he continued to live in Harrison Township until 1877, when he moved to Tippecanoe Township and remained a resident of that locality until his death. He and his first wife had five children, four of whom are still living: Orlando F.; Melissa, twin sister of Orlando and widow of O. E. Little; M. C., of South Whitley, Indiana; and William E., of North Manchester. The father by a second marriage had a son, M. M. Gerard, now deceased.

Orlando F. Gerard grew up on his father's farm in Harrison Township and had a district school education. At the age of twentyone he began working for wages and on August 12, 1880, married Lavina Mock. Mrs. Gerard was born in Tippecanoe Township, June 7, 1860, daughter of John Mock. Without children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Gerard adopted a daughter, Bertha Gerard, who is now the wife of Amsy Hamman, of North Webster.

Mr. Gerard has always been a sturdy republican in his political affiliations. The confidence felt in him by his fellow citizens is well indicated by the fact that he served as postmaster of North Webster during the administrations of Cleveland, Harrison and the second administration of Cleveland, altogether a consecutive period of ten years. In 1891 he entered business with his brother-in-law, John Mock, of North Webster, and they were associated under the firm name of Mock & Gerard until 1597. Mr Gerard then sold his interests, and for a time was again postmaster. Later he was manager of the Mock General Store for eleven years and practically retired from business at the time of his election to the office of township trustee. The citizens of Tippecanoe Township feel that the school and other affairs of their locality were never in better hands than when entrusted to Mr. Gerard. .

Isa1an Kuun, a native son of Kosciusko County, long identified with the agricultural enterprise of this section, has directed his efforts to such good purpose and now when far from being an old man he is able to retire and enjoy the comforts of a good town home at North Webster.

Mr. Kuhn was born in Tippecanoe Township, May 3, 1850, son of John and Susan (Mock) Kuhn. His father was a native of Germany and his mother of Pennsylvania. John Kuhn came to the United States when a young man, and lived successively in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and in the fall of 1849 brought his family to Indiana and settled near North Webster, buying a farm a mile from that village. Here he spent the rest of his days. He was an active member of the Dunkard Church. The death of this early settler occurred in 1860. He and his wife had thirteen children, seven of whom are still living: John, Isaac, George, Julia, widow of Eli Hamman, Josiah, Daniel and Isaiah. The oldest, John, is living in Tippecanoe Township at the age of ninety-two.

Isaiah Kuhn spent his bovhood days in his native township and had the advantages of the local schools there. He lived at home to the age of twenty-one. On February 7, 1875, he married Selma Young. Mrs. Kuhn was born in Ohio in 1854. After their marriage they lived at Melford a year, and then returning to Tippecanoe Township bought the old homestead of fifty-three acres. Mr. Kuhn added to this until he had an excellent farm of ninety acres, but in 1911 he sold out and moved to North Webster. He is still a farm owner, having a place of fifty-one acres a mile north of town.

Mr. Kuhn has always affiliated with the republican party. He and his wife had four children: Lena, the oldest, is a graduate of common and high schools and is now a teacher in the primary department of the North Webster school, of which her husband, Professor Warren Wilcox, is superintendent. The second child, Chloe, lost her life by drowning. Ada is a graduate of the common schools and is the wife of Jack Buttz, of Angola, Indiana. Professor Ray Kuhn is a man of thorough education and is superintendent of the Pierceton schools.

DanIEL M. Garser. Much of Kosciusko county's rank and importance as a fruit growing section in a commercial] way is due to the enterprise of Daniel M. Garber, one of the most successful horticulturists of the county and founder and manager of the Twin Lakes Canning Company, an institution that is doing much to preserve the fruit products not only of his own farm tut of the surrounding section.

Mr. Garber represents one of the very old and prominent families of the county. He was born in Tippecanoe Township April 16, 1860, son of Samuel W. and Polly A. (White) Garber. His grandfather, Jacob Garber, was a native of Pennsylvania. After moving to Ohio he married Barbara Mock. They became early settlers of Kosciusko County, where they spent their last years. Their children were named Julia, Samuel, Jacob, Catherine, Allen, Henry and Mary. Of these Jacob, Catherine and Mary are still living.

Samuel W. Garber was born August 24, 1832, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, near Bolivar. His wife was born July 9, 1837. They married in Kosciusko County and lived here the rest of their days. The father died February 19, 1888, and his wife November 24, 1885. To their marriage were born twelve children: George W., born March 18, 1858, and died December 1, 1860; Daniel M., born April 16, 1860; Mary J., born July 6, 1861; Thomas J., born December 22, 1862; Albert, born February 6, 1864; Clementione, born May 15, 1865; Commodore, born March 20, 1866; Emma F., born November 10, 1668; Jacob, born September 30, 1871; Barbara E., born July 29, 1873; Leander, born September 2, 1875; and John H., born May 17, 1877. Eleven of this large family are still living.

Daniel M. Garber grew up on his father's farm in Tippecanoe Township and had the advantages of the district schools. On September 20, 1880, he married Miss Eliza FE. Reed, who was born December 11, 1856. After their marriage they began housekeeping in the same township where they had grown up, and they occupied the old homestead farm until 1903. Mr. Garber has always given more or less attention to the propagation of small fruits, and his farm at present is largely devoted to horticultural crops. Some years ago he established the Twin Lakes Canning factory, and that is now a successful corporation under the name D. M. Garber & Sons.

Mr. and Mrs. Garber have children: Frances, a graduate of the common schools and wife of Allen C. Long, living near Wheelock, North Dakota; Charles J., whose home is with his father and who is an active business associate with him, married Truly Smith; Letitia, wife of Charles L. Miller, their home being near Oak Grove Church in Tippecanoe Township; Samuel M., a resident of Tippecanoe Township; Mary, a graduate of the common schools, had one year of high school work.

The family are members of the Christian Church at North Webster. Mr. Garber has long been prominent as a leader in local republican politics, served two terms as trustee of Tippecanoe Township and for thirty years was a member of the County Central Committee. He is also well known fraternally, being a past master and member of the Grand Lodge of Hacker Lodge No. 321, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, a past chancellor of North Webster Lodge No. 367, Knights of Pythias, and has sat in the Grand Lodge; and has filled several chairs in the Knights of the Maccabees.

JAMES C. Jarrett. Some of the oldest names and some of the best people of Kosciusko County are represented by Mr. James C. Jarrett and family. Mr. Jarrett is himself a citizen whose work and character have brought him enviable prominence and has lived practically all his life in Kosciusko County. He is a soldier of the great Civil war, and in many ways his works and influence have justified his presence and the honor paid him by his fellow citizens.

Mr. Jarrett, who lives on his farm three-quarters of a mile west of North Webster, was born in Tippecanoe Township on the east side of Webster Lake, June 17, 1848, son of Doctor Jonas and Julia (John- son) Jarrett. His father was a native of Kanawha County, Virginia, © and on coming to Kosciusko County located on the bank of Webster Lake as a pioneer. He studied medicine principally at Cincinnati, and began his practice at Boydson Mills, now Yohn's Mills. He was in professional work there for ten years, and then moved to North rear where he continued serving a large clientele until his death in ,

He married in this county Julia Johnson, who was born in Virginia. Her father, Benjamin Johnson, came from Virginia on foot to Kosciusko County, and was one of the arrivals here in 1835. He built his log cabin near the outlet of Webster Lake in the same year. Mrs. Jarrett came with her father to Kosciusko County when she was a small girl. Doctor and Mrs. Jarrett had four children: Emily, wife of Captain B. F. James, of Warsaw; John W., who married Elizabeth Mock and now lives in Kansas; James C.; Lucinda, wife of Eli Marks of Kelso, Washington.

James C. Jarrett as a boy attended some of the primitive public schools of Tippecanoe Township. He lived at home until he was twenty-two years of age, and on October 14, 1870, married Chloe J. Warner.

Mrs. Jarrett is also member of a prominent family. She is a daughter of Thomas K. and Hester A. (Benford) Warner. Her father was born near Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio, son of Henry Warner, who arrived in Tippecanoe Township of Kosciusko County in 1836. His location and the scene,of his industrious efforts aS a pioneer was in section 9 of that township. His son, Thomas K. Warner, came the same year, and it was the distinction of this son to teach the first school in Tippecanoe Township during the winter of 1838-39. After that he taught many terms, and was one of the best educated men of the county in the early days. Thomas K. Warner. and wife had the following children: Hershel J., who gave up his life as a sacrifice to the Union at Murfreesboro while with the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry; Chloe J., wife of Mr. Jarrett; Albert; Mary E., wife of Silas Kettering; Sarah A., wife of John A. Kettering; Alice, wife of Sylvester Humble, of Wisconsin; and William, of Tippecanoe Township.

Mrs. Jarrett grew up on the farm where she was born and had a good education in the country schools. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett lived for fourteen years at North Webster; where they engaged in farming, and from there moved to their present place where they own forty acres of good land.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett, three of whom died in infancy. Of the two living, B. J. Jarrett is now in business at Renssalaer, Indiana, and married Mollie Abshire. The younger child, Sadie, is the wife of Wesley Weimer, and they have their home on the east bank of Webster Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett besides their two living children have eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They are active members of the Methodist church and Mrs. Jarrett has been connected with that church since 1862.

period of the Civil war. In July, 1863, he enlisted in Company G of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and served until mustered out on March 25, 1864. He then reenlisted in Company G, Thirty-Eighth Indiana Infantry, and saw active service until the close of hostilities. He is a member of the Grand Army Post at Warsaw, and has always been a decided republican in polities, though never an aspirant for any political office. Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett have three grandsons in the United States service, one in the navy and two in the motor truck service.

JoHN Estep has lived in Kosciusko County nearly half a century, assisted when: a boy in clearing up some of the primeval woods and making the land suitable for cultivation, and for a number of years owned one of the good farms in Scott Township, where he is rated as one of the most prosperous farmers.

Mr. Estep was born in Rockingham, Virginia, June 15, 1851, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Tussing) Estep, both natives of Shenandoah County, Virginia. Samuel Estep had some distinctly hostile views to the institution of slavery and secession, and it was to avoid conscripted service into the Confederate army that he left the South and went to Ohio and later came to Kosciusko County. He and his wife died in Jefferson Township, and he was always a loyal republican in politics from the formation of that party. There were nine children, and eight are still living: William, deceased; Rachel, widow of Washington Price; Amos, of Virginia; Josiah, of Leesburg, Indiana; John; Henry; Lydia, widow of George Grinder; Sarah, wife of Rufus Leist; and Elizabeth, widow of George Cummings.

John Estep was about twenty-two years of age when he came to Kosciusko County, and he acquired his early schooling in Ohio. He . learned the value of industry as a means of self advancement, and gave his father his wages until he was twenty-one. He then worked by the month and has earned all the prosperity represented in his good farm of 120 acres which he owns today.

He married Sophronia Harlan, who died leaving two sons: Walter H. and William L. Walter married Bessie Shively. For his second wife Mr. Estep married Lida Huffman, who died in 1910. Mr. Estep is a member of the Church of God and is a republican in polities.

CHarLes A. WILLIAMSON. Among the class te which Kosciusko County must look for its future development along agricultural lines is found Charles A. Williamson, whose well-developed property is located in the vicinity of Burkett. With the exception of four years his entire life has been passed in this county, where he has devoted his energies and abilities to the cultivation of the soil, and at the same time has established himself in the confidence and esteem of his fellowcitizens, who, in recognition of his sterling qualities of character, have elected him to positions of public trust.

Mr, Williamson was born in Kosciusko County, February 20, 1875, and is a son of John H. and Sarah Ann (Byers) Williamson. His paternal grandfather, John Conley Williamson, was horn in Virginia

(now West Virginia), and was an early settler of Miami County, Indiana, where he took up land from the United States Government, and there followed farming and stock raising with success for many years. In the evening of life he came to Kosciusko County, but eventually went to Mississippi, where his death occurred, his body being brought back to this county for interment. One of his sons, Taylor Williamson, represented the family as an upholder of the Union during the Civil war, in which he fought as a member of an Indiana volunteer infantry regiment. John H. Williamson, father of Charles A., was born in 1852, in Miami County, Indiana, was reared as a farmer, a vocation which he adopted when he embarked on his own career, and after reaching his majority came to Kosciusko County. Here he settled on a farm in Seward Township, where he continued operations until his death, April 30, 1903, at which time he was the owner of 160 acres of good land. the improvements on which made it one of the best farms of its size in this part of the county. This was accumulated solely through his own labor, as he received no outside assistance and had only ordinary advantages in his youth. He was known as one of the sound and reliable men of his community who lent his aid to every movement that promised advancement and was an active factor in the development of Seward Township. He was a republican in his political views, but his activities in this direction were largely confined to the interest taken by a good citizen with the welfare of his locality at heart. Mr. Williamson was married in Kosciusko County to Miss Sarah Ann Byers, who was born in this county in 1856, the daughter of Jacob Byers, who was born in Johnson County, Indiana, and came at an early date to Kosciusko County, where his death occurred after a long and un!- formly successful career as a farmer. Mrs. Williamson. who was educated in the public schools, died May 30, 1911, in the faith of the United Brethren Church, of which she had been a member since girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson became the parents of nine children, of whom five are living, as follows: Early Conley, who is engaged in farming in Kosciusko County; Ernest. who is also an agriculturist of this county ; Jennie E., who is the wife of David Bruner, also a farmer of this county; Benjamin Franklin, who farms in this county; and Charles A., of this notice. Benjamin F. Williamson is also employed as an operator for the Nickel Plate Railway.

Charles A. Williamson was given the advantages of attendance at the district schools of his native county and the high school at Burkett, and during his vaeations assisted his father and brothers in the operation of the homestead farm. When he attained his majority, in February, 1896, he left this county and went to Miami County, Indiana, where he rented a farm from his grandfather. and in the following year purchased this property. However, he felt that conditions and opportunities for advancement were better suited to his abilities in Kosciusko County, and accordingly. in 1899, sold his Miami County farm and returned to the vicinity of his birthplace. Here he secured by purchase a farm in Seward Township, consisting of eighty-six acres. the greater part of which is now under a high state of cultiva- tion. Mr. Williamson raises all the standard crops, including corn, wheat and oats, and has also met with satisfying success in raising and shipping cattle and hogs, while in former years he devoted a large part of his time to the raising of thoroughbred horses, although this department recently has not been operated. He has improved the residence and barn on the farm, and as a progressive, energetic farmer has installed much machinery of a modern character. He is vice president and a heavy stockholder of the Bank of Seward at Burkett.

Mr. Williamson was married in 1895 to Miss Eliza C. Rickel, of Kosciusko County, daughter of Reason Rickel, an old and honored native-born citizen of this county, where he still lives at the age of seventy-three years. Mrs. Williamson is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Williamson is a member, at Miami, of the Improved Order of Red Men, and has passed through the chairs of his lodge. A republican in his political views, he was appointed a member of the board of trustees in 1912, and in spite of the fact that this township is strongly democratic was elected to that office in the fall of 1913 by a satisfying majority. In 1915 he was the candidate of his party for the office of county auditor, but met with defeat owing to political conditions.

JOHN W. Mon TEL, of the Atwood community, has recently passed his seventieth birthday. He is one of the oldest native sons of Kosciusko County. and his career has been one of honorable and useful activity. He is a veteran of the Civil war, and most of his years have been spent in farming and in dealing in farm lands. He is now practically retired, and has a competence against his declining years.

Born in Kosciusko County July 1, 1845, he is a son of John S. and Susan (Wolf) Montel. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather was Christopher Montel, who was born in Germany and when a young man came to America, settling in Pennsylvania, and was there in time to take a part in the War of the Revolution. He afterwards moved to Ohio and finally to Indiana, where he died. The maternal grandfather was Jacob Wolf, also a native of Pennsylvania, who migrated to Preble County, Ohio, where he died after many years as a farmer. John S. and Susan Montel were married in Ohio, and after ten or twelve years in that state they came on to Indiana. John S. Montel is numbered among the very early settlers in Kosciusko County, having settled on a farm in this locality in 1837. This was an almost unbroken wilderness at the time and the Montel family supplied its table largely from the wild game which was abundant in the woods. He did his share in clearing up some of the first lands brought under cultivation, and altogether he did a worthy part as an early settler. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church and in politics a democrat.

John W. Montel, who was the youngest in a family of thirteen children, was reared in this community, attended the country schools, and his recollections are of one of the old fashioned log school houses,

He was still quite young when the war broke out. On August 5, 1862, in response to Lincoln's call for 300,000 men. he enlisted in Company I of the Twelfth Indiana Infantry. Altogether he was in twentyone battles and a large number of skirmishes. In one of the first battles in which he participated, at Richmond, Kentucky, he was made a prisoner, but was subsequently exchanged, returned home for a furlough of twenty days, and then rejoined his command. He took part in those great movements which wrested the country between Chicamauga and Atlanta from the Confederacy, and he followed Sherman on his glorious march to the sea.

Following the war Mr. Montel located at Silver Lake and applied himself vigorously to his duties as a farmer and agriculturist. He married Miss Elvira Eppler. She was born in Marion County, Ohio, and came to Kosciusko County when only seven years of age. To their marriage have been born four children: Eleanora, wife of Benjamin Dancer, a carpenter at Atwood; William S., who is in the railroad service and lives at Atwood; Artie May, wife of Jacob Shank, of Mishawaka, Indiana, a groceryman there; and Oris Clyde, who is employed in a factory at Mishawaka.

Mr. and Mrs. Montel take an active part in the United Brethren Church. He keeps up his associations with old army comrades as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in polities is a republican. At one time he was township supervisor. Some years ago Mr. Montel dealt quite extensively in farm lands, and his business dealings have always been characterized by honesty and successful results. A few years ago he retired from the major activities and responsibilities of the farmer, and now has an excellent home at Atwood.

Winuiam W. Warren. Now in the twilight of a well-spent life, William W. Warren is living retired in his comfortable residence at Mentone. His birthplace, a farm in Henry County, his boyhood passed amid the scenes and experiences cf early Kosciusko County, and his mature years devoted to the cultivation of the soil and the development of the latter community - the record of such a life, if told in its completeness, would make a volume of interesting reading. It is not our privilege to place it before our readers in its entirety. As we may not follow every curve of a river, but can only trace its general outlines from its source to the sea, so while we may not relate every incident in the life of Mr. Warren, we can. notwithstanding, narrate the principal events which have marked and characterized his career.

Mr. Warren was born in Henrv County, Indiana, November 3, 1843, and is a son of James and Polly (Beeson) Warren. His grandfather, James Warren, was born in South Carolina, and at an early period in Indiana's history migrated to this state, taking up his residence in Wayne County, where for several years he followed his trade of blacksmith, but later turned his attention to farming, in which occupation he passed his last years. His son, James Warren, the father of William W., was born in Wayne County, in 1822, later - moved to Henry County, where he was married and lived for some years, and in 1851 came to Kosciusko County, locating on a farm in Franklin Township. From modest circumstances he worked his way by industry and perseverance to the ownership of a valuable and well-cultivated farm, reared a family of children who took their places as responsible members of their several communities, and won the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was a republiean in his political views, but was eontent to devote himself to the labors of the agriculturist, and was not a seeker for public preferment. He was a member of the Dunkard faith and an honest, God-fearing cit-. izen. Mr. Warren was married in Henry County, Indiana, to Miss Polly Beeson, who was born in North Carolina in 1822, daughter of William H. Beeson, who brought his family to Indiana in 1827 and settled in Henry County. Mr. Beeson, who was also a farmer all of his life, later hearkened to the call of the West, and his death occurred in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Warren were the parents of seven children, of whom William W. is the only survivor.

William W. Warren grew up amid rural surroundings on the Henry County homestead of the family, and there received his early education in the public schools. This was supplemented by attendance at the district schools of Kosciusko County, to which community he was brought, when eight years of age, and where he grew to sturdy and active manhood. As a youth he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked in connection with farming, and as a contractor erected a number of buildings in the community, which stood for many years as monuments to his skill and good workmanship. However. the greater part of his attention was devoted to the family occupation of farming, a vocation in which he gained marked success during the years of his activity. He is now the owner of 248 acres of well-developed land, located in Franklin Township, where he has substantial buildings and improvements of a modern character, this having been conducted by his son since Mr. Warren retired from active life. He now makes his home at Mentone, where he has an attractive residence. Mr. Warren has worked his own way to a position of independence and prominence. He had few advantages in his youth save those given him by an ambitious and determined disposition, but these have proved sufficient to aid him in the accomplishment of his desires. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Mentone, one of the substantial institutions of this part of the county, and has other interests in land - and investments, in which he has shown his faith in the continued advancement of Kosciusko County.

In 1862 Mr. Warren was married to Miss Nancy J. Guekenhour, who was born in Ohio. and of their children two are living: Miss Clara, who makes her home with her father, was given an excellent educational training, became a teacher in the public schools, and after seventeen years of cducational work at Beaver Dam, Indiana, came. two years ago, to Mentone, where she now has a large and appreciative class ; and Alva, who is engaged in carrying on the work of his father's farm in Franklin Township. The mother of these children died October 7, 1915, firm in the faith of the Baptist church, of which she had been a devout member for thirty-five years, and to which Mr. Warren and their children still belong. Mr. Warren is one of the best known men in this part of the state in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being the oldest member of Mentone Lodge, which: he joined in 1872, and in which he has passed through the chairs three times. He is a republican in his political affiliation, and on that ticket was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Town of Mentone, a position in which he is now acting with ability and fidelity.

Wiiiiim Grarr is a member of the firm Graff Brothers in Seward Township, who have not been content merely with the business of producing crops as practical farmers, but have also furnished facilities for marketing and distributing the crops and livestock of others, and handle much of the local produce of that section through their elevator and yards at Burkett. Mr. William Graff of this firm has his farm home a mile east of Burkett.

He was born in Franklin Township of this county March 21, 1875, a son of George and Julia (Kern) Graff. His father was born in Alsace-Lorraine October 4, 1852. He grew up there and in 1870 came to America and spent his first two years at Warsaw. A cabinet maker by trade, he followed that occupation in Warsaw, and then moved to Sevastopol, where for twelve years he was in the employ of Mr. Peter Blue. While there he began buying stock and every year shipped a number of carloads out of this county. He finally removed to the Jacob Weirick farm, and after four years moved to Seward Township, in 1885, and bought 100 acres of land. Here his business prospered and he continued as a farmer and stock buyer until his death in 1910. He accumulated an estate of 300 acres. After coming to this county George Graff married Julia Kern, who was also a native of one of the French provinces, and had come to America on the same boat with her prospective husband. Both were active members of the Lutheran church and George Graff was a democrat. They had three children: William, Emma, and George. Emma is the wife of James Howard, of Seward Township.

George Graff, Jr., the younger member of the firm of Graff Brothers, was born in Franklin Township January 13, 1881. Te married Lulu Brunner, and they have a son, High, born in 1904.

The Graff Brothers have been in active business as grain buyers at Burkett since April 1, 1911. They built the present elevator in 1914. Both of them grew up with training and practical experience in the business of stock buying, and they have been handling stock either as individual feeders or buyers for a number of years. Mr. George Graff is a stockholder in the Bank of Seward.

T. H. Ipue is well and favorably known all over Kosciusko County, and enjoys the fruits of success due to his long continued labors as Vol. U - 12 a farmer and stockman. At the urgent solicitation of his fellow citizens he has accepted various places of trust and responsibility and is the present trustee of Monroe Township.

Mr. Idle was born in Champaign County, Ohio, June 7, 1856, son of Martin and Levina (Harbour) Idle. Martin Idle was born in Ohio March 3, 1818, a son of John and Catherine Idle, both of whom were natives of Virginia and pioneer settlers of Champaign County, Ohio, where John Idle died at the age of ninety-eight, and his wife also lived to a good old age. Long years and good and faithful work have apparently been characteristics of all the generations of the family. Levina Harbour was born in Champaign County March 4, 1820, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Harbour, who were also Virginians. Her father lived to be ninety years of age and was the father of thirtytwo children. His wife, who was the grandmother of Mr. Idle, died at the age of forty-seven. Martin Idle and wife were married in Ohio and in the fall of 1856 came to Kosciusko County and located in section 16 in Monroe Township, acquiring a farm where they spent ' the rest of their years. Both died in the year 1900, Martin in June and his wife in July, having attained the age of fourscore or more. They were the parents of eleven children, only two of whom are now living, Jane and T. H. Idle. Jane is the widow of Stephen Norris and lives in Oklahoma.

T. H. Idle was an infant when his parents came to Kosciusko County and on the old farm in Monroe Township he grew to manhood, acquired an education in the district schools and entered upon his serious career in the farming vocation. For the past twenty years he has been one of the leading stock shippers of the county, and has also served as solicitor for the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Kosciusko County.

Mr. Idle married Melissa Heckman. She became the mother of six children, five of whom are still living and four of them are graduates of the common school. For his second wife Mr. Idle married Mary Delander and they have one son George, who has finished the work of the high school. They are members of the Christian Church and Mr. Idle is affiliated with Sidney Lodge No. 847 Independent Order of Odd Fellows which he has served as noble grand three times and has sat in the Grand Lodge three terms. As a democrat he has long been prominent and influential and his position has enabled him to overcome the adverse majority of the republican organization. To the office of township trustee which he fills at present he was elected by a majority of eighteen at a time when the township was normally forty-two republican. He was once nominated for sheriff of the county and lacked only twenty-three votes of carrying the election.

Frep S. Cuark. It is a sterling English family which is represented by Fred S. Clark in Kosciusko County. For almost half a century Fred S. Clark has lived in Warsaw, and in that time has contributed a large and valuable share of service to the community, chiefly as a builder and contractor, though also as an earnest and publie spirited worker for community development.

His father was the late William S. Clark, one of the oldest men who ever lived in Warsaw. William S. Clark died at his home in that city in July, 1914, when nearly a hundred and three years of age. He had come with his wife and seven children from England to America in 1862. William S. Clark was born in County Kent and prior to coming to this country was a sailor. On reaching America he located in Ashland County, Ohio, where he bought a farm and engaged in farming, but after the death of his wife in April, 1904, when she was in her ninetieth year, he moved to Warsaw and lived in that city for the last ten years of his life.

Fred S. Clark, one of the children of William S. Clark, was born in England December 29, 1845. He was in his seventeenth year when the family immigrated to America. His education was limited, and he attended two winter terms of school after coming to the United States. For two years as a boy he worked with his father while the. latter was engaged in operating an oyster boat. After coming to America he turned his labor to the work of the home farm in Ashland County, Ohio, for one year, then went to Michigan, and learned the brick mason trade.

In 1866 Mr. Clark married Miss Lottie Philpott. In the fall after their marriage they moved to Warsaw and that city has been his home ever since. He worked at his trade as brick mason for a time, but gradually began taking contracts for himself, and from that drifted into the general building business. As a contractor and builder he has contributed many of the most substantial homes and other buildings to Kosciusko County during a period of nearly half a century. In time his son became identified with him in the business. Besides their work as contractors they now do a considerable business in the manufacturing of cement blocks and have large yards for the handling of building materials.

Mr. Fred S. Clark is a republican in general politics, but has strong views on the liauor traffic and favors anything which will bring about the abolition of that business. For four years he served as a member of the City Council of Warsaw. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Clark and wife have two children. Clyde, associated with his father in business, married Myrtle Noggle. Anne is the wife of Charles Helligas.

Mr. Clark is a Methodist and has for twenty years been trustee of his home church in Warsaw. Although born in England, he is as loyal an American as ever breathed, and is a true and consistent believer in the ultimate as well as the present greatness of this nation, and whatever he can do by act or influence he is willing to do for the good of his community and the country of his adoption.

Epoar Haymonp. Much that is interesting in human experience was the lot of Judge Haymond of Warsaw, and during more than half a century of residence in that city he accomplished those things which are considered most worth while by ambitious men - years of honorable activity in his profession, with satisfying material reward, the

While his earlier experiences led him to many parts of the country, including several years spent on the California gold coast, Judge Haymond had a perhaps unique record in Kosciusko County for permanence of residence. He lived in the county for fifty-six years, and all those years his home was in the one house in Warsaw, and as a local landmark there is none more familiar to the citizens than the '*Judge Haymond home."'

He was a native son of Indiana, and was born at Brookville, Franklin County, February 22, 1829. His was an old American family and in all the generations its vigor and vitality was never better exemplified than in the case of Judge Haymond. His first American ancestor was John Haymond, who was born in England, and came to this country during the colonial era, prior to the year 1734. He located in Maryland, and became a slave-holding planter, a custom which was probably followed by several generations of his descendants. William Haymond, a son of the emigrant, was born in 1740, and early in the Revolutionary war Governor Patrick Henry of Virginia commissioned him a captain in the Virginia troops of the Continental line. Later, November 12. 1781, he was commissioned a major by Benjamin Harrison, who had succeeded Captain Henry as governor of Virginia. Next in this ancestral line comes Thomas Haymond, who was born January 11, 1776, near Clarksburg, in what is now Monongahela County of West Virginia, but then a part of Virginia, and he died in that city in 1853. It is apparent from this that the family early showed its pioneer instinct and had ventured into the mountainous district of western Virginia prior to the outbreak of the Revolution. Thomas Haymond was a farmer by occupation. One of his sons was Rufus Haymond, who was born in 1805 and about 1828 moved to Indiana. He was a physician by profession, and practiced medicine for more than half a century. His death occurred in 1886. He married Caroline Northrup, who died 1832, leaving two children, one of whom was Judge Edgar Haymond of Warsaw. Doctor Haymond by a second marriage had three children.

Judge Edgar Haymond, great-grandson of the first of his family to come to America, was reared in Franklin County, Indiana. During his youth the schools were very limited. In fact there were no public schools in the modern sense of the term, and instruction depended upon a co-operative effort among different families who kept up a school on the subscription plan, or in the case of the better to do families the children had the benefit of instruction from a private tutor or were sent away to some select school. Judge Haymond had perhaps a little better than the ordinary advantages while he was a boy. He attended school until 1846, and then for a year clerked in a store at the old Village of America in Wabash County, a place that no longer exists. Subsequently he served as a deputy county clerk of Franklin County, and while thus employed, at night, by the light of tallow eandle, he read such law books as he could procure. The ambition to become a lawyer never left him, and he subsequently began a more sys- tematic study under the direction of George Holland, a lawyer at Brookville. In August, 1849, when not yet twenty-one years of age, he passed an examination and was admitted to the bar. The next four years were spent as a young and rising attorney at Brookville. In 1853 he was unable to resist any longer the lure of the great West, to which thousands of the best young men in the country were going to share in the search for gold and the venturesome life of California. He went out to that state by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and spent five years there, during which time he had a full share of all the experiences connected with mining. It was strenuous toil, and he spent many weary days in handling the pick and shovel, in blasting great rocks, in diverting the course of streams, and employing every known expedient to search out the hidden metal.

In 1858 he returned by the same route which he followed when he went out, and for about a year was in the offices of Robert & Joseph Brackenridge at Fort Wayne. These lawyers were relatives of Judge Haymond. In August, 1859, he came to Warsaw to practice his profession and lived in that city continnously from that year to his death. In 1859 Warsaw had a population of about fifteen hundred, and the Judicial Circuit in which he practiced was a very large one, including among other counties the County of Allen, of which Fort Wayne is the county seat. In the many years spent at Warsaw as a lawyer Judge Haymond was at different times associated in partnership with some of the best known members of the bar, and also earried on an individual practice for a long aggregate time. His leadership in the local bar was long acknowledged and in earlier years he was almost constantly identified with the more important litigation on one side or the other.

In 1890 he was elected Cirenit Court judge, and filled that honorable place in public life for six years. Judge Haymond in later years seldom appeared either for plaintiff or defendant in any of the local courts, and after many years of successful service was justified in relieving himself of the heavier cares of affairs. Much of his time was given to the gentle art of fishing as practiced by Isaak Walton. He was a republican in politics, and was a stalwart in that party practically from the time it was founded.

In November, 1859. about the time he established his home in Warsaw, Judge Haymond married Helen M. McCarty. Their married life was measured by about nine years, and she passed away January 4, 1868. She was the mother of four children, and the only one now living is Lulu. On June 8, 1869, Judge Haymond married Emma H. Wing. There are two children by this marriage: Norman E. and Mabel. The latter is the wife of George M. Stephenson of Warsaw.

Maruew C. WEaver is one of the enviable men of Kosciusko County to enjoy the prosperity of a good farm, comforts of an excellent rural home, peace and plenty, and a substantial position in community esteem. Ilis farm is in Washington Township, 214 miles northeast

November 11, 1869, son of Horatio C. and Julia A. (Van Wurmer) Weaver. Mr. Weaver's grandparents were George W. Weaver, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a pioneer settler of Koseiusko County where he died in 1858, and Mary A. (Clarke) Weaver, a native of 'Virginia and closely related to the family which produced the great George Rogers Clarke, hero of the campaign which wrested the Northwest Territory from the control of the British during the Revolution.

Horatio C. Weaver was born in Logan County, Ohio, and his wife was a native of New York State. His wife was a widow when she married him. Her first husband, Isaac Bennett, died during the Civil war. Horatio C. Weaver after his marriage settled on a farm in Washington Township and lived here until his death in 1912. His widow is still living. Of their two children the only one now living is Mathew C.

Mathew C. Weaver grew up on the home farm, had a district school education and remained on the old homestead and managed it for his father until the latter's death. The land here was entered from the government in 1836, its first owner being Dan Bratt.