Marshall County, Indiana - Chapter 6: By Christian Seiler, Jr, 1890 (part 4 of 4)

Martin A. Dilley, a successful mechanic of Ilion, was born in Fulton county, Ind., March 17, 1852. His father, John C. Dilley, and mother, Dorcas (Baty) Dilley, were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and were married about the year 1847-8, in Fulton county, this state. The father was a mechanic, and for a number of years carried on the wagon maker's trade in Newcastle township, Fulton county, where he was widely and favorably known as a citizen, having been an influential democrat and a prominent member of the Baptist church. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dillev, nine sons and four daughters, of whom the following are living: W. H., a resident of Fulton county, and carpenter by occupation; Martha E., wife of David Bishop, of Wisconsin; Andrew J., a farmer of Pulaski county; John E., a farmer of the same county; Mrs. Amanda Copy, of Kosciusko county; Thomas A., Hugh N. and Frank E., all three of whom reside in Wisconsin. The immediate subject of this biography was reared upon the farm in Fulton county, and after his father's death was raised in the family of John Heimbaugh. On attaining his majority he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he has since carried on, having acquired great proficiency in his calling. He has built a number of residences and other buildings, in Fulton and Marshall counties, and has been a valuable addition to the population of Ilion, in which he has made some substantial improvements. He moved from Fulton county to Tippecanoe township, in 1888, and is the leading carpenter and builder in Ilion. In 1S76 he was married to Miss Minerva A. King, who died 'n 1881, leaving two children, Walter P. and Nellie E. His second marriage which was solemnized in 1885, with Miss Caroline Eherenman, has been blessed with the birth of three children: Homer A., John P., and Chloe G. Mr. Dilley is a democrat in politics, and as such w^ nominated in 1890 for the office of trustee, to which he was triumphantly elected, overcoming a large party majority, a fact which attests his popularity with the people.

L. D. Eley, M. D., a successful physician and surgeon was born in Fulton county, Ind., June 28, 1855, son of Sampson and Hannah (Kenner) Eley, who were both natives of Coshocton county, Ohio. The doctor's paternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and his mother's family were also from that state. Sampson Eley was a man of prominence in the community where he resided, was an elder and deacon of the Christian church, and died in F"ulton county, this state, on the iQth day of October, 18S9. His widow still survives, living upon the homestead farm which Mr. Eley purchased from the government in 1842. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eley, viz.: Frances, wife of Patrick Shoemaker; Jefferson; Olivia, wife of John Fluke; L. D., the subject of this sketch; Anna Belle, wife of Edward Mullenhour; Ninco C, and Lovina Jane, wife of G. W. Roberts. Dr. Eley grew to manhood in Fulton county, and received his literary education in the high schools of Rochester and Bourbon, and began his professional reading under the instruction of Dr. C. J. Loring of the former place. He subsequently entered the college of physicians and surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, in which he completed the prescribed course, graduating in 1887. He began the practice of his profession at Ilion, Marshall county, and is already recognized as one of the rising physicians and surgeons of this part of the state. He is a careful and painstaking practitioner, and has before him a career of great usefulness.

David Albert Gibbens, one of the successful farmers of Tippecanoe township, is a native of Kentucky, born in Barren county, that state, August 28, 1818. His parents were Francis and Susannah (Cox) Gibbens, also natives of Kentucky, in which state the father followed the occupation of blacksmithing, dying in 1 82 1. The death of the father and husband was a sad blow to the family, and in order to better their condition, the mother moved to Hendricks county, Ind., in 1826, and settled upon a piece of land which she and her children cleared and brought under cultivation. Mrs. Gibbens was a woman of many excellent traits of character, very industrious, and both by precept and example, taught her children those lessons of industry aud economy by which their subsequent lives have been characterized. She died in Hendricks county on the home place. Of her eight children, but two are now living, the subject of this mention, and Elizabeth, wife of James j. Jones, of Iowa. David A. Gibbens was reared principally in Hendricks county. Deprived of his father at a very early age, he was forced to take upon himself the responsibility of contributing toward the support of the famil3^ consequently his education so far as schools are concerned, was sadly neglected; but by intelligent observation and contact with his fellow men, he has since become the possessor of valuable practical knowledge. His life work has been principally farming, in addition to which he followed the carpenter's trade for about fifteen years in Plymouth. He settled in Tippecanoe township in 1862, purchasing a part of his present farm which he cleared, and to which he has since added and made valuable improvements. He was first married to Christina Ann Abrahams, daughter of Lot Abrahams, of Plymouth, who died leaving no children. His second wife whose maiden name was Sarah A. St. John, daughter of Asa St. John, of Walnut township, this county, has borne him eight children, six of whom are living, viz.: Prudy J., Alice E., Dovery A., Ida M., Etta F. and Myrtle B. Politically, Mr. Gibbens is a supporter of the democratic party, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order.

Jacob and Mary (Overlander) Grass came from Germany a number of years ago, and settled in Stark county, Ohio, moving thence, in 1858, to Marshall county, Ind., settling upon the farm now owned by one of his descendants in Tippecanoe township, where their deaths occurred in the year 1889. The3' were members of the Lutheran church, and during the period of their residence in this county, earned the reputation of first-class citizens. They raised a family of seven children, whose names are as follows: Christian; Lydia, wife of William Vonters; Louisa, wife of William Horney; Joseph; Catherine, wife of John Fuller; Frances, wife of Alexander Boyland; Christina, wife of Abraham Eagalbarger. Joseph Grass, the principal of this biography, was born in Stark county, Ohio, November 22, 1852, and at the age of six years was brought by his parents to Marshall county, Ind., where he has since lived as an active farmer. In connection with agricultural pursuits he operates a threshing machine in different seasons of the year, a business which returns him a handsome income. He has been a life-long democrat, but enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens, irrespective of party affiliation. January 5, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Squibb, a native of Ohio, who has borne him four children, viz.: Mary Lucinda, William Franklin, Jacob Henry, Louisa Ann.

William Horn was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 25, 1823, the son of Hartman and Margaret (Welshammer) Horn, both parents natives of Pennsylvania. The mother died in Ohio, and subsequently, in 1S53, the father moved to Fulton county, Ind., where he cleared a farm and became a prominent and enterprising citizen. By his first marriage he had ten children, and by his second marriage with Sarah Hall, of Ohio, he reared a family of five children. He died in Fulton county, June 24, 1878, at the age of seventy-nine years. The following are the names of his children who are living at this time: William, Mrs. Mary Hurl, Christian, Delilah, Mrs. Ella Barkman, Columbus, Noah, and Mrs. Jane Boosenburg. The subject of this mention was reared and educated in Knox county, Ohio, and accompanied his parents to Fulton county, Ind., where, in 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Jewell, of Licking county, Ohio. He became a resident of Marshall county, in 1854, settling upon his present place in Tippecanoe township, where he has since followed farming with encouraging success. His first wife died in 1857, and the following year he was married to Miss Ann Rockhill, a union blessed with the birth of the following children: Amanda, wife of Jeremiah Fields; Washington; Ellen, wife of Morgan Ward; Emanuel, Granville, Rosa, Cora E., Pearl D. and Samantha J. Mr. Horn was a democrat up to 1878, since which time he has been in sympathy with the greenback party.

Among the enterprising business men of Marshall county is Joel W. Nifong, the present energetic merchant at Ilion, where he conducts a well-stocked drug and grocery house, which was established October g, 1889. He is a native of Marshall county, born in Center township, June i, 1852, and is the son of John and Lorenda (Watson) Nifong. He received a liberal education in the public schools of the county, and the Plymouth high school, and subsequently attended a normal school, at Plymouth, in which he prepared himself for the profession of teaching. He followed teaching for nearly twenty years, during which time he earned the reputation of an able and painstaking instructor. In 1874-75, he conducted a grocery business at Bourbon, and in 1882 took charge of a business house at Barron, Wis., for the Telke Bros., with which he was connected for a period of about three years. His business at Ilion is in a prosperous condition, and his patronage, which is already quite extensive, is constantly increasing. He was married in 1872, to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Abderfer, of Center township, the result of which union is six children, whose names are as follows: Lourenda, Dollie, Israel A., Martha, Pearl and Mearl. The last named two are twins.

Joseph Spencer, M. D., physician and surgeon at Tippecanoe, is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the ist day of June, 1827. His parents were Jesse and Mary (Tate) Spencer, natives respectively of Virginia and Ireland, who reared a family of seven children, viz.: Steward, B. F., Joseph, Robert L., Mrs. Jane Bonham, Mrs. Dianna Withom, and Mrs. Nancy Arnold. By a subsequent marriage Mr. Spencer had a family, two members of which are still living, one in Jasper county, and the other near Bourbon in this county. Mr. Spencer was a farmer by occupation, and for some years carried on the mercantile business. His first wife died in Fairfield county, Ohio, and he subsequently moved to Indiana, locating in Porter county, where his death afterward occurred. Dr. Spencer spent his youthful years in Ohio, came to Indiana when eleven years of age, and received a practical English education in the country schools, which he attended during the winter seasons. His first business venture was in the dry goods and drug trade in Porter county, where he continued until 1865, at which time he came to Marshall county, and became a partner in the dry goods and grocery house at Bourbon, under the firm name of Monsel & Wolf, with which he was connected for a short time. In the above year he located at Tippecanoe, where he has since resided and where he has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine for some years. He received his professional education under the instruction of his brother, B. F. Spencer, and by diligent application has become one of the well-informed physicans of Marshall county. His first marriage was solemnized in 1850 with Miss Alice Stoddard, a native of Canada, who died in 1868 leaving the following children: Charles O., of Jasper county, W. F., of Wyoming; Jay, of Illinois; Lewis, of Black Hill; Hattie, wife of Joseph Clark, of Kankakee, 111., and Bell, who resides at home. The doctor was again married in 1869, to Barbara Smith, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Smith, of Germany, to which union one child, William B., has been born. The doctor was originally a republican in politics, but of recent years has been in sympathy with the greenback party.

Frank Vernett was born in France, June 23, 1843, and is a son of Louis and Eve Vernett. The parents emigrated to America in 1845, and settled in Stark county, Ohio, where they resided until their removal to Marshall county, Ind.. in 1872. Louis Vernett was a farmer by occupation, and followed his chosen calling in Ohio, and Tippecanoe township, this county, until his death in January, 1886. His wife followed him to the grave three years later, dying in 1889. They were highly respected citizens, and devoted members of the Catholic church. The following are the names of their five children: Frank, Augustus, Louis, Louisa and John. The subject of this sketch received his educational training in the pubHc schools of Stark county, Ohio; was raised on a farm, and in 1861 became a resident of Marshall county, locating on his present farm in Tippecanoe township, where he owns 326 acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a successful state of tillage. He is a progressive citizen, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances in Tippecanoe and other townships. Hannah Rice, daughter of William Rice, of Kosciusco county, became his wife in 1S67. They have six children, viz.: Mrs. Sarah Emeline Bybee, William L., Lettie, Eve, Viola and Bertha. William Yaiser, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Tippecanoe, is a native of Germany, born November, 1836, son of John and Rebecca (Erhart) Yaiser, both of whom died in the old country. The father was a soldier in the German army, served in the wars of Napoleon, and until his death, in 1873, held a position under the German government. He was born in 1790. His wife was born in 1779, and died in 1870. They raised a family of twelve children, eleven now living, but only one of whom, the subject of this sketch, ever left the old country. William Yaiser was reared and educated in Germany, and while young, learned the weaver's trade, at which he worked both in his native country and the United States. He came to America in 1853, and located in Somerset county, Penn., where he followed his trade nine years, and later, in 1865, he moved to Marshall county, Ind., settling in Tippecanoe, where he erected and operated a woolen mill. He continued this business with fair success until 1876, when he engaged in the mercantile trade with a partner, under the firm name of William Yaiser & Co. By strict attention to demands of the trade, Mr. Yaiser has built up a very successful business, and is one of the enterprising merchants of the county. He has served as postmaster at Tippecanoe, for thirteen years, and was trustee of the township for four years. Politically he is a republican, and in religion is identified with the Lutheran church. His wife, Cinderella, whom he married in 1859, and who died in 1SS5, bore him the following children: John, the present treasurer of Sargent county, Dak.; Mary, wife of J. L. Reed; Adelbert, of Dakota, and Maggie, who is still at home.

J. J. Cromley, merchant, was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, September 17,1850. His parents, John and Amelia (Sampsell) Cromley, were both natives of Pennsylvania, but early moved to Sandusky county. Ohio, thence in 1856 to Marshall county. Ind., where Mr. Cromley purchased forty acres of land in Union township, which he cleared, and upon which he still resides. Mrs.

Cromley departed this life in the year 1890. To them were born five children, four now living: the subject of this mention, John F., of Union township; Sarah J., wife of Henry Romig, of Union township; and Merritt J., who lives at the home place. J. J. Cromley grew to manhood on the farm in Union township, and received a fair English education in the common schools. Having a taste for the medical profession he began studying the same under the instruction of Dr. Kelsey, of Pulaski county, and afterward attended one course of lectures at Indianapolis, where he made commendable progress in the profession. He subsequently abandoned the calling and in 1S85 established his present business at Burr Oak, where he now conducts a well-ordered general store which has a liberal patronage. Politically Mr. Cromley is a democrat, and as such was elected to the responsible position of township trustee in 1886, the duties of which office he discharged with commendable fidelity. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Mary Loring, of Stark county, Ind., became his wife in 1882, and to their marriage one child, Carl Chester, has been born.

John S. Garver, a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Marshall county, is a native of Washington county, Penn., born April 5, 1813. His father, Frederick Garver, was a native of Germany, but came to the United States when a young man, and married in Washington county, Penn., Sarah S. Speere, daughter of Rev. Henry Speere, by whom he reared a family of twelve children. Those known to be living at this time are: Frederick, who resides in Missouri; David, of Elkhart, Ind.; John S., whose name introduces this sketch, and Joanna, wife of Peter Berkey, of Missouri. Frederick Garver emigrated west sometime in the thirties, and settled in Cass county, Mich., thence in 1S34, moved to Elkhart county, Ind., where he entered a tract of government land, having been one of the pioneers of that part of the state. He died in Elkhart county in 1852, and his wife followed him to the grave one year later. When but a child John S. Garver was taken by his parents to Indiana, and passed his youthful years in Wayne and Crawford counties, Ohio, and in Cass county, Mich. He subsequently located in Elkhart county, Ind., which was his home until 1854, when he came to Marshall county and settled upon his present place in Union township, clearing and developing a fine farm from the woods. Being early obliged to assist his father upon the farm, his educational advantages were of necessity quite limited, but a long experience with business men in various relations of life has given him a sound practical knowledge such as schools and colleges fail to impart. He is now one of the leading citizens of the community, and is respected by all for his many manly qualities. He was married August, 1837, in Elkhart county, Ind., to Miss Mary Stutzman, daughter of 27 - B.

Stephen and Elizabeth (Feister) Stutzman. Mrs. Garver was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and is the mother of thirteen children, eleven of whom, the following are living, viz.: Daniel W., who resides in Minnesota; Henry Melvin; David M., of Nebraska; Jacob S., of Bremen; William W.; Catherine, wife of Edward Dreese; George W., Thomas ]., Benjamin F., Stephen F., and Mary A., wife of Samuel Wise. The deceased members of the family are Elizabeth and John. While Mr. Garver has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the democratic party, being a firm believer in its principles, he is not a partisan in the sense of seeking official honors. While still a young man he participated in the Black Hawk war, enlisting while a resident of Michigan. He and wife are members of the German Baptist church.

Thomas Houghton, son of James and Hannah (Morris) Houghton, is a native of Rush county, Ind., and dates his birth from the 4th day of January, 1829. His father was born in England, but came to America when a young man and settled in Rush county, Ind., where for some time he followed his trade of coach and wagon making. Mrs. Houghton was a native of Ohio. James and Hannah Houghton came to Marshall county in the year 1S36 and located upon a quarter section of land in Union township, where Mr. Houghton cleared and developed a fine farm. The}^ subsequently moved to the village of Marmont, where their respective deaths occurred. Mr. Houghton was a man of high social standing, and was called to fill various official positions in the townshp where he resided. He was a democrat in politics, and with his wife belonged to the church of the Christian Connection, commonly known as New LightS, in which he was a prominent worker. He reared a family of nine children, of whom the folowing are living, namely: Alvira, wife of Robert Brinkley, of Wyoming; Rachel, wife of John S. Bender, of Plymouth; Mrs. Phcebe Clark, of Plymouth; William, Edward, and Thomas, the subject of this biography. Thomas Houghton passed the years of his youth in Marshall county, and grew to manhood on a farm with the rugged duties of which he early became familiar. He attended the country schools at intervals in his youth, and later learned the harness-maker's trade in which he acquired considerable proficiency, but which he soon abandoned for his present occupation, the pursuit of agriculture. On the 27th of March, 1S51, Miss Nancy McCormick Mitchell, daughter of James Mitchell, of Union township, became his wife. She died on the iSth of March, 1854, leaving two children: Lorenzo M. and James E., who reside in Union township. On the 6th day of April, 1855, Mr. Houghton's second marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary Ellen Bird, of Marshall county, who departed this life on the 9th day of April, 1875, leaving two living children:

Thomas E. and William N., who now reside in Union township. Mr. Houghton was married the third time in December, 1876, to Miss Julia Meyers, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Meyers, who has borne him the following children, namely: Orlando M., Luther P., Bertha E., Dennis R., Effie L., and Chloe V. Mr. Houghton is a democrat in politics, and for seven years has held the responsibe position of township trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, I. O. O. F., and is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, having formerly belonged to the Christian church.

Andrew J. Kyser, a successful farmer of Union township, was born in Summit county, Ohio, February 7, 1827. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Warner) Kyser, both natives of Lancaster county, Penn., and early settlers of Summit county, Ohio, where the father was for a number of years connected with the militia service, and where for twenty-six years he followed the trade of cooper. He was a local politician of the democratic party, well educated in the English and German languages, and with his wife, first belonged to the Lutheran church, but afterward became identified with the Reformed church, in which he was a leader for fifty years. He died in 1873, a-^^d his wife followed him to the grave in 1885, both departing this life in Summit county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Keyser had a family of eleven children, seven of whom still live, viz.: Andrew J., Mrs. Mary Sorick, Mrs. Sarah Vandersoll, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, Philander and Henry. A deceased brother, John, who came to Marshall county in 1866 and settled in West township, died there in 1886. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Summit county, Ohio, and in 1851 married Elizabeth Kemery, daughter of Jacob Kemery, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., and an early resident of Summit county, Ohio. Mr. Kyser came to Marshall county, in 1S55, and settled in West township, where he cleared a farm of seventy-four acres, which he disposed of in 1865, and moved to his present place in Union township, where he now owns 320 acres, 150 of which he cleared. Mr. and Mrs. Kyser are the parents of six children, three now living, viz.: Franklin M., Carlisle D. and Flora R., of Burr Oak. Mr. Kyser is a successful farmer and has given considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses; is an active supporter of the democratic party, and was formerlj' a Presbyterian in his religious belief, but now attends churches of all denominations.

Valentine A. Lidecker, a native of Germany, and son of Valentine and Volpracia (Klein) Lidecker, was born on the'8th day of December, 1848. The family came to America in 1853, and after spending one year in Coshocton county, Ohio, came to Marshall county, Ind., where the father resided until the time of his death. Mr. Lidecker was a man of limited means when he first came to this county, but by thrift and industry succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence. He and wife were consistent members of the German Reformed church, and as citizens were highly regarded by a large circle of friends in Union, West and adjacent townships. Mr. Lidecker died in the year 1879. His -widow still survives and makes her home with the subject of this biography. Of their five children three are living at this time, viz.: Elizabeth, widow of Fred Renner; Mary, wife of Adam Motz, of Bourbon, and Valentine, whose sketch is here presented. Valentine A. Lidecker came to Marshall county when but five 3?ears of age, and grew to manhood on a farm, attending the country schools at intervals in the meantime. He began life for "himself with but a limited supply of this world's goods, but by industry and economy has succeeded in amassing a comfortable owning at this time 240 acres of valuable land, a greater part of which is well improved. He is an honorable citizen of the community, takes an active interest in the affairs of his township, and in politics is identified with the democratic His first wife, whose maiden name was Emma A. York, daughter of George York, of Union township, died in 1872, and on the 30th of October, 1875, he married his present wife, Permelia Rightley, daughter of Peter Rightley, who has borne him two children, Freddie Arlo and Rosa Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Lidecker are members of the Reformed church.

Capt. Edward Morris was born in Union township, Marshall county, Ind., March 7, 1847. His early education embraced the branches taught in the common schools and he early engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm where he was raised and upon which he still resides. As a tiller of the soil he was quite successful for a number of years. He still owns his place, but of recent years has given his attention largely to constructing row boats and sailing yachts for use upon the lake, upon which he also runs a beautiful steamer, being both captain and proprietor. He was one of the first men to advertise the attraction of Lake Maxinkuckee to the world and has done more than any other man toward making it the most popular summer resort in Indiana. Capt. Morris is a public spirited citizen in all that term implies, and is one of the leading men of Union township. He is a charter member of lodge 231, K. of P., at Marmont, and in his politifcal belief adheres strictly to the republican party.

I. L. Mosher, a representative citizen of Union township, was born in Erie county, N. Y., F'ebruary 18, 1842, and is a son of Jeremiah and Sarah M. Mosher, natives respectively of New York and Vermont. Jeremiah and Sarah Mosher were married in Rutland county, Vt., after which they located in Erie county, N. Y., and about the year 1S55, immigrated to Indiana and settled in Stark county. Three years later they became residents of Marshall county, locating in Union township, where Mr. Mosher cleared a farm, upon which his death occurred ir» 1882. Mrs. Mosher survived her husband two years, djnng in 1884. They had a family of seven children, two of whom, the subject of this biography, and M. F., are living. J. L. Mosher came to Indiana when thirteen years of age, and has since been an honored citizen of the state of his adoption. Being the oldest son he was in early life obliged to contribute his share toward working the farm and supporting the family, in consequence of which his educational training was of a limited character, confined principally to a few months' attendance each winter at the country schools, in which he obtained a fair knowledge of the elementary branches of learning. He married in 1862 Miss Sarah J. Thompson, daughter of William E. Thompson, one of the pioneers of Union township, and the same year responded to the country's call for volunteers, enlisting in the Twenty-first Indiana battery, light artillery, with which he served gallantly until the close of the war. Mr. Mosher has been a farmer all his life, and as such ranks with the successful agriculturists of Union township. He is a member of Yellow River grange. No. 155, P. of H., belongs to Tibbett's post. No. 260, G. A. R., and politically adheres to no party creed, preferring to be known as an independent. The names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mosher are as follows: Ada B., wife of John C. Butler, county surveyor; Mariam, wife of T. M. Walker, of Green township, and Tracy, who still resides under the parental roof. William Overmyer, a substantial farmer of Union township, is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and son of Peter and Mary Overmyer; parents born in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation, served in the war of 1S12, and by his first marriage with Mary Hodge, reared a family, three members of which are still living, namely: the subject of this mention, Ezekiel, and Levi Overmyer, both residents of Fulton county, Ind. Mrs. Overmyer departed this life in Sandusky county, Ohio, and subsequently Mr. Overmyer took to wife Mary Shiveley, who bore him the following children: Mrs. Catherine Boyer, Mrs. Maria Overmyer, Mrs. Mary J. Boyer, Mrs. Ellen Hubbard, Henry H. Chauncy, and Mrs. Isabella Meyer, all of whom reside in the state of Ohio. William Overmyer, whose name introduces this biography, was born on the 19th day of May, 1S26, and grew to manhood in his native state, attending the common schools at intervals during the years of his minority. On attaining his majority, he engaged in farming, which has been his life work. In 1S53, he moved to Indiana, settling in Pulaski county, where he cleared a farm upon which he resided until his removal to Marshall county, in the spring of 1878. He settled where he now lives, in Union town- ship, and has a comfortable home, the result of his unaided efforts. He is a man of strict morals, an earnest Christian, and as a member of the United Brethren church, has been the means of accomplishing much good in the community. Mr. Overmyer's first marriage, which was solemnized in 1852, with Mary C. Ernsperger, daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann Ernsperger, was blessed with the birth of several children, of whom the following are living, viz.: Mary A., wife of S. S. Smith, of Fulton county; Frank P., Ida M. and Georgiana, the last three living at home. A daughter, Fannie Bell, whose death occurred in Stark county, May 23, 18S7, was married to Willis Burkett, by whom she had one child, Ethel C, born August 31, 1S85. Mrs. Overmyer died in 1876. Subsequently Mr. Overmyer married a second wife in the person of Mrs. Bowersocks, whose death occurred in 188 1. To this marriage was born one son, Eugene, whose birth occurred October i, 1877. In 1882, Mr. Overmyer married his present wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Snyder, daughter of William and Sarah (Hillerl Snyder, of Dauphin county, Penn. There has been no issue to this marriage.

O. R. Porter, merchant and township trustee, was born in Union township, Ind., October 17, 1863, and is the son of Oliver and Catherine (Platz) Porter, natives of Ohio. Oliver and Catherine Porter moved from their native state to St. Joseph county, Ind., thence to Marshall county, about the year 1852, settling in Union township. They had a family of eight children, four of whom are now living, viz.: William H., Ellen, O. R., and Alsa L. Mr. Porter was a man of local prominence, and his death, which occurred in 1871, was deeply lamented by all who knew him. His widow still survives. The subject of this biography received his early educational training in the common schools and after taking a course in the Northern Indiana school at Valparaiso, engaged in teaching, which calling he followed with flattering success for several years. He subsequently abandoned the profession, and in 1889 established his present business at the village of Marmont. where he carries on a lucrative trade in general merchandise. In 18S5 he married Miss Maud Oyler, daughter of Henry and Matilde (Barnett) Oyler, a union blessed with the birth of two children: Oliver and Arthur. Mr. Porter was elected trustee of Union township in 1S90.

One of the successful medical men of Marshall county, is Dr. Oliver A. Rea, of Marmont, who was born in Union county, Ohio, October 13, 1843. His parents, John W. and Lucinda (VVaite) Rea, who were natives respectively of Massachusetts and Ohio, moved to Indiana in 1873 a^"d settled in Stark county, of which the father at one time served as commissioner. John W. Rea is a, farmer and blacksmith, and with his wife is still living in Stark county. They reared a family of five children, whose names are as follows: Oliver A.; Amanda, wife of John Williams, of Logan county, Ohio; Mary, wife of Joseph Bolen, of Stark county, Ind.; Abel, of the same county and state, and David, a resident of Logan county, Ohio. Dr. Rea was reared and educated in Ohio, graduating from the Lebanon college, that state, in which he completed the scientific course. He taught school several years, and began his professional reading under the instruction of Dr. Skidmore, of West Mansfield, and after attending the college of medicine and surgery at Cincinnati for some time, graduated from the hospital college of medicine at Louisville, receiving his diploma in 1883. The doctor had the distinction of being awarded the highest honors of his class, for which he was presented a gold medal, and was also chosen to deliver the valedictory address. In 1888, the doctor took a special course in surgery, etc., at the " Polyclinic," of Chicago. He engaged in the practice of his profession in 1876, at the town of Knox, Stark county, Ind., and continued there until his removal to Marshall county in iSSo, since which time he has been located at Marmont, in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative business. He is examining surgeon of the Penn Mutual life insurance company, and a member of the board of United States examining surgeons in the pension department for Plymouth, Ind. The doctor is a member of the county medical society, state medical society, and also of the American medical association, in the deliberations of which bodies he has been a prominent actor. As a physician he stands deservedly high, having a very extensive practice in this and other counties, while his well-known ability as a surgeon has made him the trusted operator in many difficult and skilful cases. The doctor was a soldier in the late war, having enlisted in 1862 in the Eighty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served for three years, during which time he took part in many noted battles. He was made a prisoner at Gettysburg, but was not confined, having made his escape thirty-one days after his capture. He is a member of Marmont lodge, No. 231, K. of P., belongs to the Miles H. Tibbett's post. No. 260, G. A. R., and in politics votes the republican ticket. The doctor and Miss Sylvia A. Green, daughter of Henry and Lydia F. Green, were united in marriage in 1876, and to their union three children, Robert H., Lucretia, and William S., have been born.

Among the substantial farmers and representative men of Marshall county is William Shaw, of Marmont, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, December i, 1822, the son of Henry and Margaret (Williams) Shaw, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter by trade, and a pioneer of Richland county, having settled in Mansfield as early as the year 1812, during the war of which year he experienced all the vicissitudes and dangers incident to a life on the frontier. He subsequently became a resident of Hancock county, Ohio, when that part of the state was a wilderness; and after residing there and elsewhere for a number of years came to Indiana in 1842, settling in Wabash county, where he cleared a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Ten years later he moved to Stark county, where his death occurred in the year 1870. Mr. Shaw was a man of great physical strength and endurance, and a representative pioneer of the period in which he lived. His wife, whom he married in Richland countj^ Ohio, died in 1870. They reared a family of nine children, five of whom are living, viz.: Stephen, William, Joseph, I\Irs. Elizabeth Rist, and Henry B. The immediate subject of this mention was reared to manhood in Ohio, obtained his educational training in such schools as the country at that time offered, and began life for himself as a teacher, in which calling he continued with good success for a number of years. He came to Wabash county, Ind., with his parents in 1842, and in 1S48 was married, in Noble county, to Miss Mary Gilchrist, daughter of John Gilchrist, a pioneer of Richland county, Ohio, who moved to Kosciusko count}', Ind., in an early day. Mrs. Shaw died in Kosciusko county, September, 1852, after which Mr. Shaw again resumed the profession of teaching, and continued the same for some time in Marshall county, at a place known as Burr Oak Flats. He subsequently engaged in farming, and in 1863 moved to his present place in Union township, where he has a beautiful farm under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Shaw's second marriage was solemnized August 14, 1854, with Miss Nancy Thompson, daughter of Job and Sarah Thompson, of Marshall county, where the family settled as early as 1S37, moving here from Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have been born five children, whose names are as follows: Charit}', wife of Charles Stoble; Stephen A., who married Elizabeth Given; James C, merchant at Burr Oak, married Elizabeth Butler; Delia (deceased), and Alexander B. Politically, Mr. Shaw is a democrat, and as such, has been a potent factor in local politics, having represented Marshall county in the legislature of 18S3. He has filled various official positions in the township in which he resides, in all of which he has discharged his duties in an able and satisfactory manner. Fraternally, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, and in his religious views is quite liberal, adhering to no particular church or creed, but believing implicitl}' in a kind and overruling Deity.

Henry INI.Speyer, a successful business man, and member of the mercantile firm of Nussbaum, Mayer & Co., of Marmont, was born in Kentucky, September 3, 1863, son of Henry and Margaret (Pickens) Speyer. The father was a merchant by occupation, and about 1879, moved to Marmont, and became identified with the commercial interests of the village. He was a soldier in the late war, serving first in the Twenty-third Indiana volunteer infantry for three months, and later re-enlisted for three years, but was honorably discharged before the expiration of his term of service on account of sickness. He entered the army as^a private soldier, but for gallant and meritorious conduct was promoted captain of his company, which position he held at the time of his discharge. He was a local politician of considerable note, and at one time was the republican candidate for the office of clerk of the circuit court. His widow, who still survives, is the mother of seven children, five living, namely, Jacob, a merchant of New York city; Sarah, wife of Henry Maxwell, of New York city; Eva, wife of Willian Porter, of Marmont, and Marion, widow of Andrew Kork, of Marmont, and the subject of this sketch. Henry M. Speyer was educated in the city schools of Plymouth, and began the mercantile business at Marmont as successor to his father, having received a business training under the latter, prior to becoming a member of the firm. In his business he is careful and methodical, and by strict attention to the demands of the trade has made himself quite popular with a large and constantly increasing number of customers. In addition to the goods business, he attends to the postol^ce of Marmont, to which position he was appointed in August, 18S9. He is an active member of the K. of P. order, being a charter member of lodge No. 231, and in politics supports the principles of the republican party.

Celestion E. Thornburg, an intelligent young farmer of Union township, son of Harvey and Mary Jane (Rogers) Thornburg, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, on the 14th day of July, 1863. When ten months of age his parents moved to Marshall county, Ind. He worked on his father's farm in the summer, and attended school in winter, and at the age of eighteen began to teach in the district school. His profession of teaching he continued with flattering success for a number of years. As a teacher, he soon earned the name of a capable, painstaking instructor. In 1886 he located upon a farm, in Union township, since which time his attention has mainly been given to agricultural pursuits. In 1890, he was a candidate for trustee, on the democratic ticket, and was defeated for said office through sectional strife by but one vote. He is also engaged in selling agricultural implements. In 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Grossman, daughter of David L. Grossman, a union blessed with the birth of two children, Harvey D. Thornburg and Gladis Thornburg. Mr. Thornburg is a member of the I. O. O. F., belonging to the Maxinkuckee lodge, No. t^-jT)' ^^'^ Plymouth encampment. No. 113.

L. T. Vanschoiack, for whom this sketch is prepared, is a native of Fleming county, Ky., born on the waters of Mill Creek, December 18, 181 2, the son of Reuben and Frances (Allen) Van- schoiack, both natives of the same state. His paternal grandfather, John S. Vanschoiack, was a native of Pennsylvania, and an early settler of Maryland, from which state he emigrated many years ago, to Kentucky, settling in Mason county. He was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and died in Kentucky many years ago. The subject's maternal grandfather was Robert Allen, amemberof oneof the prominent families of Kentucky, and at one tune a very wealthy planter and slave holder. After their marriage, Reuben and Frances X'anschoiack lived for some time in Kentucky, and the father afterward started to California, but died upon the plains before reaching his destination. His widow died in her native state, in 1850. Their family consisted of six children, three of whom are still living, viz.: Louisa, wife of William Grover; L. T., and Elizabeth, wife of James Campbell. The early life of our subject was marked by no event of particular interest, until the year 1833, when he left the familiar haunts of his childhood, and removed to the state of Indiana. He located in Wayne county, and in 1845 removed to the state of Illinois. After a residence of five years in that state he returned to Wayne county, Ind., and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1S63. He came to Marshall county in that year, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides. In his early life he enjoyed but few educational advantages, yet he possessed a keen desire for knowledge, and availed himself of every opportunity for gratifying that desire. By a diligent course of study he prepared himself for the vocation of teaching, and taught school during the winter seasons. He was always provident, and made it a rule to save a portion of his income, however small it might be. Thus, as years rolled on, he found his fortune growing very surely, if very slowly, and as it increased he wisely invested his means in land, establishing his prosperity upon a sure foundation. Throughout his life he has made it a practice to operate within the bounds of legitimate business, and to avoid all speculations or enterprises of uncertain nature. His farm, which is situated on the banks of the beautiful Maxinkuckee lake, is one of the finest in Union township, and all its various departments bear evidence of cultivation by a skilled hand. It has been the aim of its owner to conduct his farm in such a manner as to merit the title, " a good farmer," and this ambition has stimulated him to the exclusion of all desire for notoriety through the channels of public office, though having filled the offices of justice and township trustee. He is a plain farmer, yet to those who know him he is an honorable man, upright in all his dealings with the world, and liberal in the support of public enterprises and religious and educational institutions. In his political faith he affiliates with the democratic party, and in religion is a member of the Christian church of Maxinkuckee, in which he holds the office of elder. March 27, 1838, he was married in Wayne county, Ind., to Miss Esther Bulla, to which union twelve children were born, eight now living, viz.: Francis A., Isaac A., Lavina E., Louisa J., William J., Elizabeth R., Elsa B., and Edward P.

Abraham Voreis, deceased, was a native of Indiana, born in Rush county, December 28, 1S30. He came to Marshall county early in the thirties, received a fair educational training in the country' schools, and began his life work as a farmer, continuing as such until his death. He was married in 186410 Miss Rebecca Henderson, daughter of Nathan and Ellen (Jacobs) Henderson, natives respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson were married in the southern part of Indiana, where they lived until 1835, when they came to Marshall county, and located above Wolf Creek, Green township, moving later to Union township, where they lived until their respective deaths occurred. They were both consistent members of the Methodist church, but after her husband's death Mrs. Henderson joined the Christian, with which connection she continued during the remainder of her life. After his marriage Mr. Voreis settled in Union township, on the farm now occupied b}' his widow, which was his home until his death in 1874. He was a democrat in his political belief, a member of Maxinkuckee grange. Patrons of Husbandry, and in all the relations of life a substantial and trustworthy citizen. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Voreis: Charles, John, Lillie and Florence.

John M. Voreis, farmer and stock-raiser, whose brief sketch is herewith presented, was born in Rush county, Ind., August 9, 1829, and is the son of John H.and Phcebe (Morris) Voreis. The father was a native of Ohio, and became a resident of Marshall county in the year 1837, settling in Union township, where he purchased a quarter section of land and cleared a farm. He became one of the leading men of the township, was a local politican of the democratic part}', and as such filled several important official positions, including that of county commissioner, to which he was elected in 1862. He was three times married; first to Matilda Coun, by whom he had one child, deceased. By his second marriage with Phcebe Morris he had five children, namely: William, of Nebraska; Milton (deceased), Abraham (deceased), Elizabeth and John. To his third marriage were born the following children: George, Benjamin, Rachel and Louisa, wife of Samuel Loring, of this county. John Voreis was reared to manhood principally in Union township, received a practical English education in the common school, and began life for himself as a farmer, which useful calling he still follows. He resides on the old home place and is justly esteemed as one of the substantial citizens of the community of which he has for so many years been an honored member. He is a democrat in poHtics, but not a partisan, preferring to give his attention to his farming interests, which are large and constantly increasing. Mr. Voreis was married in the year 1867, to Miss Agnes McElvaine, daughter of Robert McElvaine, of Plymouth, a union blessed with the birth of five children: Mary, Jessie, Albertus, Abraham Roscoe and Robert.

Leonard Wilson, a highly respected citizen of Union township, is a native of Ohio, born in Shelby county, that state, on the 9th day of April, 1S41. His parents, Abijah and Elizabeth Wilson, were natives of New York and Virginia, respectively. They moved to Pulaski count}', Ind., in 1841, where Mr. Wilson followed farming and brick-making, and where he resided until his removal to Marshall county, in 1S63. He located in Union township, and for some time thereafter operated a saw-mill near Lake Maxinkuckee, in connection with agricultural pursuits. He was a republican in politics, and a man highly respected in the community where he resided. His death occurred in the year 1881. His wife, who is still living, is the mother of nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity, five now living, viz.: John, Isaac, Leonard, George and James. Leonard Wilson was reared to agricultural pursuits in Pulaski county, and obtained a common school education. In 1862 he entered the army as private in Company B, Eighty-seventh Indiana infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. While in the service he participated in a number of bloody battles, including Spring Hill, Perrj'ville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and numerous others, in one of which he received a painful wound. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to Indiana, and in 1865 became a resident of Marshall county, settling in Union township, where he engaged in his present vocation of farming, in which he has met with well-deserved success. In 1871 Miss Mary E. Ruggles, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hittle) Ruggles, became his wife, to which marriage have been born five children, whose names are as follows: Lillie May, Albert Lawrence, Arthur Lester, Adelbert Lewis, and Glyde Otis. Mr. Wilson is a republican in politics, an active member of the P. of H. fraternity, in which he has filled nearly every office, and belongs to Tibbett's post, No. 260, G. A. R., of Plymouth. He and wife are identified with the Protestant Methodist church.

B. W. S. Wiseman, M. D., is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, and the son of L. D. and Agnes (Hufford) Wiseman, both parents born in the same state. Samuel Wiseman, the doctor's grandfather, was a native of Virginia, and an early settler of Ohio, having located in Fairfield county a great many years ago. L. D. Wiseman followed the carpenter's trade in his younger days, but later engaged in farming in Hancock county, Ohio, where he lived until 1867, at which time he came to Marshall county, Ind., locating in Union township, near Marmont, where his death occurred on the 23d of January, iSqg. He was a man of high standing in the community where he resided, and for sixty years was an active member in the Methodist church, in which he held various official positions, including that of class leader and Sunday-school superintendent. He assisted in the organization of a number of congregations, superintended the construction of several church edifices, and in addition to his other religious work, rendered valuable assistance in public worship by his superior gift of song. He was twice married, first time, in June, 1834, to Frances Hooper, who bore him seven children, of whom the following are living: William T., a practicing physician of Coffey county, Kas.; Elsie, widow of A. S. Stadley, of Dunkirk, Ohio, and Charlotte, wife of T. J. Rose, of Henry county, Ohio. By his second marriage with Agnes Hufford, Mr. Wiseman had seven children, viz.: Mrs. Samuel Allen, of Pulaski county, Ind.; Lorenzo D., who died in the spring of 1873. leaving a widow, Frances (Wilhelm) Wiseman, and one child, Rosa E.; Mary C, wife of J. H. Hill, of Kansas; B. W. S.; Hannah M., wife of Rev. M. H. Wood; Samuel J., of Marmont, druggist, and Livingstone C, who also resides at Marmont. Dr. Wiseman was born June 24, 1852. He remained in his native state until fifteen years of age, during a part of which time he attended the common schools, and later pursued his studies in the high schools of Napoleon, Ohio, and Plymouth, Ind. He taught school for some time, and while so engaged, read medicine under the instruction of Doctors Edmonds and Durr, of Marmont. In the winter of 1876-77, he entered the medical department of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and after pursuing his studies there for some time, became a student in the college of physicians and surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he graduated in March, 1880. He subsequently took a course in the college of Physicians and Surgeons, at Chicago, and after completing his studies, began the practice of his profession at Marmont. After continuing here for a short time, he moved to La Porte county, where he remained for a limited period. He soon returned to Marshall county. In 18S5 he removed to Chicago, 111., where in addition to other professional duties, he became interested in the Convalescent Women's Home, of that city. Ill health in his family compelled him to leave the city, and he re-located at Marmont, in 18S7, where he has since resided, and where he has a large and lucrative practice, which is constantly increasing. The doctor has spared no pains in preparing himself for his life-work, and is now one of the well-known and successful medical men in this part of the state. He is a member of the Marshall County Medical society, in which he holds an important official position, and was formerly a member of a state medical organization, in the deliberations of which he took an active part. Politically he is a republican, and in religion a Methodist. In the year 1877, he was married to Miss Rose M. Buswell, of Marmont, who has borne him five children, viz.: Charles S., Gertrude A., Donald H. (deceased), James S. and Clara B.

Prominent among the representative citizens of Marshall county is John W. Baugher, who, as the name indicates, is of German ancestry. The name originally was Von Bacher, and in the annals of the old country, it appears in connection with the history of the Napoleonic wars, and it is a family tradition that some of the ancestors of the subject fought under the great emperor. Mr. Baugher was born in Prussia in 1845, and when two years of age was brought by his parents, John and Magdalene Baugher, to the United States. The family first settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and after a residence there of twelve years, moved to Kosciusko county, Ind., where the parents were living at the breaking out of the late war. Whether the subject had inherited a taste for military life from his Prussian forefathers or not, the writer can not say, but certain it is, that his inclinations led him to enter the service of his adopted country, and he served as a gallant soldier throughout the war. He was connected, at various times, with the One Hundred and Eighteenth, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth and One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana volunteers, and his military career was similar to that of the thousands of brave and patriotic men who risked their lives in defense of the National Union. At the close of the war Mr. Baugher went to northern Michigan, where for four years he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber. While there he attained proficiency as a sawyer, for which business he appears by nature to have been adapted. He returned to Indiana in 1869, and settled in Marshall county, where he has since resided, and of which he is in every respect a worth}' and popular citizen. He began the lumber business for himself about the year 1870, and the mill which he operated was located a few miles northwest of Plymouth. This mill, in 1879, was completely destroyed by fire, but Mr. Baugher, with that energy which has characterized his life, at once began to rebuild, and soon had a larger and much more complete mill in successful operation. This mill requires the labor of about twelve men, most of whom have been with Mr. Baugher for a term of years, and has a caoacity of 12,000 feet of lumber per day. It is supplied with the latest improved machinery, much of which is of Mr. Baugher's own invention. As a machinist, he is quite skilful, and has no superior in Marshall county, and but few anywhere. He has made the subject of mechanical appliances a specialty, and his judgment upon machinery is sound and founded upon scientific knowledge, instead of mere conjecture. Mr. Baugher has been a great reader, both of English and German authors, and though of limited early education, has managed to acquire a practical knowledge of affairs at large, and is well versed in general literature. Socially, "he is a hale fellow well met," and he numbers his friends by the score in all parts of the county. He is fond of traveling, and, including his army experience, he has visited nearly every state in the Union. He is a member of the K. of P., Odd Fellows, and stands high in the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degree of Sir Knight. Politically he is a democrat, and is looked upon as one of his party's leaders in this county. Mr. Baugher and Sarah Conklin, a native of Marshall county, were united in marriage in 1873, and to their union have been born two children, Frank and Norah.

Robert J. Evans claims to be the oldest settler of West township, and has literally seen the county grow out of the woods. He was born in Kentucky, April 24, 1825. His father, Joseph, was a native of Butler county, Penn., and his mother, Bidiah (Turner) Evans, was born in North Carolina. Grandparents were born in America, the father being of Irish, and the mother of Scotch, origin. At the early age of three years, the subject of this sketch was brought to Indiana by his parents, who settled in Franklin county in 1826, and remained there until 1835, when they removed to Marshall county, settling in West township, on what is known as the Sherland place. The countr}' was then entirely new, the nearest neighbor of the Evans family' beingThomas Singleton, who lived up on the La Porte road, that and the Michigan pike being the only roads in the county at that time. Plymouth then contained from four to six houses. Between the Evanses and the alleged town, a man named Murphy lived on what is known as the Wallace farm. The newly arrived family began farming at once, getting in five acres the first year (1836) . Mr. Evans says there were plenty of Indians (Pottawatamies) when his family came there. They were hunters by profession, lived in villages, the women doing what little work there was done. They were a lazy lot, true to their friends and never molested any one. Their relations with the settlers were of the friendliest character. Mr. Evans had little chance to get an education. There were no schools to attend until he was able to work, and when that time arrived he had to put in all his time helping to dig a living out of the wilderness. Hard work was of more importance in those days than education. At the age of twenty, Robert J. Evans was married to Lydia Thomas, whose parents lived near what is now Tyner City. They went to work on their own account at farming and kept it up until 1850, when Mr. Evans started to California, leaving his wife and family on the farm. When he arrived in northwest Missouri he was taken with fever and lay there fifty days. Owing to this sickness was obliged to return home. After farming there a few years more, he removed to the Wallace farm. Mr. Evans has occupied his present residence for fifteen years Of the thirteen children born to this devoted couple, eight are living, viz.: Larkin L., who married Frances Rogers, Marshall county; Josephine, wife of Wallace Pitcher, Missouri; Martha Alice, wife of Walter Rogers, St. Joe county; Mary E., wife of John F. Tindall, Hancock county; Viola, wife of Harry B. Joseph, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Robert L., who is unmarried, lives at home, also Albertus and Littie. In religious belief Mr. Evans is a spiritualist. He never had many educational advantages, but keeps posted by reading the papers. In politics he is independent, believing very earnestly that every man should hold himself in position to vote for the best interests of the community, which he certainly cannot always do if he keeps tied, without chance of change, to one particular party. He has never held any office except that of assessor, which has been conferred on him for eleven successive years. But this is his last year in that capacity. Mr. Evans has seen many of the ups and downs of life, many of its hardships and sorrows, he has also enjoyed many of its blessings and innocent pleasures. Mr. Evans was present at the organization of the county, and remembers that the meeting was held one and a half miles south of Plymouth, at Austehout's house. There were not over six people present.

Peter Holem was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1825. He is a brother of Jacob Holem, whose sketch appears elsewhere. His father's name was John Holem, and his mother's name, Margaret (Warner) Holem. His father died when Peter was two years old. Left with eight children, Mrs. Hoiem was taken with her family to Stark county, by her father Adam Warner, and after a time they removed to Summit county, where Peter grew to the age of twenty years. At this time he determined to move to Indiana. Having previously visited the country, he finally concluded to move to Marshall county, which he did in 1848. In the meantime he married Rebecca W^eyrick, of Summit county, Ohio, whose brothers and sisters afterward settled in Indiana. When Mr. Holem came to Marshall county, his possessions were all packed in a one horse wagon, and the trip occupied eighteen days, from Akron, Ohio, to Marshall county. Mr. Holem located in the woods, and experienced hardships of so discouraging a nature that even his determination wavered, and, had the means been at hand, he would doubtless have returned to Ohio. His struggle for a start was long, five or six years being consumed working by the day, clearing at home when not employed by his neighbors, and depending on the woods for meat, in the shape of venison and turkeys. But success finally came, and to-day Mr. Holem ranks among the first of Marshall county farmers. His family consists of ten living children, and one who died in infancy. Of the living, Benjamin, whose biography is attached, is the eldest; Amelia A. is the wife of Samuel Swigart, of Plymouth; Caroline, wife of John Pontious, of Elkhart; Jonathan, lives in Plymouth; Amanda, wife of Louis Friend, of Mishawaka; Harmon, lives in Kansas; Alice, wife of George A. Miller, of South Dakota; Rebecca, wife of John Crawford, of West township, Marshall county, and George C, who lives with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Holem are members of the German Baptist church. Mr. Holem is a democrat. In 1874 he was elected trustee, and succeeded himself in 1S76. Elected commissioner of the county in 18S2, he served two terms, and in both cases gave entire satisfaction to the people of both parties. He has since been called upon by his party to enter the political arena, but declares himself entirely out of politics. Mr. Holem certainly deserves the title of a " self-made man." His early struggles against poverty and sickness were of a nature that might have appalled even the most courageous. All honor to the men who have made their way, by their own efforts, to comfort and plenty.

Adam Holem, eldest son of Jacob and Sarah Holem, was born in Summit county, Ohio, in the year 1841. He came to Indiana in childhood, and has been in West township ever since. He followed the business of farming till a recent date. In 1868 he married Eliza Kreighbaum, also of this county. They have eight children, three boys and five girls, all living. The subject of this sketch sold his farm in 1889 and went into the mercantile business at Twin Lakes, where he is building up a lucrative trade. He has always been a firm believer in the principles of democracy.

Jacob Holem was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1816. He is the oldest of a family of eight, five of whom are still living. His parents came from Maryland, being of an old family of that state. Jacob's grandfather on the mother's side, Adam Warner, took part in the revolutionary war, as is evident by family traditions still preserved. When Jacob was twenty-four years old he came to. ^Tarshall county, where he has since resided. He has been twice married, and has six children, all of whom are living, four in Marshall county, viz.: Adam, Moses, John and Jeremiah. When Mr. Holem came to West township (1844), he bought the land which he now occupies, the original cost being less than $2 per acre. To-day it ranks among the best farms in West town- 28 - B.

ship. This improvement is the result of hard work and good management. Mr. Holem tried his fortunes in the California gold fields in 1S52; but soon grew tired of the life and came back. Mr. Holem has been a life long democrat. He is a member of the German Reformed church.

Benjamin Holem was born in Summit county, Ohio, in 1847. He is the oldest son of Peter Holem, and was only nine months old when his parents came to Marshall county. He was raised a farmer, received a common school education, and at the age of twenty-eight he married Mary E. Stein, whose parents resided at that time in Summit county, Ohio. Mr. Holem's family consists of one son, Forrest F., a bright boy of four years. Mr. Holem's farm lies in the Yellow river valley, is well improved, and is one among the best of West township. Although democratic in politics, Mr. Holem is satisfied to leave the heat of conflict to those more ambitious in that line, he preferring to pay strict attention to his business of farming.

William Holland was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1840, March 11. His father's name was James Holland, and his mother's maiden name was Ann Lindop. His ancestors were pure Anglo-Saxon, and his father was engaged in the pottery business for which Staffordshire is so justly celebrated. He began at the bottom of the ladder, having commenced as packing bov, and reached partnership in the business. William is the youngest of eleven children. His brother, James Holland, who is a citizen of South Bend, is the only other member of the family in America. When his parents died William was about twelve years old, and soon afterward (1856) he came to America, his brother having come some time before. He came to Elkhart where he remained a short time, when he was induced to go to Des Moines, Iowa, which was at that time the western terminus of railroad travel. Thence to Florence, where he clerked in a store for about one year, when he got a job with a surveying party, with which he stayed about seven months. He was hired for a flagman, but soon rose to a better position, having had a special education for such work before he left England. Satisfied with the wild life in the west, he returned to Elkhart, thence to Adrian, Mich., where he remained until the war broke out, when he enlisted as first drummer boy in Company B, Fifteenth Indiana volunteers. His life as a drummer was short, as he had no taste for drumming, but had a burning desire to be a bearer of the musket. He soon became proficient in the manual of arms, and assumed his place in the ranks. After remaining in barracks at Lafayette about six weeks, he re-enlisted in the same regiment for three years. He Avent through the West Virginia campaign and was discharged on account of sunstroke. He re-enlisted in the Fifty-seventh Indiana, with which he served nine months, at the end of which time he became a member of the One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana for twelve months. He was promoted to orderly sergeant, then to second lieutenant, and was discharged at the close of the war, at Nashville. He participated in the battles of Rich Mountain, Kerrick's Ford, Stone River, Nashville and many others, in all of which he acted the part of a brave and gallant soldier. After the war Mr. Holland returned to the west, but soon came to Indiana, and, in 1867, became a resident of Marshall county, where he worked as foreman in the old Plymouth nursery. Having mastered the details of the nursery business, Mr. Holland, in 1S71, started in business for himself. The business began in a very small way, but its success can be estimated from the fact that the present " Pretty Lake Nurseries" are the largest in Indiana. Mr. Holland has a wide circle of business connections, his trade extending to all parts of the country. The Pretty Lake Nurseries are one of the leading industries of Marshall county. The yearly business of the Pretty Lake Nurseries amounts to $6,000 to $10,000. All kinds of fruit trees, small fruits, evergreens and ornamental shrubbery are kept in stock. A branch nursery at Mishawaka has recently been started to supply the ever increasing demands of the business. Their proprietor might well feel proud of his success, and the reputation he bears for business integrity. He is a member of the Kilwilling lodge, F. & A. M., belongs to the G. A. R., and is a republican in politics. In 1864 he married Eunice Drake, who died a few years later. He afterward married Annie E. Nickleson, who has borne him two children: Kittie, wife of James Wickizer, and Archer, who lives with his parents.

John E. Hoover, a well-known young man, is a native of West township, born in 1862. His father, John Hoover, was a preacher in the German Baptist church, but, like most of the ministers of that denomination, followed the occupation of farming. He was of German descent, but was a native of Altoona, Ontario, where his birth occurred in 1822. In 1859 he came to West township, where he bought land of the Pa. R. R. Co. and became a well-known farmer. His wife, Hettie Miller, was a native of Ohio, born about 1831. Their family consisted of four children, three of whom are living. Noah V. is a prominent merchant of Plymouth. Margaret is the wife of W. G. Cook; they live in South Dakota; Daniel (deceased), and J. E., the subject of this sketch. The latter was raised on the farm, received a good education in the public schools of Plymouth, and finished at Valparaiso. His education fitted him for the profession of teaching, which he began in 1S79, and followed for seven years. He was considered a successful instructor, being engaged four successive terms in the only graded school in West township. In 1886 Mr. Hoover engaged in mercantile business at Donaldson, where he soon became popular on account of his fair dealing, and earnest efforts to please his patrons. Since he became a citizen of Donaldson he has bren a very useful one, having erected several substantial buildings and otherwise aided in the improvement of the town. In 1888 he was put in nomination by the republican party, of which he is a member, for the office of township trustee, and, notwithstanding a strong democratic sentiment, his popularity was sufiicientto gain him a handsome majority. Mr. Hoover is one of the young men who are, as a class, bringing Marshall county into prominence as one of the leading counties of the state.

Among the younger citizens of Donaldson, but one of its leading business men, is Silas H. Joseph, a native of the state of Delaware, as were also his parents, who trace their ancestry back to the first settlers of that state. His early life was passed in Delaware, near the town of Smyrna, where he first saw the light of day. He received his education in the common schools of that state, and his first work was upon his father's farm. In 1878 the entire family came to Marshall county, where they still reside, having become well-known and substantial citizens. Three years after becoming a Hoosier by adoption, Mr. Joseph was married to Anna P. Hudson, also a native of Delaware, but a resident of Marshall county at the time of marriage. The young couple lived on a farm two years, when they removed to Donaldson, where Mr. Joseph purchas^^d a small general store. The business prospered, and the stock of goods increased in proportion to the demand of trade, so that in 1S87, Mr. Joseph erected a fine store room, the one now occupied by the Burgener Bros. He also built a large grain and ware house near the Pennsylvania railroad, and a substantial residence. In 1S8S he sold his store to the Burgener Bros., and purchased the one on the southeast corner, which he now occupies. Mr. Joseph has been a valuable addition to the population of Donaldson, always alive to the interests of the place. Politically he represents the young democracy, and is ever ready to use honorable means to promote his party's welfare. That his efforts are appreciated is evinced by the fact that, in the spring of 1S90, he was nominated for township trustee, and triumphantly elected. Mr. Joseph is a member of the United Brethren church, and lends his energy to church affairs, as he does to all that he undertakes. Personally, Mr. Joseph is quiet and earnest in his intercourse with his fellow citizens, and his business methods have been such as to gain the confidence and respect of the community in which he lives.

Geo. W. Knoblock is a son of Fred. Knoblock, who carne from Germany about 1827, and first settled in Canton, Ohio, where he followed the business of weaving. In 1840 he came to Marshall county, settling in German township, and began farm- ing. As an evidence of the sparse population at that time, we notice, as a matter of history, that Fred. Knoblock was one of six who voted at the first election held in German township. Mr. Knoblock was twice married. His firsc wife died in Germany, leaving two children, Fred, and Caroline, both of whom reside in Marshall county. Mrs. Knoblock had also been previously married and had one daughter, who is now Mrs. Fred. Landaman, of Bremen. By his second wife, Mr. Knoblock had six sons: John, William, George W., Theodore, Augustus, and Jefferson. The last two are dead, all the others live in St. Joseph county, except George VV., who is one of the solid farmers of West township. He was born in 1834, and has always followed the business of agriculture. In youth he attended subscription school about three miles north of Bremen, where he secured an education, which, though limited, was all that the conditions of the time afforded, and which has been considerably increased by judicious reading. Mr. Knoblock has always been, and is to-day, a friend of liberal education, and tries at all times to keep himself posted on current events. In 1856 he was married to Rebecca Hughes, daughter of William and Mary Hughes, who were among the very first settlers of Marshall county. It is said that Mr. Hughes organized the first Sabbath school and established the first grave-yard in German township; also that he attended the first election in Marshall county. After marriage, Mr. Knoblock continued the peaceful occupatian of farming till 1864, when he entered the service of his country as a soldier. He enlisted in the Forty-second Indiana, Company F, which was attached to the fourteenth army corps, known as the Army of the Cumberland, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Mr. Knoblock is a democrat, but does not take a very active part in political matters. His family consists of two sons and five daughters. Two children died in youth: of the survivors, two daughters live in Louisville, Ky.; one son is seeking his fortune in the west, and Frederick and Bessie attend school at home. Mr. Knoblock has made a success of farming, bears a splendid reputation among his neighbors, and is in all respects a representative man among the farmers of his county.

G. W. Morelock, a native of Germany, was born in the year 1820, and came to America at the age of twenty-seven, and for two years thereafter lived on Long Island, N. Y. He subsequently moved to Rochester, that state, near which city he followed farming for three and one-half years, thence moved to Ohio, where he was married to Elizabeth Morelock. In 1854 he came to Marshall county, where he has since resided, and since 1875 in West township. Mr. and Mrs. Morelock have a family of seven children, five boys and two girls, all of whom, with one exception, reside in Marshall county. The members of the family are in comfortable circumstances and it is a fact worthy of note, that not one of his children has ever touched intoxicating liquors or used tobacco in any form. The history of Mr. Morelock's early life is one of hard work and small remuneration, while industry and frugality tell the story of his success. He is a member of the German Baptist church, joining while quite young, and in politics believes in the principles of the democratic party of which he has been for years a zealous supporter. His limited knowledge of the English language has prevented him from aspiring to office which his education would otherwise justify him In seeking, as he is well-informed in his native tongue, having received a professional training in civil engineering. The secret of Mr. Morelock's success in life to use his own language is " not in trading, not in swindling, but in the honest sweat of my own brow." John A. Morelock, eldest son of the above described, was born in 1854, in Marshall county, where he has since resided. He was married, October, 1879, to Dora Cramton, whose father. Smith Crampton, was one of the pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Morelock have two interesting children, and are among the popular and well-to-do people of the community. He is a democrat in politics, always alive to the interests of his county, and a prime mover in all enterprises that tend to its welfare. E. R. Morelock, brother of the preceding, and fourth child of G. W. Morelock, was born in Union township in the year 1858. His early life was uneventful and his education was obtained in the common schools of the country. In 1S83 he was married and the same year began farming for himself in West township, about one-fourth of a mile south of the central part. His wife, whose maiden name was Fannie Crawford, is the daughter of Elijah Crawford, also of West township. They have one child, Cora M. Mr. Morelock is in principle a democrat, and takes an active part in the political affairs of the county.

James Thompson, now deceased, was for many years one of the most widely and favorably known citizens of Marshall county. His ancestry as far as there is any accurate knowledge, is purely American. His father, Larkin Tompson, was a Virginian by birth, and his mother was also a native of the old Dominion state. The father was a tanner by trade, to which trade the subject of this sketch was also trained, but he never followed it after arriving at his majority. Mr. Thompson was born in Virginia, February g, 1808, and here grew to manhood. He removed from his native state to Clark county, Ohio, where he lived several years, and during his residence in the latter state, was joined in marriage to Elender Fuller, whose parents were also Virginians. After a few years' residence in Ohio, Mr. Thompson came to Indiana and settled in La Porte county, and later moved to Marshall county, locating first in the southwest part of what is now

Center township, being among the original pioneers of that locality. After partly clearing a farm there, he moved to the northeast corner of West township, where he made valuable improvemnts, and where he and his descendants became owners of a large and valuable tract of real estate amounting in all to about 640 acres, which presents the results of earnest persistent labor. Mr. Thompson's early education was of necessity quite limited, but in the course of a long and active life he acquired a degree of knowledge that was in many respects almost phenomenal. He was a man of remarkably accurate judgment, and though he never read a law book in his life he was for many years an acknowledged authority among his neighbors on all points of common law. In his investigations he based his opinions, not so much upon his knowledge of what was law, but what his shrewd common sense taught him it should be. He made a specialty of mathematics, and was to an extent an expert in figures, being able to solve mentally, problems that would necessitate long and intricate calculations by ordinary processes. Politically, Mr. Thompson was a life long and representative democrat of the Jacksonian type, but in the decline of life, abandoned active political life. He was a representative citizen, a faithful friend and a kind and loving father, and in his death, which occurred in 1890, there ended a long and useful life. By his marriage he became the progenitor of several offspring, of which two died in infancy, and one, Milton, departed this life later. The following are the names of the survivors: James M., Jerome B. and W. Clark, are prominent farmers of West township: Frances is the wife of Adam Vinnedge, of Plymouth; Sarah E., wife of Ezra Black, lives in the far west. The youngest, Harriet, is the wife of Scott Marks, a resident farmer near the county seat.

Jerome B. Thompson, the second son of James Thompson, whose sketch appears above, was born in the year 1837, while his parents resided in La Porte county. He grew to manhood on the farm, with the rugged duties of which he early became familiar, and remained under the parental roof until the age of twentytwo, at which time he was united in marriage to Miss Christina Miller. He engaged in the pursuit of agriculture after his marriage, and was thus employed about two years, when becoming attracted by the glittering promises of the far off country of California, he made a trip to that state, where he remained, variously employed, about three years. Returning to Marshall county, he resumed farming, which he has since followed, and in which he has met with much more than ordinary success. Mr. Thompson's wife died in 1876, leaving three children, whose names are as follows: Ida, wife of James Ligett; Eleanor, and James L., both of whom still reside with their father. In 1878 Mr. Thompson married Louisa Garner, who bore him two children: Florence and Howard. In i8S6, Mr. Thomspon was again called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was called to her reward that year. While still in the prime of life the subject of this sketch has attained a fair share of this world's goods, and ranks among the first of Marshall county's successful farmers. Personally, he is very popular in the community where he resides, and is also widely and favorably known throughout the county. His political convictions are strongly democratic, but he has never been a partisan in the sense of seeking official position at the hands of his fellow-citizens.

William W. Warnes, the subject of this sketch, is one of the prosperous farmers of West township, who, by intelligent application, has made rapid progress and improvement in a comparatively short time. Mr. Warnes was born in Coshocton countj-, Ohio, in 1S42. Of his ancestry, family records and tradition show that his forefathers were among the early American colonists, being of Scotch and Irish descent. Our subject came to Indiana in 1S48, at which time there were no railroads, the family moving by wagon first to Wabash county, afterward to Miami, and finally to Kosciusko county. Here Mr. Warnes, who was a tanner by trade, concluded that farming was the better business in this country, consequently began operations in that capacity, and became a well-known citizen of Kosciusko county. His family consisted of eight children. William W. was a young man when the war broke out, but he hastened to enlist in his country's service. He was mustered in 1862 in the Seventy-fourth Indiana, Company F, and his career in the army was of one year's duration, during which time he saw active service at Perryville, and some minor engagements. At the end of the year he was discharged on account of sickness. After returning from the army he attended school a year, an advantage he had never before enjoyed, and so well did he improve his time, that he was fitted for teaching, and followed that calling successfully for several terms. In 1866 Mr. Warnes took for a life partner, Helen M. Jones, whose parents were natives of New York, and, like the Warnes, descendants of the early American settlers. The young people moved at once to Marshall county, and took up their abode on the farm which they still occupy in West township. Mr. Warnes is one of those farmers who might be described as " practical and scientific." His plan is first to test all proposed operations by careful experiment, and base them on results deduced therefrom, and his success may be judged from the fact that his farm has doubled in value within the last ten years. Among the many improvements in which Mr. Warnes takes pride are the two splendid artesian wells and a fine fish pond well stocked with German carp. Our subject's family consists of nine children; of these, the two eldest sons, Harry T.

and J. C. are successful teachers; the others are still in youth and childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Warnes are both members of the United Brethren congregation, of Donaldson. Mr. Warnes is a republican, and is well known, politically, as an honest and faithful party leader in his township.

Stephen White was born in Pennsylvania, near the city of Philadelphia, in 1816. When quite young his parents moved to Champaign county, Ohio, where they lived until Stephen was eighteen years of age, at which time the family moved to Marshall county, Ind,, and settled in what is now West township. Here his father died at the age of ninety. He was a descendant of one of the old German families of New Jersey, and served with distinction in the war of 1812. His wife, the mother of Stephen, died in Missouri, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Stephen White was reared amid the active scenes of pioneer life, and at the age of twenty years acquired title to the land he now owns, in West township. Upon this land he erected the conventional log cabin, 15 b}' 16 feet in size, with a sevenfoot ceiling, the only tools used in its construction being one hand-saw, one augur, and three axes. He was assisted in its erection by three white men, the only settlers in the vicinity, and thirteen Indians, the latter of whom lived in the village on the banks of Twin Lake, not far away. In 1S42, he married Isabel Cordner, of Dayton, Ohio. During the interval between his twentieth and twenty-sixth year, Mr. White worked at the carriage maker's trade, and later engaged in farming, which has since been his principal occupation. Mr. White states that in 1835 he made a trip to Chicago, then an insignificant town of less than 1,200 inhabitants, and while there, became acquainted with the entire population of the west side, which consisted of one lone hunter. In 1838, Mr. White returned to his place and began earnestly to clear and develop his farm, which in a few years he brought under a successful state of cultivation. His farm is now one of the best in the county, and his buildings and other improvements are second to none in West township. As a repul)lican, Mr. White has always taken an active interest in political affairs, working faithfully for the interest of his party, but has never been a candidate for any office. His family, besides himself and wife, consist of nine children, viz.: Joseph, who lives near the home place, and is a farmer by occupation; Thomas, who resides in South Bend; Amanda J., wife of Eber Burch, of Polk township; Bell, wife of William York; Granville, who lives in Plymouth; Tabitha, wife of John York, of Akron, Ohio; William, a farmer of West township; Clara, wife of Rev. Stahl, of Wayne county, Ohio; Lozetta, wife of Henry Zekel, of Marshall county. Mr. White is a member of the Odd F"ellows order, belonging to Plymouth lodge, and of the German Reformed church.