Miami County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (1 of 9 so headed), 1887 (part 2 of 3)

Wade Hampton of the present day. Dr. John C. Helm was born at Charleston, in what is now West Virginia, November 7, iSoo. Two years later the familj- removed to Washington County, Tennessee. At eleven years of age he entered Washington College, and during the course walked every day to and from school, a distance of three and-a-half miles. He embraced the medical profession, and pursuing it with characteristic zeal and energy, became a well qualilied physician. In 182 1 he married Amy Hampton, above mentioned, by whom he had eight children. In 1835 he removed to Preble County, Ohio, and there practiced medicine until 1844, when he came to Miami County, Indiana, built a large flouring mill at Peru, and afterward another at Peoria, in the same county, where he iinall}' established his home. There he continued the duties of his profession, and so invested the receipts as to amass a fortune. In 1865 occurred the death of his intelligent and devoted wife. After this severe affliction he divided most of his real estate among his three sons, giving to each property of much value. These sons are John H., Henry T., a prominent lawyer of Chicago, and David B., a farmer, who are respected wherever known. Sometime after making this liberal provision for his children, Doctor Helm married in Chicago, his son Henry's mother-in-law, an estimable lady, but she soon died, and he did not long survive her. On the 7th of September, 1847, the strong mart, who had never known weakness or defeat, yielded to the resistless enemy, death. He was a man of wonderful energy and tenacity of purpose. He had made and lost fortune after fortune, but no adversity could wholly overcome him, and finally, as if victorious over adverse fate, he died in the possession of wealth. His son, Doctor John II. Helm, the principal subject of this sketch, was born at Elizabetlitown, Carter County, Tennessee, April 23, 1826. His education was gained chiefly through private instruction. Having inherited in some respects his father's tastes, he studied medicine, first under Doctor Pliny M. Crume, at Eaton, Ohio, and with Doctor Charles L. Avery. In 1844 he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1847 and immediately commenced practice in partnership with Doctor Crume, at Eaton. In the meantime, in the spring of 1846, he was mustered into the United States service under General Wool, and served one year in the war with Me.\ico. The years iS48-'49 and 1850 were spent in traveling through California, Oregon, Mexico, the West Indies and Central America, and a portion of South America. In 1S51 he married Mary Henkle, daughter of Rev. Andrew Ilenkle, of Germantown, Ohio, but she died onh- about a year later. Having resumed the duties of his profession with Doctor Crume, he remained at Eaton until i860, when he removed to Peru, Indiana. There he soon established himself in the confidence and esteem of the people and gained a large and lucrative practice. In 1854 '^'^ married his second wife, Margaret Ridenour, of Preble County, Ohio. They have three children, one daughter and two sons, living. He still resides in Peru and intends to abide there the remainder of his davs. Besides attending to his patients Doctor Helm directs the management of his farms in Miami County, Indiana, and Champaign County, Illinois. Though he possesses good business qualifications and has acquired considerable wealth, his chief ambition has been to excel in the medical profession, and he has lent his best energies in that direction. In this laudable purpose he has not failed, as shown in part hv the honors conferred upon him by \arious medical societies. The Indiana State Medical Society, of which he is a member, made him in 1876 their president. In 1872 he was elected president of the Miami Count}' Medical Societv. He organized the Peru Board of Health and has ever since been its president. He is a member also of the American Medical Association. Dr. Helm has contributed \arious able articles to these societies and to medical journals. He was one of the companv of 173 phvsicians who crossed the continent to San Francisco to attend the meeting of the American Association in that citv in 1871, and an honorary membership in the California Medical was there conferred upon him. Having been absorbed in the labors of his profession. Dr. Helm has neither sought nor accepted any political distinction, though his talents and acquirements \\ ould have enabled him to succeed in that field. He was a Democrat in early life, but in later years he has voted for those candidates he deemed most eligible, regardless of their party connection. He is a member of the Catholic church. Tall, powerful and possessing much personal magnetism. Dr. Helm is fitted to influence men by these qualities alone, and, uniting with them talent, culture and experience, he cannot fail to be a leader in every enterprise he undertakes. His lot seems enviable, and it is hoped he may long live in the enjoyment of his family, his medical reputation and the material blessings with which he is surrounded.

COLEMAN HENTON came to Miami County in 1837, and is a native of Washington, Fayette County, Ohio,. He was born March 7, 1822, and is the eldest .son of Benjamin and Rachel (Stinsonj Henton, natives of Rockingham County, Virginia, and Ross County, Ohio, respectively, the former being born in 1793 and the latter in 1801. They came to Peru in 1837. where the husband followed the practice of medicine until March, 1863, when his death occurred. He was elected to the Legislature in 1846 and to the State Senate in 1852, serving one term in each house. The subject was reared principally in Peru where he secured a very good education, He was elected Sheriff on the Democratic ticket in 1847 and served two terms, and was a mail agent from 1856 to i860, running over the I., P. & C. route. In 1854 he held the responsible position of cashier of the State Stock Bank of Peru, which he held for one year, and he then moved on a farm of 120 acres a short distance north of Peru. His marriage to Miss Caroline Skinner was solemnized November i, 1855, she being a daughter of Corsen C Skinner (deceased ), of this count}-. Three children were born as the result of this union. Mr. Henton's political views are Democratic.

CARTER B. HIGGINS. M. D., is a native of Preble County, Ohio, born December 15, 1843, being the eldest of the family of Jesse and Ann M. (Rodebaughj Higgins, natives respectivel}' of Montgomery County, Ohio, and Albany, New York. The family is of English extraction. The father of our subject came to Miami County in 1846 and settled in Peru. He first took charge of the Peru Mills and subsequentU' dealt in real estate. From 1S58 to to i860, he was Deputy Treasurer of Miami County. Later he was Mavor of Peru. He was a prominent man and held many positions of trust with credit to himself. His death took place January 17, 1879, having been born in 1806. His marriage was solemnized December 27, 1841. Of five children born, only two survive; Harriet M. Logue, of Chicago, and the subject of this biography, who was educated at the Peru High School and Earlham College. At eighteen years of age he began the study of medicine in the ofiice of Drs. Constant and Walker, of this city, and in October, 1865, he entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago and graduated from that institution in 1866, and then returned to Peru, and engaged in the practice of his profession in partnership with Dr. Walker, one of his preceptors. This union practice continued until 1869, when Dr. Higgins removed to Rochester, Indiana, where he remained a short time and then returned to Peru and this has since been his residence. He still continues the active practice and is one of the leading physicians of Miami County. He was marj-ied January 22, 1868, to Miss Sarah E. Jay, of Miami County, daughter of Thomas Jay, deceased. To this issue are three children; Clara, Jesse and Alice. Dr. Higgins is Secretary of the Miami Medical Society, and Treasurer of the State Society and a member of the American Association. He also holds the position of consulting surgeon of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Hospital located at Peru. He is a Mason and a man of prominence and honor.

JOSEPH HOLMAN. Prominent among the pioneers of Miami County was Joseph Holman, a name familiar to all the early residents of the city of Peru. He was a nati\e of Kentucky and son of George Holman, who figured conspicuously in the early annals of the "Dark and Bloody Ground," locating there many years ago when the countrj' was in the possession of the Indians. When quite young he was stolen by the savage.s who kept him a prisoner until his seventeentii year, in the meantime becoming habituated to all the modes and customs of the tribe, with the majority of which he appears to have been on terms of greatest friendship. He left Kentucky in an early day emigrating to hidiana and settling in Waj'ne County, where his death occurred a number of years ago at the advanced age of one hundred and seven years. Joseph Holman came to Indiana about the year 1820 and located in Wayne County, where he continued to reside until 1836. In the latter year removed to Miami County and settling in Miamisport, purchased a tract of 640 acres of land on the Wabash, upon the eastern half of which the original plat of Peru W'as subsequently laid out by William N. Hood.- A large portion of the western half is included in the cit}- limits, and the entire tract now represents a value of several million dollars. Mr. Holman traded extensively in lands and all kinds of real estate and was prominently associated with the early growth of Peru and Miami County. He was land commissioner at Fort Wa\ne, during the administration of John Quincy Adams, but soon after the inauguration of Andrew Jackson was relieved of the office for political reasons. He was a man of recognized ability in the various spheres of life, an active politician, and took part in the convention which framed the present constitution of Indiana, having been elected a delegate to the same. He married Lydia Overman by whom he had the following children : Mary, Soloman, Martha and Elizabeth, deceased, and Rachel, Margaret, William and George, living. In about the year 1839 he disposed of his interests in Miami County and returned to Wayne County, where his death occurred in 1872 at the age of eightj'-four years.

SOLOMON HOLMAN, second child and oldest son of Jos. Holman, was born 1813 in Wayne County. In earh' life he learned civil engineering and assisted on many public works of Indiana, having been for sometime em])lo\ed in surveying the White Water Canal, and subsequently was assistant superintendent under Jesse Williams in the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal. He located permanently in Miami County in 1836, and in addition to his duties as civil engineer, carried on a farm west of Peru, now in the corjioration limits of the city. He was a prominent citizen of Miami Count}-, a leading Mason, and his funeral in August, 1852, was the occasion of one of the largest Masonic pageants ever witnessed in Peru. He married about the year 1835 Mary Forgy, daughter of Stewart and Margaret Forgy, of Ohio, but early settlers of this county, moving here early in the thirties. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Holman, viz.: Margaret, wife of N. Black; Lewis P., Lydia J., wife of John

LEWIS P. HOLMAN, the gentleman whose biographical sketch is herewith presented, is the eldest son of Solomon and Mary E. (Forgy) Holman, natives respectively of Indiana, and Ohio. The father was a pioneer of Miami County, emigrating here as early as the year 1836 and settling a short distance from the City of Peru, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits which he carried on for a number of years in connection with his profession of civil engineer. He bore a a conspicuous part in the early development of the county, was a man of much more than ordinarj- powers of mind, and departed this life about the year 1852. Lewis P. Holman was born on the paternal homestead, in Miami County, on the 24th day of May 1 84 1. He spent the greater portion of his early life as a farmer securing in the public schools an education, which, although not of the highest scholastic order, was of a character that has since enabled him to participate successfully in the details of an active business life. Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, when but little more than twenty years of age, with the spirit that actuated the movements of all patriotic young men and old, throughout the entire North, he volunteered in the service of his country to do battle for the maintenance of her rights. In October, 1861, he enlisted in company' G, 51st Indiana infantry and shared the vicissitudes and fortunes of war with the same until honorably discharged from the service on the 13th day of January, 1866. His military record is one of which he feels justly proud, and during his term of ser\ice, he participated in man}' of the bloodiest battles of the war, among which were Perrysville, Stone River, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Franklin, Nashville and numbers of lesser engagements. Immediately after enlistment he was promoted corporal, later to 4th duty sergeant and from that to orderly sergeant. On the 2d day of April, 1865, he was promoted to 2d lieutenant, which commission he held until the close of the war. Having thus completed his military career, he returned to Miami County and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture which he carried on successfully until 1878, at which time he abandoned the farm and began the lumber business in the Cit}' of Indianapolis where he remained until 18S2. In the latter year he again returned to Miami County and engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Peru, which he has since continued successfully and with financial profit. Mr. Holman is a man of liberal \iews, and while taking an active part in political affairs iias never been a partisan in the sense of seeking official position. He votes the Republican ticket and is an active member of the G. A. R. and the Masonic fraternities. On the 20th of Febrimr}-, 1866, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Emily Blake, daughter of Samuel Blake, one of the early settlers of Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Holman have two children, namely: Roxella and Lou Emma.

WILLIAM N. HOOD, one of the original proprietors of of Peru, was a native of Ohio, born about the year 1791 or '92. Mis father, Andrew Hood, emigrated from Kentuckv in an early day and was one of the first residents in the vicinit\- of Da\ton, near which city the subject of this biography passed his youth and early manhood. In 1819 William Hood came to Indiana and located in Fort Wa3-ne, where, for a number of years, he carried on a successful mercantile business, dealing extensively with the Indians during the period of his residence there. He moved to Miami County in 1S31 and purchased of Mr. Holman a large tract of land on the Wabash River, including that upon which the City of Peru now stands. In 1834, in partnership with Richard L. Britton and Hon. Jesse L. Williams, he laid out the original plat of the city for the ostensible purpose of securing the county seat. After locating the town Mr. Hood engaged in speculating in lands and real estate, which he followed until his death, and in which he was very successful, accumulating a valuable property and becoming quite wealthy. While a resident of Fort Waj-ne he became acquainted with and married Sophia C. Ewing, daughter of Alexander and Charlotte E. Ewing, who were among the early prominent residents of that cit}'. Mr. and Mrs. Hood raised a family of five children, viz: Andrew A. (deceased), Richard B. (deceased), William E., David B., living at this time in Peru, and Susan W., wife of Howard Huggins, of New York City. Mr. Hood was a man of fine abilities, and in 1S36 was elected to represent Miami Count}' in the State Legislature. He served one term and in 1838 was re-elected to the same position, but did not live to enter the second time upon the discharge of his official duties, dying on the 9th day of July of the latter year. Mrs. Hood sur\ived her husband about thirty-one years, d3'ing in 1869.

'MICHAEL liORAN is a native of the County of Roscommon, Ireland, and was born September 22, 1841. His parents are Michael and Margaret (Byrne) Horan, also natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States in 1847 and located in Sandusky City, Ohio. The subject was reared in Hamilton, Ohio, where he received a common school education. He came to Miami County in 1861, where he has since resided. He was elected County Surveyor in 1880 on the Democratic ticket, and was the candidate for the fourth time. Previous to his election he was engaged at his trade - painting - which he learned when

JACOB HOSTETLER came to Miami County in the year 1847 from Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he was born January 8, 1826, the youngest son of twelve children born to Benjamin and Catharine (Miller) Hostetler, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and then settled on a farm in Erie Township, where he remained until 1883, when he came to Peru Township. He has held the offices of Assessor and Trustee of Erie Township, and is the possessor of 280 acres of fine land situated in these townships. June 25, 1846, he and Miss Elizabeth Shetler were united in holy matrimonial bonds, and to them eleven children have been born, ten of whom are livinir: MarN' E., Benjamin, John, Caroline, Gideon, Frank, Jacob H., Elizabeth, Ulysses G., Edward and Laura. He and family are members of the U. B. Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

REV. WALTER L. HUFFMAN, one of the pioneer ministers of the Methodist Church in Northern Indiana, was born in Tioga County, New York, on the 5th day of June 1816. When about three years of age, his parents removed to Livingston County and settled near Genessee, the same State. Here young Walter was sent to the district school in a little deserted cabin that had been vacated by some previous occupant. This primitive building was fitted up with rail seats and other furniture in keeping, and here the young student was required to study until both head and back were almost racked with pain. When he had arrived at sufficient age he worked on the farm in summer and attended school at intervals during the winter seasons. Subsequently his parents heard of the far west, which was then Ohio, and possessed of an ardent desire to move to a place where cheap lands could be obtained they sold out after the lapse of a few years, and emigrating to Northern Ohio, settled near Florence, in Huron County. Here Walter, being now a Aoung man, took charge of his father's farm and while thus emploved, snatched what time he could from his daily toil to study. Bv a thorough course of reading, the greater part of which was done by the flickering light of the old lard lamp stuck in the jamb of the chimney, he soon became well informed on all the current topics of the day, besides making substantial progress in history and some of the higher branches of learning. As he advanced in his studies, he sought an opportunity to recite to an instructor which was soon gratified in the person of Rev. J. F. Chaplin, a minister of much learning and piety, then .stationed at Elvria, Ohio. In 1828, before leaving his native state, in a re\i\al meeting near Brook's Grove, conducted by Rev. A. Haywood, he, witli a number of others, gave his young heart to Christ and connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal church. At the same time and place he felt that he was called to the work of the ministry, to which end he directed his education and all his mental and moral nature that he might become, as he afterwards did, a successful preacher of the gospel. In the winter of 1837 he came to Indiana and settled at Crawfordsville where he was licensed to preach, and during the interim of the session of the Annual Conference in 1839, taught school in various parts of the country. He was subsequently requested b}' Major J. C. Elston, at the time postmaster at Crawfordsville, to take charge of the postoffice, which position he accepted and tilled to the entire satisfaction of the people and his employer. In the fall of 1839, he was recommended as a suitable candidate to be received into traveling ministry, and at the Annual Conference held that year at Lawrenceburgh, he was duly received and sent to Covington circuit as junior preacher, the Rev. James L. Thompson being preacher in charge. In the fall of 1840 he was sent to the Rensselaer circuit and the fall of 1841 to Williamsport, where he remained for only a short time. As the preacher sent to Logansport had by reason of poor health resigned, the Presiding Elder changed him from Williamsport to Logansport to till out the unexpired term. The following year he was sent to South Bend, from the latter jilace to LaPorte, thence to Crawfordsville station, and from the latter place to Centreville, in Waj'ne County. At the close of his second year at this station he was appointed agent for the Asbury University, now DuPauw, in which capacity he continued for a period of two years. Severing his connection with the agency, he was sent to Peru station, and during his two years' pastorate he built the Main Street Church, which still stands an eloquent monument to his untiring energy and industry. At the close of his pastoral labors in this city he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Peru District, the duties of which responsible position he discharged for two years. Near the expiration of his term in the district it was but too plainly seen bv his man\- friends that his health was giving way, and that lighter work and less exposure to the rigor of the weather was absolutely necessary. The Bishop sent him the second time to take charge of the Logansport station. It was during his second pastorate in that city that he commenced the erection of that beautiful stone temple of woi\ship on Broadwa\-, one of the most commodious church edifices in Korthern Indiana. He closed his labors in Logansport at the end of one year, and, although strongl}- solicited to return, saw fit on account of rapidly failing health to decline.

and it was at his request that tliat vear was granted by the conference a certificate of location. Since then he has been an earnest laborer in the local ranks, and, as such, has done as much work for the Master as he could possibly have done as traveling minister, having had and still has more calls to preach than he can lind time to fill. His popularity as a minister is attested b}' the fact that the people, who have had the privilege of once hearing him, always desire to attend his meetings the second time, and scores of persons, noted for their deep pietj- and active christian experience, were induced to abandon the ways of sin for the better waj- leading to Life and Holiness, through the effect of his eloquent and powerful appeals. As a pulpit orator he is always clear and logical in his statements, eloquent and impressive in application, and well calculated in his manner to effectually reach the hearts of the people. During the half century of his ministry he has united in marriage over eleven hundred couples, and in the dark hours of bereavement, has ofliciated at the funerals of more than twelve hundred persons. The companion of his youth died in 187 1. The children, one son and a daughter are still li\ ing. This venerable and highly honored servant of God is now in his seventy-first year, and although the frosts and snows of many winters have been scattered upon his brow - eloquent of the rapidl)' passing time - vet life's evening is full of hope and the promise of a brighter dav to come.

NICHOLAS A. HULL, the subject of this biography, is a native of Sweden, and dates his birth from the 25th day of April, 1848, a son of Magnus and Thoa Hull. During his boyhood and early youth he attended the schools of his native country and laid the foundation for a good education, which, aided bv travel and experience, has developed into a fund of paactical knowledge. Having early manifested decided taste for mechanical pursuits he, at the age of twelve, began to learn the cabinet maker's trade, in which he soon acquired considerable proficiency. Tliinking that the New World afforded better opportunities for a young man than his native land, he left the latter in 1861, and emigrated to the United States; located in New York Cit}-, where he found employment as a skilled workman in the manufacture of piano-fortes. In the fall of 1863 he joined the United States navy as a carpenter's mate, and subsequently (1866) went to the City of Chicago, where he worked at his trade until he removed to Peru in the year 1872. Upon reaching the city he engaged with the Indiana manufacturing company, and at this time holds the responsible position of superintendent of the cabinet department for the manufacture of sewing machine wood work. ISIr. Hull is a skillful mechanic, thoroughly conversant with all the details of the trade, and has the confidence of his employers. Politically he is a supporter of the Democratic part}-, though he has never tigured as a partisan or office seeker. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in the deliberations of which order he takes an active part. He was united in marriage with Miss Cecelia Lawson, of Chicago, on October i6, 1868.

DAVID IRWIN was born January 27, 1847, in Peru, and is the eldest son of Hezekiah and Matilda (Coughenour) Irwin, natives of Huntington Count}', Pennsylvania, who came to Miami County in 1845, and located in Peru, where our subject was reared. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the butcher's trade with Mr. Henry Mack (deceased), and in 1867 commenced the business for himself. November 13, 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie H. Pierce, a native of this State. To them has been born one child, Harry, January 27, 1872. He was again married September 28, 1876, to Miss Emma N. Stigleman, of Peru, daughter of Samuel M. Stigleman. Our subject's father was married in 1845, and became the parent of four children, viz: David, Caroline, William (deceased), and Samuel. David, the subject of this biographical sketch, is an Odd Fellow, this being the only secret society of which he is a member, and in poHtics is a Democrat. He received a very fair education, and all in all is a most worthy citizen.

ELI J. JAMISON was born in Frederick County, Mar}land, November 24, 1820, and is the fourth son of John and Sarah (Harris) Jamison, both natives of Maryland and of English-Scotch origin. The subject of the biography remained on the Maryland farm until 1837, when he came to Indiana and located in Wa}ne County, where for three years he served as an apprentice at the cabinet maker's trade. In 1848 he engaged in the general furniture and undertaking business in Muncie, in partnership with his brother John Jamison. In 1856 he came to Peru, where he continued the business until 18S0, when he sold the furniture department and is now only engaged in the undertaking business. He has been a member of the Town Council for more than ten years. The marriage of Mr. Jamison occurred i84i,to Miss Sarah Dinwiddie, a native of Peru. They have two children, viz.: Henry B. and Elizabeth L. Mrs. Jamison died in 1S46. In 1848 Mr. Jamison was married to Miss Mary S. Marshall of Kentucky. He is a member of the Democratic party and of the Masonic fraternity, and also an Odd Fellow.

JAMES J. KEVES is a native of Pickaway County, near Circleville, Ohio, and was born November 6, 1846. Me is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Oman) Keyes, natives of the same countv in Ohio. The father came to Butler Township, this county, in 1847; was a farmer, died September 18, 1868: was at one time township assessor of Butler Township. The mother's death occurred September 4, 1879. The person whose name appears at the commencement of this sketch was reared on the farm in Butler Township, and at the age of twentjsecured employment with a Mr. Whittenberger, grocer, as clerk, and afterwards engaged with Mr. N. C. Brower, boot and shoe dealer, where he remained until 1876, when he formed a co-partnership with Alexander Keyes and started a general store at Xenia, where they continued until 1882, when he purchased a shoe store in Logansport and moved the stock to Peru, and since 1883 has been transacting business at that place. In June. 1885, Wm. M. Trout became his business partner. Mr. Keyes was married to Miss Ida Jacobs, daughter of Samuel Jacobs of Logansport, June 10, 1S80, to whom were born two children; Evelyn, born December 9, 1883, and Clarence L:, born October 29, 1885. He is an ardent adherent of the principles and practices of the Republican party, and is a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Keyes is an honest, upright citizen and commands the respect of the entire community in which he resides.

RICHARD KILGORE, editor and proprietor of the Evcii- 1)1 <( yoiinial, was born in Peru, Indiana, December 18, 1866, and is the second child of W. W. and Jane (Kinsley) Kilgore, natives of Kentucky. W. W. Kilgore came to Miami County Indiana, in 1868 and for some years was in partnership with E. H. Shirk in the mercantile business. Richard Kilgore received a rudimentary education in the schools of Peru, supplemented by a course in Wabash College, which institution he attended for some time. He served a four vears apprenticeship in the Repuhlicau office, under Reed and Lock wood and after acquiring proficiency in the printer's trade, worked at the same in various places, having been one year emploved on The Enterprise, published at Michigan City. In June, 1885, he accepted a position in the office of The Chieago Tribune which he held until March. 1886. when he returned to Peru, Indiana and purchased the Evening youriial, of which he has since been editor and proprietor. He has displayed fine ability in Journalism and at this time is perhaps the youngest editor in the State. He He was married September 7, 1886 to Miss Gertrude Canrode, daughter of T. W. and Jennv Canrode. of Kokomo. Indiana.

'FRED A. KISSELL," Deputy Clerk Miami Circuit Court. was born in Peru, Indiana, May 17, 1858: the only son of George H. and Sallie T. (Tracy) Kissell. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, born February 26, 1833. He came to Indiana in 1855, and was for a number of years express messenger on the I. P. & C. railroad, having run on the first train from Indianapolis to Peru. He subsequently abandoned the road and located in Peru, and later moved to a farm near the city. Me operated a large stone quarry for a period of about ten years, and died June

22, 1886. Mrs. Kissell was the daughter of Carleton Tracy, who was one of the earliest pioneers of Miami County, settling here when Peru was but a niche in the surrounding forest. He was prominently identified with the early history of the count}-, held many positions of trust, and departed this life about the year 1865. Mrs. Kissell was born in Peru January 7, 1834, ^"^ died August 22. 1882. Fred A. Kissell was reared to manhood in Miami Count}', received a liberal education in the countr}- and city schools, and at the early age of sixteen accepted a position in the Circuit Clerk's office under Jesse S. Zern. At the expiration of that otficial's term of service he was appointed deputy by the present clerk, Charles A. Parsons, a position he still retains. Mr. Kissell is a careful business man and an accomplished penman, and his records are among the neatest and best kept of those in any of the public offices. He votes the Republican ticket and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 5th of November, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie D. Deniston, a union blessed with two children, Nellie M.. born July 26, 1880, and Jessie F., born August 13, 1883. Mrs. Kissell was born July 5. i860, in the city of New York.

JULIUS KOHLS is a native of Prussia, Germany, was born November 3, 1851, and is the son of Wilhelm and Catharine Kohls. He emigrated to the United States in 1872, and came direct to Peru. In December, 1885, J. M. Garver, his step-father, came to America and located in Peru. He is engaged in business in connection with Mr. Albert Moesk. In April, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Conradt, a daughter of Mr. Charles Conradt (deceased), of this county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kohls, viz: Otto, Hulda, Hedwig and Catharine. Mr. Kohls has been an energetic citizen since his advent to this country, and by his judicious management has acquired a pleasant home and comfortable surroundings. He and his family are members of the German Luthern Church and he is a Democrat.

23, 1833, son of Christian and Elizabeth Kratzer. The family emigrated to America in 1849, and settled near Wooster, Ohio, and remaining there one year came to Miami County in 1850 and settled on a farm in Clay Township and here the father of Mr. Kratzer died February 11, 1883, the mother preceeding him December 19, 1S81. The subject of this biography had the advantages of fine schools and received a classical education. At the age of ten he began serving an apprenticesliip at the jeweler's trade at his birthplace, Cheux-de-Fonds, Switzer- land. He came to Peru in 1852, since which time he has been engaged in the jewelr}- business in this city. By industry and energy he has succeeded, and is now one of the best business men in his line in this count}'. He was married November 10, 1857, to Miss Eliza Rettig, a native of Ohio. By that union two children, were born. Mrs. Kratzer died April 2, 1879, and Mav 25, 1881 he married Mrs. Sarah Rettig, widow of John Rettig. Mr. Kratzer has been a member of the Peru City Council. He is a K. of P. and an Odd Fellow. He is a good citizen and an honorable man. He erected Odd Fellows Hall in this citv- He is a Democrat. Mrs. Kratzer has one daughter by her tirst husband.

JOSEPH H. LARIMER. Clerk elect of Miami Circuit Court. Conspicuous among the self-made men of Miami County, is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch. Mr. Larimer was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, on the 3rd day of February, 1854, and is the fourth son of Joseph D. and Mary A. (Miller) Larimer, natives of Fairfield and Perry Counties,-Ohio, respectively. Joseph D. Larimer was born in the year 1826, emigrated to Indiana in 1846, and settled on a farm in Deer Creek Township, where his death occurred August 11, 1877. Joseph H. Larimer was reared to agricultural pursuits, received in the common schools a good English education, and at the age of twenty-one abandoned the farm, and commenced reading law with Messrs. Farrar & Carpenter, of Peru. He was admitted to the bar, October, 1880, but did not at once engage in the active practice of his profession, taking charge of the Bunkerhill Press, a weekly paper published at Bunker Hill, of which he was editor and proprietor, for about one year. Severing his connection with said paper, he returned to Peru and entered upon the active practice of the law, which he has since successfully continued. He early took an active interest in political affairs and developed considerable ability as a successful politician and organizer. He is an unflinching Democrat, and in 1886 was nominated by his party for the office of Circuit -Clerk. He made thd race against one of the most popular candidates the opposition could put in the field, and after a very close and exciting contest, was elected by a decided majority. As a business man and attorney, Mr. Larimer is straightforward, upright and honorable, and as a citizen, he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him. On the 21st da}* of November, 1882, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Lillie M. Bliler, of Cass County, Indiana, to which union one child, Edna, has been born.

ABRAHAM LEHMAN. The subject of this sketch is a native of Germany, born in Wurtemburg on the 19th of May, 1845. He enjoyed superior educational advantages in his youth, attending first the common and high schools of his native country and subsequently the Kumzelan College, from which he graduated after a four \ears course. His literar}- education being completed Mr. Lehman, at the age of nineteen sailed for the United States and on reaching his destination came direct to Peru, Indiana, where he engaged as clerk with the mercantile firm of the Levi Brothers. He continued in that capacity for onl}- a limited period; engaging in 1867 with David Adler in the dry goods business at Attica, Indiana, where he carried on that branch of trade until 1870. He returned to Peru, the latter year and opened out in the clothing business, which he continued with success and linancial profit until 1S79. Me then engaged in the flax bagging and tow manufacturing, in partnership with the Rosenthal Bros., and in 1881 became a member of a stock company of which in 1882 he was elected President. This compan\- operate the large flax mills just west of the city, one of the leading industries of the county and do an extensive and prosperous business. Mr. Lehman was married October 29, 1884 to Miss Ada Rosenfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman have two children, \iz: Bernard and Minnie F.

WILLIAM W. LOCKWOOD, editor of the Peru Rcpuhliran, was born in Preble Count\-, Ohio, December 24. 1835. His father, George W. Lockwood, was born in Sussex Count}', Delaware, in 1809, and was accidentally killed in 1837. The mother of Mr. Lockwood was Belinda Lockwood, whose maiden name was Jackson. She died in Preble County, Ohio, in 1840, ha\'ing been born in that county in 1813. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Lockwood, who was born in Delaware in 1776: emigrated to Preble County, Ohio, in 1826, and died there the following year. The grandmother of Mr. Lockwood was Phoebe (Dingle) Lockwood, born in Delaware in i775) and died in Ohio in 1840. The Lockwood family is of English origin, though the family has been known in America for more than a centAiry. The subject of this sketch is the elder of two sons and because of the earh- death of his parents, was reared by his kindred, and in the tenth \-ear of his age came to Miami Count}' with his uncle, Daniel D. Lockwood. He first attended the common schools and subsequently was a student at Wabash College. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteers, and was honorably discharged at the close of the conflict between the States. From 1865 to 1867 he was an employe in the Indianapolis postofflce. In the latter part of 1867 he engaged in teaching school, which occupation he continued without interruption until 1878. As a teacher he was a pronounced success, and is yet an uncompromising friend of the public schools and extended education. In 1878 he came to Peru and purchased a half interest in the Peru Rcpuhliran, and in this connection continues, and is a leading newspaper man of this portion of Indiana. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, and ever on the alert for the best interests of his party. His first right of suffrage was exercised for Lincoln for President. In 1867 he was made a Mason, and is also a charter member of the K. of P. lodge of this cit)- and also G. A. R. post. December 28, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Waite, daughter of the late Sulli\an and Margaret (Woods) Waite of this county. Mrs. Lock wood was born in Allen Township, this county, February 24, 1848. To this union are five sons and two daughters, viz. : Charles W., George B., Margaret H., William W., Florence B., Arthur S., and Albert L. He and wife are members of the M. E. church, and are among the best people of this city or county.

EBENEZER P. LOVELAND, late prominent lawyer of Peru, was born at West Rutland, \'ermont, November 25, 1817. His parents were Col. Joseph and Beulah (Pratt) Loveland. When he was ten jears of age his parents moved to Granville, Ohio, at which place he attended school until his sixteenth year. His father dying at that time obliged him to rely in a great measure u]ion his own resources, and shortly afterward he engaged in teaching, which he continued several years, pursuing his literary studies when not thus emplo\ed. He early chose the profession of law for a life work, and began his preparatory reading of the same under competent instructors at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained until the year 1840. He removed to Miami County that year and began the practice of his profession in Peru, where his high legal abilities soon won for him a conspicuous place. He continued in the active practice at the Miami bar for a period of fifteen years, during which period he achieved the record of never having lost an important case entrusted to his manaj^ement. Durin<r the time he was practicing he was associated with Mr. Beal, under the firm name of Loveland & Beal, and Judge N. O. Ross, under the title of Loveland & Ross, the latter having been one of the strongest law firms in Miami County. In 1856 Mr. Loveland entered the field of journalism and founded the Peru RcpiihliciDi, which was the first successful effort to run a newspaper in opposition to the Democracy in Miami County. The early success of this enterprise was such as to cause, for a time, the suspension of the opposing paper. From the year 1863 to 1867 he was engaged as assistant paymaster, Indiana Legion, with headquarters at Indianapolis, and at the time the Democratic members of the Indiana Legislature resigned their seats in order to prevent the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment, was the Republican candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by a

\ei"v small majorit\-. In addition to his extensive professional business Mr. Loveland always took a conspicuous part in the internal improvement of the county and was largely instrumental in inaui^"urating the present efficient turnpike system of Miami. He also took an active interest in all measures having for their object the welfare of Peru, and while editor of the Rcpubllran persistently urged upon the citizens the propriety of improving and beautifying their premises and improving and keeping in repair the streets of the city. He earh- took a decided stand in fa\or of temperance reform in Indiana, and was an active member of the "Sons of Temperance" (^having been a total abstainer from the time he signed the Washingtonian pledge when quite a small bov in Vermont), and in 1851 was a delegate to the Grand Di\-ision of that organization for this State, which met at Indianapolis. While in attendance at this meeting he was chosen a delegate to the National Division, which con\ened at Richmond, Mrginia, in the summer of 1852. In 1S53 he was made vice president of the railroad then in process of construction between the cities of Laporte and Peru. He was active in his endeavors to secure the location of the Howe Sewinji' Machine works in this city, and it was while trying to save the company's property in the great fire of Februarj- 10, 1876, that he met witli a violent death by being crushed beneath a burning building. This sad event cast a shade of deepest gloom over the entire city and county, for his death was not onh" looked upon as a public calamity, but as a personal loss to the many with whom he came in contact in social and business relations. Mr. Loveland was an ardent supporter of the Republican party, hones^t in his political convictions and opposed to ever\thing seeming like dishonesty and trickery. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church to which nearly all of his family also belonged. On the 12th day of October, 1842. at Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hood, by whom he had seven children, namely: IIenr\- C. (deceased), Celia, wife of A. Faling; Alice, wife of L. Morrill; Clara, wife of B. R. Graham; Hood P., Robert J. and Irene (deceased).

ROBERT J. LOVELAND, attorney at law, and youngest son of Ebenezer P. and Jane Loveland, is a native of Miami County, Indiana, born in the city of Peru, January 17, 1858. He attended the city schools until his thirteenth year and subsequently, 1873, entered Central College, Franklin County, Ohio, where he pursued his studies for a period of four \'ears completing the prescribed course in that time. He then became a student of Wabash College, Indiana, and attended the same from 1877 till 1879, returning to Peru the latter year, and taking up the study of law in the office of Shirk & Mitchell. He pursued his legal studies under the above able instructors, until the spring of 1880, but prior to that time durinif his vocations, was en<;agecl in teaching in Ohio, and Miami Count}-, Indiana. He was admitted to the bar in 1880, but did not engage in the active practice of his profession until the spring of the following 3'ear, at which time he effected a co-partnership with E. T. Reasoner under the firm name of Reasoner and Loveland which lasted until 1S84. Since June, 1884 he has been associated in the practice with R. P. Etiinger one of the leading lawyers of Peru, and the firm thus constituted has a large and lucrative practice in the courts of Miami and other- counties. From his bovhood Mr. Loveland has been a dilligent student, and that he has succeeded in his chosen profession is evinced bv the reputation he enjovs among his brethren of the Miami County bar. He mastered the principles of the law in a short time, soon became familiar with its practice, and is now one of the best voung law\-ers in the city of Peru. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F. fraternitv. Votes in confirmity with the Republican party and since his thirteenth vear has belonged to the Presbvterian Church.

HENRY^MEINHARDT, merchant, is a native of Breslau, German}', and onlv son of Henrv and Elizabeth (Franke) Meinhardt. He was born March 14, 1852, and at the age of three j-ears was brought to the United States, and for ten years thereafter resided in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1865, he removed with his parents to Columbus and three years later came to Peru, Indiana, and engaged as salesman with the mercantile firm ol Kilgore & Shirk, in which capacity he continued until 1884. In March, 1885, he engaged in the dry goods business on his own responsibility, and in October of the same year, effected a copartnership with 0.scar L. Minor, which still continues. Mr. Meinhardt is a notable example of what energy and determination can accomplish in the face of adverse circumstances. Commencing life with little capital, save a desire to succeed, he has by diligent attention to business and strict probity of character, won for himself a place in the confidence of the people, and the house which he so recentlv established has alreadv become one of the well known business places of the cit}-. Mr. Aleinhardt is Independent, so far as politics are concerned, and in religion belongs to the Methodist church. His marriage was solemnized on the nth dav of Februarv, 1880, with Miss INIissouri Hazzard, daughter of John Hazzard, of Kokomo, a union blessed with the birth of one child. Mrs. Meinhardt is also a member of the Methodist church.

REV. HENRY MEISSNER is a native of Munster, in the province of Westphalia, and the capital of that province. He was born on the 3d of December, 1842. His parents, August and Catharine (Brohmeyer) Meissner, both died when he was quite young, casting him upon his own resources and compelling him to flight tlie battles of earlv life, without the assistance of paternal care, in which he succeeded admirably, as the followin<j brief review will indicate: After the death of his parents his nearer relatives desired that he should learn the carpenter trade, but his strong desire for knowledge prompted him otherwise, and, at the age of sixteen, he entered the gymnasium or college in his native town, where he remained until tvvent3'-one years of age, when he graduated in Latin, Greek, mathematics, sciences and classics. He procured money sufficient to pa}- his tuition and purchase books, etc., by giving private instructions to his associates, and by his superiority in examinations accomplished that which he had most desired. However, not satisfied with the amount of knowledge he already possessed, after he had attained his majority he entered the university and embraced the studies of theology, law, philosophy, etc., and continued there for three j-ears, or until 1866, when he graduated with degree in most branches as "excellent." In 1866 he embarked for America. About this time the Austrian-Prussian war broke put, lasting only about six months, and his country was about to be involved with France. I le landed at New York, going direct to Baltimore, where he finished his studies in St. Mary's Seminary. Our subject was ordained priest June 30, 1868, and then went to the Diocese of Fort Wayne, which comprises the Northern portion of Indiana. Here he had charge of the parish at Goshen, Elkhart County, for two and one-half ^ears, and, in the beginning of 1 87 1, took control of the Crown Point charge, in which place he was continued for a period of nearl}' five years, and in September, 1875, came to Peru, where he has since had charge of the parish at this place. While at Crown Point, by his indomitable will and energy, he built a school house and church, which are both creditable reminders of his perseverance. At Peru he found the congregation encumbered with indebtedness to the amount of $16,000, which obligations have all been discharged. In 1S84 he returned on a visit to the land of his birth, and while on his trip visited many of the cities of France and Italy, making a stay of about four months. In 1880 he completed a volume of poems in the Low German entitled, "Knaffeln," or in English, "Biscuits," which was a youthful production, and also a \olume in High German, the title of which is " Orgeltoene," the English of which is " Organ Strains." He was advanced in 1880 by the Bishop to the position of Examiner and Visitor of the Fort Wayne Diocese. His territory as Examiner only extends over one district, viz: Peru. He is also one of three of the Board of Theolgians for the Diocese of Fort Wayne.

Mahala (Oliver) Mercer, natives of Rockingham and Tiger's. Vallev. Va., and who are of English origin. The father moved from Virginia in 1815 to Muskingum Countv. Ohio, and moved to Peru in 1845, and is now a resident of Newton Countv, Indiana. He was born in 1802, and is still living and enjoying a reasonable share of nature's blessing. The subject was reared in Muskingum and Putnam Counties, Ohio, on a farm, until at the age of twelve he commenced to learn the trade of mill-wrighting, which he completed at eighteen and soon after abandoning it, adopted the occupation of carpentering, at which he worked until 1866. In 1845 he was located in the town of Peru. He was engaged by the Indianapolis, Peru & Chicago RaiKvav Companv in 1865, to work in their shops, and then went with the Wabash Company, where he worked in the wood department. He married Miss Ann J. Long on March 9, 1886. Miss Long was an accomplished daughter of Mr. John Long, a Cass County pioneer, who resided in the city of Logansport. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer are the parents of five children, Ada J., Mav, William S., Georgie (girl), and Robert E., deceased. Her death occurred in March. 1886. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternitv, and politicallv clings to the faith of the Republican partv. The famil\- are members of the Baptist churcli, and are regular attendants at public worship. GEORGE C. MILLER, of the mercantile firm of Shirk & Miller, was born in Cass County, Indiana, January 2, 1845, and is the eldest son of John L. and Mary (Long) Miller, natives respectively of Penns\lvania and Delaware. John L. Miller was one of the pioneers of Cass County, and for some years carried on the mercantile business in Logansport, having been one of the first merchants of that citv. He was a man widely and favorablv known and departed this life about the year 1851. George C. Miller was raised in Cass and Miami Counties, received a practical education in the common schools, and began life for himself as salesman in the mercantile house of Kilgore & Shirk, in Peru. He continued in the capacity of clerk until 1873, at which time he become a partner, and subsequently, 1880, when Mr. Kilgore retired he purchased that gentleman's interests, thus changing the style of the firm to that of Shirk & Miller, by which title it has since been known. To describe in detail the vast amount of business transacted bv this house would far transcend the limits of this sketch, but suffice it to sav, that in drv goods, hardware, agricultural implements, and, in fact, all kinds of general merchandise, it is one of the largest and most successful mercantile firms in Northern Indiana, affording employment throughout the entire year to about twenty clerks and salesmen. Mr. Miller, as manager of the immense business, displavs abilitv of a high order and a merchant thoroughly conversant with all the details of the trade, and, as a successful financier, lie is, perhaps, without a peer in the city of Peru. He is withal a very popular citizen, and his success in addition to his thorough knowledge of the business, is largel}' due to his induslr}- and tidelitv and that courtesy which marks the well bred gentleman. He was married March, 1870, to Miss Ella Leebrick, of Wayne Count}-, Indiana, who has borne him the following children, viz: Harry" L.. Charles W., Elbert S. and George C. Miller.

WILLIAM B. MILLER. Auditor of Miami County, and son of George B. and Margaret (Columbia) Miller, was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, February 20, 1845. George B. Miller was born in Columbus, Ohio, about the year 1S16, of German-Scotch ancestry, his parents being natives of Pennsylvania. He came to Indiana in 1836, settling in Fort Wayne, where he worked at the plasterer's trade, and where he resided until his removal to the town of Wabash in 1846. From there, in the year 1852 he came to Peru, where he still resides. Margaret Miller was born in the Citv of Fort Wayne, of French parentage, and died there on the 13th day of April, 1845. By a subsequent marriage with Mary Ross, sister of Judge N. O. Ross, of Peru, Mr. Miller has three children, all of whom are living at this time. William B. Miller was reared in Peru, moving to this city with his father when about seven years of age. He attended the city schools at intervals until his fifteenth year, at which early age he entered the arm}- enlisting in June, 1861, in Company A., 20th Indiana Infantry, with which he shared the viscissitudes and fortunes of war in many of the bloodiest battles of the Eastern Campaigns, including among others the expedition from Fortress Monroe to Fort Hatteras. Seven days fight before Richmond and retreat to Harrison's Landing. Bull Run, Gettysburg, Frederickburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburgli. His term of service expiring immediately after the engagement last named, he was honorably discharged at Indianapolis on the i8th of July, 1864. On leaving the arm \- he returned to Peru, but the following October he again tendered his services to the country and joined Company K., i42d Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served till honorably discharged, August 5, 1865, spending the greater part of the time in Nashville, Tennessee. His military record thus completed, he returned home and after remaining with his friends in Peru until April, 1866, went to Kansas City, Mo., at which place he worked at the plasterer's trade until 1872. He returned to Indiana that 3'ear and worked at his vocation in Logansport, until 1875, at which time he came back to Peru, where he has since resided. In 1883 he was elected a member of the City Council of Peru and in the fall of 1886, was nominated on the Republican ticket for Auditor of Miami Count}-; an office to which he was elected after a spirited contest, overcoming a previous Democratic majority of 350 votes. Mr. Milller's record both as soldier and civilian is one of which he feels justlj- proud and his triumphant election over so much opposition attests his great personal popularity, with the people of the County. He is and has been since his twenty-first year an ardent supporter of the Republican party and at this time is an active member of the G. A. R. and K. of H. orders. He was married July i8, 1S72, in Cass County, Indiana, to Miss Julia, daughter of George and Alary St. Clair, of the same county and State.

OSCAR L. MINOR," of the mercantile firm of Meinhardt & Minor, was born in Rush County, Indiana, February 8, 1856, son of Constantine and Mary (^ Gates) Minor; both parents natives of the same State. Mr. Minor, when quite young, was taken by his parents to Rochester, Indiana, in which city he passed the years of his youth and early manhood, acquiring in the meantime from the public schools a practical English education. He came to Peru in 1872 and engaged as salesman in the mercantile house of Kilgore & Shirk, where he remained until 1855, at which time, in partnership with Henry Meinhardt, he engaged in business for himself. The firm of Meinhardt & Minor, although but recently established, has already won a conspicuous place among the successful business houses of the city, and has a reputation more than local. Mr. Minor has passed the greater part of his life in the dry goods business, and is thoroughly well posted in all the details of the trade. He was married October 13, 1881, to Mrs. Susan (Culbertson) Bearss, of Peru.

JUDGE JOHN MITCHELL, Peru. The subject of our sketch is a native of Great Britain. He was born in the city of Bristol, England, September 24, 1829. His father was a native of Prussia, and his mother a native of England. In November, 1833. he emigrated, with his parents, to the United States, arriving at the city of Philadelphia. He lived in Delaware and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania, until ten years of age. He then removed with his parents to Wayne County, Indiana, where he remained four }ears. His parents then removed to Peru, Indiana, bringing their family with them, arriving on the second day of October, 1843. Mr. Mitchell attended the public school, where he received a good primary education. After completing his course of stud}' in this department, he was sent to a seminary at Cambridge City, Indiana, where he continued his studies one year, under the supervision of Prof. Hoshour, now of the Northwestern Christian University. At the age of 14 he learned the tailor's trade with his father, who was engaged in that occupation. This trade he followed in the city of Peru for a number of years, devoting hi?, spare moments to the acquisition of legal knowledge, in which pursuit he made rapid progress, under the instruction of the late Alphonso A. Cole. In 1861, he was elected Justice of the Peace, when he abandoned the tailor's trade.

devoting his entire time to the study of law. In December, 1863, he was admitted to the bar of Miami County, and entered into partnership with Hon. H. J. Shirk, with whom he has since been associated, excepting a short interval in the winter of 1872. He was elected Justice of the Peace three terms, without opposition. He rose rapidh' in his profession, taking rank with the older members of the bar. In October, 1872, less than nine years after he commenced practice, he 'was elected Common Pleas Judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial District of Indiana, composed of the Counties of Miami, Cass and Pulaski. To this office he was also elected without opposition* This was a high honor to confer upon him; and more particularly so, as he is the onlv member of the Miami Count}' Bar who was elevated to that position. In this capacity he served his constituents, until the Legislature abolished the court, when he resumed the practice of law with his former partner, Mr. Shirk. At the close of his brief judicial career. Judge Mitchell retired from the high position awarded him bv his fellow citizens, with an enviable reputation as a jurist, and a record of which he ma\' justh'be proud. The annals of the Twenty-Hfth Judicial District Court present no brighter example of integrity and dignity. He is a logical and impressive speaker, and is known throughout the county as a conscientious adviser and succt?^sful practitioner. Though a self-made man, he is one of marked ability. His name will stand out prominent!}-, in the years to come, as an example of what may be accomplished by application and perseverance in the difficult profession of the law. Judge Mitchell was married February 24, 1859, ^^ Miss Caroline R. Foote, of Pavnesville, Ohio, who bore him several children, the following of whom are living, namelv: Emily M., Samuel C. and Mary F. Mitchell. Mrs. "Mitchell died on the i6th day of September, 1883.

EDDMORE S. MORRIS, a native of Chillicothe, 4Uish (JI^^-^'k, County. Ohio, was born August 5, 1829, and is the eldest son of Carvil and Elizabeth (Beale ) Morris, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. Eddmore S. was reared on the farm until he reached the age of eighteen, wh«n his youthful patriotism grew so strong that he entered the service of his countrj- in the Mexican war in the Second Ohio regiment in 1847, and remained about one 3ear, and he then returned to the farm, there continuing until reaching his majority, 1850, when he came to Peru, and in a short time thereafter was to be found in Logansport learning the trade of a stone-cutter, and after a time, when his eanings would permit, he would attend school, applying his surplus earnings to the payment of tuition until his education was so complete that he llnally engaged in school teaching, at which he continued alternately with his trade until 1857, then returned to Peru and engaged exclusivel}' at his business until 1862. He then purchased the Brownell farm which he managed for three ^-ears and then disposed of it and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he did not prove to be successful, losing his entire investment, $15,000. Although luck was not his companion, in 1869 he again re-opened his business, having secured the aid of some eastern capitalist, which again re-established him, and since which time he has been doing a thriving trade in the irrocerv and bakerv business. The 19th of Januar}-, 1857, his marriage was solemnized, he taking as a life partner Miss Nancy Johnson Grant, a native of Butler County, Ohio, and to them seven children were born. Their names are Nellie B., Jennie F., Elmer S., Wilbur G., Schuyler M., Lizzie, lea E., and Anna (deceased ). In 1853 he was made a Mason and also an Odd fellow. Politically he is a Republican. His son Elmer S., is an attorney at law, born in November, 1861, and commenced practicing in 1883. He is a graduate of the High Schools of Peru, as are also Wilbur S., Schuyler M., Jennie and Nellie.

JOSEPH D. GATES, a native of New Buffalo, Berrian County, Michigan: born June 30, 185 1, and is the second son of Joseph D. and Hannah (Austin) Gates. His father was born in England and his mother in Indiana. In childhood the subject removed with his parents to Lake County, Indiana. At nine years of age he went to LaPorte to live with an aunt. In 1865 he began working on a farm in Porter Count}'. Here he was accorded the privilege of attending school during the winter months. In 1868 he returned to LaPorte and began learninir the cabinet maker's trade. He came to Peru in 187 1 and from that time until 1883 he was employed in the sewing machine factory of this city. Since 1883 he has been engaged in the insurance and real estate business. Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Indiana E. Snivelv, in 1878, a -daughter of John M. Snively of this city. To this union are four children, viz: Fred M., Alice E., Arlie M., and Indiana M. Mrs. Gates died May 31, 1886. In politics our subject is a Republican. In 1882 he was elected Councilman from the second ward, and reelected to the same office in 1884, and elected to the same office in 1886. He is an honorable citizen and a man greatly respected.

ANDREW J. PARKS." The subject' of this biography is a native of Miami County, born in Richland Township on the 22nd of June. 1843. His parents, James and Jane (Watson) Parks, were born in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The father came to Miami County in his early manhood - about the year 1839 - and purchased land in Richland Township, upon which he lived until his death, in i860. Andrew J. Parks was raised a farmer, received a practical education in the common schools, and followed agricultural pursuits in his native township until 1880. In that year he was elected Sheriff of Miami County, and in order to conveniently discharge his official duties, moved to Peru, where he has since resided.

His official record having been one highly satisfactory to his party and the people at large throughout the county, he was re-elected in 18S2 and served until 1884. At the expiration of his term of othce, Mr. Parks opened out in his present business, viz. : dealing in harness, trunks and buggies, and has already met with well earned success in the enterprise. In 1865 he entered the service of his country as private in Company K, 134th hidiana Volunteer Infantry, but the war closing soon after, he was in the army for a period of only four months. He is prominently identified with the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and Masonic fraternities, and also belongs to the G. A. R. His marriage in 1866 to Miss Sarah E. Monteith, daughter of Watson Monteith, of Richland Township, has been blessed with the birth of three children, viz: Emma (deceased), Louie and Watson Parks. Politically, Mr. Parks is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party.

CHARLES A. PARSONS, Clerk of the Miami Circuit Court, was born in the citv of Lockport, N. Y., Juh' 11, 1839, ^""^ ^^ '''"^ youngest son of Aaron and Emily (Stowe) Parsons, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The subject spent his youth on a farm, received in the common schools a practical education and at the age of fourteen accepted a position with the Great Western railroad company, in the employ of which he remained until he removed to Peru in 1859. In the latter }-ear he received a position in the freight department of the I., P. & C. Railroad with headquarters in Indianapolis, and in 1861 became passenger conductor, in which capacity he continued until taking charge of the office at Kokomo one year later. He served as local agent at Kokomo until January, 1865, at which time he abandoned railroading and engaged with the American Express Company, Indianapolis, in which city he subsequently became agent for the Merchants Union Express company, remaining with the latter for a period of ten years. At the end of that time he returned to Peru and again engaged in railroading, accepting the position of roadmaster with the I., P. & C, and continuing in that capacity until 1872. In that year he became identified with the Howe Machine Company with which he remained until 1873. when he accepted the position of Deputy Clerk, Miami Circuit Court, under Jesse Zern, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until elected to the office in 1878. Mr. Parsons was elected on the Republican ticket by a majority vote of 404, a fact which attests liis great personal popularity in a reliably Democratic county. He was re-elected by a decided majority in 1882 aud is the present incumbent of the office. Mr. Parsons life has been a very active one and against his official record no breath of suspicion has ever been uttered. He is a public spirited citizen, takes a live interest in all measures having for their object the public good and is an active member of the Masonic fraternity. (3n the 8th day of May, 1862, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Mary A. Ferris, of Niagara Falls, N. Y., a union blessed with the birth of four children of whom the following are now living, to-wit: Anna H., Fred A., and Ella G.

JACOB PAULY, is a native of Baden, German)-, and was born January 18, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Mary Pauly, natives of Germany. He came to this countrv in 1851, and his parents followed ten years latter, he having been reared on a farm and received a good German education. On coming to this country he went to Cinciunati and worked at the shoemaker's trade, at which he had served an apprenticship of three years, and then came to Peru and worked at the tailor's business for about nine years, having abandoned the shoe trade on account of his eyes. In 1869 he opened his present business in Peru, at which he has been quite successful and has succeeded in accumulating considerable property. He was married in May, 1848, to Miss Mary Weltman, a native of Germany, who are now the parents of seven children, all of whom are dead. He passed through all the chairs of a subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows, is a Republican and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont.

ADAM RADER came to Miami County in the fall of 1840, from Rockingham County, Virginia. His birth occurred on the 8th of March, 1S22, being the eldest son of Henry and Sarah (Hoover) Rader, natives of the same county. The father came west at the same time and located on a farm in Peru Township, where he remained until death, April 9, 1872. In 1835 the subject of this sketch came to Clinton County. He was principally reared in Montgomery County, Ohio, where he received his education. He now owns eighty acres of land in Peru Township. He was married to Miss Harriet M. Wallace June 2, 1853, a native of Highland County, Virginia, to whom were born nine children: William, Henry, Edward, Lewis, Anna M., Sarah, Elsie, Martha and Pearley. Mr. Rader is an ardent Republican.

WILLIAM RASSNER, the subject of this biography, was born in Germany on the 23d of April, 1823, and is a son of Albert and Elizabeth Rassner. He remained in his native countrv until nine years of age, at which time, 1832, his parents emigrated to the United States, landing at the City of Baltimore in September of the above year. From there they removed to Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, and thence in 1S35 to Dayton, Ohio, in which city the subject grew to manhood. His educational privileges were fair, the best his opportunities afforded, yet of that practical nature which enabled him at the age of fourteen- to commence his business career as a druggist, at w-hich profession he served about six years, acquiring great proficiency in the meantime. Severing his connection with his preceptor in 1846, he enlisted in the ist Ohio Regiment for the Mexican war, and continued with the same for about one year, serving part of the time as a private soldier, and a part in the capacity of hospital steward. On leaving the army he returned to Dayton, and, in 1849, came to Peru, Indiana, where he opened a drug house and where he has since resided. He continued the drug business with encouraging success until 1873, at which time he retired from active life, and is now enjoying that quiet which only those who have battled with the world for over a half century know how to appreciate. Mr. Rassner has taken an active interest in the welfare of his adopted city, and all measures for the public good find in him an ardent and energetic supporter. He deserves mention for his efforts in the city's interest as a member of the Common Council, to which he was elected several times, and in the deliberations of which he displayed wisdom and rare executive ability. He is at this time one of the trustees of the city water works. He was married August, 1848, to Miss Anna Raabe, of Germany, who bore him three children, viz: Matilda, Catharine and Amelia R. Mrs. Rassner died early in 1857. The latter part of the same year was solemnized his second marriage with Magdalene Springer, of Peru, a union blessed with the birth of two children, Emma and Frances. His second wife died in 1864. He married his present wife, Mary A. Stepler, in 1864, to which marriage four children have been born, viz. : Lizzie, Louisa, Elvira R., and David H. Mr. Rassner votes in conformity with the principles of the Democratic party, and has been an active participant in local politics.

JOHN H. REAM is a native of Shanesville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and the eldest son of William and Harriet A. (Shultz) Ream, natives of Pennsylvania, who are of German descent, and came to Miami County in 1847 and located in Peru, the former being a blacksmith by trade. John H. was born December 10, 1838, and in 1853 commenced learning the trade of harness-making under J. M. Stutesman, serving an apprenticeship of nearlv three vears. Not being satisfied with his chosen vocation he secured the position of "news-butcher" on the railroad which he retained for some time, after which he worked in many departments of railroad service, and was finally promoted to that of Master of Transportation of the Grand Rapids and Indiana R. R. (northern division) in which he was retained for about three years, with headquarters at Grand Rapids, Mich., In the year 1877, with Thomas, a brother, he engaged in the grocery and bakery business, and afterwards purchased his brother's interest in July 1886. In April, 1861, he entered the service of his country in the 13th Ind- iana Regiment, Volunteer Infantiy, and was mustered out Juh' 2, 1864, as Sergeant, having then served over three years in this noble cause. He was wounded at the battle of the Deserted Farm, near Suffolk, Virginia. In 1865 he reentered the service as Captain of Company H., of the 151st hidiana Volunteer Infantry, at the re-organization of that regimeut, and continued until the close of the war or until the disbanding of the troops. Mr. Ream's marriage to Miss Lottie C. Covelle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was solemnized Februar\' 2r, 1873, and to them one child - Anna M. - was born. Politically he is a Republican. He is also prominently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, Masonic Fraternity, and Ro\'al Arcanum, in all of which he is a highly respected and much esteemed member. He conducts, at present, the leading grocery and baker\- business of Peru.

GEORGE I. REED, editor Peru Republican, was born in Cass County, Indiana, December 14, 1838; son of James and Margaret (Cox) Reed. His father was a pioneer settler of Cass County, havinsj moved there in an earlv day from Ohio. His mother was a native of Tennessee: her father served in the war of 1812. Mr. Reed was educated in the district schools, at the Cass County Seminary and the Union Christian College at Merom, where he graduated" in 1866. x\s a student he excelled in the languages and during the last three 3ears he taught the Latin classes. In July, 1866, he accepted the position of Superintendent of the Peru city schools, which he was obliged to resign, on account of ill health, at the end of six months. After recuperating about one year, Mr. Reed, in connection with J. M. Brown, Esq., purchased the Peru Republican, with which he has since been identiried. The firm of Reed & Brown continued as such for about one year, when Mr. Reed purchased Mr. Brown's interest and remained sole proprietor until 1873. Mr. M. R. Sinks was then received as partner and he took charge of the mechanical part of the business. In May, 1878, he sold his share to W. W. Lockwood, Esq., of Odell, Illinois, since which time the firm has been Reed & Lockwood. Under Mr. Reed's management the Republican has become the leading newspaper in Miami Count\- and it is universally recognized as one of the oldest and most influential journals of Northern Indiana. From 1867 to 187 1 Mr. Reed occupied the position of School Examiner, and subsequently served as President of the City School Board of Peru. In 1878 he was elected a Representative to the Legislature. The Republican is open for articles written in the interest of education, and few men have done more than he has toward developing the present effective educational system of his county. An earnest Republican, the columns of his paper are devoted during political campaigns to advocating the principles of his party. Mr. Reed is a member of the Christian Church and an active Mason. During the war he enlisted in the 2 1st Indiana Volunteers, ist Heavy Artiller}', but was at once detailed for clerical duties in which he continued until peace was declared. He has been foremost in supporting all enterprises for the public good. He is of medium size and build, has genial, pleasant manners and stands deservedly high as a conscientious, intelligent, public spirited citizen. January 13, 1870, he married Maggie Rell, daughter of N. Bell, Esq., a prominent citizen of Kokomo. They have one child.

WILLIAM C. II. REEDER, a native of Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, was born to Daniel and Sarah (Dames) Reeder, November 3, 1839, natives of Pennsylvania and England, respectivelv. The father's ancestors are of German descent. Mr. Daniel Reeder came to Miami County in the year 1854, ^^^ settled in Peru. The father was born in 1808 and the mother in 1821. The person whose name heads this sketch, is a cabinet maker, having commenced to learn the trade at the age of eighteen under Messrs. West & Jamison, and served an apprenticeship of three years. In July, 1 86 1, he answered the country's call and enlisted in the service for its preservation, in the 20th Indiana, Company A, and was mustered out in July, 1864. Was wounded twice at the battle of Peach Orchard, Va., June 25, 1862. He came back to Peru and and was emplo3'ed by his former emploN'ers, West & Jamison, with whom he again labored at his trade for about two years, after which he was employed by the I., P. & C. Railroad Company, in their wood department and is their pattern builder, at which he has been employed ever since. Our subject was united in matrimony with Miss Agnes Weist, of Huntington, Indiana, October 21, 1869, and they have been blest with the birth of six children, named Charles, Emma, Edward, Robert and Anna, who are still li\ing, and John E., deceased. Mr. Reeder and family are very much respected citizens in the vicinity in which thev reside. He is a Republican.

JOHN C. REYBURN was born in Peru, August 28, 183S: the eUlesl son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Timberlake) Revburn, who hailed from Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The father of this subject came to Miami County about the year 1836, a carpenter by trade, and was, in an earl\- day, elected Justice of the Peace. He died May 21, 1846, and the mother. May 6, 1850. John C. was also a carpenter, having learned the trade under a Mr. Timberlake, his uncle, and in 1879 commenced to work for Mr. Lenhart, who does a general furniture and undertaker's business. Near the close of the late war, March, 1865, he enlisted in the 155th Indiana Regiment, and was in the service about six months. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth Detamore was solemnized on the i8th day of August,

1859, ^"^ they are now the parents of five children, four of whom are sttH Hving - Charles, Luella, Lillie, Emma, and Mary E. (deceased). His education was that usually received at the common schools. Our subject is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and also represents his ward in the Council of the citv.

JOSEPH REYBURN was born in Miami County, Ind., May 5, 1833, son of Rev. William M. and Sarah (Black)- Reyburn. William M. Reyburn was born in Virginia Oct. 21, 1792, and when quite young emigrated to Ohio, settling near the City of Lewisburgh, where he grew to manhood's estate. He was raised a farmer, but earl}- entered the ministry of the Methodist Church, receiving his license to preach about the year 1829 or '30. In October, 183 1, he came to Miami Count}-, Indiana, and settled on land adjoining the City of Peru, where he opened a farm, which was his home the rest of his life. He was one of the first preachers in Miami County, and, in addition to the duties of his sacred calling, took an active interest in the political affairs of the county, having been elected a member of the Board of Commissioners in 1835, Representative in 1841, and State Senator in 1843. He was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and while a resident of Ohio held the office of Major in the Militia of that State. His marriage with Sarah Black, of Ohio, was solemnized June 13, 1816, a union blessed with the birth of the following children : Eliza J., James M., Caroline, Sobieski, John C, Margaret, Sarah, William B., Joseph and Sarah, all dead but the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Reyburn died Jan. 28, 1849. Mr. Reyburn's second marriage was celebrated Sept. 26, 1850, with Ann S. Woodword, who is still living. His death occurred June i, 1854. Joseph Reyburn was raised in Miami County, and has spent all his life on the paternal estate west of Peru. He was educated in the early schools of the cit\-, which he attended at intervals until attaining his majority, when he began life upon his own responsibility, choosing agriculture as a vocation. He has led a quiet and ueventful life, and belongs to that substantial class of citizens whose recommendations to the confidence of the people are actions instead of words. He affiliates with the Republican party, and is a zealous Christian, having been born and raised in the Methodist Church, to which his familv also belongs. On the 25th of March, 1856, in St. Joseph Countv, Ind., he married Rachel L., daughter of George and Hannah Deacon, of Ohio, to which marriage the following children have been born, to-wit: William A., Edwin C, Joseph S. and Marv Revburn.

"HENRY REYNOLDS was born in the city of Ithaca, New York, May 21, 1837, and is the son of Abraham and Amanda (Purdv) Reynolds. His ancestors were English people, and several representatives of the family came to the New World in the first vessel that landed at the mouth of the Delaware River earh' in the 17th centur\-. The subject's grandfather, Samuel Reynolds, was a native of New York, and for many years a prominent business man of New York City, where he carried on the banking business. The grandfather, on the mother side, Monmouth Purdy, was born in New York also, and was a lartje farmer and stock raiser of Cayuga County. Abraham Reynolds was born in New York City about the year 1809, was farmer and stock raiser b\^ occupation, and died in his native State in the year 1854. Amanda Reynolds was born in Cayuga County, New York, and died there in 1864. Henr\- Reynolds was raised on a farm in Cavuga Countv and received a liberal education in the Courtland Academy, from which he graduated in 1859. He engaged in business for himself as a machinist, in Poplar Ridge, in which place and near by he operated shops for a period of about twelve or fifteen vears. Disposing of his interests at the end of that time he went to Ithaca, New York, and accepted the position of superintendent of the Cavuga Lake Railroad shops in that city, in which capacitv he continued for a number of vears. He resided at Ithaca until the spring of 1886, at which time he came to Miami Countv, Indiana, and purchased an interest in the general foundry and machine shops, formerly operated bv E. S. Hacklev and later bv Thomas Lovett. He is at this time a partner with A. J. Ross, and the firm thus constituted do a general foundrv and machine business, giving emplovment to about fifteen men. IVIr. Reynolds was married Jul\-, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Tuthill, of Pennsyhania. Mr. Reynolds is a Republican in politics, and with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

CHARLES B. ROBINSON, JR., second son of C. B. and Mar\- E. (Bovnton) Robinson, natives of Maine, was born at the Citv of Farmington, New Hampshire, on the 9th dav of April, 1850. His parents came to Indiana in 185 1, and located in Peru, where Charles R. spent the years of his youth and early manhood, and in the public schools of which he enjoyed the advantages of an English education. At the a<re of fifteen he engaged as fireman on the Pan Handle Railroad, subsequently worked in the same capacit}' on the "Big Four" line, and still later, accepted a similar position on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road, for which company he was soon promoted engineer. In 1877 he engaged with the I., P. & C. road as entrineer, running between Peru and Michigan Citv, and still retains this place, being at this time in the employ of the Wabash Company. Mr. Robinson is a skillful railroad man, and has the confidence of the large corporation with which he has for so many years been identified. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Ro\al Arcanum, and is besides an active member of tlie K. of P. and I. O. O. F. fraternities. He votes in conformity with the principles of the Republican party, but is in no sense of the word a partisan. In January, 1872, Miss Sarah M. Apperson, of Clinton County, Indiana, became his wife, and to their marriage have been born three children, viz: Xeil, Stella and Edith.

RICHARD B. RUNYAX, ex-Audityr of Miami County, is a native of Trenton, New Jersey, born October 16, 1824. His father, Lewis Run} an, was a New Jersey merchant, and lived and died in that State. The mother of Mr. Runyan was Mary Ruiiyan, whose maiden name was Britton. The subject of this sketch was educated in the State of his nativity. In 1844 he came to Miami Countv and settled in Peru. Some 3ears afterward he removed to his present place of residence, just outside the present northwest citv limits. Here he owns a fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres, and has in addition valuable property in the city of Peru. Politicallv he has always been identified with the interests of the Democratic party. In October 1878 he was elected Auditor of Miami Countv and was re-elected to the same office in 18S2. He is a public man in whom the people of this county have implicit confidence. He is one of the most efficient county officials, the county has ever had. Mr. Runyan was married in November 1853 "to Miss Maria McGregor, the onlv child of John McGregor, a man famous in the pioneer history of Aliami County and this city. He was born in Buckley Countv, Virginia, January 11, 1798, and died August 26, 1835. ^^^'S- Runyan was born May i, 1834, and was the first white child born in what was then known as Miamisport, now a part of Peru. Thev have one son, Britton L. Mr. Runyan is one of the representative citizens of this county. He and wife are members of the Episcopal church.

JOHN SHAFER, a native of Ohio, was born July 10, 1842, the second son of George and Catharine (Naucle) Shafer, of Germany, who came to Miami County in 1850 and located in Peru Township, the father always following farming for a livelihood. The subject was reared on a farm, and when the war broke out he enlisted in the 52nd Indiana Infantry, Company E., March, 1864, and was mustered out in May, 1865: was wounded durinu the fi<rht at Nashville, and was in several other engagements. His education was verv limited. His marriage to Miss Sarah B. Bell was solemnized November 15, 1867, and to them five children were born: Francis M., Walter L., Mary G., James O., and Otto P. His wife died in 1880. and in 1882 he was ajjain married to Lurinda Croslev. and two children were the result of this second union. John Willard, and Charles. He is a member of the G. A. R. and is a Republican.

DAVID L SHEARER, grain dealer and prominent business man, of Peru, is a native of Preble County. Ohio, born May 24, 1820. His parents, David and Mary R. ( LaRose ) Shearer, w'ere natives of North Carolina, which State thev left in an early da}-.

emigrating to Ohio about the year 1804. David Shearer, senior, was descended from German ancestors and died in the year 1857. The mother's ancestors were French people and among the early residents of the Carolinas. She preceded her husband to the grave departing this life in 1852. They both lie buried at Huntington, Indiana, to which city they removed in the year 1840. The subject, at the age of eight years, was taken to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in the common schools of which he obtained the elements of a practical education. When thirteen years old he accepted a clerkship in a mercantile house at Shanesville, Ohio, where he remained until 1840, at which time he took service in the same capacity in fiuntington, Indiana, in which city he subsequentlv ( 1846) engaged in the goods business on his own responsibility. He remained at Huntington until 1866, at which time he disposed of his interests there and came to Peru and engaged in the grain business, a branch of trade he has carried on with success and financial profit ever since. He erected the large elevator in this citv which has a capacity of 40,000 bushels, and is one of the largest and most successful grain dealers in Northern Indiana. Mr. Shearer is a marked example of a self-made man, and from an humble beginning has bv dint of perseverance and a large share of well developed business sense, succeeded in accummulating a comfortable competence. He is prominenth' identified w ith the Masonic Fraternity, having taken the degree of Sir Knight, and in religion holds to the creed of the Presbyterian Church. His marriage on the 7th of June. 1846, with Miss Harriet Wiest, of York County, Pennsylvania, has been blessed with the birth of these children, viz: Mary D., B. F., George W., H. W., Louisa and Charles F. (deceased).