Miami County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (5 of 9 so headed), 1887

LEWIS BAKER was born in Lima, Ohio, on the second day of October, 1835, and is the second son of Alfred and Mary (Osborn) Baker, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respective!}', and came to Miami Count}- in 1843 and located on the farm on which Lewis now resides. He has always remained at home, and recei\ed his education in the common schools. Since reaching his majoritv he has continuously engaged in farming and stock-raising, at which he has been successful to a satisfactorv degree. He was married to Miss Maggie E. Wibel, April 2, 1863, a daughter of Solomon and Rose Wibel, who were natives of Pennsylvania. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born five children, two of which are now living - Charles E. and Conrad L. - and the deceased were Ora M. and two infants unnamed. Mr. Baker is the owner of 400 acres of fine farming land, situated in Peru and Erie Townships, which is substantially improved and in a highlv cultivated state. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Christian Church. In political matters he is a Republican, and is one of the most reliable and substantial farmers of Erie Township.

WILLIAM H. BELL, a native of Peru Township, was born Februarv 13, 1842, and is a son of Pleasant L. and Laurinda E. (Duffieldj Bell, natives of Indiana, the former of whom was born April 4, 1814, and the latter April 15, 1819. Wm. H. is the eldest member of his father's family of ten children, of whom there still eight living. Our subject received a good education, having attended Br\ant's Business College, at Chicago, for one summer, and the schools of Peru, which enabled him to teach school for several years. In 1864, after returning from Chicago, he entered the service of his country at the age of 22, in the i3Sth Indiana V'olunteer Infantry, Co. A, and continued about five months. After returning from the war, he engaged in farming and teaching, and was married March 19, 186S, to Nancy I. Wolfe, a native of Pickawaj- County, Ohio, to whom have been born eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz: Cora, Horace E., Alice, Wm. A., Clarence T., Nellie, Lulu and

Richard, who died at the age of five months. Mr. Bell and family are members of the United Brethren Church, lie is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln." which policy he has ever since pursued. He is the possessor of 80 acres of land in Erie township, which is under a fair state of cultivation. He is a gentleman that is held in high esteem of those with whom he is acquainted.

WILLIAM BUTT was born in Ohio on the loth day of Ma}', 1829, he being the second son of William and Eflie (Mclntj're) Butt, natives of Virginia and New York, whose union was solemnized in the State of Ohio in 1826. In 1832 they emigrated to Indiana and settled in Allen County, near Fort Wayne. Here thev remained about thirteen years, and from thence moved to Miami CountA', settling on the Richardville Reserve, and resided there until their deaths, which occurred in 1869 and 1856. Our subject was reared on a farm and has always followed the vocation of a farmer, in which he has been very successful, now being the owner of 570 acres of fine river bottom land in Erie Township, which is noted for its productive qualities. His home consists of an elegant and imposing two-stor}' brick residence, and he has a large and commodious bank-barn, the surroundings of which are pleasant in the extreme. He and Miss Elizabeth Lesher were united in marriage November 7, 1858, to whom four children were born, viz: James F., Mary E. (deceased), Ida A. and Dora E. His wife died February 23, 1869, and on the 2d day of December, of the same year, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Scovel, a native of New York. Their union has been blessed with two children, Eva L. and Rosa C. Politically Mr. Butt is a Democrat, and he has held the offices of Township Trustee and Assessor.

VALENTINE DURKES, a native of Bavaria, Germany, was born April 7, 1838, a son of Daniel and Susannah (Stalheber) Durkes, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1854, and located in Miami County. Our subject remained home until he reached his majorit}-, and he then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed more or less for 20 years. He received a good education in the German language, but has never, since living in America, had the advantage of school. June 4, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Barnhard, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, of German descent. To this union there were six children born, named Mary E. (deceased), Bena, George, Frank, Willie O. and Emma. In 1861, Mr. Durkes entered the service of his country in the 49th Illinois Volunteer Infantr\' and remained in Grant's division until the battle of Pittsburg Landing, when he became ill and was sent to his home. In February, 1871, Mr. Durkes and family located on his farm in Erie Township, which consists of 126 acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He is the owner of a onesixth interest in 72 acres of undivided land in Harrison Township. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church, and he has always been a Democrat.

BENTON HARRISON, born June 22, 1845, is a son of Reuben C. and Judith A. (Keever) Harrison, natives of Kentucky- and Ohio respectively. In 1836 the father and famil}' came from Ohio and settled in Wayne County, where they resided two years, and in September, 183S, came to Miami Count}' and located in Richland Township, where they resided until their death. Reuben C. was born February 2, 1805, and died March 15, 1881. The mother was born April 12, 1814, and died July 30, 1886, at the age of 72. Our subject left the paternal roof and started in business for himself. He has alwa5'S followed farming. On the first day of February, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Melissa A. Nichelson, a native of Miami Count}-, who was born October i, 1849. "^^ '^'^^ union of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison seven children have been born - William L., Jessie (deceased), Reuben C, Emma M., George W., Julia A. and Leona M. Mr. Harrison has Hlled the position of Assessor of Erie Township, and was in 1883 Township Trustee, appointed by the County Commissioners to lill the vacancy of Jacob Hockstetler, resigned, and was re-elected to the same position in 1884, which he filled with credit to himself and his constituents. His politics are Democratic. He was a resident continuously of Richland To\\nship until 1S73, when after his marriage he came to Erie Township and has here resided since that time. He is the possessor of 146 acres of fine farming land, which is nicely located on the Peru and Paw Paw pike, under a high state of cultivation, and is substantially improved. His education was obtained at the common schools.

FRANK HOSTETLER, a native of Miami County and of Erie township, was born March 22, 1859. He is the third living son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shetler) Hostetler, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to Indiana in 1845 and located on the farm now operated by Frank, our subject, but are now residents of Peru Township. He received a common school education and at one time attended college at Terre Haute, Indiana. At the age of 21 he commenced teaching school, and taught five terms in his immediate neighborhood, and on April 24, 1S83, his marriage with Miss Sarah A. Dise was solemnized, and to them one child has been bom - Rav E., born November 2, 1885. Our subject was reared on the farm, and after his marriage resumed farming on the old homestead first occupied bv his parents, a half of which he is the proprietor - the other portion being owned by his Elder brother, Gideon, which consists of lOO acres. At tlie township election held in April, 1886, lie was chosen by the residents of Erie township to act as its trustee for the ensuing two years. The subject is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the U. B. Church.

RILEY G. KING, was born December 24, 1836, in Portage County, Ohio, and is the son of Timoth}' L. and Mary M. (Wright) King, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, who were married in Portage County in 1835, ''"d came to this county in 1839, bringing their familjf of two children, our subject and Isabel. Riley remained at home with his parents until he was 24 years old, and received a limited education. lie has alwavs followed the occupation of farming, and was employed as a farni hand until the opening of the war, when he enlisted in Co. B of the 13th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and remained in the service about three vears and three months, mustered out Julv 10, 1864. After he returned from the army he resumed his former occupation, farming, and his marriage with Miss Mary A. Burke, a native of Wayne Countv, Indiana, born September 9, 1837, was solemnized on March 12, 1868, at Paw Paw, this county. To this union three children were born, an infant (deceased) unnamed, Clarence Bruce and William Oscar aged 13 and 10 respectivel}-. Mr. King and family are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a Republican and alwa3's votes the straight ticket. He is the possessor of 188 acres of land in Erie and Richland Townships which is all, with an exxeption of 27 acres of timber, under a high state of cultivation. He has acquired all by hard labor. He is perhaps the oldest citizen of Erie Township now living in its borders.

JAMES E. MANIS, a native of Tennessee, was born October 24, 1834, a son of Jesse and Alcy (Lawson) Manis, natives of Tennessee. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a limited schooling, but has, since reaching his majority, acquired sufficient education to transact the ordinarv business of the times. He is the owner of 160 acres of land in Erie Township which is in a fair state of cultivation and comfortablv improved. He was married to Miss Euphemia Wright, a native of Wayne Count}-, Indiana, July 16, 1864, to whom nine children have been born, their names being as follows: Schuyler C. (deceased), Charles W., Dona (deceased), an infant daughter unnamed (deceased), Jesse, Benny F., James, another infant daughter unnamed (deceased), and Albert. He is a Republican. Mr. Manis emigrated from Tennessee to Indiana in 1852, and located in Henrv County, where he resided for about nine vears, after which time he followed the business of an auctioneer for about three years, and then came to Miami County where he became engaged in working by the day as a farm laborer, after which time by dint of the

Strictest econom}' and hard labor he had raised sufficient money to enable him to commence business for himself as a farm renter, which course he pursued about four years, and then purchased the farm on which he now resides. His land is situated in Sections 3 and 4, Erie Township. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors and those with whom he is acquainted.

GEORGE W. NICHELSON, one of the pioneers of Erie Township, is a native of the eastern portion of Maryland, and was born October 6, 1816. His parents' names were George and Leah (Dorman) Nichelson, natives of Maryland, who emigrated to Pickaway County, Ohio, in April, 1817, where our subject was reared and remained until 1844, when he then came to Indiana and located in Miami County, where he has since continuously resided. He has always followed the occupation of farming and is now the possessor of 300 acres of land in Erie Township which is well impro\ed. His marriage to Mrs. Emily (Beers) Cole was solemnized September I, 1848, to whom three children have been born - .Melissa, Paul B. and George R. (deceased). His wife was the mother of one daughter - Mary - bj^ her first husband. She died at the age of nineteen. Mr. Nichelson is a life-long Democrat politically, and sincerely believes in the principles of that organization. Coming to Miami Count}- when he did Mr. N. will long be remembered as one of the successful pioneers, and one whose memor}' will ever be held in high esteem.

PAUL B. NICHELSON, a native of Miami County, was born May 21, 1852, and is a son of George W. and Emily Nichelson, whose sketch appears above. Paul B. received a common school education, and was reared on the farm on which he now resides. December 8, 1875, ^^^ ^^'is married to Miss Ellen Jackson, daughter of James Jackson, of Wabash County, to whom one boy was born; Hany B., May 13, 1S81. He is at present. Assessor of Erie Township. Has taught school several terms and now owns 55 acres of land in Erie. He follows farming and stock raising. Politically he is a Democrat.

DA'NIEL a. richer, a native of Miami County, was born April 26, 1850, a son of John and Magdalena (Naftzger) Richer, natives of Switzerland and France, who emigrated to Ohio in 1S40, and from thence to Indiana in 1848, and located in this county and are still residents of the same. He was educated in the common schools, and remained on the farm with his father until about twenty-two years old, and was then married to Miss Mary J. Miller, December 21, 1871. Mrs. Richer is a native of Virginia, and was born December 11, 1850 a daughter of Daniel and Catharine Miller, who came to Indiana when she was about eight years of age. Our subject was bereft of his beloved companion on the 29th of November, 1885. To their union were born six children, the names of whom are: William L., Noah E., Effie R., John, Isaac N. and Laura M. Noah E. died Januar}' 23, 1875, and John died September 2, 1878. Mr. Richer is the proprietor of 122 acres of land in Erie Township, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, and is improved in a substantial manner, which gives his house a very aristocratic appearance. On his farm he has had constructed a large two-story brick residence of modern pattern, and also a large and commodious bank barn, which afford comfortable quarters for those that surround him - both man and beast. He and family are natives of the U. B. Church. While living, his wife was a member of the Dunkard denomination of religious worshippers. When she was dying she expressed herself as ready to go, and bid the members of her famih- and friends an affectionate good-bye. Politically, Mr. Richer used to be a Democrat, but latterl}- is an advocate of the principles of the Prohibitionists. In connection with his farm he has in season been runniug a cider-mill, and in the fall of 1886 he added a new departure - hydraulic process - which enables him to manufacture sorghum molasses, apple jell}', vinegar, etc., affording him a remunerative trade.

WILLIAM W. ROBERTSON, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, was born June 24, 184], a son of William and Elvira (Jones) Robertson, who settled in Miami County in about 1845. Previous to his (the father] coming to Indiana with his famil}-, he and Mr. John Misener run the first grocery and provision store in Peru that was ever conducted in that place. W. W., our subject, has in his possession the account book, used b\- that firm, the introduction of which is an account with Alexander Wilson, to whom is charged two cords of wood at sixty cents each, Dated November 30, 1839. This business was continued about one year, and then closed out, the reasons for w'hich are not assigned. When he returned to Indiana with his family he purchased about 250 acres of land lying in the re<fion of the line between Erie and Richland Townships - now owned by R. G. King, R. Wickiser, Louis King and what is known as the Kitsmiller farm. His death occurred in i860. His marriage was solemnized on the 25th day of September, 1835. William, our subject, remained at home until about the age of seventeen, receiving a common school education, being reared upon the farm. His marriage \vith Miss Susannah A. Kitsmiller, was solemnized April 9, 1865, to whom eight children were born: Alfretta R., Mary E., Estella A., William C, Jessie V.; Louis D. and two deceased. Mr. Robertson has held the ofiice of Justice of the Peace, Constable and Assessor, having held the former position about six j-ears. He is the proprietor of sixty acres of land which

JOHN WAYMIRE, a native of Preble County, Ohio, was born August 19, 1832, a son of Andrew and Sallie (Fouts) Waj'- mire, natives of Ohio. Our subject received a common school education, and at the age of about 19 years he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and has followed the trade more or less in connection with his farming ever since. He came to Indiana in 1858 and settled on the farm on which he now lives, which was then a wilderness. It consists of 80 acres, in section 3, Erie Township. He was married in the spring of 1854 'o Harriet Speelman, a native of Preble County, Ohio, and they are the parents of ten children - five living - Mary C, Sarah A., Hulda, Alfred, Rosan, Andrew, Joseph H., Noah, Christian and John E. In 1863 he volunteered in the nth Cavahy, 126th, Regiment of Indiana Volunteers - was Corporal - and continued until the war closed. He is a member of G. A. R. Post, No. 65, and a Republican.