Miami County, Indiana - Chapter 15, 1887 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 15

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP was named in honor of the great Statesman and President, Thomas Jefferson. It is situated near the west-central part of the county, and contains a superficial area of about thirty-three square miles, or 21,120 acres of land, with the following boundaries: Union Township on the north, Richland and Peru Townships on the east, Peru on the south and Cass County on the west. The surface of the country is level in some parts and pleasantly diversified in others. Eel River flows through the township from northeast to southwest and receives in its course a number of small tributaries which traverse the country in various directions. A part of the country lying adjacent to the river is high and rolling, while other sections on the opposite side are comparatively level and characterized by a deep soil which for general agricultural purposes is not excelled by that of any other part of Indiana. Jefferson is without doubt the best and most highly improved farming district of Miami County, a claim which all who have seen her elegant country residences, commodious barns, large stock farms, and other evidences of thrift and prosperit)' visible on every hand, will readily acknowled<re.

The river bottoms are unsurpassed for the production of the leading cereals while all parts of the township produce abundantly all the crops and fruits adapted to the climate of Northern Indiana. The whole area of the township was originally a dense forest but the steady drain upon it for fuel and manufacturing purposes has materiallj' reduced the original suppl)'. In the remaining forests may be found a good proportion of beech, elm, maple poplar, ash, black and white walnut and the different species of oak. Both iron and lead ores have recently been discovered near Denver in the northeastern part of the township, but as yet the mineral wealth of the country has not been developed.

Settlers. - -Within the area of Jefferson Township were made some of the earliest permanent settlements of Miami Countv- "Doubtless the question will arise as to how it happened that the pioneers selected the lands in this part of the county in preference to that of some other township." A partial answer is found, perhaps, in the following: While the earlv survev ol Miami Count}' proved a great benelit in determining and fixing beyond dispute the location of claims, there were details unnoticed which were of the utmost importance in deciding the pioneer's choice of a home. A fertile soil was an important consideration, but not any more important than others which have long since become absolute. The demands of the pioneer grew out of the undeveloped conditions of the country, and made him a hunter as well as a tiller of the soil. His resources as well as inducements for the cultivation of the land were of the most limited kind, and obliged him to depend upon nature far more than upon art for his subsistence. His education and experience prepared him to prefer this kind of existence, and while he sought a locality which was likeh' to invite immigration and thus lead to the appreciation of his pre-emption, his main hope of ultimate competence, his experience led him to seek a land where the meager demands for the supplies of his familj- could be most readily supplied. This implied a rich soil, an abundance of game, a good range for his few head of stock, convenient materials for the construction of his rude dwelling,- and an abundent supplv of good water. These conditions were all happily blended in this highlv favored part of the country." "Through the central part of the township, from east to west, flows Eel river, adjacent to which were found forests indicating a deep, rich soil." Springs bubbled up in various parts of the country which, with the natural drainage of the land, were among the many inducements that lured the pioneer to locate his home in what is now the garden spot of Miami. But what excited the admiration of the emigrant, as much as any of these things, was the profusion of game which every where abounded, and included beasts of nearly every American kind. Deer, moving in small companies or herding together to the number of a hundred or more, thronged the woods, while an occasional bear and wolves in large numbers, were also found, adding piquancy to the mingled duty and pleasure of the hunt. Turkeys, foxes, and those woodland friends of man, the squirrel and raccoon, were hiudly deemed worthy tlie ammunition and trouble to kill them, while the streams swarmed with water fowl and the choicest varieties of the linny tribe, which served to vary the pioneer's bill of fare, hito this highly favored localit}- the older settlements sent foi'th an eager settlement ready to riot in its charms, and fte earl}' as 1830, several claims were located and patents for the same obtained from the Government.

On December 13th of the above year one Samuel Walkinson, who came to the county on a tour of inspection, entered the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 6, township 27 north, range 3 east, and erected a small cabin on the present site of Mexico, to which he removed his family the following spring. This, from the most reliable information accessible, appears to have been the first settlement attempted within the boundaries of Jefferson. "Mr. Wilkinson laid claim to much land adjoining his place, which he and his sons subsequently entered." "He had seven sons - Ratliffe, John, Jacob, Jesse, William, Simeon and Baalam, all of whom took an active part in the earl}' development of the country." "At this time it required almost an iron constitution, a determined resolution, supported by untiring energy to grapple successfully with the many obstacles presented, and procure the necessaries of life until a crop could be raised." "The Wilkinsons were true types of the pioneer settlers of fifty years ago, and so well did they play their parts that others, stimulated by their example, were induced later in the year to take up their abode in the wild woods of Jefferson." They were Wood Beard, who located near the central part of the township, and Abraham Beard, who laid claim to the land owned at this time by J. T. Hood. Contemporaneous with the above were William Smith, who took a claim near the present site of Mexico; John Smith, who made some improvements on what is known as the Leonard farm, not far from the village, and Thomas Smith, who settled in the same locality. William Conner moved to the country in 1832, and chose for his home what is known as the Brower and Bond farm, about one mile north of Mexico. Mr. Conner was a natural-born hunter, and spent his earl}' years in quest of such game as the region afforded, resorting to farming only when the wild animals disa]-)peared from the country. Others who made settlements as early as 1832 and '33 were Alexander Jameson, on the Harter farm, about one-half mile northeast of Mexico; William Bain, about one mile east of the \illage on Eel River; Isaac I licks, on the river two miles southwest of the town; Eli Cook on the Matthews farm, and Samuel Newman, who is still a resident of the township.

Among the arrivals of 1834 was Tliomas Harmon, who settled on the Graft farm, about one mile west of Mexico, where he opened and operated the first blacksmith shop in the township. William

Eidson settled near the western boundaiy the same }'ear, entering and obtaining a patent for a tract of land lying in section 35, 28 north, 3 east. Hamilton Duff settled on Eel river one mile and a quarter above Mexico, some time in 1834, and was one of the first manufacturers of "the township, operating a water-mill within a short time after coming to the country. About this time Charles Murden moved to the township, and settled about two and a half miles northeast of Mexico. He came here from the State of Mar\land. making the journey in a two-horse wagon, and was on the road from May 28 till July 5. He reached his home in this township September of the above vear, and for the first two months and a half lived in a small tent, building a rude cabin and clearing a patch of ground in the meantime. His sons - Matthew, Imri, Timothy, Henry and Thomas all became prominent citizens of the township. Another settler of 1834 was Burrell Daniels, who located on the north bank of Eel River, on what is now the Denison farm where he built the first mill in the township shortly after his arrival. William Daniels entered the northeast quarter of Section 5, Township 27, Range 4 East, in 1830, and became a permanent resident a few j-ears later. Adrian Wynkoop settled on the Joseph Fisher farm, two miles west of Mexico, as earh- as 1834, and the same year John Ratliff entered and improved a tract of land in Section 20, near the northern boundary of the township. Peter Fisher purchased from the government in 1834 a tract of land in Section 30, now owned by his son, Jacob Fisher. After receiving his land Mr. Fisher went back to Ohio for his lamily, and the following year returned to his new home in Jefferson Township, where he lived the remainder of his days, dying quite recently at an advanced age. He was a representative citizen of the township, and always manifested a deep interest in e\'erv movement tending to advance its welfare. His sons, Isaac, Joseph, Aaron, Xoah, Jacob and George Fisher, are among the most prominent and public spirited citizens of the county at this time. Joseph Clymers settled about one and a half miles east of Mexico, as early as 1834, and was joined a little later by John and Levi CKnier, who made improxements near the central part of the township. Among others who came to the township prior to 1835, were William Leach, who settled about two miles northeast of Mexico; Elijah Cox, near the Denison farm, and Charles Lowe, on the Kunse farm. David Vinnedge entered the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 31, in 1830, and afterwards became a resident of the township. Thomas McGinnis, in 1833, obtained a patent to a tract of land in Section 28, and early became a settler. Nathaniel Leonard came earh' in 1835, and purchased land two miles northwest of Mexico. Asa Leonard moved about the same time, and entered land in Section 33, a short distance from the Richland Tonship line. Reed Leonard settled in the same locality as early as 1836, as did also Daniel Allbaugh, of whom the latter obtained a patent of Section 28, in 1834. The following settlers nio\ed to the township in an early day and bore an actiye part in tile subjugation of the wilderness: Elder Jacob Brown, pioneer minister of the German Baptist Church, near Mexico; John Brower, two miles northeast of Mexico; Abraham Louman, near the Cass County line: Henr\- Brower, near Mexico: Jeremiah Manson, southeast of tiie \-illage, in Section 5; John Shadinger, east of Mexico, in Section 33; Henry Howe, a short distance northeast of the town; Thomas and Dayid Walling, near the central part of the tow'nship, in Section 6: Jacob Hooyer, Section 11; Isaac Newman, near the northwest corner of the township, where he still lives; Joseph Holman, on Eel riwer, northeast of JNIexico; Jesse and Isaac Bond, near Eel riyer, in the southwest corner of the township, where they still liye: William Gallagher, in the southwest part of the township; Hiram liutler, in Section 20; Jesse S. Williams, Section 32; Abraham Branaman, in southwest part of the township; Bernard Van Dorn, Section 34, Michael Pouts, Section 3, Township 27, Range 4 East; John M. Keen, Section 7; Isaac Stewart and Jonas Wolfe, Section 10: James B. Sayers, Section 37, Township 28, Range 4, East; James Marsh, Section 4, Township 27, Range 4, East; Stephen Marsh, Section 9, in southwest corner of the township; James Cook, southwestern part of the township; Samuel Brown, Israel T. Canby, John Long, William Burnett, Samuel Edwards, Jacob Kress, William Collett, Francis Edwards and Samuel Anderson, who located in various parts of the township.

Pioneer Life. - Many w-ere the hardships endured by the pioneers in clearing away the forests and fitting the land for cultivation. When hrst seen by white men, this part of the country w^as the hunting grounds of the Indians who mo\ed at will through the dense forests in search of game. They offered no violence to the early settlers, many of whom lived upon terms of intimate friendship with their savage neighbors. Life in the backwoods is about the same under all circumstances, and it is not the object of these pages to give in detail an account of the manners and customs of men who bore so gallant a part in laying the foundation of our present advanced and intelligent community. The earlier settlers generally brought their families with them, and until a cabin could be erected, the entire family would either live in the wagon, tent, or hastih- constructed habitation made out of poles and bark. Later as cabins were more frequently found in the country, the emigrant manifested no hesitation in breaking up his home in a distant State, and with his famil\- and few household goods on pack animals or wagons, start out for a new home, influenced and guided solely by rumors and picked up information on the road. Deciding upon a localit\ for his future home, he found no difficulty in securing tem- porary shelter for his family in some cabin alread}- well filled bj- its owner, but which the simplicity of earlv manners and an unstinted hospitality rendered elastic enough to comfortably entertain the welcome addition to the community. A new arrival of this nature was heralded with a cordial welcome for miles around, and a neighborhood which scarcely knew limits, hastened to lend its friendly offices in rearing a cabin. A day was appointed, and no invitation was needed to draw together a company of willing, capable hands. To assist in raising a cabin for a new family was a duty which the unwritten law of the community imperatively laid upon ever}' able bodied man, and to know of the occasion was a sufHcient invivation. On gathering, one party was told off as choppers, whose business it was to fell the trees and cut the logs of proper dimensions. A man and team brought these logs to the site of the proposed building, others assorted, "saddled'' and otherwise prepared the logs to form the structure which was finished in one day and occupied on the next. It was not infrequently the case that the necessit}- of preparing the ground for the first crop obliged the settler to forego the floor, and even a permanent roof, until the planted crop granted the opportunity. In its best estate, it was a rude, though not uncomfortable structure. A puncheon floor below and a clapboard roof above, a small window, with greased paper in lieu of glass, and a chimne}- carried up with "cal and clay" to the heighth of the ridge pole. The interior of the cabin was in harmony with the rude simplicity of the outward construction. Housekeeping conveniences were not yet contained and the inside finish consisted solely of some pegs driven into the wall for the accommodation of the few articles of spare clothing, and the trusty rifle, without which no pioneer's outfit was considered complete. '-Moving in"" was a trivial affair. The limited possessions of the settlers and the more restricted mode of early transportation compelled the emigrant to bring only such necessarj* things as the country did not furnish the the material for making. The furniture consisted of a few articles roughh' made on the spot: a spit slab smoothed with an ax, and supported by four legs, did dut\' as a table, three legged stools or long benches of the same material, supplied the place of chairs, a log trough cradled the baby, while the bed, if raised from the floor rested upon a one-legged fixture in the corner of the cabin. A similar ingenuity provided kitchen and table utensils which consisted principally of articles turned or "coopered"' out of wood. These included trays, bowls, spoons, ladles, besides the larger \essels. such as buckets, churns, tubs, &c. A. kettle and frying pan or Dutch oven, were frequently the onh' metal articles used in the cabin. A tin cup was an article of delicate luxury, almost as rare as knives and forks, few of which were found in the household outfit. In this day of diversified industry, when one labor saving invention crowds- another off the stage in rapid succession, one can scarcely comprehend the patient, persevering efforts required of the pioneer housewife, even for tiie successful discharge of the ordinarv duties of the cahin. She was both mistress and servant, matron and nurse maid, housekeeper and charwoman, dairy maid and cook. Neatness was not the less demanded of her than the modern housewife and her split broom and scrub brush found ample service in keeping floor and furniture clean and white.

Food was abundant and wholesome, but like ever\thing else the pioneer possessed, it was to be derived onl\- from the crude, natural product. The richest milk, the choicest butter and the finest meats with wild fruits, nuts and hone\- were to be had for the trouble of taking them from natures bountiful hand. Bread was most diflicult to obtain and its scarcity was often a great privation. At such a time the corn pone was esteemed a great luxury- but this would at length pall on the taste and the eater would yearn for the neat and "abounding wheat travs"' of his earlier home. The labor involved in procuring the necessaries of life was not unequally divided between the sexes. The men hunted and brought in the meat: they planted and gathered the corn, while grating it or pounding into hominv in the mortar was the joint work of both. But with these ofHces women's work was scarcely begun. Custom and necessity united to la}' upon her the duty of providing for everjr household need the rude agriculture of the period did not supply, and in all the multifarious activities which engaged her skill and energy, she labored, unaided by labor-saving machinery. And so she milked the cows in all weather, churned the butter and pressed the cheese, carried the tubs to the spring, or caught the rain-water for the weekly washing from the eaves in troughs or barrels, made her own soap, washed, picked, carded and dyed the wool: pulled, broke, hatcheled and bleached the tlax; spun the thread and wove the cloth: contrived and made the garments: reared her children, and nursed the sick, sympathized with the distressed and encouraged the disheartened laborer at her side. In all this and above it all women was the tutelary saint of the frontier. The dress of the woman consisted of linen and linsev w'oolsey combined. While hea\ier homespun and not unfrequently deerskins afforded the wearing apparel of the sterner sex. Social gatherings were frequent and were closely allied to useful occupations: meetings to raise cabins, roll up logs in a new clearing, or later for the opening of new roads, were occasions when the men. after a hard days work would s]iend the evenings in the rough sports of the period. Other gatherings in which the women took the leading part were quilling and spinning bees, while cornhuskings occasionally engaged both sexes and were popular sources of rude but absorbing amusement. The use of intoxicants was in an earlv da\- nearh universal. For a short time the first settlers were abstainers from force of circumstance. But it was hardly to be expected that a class of people who had been educated to the use of ardent spirits as a regular beverage would settle down to total abstinance in a day when public sentiment was not on that side of the question. For a friend to call on a neighbor and find the bottle emptj- occasioned a feeling of chagrin and gave rise to a suspicion of stinginess in the mind of the caller. There were some however, who were exceptions to the <reneral rule. These were usually Methodists and members of other churches, whose discipline required abstinence. Honesty was a characteristic trait of the pioneer and to lock a house was a thing never thought of during the early settlement of the country. Dancing, while a favorite amusement, was not a universal custom, as many of the settlers were pioush' opposed to this form of pastime but there were no settlements from which it was entirely excluded. We might go on with a description of the early weddings, the singing school and other occasions which broke the monotony pi the pioneers hard lot, but sufficient has already been said to con\ince us that the settlers enjoyed their wild, free life, as much as we who live surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of ciyilization do ours.

Luliislries - To Burrel L. Daniels is due the honor of erecting the Hrst mill in Jefferson Township. As already stated he came to the count\- in 1834, ''"'^ ^^'^ same year, or early in 1835, began building a little corncracker on Eel river, on the spot where the Dennison mill nbw stands. His mill was completed in due time and the early settlers throughout tiie northern part of the county patronized it quite extremely until larger and better mills were erected elsewhere. Mr. Daniels subsequently attached machinery for the manufacture of lumber, in which branch of industry he was quite successful, supplying nearly all the building material for the earh- Eel river settlements. The present large flouring mill occupying the site of the original Structure was built a number of years ago by E. A. Denison. It is a frame building supplied with good machinery and at one time did a successful business. It is still in operation, though not so extensively as formerly.

John Ratliff, in 1835, ^^^^^ '^ small water mill on Eel river about one and a half miles above Mexico, and operated it with fair success for se\eral \ears. It was subsequently purchased by Isaac Marquis, who in turn sold to John G. McAIurray, of New York, and he to a man by the name of Cole. Cole rebuilt the mill and it did a good business until the destruction of the building by a freshet about the year 1866. The last owner was Charles Stowman. A man by the name of Wagoner built a saw mill about one mile south of Me.vico in an early daw and. after manufacturing lumber for some time, sold to other parties who subsequenth- coinerted it into a mill for the grinding of grain. Joseph Strouse operated it for some years, but at this time the machinery is standing idle. The present owner is Mr. Shirk, of Peru. The large frame flouring mill on Eel river, nearly opposite Mexico, was built as early as 1846 or '47 by the Wilkinsons, who, after running it some }'ears, sold to B. L. Daniels. Mr. Daniels established a lucrative business and for a number of 3'ears the mill was considered one of the best on the river. It has passed through the hands of various parties and at this time is owned and operated by Edwards & Son, who have thoroughlv remodeled it, supplying it with machinery for the manufacture of flour bv the roller process. The Messrs. Edwards are doing a prosperous business, and their brand of flour has already acquired a reputation for superior quality.

The mill on Eel river opposite the Denison mill was erected some time prior to 1S50 by Elijah Cox. It has been operated b\' different parties and is now run by Jacob Erb, who does a fair local business. A carding machine was built in an earl)' dav on the Stowman place above Mexico, but it did not prove a remunerati\e investment. It was in operation about two years. An earlv industry in the western part of the township was a tannery operated b}- Jacob Brower, who made a superior quality of leather, which found ready sale in Peru and other cities. The enterprise was subsequently purchased b\- Noah Brower, who operated it with good success for several years. John Slavbaugh was proprietor at one time, as was also George Olinger, who did the last business with it in 1856.

Rel/'i^'ioii in yeffcrsoii. - It is a creditable feature of the early societv of this township that, surrounded by the discouragements of poverty, lack of facilities and preachers, the people should ha\'e made such early efforts to secure the benefits of religious instruction. The pioneer minister was an important element in the early settlement of Jefferson, and his meetings proved the nightly agency in effectuallv checking much of the prevalent evils of that period. The lack of preachers, as well as of commodious buildings, led to frequent out-door meetings. To these a preacher who touched the popular chord would draw large numbers, who gathered at the appointed time from miles around. In inclement weather the cabins of the settlers would be thrown open and within the walls of many of these humble habitations were early heard the stirring appeal to repentance, which for real eloquence is scarcely to be surpassed bv the polished pulpit oratory of more modern days. Se\eral sects found the freedom of the newly-settled region congenial to the propagation of their faith, and each was represented in the creeds of the first settlers. Of these the Methodists were perhaps the rtrst to plant their organization here. As early as 1833 traveling ministers of that denomination visited the sparse settlement, and held Divine worship at the cabin of William Smith. These meetings were held at regular intervals for several vears, and finally crystalized into the organization of the Mexico class, of which a full history will be found in the sketch of that village. The next denomination to gain, a sure footing was the Christian Church, which was early represented by Elder Abraham Sneethcn. a man widelv and favorablv known throughout the counties of Northern Indiana for his untiring industry and great pietv. He began visiting the early settlements on Eel river about 1837, and one year later succeeded in organizing a society of about nine persons who agreed to be known onlv bv the name of Christian, and t(j have no other creed save the Scriptures of Divine Truth.

Eel River Christian Church. - From a small beginning has since grown one of the largest and most aggressive congregations in the county known as the Eel River Christian Church, of which the following is a brief sketch: The members composing the original congregation were Richard Cox and wife, William Gallahan and wife, Thomas Skinner and wife, Elijah Cox, Mrs. Jane Reed and Mrs. Abraham Branaman. Among those who identified themselves with the church a little later were William Pearson, Nicholas Myers and wife, Henry Myers and wife, and Abraham Branaman. Meetings were held at the residence of William Gallahan until the fall of 1843, at which time a neat frame house of worship, costing the sum of $600, was built on the land of Elijah Cox, near Eel Ri\'er, in the south-east quarter of Section 2, Township 27 North, Range 3 East. The building was formally dedicated the latter part of the above year, and was used for a period of thirty-nine j-ears. The society increased in numbers quite rapidly and within a few years the majoritv of early settlers in the vicinitv were enrolled among its members. Revivals were frequently held on successive days and nights, and tiie amount of good accomplished in the neighborhood thereby is be3-ond human computation and calculation. The following is a nearly correct list of those who have sustained the pastoral relation to the church since its organization, \-iz: Abraham Sneethen, Isom Adkins, Thomas Whitman, Leonard Shoemaker. Joel Thomas, Joseph Roberts, John Hicks, William W. Winegardner, John S. Winters, James Atchison, K. E. West and C. \ . Strickland. The membership at this time is about ninetv, and the society is reported in prosperous condition. The present brick temple of worship was erected in 1S82 and represents a capital of $2,800. It is one of the best church edifices in the county, and reflects great credit upon the congregation and community.

that order was brought about in 1837 and '38 (see sketch of Mexico). Aside from the church in Mexico there are two other societies in the township, one of them being the "old order" of Dunkards, the other, an off-shoot from the Mexico congregation, has a large membership and a commodious house of worship near the eastern boundary of the township. The other religious societies of Jefferson will be appropriately mentioned in the history of Mexico and Denver.

Early Events - The first death in the township was that of Solomon Wilkinson, which occurred in 1S32. His was the first burial in the cemetery at Mexico. Others buried there in an earlv day were members of the Wilkinson family and Mrs. Solomon Wilkinson. A small cemetery on the Walling farm in the southwestern part of the township was consecrated to the burial of the dead as earh' as 1836 and within its narrow precincts were laid to rest many years ago, the bodies of Mrs. Burrel Daniels and Mrs. Burns. It was abandoned as a burying ground many years ago and at this time the old graves are scarcely distinguishable from the ground immediately surroundin"^. The Eel River graveyard, at the Eel River Chapel was laid aside for burial purposes as long ago as 1838 or '39, but the names of the first persons interred therein W'ere not learned.

Among the earliest marriages in the township were those of Jesse Wilkinson to Sallie Jameson and William Wilkinson to Mary Jameson, both solemnized at the same time, in 1835. The following couples were early united in the holy bonds of wedlock, to-wit: Hamilton Duff and Rhoda Jameson, Thomas Jameson and Maggie Jameson, Imri Murden and Rebecca Woolpert, Annie Woolpert and Nannie Murden, Abel Howes and Martha Murden. One of the first births in the township was that of a child of Jesse and Sallie Wilkinson, born about the year 1836 or '37-

Jefferson Township was organized as a separate jurisdiction in 1834. "The same year an election was held at the cabin of A. Leonard near Mexico." "Mr. Leonard was chosen first Justice of the I'eace." "The names of the other townshi]i olFicers are at present unknown."

Mexico - The beautiful little town of Mexico is situated on the west bank of Eel river, near the geographical center of the township, and is one of the oldest \illages in the county^ - its histor\' proper dating from the year 1834. The town site, overlooking the fertile Eel river \alley on the east, is one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in Miami County, while the country lying immediately back of the village is one of the most highh- favored and best improved parts of Northern Indiana. We have been moderately curious to ascertain the motives which lead to the founding of the town, and after some investigation learn that it was laid out for the purpose of securing a trading point for the earh- settlements along Eel river. A spirit of speculation undoubtedly had something to do in the matter, as the favorable location of the village in the midst of the oldest settlements in the county, promised much for its future welfare. The proprietors of the town were John B. and S. Wilkinson, who had previously purchased the land and several adjacent tracts from the Government. The original plat, consisting of twentv blocks and one hundred and twenty-six lots, was surveyed and recorded in August, 1834, '^^ which time there were but one or two cabins on the town site. The first store was opened by D. R. Bearss and a Mr. Ewing, who established a trading post a short time after the survey of the village. Alexander Wilson was connected with the store for some time, and the firm is said to have done a very prosperous business during the earlydays of the county.

Asa Leonard built a two-story hewed-log building on the corner where Dr. Coe's office now stands, and embarked in the mercantile trade as early perhaps as 1835. He sold goods for a short time, closing out the following year. His building stood until about the year 1853. Wa.shington Osborne was an early merchant, as was also John Griswold, the latter of whom carried On a general store on Main street until about the year 1852. Noah Sinks sold goods during the early da}s of the village, and was in business about two years. John Hartpence kept a general store in the Alexander W^ilson building for a number of vears, and about 1853 the firm of Train, Mason & Spencer opened a general goods business, which thev continued until 1855 or '56.

The following business men and firms were engaged in the mercantile trade at different times, to-wit: C. B. Thompson & Bro., Griswold & Son, G. W. Train, successor to Mason & Spencer: Banks & W^ilkinson, Ballou & Skinner, James L. Wilson, Weslev Wilson, later Homan & Wilson, who carried on a very successful business until 18S2: J. C. Faris »S: Sons, Arthur Bond, Dr. Banks, Willard Griswold. James M. Mason, Henry Graft and others.

Among the earliest residents of the town was one Samuel Brown, who built and operated a tailor shop where the Nelson & Homan business house now stands, as long ago as 1836. The first hotel, the River House, was built and opened by Jacob Wilkinson, many years ago. It early became a favorite stopping place, and was kept by different parties, among whom was H. W. Mason, a very popular landlord. The house is still standing, owned at this time by John Benner. The early mechanics of the \illage were James Mason and a Mr. Leslie, blacksmiths, Mr. Reel, cabinet maker and wheel wright, and Frank Edwards, manufacturer of fanning mills. The latter business was subsequently carried on by P. S. Kennedy, who run a shop for about five years, making during that period, over a thousand mills. Among the early industries of the town was a tannery, operated b}' Joseph Oldham, and an ashery established by John Griswold about the year 1845. Mr. Griswold did a successful business for about five years, and at the end of that time sold out to Mr. Oldham who subsequently started the tannery. The first phvsicians of Mexico and vicinity, were Drs._ Brown and Reasoner. Others were Drs. Rose, Herriman, Thompson, John Constant, E. N. Banks. A. D. Coe, who came in 1856, and are still in active practice. Isaac Walker, Dr. Davis, Dr. Rowdabush, Marion Constant, John Allbaugh, William Mendenhall, James McKee and James Armstrong.

Additions to the Town. - For the first eighteen or twenty jears of its history, Mexico enjoyed the reputation of the leading business place in the countv, outside of Peru. Its growth, while not rapid, was substantial, and as earl}- as 1850 all the lots included in the original plat were improved. The projection of a railroad through the county, early in the fifties, attracted considerable interest, and in August. 1854, '^ railroad addition of fortyfive lots was sur\e3ed and placed at the disposal of purchasers. This road was not built, however, and the reaction caused thereby had an unfavorable effect upon the town. Two additions have been made since that time, viz: Benjamin Graft's addition of 21 lots, in April 1873, and R. Bond's addition of 20 lots, in October of the same year.

Mexico JManufactiiring Comfiany, was incorporated May 2, 1876, with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers of the company were Daniel Griswold, President: C. H. Kline, Secretary; J. L. Wilsoh, Treasurer, and the same gentlemen, with Benjamin Graft and Joseph Brower, Directors. The company was organized foi- the manufacture of all kinds of plain and fancy furniture, including school and church furniture and fine fixtures for banks, etc. The companv has been represented on the road by competent salesmen, and the business amounts to something over $12,000 yearly. A good building, supplied with the finest modern machinery, stands on Eel river, in the northern part of the town, to operate which a force of twentv-five skilled mechanics is required. The business, while not so prosperous as formerly, is still quite remunerative, and the establishment is destined to remain the leading industry of Mexico. The following were the oflkers for 1886: C. II. Kline, President; Daniel Griswold, Secretary; V. C. Homan, ''I'reasurer : Benjamin

Present Busineis Register. - Mexico at this time is represented by the following exhibit of business: Elias dinger, general store; Lantz & Duncan, general stock; C. H. Kline, hardware; Samuel Ridenour, drugs; T. H. Ireland, drugs; George Griswold, confectionery and restaurant; A. D. Coe and James Armstrong, ph\sicians and surgeons; Elisha Lawrence and Joseph Lester, blacksmiths; James Stratton, George Coil and Samuel Jones, carpenters; Amos Mobley and David Fiske, wagon-makers; William Jenkings and Enoch Smith, shoe-makers; L. P. Rood, harness-maker; Miller, Stafford & Co., saw-mill and lumber business; Edward & Son, flouring mill; Daniel Griswold, railroad agent and grain buyer; B. D. Jacobs, proprietor of the Central Hotel; William Diliman, Postmaster, and Frank Trac}-, barber.

Lodges. - Mexico Lodge, No. 347, F. cS: A. M., was organized a number of 3'ears ago, and is still in a prosperous condition. The officers at the present time are A. D. Coe, W. M. ; Harvej- Pearson, S. W. ; Oliver Armantrout, J. W.; C. H. Kline, Secretary; Daniel Griswold, Treasurer; Chas. Skinner, S. D.; Edward Black, J. D. ; James Merrick, Tyler. The hall in which the lodge was erected in 1880, and with other property owned by the organization, represents a value of $1,200. The lodge is in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of prosperity, with a membership at this time of about sixty.

Mexico Lodge., No. 400, J. O. O. J^., was instituted July, 1872, with the following charter members: George P. Kunse, W. V. Beecher, W. D. Allen, L. W. Hulce and R. R. Leonard. Nine members were initiated at the first meeting, and the records show the following elected upon this occasion: G. P. Kunse, N. G.; W. D. Allen, V. G.; C. H. Kline, secretary, and W. V. Beecher, treasurer. The present officers are J. L. Clouse, N. G. ; O. P. Cotterman, V. G. ; L. P. Road, Rec. Sec. ; C. H. Kline, Permanent Sec. ;'and C. P. Kuns, Treasurer. The present membersjiip is seventy-two. The lodge owns the hall in which it meets and also a good store room below. The building is a fine brick structure, erected in the year 1880 at a cost of $3,200. The hall is a model of neatness and convenience, being elegantly furnished, and is one of the finest lodge rooms in the State.

Mexico M. E. Church. - The history of Methodism in Jefferson Township dates from about the year 1835, at which time Rev. John A. Brouse, a pioneer missionary, visited the early Eel River settlements and preached wherever and whenever an opportunity presented itself. He was followed by others whose names were not learned, and from the above year until 1838 but Httle is known of the progress of the church in this part of the countr\'. In the latter year Rev. J. B. Mashon was the regular pastor on the Rochester circuit, which at that time included a large area of the counties of North Central Indiana. He held services from time to time near Mexico, but it was not until the following year that an organization was attempted. It is not positively known what minister brought about the organization, but the generally accepted opinion seems to be that the real founder was Rev. Burroughs Westlake, the pastor in charge of the Rochester circuit in 1839. ^ small class was organized near Mexico that year, and among the early members were the following: Nathaniel Leonard and wife, William Eidson and wife, Charles Murden and wife, Nathan Raines and wife, Henry Howes, Sr., and wife, Joseph Burke and wife, Samuel Brown and wife, William Smith and wife, Thomas Henry, Asa Leonard, Matthew, Orpha, Elizabeth and Timothy Murden. Meetings were first held in the houses of the different members, and it was not until 1844 that the society found itself sufficientl}' able to erect a house of worship. In the fall of that j'ear a substantial frame building, 30x40 feet in size, was erected in the northern part of the village, on what is known as the Rochester road. The completion of this house marked an era in the history of the society, and from that time it began to rapidly increase in numbers and influence. Among the early preachers were Revs. Eventus Dowd, Ansel Beech and Nelson Green. Beginning with the year 1843, the following is a complete list of pastors and assistants to the present time: Allen Skillman, Paul Jones, O. P. Boyden, Jacob Colclazer, D. F. Strite, Geo. Guild, P.J. Beswick, Mr. Hazen, Arthur Badley, who was the tirst pastor on the Me.xico circuit, which was formed out of the southern part of Rochester circuit in 1849; P. F. Milner, John Davis, Wm. Reeder, J. C. Medsker, Mr. Carter, S. VVoolpert, R. H. Calvert, S. P. Stephens, J. C. White, H. J. Lacy, R. Buchanan, A. S. Lakin, Lewis Roberts, W. J. Vigus, Enoch Waymire, W. J. Martindale, Samuel Lamb, under whose administration the circuit was again divided, and reduced to four points, to-wit : Chili, Mexico, Bethlehem and Bethel. This was done in the 3ear 1864. Sin(;e then the following pastors have had charge of the work, viz : Wm. Comstock, V. M. Beamer, John Birt, David Thompson, P. Carland, James Leonard, C. E. Disbro, R. J. Parrott, W. R. Jordan, F. A. Robinson, James Johnson, J. H. Ford, George Hill, I. J. Smith and the present incumbent, G. B. Work. In 1864 the present brick house of worship was erected and formally dedicated. The building is 32x46 feet in size, has a comfortable and commodious audience room, and represents a capital of $2,200. The present membership of the church is about 86. The officers are Noah Hoover, class leader: A. Moore, John Harter, Noah Hoover, W. V. Beecher and Vinton Homan, trustees. The Sunday School, under

German Baptist iyDiinkard) Chiircli, of Mexico, is an old organization, its history dating as far back as the year 1837. Quite a number of the earh settlers in the vicinity of Mexico, had formerly belonged to this denomination and they did not neglect their religious duties after locating in the new country. Among the early preachers of the faith in the township were Elders Jacob Brower and Moss, \vho held services at the residence of Peter Fisher, prior to the date already referred to. These meetings finally culminated in the organization of a society, among the early members of which were Peter Fisher and wife, Nathaniel Clingenpeel and wife, Jacob Brower and wife, Henry Brower and wafe and Salome Brower. Within a few years after the organization, the society had a substantial membership and from that time until 1861, the meetings were held at private residences, barns and groves. In the latter year the present large brick house of worship north of Mexico was erected and dedicated to the service of God after the manner observed by the church. It is 44 x 64 feet in size and will comfortably seat an audience of 500 persons. The society at this time has an active membership of 360 and is reported in a prosperous condition. It has been the means of accomplishing an untold amount of good in the community and its annual meetings are frequenth' attended by thousands of persons from all parts of the country. The following are the names of some of the preachers of the church, to-wit: Matthew Moyer, George Brower, William Moss, Jr., George Bair, Jonathan Swihart, Isaac Fisher, Jacob Barnhart, Daniel Balsbaugh, John Eikenberry, Samuel Myers, David Keifer, Noah Fisher, Joseph Brower, Jacob Fisher and Jacob Metsker. The officers at this time are Isaac Fisher and Jacob Barnhart, Elders; Samuel Mj^ers, Noah Fisher and Joseph Brower ministers of the second degree. Robert Metsker and Jacob Fisher, ministers of the first degree. The deacons are, Noah Flory, Benjamin Fisher, Zeri Baldwin, John Earnest, David Fetrow, Henry Balsbaugh, James Himelick, Noah Sullivan, John Liar and Levi Eikenberry.

Mexico Baptist Church, was organized at the residence of George Hutchinson, near Mexico, on the 5th day of June, 1861. It is an offshoot from the Weasaw Creek Church, in Union Township, and at the date of the organization was composed of the following members: John Shadinger, Jacob Wilkinson, Elizabeth- Shadinger, Rebecca Strayer, George Ulch, Elizabeth Ulch, David Sloppy, W^illiam Cunningham, A. W. Hedges, George Hutchinson, Henry Howes, Mary Copeland, Lavina Wolfe, Nanc}^ Burnett, Jesse Copeland, G. Copeland, Marj^ Wilkinson, Fanny Sloppy, Eliza Cunningham, Sophia House, Louis A. Shadinger,

Nancy E. Hutchinson, C3-nthia Hutchinson, Catherine Sloppy, Lucy L. Strayer. The first officers were Wm. Cunningham, clerk ; George Hutchinson, deacons. The Methodist Church was used for meetings until 1863, at which time a frame house of worship was built in the northwest part of the town. It is still in use and with recent repairs is quite a comfortable building. The following ministers have exercised pastoral control of the society since its organization, viz: J. M. Maxwell, J. Barrett, J. B. Allen, P. Rowden, C. Hall, Rev. Mr. Smith, Madison Reed, E. J. Delp and J. B. Bair, the last named being the pastor in charge at the present time. The church has a membership of sixt3--nine. The officers are as follows: John W. Turnipseed and J. J. Stafford, deacons; J. J. Stafford, Levi Fisher and David Sloppy, trustees. John W. Turnipseed is superintendent of the Sunday school, which has an average attendance of about seventy scholars.

Denver. - The thriving town of Denver is situated at the junction of the I., P. & C. and the Detroit branch of the "Wabash railroad, in the northeast corner of the township, distance four miles from Mexico, and eight miles from Peru. " The original plat embraces that portion of the northeast quarter of Section 21, Township 28 North, Range 4 East, which lies North of the hmits of the Detroit railroad, and East of the right-of-wa}- of the I., P. & C. railroad, and also one tier of lots in the Southeast quarter of Section 16." The town was surveyed August, 1872, for Harrison Grimes, proprietor, and the plat as described above consists of seven blocks and sixt}--tive lots, with the following streets : Chandler, Emmons, Payson, Bond and Harrison, the first four running North and South and the last named East and West. The town was the immediate outgrowth of the Detroit railroad, and the advantages of its location are such as to indicate that it is destined to become a flourishing commercial and manufacturing center. Its close proximity by rail to man}' of the leading cities of Indiana, and its location in the midst of a rich agricultural district, unmistakably point to a future of permanent prosperity. As originally surveyed the town laid in parts of three townships - Jefferson, Union and Richland, a fact which led to a great deal of inconvenience in the matter of schools, etc., and after much importuning on the part of the citizens, the County Board subsequentl}- modified the boundaries of the different townships so as to throw the village entirely in Jefferson. The advantages of the railroad junction early attracted business to the place, and within a couple of years after the founding of the town, its growth and development was such as to astonish its most sanguine friends. According to the testimony of Mr. Wooley, who came to the place shortly after it was laid out, and who is still a resident, the earliest comers to Denver were Frank Moody, David and William Fetrow, Asel Griffith, W. H. Howe and Jerry Johns. Mr. Moody bought lots number one and two in block one, and erected thereon a residence, probably the first in the town. He built a blacksmith shop on Harrison street, and had the honor of being Denver's first mechanic. David Fetrow engaged in the blacksmithing business also, and W. W. Fetrow built a store room on the corner of Harrison and Payson streets, block four, which he stocked with groceries and drugs. Mr. Howe erected a dweliug on Harrison street, where Mr. Anderson now lives. Mr. Johns built on the same street and Mr. Griffith started the first steam saw-mill in the town, with which he did a flourishing business. The first general store was opened by Harrison Grimes and R. R. Charles, near the I., P. & C. railroad, north of the crossintr. Their business house fronts Harrison street and is occupied at this time by Oscar Piper, who purchased the stock of the original proprietors. John Charles and Martin Wooley opened a hardware store a few years after the platting of the town, on Payson street, where the drug store of O. T. Snvder now stands. After continuing the business as a firm, for a short time, Mr. Charles purchased the stock and subsequently sold out to J. N. Woolev, who continued the business about two years. The following business men and firms carried on the mercantile trade at different times, to-wit: Clem Kej'S, N. B. Kiplinger, Trout & Hutchinson, Piper & Wilkinson, Piper & McGinle}^ Lon Wilson, S. D. Laden, Harry Armantrout, Jasper Downey, Hamilton & Enley, J. J. Cooper and perhaps others. The earl^- mechanics were Messrs. Woody and Fetrow, alread}- mentioned, H. M. Fox and H. M. Lambert, carpenters, and John DeBolt, shoemaker.

Industries. - As already stated the first manufacturing enterprise of any kind brought to Denver, was the steam saw-mill operated by Asa Griffith. After running the mill a short time, he moved it from the village, but subsequently brought it back. It is still in operation, the present proprietor being a Mr. Dickerman. The Kessler Brothers engaged in the saw-milling business in 1876, and for the time were quite successful. They subsequentlj- supplied machinery for the planing of lumber, with which they did a fair business. The Constant Brothers, in 1876, purchased a large building, which had been previously erected by Mr. Grimes, and supplied it with a planing mill and machinery for the manufacture of wind-mills, rakes, barrel hoops, washboards and various other articles. They engaged in the business with every prospect of success, but after continuing it some time, disposed of the mill without realizing a fortune. The last proprietor was C. E. Noftzgar, who, in addition to planing lumber and manufacturing some of the articles mentioned above, did a fair business in the manufacture of wagonfelloes and spokes. The mill ceased operations about the year 1879.

chased b}' a joint stock company, and later Messrs. Amey & Newbold became the proprietors. They thoroughly refitted the mill and supplied roller machinery, since which time it has done a lucrative business - grinding about one hundred bushels of wheat per day. Tlie present firm is Newbold, Stowman & Kessler.

Denver College was established in the year 1876, at which time a joint stock company was organized for the purpose of erecting a building. The college building, a large brick structure, was erected that year at a cost of $3,500, and under the management of Prof. J. A. Reubelt, the school was opened under very promising circumstances. Mr. Reubelt taught two terms, and finding that the institution did not come up to his expectations, resigned the charge into the hands of other parties. Profs. Hershej' and McGinley afterwards took control of the school, but like their predecessors, they failed to make it a success. The company was subsequently disbanded, and at this time the building is used for the public schools of the town.

Additions to Denver. - The following additions to the town have been surveyed and platted from time to time to time, viz: George Brower's addition of eighteen lots, December, 1872; R. R. Charles' addition, 11 lots, March, 1874; Charles' 2nd addition, 21 lots, July, 1875; Grimes' addition, 16 lots, October, 1880; Howe's addition, 9 lots, June, 1881, and Noftzgar's addition in March, 1881.

The Denver Sun, a sprightly local paper devoted to the interests of the town and adjacent country, was estabhshed November, 1883, by Dr. O. F. Snook. The Sun is a seven column folio, neutral in politics, but fearless in the advocacy of all measures and movements having for their end the public good. It is issued every Saturday and has already reached a circulation of about one thousand.

P/iysicians. - The following medical men have at different times practiced the healing art in Denver, to-wit: Drs. Smith, Ladue, Downey, Hewit, Abbott, Million, Martin and Jameson. The resident physicians at this time are Drs. J. Q. A. Robbins, O. F. Snook and Newell.

Churches. - Denver has several healthy religious organizations, the oldest of which is the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized by Rev. R. J. Parrot in the year 1873. The original membership was about thirtv or fortv, the majority of whom had previousl}- belonged to the Chili and Mexico societies. The house of w'orship, a beautiful frame edifice, 36x50 feet, was completed in 1873, at a cost of $1,500. The following pastors have served the church from time to time: R. J. Parrot, W. R.Jordan, F. A. Robinson, James Johnson. J. H. Ford, George Hill, I. J. Smith and G. B. Work. The membership at this time is about 100 and the society is in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of prosperitj'. W. J. Smith is Class

Leader, J. P. Tharp and Imii Murden, Stewards, Charles Long, Quincy Howes, Joseph Smith, J. P. Tharp and Imri Murden, Trustees, and S. S. Bappert, Superintendent of the Sunday School.

Denver Baptist Church was organized April, 1886, by Rev. E. C. Robbins. Sixteen members were enrolled at the time of organization, a number which has since been increased by nine additions. Immediately after the organization, steps were taken towards the erection of a house of worship, and at this time the building is rapidly nearing completion. It stands on a beautiful elevation in the northern part of the town, and in size is 36x60 feet, and cost the sum of $2,500. It is a beautiful frame edifice, and reflects great credit upon the congregation. The little society has already accomplished a good work in the village, and we bespeak for it a prosperous future. Rev. E. C. Robbins, to whom credit is largely due for the erection of the building, is pastor in charge. The officers are: F. P. Stowman, deacon; Moses Murphjr, clerk; William Cunningham, Moses Murphy and Dr. Ladue, trustees. The Sunday School recently organized is under the efficient superintendency of F. P. Stowman.

Church of the Seventh Day Adventists was organized about the year 1883 by Revs. Reese and Covert, with a membership of twenty persons. Meetings were held in the college building until 1885, at which time a neat frame temple of worsiiip was erected in the southeast part of the town at a cost of $800. The organization is not very strong in numbers, there being at this time but thirty active members. Revs. William Covert and E. E. Marvin preach at regular intervals. The Sabbath School is superintended by Jesse Woods.

Lodges. - Denver Lodge, No. 537, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 14, 1876, with fourteen charter members. The organization has a valuable property, erected in 1880 or i88i,' and the* membership includes many of the leading citizens of the village and adjacent country. It is in a prosperous condition, with the following officers in the chairs, viz. : Rufus Pontius, N. G. ; C. Bell, V. G.; J. Q. A. Robbins, permanent secretary; W. J. Smith, recording secretary; W. O. Piper, treasurer, and W. W. Fetrow, district deputy.

Josiah Brozuer Post, A^o. 66, G. A. R., was established in 1 881 with a membership of thirty. The following were among the first officers: William Trout, commander; Abraham Whistler, J. V. C. ; M. Bappert, adjutant; O. Armantrout, officer of the day, and F. M. INIoody, officer of the guard. Tiie present membership is about fort}'. The officers are: M. Bappert, commander; C. Bell, S. V. C; W. O. Piper, J> V. C; G. A. Martindale, adjutant; Joseph Smith, quartermaster; J. R. Waymire, chaplain: W. W. Fetrow, surgeon.

Denver To-day. - The growth of Denver since the erection of the tirst building in 1872 has been all that its friends could reasonably desire, it being at this time the third town in point of population in the county. During the year 1886 buildings representing a capital of over $16,000 were erected in the village, and all kinds of real estate commands good prices. The recent discovery of rich deposits of iron and lead ores in the vicinity is attracting considerable interest to the place, and if the de]iosits prove as abundant as is anticipated, the time is not far distant when Denver will resound with the music of rolling mills and manufacturing establishments. Should the expectations of the people prove true in regard to the mineral wealth of the countrv, there is no doubt that the town will at no distant day be an important commercial and manufacturing point of Northern Indiana. The following is the business of the town at this time : General stores, W. O. Piper and Pontious and McElwee; hardwares, Lock wood and Robbins: groceries and meat market, Richard Wright; drugs, W. W. Fetrow and O. T. Snyder; bakery and groceries, J. E. Million; restaurant, E. C. Bennett; milliners, Martindale »& Wooley, Mrs. J. H. Johns and the Belt Sisters. Mechanics - E. A. Guyer and Mac. Lawrence, blacksmiths; J. N. Woole}' and J. H. Johns, wagon makers; B. Bird, shoemaker; Joseph Smith, Geo. A. Martindale and J. D. Arnest, carpenters; Andrew Yount, maimfacturer of patent wire picket fence. Hotels - O. J. Hunt, Denver House, and Mrs. Lucy Medsker, Commercial Hotel. Livery stables, J. H. Johns and O. J. Hunt; attorneys, John Tudor and W. J. Smith; railroad agent, G. W. Cannon; express agent, W. W. Fetrow; postmaster, Frank GritEth; barber, W. H. Kirkpatrick.

SiriiigiozL'ii, the site of an early settlement, about two and a half miles southeast of Mexico, was so called on account of the number of houses scattered along both sides of the Peru road. A saw mill was operated here man}' years ago and at one time there was a general store kept by one Evans Bean. John S. Winters operated the mill for several years. It was afterwards completely destroyed by fire. Mr. Ireland, at present a resident of ^Iexico, moved to the locality many years ago and opened a cabinet shop. He made all kinds of furniture and met witli reasonably fair success in that branch of industry. He subsequently moved to Mexico and took away with him the last vestige of business from Stringtown, which at "this time is scarcely distinguishable from the surrounding countrv.

Court cr, a small station on the I., P. & C. Railroad in the eastern part of the township, was laid out August, 1869, by R. F. Donaldson. The plat consists of twenty lots and lies on a part of the northeast quarter of section 34, township 28, north range 4 east. There are at this time a small general store, blacksmith shop, school house and several residences. It is a fair trading point and is situated in one of the best parts of Jefferson Township.

Biographical, Sketches

OLIVER ARMANTROUT was born in Peru Township, this county, April 26, 1844. His parents, R. and Margaret (Hoover) Armantrout, were natives of Virginia and Pennsvlvania, respectively, and were born as follows: The father in Virginia July 25, 1809, and the mother in Penns\'lvania, March 28, 181 1. The}' were married in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 3, 1829, and from thence moved to Delaware County, Indiana, in 1831, and from there to Cass County, Indiana, and in 1S35 to Miami County, settling at Peru, where he engaged in blacksmithing, and afterward resided until his death, which occurred November 3, 1843. His widow subsequently married Andrew Williams, and moved with him to Jefferson Township, where she still resides. Nine children were born to her, viz.: David H., born May 3, 1830; Margaret J., born August 3, 1831 (deceased); Peter, born Juh- 29, 1833; Lewis, born March 28, 1835 (deceased); John S., born March 18, 1837; Elizabeth J., born March 4, 1839 (deceased); William F., born July 13, 1 84 1 (deceased), and Oliver, born April 26, 1844, by Mr. Armantrout, and Mary (deceased), by Mr. Williams. Oliver, our subject, was married in Richland Township, this county, June 24, 1866, to Martha J., daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Shoop) Hersey. She was born in Butler Township, this county, June 3, 1849. After Mr. Armantrout, our subject's marriage, he settled on his present farm, where he has resided smce. He owns at present 100 acres of fine and well improved land. Mr. Armantrout was elected to the office of trustee of Jefferson Township in 1882, and re-elected in 1884. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and a member of the G. A. R. Order. He enlisted in the service May, 1864, in Compan}' K, 134th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served as a private until September, 1864. Mr. Armantrout is a wide-awake and enterprising man, and is highlv esteemed bv all.

JAMES S. BAIR (Trustee of Jefferson Township) is a native of Botetourt County, Virginia, born Nov. 13, 1848. His parents, George and Catherine (Crumpacker) Bair, were also both natives of Virginia, and were born as follows: The father in Franklin County, Jan. i, 181 2, and the mother in Botetourt County, Oct. 3, 181 3. They were married in Botetourt County in October, 1839, where the mother died, in June, 1856. The father subsequently married Barbara Snyder, and in

Biographical Sketches

1857 moved to Miami County, Indiana. In 1858 he purchased and settled upon the farm on which our subject now resides, in Section 30, Jefferson Township, where he afterwards resided until his death, which occurred August 24, 1864. He was the father of seven children, \iz: Mary J., Lewis E., Sarah, Ann, James S., Jones B. and Catharine E. James S., our subject, came with his parents to this county in 1857, was married Oct. 13, 1870, to Sarah, daughter of George and Catharine (Minick) Maus. She was born in Miami County, Ind., Jan. 7, 1850. After Mr. James S. Bair's marriage he tirst settled on the old home farm in Miami Count\', where he resided until the spring of 1S72, at which time he moved to Fulton County, Ind., and resided until the following spring of 1873, when he removed to Miami Countv, Indiana, purchasing and settling upon the old home farm, where he has resided since. He owns eighty acres of line and well-improved land. Has had born to him three children, viz: Leota A., born July 11, 187 1; Stella M., born Aug. 25, 1875: George F., born Sept. 9, 1878. Mr. Bair is an intelligent and enterprising man, and is highly esteemed bv all who know him.

ZERI M. BALDWIN, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, was born November 16, 1827, and is the eldest son of Enos and and Elizabeth (Hoover) Baldwin, natives of Guilford County, North Carolina. The subject was reared in Jefferson Township, and received a verj' good education, attending the first school in the township, taught by William M. Sumalt. He has always followed the occupation of farming, and now owns eighty acres of good land. In November, 1849, he was married to Rachel S. I'tomey, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, and is the father of four children - James N., Author C, Pearlie M. and Emma F. His wife died in 1885, and in 1873 he was again married to Miss Amanda English, of Licking County, Ohio, to whom four children were born.

AUGUSTUS BANKS, a native of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, was born November 29, iSoo, to James and Catharine (^Nelson) Banks, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish nationalitv respectivelv. They settled about midway between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, and assisted in driving the Indians from that country. The subject remained on the farm until he was twentyone years of age, receiving a common school education, and he was then engaged in Lewiston, Penn., to learn the printer's trade, in which he succeeded, and afterwards worked in the cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia as a jour printer, he then went to Jackson, Tenn., and established the Western Jiepiihliniii, where he staged about two years, and thence to Florida, after which tour he returned to Huntington, Penn., and assumed charge of the paper at that place and held editorial control about four years, when he went to Pittsburg to accept the position of foreman of one of the leading papers of that cit\'. There he remained two j'ears and then emigrated westward to Peru in 1838 and became the editor of the Peru Gazette, associated with James Scott, now of Delphi. After a time he purchased a yoke of oxen and commenced farming. In September, 1834, ^e married Miss Sarah McConnell, a native of Huntington, Penn., and their marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: John (deceased), James (killed at Mission Ridge), Mary, Catharine, Martha, Sarah, David (deceased) and Augustus. Politically he is a Republican.

WILLIAM V. BEECHER is a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, born December 4, 1831. His parents, Benjamin and Margaret ( Finney ) Beecher, were both natives of Pennsylvania. The former, Benjamin Beecher, was a son of John and Mary A. (Albert) Beecher, who were natives of Germany, and from thence emigrated to the United States in a very early day, settling in the State of Pennsylvania. Thev were the parents of fifteen children, viz: George, Samuel, Jacob, William, Benjamin, John, Catherine, Lydia, Barbra, Mary, Margaret, and four whose names have been forgotten. Benjamin, the father of our subject, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, October 3, iSoi. He was married in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1825, to the above Margaret Finney, who was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1804, and a daughter of Samuel F. and Elizabeth Finney. After their marriage they settled in Lancaster Count}-, Pennsylvania, and from thence moved to Chester County, Penns\lvania, and from there to Franklin County, Ohio, in the year 1856, and in 1861 moved to Miami County, Indiana, where they afterward resided until their respective deaths. Thev were the parents of the following nine children, namely: Cvrus F., Samuel F., Eliza J., William V., Mary A., Catherine M., John J., Margaret S. and Lydia.. William V., our subject, resided in Pennsylvania until 1852, when he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he engaged in the cai'penter trade, and was there married, April 3, 1S53, to Julia A., daughter of William and Julia A. (Carpenter) Beecher. She was born in Franklin County, Ohio, October 4, 1835. I" 1861, Mr. Beecher, removed to Miami County, Indiana, and first settled in Peru' Township, where he purchased land and resided until February, 1872, at which time he purchased and settled upon the farm on which he now resides in section 35, Jefferson Township. He owns at present - 160 acres of fine and well improved land. He has had born to him nine children, viz: Margaret J., born April 7, 1854; M^'T J-! born January 31, 1858: EHzabeth E., born May 31, 1S60; George L., born September 22, 1862; Cyrus M., born January 22, 1865; William C, born March 2, 1868; Ulysses G., born June 22, 1870; Charles W., born December 30, 1872, and Gracie P., born July 23, 1S75. Mr. Beecher is an intelligent and enterprising man, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

A. D. COE, M. D., is a native of Portage County, Ohio, and was born January 24, 1824. His parents were Samuel A. and Lucy (Lester) Coe, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectivelv. They were married at Granville, Massachusetts, and from thence, in an early day, emigrated to Portage County, Ohio. They were the parents of six children, viz: Samuel A., William L., Eliza, Mar}-, Alonzo D., our subject, and Heman L. A. D. Coe was educated at Twinsburg Academy, Twinsburg, Ohio, and also at the Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio. In 1847 he began reading medicine at Newark, Ohio, under the instructions of Dr. N. W. Hubbard of that place, remaining under his instructions until 1849, when he entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. In 1850 he attended the Alban}' Medical College, of Alban}', New York, after which he returned to Portage Count)', Ohio, and the following winter taught school, and in the spring of 1 85 1, came to Indiana, locating the same fall in Miami County, where he engaged in teaching school and practicing his profession. In November, 1856, he located at Mexico, Indiana, where he began the practice of medicine, which he has devoted his whole attention to since. In the winter of 1857 and '58 he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated February 26, 1858. He was united in marriage at Mexico, Indiana, November 20, 1858, to Emily J. Hartpence (wife of John Hartpence, deceased), and daughter of Horace W. and Desire (Kent) Mason. She is a native of New York, born near Syracuse, February 24, 183 1. The doctor has had born to him two children, viz: William H. and Dulcenia C. He is a member of the Masonic order, and a member of the Logansport Medical and Surgical Association. He is an intelligent and enterprising man, as well as a thorough medical scholar, and a successful and eminent physician and surgeon.

R. R. DONALDSON settled in the Miami Reserve in Jefferson Township, in the year 1S41, and is a native of Louden County, near Centerville, Virginia; born March 3, 182 1, to Thomas and Nancy (Saffer) Donaldson, both natives of Virginia. He was brought up on a farm in Ohio and when he came to this county continued in the same vocation. For about si.xteen years he bought and sold grain, and in May, 1886, came to Peru and now controls the Wabash elevators. In 1850 he served in the House of Representatives, and was re-elected in 1852 and 1863. In 1885 a convention of the members of the first constitutional convention was held, which he attended. He has also held the office of Township Trustee. In Julv, 1840, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Rickner, a native of Ohio, to whom five children were born, viz: Leroy P., Lorenzo, L. B., Ruth A. and Emma. He is a Master Mason, a Royal Arch member and Knight Templar.

MATTHEW DUNCAN (of the firm of Lantz & Duncan, dealers in general merchandise, Mexico, Indiana), was born in Clinton Countv, Ohio, Juh' 7, 1854. His parents, Emanuel and Margaret (Stotlar) Duncan, moved to Grant County. Indiana, about 1856, and from thence, subsequently, to Miami County. In about 1877, he returned to Grant County, where he still resides: the mother died in Miami County in about 1868. Matthew Duncan, our subject, came with his parents to this county, where he was married August 20, 1877, to Julia A., daughter of John and Julia A. Hines. She was born in Fairfield Count}', Ohio, October 5, 1857. After Mr. Duncan's marriage, he first settled in Fulton Countv, Indiana, where he engaged in farming about one year, after which he moved to Miami County, and, subsequently, to Grant Count\', where he resided until 1884, when he moved to Mexico, Indiana, and formed a partnership with Mr. Lantz in the mercantile business, purchasing the interest of Mr. Sullivan. He has had born to him four children, viz: Emanuel (deceased), Marion F., Lillie and Rosie B. Mr. Duncan and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

GEORGE EIKENBERRY was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 6, 1830. His parents were Peter and Eliza (Morningstar) Eikenberrv, natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, and of German and English extraction. The former, Peter Eikenberry, was a son of Henry Eikenberry, a native of Virginia. His father, Peter Eikenberrj-, emigrated from Germany to the United States in an earlv day. Henrv Eikenberrv was married in Virginia to Marv Landess, and from thence moved to Preble County, Ohio, in about the year 1806. They were the parents of seven children, viz. : Elizabeth, Samuel, Henry, Peter, Isaac, David and Benjamin. Peter Eikenberry, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia, May 8, 1803. He moved with his parents to Preble County. Ohio, and was there married to Eliza, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Swisher) Morningstar. She was born in Maryland on January 13, 1806. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Eikenberry settled in Preble County, Ohio, where they made their home until their deaths, which occurred as follows: The father died February 14, 1871, and the mother Nov. 29, 1885. They were the parents of eleven children, viz: Mary,

George, Elizabeth, Lydia, Levi, Henr)', Isaac, Eliza, Peter, and two which died in infancy and not named. George, our subject, was married in Preble County, Ohio, March 21, 1851, to Rebecca, daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Moses) Miller. She was born in Augusta County, Va., Sept. 18, 1832. In the following October, after subject's marriage, he moved to Miami County, settling upon the same farm on which he now resides in Section 27, Jefferson Township. He owns 268 acres of fine land, well-improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has had born to him ten children, viz: Henr}- F., born July 17, 1852, and died February 19, 1854; Sarah J., born Nov. 5, 1854; ^""^ L., born Aug. 26, 1857; Mary A., born March i, i860; Ida M., born Oct. 27, 1862; Levi I., born March 11, 1865; Charles, born March 29, 1868, and died April 12, 1868; Peter A., born Jan. 11, 187 1; Eliza O., born Feb. 12, 1874; infant son, born Jan. 28, 1877, deceased. Mr. Eikenberry was elected to the office of County Commissioner of this county in 1876, and re-elected in 1880. He is a member of tlie Masonic order. He is an enterprising man and is highly esteemed bv all who know him.

WILLIAM W. FETROW, one of the leading business men of Denver, was born in Coshocton Count}-, Ohio, April 2, 1832. He was the second son born to Daniel and Ruth Ann (Smith) Fetrow, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. William spent his boyhood and youth with his parents in his native county. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the blacksmith's trade. He served an apprenticeship of three years in the town of Keene, Ohio. After finishing his trade, he engaged in blacksmithing first in Keene, Ohio. In January, 1856, he came to this county and located at Wooleytown, Richland Township. Here he worked at his trade fourteen years. In the spring of 1865 he went out into the service of the Union Army, in Companv K, 155th Indiana Regiment, from which he was honorably discharged on the 6th of August following. At the close of the war he returned to Wooleytown and resumed his trade. In the spring of 1869 he removed to Milford, Kosciusko County, where he worked at his trade until the fall of 1872. At that time he returned to this count}- and located in Denver, where, in the following spring, he engaged in the drug business. February 8, 1857, he was married to Mrs. Ann E. Kirby, a native of Philadelphia, Penn.sylvania, born July 21, 1831. She was the daughter of Amos and Anna (Ellis) Wooley. To this union three children were born. They are Charles C, born December 13, 1858; Mary H., born February 18, i86i;and Ann Elizabeth, born July 6, 1863: all of whom are living. Mr. Fetrow lost his first wife December 27, 1871, and on the 14th day of December, 1876, he was married to Airs. Eliza J. Ireland, a native of Preble County,

Ohio, born May 8, 1844. She was the daughter of James P. and Rebecca J. (Johnson) Kemp, natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Fetrow are both members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Fetrow is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. Lodges and a Republican in politics. He is a pleasant, intelligent gentleman, a reliable business man and a good citizen. He held the office of postmaster in Denver, from April i, 1873, to September 30th, 1885, and discharged the duties of the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to its patrons. He has been the agent of the U. S. Express Company at Denver since October, 1873. From October, 1873, to June i, 1883, he was the agent of the American Express Company- and since the latter date he he^ has been the Agent of the Pacific Express Compan\'. He has a neat little drug store, well stocked, and is doing a fair business.

JOSEPH FISHER, an old and highly esteemed pioneer of ' Miami County, Indiana, is a native of Franklin County, Virginia. His parents, Peter and Elizabeth ( Brower) Fisher, were both natives of Franklin Countv, Virginia, and were born as follows: The father May 2, 1792, and the mother December 24, i793- The former, Peter Fisher, was a son of Philip Fisher, who was a native of Germany, and from there immigrated to the United States, in an early day, settling tirst in the State of Pennsvlvania, and from thence, in an earlv dav, moved to Franklin County, Virginia, \\ here he afterward resided for a number of years. He was the father of nine children, viz: Solomon, Mary, Jacob, Daniel, Peter, Catharine, Abraham, Jonathan and John B. Peter, the father of our subject, and Miss Elizabeth Brower, were married in Franklin County, Virginia, and from thence thev emigrated to the State of Ohio, in the fall of 1828, and settled in Preble Count}', where they resided until the fall of 1836, at which time, they moved to Miami Indiana, and settled upon land in Sections 25 and 30, Jefferson Township, which he had entered previoush', and upon which he resided until death. His wife died January- 20, 1867, and he survi\ed her until May 27, 1878. They were the parents of ten children, viz: Lydia, born January 22, 1819; George, born July 23, 1820: Benjamin, born February 10, 1822; Joseph, born No\ember 10, 1823; Mary, born April 10, 1826: Isaac, born August 22, 1828: Aaron, born October 7, 1830; Hannah, born December 28, 1833; Noah, born May 28, 1839; Jacob, July 14, 1842. Joseph, our subject, came with his parents to this county in 1836, where he has resided since. He was married in Jefferson Township, this county, January 12, 1848, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Teal) Brower. She was born in Preble County, Ohio, September 28, 1827. Her parents were both natives of Virginia, and settled in Ohio, in an early day, where they were married, and from thence, in 1837, moved to

Miami County, Indiana, settling in Jefferson Township. They were the parents of ten children, viz.: Aaron, Joseph, Noah, Mary, Rebecca, Abraham, EHzabeth, Sarah, Susan and Jacob. In 1848, Mr. Joseph Fisher purchased land in Section 35, Jefferson Township, this county, upon which he settled in August of the following year, and resided until 1864, when he settled upon land in Section i, this township, which he had purchased in the vear previous. Here he resided until March, 1884, when he moved to Mexico, Indiana, where he now resides. He owns at present 240 acres of tine and well improved land, and also one of the finest residences in Mexico. He has had born to him four children, viz. : Martha A., born October 30, 1848; Dulcinea E., born November 29, 1S51; Sarah E., born August 15, 1857; Rosa J., born November 21, i860. Mr. Fisher and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, and are highly esteemed by all who know them.

DAVID A. FISHER is a native of Carroll County, Indiana, and was born February 8, 1840. His parents, Nathaniel and Francis (Altic) Fisher, were both natives of Franklin County, Virginia, and were born as follows: The former September 8, 1810, and the latter December 25, 1807. They were married in Franklin County, Virginia, and from thence in 1S34, moved to Darke Countv, Ohio, and from there to St. Joseph Count}-, Indiana, and subsequentl}' to Carroll County, where he died May 28, 1847. His widow subsequently married John Brower and moved with him to Miami County, Indiana, where she still resides. She is the mother of six children, five bv Mr. Fisher and one by Mr. Brower. David A., our subject, came with his parents to this county in 1850. He was married in Jefferson Township, this county, October 14, 1866, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhoads) Harter, She was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 3, 1841. After Mr. Fisher's marriage he settled upon the same farm on which he now resides, in Section 21, Jefferson Township, where he resided until 1872, when he removed to Peru, Indiana, and engaged in mercantile business three years. In October, 1876, he removed to his farm in Jefferson Township, where he has since resided and engaged in farming and fruit growing. He owns 113 acres of fine and well improved land. He has had born to him three children, viz: Infant son, born August 19, 1867 (deceased), Charles L., born July i, 1869, and Iva L., born February 29, 1872. Mr. Fisher was elected to the oflice of assessor of Jefferson Township in 1886, which office he at present holds.

JOHN O. FISHER was born in Franklin County, Virginia, November 27, 1841. His parents, John B. and Alie A. (Teel) Fisher, were also both natives of Franklin County, Virginia. He came to Miami Count}-, Indiana, in the fall of 1849, and in 1850 begun the carpenter trade, which he completed and has engaged in the same more or less since. He was married in Miami Count}-, Indiana, July 3, 187 1, to Sarah A., daughter of Benjamin and Hannah Graft. She was born in Miami Count}-, Indiana, May 12, 1843. Soon after Mr. Fisher's marriage he settled at Canton, Ohio, where he resided until the spring of 1872, at which time he moved to Miami County, Indiana, and purchased and settled on a small farm in section 31, Jefferson Township, where he resided only about one year, when he purchased and settled on a farm in section i, Jefferson Township, and in 1876 he moved to Wabash County, Indiana, where he resided until the spring of 1886, at which time he removed to Miami County, Indiana, and purchased and settled on the farm on which he now resides, in section 6, Jefferson Townshi]i. He owns at present 120 acres of fine and well-improved land. He has had born to him six children, viz: Linnie B., Harvey A., M}-rtie B., Ethel M., Charles (deceased) and Frederick.

LEVI FISHER is the son of George and Barbara (Moss) Fisher, natives of Virginia and Indiana, respectively, and born as follows: The former in Franklin County, Virginia, July 23, 1820, and the latter in Union County, Indiana, August 19, 1822. They were married in Jefferson Township, this county, November 11, 1841, and afterward settled on his father's farm in Jefferson Township, where he resided about one year; then settled upon land in Section 30, Jefferson Township, where he resided until August, 1883, when he settled upon the farm on which he now resides, in Section 31 in Jefferson Township. He has had born to him nine children, viz: William, born September 9, 1842; Henry, born May 11, 1845; Levi, born December 14, 1847; Sarah J., born November 13, 1850; Elizabeth, born May, 30, 1853, died September 21, 1862: Minerva, born February 23, 1856, and died March 4, 1858; Peter M., born July 15,1859; Alston W., born August 4, 1863, and died February 2, 1884; Christena, born July 10, 1868, and died April 15, 1871. Levi, our subject, was married in Cass County, Indiana, January 2, 1873, to Mary J., daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Graft) Dillman. She was born in Cass County, Indiana, February 14, 1854. After our subject's mai-riage he settled upon a farm in Jefferson Township, where he engaged in farming, and where he resided until the fall of 1875, ''^ which time he moved to Mexico, Indiana, and engaged in butchering in partnership with J. W. Turnipseed, for some time. He afterwards engaged in buying and shipping stock, and in the spring of 1877, removed to Cass Countv, Indiana, and engaged in farming and stockdealing until 1 88 1, when he removed to Mexico, and again engaged in stock dealing. In the winter of 1886, he purchased the agency of this county for the Flint and Walling Manufacturing Company, and has since engaged in putting down the tubular wells and windmills. He owns 90 acres of land in Section 25, Jefferson Township. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He assessed Jefferson Township in 1882, 1883, 1884 and 1885.

ISAAC FOUTS is a native of Preble County Ohio, and is one of ten children born to Michael and Sarah (Brower) Fonts, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. They were born as follows: The father in North Carolina September I, 1797, and the mother in Virginia, June 6, 1801. They were married in Preble Count\, Ohio, August 24, 1820, and from thence in the fall of 1838, moved to Miami County, Indiana, and settled upon land in Jefferson Township, Section 28, where the}' afterward resided until death, which occurred as follows: The father died January 10, 1857, and the mother September 27, 187 1. They were the parents of ten children, viz: Jacob, born June 8, 1821; Elizabeth, born Februarj- 11, 1822; Anna, born October 28, 1824; Sarah, born October 6, 1826; Rosanna, born February 18, 1829; David, born April 22, 1831; Isaac, born January 13, 1834; Andrew, born May 2, 1836; Sophia, born January 23, 1840, and Mary, born January 3, 1845. Isaac, our subject, came with his parents to this country- in 1838, where he has resided since. He was married in Wabash County, Indiana, January 7, 1858, to Diannah, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Harter) Hoff. She was born in Carroll County, Indiana, July 22, 1837. After his marriage he settled upon the same farm on which he now resides, in Jefferson Township, Section 34. He owns at present 222 acres of tine and well improved land. He has had born to him four children, viz: William H., born January 31, 1859; John H., born August 28, 1861; Jacob M., born July 21, 1864, and Alice M., born March 14, 1869. Mr. Fouts and wife are members of the German Baptist Church.

ANDREW FOUTS, son of Michael and Sarah (Brower) Fouts, was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 2, 1836. He came with his parents to this county in 1838, and has resided here since. He was married in Jefferson Township, this count}', Aug. 8, 1858, to Mary Roller, and afterward settled upon the farm on which he now resides, his father's old homestead. He lost his wife by death, Oct. 3, 1868, having born to him by her three children, viz: Lavina, born Feb. 7, 1861; Albert, born April 25, 1863, and Nathan, born Oct. 17, 1866. Mr. Fopts was again married Feb. 10, 1870, to Polly Hoff, by whom he nas had three children, viz: Cora D., born Sept. 4, 1872; Clarence M., born June 14, 1875, and Irene E., born Sept. 11, 1876. Mr. Fouts owns 220 acres of line land in this county, and 80 acres in Wabash Countv, Indiana.

Graft, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1813. He came with his parents to Preble County, Ohio, where he was married March 3, 1839, '-° Anna, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Swisher) Morningstar. She was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 15, 1818. Her father was born in Virginia, October 23, 1779, and her mother in Maryland in August, 1782. They were married in Maryland, April 16, 1S05, and shortly afterward moved to Preble County, Ohio, where they afterward resided until death, which occurred as follows: The mother, October 16, 1851, and the father, May 16, 1861. They were the parents of nine children, viz: Elizabeth, Mary, Susanna, Catherine, Solomon, Jones, Anna, Julia A. and L\dia. In 1 84 1 Mr. Graft, our subject, moved to Randolph County, Indiana, where he purchased land and resided until the spring of 1850, at which time he moved to Preble Count}-, Ohio, and in the following fall he moved to Miami County, Indiana, where he has since resided. In May, 1882, he settled on the farm on which he now resides, in Jefferson Township. He has had born to him seven children, viz: George, born November 24, 1839, and died October 13, 1882; David, born April 7, 1841; John, born May 14, 1843; Elizabeth, born February 5, 1S48, Lydia, born November 22, 1852; Mary C, born October 20, 1856, and one son who died in infancy not named.

BENJAMIN graft" (retired farmer and grain merchant, and one of the old and highly esteemed pioneers of Miami County, Indiana), is a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, born August 3, 1815. His parents, David and Anna (Grove) Graft, were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. They were married in Augusta County, Virginia, and from thence, subsequently, moved to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, after which the}' removed to Augusta County, Virginia, and from there to Preble County, Ohio, where the mother died November 5th, 185 1, at fifty-seven years of age. The father afterward retired and made his home with his children until death, which occurred in this county, July 29, 1854. He was the father of twelve children, viz; Abraham, Benjamin, David, Eliza, Nancy, John, Samuel, Daniel, Margaret, Henry, and two' which died in infancy not named. Benjamin, our subject, was married in Preble County, Ohio, April 14, 1839, to Hannah, daughter of Henry and Hannah (Dillman) Brower. She was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 22, 1818. In 1841, Mr. Graft, our subject, moved to Miami County, Indiana, landing here in September of that year. He purchased and settled upon land in Jefferson Township, Section 19, where he resided until the spring of 1864, at which time he settled upon a farm in Section 6, Jefferson Township, which he had purchased previously. Here he resided until the spring of 1880, at which time he mo\ed to Mexico, Indiana, where he now resides. lie has had born to him eleven children, viz: Isaac II., born February 29, 1840; Nanc}-, born May 31, 1841, died April 23, 1868; Sarah A., born May 12, 1843; John, born November 2, 1844; Harriet, born August 14, 1846; David, born March 2, 1848; Isabelle, born January 24, 1850, died August 10, 1870; Margaret, born November, 9, 1851; Catharine, born April 22, 1853, and died September I, 1854; Mariah E., born May 25, 1855; Alonzo D., born June 27, 1859. Mr. Graft is an -enterprising and highly esteemed citizen. He was one of the three earl}- Trustees of Jefferson Township, and in 1870, was elected to the office of County Commissioner, and re-elected in 1873.

ALONZO D. GRAFT, son of Benjamin and Hannah ( Brewer) Graft, was bom in Jefferson Township, this county, June 27, 1859. ^^ ^^'"^'^ married in Berrien Countv, Michigan, December 13, 1877, to Martha A., daughter of Allen and Rebecca (Jenkins) McGuire. She was born in Jefferson Township, this county, March 7, i860. After marriage, Mr. Graft first settled upon his father's farm in Jefferson Township, where he resided until the spring of 1886, when he moved to Mexico, Indiana, where he now resides. He owns 160 acres of fine land in Fulton County, Indiana, which he purchased in April, 1886. He has had born to him one child - Freddie E., born December 4, 1878. Mr. Graft is an enterprising and intelligent young man, and has a prospering future.