Miami County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (8 of 9 so headed), 1887

Biographical sketches

GIDEON ALSPACH, one of Perry Township's substantial farmers, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 25, 1830, the son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Alspach, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Gideon w-as reared on the farm in Ohio, remaining with his parents until the death of his mother, which occured when he was fifteen vears of age. He had received a limited education : he then engaged as a farm hand, until he attained his majority, when in 185 1, he made a prospecting tour to Indiana and Miami Countv. purchasing land on which he permanently located the following year. February 22, 1855, Catherine Kensler became his wife, and to their union five children have been born, viz: Ambrose, who married Maggie Beard; Glendora, Abner, Albert and Laura. In his vocation of farming, Mr. Alspach has met with good success, owning 102 acres of well-improved land. He and wife are members of the Church of God. In politics he is a Democrat.

RICHARD W. BUTT, a prominent citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was born November 20, 1837, being the oldest child in a family of seven children born to Rignal and Phoebe (Kinsey) Biilt, ulio were natives of Virginia and Penns\l\ania, respectively. The}' emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, October, 1S45, made their tirst permanent settlement in Jefferson Township, where they lived for six years, then moved to Perry Township, and lived there until their deaths. Our subject was reared on the farm, remaining at home and assisting his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He received a common education, such as the facilities of his da}' afforded. January 26, i860, his marriage with Margaret D. Cover was solemnized, and to their union eight children have been born, of whom these six are now living: Phoebe L., wife of Aaron Plank; Viola E., Nettie A., Marietta, Sarah M., Ira E. The two deceased are Martha J. and John W. Mrs, Butt was a daughter of William and Lucinda (Hiney) Cover, who were natives of Frederick County, Maryland, and came to Miami County in October, 1845, Mr. Butt alwa\s made farming his principal occupation, in connection with which he has worked at the carpenter and joiner trades, and he has been very successful. He now owns 80 acres of well improved land, which he has accumulated b}' his own industry and economv. March 28, 1865, he enlisted in the cause of his country in Company K, i55t'i Regiment of Volunteer Infantr\-, and served until August of the same year, when he was discharged on account of the close of the war. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, and has been honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee.

HENRY K. BUTT, brother of the subject of the above sketch, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 14, 1839, ^^^ second f a familv of seven. He always made his home with his parents until their death, acquiring a common education. September, 1S61, hi enlisted to aid his country in the suppression of the rebellion, becoming a member of Company B, 40th Indiana Regiment of \'olunteer Infantry, where he served until December, 1864, He participated in the following important engagements: Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, the battles incident to Sherman's March to Atlanta, and Franklin, Tennessee. Soon after his return from the army, February 26, 1865, Mary P. Fites became his wife. He has alway.s made farming his vocation, in which he has been successful. He is the proprietor of a tine little farm of sixtv-two acres. He and wife belong to the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Republican.

JOHN CRAIG is a native of Clark County, Ohio, where he was born May 7, 1822, being the eldest of a family of ten children born to Robert and Fannie (Rogers) Craig, who were both natives of Vermont, the former of Irish descent. Their marriage occurred in Ohio, to which their parents had removed in an earl}- date. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native State and county, and remained at home with his parents until he attained the age of 22 facilities of those days. January 25, 1843, his marriage with Paulie Laybourn was solemnized, and to their union twelve children ha\e been born, of which these four are now living: Benjamin F., who married Clara A. Russell; Jasper, whose wife was Phoebe R. Brausser; Thomas, whose present consort was Fannie Akright. and Ida V. Mr. Craig came to Indiana and Miami County in 1846, and located permanently on the land where he now li\-es. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 300 acres of well-improved land. In politics he is a staunch Republican, but has never sought political preferment.

WILLIAM P. DRAKE, an enterprising citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Hunterdon Countv, New Jersev, born May 28, 1829, the son of Jacob and Phebe (Stout) Drake. Thomas Drake, paternal grandfather of our subject, was also a native of New Jerse\': he served three months in the Revolutionarv War when but fifteen years old. He died in his native State, and is buried in Hopewell Cemetery along with John Hart, one of the signers of the declaration for which he fought. Subjects maternal grandfather, Ira Stout, \\ as born in New Jersev, and was colonel of a regiment which was sent to quell the '-Whiskev Insurrection." Jacob Drake emigrated to Ohio in 1830, where William P. was reared to manhood, he remaining with and assisting his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twentv-three years. His education was in keeping with the facilities afforded the children of his da\'. August 17, 1852, his marriage with Catharine Strock was solemnized. The 3'ear following the}" emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, of which the\' have since continued residents. Their union has been blessed tvith four children, these two now living: George W., who married Laura Ba}les, and Eli T., who married Magdaline Butler, now deceased. Mr. Drake has been uniforml}- successful in his vocation of farming, owning 248 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge, No. 365. located at Roann. In politics he is a Democrat and has been honored with an election to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Town- -ship Trustee, filling both positions to the entire satisfaction of the individuals whose suffrages elected him.

JESSE ELLIOTT (farmer) is a native of North Carolina, where he was born December 4, i8i7- His parents - Jesse and Rachel (Jordan) Elliott - of Scotch parentage, emigrated to Ohio about 1830, where thev lived until the death of the father, when the mother went to live with her daughter in Iowa, remaining there until her death. Our subject was mostlv reared in his native State, receiving a very limited education. In 1848 he emigrated to Grant Countv, living there until 1859, when he purchased and removed to the farm on which he now lives. August, 1844, he married Hannah B. Davis, by \\liom he is the father of these six living children : Henderson, who married Belle Bellew : Marv J., Sarah E., Asbur}-, Charles M. and Julia A., the latter now Mrs. William Kile. Mr. Elliott has always followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with good success, owning a well improved farm of 103 acres. His son Asbury, who makes his home with his parents, is also the proprietor of 40 acres. The family are members of the M.' E. Church. Mr. E. belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Politicall}-, he is a Republican.

JAMES FITES^ a native of Frederick County, Maryland, was born April 12, 1832, the son of Andrew M. and Anna M. (Whitmore) Fites, both of German descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1854, coming to Miami Count}', Indiana, one year later, and continuing residents of Perry Township, this county, until their deaths. James remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty years, receiving a common education. August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 87th Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until December, 1863, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. March, 1865, he re-enlisted in Company K, of the 155th Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. January i, 1867, his marriage with Isabella, daughter of John and Mary A. (Clendenning) Old, was solemnized. Her parents were among the earliest settlers of Miami County, coming about 1837. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fites five children have been born, viz: Eliza J., Richard, Albert, Elmer and Elva, the last two twins. Mr. Fites has been successful as an agriculturist, and now owns 140 acres of land in a good condition. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is an ardent Republican.

JOHN GROGG, one of the few of Perry Township's early settlers yet living, is a native of Starke County, Ohio, born May 12, 1 82 3, the youngest of a famil}' of ten children born to John and Esther (Snyder) Grogg, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch descent. The subject of our sketch was reared in his native State, receiving a limited education in the primitive log school houses of his day. At the age of fifteen, in c^)mpany with his brother and two brothers-in-law, he emigrated to Miami County, locating in Perry Township, of which he has since remained a resident, with the exception of three years, during which time he lived in Ashland County, Ohio. August 5, 1847. Miss Mary Mussleman became his wife. She is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born November 11, 1824, the daughter of Benjamin and Susanna (Walters) Mussleman, who were among the pioneer settlers of Miami County. To the union of

Mr. and Mrs. Grogg rive children have been born, of wliich these three are now living: John H., who married Ida Paul; Sophia C, wife of Samuel King, and B. Frank, whose consort was Anna Morris. The deceased children were Jacob and an infant unnamed. In his life vocation of farming, Mr. Grogg has been verv successful. He is the proprietor of a well improved farm of 218 acres, which he accuumulaled by his own industrv and economy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he has been a life-long Democrat.

ANANIAS HARMAN is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was born, March i, 1847, being the second child and oldest son of Jacob and Sarah (Seitner) Harman, of German descent, both natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated from Ohio to Indiana and Miami in 1847, settling in Perrv Township, of which thev ever afterwards continued residents. The former died about 1870. Oiu- subject remained at home and as.sisted his parents on the farm until he attained his majoritv. He received a limited education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. His father was a carpenter bv trade and Ananias followed in his footsteps, learning that trade, at which he worked about three \ears, when he engaged in farming, which he has since made his occupation. June 22, 1873, his marriage with Susanna Miles was solemnized, and to their union two children have been born, viz: Minnie S., born February 11. 1876, and Earl Andrew, born March 17, 1883. Mrs. Harman is a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Swank) Wiles. In his vocation of farming he has been verv successful. He now owns a rine farm of 151 acres handsomely improved. He and wife are members of the Church of God. In politics he is a Democrat.

JACOB KESLING, a leading citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Warren County, Ohio, where he was born July 6, 1820, being the fifth in a family of eleven children born to Peter and Laura 1 GriHis | Kesling. who were nati\es of Rockingham Countv. Virginia, and the Province of Wales, respecti\'elv. Their marriage occurred in Warren Count\-. from whence they moved to Preble County, the same State, where thev li\ed for a number of \ears. Thev emigrated to Indiana and Miami Countv about 1836. settling in Perrv Township, of w hich tiu'\' continued residents until their deaths. Our subject was reared on the farm, remaining at home with and assisting his parents until he attained the age of about twentv-one, when he commenced life's battle for himself. He had acquired a limited education in the primitive log school houses of his time. April 4, 1847, his marriage with Catharine Haacken was solemnized, and to their union this one child was born : Andrew |.. bom December 21, 1848, and died September 7. 185'^.

Mrs. Kesling was born August 5^ 1822, the daughter of John II. and Catharine Ilaacken. Our subject has always made farming his occupation and he has lieen very successful. He now owns a tine farm of 264 acres, which is under a high state of cultivation. In politics he has alwajs been a Democrat. Though he has frequently been importuned to run for some political position, he has persistently refused.

SAMUEL KING, an enterprising farmer and native of Perrs' Township, was born August 21. 1848, the next youngest of eight children born to George and Catharine (Smith) King, the former a native of Germany, born in 1809. He emigrated to the United States about 1828, halting for a time in Buffalo, New ^'ork, where his marriage occurred: thence mo\ed to Ohio, where he remained until 1S46, when he came to Miami County, where he lived until 1875, when he retired from active farm life and removed to the \ illage of Akron. Fulton County. His good old wife, the sharer of his joys and sorrows, died December, 1883, at the advanced age of seventy-sexen years. Samuel grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving a limited education. August 6, 1872, he W'as united in marriage with Catharine Grogg, b\' whom he is the father of these four li\ing children: James F., Mar\- C, Charles E. and Martin L. Mr. King is a successful agriculturist, the owner of 141 acres of improxed land. He and wife are members of the Reformed Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

ALLEN KRIEG, one of the larjiest and most extensive farmers in Perrv Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. September 29, 1817. the son of John and Sarah ( Gouers ) Krieg, who were also natives of Penns\lvania, from whence they removed to Ohio in 1837, and after a re.sidence there of nine years' duration, came on to Indiana and Miami Countw where they lived until their death, the mother dying in 1861. and the father in 1872. Our subject was reared in his native State, receiving a limited education. He accompanied his parents to Ohio and learned the carpenter's trade there, at which he continued to work until 1855, when he followed his parents to Miami County and purchased a farin, and has since that time made farming his principal occupation, being \ery successful, owning about 988 acres of improved land, all the fruits of his own industry and economv'. October 3, 1841, Catherine Wyerbach became his wife. As a result of this union five children were born, these four now living: Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Zimmerman: Sarah, now Mrs. Jacob Mohler: William, who married Eda Shoemaker, and Enos. August 22, 1877, lie suffered the bereavement of loosing his beloved wife. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Republican in politics.

born August 21, i8i8» the fifth of eight children born to Cornelius and Elizabeth | Baker ) Low, both natives of New Jersey, born respectively September 25, 1783, and October 8, 1784. Benjamin Low, paternal grandfather of our subject, was of Dutch descent. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, as did Timothy Baker, subject's maternal grandfather. Cornelius, son of Benjamin Low, emigrated to Ohio in 1836, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 21, 1870. His wife died March 8, 1869. Their son, the immediate subject of this sketch, remained at home with them until he had attained the the age of twenty-seven years, receixing a common school education. April 24, 1845, he was united in marriage with Sophronia Beard, becoming by her the father of six children, named as follows: Quimb)', who married Emma Stroop, Delpha, Ohio, now Mrs. F. G. Lukens; John, whose wife was SalomA Longnecker: Alonzo L., who espoused Anger Goss: Bettie, wife of Joseph Martindale. The deceased child was ALiria B., died April 25, 1884. Mr. Low emigrated from Ohio to this county in 1853, purchasing and settling on the farm where he now lives. He has met w'ith great success. He is still the proprietor of 83 acres of line land, and at one time owned about 900 acres, but he has divided his real estate among his children, starting each in life with a good farm. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politicallv, he is a Democrat.

CHARLES LUCKE'NBILL, an active citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he was born December 29, 1840, being the fourth in a family of sixteen children born to Solomon and Mary (Fesler) Luckenbill. Our subject was reared in his native State, remaining at home with his parents until he attained the age of twenty years. He recei\ed a limited education. Realizing the necessity of the preservation of our union he enlisted September 21, 1861, in Company F, 93d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as a private, from which he became Corporal of iiis companv. He served until 1864, when he veteranized, re-enlisted in the same companv and regiment, serxing until December 28, 1864, when he was discharged on account of disability. He was present and participated in the following important entratrements: Williamsburg. White Oak Swamps. Malvern Hill, in the seven davs' tight there: Fairfax Court House, .\ntietam, Kellv Fork. Fredericksburg. Salem Church, Gettysburg. Mine Run, and the Battle of the Wilderness, where he was wounded in two places, while aiming to fire, a ball passed through his arm and jaw: the latter was a very severe wound, and it was seven months before he recovered sufficiently to be dicharged from tlie hospital, and then he suffered greatly for several years. In 1865 he emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, working over a year as a farm hand, when he purchased land, and has ever since lived in this coiintv. August 16, 1866, his marriage with Margaret Jamison was solemnized, and to their union Hve children were born, viz: Lewis A., Ella, Anna. Alonzo and Lorenzo. Februarv, 1876, Mr. Luckenbill suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. November, 1876, his marriage with Cynthia A. Harden was celebrated. His occupation has alwaj-s been farming, and he has been \erv successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land, which he has accumulated b}- his own industry and economy. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifested a good live interest in the political affairs of the count}- and comnuinity in which he lives, where he enjovs the respect and esteem of ail who know him.

HUGH MILLER, farmer and pioneer, of Perry Township, vet li\ing, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1812, the son of Daniel and Esther ( Harper) Miller, who were natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Ireland respectively- Our subject was reared in his natixe state, remaining with his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He obtained a good education considering the facilities afforded in those days. In 1827 he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter trade, his apprenticeship continuing four years. He was engaged in plying his adopted vocation in his native and Starke County, Ohio, until 1S41, when he came to Indiana and purchased land in Miami County. He then returned to Ohio, and two years subsequent, again came to Miami County, of which he has since been a resident. No\ember, 1835, Judith Grogg became his wife, and by her he is the father of ten children, eight now living, viz: Joseph, who married Sarah Rhodes, since deceased; Cynthia, widow of R.P.Johnson; Sarah, wife of Daniel King; Miranda, consort of Jonas Rhodes: Noah, (see .sketch ), Benjamin F., Anneta and Richard, who married Melissa Miller. Since 1841 Mr. Miller has made farming his occupation and has been uniformly successful. He now owns 250 acres of well improved land under a high state of cultivation. Politically he is a Democrat, and under the old State constitution he was honored with an appointment to the position of Township Trustee.

NOAH MILLER, one of the progressive farmers of Perry Township, and native of that township, was born April 16, 1848, the son of Hugh and Judith (Grogg) Miller (.see sketch). The subject of this sketch remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he was twent\-five years of age, receiving a good education in the schools at Gilead: under W. W. Lock wood, as instructor, he became sufficiently proficient to enable him to secure a license to teach, which he, however, only followed for one term of four months. He then adopted the vocation of farming, in which he has met with good success. He is the proprietor of 117 acres of well-improved land. October 23, 1873, Harriet, daughter of Daniel Shoemaker, became his wife. She was born April 14, 1850. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller two children have been born - Nettie, born September i, 1875, and Nellie, born February 2, 1877. He belongs to the Masonic fraternit\', but is now on demit. Politically he is a staunch Democrat, always manifesting a good live interest in the political affairs of the count\' and communit}- in which he lives, where he has been honored with an election to the position of Countv Commissioner.

JOSHUA MURPHY, deceased, was a native of Wayne Count}-, Indiana, where he was born January 22, 1820. He was a son of Joshua and Margaret (Chamness) Murphv. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and married there October 19, 1836. Miss Tac\' Shoemaker, daughter of Ezekiel and Margaret ( Weber 1 Shoemaker. She was burn January 29, 181 7. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Murphv eleven children were born, of whicli these eight are now living: Susan, wife of Edward Busick : Emily, now Mrs. David Fetrow : Milton, who married Lizzie E. Antrim : Amos, whose wife was Lvdia Hoover: Lewis, whose consort was Elizabeth Tombaugh: Oli- \er, who married Emma R. Doud; Ellen, wife of Heiu'v Whisler, and Nelson, married to Lucinda Blackburn. He was a man with a limited education, the facilities of the days when he attended school being poor. He was a member of the Friends" Church, and alwavs lived a true and devout Christian life. He died September 12. 1882. and in his death the communitv lost an honored and respected citizen, one whose memor\- will alwa\'s be revered bv all who knew him. In 1841 he made his settlement in Miami Count\\ purchasing a tract of eightv acres, which was llien a wilderness of woods, he having to chop his road out in order to reach the land. He was a successful farmer, owninjr at tiie time of his death 360 acres of improved land. Oliver now occupies the home farm, which has never been divided. To him and wife three children have been born, as follows: Mertie, Nina M. and Manetta. He is a young and enterprising farmer, and bids fair to become one of Perrv Township's most substantial citizens. In addition to his share of his father's estate, he owns iorlx acres of land.

JOSEPHUS NORMAN is a native" of Randolph County.. Indiana, where he was born December 30, 1829, being the .se\- enth in a famih' of ten children born to Larken and Nancv A. (Shoemaker) Norman, who were nati\es of Virginia and Tennessee respecliveh'. The\' settled in Randolph Count\- in an early day, from whence they removed to Grant, and then in 1838 to Miami Countv, locating in Perrv Township, near Stockdale, living in that vicinitv until the death of Mr. Norman, which occurred in 1861. There the mother of our subject lived on the farm of Josephus until her death, which look place in 1876. Our subject was reared on the farm, remaining with his parents until he attained the age of twenty-six years. He received a common education, such as the facilities of his day afforded. Januar\- 27, 1856, his marriage with Sarah Ranck was solemnized, and to their union eleven children were born, of which these eight are now living: John F., who married Mary E. Smith: INIiles O., whose wife was Martha Enyart; Cynthia C, now Mrs. John W. Cleland: Milo J., Alonzo A., Sarah C, Elizabeth E. and Rosetta. October 30th, 1878, Mr. Norman suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. He has alwa\s made farming his occupation, and he has been ver\- successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He also owns and operates a threshing machine. In politics iie is a Republican, and he always manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of the count\ and community in which he lives, where he enjovs the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

HENRY SAUSAMAN, an enterprising farmer of Perry Township, is a native of Starke Count), Ohio, born March 31, 1833; the next to voungest in a famil}- of ten children born to John and Catharine ( Charet ) Sausaman. who were both natixes of Pennsylvania, from whence the\' emigrated to Ohio in 1830. The former died in 1845, when Henry was but twelve years old, leaving him to carve a fortune for himself. He had, up to that time, received \er}- little schooling and subsequently got still less. Thus he obtained a \ erv limited education. He engaged as a farm hand, and, by dint of his own industrv and economy, accunmlated sufHcient to purchase a farm of his own. August 25, 1855, his marriage with Catharine Feller was solemnized, and their union has been blessed with ten children, viz: Thomas J., who married Flora Huffman; Marv A., Edward F.. Urias B., Esther E.. wife of Enos Swihart: Lydia A., Daniel M., Albert H., Sarah J., and Melissa C. hi 1S64 he emigrated to Miami County and settled on the farm where he now lives, hi his \ocation of farming he has been uniformly successful, now owning 160 acres of well improved land. In politics Mr. Sausaman is a Democrat.

PROF. JACOB TATE, teacher in the jniblic schools at Gilead, a native of Rush Count}", Indiana, born January 16, 1848, is the eldest in a famih' of nine children born to William and Leanna (Mincks) Tate, who were natives of Bedford and Green Counties, Pennsylvania, respectively. Their parents emigrated to Indiana in a very early day. Subject's father settled in Miami County about 1853, of which he continued a resident until his death, which occurred March 7, 187 1. He was a blacksmith by trade, served his country gallantly during the entire war, enlisting in 1861 in Company A,

39th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which subsequently became the 8th Cavalry. He was with Sherman on his March to the Sea. and participated in all the engagements incident to that campaign. Our immediate subject always made his home with his parents, and, upon the death of his father,, became the support of his widowed mother. He received a common school education. He has always made teaching his occupation, in which profession he has been eminently successful, ranking as one of the best instructors of Miami County. Is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics an ardent Repul)]ican.

HEZEKIAH TOMBAUGH, native of Perry Town.s]iip, was born June 16, 1853, being the elder of two children born to George and Elizabeth (Thomas) ( Swihart | Tombaugh. George Tombaugh, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, October 28, 1796. He grew to manhood in his native State, and was reared on a farm. He married there Susanna Myers, by whom he was the father of ten children, as follows: Lucinda, born November 22, 1820: Elizabeth, born April 9, 1822: Isaiah, born May 11, 1824: Levi, born July 7, 1826; Aaron, born November 14, 1828: Mary Ann, born April 3, 1831; Sussana M, born February 9, 1834; George W., born December 24, 1837: Jacob M.. born May 7, 1840. He, with his family, moved to Ohio in 1831: one year later he removed to Indiana and Miami County, first -settling near Mexico, living there one year, when he moved to Perry Township, of which he continued a resident until his death, which occurred in 1880. His first wife died October 14, 1850. He was subsequently (March 6, 1851 ) married to Elizabeth (Thomas) Swihart. widow of Jonathan Swihart. To this marriage two children were born, Hezekiah, our subject, and Rebecca. February 18, 1856. Mr. Tombaugh always followed farming, in which he was successful. He was a member of the Dunkard Church, and always lived a true Christian. He united with that church in 1831. Our immediate subject has always lived at the old homestead. He received a good common school education. September 12, 1875, '^'^ marriage with Catherine M. Heddleson was solemnized, and to their union two children were born, both deceased. April 1 8. 1879, he suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. February 21, 1S83, his nuptials with Hannah Speck were celebrated, to whom have been born two children, George E. and Jessie. He has always made farming his occupation. . and he has been very successful. He now owns 124 acres of wellimproved land. He and wife are members of the Brethren Church. In politics lie is a Republican, and he alwa\s manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of his community, where he was honored, in 1886. by an election to the office of Township Trustee.

JOSEPH H. WAIT, a prominent citizen of Perry Township, was born in what is now Allen Township. March 6, 1839. He is the eldest of six children born to Sullivan and Margaret A. (Woods)

Biographkai, Sketches

Wait, who were natives of New York and Kentucky, respectively. Thev emigrated to Indiana and Miami Countv in 1838, settling on ilie farm where our subject was born, and on which he was reared to manhood, receiving a common school education sufficient to enable him to teach. At the age of twenty-two, July 2, 1861, he enlisted in C'onipan\' A, 26th Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, where he served with distinction until Jaiuiarv 15, 1866, durin which time he participated in a number of hard-fought engage ments. May 2, 1864, he was united in marriage to Marietta H. Wright, bv whom he became the father of the following named children: William S., Margaret, Joetta, Anna A., Frank H., Henr}- E., Earle, Emma. Laura E., Carrie M., and Marietta. Mr. Wait made farming his occupation until 1870. He then, for several years, divided his attention between that pursuit and selling sewing machines. From 1876 undl 1885, he was engaged in saw-milling; at the latter date he embarked in the mercantile business, and is now the proprietor of a hne store in the village of Gilead enjo}ing a thriving and remunerative business. No\ember 28, 1881, he met with the misfortune of losing his beloved wife. He is a member of the Masonic fraternit\-. Although not belonging to any church, he is a believer in the hopes of a Christian religion, and may always be found a faithful worker in the Sunda}--school. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and was twice the successful candidate of his part^- for the position of Township Trustee, filling that office in a verv creditable manner, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency.

JAMES WILDMAN, an old and respected citizen of Perry Township, was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, April 15, 181 7, the eldest in a family of eight children born to Joseph and Mary (Underwood) Wildman, who were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. They emigrated to Miami County in 1838. Two vears later they pre-empted a tract of land in Perry Township, where they lived until their deaths. The immediate subject of our sketch has always lived at the old homestead. The opportunities for acquiring an education ^vere in those days very limited, and his help, which was needed in clearing away the forest and putting the land in a state to cultivate, kept "him from taking advantage of the facilities that were afforded, hence he obtained no education. October 25, 1866. his marriage with Anna E. Carlisle was solemnized. To their union these three chilldren have been born: Carey, born .\ugust 6, 1868; Leroy, born October 20, 1870, and Alta. born November 23, 1872. Mr. Wildman is a successful farmer, and the owner of 120 acres of land in good condition. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a Republican.

WILLIAM E. WOOLLEY (farmer), of Perry Township, was born in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1816, the son and third of twelve children boi-n to Amos and Anna (Ellis) Woollev, both natives of New Jersev, of German descent. They emigrated to and settled in Indiana about 1846. The subject of our sketch learned the wagonmaking trade with his father, and followed that business until he came to Indiana. In early life he received a common education, one in keeping with the facilities afforded in those davs. June 29, 1839, he was united in marriage with Jane Cassel. To their union three children were born, Mary A., wife of Levi Carn, being the onlv surviving one. John N., a son bv this marriage, lost his life in the service of his country at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. Mrs. Woolley died January 29, 1845. January 28, 1847, Sarah T. Lewis became his wife. By her he is the father of ten children, these eight now living: Jennie C, wife of Brazil Fagan: Alexander H., who married Allie Paxton: Gilbert L., Alice, consort of Burch Doud; Cora B.. now Mrs. Charles Cool: Clara M., wife of Milo VanLeer: William E. and Elizabeth. Januarv 21, 1879, Mr. Woollev again suffered the bereavement of losing his wife. His vocation, since coming to Indiana, has been farming, in which he has been uniformh' successful. He is tile proprietor of 122 acres of improved land in Miami County and 64 acres located in Henry Count\-, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican, and has been honored with an election to the offices of Township Assessor and Trustee.