Noble County, Indiana - The whole text, 1902 (part 19 of 21)

Curtis Brouse

This sterling representative of one of the substantial families of Noble county, Ind.. earned distinction during the dark days of the Rebellion as a gallant defender of the Union on many bloody battlefields, and of recent years has served his fellow-citizens in various important official positions. Mr. Brouse is a genuine son of the Buckeye state. Whatever was best and most distinctive in the spirit and dominant influence there he fully responded to and was thus well and usefully equipped for his subsequent career as one of the leading agriculturists and representative men of affairs in the county and state of his adoption.

Born on a farm in the count}- of Medina, October 20, 1840. Curtis Brouse remained in the state of his nativity until about fourteen years of age, when, in company with \m parents, he came to Noble county, locating in Allen township, where, with the exception of five years spent in Michigan, he has since made his home. In earlv life he attended the district schools of his native state and later pursued his studies at intervals during his minority in Noble county, thus laying the foundation for a practical education which contact with the business world later enabled him to obtain. On the home farm he learned lessons of industry I and frugality, and after assisting his father until his majority turned his attention to agriculture, which he has since made his life work. For some years Mr. Brouse managed the home farm and made a number of valuable improvements, including fencing, tile drainage and buildings which in all their appointments compare favorably with the best in the township of Allen. At this time he is the fortunate possessor of one hundred and forty acres of finely cultivated land, the beauty and value of which have been greatly enhanced by various kinds of improvements, not the least of which are the large and carefully selected orchard containing all kinds of fruit grown in this latitude, and the many fine shade trees, both deciduous and evergreen, make the place in every respect an attractive and ideal country home.

Mr. Brouse is a farmer of taste, and while he spares no reasonable expense in beautifying and making attractive everything upon his premises, he also believes in the dignity of his calling as a tiller of the soil, and his influence has ever been exerted in behalf of a higher standard of citizenship, realizing that the progress and prosperity of the country depend largely upon the intelligence of the rural population and the wealth drawn from the soil in different lines of agriculture. He has contributed much to the material advancement of the township in which he lives, and his standing as a broadminded and liberal man of affairs caused him to be elected trustee of Allen township, the duties of which office he discharged in an eminently satisfactory mannner for one term. His incumbency was marked by ?

number of substantial improvements, and few trustees have displayed as great ability or discharged as worthily the important trust reposed in them by their fellow-citizens. Mr. Brouse has always been public spirited, and the interest he takes in matters political has made him a recognized leader of the Republican party in Allen township. A careful student of all great public questions and issues, he forms his opinion only after carefully and intelligently investigating them. His wide reading and research long ago convinced him that the party with which he is now identified embodies the principles best calculated to subserve the interest of thee ountry, and having the courage of his convictions he defends tenaciously any stand taken, while his counsels, as well as his active work in the ranks during the progress of campaigns, have contributed much to; the party's success in both township and county. In recognition of his valuable service as a party worker he was elected in 1895 a member of the county commissioners' court. The sound judgment displayed while holding this highly important office and the interest he took in looking after the public good led to his re-election, and it is a verdict generally expressed that the county has never been served by a more capable, judicious and painstaking official.

On the 1st day of July, 1864, Mr. Brouse entered into the marriage relation with Miss Elvira E. Matthews, whose birth - occurred in Grant county, this state, May 7, 1846. The issue of this union is one child - Ulysses C. Brouse, at this time a well-known resident and successful farmer and stock raisei of the township of Allen. Ulysses C. married Miss Jennie Tyler, of Allen, and with

Mr. Brouse was one of the first of Noble county's loyal citizens to tender his services to the government in the dark days of the Rebellion, when treason was rife and the perpetuity of our free institutions was | threatened. In August, 1861, he enlisted in J Company F. Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer | Infantry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war for a period of : twenty-one months in the Army of the Cum berland. During his period of. service he took part in several very active campaigns and participated in a number of bloody engagements, the most noted of which were the battles of Shiloh and Stone River and the siege of Corinth. He was with his regiment in the memorable march from Battle Creek, Ala., to Louisville - an experience never to be forgotten by reason of the suffering the soldiers were compelled to undergo before arriving at their destination. A short time prior to the sanguinary battle of Stone River his command took a leading part in several minor but very sanguinary engagements, in all of which he bore himself as a brave and gallant defender of the flag, being always ready to respond to any duty and hesitating at no danger however threatening.

In the battle of Stone River Mr. Brouse was assigned to duty on the picket line, and while serving thus was shot through the left lung. The wound disabled him, and during the heat of the battle which raged all around him he lay on the field two days and one night without water or nourishment of any kind. He received the shot just at break of day, and such was the dangerous nature of the wound that he laid as one dead, he being in the hands of the Confederates. His agony while alone on the "border land'' cannot be described or even imagined by those who have never similarly suffered, but, imbued with a strong will, he exerted every power at his command not to give up, realizing that if he once became discouraged death would inevitably ensue. Late in the evening of the second day he was discovered by a troop of Texan Rangers, who carried him to a Confederate field hospital, where his wound was dressed and everything else conducive to his comfort was done. From Stone River he was removed with other prisoners to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where after three days he was paroled, the enemy evacuating the town at the end of this time and leaving him and many others in their haste to escape the Federal advance.

As soon as he was sufficiently recovered to be moved Mr. Brouse was sent to Nashville. Tenn., where he received hospital treatment and later was taken to Louisville. Ky., where he remained for some time in the care of surgeons and competent nurses. Subsequently he was transferred to a hospital at Ouincy, 111., where on the nth day of May, 1863, he received his discharge, returning to his home in Noble countv immediately thereafter.

Mr. Brouse's military experience is replete with duty bravely and uncomplainingly performed and his record is one of which any soldier might well feel proud. He went to the front in the strength and buovancy of vigorous manhood but returned shattered and in broken health. Realizing that by such sacrifices his beloved country was re- united, he never repined, but, like thousands of other heroes who wore the blue, he bore his wound and suffering with becoming dignity and with the spirit of the true patriot, and is proud of the part he took in the great struggle, never having regretted the blood he shed upon the altar of duty.

Since leaving the army Mr. Brouse has devoted his attention wholly to farming and stock raising, with a success second to that of none of his neighbors and fellow-citizens. He is an active member of Nelson Post, No. 69, G. A. R., at Kendallville, in which he has filled various official positions ; and among his most pleasing experiences is to meet with his old comrades and companions in arms and recall the perilous times when on march, around camp fire or in the heat of battle they faced the hosts of treason and offered their lives in defense of the Federal Union.

As a citizen fully alive to all that interests or benefits the public, Mr. Brouse is recognized as one of the representative men of his township and county. In his neighborhood he is looked up to as a safe and reliable counselor in business affairs and hia wholesome advice has more than once led to amicable adjustments of matters which otherwise might have led to long and vexatious litigations. He is a natural leader and to a considerable extent a molder (if opinion and director of thought in the community where he resides. His aim has always been to do the right as he sees and understands the right, and his judgment as a man of affairs and his wise f i iresight in the domain of business have won fur him a reputation such as few attain. He is popular with all and is pre-eminently honest and honorable, with the one idea of doing Ids whole duty to God and his fellow-man ever prominently in view.

For a number of years Mr. Brouse has been an earnest and pious member of the Protestant Methodist church, to which body Ids wife also belongs. He has been called to fill different official positions in the local congregation with which he is identified, and by liberal contributions has done much to spread the gospel both at home and abroad.

The father of the subject of this sketch was also named Curtis Brouse, and was a native of Ohio; and the maiden name of the mother was Rebecca Wall, whose birth occurred in the state of Pennsylvania. They were married in Medina county, Ohio, and came to^ Noble county, Ind., in the fall of 1854, settling in the township of Allen, where the mother departed this life at the age of fifty-six. Curtis Brouse, Sr., was a successful farmer and accumulated a handsome property besides doing much in a quiet way to promote the material prosperity of the county where he lived. He survived his wife a number of years, dying in the city of Kendallville at the advanced age of eightyfour. The family of Curtis and Rebecca Brouse consisted of six children, namely : Susanna, wife of George Myer, of Charlotte, Mich.: Polly, widow of John Stam, of Noble county : Peter, accidentally killed a number of years ago in the town of Easton, Mich.; Curtis, of this biography; Henry, ai retired farmer of Charlotte, Mich. ; and Jeremiah \Y., a well-known and successful business man of Kendallville.

in Indiana, Elizabeth Helman. He took up his residence in Grant county, Wis., where he lived until he came to the county of Noble and purchased a good farm in Allen township. The year following her coming to this county Mrs. Matthews died and subsequently Mr. Matthews was joined in wedlock to Elizabeth Layering. After a residence of some years in Noble Mr. Matthews changed his residence to the county of Lagrange, where his death afterward occurred when sixty-nine years old. To his first man riage were born children as follows : Sylvia, wife of W- Lincoln, of Sturgis, Mich. ; Mary M., wife of Ira Wilson; Elvira E.. wife of the subject of this sketch ; Albert T. : Martha J., now Airs. Henry Brouse; Hester E., wife of Arthur Poole ; Chester E. ; Lydia H., who married Frank Hartell ; and Elliott P. The second marriage of Mr. Matthews resulted in the birth of two children, a son and daughter; the daughter died in infancy and the son. Homer, is a farmer of Lagrange county. Ind.

Mr. Brouse and bis son are directly interested in the breeding of the Delaine Merino and French Rambelay sheep of thoroughbred grade, have been eminently successful and have been in the business for eighteen years.

Mr. Brouse, Jr., has been selected as judge of sheep, swine and cattle at state and county fairs, which at once indicates his fitness. Their sheep have taken first and second premiums at various fairs in the many years gone by.

The son resides on the estate with his father, and they have one little son, Don, who is an exceedingly bright little boy and the only grandchild.

Robert S. Haines

There is no arbitrary rule for winning success, yet in the life of every successful man are always important lessons which may be followed. The individual who- gains property and wins for himself a name among, his fellows is the one who sees and utilizes, the opportunities that come in his pathway. The essential conditions of human life are. ever much the same, the surroundings of men differing more in imagination than in. fact. When one individual passes another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity it is largely because he possesses the power to use advantages which probably encompass the whole civilized race. In the life of the well-known business man and prominent citizen whose brief biography is. herewith presented is found the- ability to utilize every advantage that comes his way, besides a power to create rather than to wait for those opportunities deemed essential to success in any profession or vocation.

Robert S. Haines was born on a farm iiT Snyder county, Penn., February 14, 1835, his father being Samuel P. Haines, also a native of the same county and state. The mother of Robert S. was born September 17, 1 813, in Juniata county, Penn., her family being among the oldest settlers in that section of the Keystone state. Her maiden name was Anna Mary Smith, and she remained in the place of her nativity until her removal, in 1842, to Noble county, Ind.

Samuel P. and Anna M. Haines located in the woods about one-half mile northeast of the present site of A villa, where the father obtained in a trade a quarter section of land, upon which he at once began a system of in:- provements. In course of time he cleared and otherwise developed a good farm and continued to live on the same a number of years, meeting with encouraging success as a farmer and earning the reputation of a moral and law-abiding citizen. Late in life he retired from the farm to the town of Avilla, where he closed a long and useful career in 1891. Airs. Haines is remembered as a woman of many excellent traits, and during the early years of her pioneer experience proved a brave helpmeet to her husband, contributing much by her counsel as well as with the labor of her hands to the success he subsequently attained as a farmer and business man. She died September 17, 1887, on the seventy-fourth anniversary of her birth, and her taking off was deeply lamented in the community where she had been so long and so favorably known.

Samuel P. and Anna Mary Haines had a family of nine children, whose names are as follows: Albert L., deceased; Robert S., Whose name introduces this article ; Laroma. deceased; Thomas E., deceased; Joseph \Y., a farmer and stock raiser of Allen township; George G, deceased; Henry H., of Fort Wayne. Ind. ; Jeanette L, widow of the late W. L. Wood; and John P., a resident of the township of Allen.

Robert S. Haines was a lad of seven years when his parents came to Noble county, since which time he has spent the greater part of his life within the limits of Allen township. Reared to maturity in a new and comparatively undeveloped country, he shared the vicissitudes of life on his father's farm, where, as soon as old enough, lie was set to work with an ax to cut away the fores! gri wth with which the ground was then incumbered. In the old-fashioned log1 school house he obtained a knowledge of the rudimentary branches of learning, and while not educated, in the common use of the term, he has always been a reader and an intelligent observer. By coming in contact with the world in various business capacities he has become a remarkably well-informed man, having a wide and varied knowledge of current events besides being well posted in the political history of the country. Until his twenty-first year he remained under the parental roof, assisting to run the farm and looking after his parents' interests. On the 22d day of December, 1856, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock to> Miss Permelia Baum, a native of Pennsylvania, and immediately thereafter turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he carried on for some time in connection with the manufacture of lumber.

Mr. Haines set up his first domestic establishment in the town of Avilla, where in the course of a few years he engaged in the mercantile business, abandoning the farm and mill for this purpose. For a period of nearly seventeen years he conducted with success and profit a general store, which became the most important establishment of the kind in the village. By carefully studying the tastes and demands of the trade he built up a large and lucrative business, and his great personal popularity was not the least factor in procuring for him numerous well-paying customers.

While selling goods Mr. Haines was appointed local agent at Avilla for the G R. & I. Railroad Company - a position which he filled for nearly, if not quite, twenty vears. In connection with merchandisins; and the duties of the above office he was for some years extensively engaged in buying and shipping butter, eggs and general produce, and during President Cleveland's second administration he served as postmaster of Avilla.

Mr. Haines is essentially a business man and possesses a wonderful capacity for hard work. His life has been a very busy one and the results of his well-directed efforts have materialized in a handsome fortune which will enable him to spend the remainder of his days free from any anxiety as regards the future. Possessing the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, he was elected a number of years ago trustee of Allen township, an office which he held by successive re-elections for nine terms. As a public servant he discharged his every duty faithfully and well, and it was during his incumbency that many important improvements in the township were inaugurated and carried to successful completion. As a member of the school board of Avilla he was untiring in his efforts to- promote the cause of education in the town, in addition to which he has always been found in the van of every movement having for its object the moral, intellectual and material advancement of the community.

Mr. Haines is a progressive man. and as such is easily the peer of any of his contemporaries in Allen township or Noble county. For nearly sixty years an honored resident of this section of the state, he has a wide acquaintance and has always been highly esteemed as a gentleman of upright character and strict integrity. He is an earnest Democrat and has been identified with that organization ever since old enough to exercise the right of franchise. An active worker, he is not offensively partisan, many of his greatest admirers and warmest personal friends being opposed to him politically. As a friend and neighbor he possesses j characteristics which render him popular with all classes, and no man in the township of Allen enjoys a larger measure of public confidence. A friend to the poor and unfortunate, his ears are ever open to tales of distress, and no worthy object of charity ever appealed to him in vain. His has indeed been a full life, fraught with great good in humanity, and it is such citizens that constitute the basis of our country's prosperity, and to such will it continue to be indebted for its future greatness and progress.

Mr. Haines' first wife was born June 15, 1839, and departed this life on the 30th day of September, 1874; she bore her husband children as follows: Ida M., who died in early childhood; Sarah M. also died when quite young; Emma G., wife of John L. Henry; Roxanna M., who died in her youth ; Gertie M. died when eleven years old; Milton B. is a resident of Missouri; and Irvin D. died December 25, 1900, in San Francisco, Cal.

Mr. Haines' second marriage was solemnized October 5, 1875, with Rebecca E. Swinehart, daughter of Joshua H. and Sarah Elizabeth (Sparr) Swinehart, both parents natives of Ohio. - the father born February 2, 182 1, and the mother on the 17th day of November, 1826.

Joshua and Sarah E. Swinehart came to Noble county. Ind.. in October, 1847. an(' settled in the township, of Allen, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs.

Swinehart died at Avilla in August, 1895, after a lung and useful life. She was the mother uf the following children, Emanuel S., Rebecca E., Robert E. and one that died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Haines was born in Wyandott county, Ohio, June 24, 1850, and has presented her husband with two children - Gertie M., who died in her twelfth year, and E. Floy.

Mr. and Mrs. Haines are earnest and pious members of the Methodist Episcopal church, noted for their good work in behalf of all religious and benevolent enterprises. Faithful to their religious vows, they demonstrate by lives of earnest work the beautiful faith they profess and aim so to conduct themselves as to do all the good then can in the Master's service. The influence of their examples has led many to abandon the ways of sin, and the future, both in the lifq that now is and in the afterwhile, awaits them with abundant reward.

Empirical though the science of medical practice may be, and the art of surgery equally experimental, modern appliances in both of these branches of the healing of the ills of human nature and the pathological study that leads to a knowledge of them make the physician of the present day an acknowledged scientist, of which class in the state of Indiana the subject o<f this sketch stands at the head, not only having had his clinical practice during the "piping times of peace" but during the devastating scenes of war having witnessed many surgical operations.

F. H. Broughton was born in Allen township, Noble county, Ind., April 20, 1849, an(l at tlie early age of fourteen was so aroused in spirit at the vile efforts of the fire-eaters of the south, as they were fabulously called, that he heroically volunteered in defense of the integrity of his nation's flag - boy as he was.

In the spring of 1863 this gallant youth enlisted in Company F, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and faithfully served until the close of the war, taking part in all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign, beginning at Chickamauga and closing as an attendant upon Dr. Norman Teal, surgeon of the regiment, in the care of the sick and wounded. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, under General Sherman, and among its earliest engagements was that of Resaca, Ga., which was a hot action. Whilst his division was crossing the little stream of water his orderly sergeant was killed at the Doctor's left side and his first lieutenant was also killed. The bullet which killed the orderly sergeant passed through the Doctor's hat, which was a close call for his life. At the battles of Kenesaw, Buzzards Roost, Jonesboroi and Peach Tree Creek the Doctor aided in the care of the wounded.

Two great epochs in the Doctor's soldier life he will never forget - one the surrender of Lee to Grant. April 9, which was received with much joy by the "boys in blue," for it meant home and loved ones again, and just subsequent to that memorable date came the sad intelligence of the assassination of the great and goofl Lincoln, which cast a gloom over the entire nation. Dr. Broughton was at Charleston. S. C, when this news reached" him. He was at the grand review at Washington, D. C. He was at Raleigh. X. C, when the last battle of the war was f< mghl al Bentonville, N. C.

The Doctor witnessed a battle scene at Peach Tree Creek which would have been most sublime for a grand military painting, as it exhibited the utmost firmness and bravery of the American soldiers. The charges and counter charges of the Federals and Confederates mowed down men like grass before the scythe of the reaper.

After an honorable discharge from the service of his country the embryo physician returned to his home in Noble county and assisted his father on the farm, and also attended school at Kendallville for one year, then attended the Auburn high school a year, and then the high school at Charlotte, Mich., for two years, having in view all this time the study i >f medicine. He began his preparatory course in the study of this science in the office of Dr. Teal at Kendallville, and there studied under Dr. J. L. Gilbert, devoting a year each to student work under these eminent physicians. He then entered the Detroit (Mich.) Medical College and diligently studied the art for four years, and during the last year of that period had charge of the Foundling's Home in the same city. He graduated from the Detroit Medical College with the class of 1873, and in 1874 was graduated from the medical department of the Indiana State University.

In January, 1875, Dr. Broughton formed a co-partnership with Dr. J. Dancer, of South Milford. Lagrange county. Ind., and together they conducted quite a lucrative business for three years, Dr. Broughton in the meantime establishing for himself a reputation as a physician and surgeon rarely secured by a young practitioner in so Short a time. In February, 1878, the Doctor settled in Wolcottville, and the wisdom of this decision has since been fully demonstrated, as he has here met with a warm and appreciative clientele, and has been in constant practice ever since, with the exception of about two years passed in California and in some of the southern states, whither he had gone to recuperate his own shattered health, which had been overtaxed in the onerous performance of his duties in the practice of his profession, his calls being multitudinous and in man}- instances arduous in their character and treatment. The Doctor patiently and dutifully attended every case, however, continually advancing his reputation and replenishing his purse.

Dr. Broughton stands to-day as high in the practice of medicine as any physician of his age in northern Indiana, and is m >w but on the verge of middle life. During the past quarter of the present century, which is comprehended within the lifetime of the Doctor, the divine art of healing has taken its most lengthened strides toward the ideal state of perfection for which, not many years ago, the disciples of Esculapius so ardently yearned, and with these studies the Doctor has kept an equal pace. He is now an honored member of the Indiana State Medical Association and of the International Association of Railway Surgeons, to which societies he has contributed many valuable papers founded on his professional experiences, and he is also the local surgeon for the Wabash Railway Company, as well as a

Dr. Broughton was united in marriage at South Milford, Ind., December 24, 1876, with Miss Abbie Call, who was born in Wayne township, Noble county, Ind., August 20, 1859, and is a daughter of Joseph and Olivia (Learned) Call. This congenial union is graced with one son, Bernard Forrest, who still survives, but the Doctor and wife have l>een deprived of one who died in infancy. The son, Bernard F., in his educational career has finished the first eight grades of the public schools at Wolcottville and entered the college at Hillsdale, Mich., in 1900, and took up the literary course of study. His taste runs to the agricultural held.

The father of the Doctor was William Broughton, who was of Scotch-English descent and was born in Ohio and died in Kansas when seventy-three years old; the Doctor's mother bore the maiden name of Rebecca Cosper and was a native of Pennsylvania and died in Allen township when fiftytwo. The father of Mrs. Dr. Broughton died in Denver, Colo., and her mother in Wayne township, Noble county, Ind., when she was sixty-one years old. Mrs. Broughton is a devoted member of the Baptist church, and the Doctor, though not a professor of the creed of any religious society, is a liberal contributor to the support of all the churches in his neighborhood. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his maiden vote for Grant.

The Doctor has erected for himself one of the finest dwellings in Wolcottville. although he started in life as a poor man. but he had formed a resolution to succeed in whatever career he should enter upon, and this resolution he has adhered to with unwavering pertinacity. How well he has succeeded is shown by the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-practitioners and by his neighbors and innumerable friends, and his high standing in the profession and his large practice.

The United States government, as a rule, selects its appointees to office from the ablest and most prominent citizens of their respective states or localities, and its wisdom in this regard was not at fault when it selected John N. DeCamp as its postmaster of Avilla, Noble county, Ind.

John N. DeCamp was born in Albion, Noble county, Ind., December 1. 1857, but is now a resident of Avilla, in the same county, being the postmaster of Avilla and being at the same time engaged in the general merchandise business. His father was the late Samuel M. DeCamp, who was born in Washington county, Penn., April 16, 1826. and his mother, before her marriage, was known as Miss Elizabeth Easterday, who was a native of New Jersey and was born February 22, 1829. These parents came from Richland county, Ohio, in 1853, and settled near Albion. Noble county, Ind., where the father engaged in farming; but his death, however, occurred in Jefferson township, in the same county, October II, 1899. They had born to them a family of seven children, in the following order: Melancthon O.. who is a resident of Jefferson township; Victorine A., who is the wife of Isaiah X. Shook; John N., of this sketch; George E., of St. Louis, Mo. ; William L., a farmer in Jefferson township, Noble county, Ind. ; Florence K., who is married to Benjamin F. Easly, of Albion, this count)-; and Ann Ella.

John N. DeCamp was educated in the common schools of his district in Noble county and at the high school in Albion. He retained his residence under the parental roof until he was twenty-eight years of age, and up to that time had been engaged in farming. On March 25, 1886, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Laura A. Easly, who was born September n, i860, on the old Easly homestead in Jefferson township, and is a daughter of Jacob and Mary Easly, wild had come from Ohio to Noble county early in the "fifties, and there passed the remainder of their lives.

Immediately on marrying Mr. DeCamp rented a farm in Green township, on which he lived two years and then settled in Avilla, where he has since been engaged in the mercantile business. July 1, 1897. Mr. De- Camp was appointed, under President Mc- Kinley's administration, postmaster of Avilla. and has since filled the office with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the public.

Mr. DeCamp has always been active in his participation in the affairs of the Republican party, and for ten years and upward has been a member of the Republican county central committee, which has been greatly benefited by his sage advice and ripe experience ; he has been twice chosen delegate to state Republican conventions and once as alternate, the local members of the part)' having unbounded confidence in his loyalty,

Mr. DeCamp is an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Avilla, in the faith of which he and wife will rear their three children - Arthur J.. Clara L. and Samuel M.

Jacob M. Haines

Successful farming is an art not acquired from the reading of books simply, although agricultural literature will always prove to be a most valuable auxiliary in the hands of the reflecting and experimenting tiller of the soil. The great book of nature is. however, the Alpha and Omega of the wiser farmers' true literature, and the lessons therein studied impart the knowledge which leads to a triumphant mastery of this oldest of all industries.

Jacob M. Haines, a retired fanner residing in Avilla, Noble county, Ind., is one of those wise agriculturists who have had the good fortune of early studying and practicing the art of agriculture in such a manner as to secure substantial and permanent results, and a story of his plain and unostentatious mode of life is well worthy of perusal.

Mr. Haines was born in Juniata county. Penn., February 10. 1848. and is a son of Jacob and Sarah ( Winegardner) Haines, also natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Sarah Haines passed away from her home in Juniata county, Penn., in 1853, ner son> Jacob

M., being then about five years old only, and in March, 1855, Jacob Haines came to Noble county, Ind., with seven of his family of eight children, and settled on a farm of which Avilla is now a part, he having later laid out a portion of the town himself. Nine years later, however, he removed to< Swan township, where he resided several years. Jacob Haines then returned to Avilla, where he lived in retirement until his decease, in September, 1886, in his eighty-second year.

The eight children born to Jacob and Sarah Haines were named as follows : Margaret, who was married to Solomon Hoffman and died in Illinois; Catherine, who is the wife of Ira M. King, of Swan township, whose sketch will be found in another page ; Elizabeth, of Avilla ; Sarah, wife of George Bricker; Mary, deceased; Jane, of Avilla; Jacob M., the subject of this sketch; George W., who died in Avilla in 1887.

Jacob M. Haines lived under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twentytwo years, when he went to Muskegon, Mich., where he was employed in a sawmill for eight years and then returned to Noble ci mnty, Ind., and purchased a farm of eightytwo acres a mile and a half north of Avilla, and this he occupied nineteen years before retiring from active labor to pass the remainder of his life in ease and comfort within the limits of the village.

The marriage of Jacob M. Haines took place in Noble county, Ind., March 17, 1874, to Miss Florence P. Holmes, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, near Mount Vernon, November 2. 1850 - a daughter of Lemuel and Nancy (Young) Holmes. Her father, Lemuel Holmes, was born in Baltimore, Md., and his wife, Nancy, was a native of

Fayette county, Penn. From Knox county, Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes removed to' Dekalb county, Ind., in 185 1, and there lived, greatly respected, for eighteen years, when they came to Noble county. Here the mother died in Allen township, and the father on March 4, 1899, in the seventyseventh year of his age. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Holmes had been born six children, in the following order : Milton E., who is now a resident of Swan township; Mary R-, who is married to Allen Willits, of Ligonier; Florence P., the wife of Jacob M. Haines; Olivia M., wife of John W. Wilson, of Allen township; Howard S., residing in California; and Frank J., who died in Allen township when fifteen years old. To Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Haines have been born two children,, namely : Minnie, who died in infancy, and Arthur Howard, who resides in Kendallville, Ind., is married to May Bodenhaffer and has one child, Norman. Mr. and Mrs. Haines are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Haines has held a number of important offices. In politics he has always acted with the Democratic part}-, but has never sought a public position.

Mr. Haines had indeed depended upon the practical working of his farm in acquiring his competence, and he knew how to work it. He was a judge of 'the character or cpiality of soils and the characteristics of the grasses and grains for which his soil was suited and what to sow to produce the most profitable results. His appreciation of modern farm implements and machinery was accurate and well considered before he invested his means in their purchase. His knowledge of composts and fertilizers was

;te and exhaustive. Rotation of was with him a matter of deep and t study, and drainage, with its imwent to Pennsylvania and were lost sight of, thev keeping the name Thiele. Samuel, following the custom of the time and place, hes, but as ened con- done to influence y. he libwith him

M., being then about five years old only, and Fayette county, Penn. From Knox c< in March, 1855, Jacob Haines came to No- 1 Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes removed 1 ble county, Ind., with seven of his family of kalb county, Ind., in 185 1, and there

Chicago Office

Rememberirv- ray promise to call on your so;ae days a^;o and Jcx fearing my inability to see you on my next trip there prompts me to address you.. I would like Doctor for you to fill out the questions in the enclosed booklet, which will ^ive us material to -prepare for you a complete "biographical mention; I also enclose you a blank order and would state that if you desire a copy of this work it would be necessay for you to place your ord^r for same before the work is published as tb the issue is limited to actual subscribers and if you have any friends who wish a copy of the work it would be well for you to tell them so.

We begin composition on the publication on the first of the year, promptly, and the work will be pushed as fast as possible until its completion.

Trusting that you will avor me with an early reply so that I may be able to ^et your sketch edited and returned to you for correction without delay and thank in-: you in advance for the favor, I am complete and exhaustive. Rotation of crops was with him a matter of deep and earnest study, and drainage, with its immense benefits to cold or wet soil, was a matter that early attracted his attention and of which he did not fail to avail himself. Suffice it to say that he was. as lung as he gave his attention to the tilling of his land, one of the most successful farmers in his township, and is now enjoying in quiet comfort the well-earned competency with which he has been rewarded, and the unfeigned respect of his fellow-citizens.

George Teal's ancestors were German, through Sweden, and came to America during the early part of the seventeenth century and settled in Maryland, near what was afterward called Ellicott's Mills, where Samuel, the grandfather of the present generation, was born and passed his early manhood, taking some part in the war for independence. It was during this war service that the name was Anglicized and became Teal on the roll, and lie allowed it to stand, as years afterward General Grant did hi) surname at West Point. There were five brothers in the family, namely : Samuel, Chester. John. Abram and Philip.

Samuel, after peace was declared, married Katharine Xeff, of the Saylor-Neff family - a family that has given a number of members to the house of representatives, and preachers by the score to the Dunkard and other churcheSj - one brother moved to Franklin county, Ya. : the other brothers went to Pennsylvania and were lost sight of, they keeping the name Thiele. Samuel, following the custom of the time and place, became a planter and held his slaves, but as children were born to him an awakened conscience pointed to the wrong being done to human beings, and, fearing the influence slavery might have on his progeny, he liberated his servants and took them with him to Preble county, Ohio, in 1805.

George Teal, born July 27, 1799. grew to manhood in Ohio. and. following the traditions of the family, became a farmer, caring nothing for the chase, war or politics, but sought rather to commune with nature and do whatsoever his hands found needful. In 1826, May 17, he married Nancy Brower, who was born December 25, [805, daughter of Abraham Brower, of Montgomery count}-, Ohio, who was a son of John Brower.

The Browers were of Swiss descent ami came to America late in the sixteenth centurv and settled in Maryland. Later John Brower moved to Rockingham county, Ya., where Abraham was born and married Elizabeth Harter. This union gave twelve children, seven girls and five boys, all of whom reached full manhood and womanj hood - married and had families before death claimed any.

George Teal lived in Preble county, Ohio, until the spring of [X^j. but during the fall of 1835 or spring of 1836 he. with, his brother Joseph, made a trip on horseback through Indiana, across the state to Vincennes, up the Wabash to Logansport, thence to Michigan City and South Bend, where they found an old acquaintance, the elder Studehaker. After a short stay in St. Joe county they came on through to Elkhart county, stopping at Goshen and Benton in their search of the new home they had planned on making. The country was delightful to look upon, but the ideahsprings of running water and heavy timber had not been found. It was at Benton that they learned of two sections of land that had been given by an old chief to his two daughters and reserved from the general cession. The treaty of 1828 at St. Joe, Mich., confirmed their title, but their hearts had passed to the keeping of two pale-faces and they were ready to' abandon their tribal life, surrender, their ancestral forest home and join their trader husbands at the South-bend.

The land in Noble county, section 21, Perry township, came nearest filling the ideal, and was purchased jointly, allowing the Elkhart river, which runs through it from southeast to northwest, to be the dividing line, George taking the northern part. In the summer of 1837 they, with their families, came via Indianapolis and Michigan City to their new homes. George's family at that time consisted of seven children : DeWitt C, Gustavus A., Norman, Theron, Rebecca, Elizabeth and George B., a child in arms. Four more children were born to them, Albert (in Elkhart county), Harriet. Joseph M. and Mary Elnora. The latter died at the age of twenty-two months.

A somewhat pretentious two-story hewed-log house, 40x20 feet, was built, with a wide porch along its southern side (the Virginia style transplanted to Indiana). This house burned in January, 1848, stripping the family of everything except the clothing each was wearing.

I have often heard my father and mother speak of this as being the hardest trial they were ever called upon to pass through. In the dead of winter, food for the year, all the clothing and other comforts that had been prepared for the family, heirlooms that had been for generations treasured, were all destroyed. The children were taken here and there among neighbors until a temporary housing could be made.

My remembrance of some of the uncomfortable conditions following this burning are very distinct. I had been burned and frozen by fever and ague all the summer before until there was not much left of the boy except a robust appetite and a prolific bawl, yet I had the best of the things, and my bed, a sheepskin tanned with the wool on, in the new slab house built before the winter was passed, was a great luxury, for we all slept on the floor, thirteen of us - mother next to the fire with Elnora, myself next, and so on back according to age, father taking the outside. In this way we had covering enough with the aid of a large fireplace to keep warm. This house, in the dead of night, caught fire, but the slabs were too green to burn and that alone saved us. Many interesting incidents of family and neighborly experiences could be given but are not' of so' general a nature as to warrant their being related.

in 1864 father moved from the old homestead, the acres of which had been greatly reduced by bail-debt, to' Ligonier. thus separating the brothers. Uncle Joseph remained in his old home and died there more than thirty vears later, at the asfe of ninety-three. The next year, 1865, father bought a farm near Wawaka, and lived there until 1873, when he returned to Ligonier, where he died September 11, 1876. Mother died in her home in Ligonier, November 2 1 , 1882.

In politics father was a Whig before he was a Republican, and while he graciously accepted the tenets of the party would never accept an office. He took an enthusiastic interest in the campaign of Fremont in 1856 and Lincoln's in 1864, but the Harrison campaign of 1840 undoubtedly was an epoch to him. as he was personally acquainted with the old general and, with his father, had visited him at North Bend, renewing the old Virginia friendship. In religion his creed was 'Think no evil, speak no evil,' and I believe he came as near accomplishing this as is possible for man. His church was the Dunkard, or German Baptist."

Of the eleven children born to George and Nancy Teal, five have passed to the great beyond. They were: Mary Elnora. born 1846. died 1848: Elizabeth, born 1835, married Lot G. Carr in 1854 and died in Ligonier in 1856, leaving one daughter.. Elizabeth (Shobe) ; Theron, born 183 1. (farmer) married Elizabeth Simmons 1857, twelve children, died in Kansas 1896'

Gustavus A., born 1828. (blacksmith), mar-1 ried Lucinda Hathaway 1854; three children, Walter V., Ida (Hays) and Harry; died in Ligonier in 1898; Norman, M. D., born 1829, assistant surgeon of the Eightyeighth Indiana Volunteers, was with Sherman on his march to the sea, served two terms in the legislature and was prominent in professional and civic life, and married Electa Shupe in 1855: George A. Teal,

Of the remaining children, DeWitt C. born 1827. blacksmith] lives in Ligoner charter member of the first Masonic lodge in the county; married Caroline Fisher-Huston in 1859* three children - Norris H., Morton D. and Caroline (Michaels). Rebecca, born in 1833, >h*vw.-c(j " Augustus P. Frink. / $So. turidioux) t)o<xm-}aA> ~~ nve children living: Homer B., Ella (Williamson), Emma (Thew), Edwin, and Ada (Holman). George B., born in 1837, (jiruggisl Brimfield. «Spent years traveling in the west; clerk of the circuit court 1877, married Anna A. Mason 1861. Anna died 1863, leaving two children, Adda and William B. Adda died soon after her mother. 1880 George B. married Elizabeth Redfield-Ray. They have no children. Albert, born 1839, enlisted in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteers. wounded on the skirmish line at Resaca, Gaj entered the United States mail service in Califor-

! riage occurred in 1882 to Samuel Stuart. She now lives in Detroit. Mich. Has no children. Joseph M., bora in 1844. f dentist ) K^tUoutZvUtt^ - __ member of the Indiana State Dental Association since 1877; has held its highest offices.

He married Mary J. Crone, daughter of John Crone, of Allen township, in 1867. Five children came of this union, but death j robbed it of three, viz: Kathrine. in 1873; Harriet, in 1881 ; and Angeline, in 1882. In 1887 Mrs, Mary J. Teal died, leaving with her husband two daughters : Martha E., now Mrs. Verling W. Helm, of Japan; and Miss Josephine M. In 1889 Mr. Teal married Sarah J. Caul, daughter of Sylvester Caul, of Sturgis, Mich. They have two children, viz : Helen C. and George M.

[We take the liberty of here inserting a short personal sketch of Joseph M., written by a prominent citizen of Kendallville and one who for many years has been in close touch with him. - EdJ

"Dr. Teal, besides being very prominent in his chosen profession, is a gentleman of high character, culture and refinement. He is possessed of a bright, intellectual mind, a clear understanding and is well informed upon all topics and questions of the day and always takes a lively interest in public affairs. He is honorable, upright, manly and dignified, and one of the most genial, companionable persons to be found. He is sincere and faithful in his friendships and always found willing and ready to assist and champion the cause of the neglected or oppressed. He is a prominent and active member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias orders, and in all fraternal circles he is recognized as authority, on all technical questions requiring careful scrutiny or fine discernment.

Hon. V. R. Taylor

A prominent and highly-esteemed resident of Wolcottville, Noble county, Ind., is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Burlington, Lawrence county, Ohio, on the 28th day of November, 182 1. When he was about six years old his parents removed to Portage county, Ohio, where his father purchased a farm, on which he settled. In addition to following the pursuit of agriculture, he worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner. When about fourteen years old he accompanied his parents upon their migration to Indiana, where they settled upon a farm in Johnson township, Lagrange county. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-nine years old, when, in 1850, he married and settled upon a farm in Orange township. Noble county. He purchased a tract of eighty acres of farm land in the southern part of the township and concentrated his efforts upon the improvement of the property. This property is now a portion of the village of Wolcottville, and Mr. Taylor still resides upon it.

November 28, 1850, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Rowe, a native of the Keystone state, born about 1828. After a happy married life of over two decades she passed away, May io. 1873, in the forty-fifth year of her age. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Tavlor was blessed with the birth of three children, as follows: Philo J., who is a prominent and successful dentist at Carson City, Mich. ; William L., the present attorney-general of the state of"*Indiana ; and George H., a music teacher at Bakersfield, Cal.

Mr. Taylor was married a second time, on January 28, 1875, this time to Miss Elizabeth A. Betts, who was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., September 19, 1831.

Air. Taylor has been an active participant in the political affairs of his county and state, as is evidenced by his selection tq an office of responsibility and trust. In the fall of 1880 he was chosen by the electors to represent his county in the Indiana state, legislature and for one term served his constituents faithfully and well. He has always consistently acted with the Republican party, firmly believing the principles advocated by the "grand old party" to be those most conducive to the welfare of the country. Mr. Taylor has also borne a faithful and consistent part in the religious life of the community in which he has lived. For nearly half a century he has retained his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and has been a trustee of the church of that denomination at \\ olcottville since 1877.

Mr. Taylor's father, Philo Taylor, wan a native of Connecticut, while his mother, whose maiden name was Miss Orabella Harman. was a native of Vermont. They became the parents of six children, of whom Hon. V. R. Taylor was the second in order of birth. Both parents died in Lagrange county, Ind., after lives of horn a- and usefulness.

about eighty years old, but is yet in possession of all his mental faculties and his physical vigor is but slightly impaired. Throughout the years of his residence here lie has proved himself a public-spirited and progressive citizen, deeply interested in the welfare of the community and all that contributes to its educational and moral advancement. His business efforts have been crowned with a degree of success richly merited. While Mr. Taylor's own indefatigable efforts have won him the larger measure of his success, not a small share of it must be attributed to his faithful and devoted wife, who has done nobly her part in advancing their mutual welfare. The toils and struggles imposed upon the wives of the early days can hardly be appreciated by the women of the homes of luxury to-day. but Mrs. Taylor courageously bore her share of the man}- burdens and discouragements which came to them, and now, in a home of ease and comfort, she rests contentedly in the companionship of her husband, to whom she has been so faithful a helpmate.

Moses Yarian

Scores of the young men of Indiana who had their nativity in the state of Ohio have won fame and fortune as agriculturists in the state of their adoption, and among them is the subject of this sketch, who descends from a prolific family of farming people and agrarian citizens of the Buckeve state, and was an infant when his parents sought a home for themselves and children in Indiana.

Muses Yarian, of Swan township, Noble county, Ind., was born on a farm in Ohio, August 15, 1849, an(l ig a son °^ tne 'ate Isaac and Elizabeth (Harold) Yarian, who were also natives of Ohio, and who came to Noble count}-, lnd., in the spring of 1850 and settled on the farm now owned by their son, Moses, in Swan township. Here the mother died when upwards of sixty years of age and the father when past eighty years old. These parents had a family of thirteen children, of whom Moses, the subject, was the sixth in order of birth.

Young Yarian was reared from childhood to manhood in Swan township and has always followed the vocation of farming. He dutifully aided his father until his own marriage, which took place in Swan township, February 4, 1884, to Miss Lucy A. Sheets, a native of the township, born March 9, 1858, and a daughter of Benjamin and Catherine ( Renkenberger) Sheets, a highly respected farming couple. To Mr. and Mrs. Yarian have been born six children, who still live to bless the home of their parents, and who were named in order of birth as follows: Lawrence C. ; Alvin R. who. after having scarlet fever, lost his hearing and is now being educated in Indianapolis; Wallace C. ; Morris; Willard A. and Fredonia O.

The parents of Mrs. Lucy A. (Sheets) Yarian were born in Ohio and early came to Noble county, Ind. ; they set* tied on a farm in Swan township, which thev improved and have resided upon ever since and have here reared ten children, of whom Mrs. Yarian was the second born.

by the late Isaac Yarian and bequeathed by him to his son, Moses, who has continued to maintain it in most excellent condition and keep a careful eye to its profitable cultivation. Mr. Yarian has reared his family in respectability and his own desirable standing in the community is the result of his personal merits.

In politics Mr. Yarian is a Democrat, but has never been a seeker after public office, being by no means ambitious for fame outside that derived from the prosecution of his farming pursuits, and his modest attention to his duties as a good citizen and his unostentatious assistance when necessary in promoting the interests of his township.

Joseph Howard Moore

That social community is truly blessed which has among its constituents individuals competent "to teach the young idea how t<< shoot," as James Thomson expresses it in his immortal poem, "The Seasons," and thus provide pabulum for the mind, and who are at the same time equally competent to produce from the soil the necessary food for the nourishment of the body, as is the case with the subject of this sketch.

Joseph Howard Moore was Ix^rn in East Liberty, Allegheny county, Pa., No^ vember 20, 1853, and when about twelve years old was brought by his parents to Noble county, Ind., and reared from that time forward in Swan township, where he finished his education in the common schools.

who married Mary Bigger, who was horn in Beaver count}-. Pa., and in the spring of 1865 the family came to Swan township., where the parents passed the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in her fiftieth year and the father surviving until he waa upwards of seventy years old. Joseph P.. the father, had been educated for the ministry and was ordained a preacher in thu Presbyterian church, and after coming to Noble county occupied the pulpit of Hopewell church in Swan township and those at Avilla, Albion, and other places. He was truly a pious man and was an eloquent expounder of the Scriptures, as well as a faithful and indefatigable worker in the Master's vineyard. Of a family of two sons and four daughters born to Joseph P. Moore and wife, Joseph H. was the oldest son and fourth child in order of birth.

Joseph H. Moore, after leaving the common schools; did not altogether relinquish his studies, but in private continued to pore over his books and to absorb their contents, thus fitting himself for teaching, a profession which he followed several years, yet farming has been his principal vocation through life. As a teacher, however, Mr. Moore proved to be a decided success. He had. while employed in this calling, the charm of a quiet, well-balanced character, with a pleasant address and that subtle faculty which wins the confidence of the young and also possessed the art of imparting, without coercive measures, his own measure of knowledge to those who were so fortunate as to. come under his instruction. He was diligent in his attention to the needs of his pupils and patient and persevering

Mr. Moore was fortunate enough, in his early manhood, to form the acquaintance of a genial young lady in the person of Miss Ocie May Mendenhall, whom he led to the bridal altar in Swan township, October 12, 1876. This lady was born in this township, a daughter of John and Fiannar (Shoaff) Mendenhall, pioneers and highly respected citizens and neighbors. John Mendenhall, however, was drowned in Long Lake, in Green township, some years ago, but Mrs. Fiannar Mendenhall still lives at a very advanced age. Mr. Moore has also had the misfortune of losing his life-partner, as Mrs. Ocie May Moore was called away November 30, 1899, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, leaving to the care of her disconsolate husband three children - Lillian E., John P. and Mary F. These, however, were sufficiently advanced in years to no longer need the care of their beloved mother, the loss of whose companionship they, with their father, still deeply deplore.

Mr. Moore, with his children, still continues to reside on his farm of one hundred and ten acres, when not called away in the performance of his official duties. A Republican in politics, he has always taken a special interest in the local public affairs of Swan township as well as in the triumph of his party at the polls in all elections, being strongly convinced of the wisdom of its doctrines and an ardent worker for their predominance throughout the land. He has served his fellow-citizens as trustee of Swan township over five years, having been elected by a Republican majority, and has filled

Mr. Moore is an active worker, also, in the Hopewell Presbyterian church of Swan township, in which he has been an elder for many years, and in which, also, Mrs. Moore .was for a long time the organist. The surviving members of the family enjoy the esteem of the entire community and have so comforted themselves through life as to well deserve it. No more useful members of society reside in Swan township.

John H. Hoffman

John H. Hoffman, the present efficient and genial postmaster of Ligonier, was born in Dekalb county, Inch, November 7, 1845, a son oi George R. and Sarah (Cramer) Hoffman, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married and later moved to Dekalb county, Ind., somewhere about the year 1838. George R. Hoffman was a farmer and held numerous township and county offices, and died in Dekalb county at the age of seventy-two years, his wife having passed away in middle life. They were the parents of six children: Elmyra was the wife of Mr. Weaver, and died at the age of fifty-six years; Joseph O. is a minister of the Lutheran church and now located at Lima, Ohio; George H. is a farmer now living in South Dakota - -was Dakota's first lieutenant governor after admitted as a state; Sarah J. is the wife of D. R. Matthews, of Neapohs, Ohio; Rebecca E. married L. D. Middleton, of Joplin, Mo. ; and John H. is the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Hoffman was educated in the public schools of Warsaw, passing through the various grades of the high school. He afterwards entered the high school at Auburn, and on graduation entered the University (if Michigan at that period when the Civil war had just begun, which much interfered with his studies. Fired with that patriotic spirit born under the influence of American institutions, at the early age of fifteen he enlisted in Company K, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, and served one year, having received a wound at the battle of Shiloh which disabled him and was discharged. After recovering, as he thought, he again sought to enter the service, but failed to pass the physical examination. Finding that it was impossible to re-enlist he resumed his studies and afterward engaged in teaching, following this occupation for about eight years - two years in Dekalb county, one year in Fulton county, two years in Kosciusko county, two years in Noble county, one year in Ligonier. In 1871 he bought a stock of books and stationery and has been engaged in merchandising" from that time until the present. His business has increased with the passing of time until he now carries a stock valued at over $3,000, employing two clerks. During the administration of the late President Harrison he was appointed postmaster, and was reappointed in 1898 under the administration of the martyred McKinley. While he had close competition for the position, it is conceded the position is well deserved. The office is now rated as third-class. Mr. Hoffman and his wife attend to the official duties, the faithful and efficient discharge of which is recognized by its patrons and the department at Washington.

.May 8, 1877, Mr. Hoffman was wedded to Mary C. Eldred, a native of Ohio and a daughter of C. and Eliza Eldred, and former resident and druggist of Ligonier, where her father died. She was educated at the school of Ligonier and graduated from the Roanoke Academy. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is always interested in the good work of the congregation. Mr. Hoffman is a member of Excelsior Lodge, Xo. 267, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand, and of Ligonier Lodge, No. 123, K. of P., holding the rank of past chancellor and a member of the Uniform Rank; also a member of Stansbury Post, No. 125, G. A. 'R., and served five years as post commander. Politically Mr. Hoffman is a Republican and has held various town and city offices in Ligonier, which has been his home since 1868, and where he is well known and appreciated by numerous friends.

Thomas M. Ott

No- name is more closely associated with the history of Noble county, Ind., during .the latter part of the nineteenth century than that of Ott. Abraham Ott, the father of Thomas M., cast in his lot with the new county early in 1840, when he settled in Noble township, and was followed some ten years later by his brother, Jesse, who is still a resident of Green township, where he settled over fifty years ago. They bent even- energy towards the development and prosperity of the then sparsely inhabited territory, and few men are more widely or favorably known.

Abraham Ott was a native of Maryland, hut had been taken to Preble county, Ohio, by his parents and thence he came to this state. While in Ohio he was married to Miss Sarah Morgan, a native of England, and shortly afterward took up his residence in Noble township, this county, where he. died March 21, 1896, deeply regretted by the many who knew him and had appreciated the high christian character which he had maintained throughout life. They had a family of four children, viz : Julia A., wife of David S. Winbrenner ; George \V. ; Elnhna, .wife of John R. Young; and Thomas M.

Thomas M. Ott was born in Noble township, this county, December 15, 1853, was educated in the public schools and here grew to man's estate. He is a farmer by occupation, and, like the Otts in times past, is wedded to his calling. That he excels in his work is clearly shown by a glance over his farm, which consists of two hundred, and eighty acres of rich land, the greaterpart of which is under the plow, while merest forms a rich pasture land.

Air. Ott was joined in marriage December 11, 1879, to Miss Alta Seymour, by whom he has five children - Charles A., Laura E., John Frank, Harvey T. and Elmina. Mrs. Ott is a native of this neighborhood, is a daughter of the late Mclntyre and Sophia (Berger) Seymour, and is their eldest child. Mr. Seymour was a prominent man in Noble county for many years and passed away in the ripeness 1 f age and the consciousness of a life well spent. Mr. and Mrs. Ott are devout Christians and members of the church of that name. He is a man who stands well in the eommunitv

The present is essentially an enlightened and progressive age, abounding in opportunities for young men of energy and merit to push themselves to the front and claim public recognition. There have come to the United States from foreign lands many men of limited financial resources, but imbued with sturdy independence and a laudable determination to succeed, and who have taken advantage of the wonderful possibilities afforded by our free institutions and gradually step by step have arisen to places of prominence in business circles and not infrequently to official stations of great and responsible trusts. The career of the wellknown gentleman whose name appears at the beginning of this biographical sketch illustrates most forcibly the possibilities that are open to a man who possesses intelligence and business qualifications combined with integrity and honor. It proves that success is not a thing to be inherited, but to be won by sheer force of energy directed and controlled by correct moral principles; it also proves that neither wealth nor social position nor vet the assistance of influential friends are at all times requisite in placing an individual on the high road to prosperity and honorable station. The record of Mr. Bluhm illustrates conclusively that ambitious perseverance, steadfastness of purpose, constant industry, when conjoined with sound business ability, will in the end be rewarded, and the true success is the legitimate result of individual effort directed under such conditions. Standing distinctly forward as one of the popular men of the country and as a representative citizen of Kendallvillle, Mr. Bluhm is entitled to more than passing notice in a work of the character of this volume. He is an American by adoption, but none the less a most ardent admirer of our government and a loyal citizen of the great republic in which the greater part of his life has been passed and his success achieved.

Ernest Bluhm, father of Henry F., was born December 16, 1823, in the town of Lupendorf, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, German)-, the son of Christopher and Dorothea Bluhm. In 1853 Ernest Bluhm was united in marriage to Miss Louise Droege, also a native of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, which proved a most happy union of forty-seven years' duration. Immigrating to* the United States in 1871, these parents and children took up their abode in Noble coiyity, Ind., and continuously resided here the remainder of their days. Mrs. Bluhm, in every respect a most earnest, God-fearing and devoted woman, was called to the other life on the 27th day of April, 1900; her husband survived her until June 21, 1901, when he, too, exchanged this mortal body for a body clothed with immortality. Of their twelve children, six sons and six daughters, ten grew to maturity, Henry F. being the fourth in order of birth. All of the living members of the family are well settled in life, several of them occupying important stations, among whom are Henry F. and Frederick L.. the latter being cashier in the Bank of Kendall-

Henry F. Bluhm was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, August 22, 1859, and at the age of twelve years made adieu to the familiar scenes of his childhood and with his parents came to1 the new home in the United States. In Germany he was given the best educational advantages his native town could afford, and after settling in Kendallville he attended, first the German parochial school of this city and later pursued his studies for some years in the public schools. When a young man he learned the cigarmaker's trade, and after becoming an expert workman followed his chosen calling at various places, though always making Kendallville his home. After working for several years as a journeyman and carefully husbanding his earnings, he concluded to start a business of his own ; accordingly, in 1888, he opened an establishment in his adopted town and from a rather modest beginning gradually increased the volume of his business, both as manufacturer and general dealer, until his place became one of the largest and most successful of the kind in the county. By correct business methods and fair dealing, he extended his trade to various cities and towns, and the brands bearing his trade-mark soon acquired a wide reputation, both by reason of the superiority of material and the excellency of workmanship.

Mr. Bluhm's reading and political investigations, as well as early training, led him, while still a youth in his teens, to espouse the principles of the Democratic party, and in due time he became an active worker and contributed not a little to the success of the local and other tickets in several very lively campaigns. As a party worker he exerted a potent influence on his German-American fellow-citizens, and his valuable services were duly recognized in the fall of 1900, when he was nominated fur the office of county recorder. After an animated contest he succeeded in overcoming the previously large Republican majority and carried the day over a very popular opponent by a handsome majority. His success at the polls is directly attributable to his great personal popularity with all classes of people, many of his wannest friends belonging to the party of the opposition. Mr. Bluhm entered upon the discharge of his official functions January, 1902, and has proven himself to be a capable and popular official, worthy in every respect of the trust reposed in him. Once before he had entered the political field and was nominated by the local Democracy for city clerk, but the overwhelming Republican majority of Kendallville prevented his election, although he ran far ahead of any other Democratic candidate upon that occasion.

Mr. Bluhm is well calculated by nature and training to fill worthily any office within the gift of the people of his county. Intelligent and methodical in business, liberal in his views of men and things, he has made his presence felt, and as a citizen none stands higher in public esteem. Enjoying to an eminent degree the respect of the community in which he resides, and having gained success in business affairs, he has no cause for regretting that his lot and fortune have been cast in the United States, and the republic has no more loyal supporter than he. He maintains a lively interest in the welfare of his adopted city, and all enterprises for its material advancement find in him an earnest advocate and liberal patron He is a gentleman of excellent parts whom to know is to respect, and the meed of praise here accorded him is in the estimation of his numerous friends most worthily bestowed.

Jacob L. Graham

This active and prominent business gentleman of Ligonier, a native of Lisbon, Linn county, la., was born June 1, 1855, a son of James E. and Mary Ann (Kegg) Graham, natives of Pennsylvania, whose ancestors were from Germany, and came to this country during the early days of the colonies. The children of James E. Graham and wife are three sons and one daughter, all living: John H. is a prosperous farmermechanic of Noble county ; Jacob L. ; Charles K. is a painter in the employ of his brother, Jacob L. ; and Mina Viola is the wife of Rev. Joseph Schoock, of Indianapolis.

Jacob L. Graham was twelve years of age when his parents came from Lisbon, la., to Noble county, Intl., in 1866, and located in Ligouier. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and died in the spring of 1873, at the age of forty-eight; his widow still resides in Ligouier. Jacob L. received a common school education in the schools of Lisbon, Iowa, and Ligonier, Indiana, on coming to Ligonier also learned the business of carriage-painting, following it for several years. With the ambition to become independent he opened business on his own account, and established a repair shop for carriages in connection with painting, the facilities for meeting the demands of trade being introduced from time to time until it has now reached proportions so extensive as to< now require seven buildings devoted to the various departments for construction, painting and finishing. His first building was erected in 1873, the others being added as the growth of business demanded. That one may more fully realize the magnitude of his business and its importance as an industry to the thriving city of Ligonier, the stuck which he carries represents a cash value of $75,000 to- $100,000, and the various branches of the plant give employment to fifty men The annual output is about three thousand carriages, and it is the intention to double its capacity the present year in order to meet the increasing demand and thus keep pace with the rapid advance in all lines of business.

On July 25, 1876. Mr. Graham was married in Ligonier to Miss Ella Costteter, a native of Ligonier and a daughter of Levi and Elizabeth ( Greasemore) Costteter, and by this felicitous union Mr. and Mrs. Graj ham are the parents of seven children, namely: Gloria B., Charles J., Mabel B., Gracie D., Letha Marie, James Levi and Paulina M., all of whom are at home.

Air. Graham began life without means. His first effort to do for himself was made in Iowa, where he became a newsboy on the Northwestern Railway at the age of ten years. After the removal of the family to Ligonier, as has been previously stated, he learned the business of carriage-painting and immediately started in business for himself in 1873 and built by his energy, per- severance, thrift and good work the present business at which he stands as the head and controlling spirit. When he reached that point where the demands of business required a large building, he was compelled to assume a debt for its construction, but was soon able to pay the same. During the twenty years of his business career he has been able to discount all bills, and is rated not only a wealthy man but a useful and important factor in the commercial community. In politics Mr. Graham is a pronounced Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason, a Knights of Pythias and member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is popular in social matters and exerts a strong influence in local affairs which -affect the well-beinsr of the community.

Solomon L. Whonsetler

The youngest of the three Whonsetlef brothers whose names grace the pages of this volume is he who is mentioned above. Like his brothers, Simon P. and Daniel M., Solomon L. was born on a farm in Canaan township, Wayne county, Ohio, and his nativity dates May 19, 1850. He is the fifth of the eleven children that constitute the family of Samuel and Susanna (Simon) Whonsetler, the former of whom was born in Maryland and the latter in Columbiana county, Ohio.

Solomon L. Whonsetler was reared on the homestead in Wayne county. Ohio, on which he lived until he attained his majority. In the fall of 187 1 he came to Noble county, Ind., and in the following spring entered the employ of John Miller at La Otto as foreman in his mill and factory. Eie continued to act in this capacity for about eighteen years, when Mr. Miller sold out to the Banner Manufacturing Company, and for about three years Mr. Whonsetler was the superintendent for this company and then operated a sawmill at La Otto for O. D. Holt for about two years, after which time he began to devote his attention exclusively to farming. He owns a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, or upwards, which he keeps in most excellent condition, and he is considered to be one of the most superior agriculturists in the township of Swan.

Mr. Whonsetler was united in marriage.' January 20. 187(1. with Miss, Louisa O Sowers. Mr. and Mrs. Whonsetler have had born to them six children, of whom they had the misfortune to lose two in infancy. The surviving four were born in the following order: Myrtle L., Charles L., Chester E. and Walter L.

Mr. Whonsetler is a gentleman who takes a lively interest in all local affairs, and in politics is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Lutheran church since he was fifteen years of age, has faithfully lived according to its teachings, and has filled several important offices in both the church and Sunday-school.

Henry Sowers, the father of Mrs. Louisa C. Whonsetler. and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Shaffer, were natives of Germany, in which country their marriage took place. When they came to America they first located in Pennsylvania, whence they came to Noble county, Ind.. in an early day and settled in Swan township, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the mother dying when about fiftytwo years old and the father after he was seventy. Of their family of twelve children, Mrs. Whonsetler was the sixth in or, der of birth, and had her nativity in Swan township, July 24,- 1856.

Fred W. Baker

Editor and publisher of the Avilla News, is a native of Noble county, Ind., and dates his birth from the 17th day of April, 1879. He first saw the light of day near the town of Avilla and passed his youthful years as an assistant on his father's farm, attending, meanwhile, the public schools, in which he made substantial progress in the common branches, besides obtaining a fair knowledge of some of the more advanced courses of study On leaving school he entered ;the office of the Kendallville Standard to learn the printer's trade, and after serving three years purchased, on the 8th day -of March, 1899, the Avilla News, of which he has since been editor and proprietor

Mr. Baker became proficient in every department of the "art preservative," and since taking charge of the News has demonstrated fine abilities as a publisher and editorial writer. He wields a trenchant pen, is clear and forceful in his style, and his diction, at all times elegant, frequently becomes eloquent and ornate. The News is an independent weekly newspaper, devoted largely to the local happenings of Avilla and Noble county, and at the same time serves as a medium for disseminating the news of the whole world. It has become a very popular sheet, and with a circulation of eight hundred bona-fide subscribers and a liberal advertising patronage promises to continue in the future, as it has been in the past, one of the leading local papers of northern Indiana. The office of the News is well equipped with all modern appliances, and the paper is not only newsy and sprightly in its literary makeup, but visits its patrons a model of typographical art. It wields a potent influence in the county, and, like the majority of newspapers when in the hands of those competent to make them answer the purpose for which intended, is destined to play an important part in the future educational and industrial history of the community. Mr. Baker is a married man and the father of one child, Helen E. His wife, to whom he was united in the bonds of wedlock on the 1 8th day of April, 1899, was formerly Miss Maud L. Lash, daughter of James J. Lash, of Albion.

Frank A. Baker, father of Fred \\\, is a well-known and popular citizen of Kendallville; his wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Bronson, is the mother of three children: Guy, who died in infancy; Harriet; and Fred W.

As a living reputation of the old adage that "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country," the 'eminent subject of this sketch is a striking example, as his reputation as a doctor of medicine and practical surgeon is unequalled by that of any professional gentleman of his years in Avilla, his place of residence, or in Allen township, Noble county, Ind., the place of his nativity, as he was born here on the 15th day of February, 1865.

Henry R. Veazey, the father of the Doctor, was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother, Lydia A. (Strouse) Veazey, is a native of the Hoosier state, but of these parents mention in full will be made further (in in this biographical sketch. Dr. Veazey, the third-born in a family of eight children, was an infant when his parents located in Green township, and here he was reared to manhood on the home farm. He was primarily educated in the district school, later attended the Indiana State Normal and the great normal school at Valparaiso, Porter count}', and taught school four years in Noble county and one year in Clark county. He began his preparatory study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. T. R. Veazey, at Charlestown. Ind.. and was under his tuition for about nine months, and then entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, from which he was graduated on June 18, 1891. and began the active practice of his profession at Avilla in October of the same year ; here his skill has been so cordially recognized that he has seen no reason to make a removal, and his success has been so great as to appear to many persons to be phenomenal. He has rapidly risen to the front rank of his profession, is a member of the Indiana State Medical Association and the Noble County Medical Society. While few fields of human study or investigation have afforded more speedy rewards than those of medicine and surgery, true merit and skill must stand at the back of the practitioner, and these Dr. Veazey possesses in an eminent degree, as he seems to have an innate genius for strengthening the weak and suffering, thus winning the approbation of the general public and the admiration of his co-laborers. His ability to diagnose without effort any case brought to his attention or placed in his charge for treatment makes the patient instinctively believe that the Doctor has no other case in mind save the one at that instant before him, and the confidence thus inspired is half the victory.

The congenial marriage of Dr. Veazey was celebrated in Charlestown, Clark county, Ind., September 1, 1892, with Miss Isabella \Y. Teeple, of that town, and this union has been crowned with the birth of three children - Lottie T., Lelia M. and Marion H. Dr. Veazey and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Doctor is a member of Avilla Lodge, No. 686, I. O. O. F., and also of the Tribe of Ben Hur. In politics he is a Democrat, and was a member of the pension board from 1893 to 1897, and is at present a member of Avilla school board.

Henry R. Veazey, the father of the Doctor, was born in Beaver county, Penn., and was a son of Elisha Veazey, a farmer of the same county, in the same state, where his death occurred. Henry R. Veazey came to Noble county. Ind., when about eighteen years old, and here married Miss Lydia A. Strouse, a daughter of Jonas and Anna (Mc-> Cartney) Strouse, who were also natives of the Keystone state, came to Noble county, Ind., in the latter part of the 'thirties and settled in Swan township. Late in life they retired to A villa, where Mrs. Anna (Mc- Cartney) Strouse died in the early part of July, 1886, when eighty-three years of age, and seven years later Jonas Strouse returned to Swan township and passed the remainder of his life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Crothers, where he expired October 12, 1900. at the extreme age of one hundred years and three days.

To this highly respected couple, Henry R. and. Lydia A. Veazey, were born eight children, viz : Anna, the wife of Edmund R. Whan, of Swan township; John C, a farmer in Green township; William M., the subject of this sketch; Harry A., a resident of Garrett, Ind. ; Minnie, the wife of Ellis, Warner, of Swan township; Jonas S.. alsu of Garrett; Allen H., a teacher; and Vincent L., who died an infant.

It will thus be seen that Dr. Veazey comes from what may he termed pioneer stock both paternally and maternally - people who were largely instrumental in redeeming Noble county from the forest and who left their impress on the blooming fields and thriving hamlets and busy towns of today. He has well maintained the reputation of the family name and added to it:i luster, although through a different process of civilizing influences.

Albert Pepple

Some of the bravest young men who took part in the late war of the Rebellion enlisted from the state of Indiana, and while this state was not always that of their nativity, many of them were here nurtured from mere infancy until they became of an age advanced enough to manifest their patriotism and to volunteer their service in defending the flag which had floated over their forefathers for years, protecting them in their sacred civil rights far better than other bunting had ever screened from ill any nation that had inhabited any part of this terrestrial sphere.

Albert Pepple, now a farmer cf Swan township. Noble county, Ind., was born on a farm in Columbiana county, Ohio. November 19, 1846, and agriculture has, naturally enough, been his pursuit through life. When he was about four years of age his parents came to live in Indiana, brought with them their family of children and first located in Dekalb county, where young Albert was reared nearly to manhood on the homestead in Butler township. He was but a little over seventeen, however, when he risked his young life in his country's cause by enlisting, on the 10th of March, 1864, in Company K, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served with all the energy of his nature and with unusual gallantry for one of his youthful age until September, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.

Young Pepple had received a good common-school education, and when the Civil war was brought to a triumphant close he returned to Dekalb county and re-engaged in farming, for which he had a natural inclination, although he had exhibited at times decided business qualifications. He remained in Dekalb county until 1867, when he went I with his father to Elkhart county, and there I lived about a year and a half, when he came I to Noble county and engaged in farming on

In December. 1S73, Mr. Pepple was united in marriage in Allen county, End., with Miss Analiza Gump, a native of that county and born March 12, 1856. Immediately on marrying, Mr. Pepple purchased and settled upon the eighty-acre farm he still occupies in section 33, Swan township. This land Mr. Pepple cleared and improved with a first-class dwelling and suitable outbuildings, and here he has devoted himself to the cultivation of the soil up to the present time, making of his farm one of the best of its dimensions in the township.

On the present tasty homestead there have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Pepple six children, who all still live to cheer the declining years of the parents, who are yet, however, still in the prime of vigorous life and destined beyond doubt to enjoy the society of their offspring for many years yet, as the home circle remains unbroken save with one exception - that of the eldest, who has embarked on the sea of matrimony. These six children were born and named in the following order : Sarah, who is the wife of David Ober, of Dekalb county. Ind. ; Elmer: Adeline; Chester; Mary; and Jeremiah.

Mr. and Mrs. Pepple are members of the German Baptist church, in the faith of which they have carefully instructed their children. In politics Mr. Pepple is a Republican, yet, although a public-spirited gentleman and alive to the interests of the public weal, he has never been a seeker after office.

'William Pepple. the father of Albert Pepple. the subject proper of this biographical sketch, is a native of Columbiana county, ( )hio, of which county and state his wife was also a native. This lady bore the maiden name of Rebecca Brinker, but was called away when residing in Dekalb county, Ind., when but thirty-six years of age. William

Rev. Jeremiah Gum]), the father of Mrs. Albert Pepple, is a resident of Allen county, Ind.. and is an eloquent and pious divine of the German Baptist church, and the mother of Airs. Pepple was before marriage Miss

Mr. and Mrs. Pepple are very courteous and affable and their children have indeed been "brought up in the way they should go." Their home is a model of neatness and is the true abode of a generous hospitality.

i cared for in the township, and the reputation of Mr. Pepple as an agriculturist is unexcelled by any other farmer within a radius of a dozen miles or more. The family count their friends by the score, and all are sincere and warm-hearted in their profession of respect and friendship.

Spurgeon C. Franks

The following brief outline of the leading facts in the life character and business career of one of Kendallville's progressive men is given because the world claims certain property rights in the lives of its people.

and biography is the light of experience to guide others in the path of success. Spurgeon C. Franks is an Indianan by adoption, having been born near the town of Orrville Wayne county, Ohio, on the 2d day of April, 1858. When he was five years of age his parents came to Noble county, Ind., and settled on a farm in the township of Elkhart. There young Spurgeon spent the five succeeding years of his life, attending, as soon as old enough, the public school hear his home in winter and during the summer seasons learning by practical experience the; true meaning of honest toil in wood and field. In 1870 he accompanied his parents to Vernon county, Mo, where he remained six years, removing at the expiration of that time to Iowa, in which state he resided for a period of about one year. While in those two states Mr. Franks was variously employed, and met with many peculiar experiences while teaching from place to place. Returning to Noble county in August, 1877, he made his home for a while in Elkhart township with an uncle, Abraham Franks, working for him until the following November. Actuated by a laudable desire to increase his scholastic knowledge, Mr. Franks devoted every evening to< his books, frequently prolonging his study to a late hour, with the object in view of becoming a legalized teacher. After a very careful review of the branches constituting the common-school course, he took a teacher's examination under Prof. Zummerman, county superintendent, and received a license from that gentleman entitling him to teach in the schools of Noble county. For some time thereafter he was engaged in educational work in different parts of the county, and earned the reputation of a very capable and popular instructor. The better to fit himself for his professional duties, he subsequently pursued the higher branches of learning in the Methodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne, attending that institution during the spring and fall terms for three years, meantime devoting the winter seasons to teaching in the country schools. Being obliged to rely entirely upon his own resources, Mr. Franks frequently found himself with but limited means at his command, and in order to meet his expenses while in college at different times turned his hand to any honest employ^ ment he could find. By sawing wood for other students and doing such odd jobs a? came his way, he was at length enabled tc complete the prescribed course in the year 1881.