Wabash County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 14 of 16)

Mr. Roby was born November 26, 1860, in Waltz township, Wabash county, Indiana, and is a son of Elias H. and Mary B. (Grover) Roby, the former born in Ohio, of German descent, and the latter a native of the East. The parents of Mr. Roby were early settlers of Waltz township, where for many years they were engaged in agricultural pursuits and were known as people of sterling worth. They had a family of five children, namely : Alice, who is the wife of Jesse Old¬ ham ; John, who is engaged in farming operations in Waltz township; Bert, who is a resident of Wabash; Asa; and Ira, operating a farm in Noble township, this county.

Asa Roby was reared on his father's farm in Waltz township, his education being secured in the district schools of that vicinity, and when nineteen years of age began operations on his own account on the homestead, which he rented from his father. He continued to reside under the parental roof until his twenty-seventh year, and at that time, January 3, 1887, was married to Miss Ursula Lines, the daughter of Pleasant A. Lines, one of the old and honored residents of Liberty township, a review of whose career will be found on another page of this work. Mrs. Roby was born in Liberty township and after completing her studies in the common schools attended the high school at La Fontaine, from which she was graduated. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Roby: Ethel, who was given good educa¬ tional advantages, attending the graded schools of Liberty township, the high school at Wabash and De Pauw University at Greencastle. She married Robert Langston, who is a graduate of Purdue University, through which he worked his own way and is now an architect and draughtsman in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Following his marriage, Mr. Roby settled on the farm on which he now resides. His early ventures were of a modest character, but each succeeding year found him adding to his acreage, his improve¬ ments and his stock, and at this time his farm, located one and onehalf miles south of Treaty, is one of the attractive and valuable propperties of this part of Wabash county. An excellent judge of stock, Mr. Roby has concentrated his energies upon the breeding of Double Standard Polled Durham cattle and Oxford Down sheep for the market, where his excellent stock has attracted to him a prosperous business. His dealings have always been of such a nature as to inspire con¬ fidence in those who have had transactions with him and his knowledge of stock affairs and conditions has caused him to be frequently con¬ sulted b£ his fellow cattle raisers of this locality who rely absolutely upon his judgment. The greater part of his product is used for breed¬ ing purposes.

Mr. Roby is a republican, but has never taken an active part in politics. He is a man of solid and reliable traits of character, generous and consistent in his contributions to worthy causes, and a vigorous promoter of good citizenship, morality and education.

James S. Crow. The claim of James S. Crow upon the good will and consideration of his fellow townsmen of Liberty township is based upon many years of honorable connection with the agricul¬ tural interests of this locality, upon his activity in promoting education and kindred movements of advanced civilization, and upon a broad and liberal charity which has assisted many of his fellow men in their struggles toward success. For twenty-six years he has been a resident of this township, and his industry, good management and perseverance have combined to win him well-merited success, and as proprietor of the Wacacona Stock Farm, a tract of 263 acres situated three miles west of La Fontaine, is known as one of the substantial men of his com¬ munity.

to work hard in order to contribute to the family support, and as a result his education was of a limited character, although he made the most of every opportunity that presented itself for study. He was a youth of enterprise and progressive ideas, and when a young man joined his brother in dealing in potatoes, from the proceeds of the sale of which he really received his start, coming with this money to Wabash county in 1888 and investing it in land in Liberty township. He had come to Indiana in 1884, but had lived in Grant county four years. His first venture was of a modest nature, but as time went on and his re¬ sources permitted he added from time to time to his holdings, his equip¬ ment and his stock, until today he has one of the really valuable proper¬ ties of the county, with good buildings and the latest improvements of all kinds.

Mr. Crow is known as a man of charitable impulses, and not only gives freely to benevolent institutions, churches and educational insti¬ tutions, but also to worthy persons who are in straightened circum¬ stances, although he is a modest man, not given to display, and the amount of his benefactions in this line is known only to himself. He has long been a lover of live stock and is, perhaps, one of the best judges of animals in this part of the county. He has a herd of fine Hereford cattle and some of the finest horses in Wabash county, as well as a good grade of sheep and swine, it being Mr. Crow's boast that he has never kept a poor animal. His buildings are of modern, handsome architecture and well and substantially built. Mr. Crow is shrewd in his dealings and never misses an opportunity, but has always been honest and upright and has not taken advantage of those who have been un¬ fortunate to further his owrn interests. With those in his employ he has been liberal and generous, and as a result he is widely popular in his community. While farming and stock raising have been given the greater part of his attention, he has also engaged in other ventures, and has for some years been interested in the La Fontaine Bank, in which he wras one of the original stockholders, for some years vice presi¬ dent and now~ a member of the board of directors. In political matters Mr. Crow is a republican, but public life has held out no attrac¬ tions for him. Mr. Crow is unmarried.

Jacob Sailors. Liberty township is the home of some of the best farmers of Wabash county, who as a class have directed their efforts toward the betterment of the community and the development of its advantages. Prominent in this category is found Jacob Sailors, who is the owner of a handsome farm which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and who has also been prominent in the public life of this locality, having served as township trustee since 1908. Mr. Sailors was born on the farm on which he now resides, September 29, 1868, and is a son of William M. and Elizabeth (Sparks) Sailors.

Jacob Sailors, the grandfather of Jacob of this review, was born in North Carolina and in young manhood emigrated to Rush county, Indiana, and in 1845 came to Wabash county, locating on a farm in sec- tion 20, Liberty township. The remainder of his life was passed in the pursuits of agriculture, and through a life of energy and industry he gained a handsome competence, so that at the time of his death, in July, 187 6, he was the owner of a valuable and highly improved property and was known as one of the substantial men of his locality. He married Anna M. Milner, of Rush county, who died in February, 1876. Both were consistent members of the Baptist church and were honest, God¬ fearing people, who held the respect and testeem of their neighbors and acquaintances. William M. Sailors, father of Jacob Sailors, was born in Rush county, Indiana, September 28, 1838, and was a lad of seven years when brought to Wabash county, his education being secured in the primitive district schools of that day and his boyhood and youth being passed amidst pioneer rural surroundings. Early adopting farming as his life work, he continued to be engaged therein during a long and active career and when he died had accumulated a good farm. He was the father of five children, of whom two are living at this time : Jacob of this review, and Luella, who is the wife of Emerson Jackson, of Frederick, Oklahoma. Martha A., who was the wife of C. E. Morrow of Wabash county, died in September, 1909, and Mary and Charlotte both died in infancy.

Jacob Sailors resided on the farm which he now owns until reaching the age of four years and was then taken away to a farm one-half mile south, there continuing his residence until he was twenty-seven years of age. His education was secured in the public schools of Liberty town¬ ship and the high school at La Fontaine, which he attended for one year, thus qualifying for the teacher's vocation in which he was engaged dur¬ ing eight winter terms, in the meanwhile farming during the summer months in Liberty township. Mr. Sailors was married to Arminda J. Tyner, who was born at North Manchester, June 4, 1896, and there reared. After his marriage he secured his present farm from his father's estate, although at that time it consisted of but fifty-seven acres, and to this he has continued to add from time to time until he now has 220 acres of as fine land as is to be found in the township. He has made numerous improvements of a substantial and attractive character, and has devoted his attention to general farming and the raising of stock, along both of which lines he has been successful because of his intelligent methods and constant industry.

Mr. and Mrs. Sailors have been the parents of three children, of whom two survive. Marie, the oldest, died aged four years, and Ruth and Russell, twins, born August 12, 1903, are attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Sailors are also raising a niece, Mazie J. Morrow, who is a daughter of Mrs. Martha A. (Sailors) Morrow. Mrs. Morrow left two daughters, Lora E. Morrow, who is now Mrs. Ray Shideler, of Liberty township, and Mazie J. Morrow. Mr. and Mrs. Sailors are members of the Baptist church at La Fontaine, in which he is clerk and a deacon. Politically a republican, in 1908 he was elected trustee of Liberty township, and since that time has served continuously in this office, in discharging the duties of which he has met with the highest commendation by his felvoi. n - jt low townsmen. Few men have rendered more faithful or conscientious public service and none has won the respect and esteem of his associates in greater degree.

Alvah Lines. It has been the fortune of Alvah Lines, of Liberty township, to realize many of his worthy ambitions, and through the exercise of good judgment and business sagacity to wrest from his opportunities financial and general success. At this time Mr. Lines is engaged in agricultural pursuits, being the owner of a well-cultivated tract of eighty acres of land, and is also known in his community as a citizen of sterling worth and public spirit. Mr. Lines was born in Lib¬ erty township, Wabash county, Indiana, November 10, 1869, and is a son of Pleasant A. and Flora A. (Tyner) Lines.

Pleasant A. Lines was born in Rush county, Indiana, January 16, 1840, a son of Thomas H. and Nancy (Sailors) Lines, natives of that county, where they were reared, educated and married. In 1842 the grandparents of Alvah Lines came to Wabash county, locating in Liberty township, where the grandfather entered 119x/2 acres of wild land, which he subsequently developed into a good and valuable property. The remaining years of his life were passed here and his activities resulted in his becoming one of the substantial men of the township. Ten chil¬ dren were born to the grandparents, of whom four are still living: Pleasant A.; Marshall, who resides at La Fontaine; Martha A., his twin, also living at this place, who is the wife of Tobe Miller; and Monroe, who is engaged in farming in Liberty township.

Pleasant A. Lines was a child of two years of age when brought by his parents to Wabash county, and here his education was secured in the early district schools of Liberty township, which he attended during the winter months while spending the rest of the year in work on the home farm. When twenty years old he embarked upon a career of his own, first engaging in clearing land, later running a threshing machine with his father and brother, then splitting rails for several years, and finally engaging in agricultural pursuits, in which he has continued to be engaged to the present time. He is now one of the most substantial men of Liberty township and with his wife is the owner of 650 acres of fine land. In political matters he is a republican, and with his wife and children attends the Antioch Baptist church. He is a man of high integrity and has the esteem and respect of all with whom he has come into contact. Mr. and Mrs. Lines were the parents of three children, of whom two are living: Ursla, who is the wife of Asa Roby of Liberty township ; and Alvah.

The youngest of his parents' children, Alvah Lines was educated in the district schools of Liberty township and the high school at Treaty, Indiana, thus receiving a thorough training and being well fitted for any position in life which he might be called upon to fill. He remained under the parental roof and assisted his father until reaching the age of twentyone years, at which time he embarked upon a career of his own, and since that time has continued to be successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, in both of which ventures he has met with prosperity. At this time Mr. Lines is the owner of a well-cultivated tract of eighty acres, upon which numerous modern improvements have been made, including a good set of substantial farm buildings. For a number of years Mr. Lines was affiliated with the republican party, but in 1912 transferred his allegiance to the progressive party. He has not cared for office, but has never failed to do his share in promoting his com¬ munity's interests and in contributing to its welfare.

Mr. Lines was married to Miss Grace Dawes, a sister of L. A. Dawes, who was born on a farm which is now a part of White's Institute, September 6, 1874, and was educated in the schools of Wabash. One child has been born to this. union: Pauline, educated at La Fontaine and Wabash, and now the wife of Rufus Clark, of Somerset, Indiana, and the mother of one son : Garnet.

C. L. Dicken, M. D. During a period of thirty-three years Dr. C. L. Dicken has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at La Fontaine, and in this period of time has thoroughly established him¬ self in the respect and confidence of the people of this stirring Wabash county town. It very frequently happens that the men in a family will show an inclination towards a certain profession and there are often generation after generation of physicians, the sons inheriting their skill and inclination from their fathers. However, the physician and surgeon of today faces an entirely different proposition from the science as it was a half a century ago. Each day brings some new discovery, some improved methods, and to keep abreast of the times the suc¬ cessful physician must be a close and constant student. Doctor Dicken was born at Somerset, Waltz township, Wabash county, Indiana, Novem¬ ber 28, 1855, and is a son of the late Dr. James L. and Mary (Thompson) Dicken.

Dr. James L. Dicken was born in Fayette county, Indiana, April 15, 1821, and died at his home in La Fontaine, March 24, 1900, aged seventyeight years, eleven months, nine days. His parents, Henry and Bettie Dicken, were born in Virginia, and moved from there to Kentucky, and afterwards to Fayette county, Indiana, in the year 1821, where their son James spent his boyhood days and a part of his manhood days. Early in life he showed a partiality for books and after attending the schools of those pioneer days, taught a few terms of school near the place of his birth. He was the youngest of a family of ten children, all of whom are deceased. On November 29, 1842, Doctor Dicken married Mary Thompson, at her home in Rush county, Indiana. In August, 1841, he became a member of the Church of Christ, at Little Flat Rock, in Rush county, and in that same year came to Wabash county on a visit and while here taught a term of school near the present site of the Boundary Line Christian church, one and one-half miles north of La Fontaine. At the close of his term of school, Doctor Dicken returned to Fayette county, and in the year 1846 moved with his family to Huntington county, where he resided a short time on a farm five miles south- east of La Fontaine, but soon afterwards moved to Marion, Indiana, where he studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. William Lomax. In the winter of 1848-9, he attended a course of lectures at Laporte, Indiana, resided for a short time at Marion, and removed to Somerset, Indiana, in 1849. He attended a second course in the Ohio Medical College in the year 1850-1, at which time he graduated, and after practicing medicine a few years attended a post-graduate course in the Ohio Medical College in the winter of 1859-60. In the latter year Doctor Dicken moved to Wabash, and was, October 21st, appointed and commissioned by Governor 0. P. Morton to the office of surgeon in and for the Forty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Militia, and served his country faithfully until receiving his honorable discharge from the service, October 23, 1865, at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Being blessed with good health, he was never off duty a day during the whole time of his army service. He ranked as a major and was the ranking surgeon from Cairo to Key West, in the Department of the Gulf, and was chief surgeon of the Second, or Hovey's, division of the Thirteenth Army Corps. He accompanied General Canby from the Red River expedition to New Orleans at the time the general was severely wounded. He served longer in the Civil war than any other surgeon in Indiana.

Doctor Dicken became a member of the Grant County Medical Society in 1852, and of the Wabash County Medical Society in 1854. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Wabash and resumed the practice of medicine. He was the father of eleven children, of whom four are living : Nancy J., who married James Stitt and lives at Wabash ; Mrs. Mary F. Kidd, of Roann, Indiana; Dr. C. L., of this review; and Clara B. Dicken, of La Fontaine. On February 17, 1881, Doctor Dicken removed to La Fontaine and continued the practice of medicine with his son, C. L. Dicken. He had been in continuous practice until the last eighteen months previous to his death, covering a period of fifty years of faithful service in the medical profession. Medical books and journals were his loved companions. Doctor Dicken was a member of the board of examiners of pensioners at Marion, Indiana, during President Har¬ rison's term of office, and was the secretary of the same board of examin¬ ers at the time of his death. He lived to see his wife, two sons and three daughters around his bedside in his last illness. He loved his calling, enjoyed the meeting of a brother in the profession, was liberal in his views and was always ready to impart what he had learned from careful study and experience to others that he might benefit mankind. He wanted to live as long as his Master was willing, and was ready to resign to the will of God. As a father he was considerate, loving and true, and devoted a life in planning for the education, comfort and happiness of his children. He was generous to a fault and devoted to his friends, was an able man in his profession and a skilled surgeon. He had no sympathy for those who practiced hypocrisy in the medical or social fraternity. In time of distress he always was ready to give words of comfort and cheer. He lived to be useful to his God, loyal to his

Dr. C. L. Dicken was fourth in order of birth of the eleven children of his parents and his early education was secured in the public schools of Wabash. He early displayed a predilection for the medical profes¬ sion, and after some preparation under his father's preceptorship en¬ tered Rush Medical College, from which noted institution he was grad¬ uated in 1879 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. At that time he began practice in Wabash county, and in 1881 came to La Fontaine, which has continued to be his field of practice to the present time. He is a close and careful student and a steady-handed surgeon, and keeps himself thoroughly abreast of the constant advances being made in his calling through subscribing to various medical journals and maintaining membership in the Wabash County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and in the latter fraternity is past chancellor and has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge. Politically he is a republican and has taken an active part in the movements of his party, serving as township chairman and a member of the Republican County Central Committee. During the past ten years he has served as a member of the board of pension examiners of Wabash county. He is one of La Fontaine 's most public-spirited citizens, and can always be found in the front rank of any movement which will prove of benefit to his profession, to the cause of education or to his duty.

On May 27, 1885, Doctor Dicken was married to Miss Effie L. Rowan, daughter of William and Rachel Rowan, both of whom are deceased. She was given good educational advantages in the public schools, and for several years prior to her marriage was engaged in teaching school. Two children have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Dicken : Warren E., a graduate of the high school, who took a business course at Fort Wayne, and is now connected with the International Harvester Company, at Columbus, Ohio; and Bertha, who is the wife of C. L. Martin, of La Fontaine. The members of the Dicken family are all affiliated with the Christian church.

Charles W. Poston. In the vocation of agriculture it frequently has happened that the fathers or grandfathers have secured the broad and productive tracts of land which the sons and grandsons have brought to their full capacity of fertility. The arduous, preliminary labors of the pioneers have been succeeded by the developing work of the later generations, but all have been necessary and have combined for the general advancement of the wonderful agricultural interests of the Middle West. Charles W. Poston is one of the industrious and reliable farmers of Liberty township, classed among those who are ac¬ knowledged to be as broad and scientific in their methods and as fruit¬ ful in valuable results to the community as the workers in any other field

Mr. Poston was born November 26, 1865, in Liberty township, Wabash county, Indiana, and is a son of Amos F. and Maria (Hays) Poston, natives of Kentucky, who came to Rush county, Indiana, as young peo¬ ple and were there married. They came as early settlers to Liberty township, and here passed the balance of their lives in the development of a home, becoming known as good and reliable people of true and ster¬ ling worth. They were faithful members of the Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Poston were the parents of eleven children, of whom six are living at this time : Angeline, commonly known as Annie, who is the wife of John Banister, of La Fontaine; Eva, who is the wife of M. E. Hunt, of La Fontaine, Indiana ; Dora, who married W. S. Howard, of Swayzee, this state; Myrtle, who married Bert Cline, a resident of Huntington; 0. W., whose home is in Chicago, Illinois ; and Charles W.

Charles W. Poston grew up on the farm on which he was bom and.attended the district schools of his home locality. On reaching man¬ hood he embarked upon a career of his own, and throughout his life has continued to reside on the home place, now owning 170 acres, located one and one-half miles northwest of La Fontaine, on the Wabash and La Fontaine gravel road. In addition to general farming and stock raising, Mr. Poston has met with a satisfactory measure of success in breeding fast horses, for which he has always found a ready market.

Mr. Poston was married January 22, 1890, to Miss Nancy M. Emery, who was born and reared in La Fontaine and educated in the public schools, daughter of John R. Emery. The one child born to this union died in infancy. Mr. Poston is a member of La Fontaine Lodge No. 295, F. & A. M., and a charter member, past chancellor and master-at-arms of La Fontaine Lodge No. 211, Knights of Pythias. In political matters he is a democrat, but has never found the opportunity to take much active part in public affairs. As a business man he bears a high reputa¬ tion for integrity and honorable dealing, and his skill as an agricul¬ turist is evidenced by the handsome appearance and great productive¬ ness of his farm. In all things that make for good citizenship he is entitled to a place among the representative men of Wabash county.

Adam R. Sundheimer. Coming to the United States thirty years ago with proficiency in a trade, but otherwise without capital, with little knowledge of the English language, and accepting work wherever he could find it, Adam R. Sundheimer has gradually year by year and step by step worked his way upwards, and has made a place for himself among the successful men of Wabash county. Mr. Sundheimer was for many years in business at Wabash, and is now occupying a fine farm of ninety-six acres in Lagro township.

Born in Bavaria, Germany, March 19, 1859, Adam R, Sundheimer is the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Hickman) Sundheimer, both of whom lived and died in Germany, the father a farmer. Their six chil¬ dren were as follows: Adam R., Andrew, John, Elizabeth, Karl, and

Adam R. Sundheimer grew up on a farm, had the training vfhich is characteristic of German boys, attending the common schools, and at the age of eighteen entering upon an apprenticeship at the cabinet maker's trade. Between the ages of twenty-one and twenty- four he served his three years in the regular army of the Empire, and when his term of enlistment expired, he had not a single dollar. Ambitious to make better use of his abilities than was possible in the old country, he borrowed forty-one dollars and came across the ocean as a steerage pas¬ senger. After three months of work he was able to return the money which he had borrowed to get him to America. He left Germany on April 1, 1883, and arrived at Wabash on April 17, of the same year. When he arrived in the city the city hall was in course of construction and he saw the removal of the jail. On April 21, four days after his arrival, he began working at his trade in the shops conducted by old Mr. Curtis, in the manufacture of school furniture and church furnish¬ ings. That was his regular line of employment for the following seven¬ teen years, and in that way he laid the basis for his present substantial prosperity. Eventually he became foreman for the firm of Hildebrand & Latchem, in their stone and lime plant. At the end of five years when the firm sold out, Mr. Sundheimer engaged in the butcher business in the old Karnes Building at Wabash. After six years he left the city and moved to his present farm, where he was engaged in general agriculture, and has a finely improved property.

On December 7, 1884, Mr. Sundheimer married Barbara Hildebrand, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Hildebrand. Of the eight children born into their household, two died while children, and the others are as follows: Lucy, who married Harry Palmer, living in Wabash; Reuben, who married Hazel Areer, and has two children, Miriam and Thomas; Ella, wife of Luke Miller of Wabash; Walter; Ruth; and Paul. Mr. Sundheimer affiliates with the local lodge of the Maccabees, is a member of the Evangelical church, and in politics votes independently. Besides his country home, Mr. Sundheimer is owner of one of the finest residences in the city of Wabash, where his daughter, Mrs. Lucy Palmer, resides. This home is filled with substantial furniture, all of which was made by hand by Mr. Sundheimer himself. In these days it is a rare thing to find so complete a collection of handmade furniture, except in the homes of the very* wealthy, and this furniture has been exhibited at local fairs, and is of a character that will make it a permanent possession for Mr. Sundheimer 's descendants for many years.

Jacob Hildebrand. In the older generation of Wabash county citizens, a place of conspicuous industry, business success and honor was held by the late Jacob Hildebrand. With an humble start he ac¬ quired prosperity and founded one of the best known families of the county.

fourteen years old when his parents died. His life thereafter was one of thrifty self-support and advancement. He received the rudiments of a Common school education, and worked on. a farm in his native land until he was twenty-four years of age. Leaving Germany in 1851, he came to America, and had to borrow money in order to cross the ocean. By the results of hard labor he paid off that debt, and to the end of his life always kept his receipt, and the fidelity with which he met that initial obligation was the characteristic of his entire business career.

For eighteen months during his first residence in this country he was employed in a bakery, and then came to Wabash, Indiana, and took any honorable employment which was offered during the following five years. By that time he had a small amount of capital, was familiar with Ameri¬ can conditions and business affairs, had the confidence of those who had employed him and wras ready to start upon his independent business enterprise. In 1868 Jacob Hildebrand formed a partnership with John B. Latchem, whose name figures large in the early commercial activities of Wabash, and with other associates they engaged in the stone and lime trade, under the name the Treaty Creek Stone & Lime Company. Hildebrand & Latchem finally acquired all the stock in the extensive enterprise, and it proved a very profitable business for many years and gave the foundation to Mr. Hildebrand's prosperity.

In 1851 Jacob Hildebrand married Miss Elizabeth Geible. They were married in Germany, and shortly afterwrard the husband came to Amer¬ ica. He worked in New York until he obtained sufficient money to send for his wife, about a year later. Of their union were born seven children, four of whom married into the Sundheimer family. Jacob Hildebrand had worked his own way up from poverty to plenty. He was known for his honest and upright dealing, and was one of Wabash's most prominent German citizens. He died November 5, 1897, but is still remembered by many of the older people in this community.

John Philip Pence. During the seventeen years in which Mr. Pence has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Wabash county, he has gained the reputation of being a thoroughly up-to-date, progressive and energetic farmer. A son of the South, he was brought up in a family of agriculturists, and to his inherent knowledge and inclination - a heritage from generations of tillers of the soil - he has added wide experience and skillful application of modern methods. For some years his work as a farmer has been conducted on the estate of David C. Ridenour in Waltz township, a tract of 160 acres, and twenty-six acres of his own, to the im¬ provement of which his own labors and management have been an import¬ ant contribution.

John Philip Pence, best known throughout his section of Wabash county as Philip Pence, comes from the Old Dominion state, having been born in Rockingham county, Virginia, May 3, 1878, a son of John P. and Mary E. (Shutters) Pence. His parents belonged to old and honorable Virginia families and spent their lives within the confines of their native state.

Philip Pence received a public school education and was reared on a farm, dividing his time between attendance at the pulic schools and assisting his father in the numerous duties pertaining to a Virginia homestead. At the age of nineteen years, desiring to see the country lying farther toward the west, he came to Indiana and soon became so satisfied that he decided to remain here. Enterprising and industrious, he had no difficulty in finding employment among the farmers of Waltz township, in which community he has spent his entire time. In 1901 he came to the farm of his father-in-law, David C. Ridenour, and his ener¬ getic methods soon brought about such a desirable condition of affairs that Mr. Ridenour placed him in full charge of what is generally re¬ garded as one of the finest farms in the township. Since then there has been a record of constant improvement, including the erection of a mod¬ ern residence, the enlargement of the barn, and the institution of various changes which have added to the value of the estate. Mr. Pence classi¬ fies himself as a general farmer, but the profits come chiefly from cattle raising, and the stock which is found on the farm and goes every year to market is practical evidence of his skill and judgment as a breeder of cattle. Progressive in all things, Mr. Pence favors the use of modern machinery and appliances, and his reputation as a business¬ like farmer is well established in the community.

On February 28, 1901, Mr. Pence married Miss Anna Ridenour, daughter of David C. and Catharine Ridenour of Noble township. To their union have been born three children namely : David C., named for his grandfather, born August 21, 1903, and now attending the public schools; Mary Catherine, born May 26, 1905, and also in school; and Harold Emerson, born June 26, 1911. All were born on the Ridenour homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Pence are faithful members of the Lutheran church, and he is serving on the board of deacons. In political views he is a democrat, but his only interest in public matters is that taken by every good citizen in those things that affect the community.

Philip H. Goodlander. Fully fourscore years have passed since the Goodlander family first acquired a foothold in the wilderness coun¬ try of Wabash county, and the descendants of the pioneer have worthily lived up to the honor associated with those who first blazed trails in the unbroken forest, built log cabin homes, and cleared the land for cultiva¬ tion.

The above named Philip H. Goodlander is the oldest native son of the family in Wabash county. He was born on the farm he now occupies, February 24, 1843, a son of Philip and Clarissa (Webb) Goodlander. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Goodlander and his maternal grand¬ father Forrest Webb. Philip Goodlander first came to Wabash county in the year 1834. At that time the smoke rolled up from only a few scattered log cabin homes, and the work of the early settlers had only fairly begun. Philip Goodlander entered one hundred and sixty acres of Government land, wild and uncultivated, and presenting a discourag¬ ing task to any but men of the hardy old stock of which the Good- landers were sterling representatives. Having secured his land. Philip returned to his former home in Fayette county and lived there until 1N39. In that year he came as a permanent settler, making the trip from Fayette county with a cart and a yoke of oxen. He also brought with him one horse. It required ten days to make the journey. After leaving Wabash he had to blaze a trail through the woods and across the swamp, and was two days before he reached his prospective farm in Noble town¬ ship. Judge Jackson went with him and helped to clear the road, which required three days. On a clearing in the woods he erected a log cabin, and that was for some time the shelter of himself and family. His household provided for. Philip Goodlander and sons set to work to hew a farm from the forest, and during the following years endured all the hardships incident to pioneer life, and also found a reasonable degree of prosperity before his death. That old homestead is one of the oldest in Wabash county in the continuous possession of one family. The son of the pioneer. Philip H.. finally came into possession of this farm. Philip Goodlander, the father, was likewise a prosperous farmer citizen and became one of the foremost men of his township. The old log cabin wrhieh had first stood on the farm was replaced with a brick house, which was destroyed by fire about seventeen years ago. Philip Good¬ lander and wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and it is a pioneer fact that should be mentioned that their first home was in later years occupied and used as a church for the newly organ¬ ized society of Methodists, and it also did service as a schoolhouse. Philip and Clarissa Goodlander became the parents of nine children, of whom brief mention is made as follows: Susan married Captain Levi Ross, who served in the Mexican and Civil wars with honor and distinction. Mary A. is the wife of L. W. Murden. Nancy D. married Green Story. Forrest M. was a Civil war veteran, a member of Com¬ pany A, Eightv-ninth Indiana, and he married Lyda Nance. John W. married Mary E. Kimbell, and was also a soldier in the Civil war in Company F of the Eighth Indiana Infantry. Philip H. was the sixth -among the children. Jacob S. married Emma Lynn. George W. mar¬ ried Anna Maxwell. Oliver P. married Mary Myers. All the children were born in Fayette county except Philip II., Jacob S., George W. and Oliver P., who were born in Wabash county.

Philip II. Goodlander, like some of his brothers, saw active service in the Union army during the Civil war. He was a member of Com¬ pany A in the Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1862 and remaining with his regiment until discharged at Mobile, Alabama, in the latter part of 1865. lie was a corporal in this com¬ pany, and the only injury he sustained was the breaking of an arm as the result of a fall. It is the proud record of his regiment that it never retreated and was never defeated, and that record is a source of satisfaction to every soldier who composed that gallant organization. Since his service as a soldier Mr. Goodlander has applied his time and energies to the cultivation of the old homestead, and he has long been one of the most substantial agriculturists in Noble township. The old Goodlander* place, where all his children were born, and endeared to the family by associations of several generations, comprises about one hundred and sixty acres of land, is well improved and highly cultivated, and has a group of excellent farm buildings, all of which have been erected under the direction of its present owner.

Mr. Philip H. Goodlander married Emma J. Stone, a daughter of Silas H. and Emmeline (Carothers) Stone. Her death occurred on January 10, 1896. Their five children are : Homer H., the oldest, mar¬ ried Pearl Needham, and has one child, Emma. Elbert also married. Anna L. became the wife of Arthur Palmer, and they live in Califor¬ nia. Guy H. married Estelle Morrison, and they have two children, Enid and Philip. Lola, the youngest, is the wife of Homer H. Hoover, and is the mother of two children, Lois and Harold G.

Mr. Goodlander has long been a member of the Methodist Epis¬ copal church, and that society in Noble township has for many years been largely supported by the Goodlander family. His chief service in a civic capacity has been as supervisor of roads, and much credit is due him for the excellent condition of the public highways in this section of Wabash county. All his life, since casting his first vote when a soldier of the Union, he has been devoted to the principles and policies of the republican party.

Harmon Lewis Emrick. In Waltz township one of the farm homes that have a distinctive character is that of Harmon Lewis Emrick. His eighty-acre place, judged from its productiveness and its general appear¬ ance, is one of which any modern agriculturist might be proud. While Mr. Emrick is recalled by many of his former pupils for his work as a teacher, a vocation to which he devoted nine years, he long ago re¬ sponded to the call of the soil, and it is in the successful handling of farm activities that he has found his successful field of effort and from which he has drawn his chief prosperity.

A native of Wabash county, Mr. Emrick was born November 19, 1874, on a farm just across the road from where his present residence stands. His parents were John C. ancf Rose Elizabeth (Hursh) Emrick, and the grandfathers on both sides were John C. Emrick, Sr. and Abraham Hursh. The paternal grandfather came to Wabash county more than half a century ago, bringing his son John C., Jr. Their home previous to that time was in Darke county, Ohio, where the grandfather was a substantial farmer. It was in 1854 that the family moved into Indiana, locating on a farm near Somerset in Wabash county. It was on that homestead that Harmon L. Emrick was born, and the immediate locality of his present home has been the environ¬ ment in which he grew up and where most of his active years have been spent. John C. Emrick, Jr. died March 16, 1906, and his widow passed away four years later on a farm in Waltz township. All their seven children were born at the old homestead. Their names are: Ira Franklin; Harmon Lewis; R. B. Hayes; Abbie Leona; Mary, who died in infancy ; Homer Charles ; and Minnie Emrick.

Harmon L. Emrick married Emma Bowman, the daughter of Eli Bowman. By this marriage there were two children, Virgil and Verlin, the first born January 9, 1899, and the second on January 24, 1900. Verlin died December 7, 1900. Virgil died in November, 1906. The mother of these two children died in 1901. For his second wife Mr. Emrick married Estella Clara Flook. Her parents were David E. and Mary Elizabeth Flook, the former of whom died on August 4, 1901, and the latter on January 20, 1910. Mrs. Emrick was one of ten children, the others being named Jennie, Anna, Charles, William, John E., Mary V., Ervin, Myrtle M., and two that died in infancy. Of those all except Anna married and are living lives of usefulness in the various communities to which their duties in life have called them. All the Flook children were born in Waltz township. By his second wife Mr. Emrick has three children: Floyd, the oldest, is deceased; Beulah, was born September 29, 1905; and John was born December 7, 1906.

Mr. Emrick is a stanch republican, and has been a trustee of Waltz township continuously since January, 1908, a term of six years. Fra¬ ternally he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. He and his family have long been esteemed as people of many excellent traits of character and ad¬ mirable qualities of heart and mind, and are included among the good citizens and stanch friends and neighbors of their community.

Clarkson W. Weesner. The publishers of this history of Wabash county take the grateful privilege of presenting a brief biography of the family and individual career of Clarkson W. Weesner, the supervis¬ ing editor of the history. As Mr. Weesner has spent most of his life in Wabash county and is known in every city, town, township and community, any further introduction would be considered superfluous and the writer of this sketch only regrets the lack of details which would render a more adequate estimate of his long and useful career in Wabash county.

Clarkson W. Weesner was born August 12, 1841, in Henry county, Indiana. His first American ancestor was Michael Weesner, who was born in Germany April 3, 1740. He and his brother were early Quakers or Friends, and being opposed to war or service in the army, ran away from home, crossed the ocean and settled in Stokes county, North Carolina. In that county Micajah, a son of Michael, was born January 20, 1762. Michael Weesner, son of Micajah, was born in the same county December 25, 1788, and was the founder of the family in the Quaker settlements of eastern Indiana.

Michael Weesner and Ruth Mendenhall were married in Stokes county, where Michael was for some years engaged in his vocation as a hatter, making the Quaker hats so prevalent and characteristic in early days. Early in the last century he made a visit to the west with a view to locating in the new country, but his removal was deferred on account of his wife's unwillingness to move to a new country. Believing that in time, when her people had moved to the west, she would become reconciled to his plan, Michael Weesner continued to live in North Carolina some five or six years. In the meantime, he had placed an old iron tea-kettle in the chimney upstairs in his cabin, and such change as he could spare was dropped into that vessel, a fact entirely unknown to the rest of the family. Six years later, when they all made prepara¬ tions to move to the west, since some of his wife's sisters had already settled there, and when all was in readiness to start, with the wagon loaded, Michael went upstairs and took out his money, and found that the accumulations of six years amounted to $680.80. This was a capital that enabled the family to make the removal in comparatively easy circumstances and went a great way toward establishing a new home. It was in the year 1824 the Weesners settled near Chester, Wayne county, Indiana, and as the best land had been taken up by earlier settlers they had to be contented with a second grade of land. Michael Weesner cleared up his farm, and he and his wife lived and died there as respected citizens and members of the Friends church, where they sat as head of the monthly and quarterly meetings. To Michael and Ruth Weesner were born six children, as follows: Abigail, who mar¬ ried William Kendall; Jonathan Weesner; Ruth, who married Joseph Votaw; Asenath, who married John Kenyon; Lydia, who married Isaac P. Woodard; and Elwood P. Weesner - all of whom are now deceased.

Jonathan Weesner, a son of Michael and Ruth Weesner, was born in Stokes county December 6, 1815, and was about nine years of age when the family moved to Indiana. His death occurred at Wabash April 15, 1902, at the age of eighty-six years, four months and nine days. Although receiving a limited education in the common schools, Jonathan Weesner possessed a remarkable memory, which he cultivated to the fullest extent, and was regarded as one of the foremost scholars in his community. Such were his powers as a mathematician that he could calculate an eclipse of sun or moon. As a historian he had few equals. His greatest pleasure was in the discussion of theological questions, and he was always loyal to science. On October 26, 1836, Jonathan Weesner married Ruth Williams, daughter of William Will¬ iams. She was born October 15, 1815 and died October 20, 1846, aged thirty-one years and five days. To this union five children were born as follows: Hezekiah Weesner, born September 14, 1837, and now liv¬ ing in Seattle, Washington; Susannah, who was bom May 20, 1839, and died March 14, 1898, married Joseph Ridenour; Clarkson W., born August 12, 1841 ; Elwood, born November 16, 1842, and died December 2t), 1857; Grear, born January 12, 1845, died March 4, 1864, at Chat¬ tanooga, Tennessee, from pneumonia contracted while on duty as a private in Company A of the Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry, and his body now rests in the National Cemetery at Murfreesboro. Jonathan Weesner and Anna C. Barnes, a daughter of Henry Barnes, were mar¬ ried in Ohio March 14, 1848, and their six children are mentioned as follows: Permelia, born April 11, 1849, married Lafayette D. Marcus Julien; Elvira, who became the wife of Michael Ridenour; Michael Henry, born April 18, 1852, and died January 16, 1855; Eli Arthur

St. Clair, born July 12, 1855, died July 12, 1908, aged fifty-three; Rebecca Ann, born August 19, 1857, and now living in Peru, Indiana, married Albert D. Bent; Lydia May belle, born November 6, 1862, mar¬ ried Albert Bakehorn, and she now lives in San Diego, California.

Having lost the use of one leg by a fever when only eight months old, Clarkson W. Weesner's schooling was limited to a few terms in the common schools of the county, while his most valuable instruction was received at the fireside in the winter evenings under the tuition of his scholarly father. At the age of seventeen he began teaching sub¬ scription schools, and subsequently taught in the public schools, hold¬ ing a license from the following school examiners: General Charles S. Parrish, Alvah Taylor, Joseph Mackey and Warren G. Sayre. In the intervals of teaching his time was spent at work on the farm until September, 1863, when he moved from the country to the city of Wa¬ bash to take up his duties as deputy treasurer of the county. Mr. Weesner was at the county seat during the latter years of the war, and continued his duties until 1866, when he once more took up teaching.

Owing to his work in the different county offices, he became familiar with the names of all the residents of Wabash county and knew the exact location of most of them. This acquaintance was extended by a lecture he delivered at a number of places on the subject of the "Gulf Stream' ' the greatest river in the world, and later one on Abraham Lin¬ coln, frequently before teachers institutes and the Grand Army Posts.

Mr. Weesner was secretary of the first building and loan association organized in Wabash county, and assisted in the organization of others. For several years he was secretary of the Wabash County Agricul¬ tural Society. A Republican in politics was elected in 1876 mayor of the city of Wabash, and declined re-election for the same office. He became a candidate in 1878 for county clerk and was elected and served continuously from November 1, 1879 to November 1, 1887. The opposi¬ tion party did not name a candidate to oppose him. Since retiring from the office of clerk Mr. Weesner has been engaged in the practice of law, consisting chiefly of Probate work, and of late years in the examinations of Abstracts of Title for the Aetna Life Insurance Company, the Penn Mutual Insurance Company and the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, and for several real estate dealers. For the past eight or ten years Mr. Weesner has been president of the Old Settlers Associa¬ tion of Wabash county.

Mr. Weesner's father and mother performed their own marriage ceremony in the Friends church, and all their children held birth rights in that church. Mr. Weesner has been affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1881, has filled all the chairs in the local lodge, and has gone as a delegate to the Grand Lodge of the state.

On September 5, 1865, at Kokomo, Indiana, occurred the marriage of Clarkson W. Weesner and Anna E. Leeson, daughter of William and Susanna Leeson. Her father was a teacher in the common schools of Wabash and Howard counties, and at one time served as justice of the peace in Howard county. Mr. Weesner has four sons, all of whom have attained successful positions in business affairs except the young¬ est, who had infantile paralysis when seven months old and still remains an invalid. Harvey Roscoe, the oldest, was born in Wabash county October 24, 1866, attended the city schools and subsequently finished a course in the Poughkeepsie Business College in New York, graduating at the head of his class, and then took up a business career. He is. a large stockholder in the Wabash Screen Door Company, and lives in Minneapolis where the main factory is located, while the company has. an extension branch at Memphis, Tennessee, and the principal offices are in Chicago. Harvey R. Weesner was married November 9, 1887, to Ollie A. Hoover, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Hoover of Wa¬ bash. Their three children are: Beulah, born in Wabash county, No¬ vember 2, 1888, and on April 24, 1912, married at Minneapolis to Frank Edward Struthers, their home being in Minneapolis; Louise, born Oc¬ tober 3, 1894, and a graduate of the schools and college at Minneapolis ; and Donald, born at Minneapolis February 8, 1907. Alvah El wood Weesner, the second son, was born in Wabash May 26, 1868, and his attendance at the city schools was followed by a course in the business college at Poughkeepsie, and for a number of years he has been engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He married on June 30, 1897, Mary Louise Wiley. Oliver Otis, was born in Wabash March 9, 1870, and was married July 1, 1891, to Blanche M. White. They soon moved to Marion, Indiana, where he became superintendent of the electric light plant until it was consolidated with the Marion Light Company, when he took the office of city weighmaster, a position he still holds. They have one son, Thomas Delmar, born in Marion March 24, 1907. Leeson Hildreth, was born in Wabash April 26, 1880, and owing to his infirmities is at home with his parents. A daughter, Cora Bell, born December 11, 1872, lived only seven days.

Hiram K. Pickering. Worthy pioneers, whose lives should be re¬ membered in any history of Wabash county, were the late Hiram K. Pickering and his wife Margaret (Jackson) Pickering, both of whom died a number of years ago but are still gratefully remembered in the community at New Holland, where they were among the first settlers.

Hiram K. Pickering was born in Belmont county, in eastern Ohio, October 8, 1814, and died at the home of his son Dr. Samuel Pickering in New Lisbon, Indiana, May 9, 1898, at the ripe age of eighty-three years. He came with his parents to Henry county, Indiana, in 1823,. before the surveys were completed in that portion of the state, and the family located on a tract of land near Greensboro, which was still in the possession of the family at the time of his death.

In Dublin, Wayne county, on November 30, 1838, Hiram Pickering married Margaret Jackson. She was born in Pasquatauque county, North Carolina, December 16, 1818, and died at her home in New Hol¬ land, Wabash county, September 1, 1893, when upwards of seventy-five years of age. Her family were likewise among Indiana pioneers, her parents settling at old Vandalia, now part of Cambridge City in Wayne county, in 1820. It was in that neighborhood that she grew to woman¬ hood and lived there till her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Pickering soon moved to Henry county, spending a few years at Knightstown and Greensboro, and in 1845 moved to Wabash county, settling on the banks of the Salamonie river, at the present site of the little village of New Holland. They were among the earliest settlers of that neighborhood, and for forty-eight years their lives were identified with the progress and development of that prosperous community. At New Holland Iliram Pickering engaged in tanning and the harness trade. One who had lived close to him for forty years said at the time of his death that his upright, honest life should prove a legacy to his family beyond all material measurement, and while his career was unostentatious it was in the highest degree useful, and he was honored by his own char¬ acter and by the family of children and other descendants left to remember his name.

Iliram Pickering had a birthright membership in the Quaker church, and at the division of that church between the two sects of the llicksites and the Orthodox, he chose the Hicksites and was a mem¬ ber of the Lineolnville Friends until 1880. His wife had joined the Wesleyan Methodist church in 1852, and in 1874 transferred her mem¬ bership to the Methodist Episcopal church, and lived a useful and devoted member of her church, always prompt in public services and in her attention to the sick and needy. In 1880 Mr. Pickering yielded to the denominational preferences of his Christian wife, and joined the Methodist Episcopal church, and l>oth spent their declining years in that faith. After the death of his Moved wife, Hiram Pickering lived with his children, among whom he was a wleeome guest, and cheerfully and with perfect resignation awaited the end.

To their union were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, and three sons and two daughters still survive. The daughters are Mrs. Clementine Satterthwaite and Mrs. Minerva Craig, both of whom are widows and live in Logansport. Indiana. The son James P. lives in Oxford, Indiana, and Or. Samuel at New Lislnm, this state. The son Abner graduated at the West Point Military Academy, entered the regular army, spent some time in the service on the western plains, was in Cuba with the rank of captain during the Spanish- American war. and lan r in the Philippines, and now holds the rank of colonel in the Envoi til I'nin-d States Infantry, and is statioiud on the Mexican border in Texas.

John T. Gxuu'N. A n an of wealth and promin-n*4**, yet unspoiled by his prosperity and pesricn: a man w ;;->$<* life was hlhd with k:u iiy thoughts amt d-vds; a man of sterling integrity who h ft his impress upon the comtm rvial life of Wabash during a long period of years, and one who ty pitted in has every lay existence the higr.es; ty pv of Christian ohara 'ter. was the late John T. Gra i-n. who will Iv w*-d rvmamlvrvd by the ol.hr g^n- ration. not alette as a business man. but as one who shared in the work of developing the city and who rendered material service in public office. Mr. Graden was a native of the state of Ohio, his birth occurring near Gallipolis, Gallia county, August 30, 1849, and a son of John and Maria (Zimmerman) Graden.

When Mr. Graden was about fifteen years of age the family moved to Illinois, and succeeding his schooling he entered a drug store writh a view of embarking in that business later in life. Subsequently he weijt to Indianapolis, where he furthered his studies in drugs, and in 1872 came to Wabash. He at once opened an establishment here and from the start it proved unusually successful, Mr. Graden winning the confidence and esteem of the people of the city through his knowledge of his vocation and his straightforward manner of doing business. His enterprise became one of the leading ventures of its kind in the city, and Mr. Graden was widely known to the trade throughout this sec¬ tion. Socially he was identified with the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternities, and as a republican in politics he served several terms as a member of the city council, where his advice and leadership were eagerly sought by his colleagues* When he died, August 21, 1889, his adopted city suffered a severe loss, as did a host of friends.

Mr. Graden was married April 9, 1874, to Miss May Pawling, daugh¬ ter of Albert Pawling. Mr. Pawling, who was one of Wabash county's pioneer settlers, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1809, and was a son of Joseph and Sarah (Riffert) Pawling. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Graden: a daughter who died in infancy; Alberta, who died at the age of twenty years; and Jean, who married Fred B. Walter, secretary and treasurer of the firm of B. Walter & Company of Wabash.

Jesse Moyer. Although now remembered only by the older gene¬ ration, the late Jesse Moyer in his day exercised a beneficial influence upon his community in Wabash county, and for many years was directly identified with local affairs of importance in Pleasant township. Al¬ though no one conspicuous act or service stands prominently forth as his life achievement, he served his locality well, steadfastly stood for the highest ideals of citizenship and gained friends by his sterling character and held them by his loyalty and fidelity. Mr. Moyer was a native of the state of Ohio, where his birth occurred June 21, 1830, being a son of Mathias and Mary Moyer. His father was twice mar¬ ried, and by his first union had four sons and one daughter. His second wife was a Stover, and both are long since dead and buried.

The advent of the Moyer family in Indiana occurred when Jesse Moyer was a mere lad, his parents driving through from the Buckeye state and spending several days at North Manchester before continuing on to Miami county. There both parents died. Jesse Moyer was given his education in the early public schools of that locality, and was reared to farming and the nursery business, his father, Mathias Moyer, being the first nursery man in nothern Indiana, locating at Nicorza in 1833. He won success through his energy and ability and was known as a substantial man. On November 18, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Hoover, daughter of Elias and Mary (Whitmire) Hoover, and they became the parents of two sons: George, who is a nurseryman of Wabash county ; and Charley, who carries on successful farming operations here. Mr. Moyer always took an active part and interest in anything that would benefit his community, and at his death, January 25, 1887, bore the respect and esteem of all who knew him.

Mrs. Moyer subsequently married James Horning, and is now a resident of the village of Laketon, where she is widely and favorably known. Her father, Elias Hoover, was a son of Henry Hoover, of Maryland, and came to Wabash county, Indiana, from Ohio, in 1844. He and his wife became the parents of four sons and five daughters, and of the latter two are now deceased. Mrs. Horning is one of the real pioneers of this section of the country, which she has seen develop from a practical wilderness, without roads or schools, churches or im¬ provements of any nature, into a flourishing community, rich in agri¬ culture, prosperous in business ventures, and a center of educational and religious activity. She has done her full share in contributing to this wonderful growth and development, and in the evening of life may be proud and content that she has played her part in the wonder¬ ful drama in which Indiana has developed into glorious statehood.

John Walter. In the development of the rich agricultural inter¬ ests of Wabash county, John Walter is playing an active and useful part, being the owner of a well-cultivated property of eighty acres located in Chester township. His entire career has been devoted to the vocation of farming and his activities have been so well directed, and prosecuted with such earnestness of purpose that he has well won the right to be numbered among the men whose abilities and labors have contributed to the material development of one of the county's most prosperous sections. Mr. Walter has changed the spelling of his family name, as he is a member of the well-known family of Walters, known all over thi^ section of the county in agricultural circles. He was born on the old home place in Chester township, June 4, 1862, and is a son of John and Mary (Smith) Walters.

John Walters, Sr., was born in Germany, April 4, 1826, and was about eighteen years of age when he emigrated to this country on a sailing vessel which arrived in port after a journey consuming fortyfive days. He first located in Stark county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming, and there married Mary Smith, five children being born to this union : Christian, Kate, John, Fred and Henry. Of this family, Kate is now deceased. The family came to Wabash county in 1851 and settled in Chester township, in the heavy woods, the family living for a time on rented land, but subsequently buying thirty acres, which was sold a short time later. The father then bought eighty acres, to which he subsequently added forty acres, and the former tract was the home of the parents at the time of their death, the father passing away in 1894 and the mother in 1882. They were industrious and hard-working people, who reared their children to traits of honesty and integrity, and were honored by all who knew them for their many sterling qualities of mind and heart. Although not a politician, the father was a stalwart democrat, and took much interest in affairs of a public nature as they affected the community in which he had his home. He and his wife were consistent church members and conscien¬ tiously endeavored to live according to their faith.

John Walter was given the educational advantages afforded by the district schools of Chester towmship, and during his vacations assisted his parents in the operation of the home farm. He remained at home until his marriage, September 18, 1888, to Miss Amanda Flick, daugh¬ ter of Dan and Mary (Miller) Flick, and at that time located on his present farm, a property of eighty acres which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He is a general farmer, and has the reputation of being skilled and energetic in his work, using modern methods and achieving excellent results thereby. As a specialty he breeds Red hogs for the market, and his business ability enables him to secure top prices for his product. His good management and progressive nature are evidenced by a fine set of substantial buildings, which are equipped with modern improvements, and his entire property bespeaks his fit¬ ness for the calling to which he has devoted his life. Mr. Walter is a democrat, but has never held office, although local movements always find him a hearty co-operator. He and Mrs. Walter are consistent mem¬ bers of St. Peter Ts Lutheran Church.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter: Charley, bom March 10, 1889, who is engaged in assisting his father with the farming operations at home; Clinton, born March 31, 1893, who mar¬ ried Tressie Crill and is engaged in farming in Chester township; Leota, born November 3, 1895, who married Howard Jackson, also of this township; and Homer, born August 26, 1898, who is attending the public schools.

The Purdy Family. One of the most interesting annual social events of Wabash county is the Purdy family reunion, at which time all the old and young of the Purdy name and connections gather and par¬ ticipate in a program of prayer, speeches, reminiscences, visiting and good-fellowship, and not least as a part of the entertainment, many good things to eat. Of this family association the president at this time is Mr. Christian Gurtner, whose wife is one of the older generations of the Purdys in Wabash county. Through the greater part of six decades the Purdy family have had their homes and the influence of their worthy characters and activities have extended to various communities of Wabash county.

The founders of the family in this part of Indiana were Alfred and Elizabeth (French) Purdy, who are yet remembered as splendid types of pioneer settlers in this county. Alfred Purdy was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, January 1, 1804, and was married in that county to Elizabeth French, who was also born in the same county May 7, 1809, a daughter of Daniel and Isabella French. During his resi¬ dence in Maryland Alfred Purdy was a tobacco planter. In 1832 he and his wife and two children moved out to Ohio, locating in Clermont county, which was their home for more than a score of years. In the fall of 1856 came another removal of the family, this time to Wabash county, Indiana. The journey was made overland with wagon and team, and they drove out to the farm now occupied by the Gurtner family, where Alfred , Pur<Jy bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of virgin land. It was almost an entirely new country, principally swamp and thick woods, and so thick was the timber that some difficulty was experienced in finding the little log house then standing on the place. Forty acres had already been cleared, and in the house occupied by the former owner, two fam¬ ilies, comprising sixteen members in all, found shelter and kept up domestic life until the following April, when Alfred Purdy's son-in-law, Mr. Gwinn, moved to the adjoining farm on the east. In the woods around the cabin home deer and wild turkey were plentiful, so that the larder never lacked for fresh meat. The cabin, like most houses of those days, was built of rough logs, with the cracks stuffed with sticks and mud to keep out wind and snow. Extending about half way from one end of the cabin to the other was a kind of loft, reached by a rough ladder from the ground floor. This loft was the sleeping quarters for the children, each climbing up the ladder at night, and in the winter time the snow frequently sifted in through the cracks and in the morn¬ ing the bed clothes were covered with a mantle of white. The roof was made of clapboards, held down by heavy-weight poles running from end to end. On the floor was the old familiar puncheon, and at one end of the house was an ample fireplace, the chimney constructed of sticks and mud. Notwithstanding the cramped quarters, the house was fre¬ quently thrown open to guests, and when the family and company were assembled they formed a half circle in front of the fireplace, with the children sitting tailor fashion on the floor in front of their elders. Here the younger ones sat and listened to the stories told, and that was after the old traditional manner of instruction, when books and newspapers were almost unknown. The autumn following the arrival of the family in Wabash county the household circle w*as made complete when grand¬ mother Hall came out from Ohio, and her coming was appreciated by none so much as the children. After the removal from the older and more comfortable surroundings of the East, mother Purdy frequently longed for the conveniences which she had abandoned, but the children were content and happy with the wilderness environment. They ran barefoot in summer, gathering berries and nuts, chopped brush, and one of their favorite sports was when three or four would bend down a tough sapling, and then would suddenly release it with one of their number clinging to its tip end and swung high in the air. That was years before the introduction of township wagons to carry the children to and from school, and no attention was paid by the school architects of the time to the question of which side of the building the light should come in. However, the children grew up happy and healthy, became useful citizens, and it should not be forgotten that from the men and women instructed in such schools were drawn the founders and build¬ ers of the present splendid civilization. In their young lives they experi¬ enced hardships almost in the light of pleasure, and by their sacrifices made possible the comforts which the present generation enjoy. On returning home from school cold and hungry, they would sit down to a meal of hot corn bread and other good but simple things, all cooked over the hot coals in the big fireplace. It was on that old homestead that grandmother Hall and also Alfred Purdy and wife spent their remaining years until called beyond. Alfred Purdy was first a voter for the Whig party, and later a Republican, in the early days was a supporter of Henry Clay, and cast his first Republican vote for John C. Fremont, and in the next campaign for Abraham Lincoln and others who succeeded him. He was reared a Methodist, but late in life joined the New Light church in Paw Paw township. He died in that faith on January 21, 1888, and thus one of the finest of Wabash county's early settlers passed to his reward. His wife, who survived until August 25, 1898, was one of the kind hearted and helpful women of her community, and besides her own children reared three orphans.

One feature of the Purdy family reunion is the custom of having a portrait of one member of the family, with wife or husband, appear on the invitations. In that way each member of the family has a good picture of the others of the kin, and a sufficient number of reunions have already been held, so that all the older members of the family now appear in such likenesses, and a beginning has been made on the younger generation.

The children of Alfred and Elizabeth Purdy are mentioned as fol¬ lows: The first two were born in Maryland, and after they established their home in Ohio six other children were added to the household. Margaret, now deceased, was the wife of Henry Gwinn, who accom¬ panied the elder Purdy on his emigration to Wabash county. Elizabeth, also deceased, became the wife of Elijah Tatman. Henry, Nelson, Belle, who married Charles Clayton, were the first three born in Ohio; Martha Matilda, now the widow of Alexander Freeman, has a farm across the road near the Gurtner place; Maria, who was a twin sister of Martha Matilda, is now deceased, and married William Merrick; while the youngest of the family is Jeanette, now Mrs. Christian Gurtner.

Henry Lee Purdy. A son of that fine old pioneer couple, Alfred and Elizabeth (French) Purdy, Henry Lee Purdy is himself now one of the oldest living residents of Noble township and his long and enter¬ prising career has identified him closely with the affairs of this county. He is the owner of an estate of eighty acres in Noble township, about five miles north of Wabash and on the east side of the Laketon road.

years old when the family came to Wabash county, and his education had been acquired by attending a log schoolhouse in Ohio. A short time after the family came to Wabash county he started to work for a neighbor as a farm hand. Mr. Purdy first married Anna Maria Giek, who died in 1864, and who was the mother of three sons :

Alfred married Della King, and has three sons: Lamoine, born May 1, 1888; Homer F., born January 4, 1891, and Russell L., born January 21, 1894.

George Purdy, the second son of A. L.- Purdy, married Sarah Dawes, and their two children are Hazel M., born June 27, 1892, and Lawrence, born August 27, 1902.

Mrs. Purdy was a Methodist in religion and a faithful wife and kindly member of the community in which she lived. On July 9, 1867, Mr. Purdy married Josephine Brown. She became the mother of twelve children, of whom nine are living: Mary Elizabeth is the wife of John Calvin Dawes, and they have eight children: Ethel May, born May 24, 1887, and who died at birth ; Elsie Marie, born October 7, 1888, married Lorin Richardson, and they have two children, Marvin and Wilma Richardson; Lonie Josephine Dawes, born January 24, 1891, married Hugh Richardson; Mabel Leora Dawes, born August 3, 1895, died September 2, 1910; Everett Lee and Ernest Albert, twins, born May 22, 1901, and Ernest Albert, died when not quite a year old; Wilbur Calvin, born June 22, 1904; and Kenneth Werlin, born November 30, 1906.

William Henry Purdy, the second child of H. L. and Josephine Brown Purdy married Elizabeth Mills and lives in Canada. He had seven children: Ray M., Ruby June, wife of John Brown; Lester Elisha; Gladys Fern; Josephine Elizabeth; Clay, and Mary Rosabelle.

Elisha T., the fourth child, married Laura Tryon, and they have seven children: Lavone, Travis, Ella, Theodore (Teddy), Elisha Grant, Charlie and Corvin.

Edward, the fifth child, married Miss Grace M. Morford, and their four children are : Leo Charles, who died aged six weeks ; Ralph Gerald, Kermit Dewan, and Vesta.

Harley M., the eighth living child of H. L. and Josephine Brown Purdy, married January 10, 1914, Jessie Riddle of Nebraska. They were married in Montana, where she had taught school.

Roy, the ninth living child, married in Montana Myrtle M. Barnard, and they have one child, Millard Myrtle. Three children of H. L. and Josephine Brown Purdy are dead: John W., who died in infancy; Lillie,

Mrs. Josephine Purdy was born in Miami county, Indiana, August 27, 1846, a daughter of George M. and Elizabeth (Yan Mater) Brown. She was one of a family of eleven children, and all are now deceased except three. Her early life was spent in Wabash county, with an education in the public schools, and she has always been, in addition to the duties of her household and the responsibilities of community life, a great reader of instructive books.

After his first marriage Mr. Purdy became a renter, and for seven years provided for his family in that way. The death of his first wife was a severe blow to him, and in his discouragement he spent some time working for wages. His first purchase of land was eighty acres in Pleasant township. A few acres of that had been improved, and on it stood a log cabin and stable. Mr. Purdy had practically no money when he bought that place, and assumed a debt of sixteen hundred dollars, but used such good judgment that he subsequently sold it at a profit, and bought the eighty acres comprising his present homestead in Noble township. Mr. Purdy during his active career has done a great deal to develop and increase the area of cultivated land in his section of the county. His farm when it came into his possession had twenty acres cleared and improved, and the building equipments comprised a one-story log house and a small stable. Then followed many years of arduous labor and thrifty management, and the farm has been improved in many ways, ditches have been dug, eight hundred rods of tile have been laid, tight fences have been placed around the fields, and sixty-five acres are now cleared up and produce crops every season. Mr. Purdy has also put up a number of new buildings, and the entire farm is a monument to his excellent business ability. In 1888 he erected a nice frame residence which is now his home, and in 1884 had built a barn on a foundation 34x58 feet. On Thanksgiving night of 1899 the barn with its contents of grain, hay and farm machinery, was burned to the ground, with a loss of two thousand dollars. This was only a temporary setback to his fortune, and in the following year he had com¬ pleted a still more commodious barn on the same site, on a foundation of 60x36 feet. Besides his home farm Mr. Purdy has twenty-five acres in Paw Paw township.

For a man who began his career without a dollar, and with many discouraging circumstances to thwart him, Mr. Purdy 's success is all the more praiseworthy. He is now clear of debt, and with the aid of his hard-working and thrifty wife has accumulated a prosperity that wall last him till the end and will give something to the children, whom he and his wife have already provided with good schooling and home training and has started each on a path to worthy and useful living. Mr. Purdy is a Democrat, but his first vote went for Abraham Lincoln. He and his wife are stanch friends of public education, and are active and liberal in support of church and charity.

Nathan King. There are few better known men in Lagro town¬ ship than the popular old blacksmith and stanch Democrat, Nathan King. Mr. King is the type of hard-working and honorable citizen who is a pillar of society in every community, who can always be depended upon and whose business and civic activities and private life are alike above reproach. He has, for so many years that only the older citizens can remember the beginning, conducted a shop at the village of Dora, and is also owner of sixty-five acres of land situated in two tracts in Lagro township.

Nathan King is a son of William and Nancy Ann (Owens) King, both of whom were born in North Carolina, but were married in Indiana. William had a first wife whom he married in North Carolina, and she died in Madison county, Indiana. The children of that union were; William, David, Cornelius, George W., Daniel, Thomas, Jesse and Polly, all of whom are now deceased. Miss Owens, his second wife, came to Indiana when quite young with her parents, James Owens and wife, who located in Madison county. To this second union were born the following children: Richard, Lydia Ann, John W., James, Elizabeth, Nathan, Elisha and Henrietta. All are now deceased except Nathan and Elisha, who is a farmer in Jay county.

In 1861 William King moved his family to Wabash county from Madison county, buying a farm which has since been acquired by his son Nathan. Both he and his wife died in that old homestead, he at the age of seventy-nine and she when seventy-one.

Nathan King was born on his father's farm in Madison county, Indiana, September 23, 1846. Mr. King is one of the comparatively few men still in active life who received at least a portion of their schooling in one of the old-fashioned and primitive log cabins which were the predecessors of the little red schoolhouse. The schoolhouse in which he learned his first lessons had a puncheon floor, and the benches on which the scholars sat were slabs smoothed off on one side, and were supported from the floor by pins driven into the underside. There were other primitive facilities with which he was familiar, such as the old-fashioned goose-quill pen, made by the teacher, and the cur¬ riculum consisted of the familiar three R's. He was about fifteen years of age when the family moved to Wabash county, and at Dora in July of the year he celebrated his twentieth birthday he started to learn the blacksmith's trade under James Fulton. The shop changed hands sev¬ eral times, but in about five years from the time the young apprentice started to learn his trade he had acquired ownership of the establish¬ ment, and each year from that time has found him at his anvil and forge, and the merry clink of his hammer shows that the village black¬ smith is always busy. For a couple of years his son, H. W., was with him, but during most of the time he has worked alone, and his skillful services have so long been offered the people of this community that they are depended upon almost as a permanent institution.

After the death of his mother, Nathan King bought out the interest of the other heirs in the old farm, and has since been its owner, his son

Joseph now running it. On Christmas Day of 1868, Mr. King married Anzeletta Holdren. To their union have been born twelve children, five of whom died young and the others are mentioned briefly as follows: Mrs. Daisy Huston, who is the mother of two children, Arnold and Florence; Amanda E., the wife of Harry Scully; William Otto, who was a bright and popular young man, went west on account of his health, and died at the age of thirty in California; Joseph, who is man¬ ager of the farm; Hubert, who married Grace Lenol; Iva May, who married Loren Sayer, and has one child, Maxine; Kizzie, the wife of James Adams, and the mother of one child, Virginia.

Mrs. King was born in Blackford county, Indiana, a daughter of Joseph C. and Mary (Hewett) Holdren. Her father, Joseph, was a car¬ penter and also a schoolmaster, was born in Pennsylvania, married in that state, and was the son of the one-time owner of the Hocking Valley Coal Mines. Joseph Holdren died at Andrews, Huntington county, and his wife passed away in the city of Marion. There were twelve children in the Holdren household, as follows: Loretto; Mary Ann; Josephine; Anzeletta; Olive, deceased; Susanna; Elizabeth; Nancy, deceased; Sarah, deceased; Mildred; Joseph, and Washington. Mrs. King came to Wabash county with her parents when eight years old, and her father later traded his farm for one near Andrews in Huntington county. Like her husband, Mrs. King received her education in a little log schoolhouse. Both have witnessed the tremendous changes which five or six decades have introduced into all parts of the country, and as prosperous people who have done their duty to society and to their children they have a pleasing retrospect upon the past. They reside in a comfortable home near the shop.

Nathan King has been a lifelong democrat. He began voting during the years following the close of the Civil war and has long been regarded as one of the most influential party workers in Wabash county. In all these years he has never asked for an office, but could always be depended upon to support the ticket and his influence has again and again counted for the election of his friends. He and his family are members of the Christian church.

Charles Lee Daugherty. Of the exponents of* progressive and sci¬ entific farming and stock raising, Liberty township may well place re¬ liance upon such enterprising and energetic native sons as Charles Lee Daugherty, who was born here April 24, 1870, and whose entire career, passed here, has been marked by consecutive advancement in the line of his vocation and public-spirited fidelity to the engagements and duties of good citizenship.

Thomas G. Daugherty, the father of Charles Lee Daugherty, was born July 27, 1832, in Ohio, where he was given a common school edu¬ cation and reared on a farm. Shortly after his marriage he came to Wabash county, where he embarked in the packing business at Wabash with his brothers, and for thirty years continued to be identified with that industry, his extensive operations making him widely and favorably known in business circles. He invested heavily in farming and pasture lands and at the time of his death, February 9, 1914, was known as one of the prosperous men of his locality, owning 520 acres in Liberty township and a cattle ranch of 420 acres in New Mexico. Mr. Daugherty married Edith S. Darling, who was also a native of the Buckeye state, and they became the parents of five children, as follows: Marion Ross, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Liberty town¬ ship ; Grace, who passed away at the age of eleven years ; Charles Lee, of this review ; Hollis F., who was twenty-six years old at the time of his death ; and Dema, who died when six months old.

The boyhood and youth of Charles Lee Daugherty were passed on the homestead farm in Liberty township, and his early education was secured in the district schools, this being supplemented by a course in a business college at Lexington, Kentucky. Thus admirably fitted for his career he returned to Liberty township and adopted the vocation of farmer, in which he has been engaged to the present time. Mr. Daugh¬ erty has had no reason to regret his choice of occupations, for in the line of agricultural work he has met with very satisfactory success. He has applied himself to general farming and stock raising, has developed an excellent property and has come to be numbered among the progres¬ sive men of his community. He has a thorough knowledge of farming methods and conditions and believes in the use of modern machinery in his work. In politics Mr. Daugherty is a democrat, but has not found time to enter public life in search of personal preferment.

On November 14, 1894, Mr. Daugherty was married to Miss Lou Bright, who was born, reared and educated at Treaty, Indiana, and to this union there have been born three children, of whom two survive: Thomas A., who is attending the public schools of Wabash; and Grace, born January 3, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty are consistent members of the Liberty Presbyterian church.

Marion Ross Daugherty. The agricultural interests of Liberty township have a worthy and capable representative in the person of Marion Ross Daugherty, the owner of 200 acres of well-improved land. A lifelong resident of this prosperous farming community, he has contributed materially to its progress and advancement, and is worthily entitled to the esteem in which he is held by the people among whom he has spent so many years. Mr. Daugherty was born in Liberty town¬ ship, January 12, 1865, and is a son of Thomas G. and Edith S. (Darling) Daugherty.

Thomas G. Daugherty was born in Ohio, July 27, 1832, was reared to manhood on a farm in the Buckeye state and there married, shortly after which he came to Wabash county and for thirty years was engaged in the packing business in partnership with his brothers. Through wise and well-directed management of his affairs Mr. Daugherty became the owner of 520 acres of valuable land in Wabash county, as well as a cat¬ tle ranch of 420 acres in New Mexico, and at the time of his death, Feb¬ ruary 9, 1914, was known as one of the prosperous men of Liberty town- ship. Mr. Daugherty married Edith S. Darling, who was also born in Ohio, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Marion Ross; Grace, who died at the age of eleven years; Charles Lee, who is engaged in farming in Liberty township ; Hollis F., who died at the age of twenty-six years; and Dema, who died when six months old.

Marion Ross Daugherty was given good educational advantages in his youth, first completing the curriculum of the public schools of Liberty township, subsequently entering Otterbein University at Wester¬ ville, which he left during his sophomore year, and finally taking a course in a business college at Columbus, Ohio, from which he was grad¬ uated. Succeeding this Mr. Daugherty embarked upon his career at Columbus in a wholesale and retail queensware establishment, but after one year thus spent returned to Liberty township to engage in farming, to which he has since devoted his energies. For some years he gave a large part of his attention to breeding fine horses, and at one time was the owner of the famous stallion "Poem," 2:111/4, but of later years has applied himself to general farming and stock raising. A wide¬ awake and progressive agriculturist, a public-spirited and enlightened citizen, and a promoter of good government and education, he has been a distinctively helpful factor in the advancement of his community, where the members of his family have been so long and so favorably known. Politically Mr. Daugherty is inclined to be liberal in his views, exercising his franchise in support of the men and measures which his judgment tells him will be the best contributing forces to the general welfare.

Mr. Daugherty was married (first) in Liberty township to Miss Josephine Unthank, of Henry county, Indiana, who was a graduate of Spiceland Academy, and to this union there were born two children: Edith S., who is the wife of John Richards of Liberty township; and Helen, a graduate of the high school at Spiceland and resides with her father. Mrs. Daugherty died in March, 1901, and in April, 1903, Mr. Daugherty was married (second) to Miss Lizzie Hunt, daughter of the late Lieutenant William R. Hunt. They have no children. Mr. Daugh¬ erty has taken some interest in fraternal work, being a member of Wabash Lodge, Knights of Pythias, but is essentially a home man, pre¬ ferring the pleasures and comforts of his home surroundings to any to be secured in social circles. He has a wide acquaintance in Liberty town¬ ship, and his numerous friends give evidence of his general popularity.

Henry Thomas. One of the fine landed estates of Wabash county is the La Fontaine Stock Farm, which comprises 19414 acres and which is most eligibly situated in Liberty township, one and one-half miles east of the thriving little city of La Fontaine. Mr. Thomas is the owner of this admirably improved farmstead, and in the pursuance of his farm enterprise he has brought to bear much dynamic energy and marked circumspection, so that his success has been of high order and gives him status as one of the progressive and representative farmers and stockgrowers of this favored section of the Hoosier State. He gives special attention to the breeding of Duroc-Jersey swine of the highest grade, and through his efforts he has done much to raise the local stand¬ ard in the line of industry with which he is identified, his estate like¬ wise giving to him excellent returns from diversified agriculture. He is a native of Wabash county and is a member of a family whose name has been long and prominently identified with the civic and industrial his¬ tory of the county.