Wabash County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 15 of 16)

Henry Thomas was born on the old family homestead that lies across the road from his present farm, in Liberty township, and the date of his nativity was May 12, 1869. He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Michael) Thomas, both of whom reside at La Fontaine, where the father is liv¬ ing retired, after long years of earnest and productive endeavor in con¬ nection with the great basic industry of agriculture. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, and his wife is a native of Cass county, Indiana, where her parents settled in the pioneer days and where her marriage to Samuel Thomas was solemnized. Soon after the close of the Civil war Samuel Thomas removed to Wabash county, and here he became an industrious and successful farmer, the while he had the popular con¬ fidence and esteem that made him influential in public affairs of a local order. He and his wife are numbered among the venerable and honored citizens of Wabash county, and of their four children three are living, - Albert, who is engaged in the insurance business at Portland, Jay county; Arthur S., who is a substantial farmer of Wayne township, Huntington county ; and Henry, who is the immediate subject of this review.

Passing the days of his boyhood and youth on the homestead farm which was the place of his birth, Henry Thomas there found ample de¬ mands upon his time and attention in rendering consistent aid in the work of the homestead, and he continued to attend the local schools dur¬ ing the winter terms until he had attained to his legal majority. In his independent operations as a farmer and stock-grower he has shown that enterprise and good judgment that inevitably make for success, and he has a landed estate of which he may well be proud, as it gives palpable evidences of thrift and prosperity and is one of the model places of the county. His average herd of pure-bred Duroc-Jersey swine numbers about two hundred head, and at the time of this writing the breeding heads of the herd are the fine registered types bearing the names of "Perfect Professor," "Oriari Boy," and "Indiana Volunteer." He sells each year many of this strain of hogs for breeding purposes, and is known as one of the leading breeders of the Duroc-Jerseys in this part of the State.

In politics Mr. Thomas supported the cause of the Republican party from the time of reaching his majority until the national election of 1912, when he transferred his allegiance to the newly organized Progres¬ sive party. In the primary election in Wabash county in the spring of 1914 he received nomination, on the Progressive ticket, for the office of county commissioner, as representative of the south district of the county. He and his family hold membership in the United Brethren church at Bethlehem, and he is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of the Maccabees. On February 2, 1893, Mr. Thomas wedded Miss Phoebe Hettler, daughter of Christopher L. Hettler, who is a representative citizen of Marion, judicial center of Grant county, Mrs. Thomas having been reared and educated in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have three children, - Hazel, Paul and Lucille, the two younger children remaining at the parental home, and Hazel, who was graduated in a business college at Marion, being employed as a bookkeeper in that city, where she resides in the home of her maternal grandfather.

S. L. Mohr. Though a resident of his present farm in Noble town¬ ship only since February, 1910, Mr. S. L. Mohr has already accomplished a great deal as a substantial agriculturist, and has made himself a man of influence in the community. His fine farm shows every evidence of thrift and good management, and his long experience as a practical farmer in Illinois and Indiana was a guarantee of his continued pros¬ perity in Wabash county.

S. L. Mohr was born in the state of Missouri, a son of John Quincy Adams and Maria (Kunkler) Mohr. Both parents were natives of Ohio, but their parents were born and spent their early years in the state of Pennsylvania. From Ohio John Q. A. Mohr and wife located in Wood¬ ford county, Illinois, near the town of El Paso, and the vicinity was the birthplace of most of their children, who were eight in number, six daughters and two sons, named as follows : George K. ; S. L. ; Genevieve and Geneva, twins; Ida; Anna; Salome and Ellen. The parents died in 1888.

Mr. Mohr was reared in Woodford county, Illinois, was trained in the public schools and also by the discipline of the home farm, and in 1881 married Miss Frances C. Kamp. She was the daughter of George and Susan Kamp, also of Woodford county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Mohr became the parents of five children, all of whom were born before they left Illinois. Clarence E. Mohr, the first, married Ola Jones; Harry K. married Rachel Copas; Howard died at the age of three months; Louis and Elsie are the youngest. From Illinois Mr. Mohr moved his family to Benton county, Indiana, and then in 1910 acquired the owner¬ ship and located on his present farm. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land, all well improved and productive of some of the best crops raised in this part of Wabash county. His enterprise and industry has wrought many changes in the farm in four years time. The buildings have all been put in a fine state of repair, some new ones have been added, the fences among the fields are indicative of an energetic management, and when referring to this farm the people in that community speak of it as one of the best in the township. Though with only a brief residence in Noble township, Mr. Mohr is a repre¬ sentative citizen, has a wide circle of friends, and is highly thought of and respected in the other communities in this state and Illinois where most of his years were spent.

Warren Bigler. For nearly forty years a resident of the city of Wabash, Warren Bigler, in addition to a successful career in business, has made a name for himself in republican politics, is well remembered over the state at large for his capable services in the office of Auditor of State a few years ago, and is a man of broad interests both in practi¬ cal affairs and in scholarship.

Warren Bigler is a native of Indiana, born in Shelby county, Sep¬ tember 24, 1851. He is a son of Lewis and Melissa (Bradenburg) Big¬ ler, early settlers of Shelby county and long residents there. His father was a miller by occupation, and died in the community which was for so many years his home in the year 1870. After his death the mother took up her abode in the city of Wabash, and spent the closing years of her life there, dying October 26, 1902.

The country schools of his native community supplied Warren Big¬ ler with his early education, and that was followed with a course of study at the famous old Normal Academy at Lebanon conducted by Dr. Alfred Holbrook, an institution which during a period of more than half a century trained hundreds of youths who later took their places as men of light and leading in their generation. In 1873 Mr. Bigler began the study of law in the office of Hord & Blair at Shelbyville, and during six¬ teen months spent as a student he also compiled a set of abstracts of title to the real estate of the city of Shelbyville. That was Mr. Bigler's first experience in a work with which he has since been almost continu¬ ously identified. In June, 1875, moving to Wabash, he at once began the compilation of a complete set of abstracts of title to the lands of Wabash county. That undertaking had never been carried out in a thoroughgoing fashion, and Mr. Bigler's set of abstracts was not only the first which could be regarded as complete, but was also a highly creditable accomplishment both to himself and the county. Mr. Bigler was one of the original incorporators of the State Association of Abstract¬ ors of Title, and honored by election as its first president.

From almost the beginning of his residence in Wabash, Mr. Bigler became identified with politics and good government in the community, and later his name and influence came into prominence over the district and state. He repeatedly served as delegate to county, congressional, district and state conventions, and for many years was closely identified with the active political organizations of the city and the commonwealth, being connected with the state committee in some capacity for eighteen years. For years he has been a member of the Columbia Club of Indiana¬ polis, the most influential political and social club of the state.

In 1900 Mr. Bigler served as one of the secretaries of the Republican National Convention, held at Philadelphia. In 1905 he was appointed state auditor by Governor Hanley to fill out the unexpired term of David E. Sherrick, and, in that capacity, brought to his official duties a service that reflected a high degree of credit upon himself and the man to whom he owed his appointment. This statement is emphasized by the report of a special examining committee in September, 1913, made, it will be remembered, by a Democratic body - the State Board of Accounts. After testifying to the faithfulness and thoroughness of Mr. Bigler's service, eight years before, the committee concluded with the statement that the methods of his department were "beyond criticism."

Mr. Bigler for a number of years was trustee of the Eastern Hospital for the Insane at Richmond. He served for eighteen years on the Wabash Board of School Trustees and for ten years was president of that body. During his identification with the educational affairs of the city, as president of the public system, not only was the handsome high school of the present erected, but three substantial ward structures were built and all the remaining schoolhouses were improved. In other words, the entire machinery of the public school system was expanded and modernized.

In 1901, when the Carnegie Library building was erected, Mr. Bigler was a member of the library board as well as of the building committee, as also of the original board which secured the appropriation from Carnegie which made possible the present elegant library and equipment.

In Wabash Mr. Bigler has been closely identified with the leading business enterprises for a number of years, and few commercial under¬ takings have originated during his residence in the city without some aid and favor on his part. In this connection he was one of the founders and original officers of the Wabash Board of Trade, which was chiefly instrumental in locating the Wabash Paper Mills, the cabinet factories, the hat works and other enterprises which were given the city a high standing as an industrial center. Further, the establishment and develop¬ ment of the building and loan associations, which up to a very recent period were such strong agents in the furtherance of local prosperity, were largely due to his honest work and promotion. The record shows that his activities in this field cover a continuous period of nearly thirty years, and that he has been identified with the various organizations of that nature when taken together for an aggregate of half a century. In a word, his energy, his ability and his broad experience have made him a large factor in the extension of all the industrial and financial activities of his home community.

On October 5, 1875, Mr. Bigler married Miss Carrie Major of Shelbyville, Indiana. They have one son, Herbert Spencer Bigler. Although always a busy man, Mr. Bigler has found time to travel, and has been a visitor not only to the most attractive and famous spots in our own country in Canada and in Mexico, but has traveled extensively in Nor¬ way, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, France and the British Isles. He is not a globe trotter, but has been a student and an observer and has acquired an understanding of countries and people among whom he has sojourned to a degree far above that of the mere tourist. In his home county Mr. Bigler is regarded as one of the best read men, and his interests are of exceptional range. His library, selected with the greatest care and discrimination during the last two score years, is without equal in the county as a private collection of read and readable books. Mr. Bigler is a natural lover of books and literature, has chosen his library volume by volume, not merely purchased it in sec- tions, and the result is apparent in the library as well as in the man. He has membership in a number of the leading scientific societies, in¬ cluding the American Academy of Political and Social Science, the American Anthropological Society, the American Economic Association, American Sociological Society, the American Historical Association, and was for a number of years a contributor to the Babylonian and Egyptian Exploration Fund.

Jesse D. Coon. Agricultural industry in Wabash county has an able and successful exponent in the person of the popular citizen whose name introduces this paragraph and who is one of the substantial farm¬ ers and stock-growers of Liberty township, his progressiveness transcend¬ ing his individual business operations to touch and influence those meas¬ ures and enterprises that contribute to the general prosperity and advancement of the community.

Mr. Coon was born in Wayne township, Huntington county, Indiana, on the 28th of September, 1863, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Harrell) Coon, the former of whom was born in Rush county, this state, and the latter in Fayette county. George Coon was a youth at the time of his parents' removal from Rush county to Wayne township, Huntington county, and there he eventually became a representative agriculturist and influential citizen. He continued his residence in Wayne township until his death and his wife, who survived him by a number of years, was a resident of the city of Wabash, Wabash county, at the time when she was summoned to the life eternal. Concerning the children the following brief data are given : Jacob is well upholding the prestige of the family name as one of the substantial farmers of Wayne township, Huntington county; John is employed at Marion, Grant county ; Levi is a prosperous farmer of Liberty township, Wabash county ; Jesse D., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Margaret A. is the wife of Albert R. Owens of Wabash county, and George is a resident of Wabash county.

On the old homestead farm in Huntington county Jesse D. Coon remained until he had attained to the age of twenty-two years, and he early began to prove an effective collaborator in the diversified work and management of the farm, the while he was afforded the advantages of the public schools in the little village of Banquo. His father gave him employment at stipulated wages after he reached his majority, and he was twenty-three years of age at the time of his marriage. His career has been one of consecutive industry and close adherence to the principles of integrity and honor, so that he has never lacked the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has come in contact in the varied relations of life. In 1892 Mr. Coon purchased twenty acres of land in Huntington county which he later sold, and in the fall of 1900 pur¬ chased his present farm comprising 160 acres and which is situated only one-fourth of a mile west of the village of Banquo, in his native county. On his original little farm of forty acres, twenty of which were given him by his father, and the other half being purchased by himself, he put forth such well directed effort that he gained more than ordinary suc- cess, the improvements which he has made on the place and the great care that he has given to all details of his enterprise making the farm a model of thrift and prosperity. In politics, though never an aspirant for official preferment or desirious of entering the turbulence of political contest, Mr. Coon accords unswerving allegiance to the Republican party and both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church at Banquo.

On the 24th of December, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Coon to Miss Myrtle Sutton, a daughter of Aaron B. Sutton, a well known farmer of Liberty township, where Mrs. Coon was reared and educated. Of the six children of this union the eldest is Effiel, who is the wife of Elmer Shaffer, of Liberty township ; Elsie is the wife of Garl M. Stephens, of Banquo, Huntington county; Dessie is the wife of George Brane and they reside in the state of Montana; and Raymond, Mary and Lawrence remain at the parental home.

William Hidy. One of the pioneer families of Wabash county, established in Chester township for more than three-quarters of a cen¬ tury, is that of Hidy, honored representatives of which are found in the persons of the late William Hidy and his son, Hallet B. Hidy, the latter of whom is still engaged in agricultural pursuits in the same township. In business life the men of this family have always been found honorable, as citizens have ever been ready to assist in the advance¬ ment of their community, in war they have been loyal to their country 's flag and eager to protect it.

William Hidy was born in Virginia in the year 1796, and there grew to manhood and married a Miss Yeager, by whom he had three sons who later accompanied him to Indiana. After the death of his first wife, he married Mrs. Catherine (Parrott) Wilson, and they had four sons and four daughters : Mary, who married Robert Sellers and is now deceased ; Rev. David, for years a minister of the gospel; Sarah; Matilda; George; Lucinda; Anderson and Hallet B., all of whom are deceased with the exception of the last named. After his second marriage, October 19, 1837, William Hidy migrated to Wabash county and settled on the old Simonton road, where he purchased land of a pioneer settler, John Simonton. He settled in the uncultivated wilderness, cleared his property from the timber, erected a double log house for his family and other buildings for the shelter of his stock, and throughout his life con¬ tinued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1863, he was still the owner of his original eighty acres, although he had added considerable thereto. He was a stalwart Republican and a stanch supporter of the Union, took an interest in all matters of importance and was a man of influence and prominence in his community. His second wife passed away in Septem¬ ber, 1864, and both are at rest in the Pleasant Grove cemetery. They both died in the faith of the Christian church, of which they had been mem¬ bers throughout life. All of their sons fought as soldiers during the Civil voi. n - so

Hallet B. Hidy was born on the old homestead in Chester town¬ ship, Wabash county, Indiana, April 2, 1848, and is a son of William and Catherine (Parrott- Wilson) Hidy. He was granted an ordinary educa¬ tion in the public schools in the country, which he attended during the winter months, while he assisted his father in the farm work during the summers, as was customary with farmers ' lads of his day and locality. When the Civil war broke out, he was too young to become a soldier, although he saw his brothers march away one by one to the front to fight under the flag, but finally, May 12, 1864, when he had just passed his sixteenth birthday, he managed to get himself accepted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-Eighth Regiment, Indiana Vol¬ unteer Infantry, in the 100 days' service, and was mustered into his regiment at Indianapolis. He received his honorable discharge in Sep¬ tember, 1864, and returned to his home, but February 1, 1865, again enlisted, joining Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged in September, 1865, at Indianapolis. During the greater part of his service lie was engaged in picket and scout duty and in watching the numerous guerrillas, and his record was ever that of a brave and faithful soldier, cheerful in the perform¬ ance of his duty and admired by comrades and respected by officers.

Upon his return home he again assumed the vocation of farmer, and was so employed until the time of his marriage, October 15, 1868, to Miss Sarah F. Howe, daughter of Luke Howe. Mr. and Mrs. Hidy have had the following children: John Wilson, who died in 1891; Emma, who married Clyde Lowe of Warsaw, Indiana; Charley, who died young; Alice, who died at the age of twTelve years; Elizabeth, wrho married Joe Kelley ; Levi, who served as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, during the Spanish- American war, and died October 31, 1902; Mary, who married Floyd Lewis, of Laud, Whitley county; Minnie, wdio married Virgil Law¬ rence; Frank D., who died February 8, 1906; and Bessie, wdio was married February 25, 1914, to Glenn Perree. The mother of these children died May 19, 1909, and was laid to rest in Pleasant Grove cemetery.

In the spring of 1869 Air. and Mrs. Hidy located on the farm on which Mr. Hidy nowT resides, and on which he has continued to be engaged in farming ever since. This is a tract of thirty-eight and onehalf acres, located four miles east of Manchester, in Chester township, and is under a high state of cultivation, due to Mr. Hidy's intelligent efforts. He is possessed of more than ordinary business capacity, and in his various dealings with his fellow-men has shown himself a man of the highest integrity whose word may be relied upon as is his bond. He may well take a pride in his farm, for it has all been cleared by his own labor and the houses and other improvements are of his own construc¬ tion. Politically Mr. Hidy is a Republican and much interested in local affairs. He is a stanch advocate of good roads, and was one of the subscribers for the bettering of the road along the front of his home, working his share out during the next three years. A progressive citizen, thoroughly alert, he is entitled to a place among the men who are making Wabash county one of the most prosperous in the state. ' He is popular among his comrades in John A. Logan Post, Grand Army of the Republic. In his youth Mr. Hidy joined the Christian church, which was the religious home of his parents. Later with his wife and two or three of the oldest children he united with the United Brethren church in its class in the neighborhood of their home, and continued members of that class until about five years ago, when the organization was abandoned. About four years ago Mr. Hidy and his youngest daughter went into the Methodist church, which was the closest society holding regular services, and Mr. Hidy still worships there, his daughter having since moved away.

Dr. A. L. Stephenson. For many years Dr. Amos L. Stephenson was successfully engaged in dental practice in Wabash, and was long recognized among the ablest representatives of his profession in the county. He retired from practice in the year 1902, and has since lived a retired life in Wabash, devoting himself to his home and the quiet pursuits of private life. He is a native son of Wabash county, all his life having been practically spent within its confines. His parents were Hugh M. and Maria Jane (Thompson) Stephenson, of Wabash county, and concerning them and their lives in this community it is but fitting and proper that some mention be made.

The late Hugh M. Stephenson, one time sheriff of Wabash county and for many years identified with public affairs of considerable local importance, was a native of Iredell county, North Carolina, born there on December 29, 1818. He early came north and for a time he was located at South Bend, later moving to Marion and still later to Lagro. In the latter place he conducted a general store and while a resident of the community was elected sheriff of Wabash county, gaining the office on the Whig ticket, to which party he was ever an adherent.

In the year 1850, with many another, he became very enthusiastic over the discovery of gold in California, and he joined the band of' wealth seekers who journeyed at all cost to that part of the country. Mr. Stephenson spent three years prospecting in the gold regions, but without very much success at any time, and then returned to Wabash county and located at Wabash. For a time he was occupied as a clerk in a general store, and then he engaged in the sale of farm implements, continuing thus until the year 1878. In that year he removed to Rochester and was thereafter' busy for some little time in making an abstract of Fulton county. He passed away there in 1889.

His marriage to Miss Maria Jane Thompson in 1844 resulted in the birth of seven children, named as follows: Amos L., who is the immediate subject of this review. William Hartwell; Ella; one other who died in infancy, unnamed; Joseph T. ; Frank M. and Rome C.

Dr. Amos L. Stephenson, for years engaged in the practice of den¬ tistry in Wabash, was born in Lagro, Indiana, on February 16, 1845, and this county has been his home from then till now. Here he received his early schooling, and he was only a boy when on March 11, 1862, he was mustered into the Fourteenth Indiana Battery at Indianapolis for service in the Union Army. He served from then to the close of the long and sanguinary struggle, participating in many minor engage¬ ments and campaigns, as well as being a participant in the Battle of Nashville and the Siege of Spanish Fort. In September, 1865, with the rank of first lieutenant, Dr. Stephenson was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, and at once returned to his Wabash county home. It was very soon thereafter that the young soldier resolved to take up the study of dentistry, and for two years he studied under the tutelage of Drs. Bechtol and Spaw. Dr. Stephenson embarked in practice on his own account, and he continued successfully in the work until 1902, in which year he felt himself able to retire from the profession and take his ease.

Socially Dr. Stephenson has membership in the Masonic fraternity and in the Elks, and he is also a member of James H. Emmett Post of the G. A. R. A Republican in his political views, he has given stanch support to the party, but he has never held office, preferring to confine his energies to private interests.

On November 24, 1870, Dr. Stephenson married Miss Alice Eagle, a daughter of Francis M. Eagle. She died on January 20, 1902, and the doctor later married, on January 23, 1912, Miss Blanche Thurston, daughter of William K. Thurston. The doctor and his wife are living quietly in the city where he was long active and prominent, and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of friends.

Mahlon Powell. An active citizen of Wabash county for thirty years, Mahlon Powell was engaged in the loan business for a number of years and is now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life at his home in Noble township.

Mahlon Powell was born in Putnam county, Ohio, November 28, 1842, one of the nine children of Nuter and Hetty (Owens) Powell. He and his brother Joshua are the only survivors of this family. Both parents spent their lives in Putnam county, Ohio, and were substantial farming people, a vocation also followed in the main by their children. The children, all of whom were natives of Ohio, were named as fol¬ lows : Clorisa ; Margarite ; Emmeline and Mahlon, twins ; Abi ; Amanda ; Perry; Joshua and Amos.

Mahlon Powell after a number of years spent in business affairs elsewhere, moved to Wabash county in 1884, and settled in Noble town¬ ship. His work has been chiefly along the lines of loaning money on farm property and some years ago he retired from aggressive participa¬ tion in business. He has been a factor in public affairs, and is a

George M. Sewell. A farmer and contractor who has made no small success during his active career, George M. Sewell has been iden¬ tified by residence chiefly with Pleasant township, though he was bom in Paw Paw township in this county. The Sewells came to Wabash county during the pioneer times, and were among the settlers whose work helped to extend the area of cultivation and clear the way for the thousands of substantial and prosperous homesteads that are now to be found in this section of the state.

George M. Sewell was bom in Paw Paw township of Wabash county July 28, 1869, a son of William and Letitia (Brown) Sewell. His father was born in Virginia, but married after coming to Wabash county, and had seven children. Letitia Brown was born in Indiana. William Sewell was brought to Wabash county in 1844, the head of the family at that time being grandfather William Sewell, and they made their journey by rail as far as Ohio, and their goods and persons were transported over the road to Wabash by team and wagon. Grandfather Sewell settled first in Pleasant township, entering land direct from the government, and as there were no buildings he erected a log cabin as the first shelter and habitation of the family in this county. William Sewell, the father, spent his career as a farmer, but the grandfather was by trade a mill wright, and did much serviceable work in his early years in Wabash county, helping to construct the first mill at Laketon. The father lived at different places, buying land and selling, and finally returned to the old homestead first entered by his father, and there lived until his death. He was then eighty-two years of age, and had preserved his health remarkably well until the last. He was an active member of the Christian church, and in politics a republican. The mother passed away at the age of fifty-two.

George M. Sewell grew up in Wabash county, was educated in the * local schools, and on reaching his majority took his place in the ranks of hard and thrifty workers and has done a great deal of business in contracting. While he owns a good farm, he hires all the help to operate it. Mr. Sewell married Della White, daughter of Gilman and Mary Jane (Stewart) White. They were married in 1889, and they now have a fine family of children, several of whom have already taken their places among the useful workers in the younger generation. These children are: Bernice, born February 12, 1890, on April 19, 1911, married Marion Ireland, and has one child, Geraldine; Howard, born July 28, 1893, was married to Miss Fern Hutzner, of Disko, July 29, 1914; Wayne, born September 9, 1895: Wanda, born August 17, 1898; Mary Jane, born October 17, 1900; Carmen, born December 23, 1904; and Anna Bell, born July 19, 1910. All were born in this county. Mrs. Sewell is likewise a native of Wabash county, and her father and mother are both deceased. Mr. Sewell has had his home at his present place since 1897, owns a hundred and twenty acres of land largely improved under his direct management, and also employs a good deal of capital in his contracting business. Mr. Sewell has membership in no church, and in politics is a Republican.

C. E. Rader. Although he has been a resident of Wabash county only since 1911, C. E. Rader is already accounted one of the practical and intelligent representatives of this section's agricultural interests, his well-cultivated farm in Pleasant township evidencing his ability in his chosen field of activity and his versatility in combining modern ways with the methods proven reliable by the years of successful ex¬ perience of the farmers of the older generation. Modern methods are essentially different from those of the past, but the successful operation of land still requires, as formerly, hard and well-directed labor, and it is this, perhaps, which has been the chief element in advancing Mr. Rader to his present independent position.

C. E. Rader is a native of the Hoosier state, born in Fulton county, January 22, 1883, and is a son of Schuyler C. and Mary Alice (Teeter) Rader. Philip Rader, his paternal grandfather, founded the family in Fulton county, making his way on foot overland from his home in the East, long before the advent of the railroads. He settled on an unim¬ proved farm, two miles out of Akron, Indiana, and there passed the remainder of his life, being known as an industrious and hard-working citizen. Schuyler C. Rader was born on the farm near Akron, received his education in the public schools of that locality, and grew up amid agricultural surroundings, adopting the vocation of farming when he entered upon his own career. He was married just over the Miami county line to Miss Mary Alice Teeter, who lived in that vicinity, and for three years they made their home on a small farm owned by Mr. Rader in Kosciusko county. At the end of that period, however, they returned to Fulton county, locating on a farm upon which build¬ ings had been erected and the greater part of the land cleared, and this continued to be the family home until April, 1902, when the father removed to a farm within one mile of Akron, this still being the place of his residence. Air. Rader is a republican in his political views, has taken some interest in public affairs, and has served several years as road supervisor of Fulton county. He has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which Mrs. Rader passed away in August, 1913. There were three children in the family: C. E., and two who died in infancy.

The boyhood and youth of C. E. Rader were passed in Fulton county, where he secured his education in the public schools. He early showed a predilection for farming, and was thoroughly trained by his father in the work to which he had decided to devote his life, so that when he was ready to embark upon his own career he was well fitted to take his place among the farmers of his community. He moved to his father's farm in the spring of 1903, and from there on November 16, 1911, came to Pleasant township, Wabash county, locating on the farm known as the old Solomon Wertenberger farm, and here has continued to devote his energies to the cultivation of his valuable land. Although still a young man, Mr. Rader's life has been one of great activity, and he continues to work with the vigor and enthusiasm of the youth who has his own way to make in the world. He is a student of his vocation, keeping himself thoroughly abreast of its advancements, discoveries and inventions, and is always ready to experiment with innovations. In his community he has demonstrated his willingness to assist in movements calculated to be beneficial to his township, and, although not a poli¬ tician, is an active supporter of republican principles. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Rader is also a member.

On Nov. 4, 1902, Mr. Rader was married in Wabash county to Miss Tressie M. Eager, the only child of George and Mary (Anderson) Eager, farming people of this county, and to this union there have come two children : Rex, born November 13, 1906 ; and Ralph, born December 23, 1907, both in Fulton county.

William II. Ebbinghous. A prosperous resident of Pleasant town¬ ship, William H. Ebbinghous has lived in Wabash county practically all his life, belongs to one of the early families, and through his own industry and activities has added to the influence and honor generally associated with that name.

Born in Chester township, Wabash county, March 5, 1870, William H. Ebbinghous is a son of Frederick and Mary (Strickler) Ebbinghous. The founder of the family name and fortunes in this part of Indiana was grandfather Henry Ebbinghous, who was born in Germany, where Frederick Ebbinghous was also born, and came to Wabash county in 1854. His was one of the very early settlements made by a representa¬ tive of the German fatherland in this county. Frederick Ebbinghous died on a farm adjoining that where his son William now lives in 1905. The homestead on which he lived for many years was developed almost entirely by his industry, and its buildings are largely the result of his work. Mary Strickler, the mother, is believed to have been one of the first white children born in this section of Wabash county, and she is still living at a good old age. There were four children: Matilda H., whose first husband was L. Brown and her second William Ivans; William H. ; Nora, who married Bert Ogden; and Albert, who died in infancy.

William H. Ebbinghous grew up in this county, received his pre¬ liminary training in the common schools, and in preparation for work as a teacher attended the Normal School at Terre Haute for some time. His career as an educator embraces about three years, in Paw Paw township, and some ten years in Pleasant township. He is cordially remembered by many of his old pupils as a capable and efficient in¬ structor, and did an excellent service to the coming generation through his labors in the schoolroom. After some years as a teacher Mr. Ebbing¬ hous married Roxana Flora, daughter of Leonard and Josephine (Brown) Flora. To this marriage have been born five children now

After his marriage Mr. Ebbinghous lived in Paw Paw township on the farm of his wife's father, then moved to his own father's farm, and after about ten years came to his present place. He has 76.78 acres, and has done a great deal of work to make the land more valuable in every way and has remodeled both ' the house and barns since he occupied the farm.

Mr. Ebbinghous is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, though his father was a German Lutheran. His fraternal affiliation is with the Masonic Lodge of North Manchester and the Maccabees at Laketon. As a business man whose good judgment has often com¬ mended him to his community, Mr. Ebbinghous held the office of justice of the peace in Pleasant township for 8 years prior to 1908. In politics he is a democrat and his father was of the same political faith.

James and William Arnett. Though James and William Arnett are not partners in a business sense, they are always spoken of in their neighborhood as the Arnett brothers, and their lives have been so closely identified that both careers are proper subjects of one sketch. On Section 20 of Noble township are the two home farms of these brothers, and such has been their enterprise and success that it is with a peculiar degree of respect and admiration that their names are spoken in that community.

Both James and William Arnett were born and educated in Wabash county, and their birthplace was the old homestead in Noble township, where their parents, Philip and Catherine (Bruner) Arnett, lived for many years. Wabash county has long esteemed the Arnett and Bruner families, and particularly well known are William Lemuel, James and Charles Bruner, maternal uncles of James and William Arnett.

Philip Arnett was orphaned at the age of three years, and the youngest of the family was an infant of six months. The children were reared in the homes of comparative strangers, and as soon as able to be of any service they were put to work. Philip Arnett was reared in the home of a carpenter, and his boyhood strength and skill were applied to learning the trade. Until twenty years he was employed by his guardian or taskmaster, as one prefers to call him, receiving for his labors his board and lodging. About that time a call came from a Grant county man, George Bruner, who required some building to be done. Young Arnett was sent to do the work, and there met the fate which largely decided his future fortunes, since the daughter of his employer subsequently became his wife. Another fact of note is that the house built by Mr. Arnett on George Bruner's place was the first frame dwelling erected between Marion and Wabash. Philip Arnett later took up his residence in Noble township, where his sons were born. Both were reared on a farm, and their educational advantages were somewhat above the average.

a very early time, and they were among the very first settlers in Noble township. William Arnett, while a general farmer, has become best known throughout this section of Indiana as a successful breeder of draft and high-class trotting horses. Some splendid horses have been bred and trained on his farm. To name one out of many was Myrtle Granett, which sold for fifty thousand dollars, and others of high value have been produced in his stables. His barn is one of the finest in the county, and in order to train his trotting stock he maintains a half mile track on his farm. It can be confidently asserted that no breeder in this section of the state excels Mr. Arnett, and it is with a pardon¬ able pride that he refers to his achievements along this line.

Directly opposite from the farm of William Arnett is the home of his brother James. A road separates the two properties, and the place of James Arnett is no less a credit to the owner and to the community than that of his brother. A few years ago he erected a handsome cement block house at one corner of his estate, and that is one of the best residences in Noble township.

James Arnett was married on June 21, 1903, to Mary R. Hummer, a daughter of Luther Calvin and Marie E. (Tweedy) Hummer, both natives of New Jersey, who moved from that place to Ohio and then to Wabash county, Indiana, being farming people and well known in this county. The two children of James Arnett and wife are: Ruth Odell, born January 8, 1906; and Lucile Elizabeth, born in February, 1914.

William Arnett was married in Sun City, Kansas, September 30, 1888, to Myrtle Pickering, daughter of James and Minnie (Nelson) Pickering. To their marriage was born a son on June 30, 1889, Harry Arnett, and later a daughter, Myrtle Marie, who died in infancy. Harry Arnett married Eva Allison, and has one child, LeMoyne Arnett, born December 30, 1912.

The family of James Arnett are members of the United Brethren church, while that of William are identified with that of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. William Arnett is a member of the Royal Order of Moose and of the Horse Thief Detective Association, and both brothers are progressive in politics. These families have a high stand¬ ing in the community, have hosts of good friends in and about the county, and their position as substantial and progressive people is securely established.

George E. Rudicel. The name introducing this review is that of one of the representative farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Liberty township, and Mr. Rudicel is known not only for his energy and pro¬ gressiveness in connection with his chosen vocation but also for his civic loyalty and earnest co-operation in those undertakings that tend to conserve the general welfare of the community. In his native town¬ ship he has found excellent opportunities for achievement along the line of the great elemental industry under the influence of which he was reared, and thus there are well reinforced reasons for his apprecia¬ tion of and affection for the county that has ever represented his home.

Mr. Rudicel was born on a farm in Liberty township, this county, on tiie 4th of September, 1858, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this favored section of the Hoosier Com¬ monwealth. lie is a son of David and Elizabeth (Hevenridge) Rudicel, the former of whom was born in Franklin county, this state, and the latter in Henry county, Indiana, - this statement giving assurance that the respective families were founded in Indiana in the early pioneer era. Within a comparatively short period after his first marriage, David Rudicel came to Wabash county and established his residence on a pioneer farm in Liberty township, and there his first wife died. They became the parents of six children, all of whom are living except Mary Jane. The sons of this union are John, Edgar and Theodore, and the surviving daughters are Lavina, who is the wife of Jonathan Copeland, and Miss Catherine. For his second wife David Rudicel married Miss Elizabeth Hevenridge, and both continued their residence in Liberty township until the close of their lives, George E., of this review, being the elder of the two children, and Andrew J. being a resident of the city of Indianapolis.

George E. Rudicel was reared to adult age on the old homestead farm in Liberty township, and the district schools of the locality and period afforded him advantages that enabled him to acquire a good basic education, his services having been enlisted in the work of the home farm during the summer months, and the winter terms of school having found him a diligent and appreciative student.

Upon attaining to his legal majority Mr. Rudicel rented his father's farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits in an independent way. He denied himself neither time nor labor in his initial enterprise as a farmer, and with the passing years substantial and positive success rewarded him. He finally purchased his present farm, which com¬ prises seventy acres, is improved with excellent buildings and main¬ tained under effective cultivation, the appearance of the place showing fully the progressive policies and indomitable energy which have com¬ passed its development and improvement.

In politics Mr. Rudicel is arrayed under the banner of the demo¬ cratic party, and he takes a loyal and broad-minded interest in public affairs, especially those of local order, though he has never manifested any predilection for the honors or emoluments of public office. In con¬ nection with his general farming he gives special attention to the raising of standard-bred horses, and he has produced some fine types, including several now in his possession. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at La Fontaine.

Christmas day of the year 1880 recorded the marriage of Mr. Rudicel to Miss Laura Straughn, who was born in Henry county, this state, but who was an infant at the time of her parents' removal to Wabash county, where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Rudicel have one daughter, Lola, who was graduated in one of the leading conservatories of music in the city of Chicago and who is a successful teacher of music in her home community, where also she is a popular factor in social affairs, the wrhile she aids greatly in making the parental home a center of gracious hospitality.

James B. Boys. Among those who have availed themselves of the admirable natural resources of Wabash county and have gained pres¬ tige as successful and representative farmers and stock-growers is this well known citizen of Liberty township, wrhere he is proprietor of the fine demesne known as Locust Grove Stock Farm. This farm com¬ prises 160 acres, with substantial improvements of a permanent order, and it is situated on Sections 11 and 14, three and one-half miles north¬ east of the progressive little city of La Fontaine.

Mr. Boys is one of the popular citizens given to Wabash county by the historic old Bluegrass State, and in his personality he exemplified the best traditions and customs of that commonwealth. He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the 7th of May, 1862, and is a son of William and Eliza (Jackson) Boys, both of whom were reared in that same county, where their marriage was solemnized, where they con¬ tinued to reside until the close of their lives, the father having passed away in 1899 and his cherished wife having been summoned to eternal rest in 1888. They are survived by five children - John, who is a pros¬ perous farmer in Fleming county, Kentucky ; James B., whose name initiates this sketch; Mary C., who is the wife of James W. Dalrymple, of Upland, Grant county, Indiana; Martha, who is the wife of Rufus Rhenly, of Kentucky; and Americus C., wTho is the wife of Joseph Robey, of that State.

The conditions and influences of the old homestead farm in Ken¬ tucky compassed the childhood and youth of James B. Boys, and in the meanwhile he made good use of the advantages afforded in the local schools, so that he waxed strong in both mental and physical powers. On the 1st of January, 1883, about four months prior to attaining to he has since maintained his home and where he has won success worthy of the name. This is shown forth conclusively in his ownership of one of the fine farms of the county, and he gives his attention to diversified agriculture and to the raising of fine grades of live stock, in which latter department of enterprise he has achieved marked precedence and reputation that transcends mere local limitations.

party until the national election of 1912, when he designated his earnest convictions by transferring his allegiance to the newly organized pro¬ gressive party. Both he and his wife are zealous members of the Metho¬ dist Episcopal church at La Fontaine.

August 20, 1885, gave record of the marriage of Mr. Boys to Miss Anna A. Asbury, who was bom in Kentucky and who was three years of age at the time of her parents' removal to Indiana, where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Boys have three children: Mabel L. is the wife of Kenneth Parker, of La Fontaine; Lawrence L., who was graduated in the Marion Business College, at Marion, Grant county, and who married Miss Elsie Bowman, is a progressive young farmer of Liberty township; John C., who likewise was graduated in the Marion Business College, after a two years* course in the La Fontaine high school, is associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm.

Anderson Bitrks. For something more than eighty years the in¬ fluence of men of the Burns family has been felt to excellent purpose in the industrial and agricultural life of Wabash county, the year 1844 marking the advent of the family into the county. Anderson Burns was the first of the name to locate hereabout, and he, accompanied by his wife and two children and a brother Daniel, drove all the way by wagon from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Wabash county, Indiana. Here Anderson Burns bought land in the woods on the Waltz town¬ ship line road in that community, located between what is now Noble and Waltz townships. Primitive conditions prevailed there, it is per¬ haps needless to say, and the place Mr. Burns purchased had but one mark of civilization, - a small log cabin that some less hardy adven¬ turer had reared, and then deserted, unable to endure the life of the wilderness and the desolation of untamed nature.

Into this small cabin the family settled, and here Mr. Burns set about his new business with a hearty good will. The land was burdened with a heavy growth of virgin timber, and only those who have lived through such a period of reconstruction as did these people, or those who have heard the story first hand, can have any adequate under¬ standing of the task that was theirs in their efforts to hew out a* home for themselves under the conditions existing. But that they were equal to the demands upon their strength, their courage and their energies, has been amply proven in the fact that Anderson Burns and his wife passed the greater part of the remaining years of their lives on this identical spot, and in the years they devoted to the place, they subdued the wilderness to an unbelievable extent, making a blooming garden of many acres of their possessions. Late in life they moved to South Wabash, where they passed away, Anderson Burns dying in July, 1893, aged eighty-five years, and Emeline, his wife, passing away in March, 1898, at the age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Burns was a member of the Wesleyan church and was ever a devout and faithful Christian woman. She was the mother of two children, - Serena and Daniel, who was named for his uncle.

Daniel Burns was born on July 11, 1840, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and came to Wabash county with his father in 1844. All his remaining life has been passed within the borders of Wabash county. Owing to a physical weakness that had its origin in a crippled condi¬ tion, he attended school somewhat more than did the average farmer's boy of that day, and he later attended school at Somerset, as well.

Mr. Burns has been a farmer practically all his life, having a natural aptitude for the work, and today, aside from his city property, he is the owner of about six hundred acres of fine farm land in the county that has so long been his home.

Mr. Burns is a Democrat, but is one who is thoroughly independent withal, regarding it his privilege to vote for the better man, though he be of the opposing faction. In the matter of putting men into public office to look after the interests of the people, he considers the man before the party, and the result is that his sturdy and fearless support is always with the side of right, regardless of party lines or prejudices.

Daniel Burns was first married when he was twenty-one to Miss Elizabeth R. Reeves, and to them were born two children: Elmer and Emeline. The latter is the wife of John P. King, and the son will be mentioned specifically in a later paragraph. Mrs. Burns died January 27, 1905, and Mr. Burns later married Miss Lovina Buck. In the Autumn of 1904 Mr. Burns moved to South Wabash from his farm home, and this was his place of residence until his death, May 29, 1914. He was buried in Mount Pleasant cemetery near Pioneer, Wabash county.

Elmer Burns was born on the old home place in Wabash county on March 31, 1865, and this county has always been his home. As a boy he aided in the work of the farm, and he finished his schooling in the public schools of Wabash and with a business course in Eastman Col¬ lege at Poughkeepsie, New York, and since that time has devoted himself mainly to general farming and stock-raising. His success has been praiseworthy, and though he moved to South Wabash in 1905 and here established his residence, he has continued to devote his attention to his business as before. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens Savings & Trust Company of Wabash, which was established the first of the year 1913, and he is now the president of the company.

Like sire and grandsire before him, Mr. Burns has taken a prom¬ inent place in his native community, and has yielded an excellent in¬ fluence for good therein. He is a democrat and in 1913 was elected to the City Council as the representative of the Second Ward. His fraternal associations are with the Knights of Pythias.

Andrew C. Huff. One of the native sons and prosperous farming and stock men of Wabash county is Andrew C. Huff, born in the town ship which is now his home on February 8, 1847. He has spent his entire life within the confines of the county, and has added to its citizen¬ ship in a worthy manner all his maturer days. As one who has done much toward the advancement of agricultural prosperity in the county, he is entitled to mention in this historical and biographical work, and as such, space is afforded for a brief mention of him and his career.

Andrew C. Huff is the son of Uriah and Levina (Spohr) Huff, who were natives of Morgan county, West Virginia, and who were united in marriage after they came to Wabash county to live. Andrew Huff, tobacco. In 1852 he moved with his family to Huntington county, In¬ diana, and later to Grant county, where he settled in the woods on "Indian land," his farm being located on the famous Indian battle¬ ground of Grant county, now a proposed park site. During the nineteen years he resided on that property he was successful in clearing and culti¬ vating some ninety-five acres, and there his death occurred in 1863, at the age of sixty-five years, his first wife having died many years before. He was married a second time to Delilah Burneswerth, who, after his death, married a second time and went to the West. To Samuel and Jane (Noble) Gilpin there were born six children, namely: Anna and Delilah, who are deceased; Sam R. ; Margaret and William, who are de¬ ceased; and Jane.

Sam R. Gilpin was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied his parents to the wilderness of Huntington county, and here he grew up among pioneer surroundings. He early made friends with the Indians, who soon grew to admire him because of his skill and prowess in their sports and dances. He soon learned their language and accompanied them on their hunts, becoming so skilled with the bow and arrow that he was able to kill a squirrel with that weapon at some distance. As a lad he had helped his father with his tobacco packing, and later he secured a position with Gilbert & Murphy, of Marion, Indiana, as a packer. He also assisted his father in clearing the ninety-five acres, and often while plowing the old battlefield came across Indian relics. These included a number of horseshoes rotted with rust, an old Indian single-barreled pistol, a razor and a dagger, the latter found in a hollow beech. Some of these articles are now highly prized possessions of the Historical Society, at Marion.

On October 24, 1861, Mr. Gilpin was married to Mary J. Connor, and they began their married life on the Indian land, where Mr. Gilpin had erected a small house. Three years later, however, they came to their present property, then located in the wilderness, the sixty-one acres cost¬ ing $1,800, and being a part of one-half section which had been pur¬ chased by the father of Mrs. Gilpin and Robert Beatty, and being also located in the old Indian survey of Lagro township. At the time of their arrival they settled in a little primitive log house, but this has been long since replaced by a comfortable modern dwelling and the little home of former years is now used as a coal house. This land has all been cleared by Mr. Gilpin, and here he has continued to carry on agricultural pur¬ suits with much success. He has also devoted a large part of his atten¬ tion to the raising of stock, and has never been satisfied with anything but the very best. He has a mare which is today accounted one of the finest in Wabash county. Mr. Gilpin has always been known as an ener¬ getic, industrious and diligent workman, and today, although seventyseven years of age, carries on his daily duties and manages his large affairs in an alert and well-directed way. His dealings have been straightforward and honorable and he has always possessed the confi¬ dence of his associates in business and those who have come into contact with him in any way. Few men are better versed to the early history of the state, and none can relate in a more interesting or instructive manner experiences, anecdotes and incidents of the old Indian days. Mr. Gilpin is a democrat, but has never been an office-seeker. He and his wife have been the parents of three children: Martin N., who died in 1907, at the age of forty-three years; Lou 0., who resides at home; and May G., who married James Pyle, and resides on a farm in Noble township.

Mrs. Gilpin is a descendant of one of the old and prominent families of Grant county. She is a daughter of Nelson and Sarah (Boots) Connor, and a granddaughter of Martin Boots, for whom Boots street, Marion, is named, and who, with Mr. Branson, donated the square upon which the Court House stands. It was one of his stipulations that a hitching rack should always be maintained, otherwise that the land should revert to his descendants. He had come to Indiana from Chillicothe, Ohio, when the mother of Mrs. Gilpin was sixteen years of age, in 1829, she riding behind him on his old saddle-horse. She was married in Grant county, in 1831, to Nelson Connor, who was born in 1811, and this was the first marriage of white people in the county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Connor first lived at Marion, but subsequently the father became the owner of a farm near the Soldiers' Home, and later built a waterpowder gristmill one mile from the Court House, and is likewise the owner of a woolen mill. Eventually Mr. Connor moved to the Jacobs Mill property, now known far and wide as the Connor Mill, located across the river from Mr. Gilpin's home, and there both Mrs. Gilpin's parents passed away.

D. F. Brewer. Various business enterprises have claimed the atten¬ tion of D. F. Brewer in the years of his active career, but that which has received his sincerest approbation and in w7hich he has been accorded the greatest measure of success is his farming enterprise. His farm of eighty acres in Noble township is one of the best to be there found, and he has demonstrated his ability as a practical farmer in no uncertain terms.

D. F. Brewer is a native son of Wabash county and of Noble township also, for he was born here on February 16, 1865, and is a son of Flavius and Mary E. (Kunse) Brewer. They were born in Fayette county, this state, and in Wabash county they married and settled to live in the early forties. They first took up their residence in the town of Wabash, and there resided for a number of years. It should be stated here, however, that Flavius Brewer is the son of Joel Brevier, who settled first on a Paw Paw township farm in Wabash county, and later lived in Lagro township, where he ended his days. The maternal grandfather of the subject was David Kunse, who also came to the state in an early day, and in Wabash he engaged in the manufacturing of brick, his being known and noted as the first brick yard to be established in the place. Flavius Brewer remained at home with his father, occupying himself with the work of the farm and such other duties as presented themselves, until the war broke out in 1861. It is characteristic of him that he was one of the first men to enlist in Wabash county for service, and he served through¬ out with but a brief respite, until the month of August, 1865. He came voi. n - so home on a furlough and during that time he married Mary E. Kunse, soon after returning to his regiment and continuing until the close. He saw much of hard service, and there are few who can relate more thrilling experiences than can Mr. Brewer as the result of his four years of life as an active soldier.

D. F. Brewer was more fortunate than many country youths in the matter of education, for he was privileged to attend the schools of Wabash city, in addition to his country training. When he had finished school he turned his attention to the home farm and remained as his father's assistant until he married in 1887, when Alice W. Curry, daughter of John and Louisa (Catlin) Curry, became his wife. She was born in Noble township, Wabash county, and here reared, and is among the best known women of the community. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brewer settled in Noble township, and then they moved, after a short time, to Wabash, where he was engaged for some twenty years in the real estate business. He enjoyed a fair measure of success in the business, but his early training had instilled into him a fondness for rural life that would not be denied, and so it came about that he moved to his present fine place of eighty acres in Noble township, where he was born and reared.

Since Mr. Brewer settled here he has done a large amount of improve¬ ment work on his place, adding much to the appearance of the property by additions to barns and dwelling, and the place is one of the most pleasing and attractive in the township.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer. Myrtle, the eldest, married Frank Goldsberry, and has one child, Alice Carrie Goldsberry. Glenn died at the tender age of three months, and Lawrence lived to be one year old. All three were born in Noble township.

Mrs. Brewer is a member of the Christian church and is active in the various departments of the work of the organization. Mr. Brewer has membership in a number of fraternal orders, among them being the Red Men, the Woodmen and the Ben Hurs. He is a republican in his politi¬ cal faith, and is active in the ranks of the party in the county. In all the years of his residence here he has demonstrated a citizenship that is a benefit to the community, as well as being highly creditable to himself, and he has a secure place among the substantial men of the township.

Daniel W. Cooper. The agricultural career of Daniel W. Cooper is one of which he may well be proud, and much credit should be given him for his achievements in this field of enterprise, despite the adversities he has met with from time to time.

Born about a half a mile from his present place, known as Brookside Farm, on December 7, 1861, Daniel W. Cooper is the son of John and Lucinda (Powell) Cooper, John being one of a family of three sons and four daughters.

John Cooper was a son of Wilson Cooper, and he was born in Wabash county. He and his brothers, Daniel and Hilary, served in the Civil war from the beginning to the end of hostilities, and the father of the subject died in 1870 from illness contracted under exposure during the service. It is also worthy of mention that the five brothers of Mrs. Cooper, mother of the subject, also served in the war, seeing much of active service during the time they were enlisted. The sisters of the Cooper brothers, men¬ tioned above, were Ada, Alice, Martha and Addie. Alice became the wife of William Tower ; Ada is unmarried ; Martha married Alonzo Ortt, who is now deceased ; and Addie married first a Mr. Kimball and later married Oliver Wibell.

Daniel W. Cooper had a very limited schooling in his native com¬ munity, for he was only eleven years of age when the death of his father, who had long suffered from illness contracted in the war, made it neces¬ sary for him to go out to do whatever work he might find in his efforts to help in the support of the family. He never, in all the years of his service, received more than $15.00 a month, and he worked for some years from peep of day to dark on the wage of $8.00 a month.

When Mr. Cooper was twenty-one years of age he married. After several years he had saved $150.00, and with that he made a payment on forty acres of land, going in debt for the greater part of it. The first three years of his married life, however, were spent on the old Bent farm, and the next four years on the Jays place. He then bought his first farm. It had a small frame dwelling on it, and the land had never been broken. It was inclined to be wet, and it required ditching, so that a ditching assesstnent on the place soon after he bought it called for $600.00. It was well drained, however, and extending across the place are two teninch tile drains, so that the place is in excellent condition in that respect. For five years Mr. and Mrs. Cooper lived in the old weather-boarded house, and then he built the present comfortable dwelling, where he has since resided.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper. Clinton married Grace Miller; Hazel married Charles Wiley; Howard is unmarried; and a fourth child born to them died in infancy, unnamed. The two sons are living in California, and the daughter is a resident of Wabash county.

Mr. Cooper has suffered a number of losses, among which was that of the burning of a new barn, which stood him a loss of $1,000. He did not let that misfortune discourage him, however, but went ahead and put up a new and better bam than he had before. Concerning the Bent farm, it should be said, was entered from the Government in about 1850, but was never patented until Mr. Cooper was made administrator of the Bent estate, and he, fifty years after the land had been taken up, secured a deed from the Government. Mr. Cooper owns today 245 acres of land, and all of it he has won through hard work and careful management. He set out in life with the determination to succeed, and despite the hindrances and bits of ill luck that came his way from time to time, he has managed to overcome them all, and is today among the best estab¬ lished men of the community. He is a member of the Modem Woodmen and the Maccabees in his fraternal relations, and politically he has always been a republican.

Robert E. Weesner. Since the pioneer times in Wabash county the name Weesner has signified strong men and noble women, and in earliest times, as at the present, is widely and favorably known in nearly all sections of the county. Among the various representatives of the family the late Robert E. Weesner, of Noble township, was prominently known. A native son of Wabash county, where he had lived all his life and where since early youth he had been closely identified with agricultural activities, he lived worthily among his fellow-men and at all times enjoyed their esteem and confidence.

Robert E. Weesner was born on a farm in Waltz township of this county, September 5, 1849, the second of the five children of Johiel and Nancy (Starbuck) Weesner. He was of German lineage, as his greatgreat-grandfather, Michael Weesner, was born in Germany, April 3, 1740, and emigrated to America when thirteen years of age. His great¬ grandfather and his grandfather were named Micajah, the latter being a native of North Carolina, from whence he, with his family, migrated to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1819. Of this family of ten children Johiel Weesner, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Wayne county, and came with three of his brothers to Wabash county in 1843, the four entering adjoining Government land in the Indian reservation of Waltz township and thus gaining control of a large acreage. In order to reach this land it was necessary to cut a road through the dense timber for a distance of five miles, and in this strenuous task he was aided by his three brothers, Nathan, Joseph and Elihu, who had accompanied him as homeseekers to this county. The three brothers, being married, built small cabins to provide shelter for their families until the exigencies of planting and harvesting would allow them to erect better homes. On their completion the brothers sent for their families and entered upon the business of clearing the land for more extensive cultivation.

The personal possessions of Johiel Weesner consisted of four dollars and a quarter in money and a few articles of wearing apparel which he carried in a bandanna handkerchief. He lived with his brother Joseph for three years, during which time the brother taught him the blacksmith's trade. During this interval he also busied himself preparing a cabin for his young bride, for whom he returned to Wayne county in 1846. Fol¬ lowing this his time was divided between his shop and the pioneer work of farming and clearing. It became necessary to build a barn to house the products of the farm. Timbers were hewn from the forest for the erection of a barn forty by sixty feet in dimensions. The neighbors were called in to assist in the 1 ' barn raising. ' ' They came in such numbers that their feeding became a problem in the kitchen. A large ham was boiled, eighteen chickens dressed, fifty pies baked and other food supplied in like proportion. Not so much as a whole pie was left after the appetites of the hungry pioneers had been satisfied.

Amidst these surroundings Robert E. Weesner was born, and as he grew to manhood he aided his father in clearing the farm and making it more productive. Eventually a substantial frame dwelling replaced the log cabin, but later it was destroyed by fire and a large brick house was built on the site. Johiel Weesner retired from the farm and resided in Wabash at the time of his death, in 1907. The old homestead remains in the possession of his wife, and the patent to it is held as a matter of his¬ torical interest by the family.

The maternal forefather of Robert E. Weesner was a first settler of Nantucket, Rhode Island. The first tea party of the island was held at the plantation home of this ancestor, Nathaniel Starbuck. The tea for it was brought from China by his son, Nathaniel, Jr. In celebration of his home-coming the relatives and neighbors were invited to "sit the old year out and the new year in," December 31, 1735. A splendid dinner was prepared, but Content, the good wife, was much perplexed as to how to cook and serve the tea. She hung the bright five-gallon bellmetal kettle on the crane, and, putting a two-quart bowlful of the tea, with plenty of water into it, swung it over the fire, where it boiled for a long time. She became solicitous lest she had not put in enough tea and put in another bowlful. When the tea had boiled down to about a gallon, it was poured into a silver tankard to be served. After the blessing had been asked she said to her son, 1 ' I have made a dish of tea for you, but am fearful it is not rightly made, and would like to have your opinion. ' ' Whereupon, he and the captain who had voyaged with him looked and sniffed at the tea and the son made answer, "As my loved mother desires my opinion, I must needs tell her that a spoonful of this beverage, which she hath with such hospitable intent prepared for us, would go nigh to killing any one at this table, ' ' and the captain said laughingly that Mrs. Starbuck could keep the decoction to dye the woolens. The captain then instructed them as to how to draw the tea and entertained them with many sea-faring stories.

* Robert E. Weesner, in addition to schooling in Wabash county, had the advantage of two years at Spiceland Academy, at which place he be¬ came acquainted with Louisa Wood, a daughter of Simeon and Margaret (Ratcliffe) Wood, and to whom he was married October 3, 1873. To this marriage were bom three children: Bertha Margaret, who married Luther D. Hutchins ; Arthur Morton, who married Henriette Arnold, of Bluffton, Indiana, and lives in Nashville, Tennessee; and Carl W., who married Mabel Aschbacher, of Richmond, Indiana, and lives in Youngs¬ town, Ohio.

After his marriage Robert E. Weesner and his wife located on a farm in Waltz township, about two miles distant from his father's home. This was an improved farm and continued to be his home until 1896, when he erected a residence in Wabash and afterward resided there. After an illness of a few weeks Robert E. Weesner was called to his reward on July 14, 1914. His ancestors for generations past were members of the Society of Friends, and he was an adherent to their quiet, unassuming mode of life. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Charles W. Thompson, who is the owner and operator of Bass Wood Stock Farm, a tract of one hundred and ten acres lying two and onehalf miles north and two miles east of La Fontaine. He is known as one of the leading stock breeders of this part of the county, devoting the major part of his attention to the big type of Poland-China hogs, also engages to some extent in general farming, and conducts his affairs along practical and modern lines. Mr. Thompson has been a life-long resi¬ dent of this locality, having been born in Liberty township February 23, 1869, a son of John P. and Martha J. (Ferguson) Thompson.

John P. Thompson was born in Rush county, Indiana, and in 1842, when eleven years of age, was brought to Huntington county by his parents, Ebenezer and Nancy E. (Pollock) Thompson, there growing to manhood and engaging in agricultural pursuits. During the Civil war he enlisted as a private in Company F, One Hundred and First Regi¬ ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was subsequently promoted orderly and later second lieutenant, and as such received his honorable discharge at the end of the war, after a service of three years. His military career was marked by participation in numerous hard-fought engagements, in which he showed himself a brave and faithful soldier. Mr. Thompson was first married to Miss Virginia Plank, and they had one child, W. F. Thompson, now a resident of Marion, Indiana. In 1868 he was married to Martha J. Ferguson, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, and they had a family of six children, of whom five are now living : Charles W., of this review; Mary E., who is the wife of Robert Carter, of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee ; Colonel Robert S., a well known auctioneer residing in Liberty township; Rev. Isaac Ferguson, a minister of the Christian church ; and Grace A., the wife of William Hubbard, of Liberty township.

Charles W. Thompson secured his early education in the schools of Liberty township, later becoming a student in the State Normal School, and completed a short course in Purdue University. After leaving the latter institution he was for four terms a teacher in the country schools. On December 10, 1902, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet J. Hubbard, a daughter of Samuel and Harriet J. (Myers) Hubbard, and to this union there have been born four children, as follows: Walter H., born November 22, 1903; Ruth F., April 3, 1906; John, March 21, 1909; and Edith M., March 18, 1911. Mr. Thompson has been a devoted member of the Christian church since 1885, and has served as deacon therein for some years. His political support is given to the republican party.

After his marriage Mr. Thompson settled down to agricultural pur¬ suits on the home farm, and about the year 1889 began to breed the big type of Poland-China hogs, his business in this direction having assumed large proportions. At the head of his herd of one hundred and twenty is Giant Wonder, a two-year-old weighing (if fat) 1,000 pounds, register No. 85083. Mr. Thompson holds annual sales, and at the last, held November 7, 1913, his hogs averaged $57.80 in spring pigs. He is one of the open minded and well posted men of his township, an advocate of

Daniel E. Speicher. One of the oldest and largest families of Wabash county is that bearing the name of Speicher, whose representa¬ tives have long been prominent in public and civic life, in the professions, in agriculture and in business affairs. A worthy representative of the name is found in the person of Daniel E. Speicher, directing head of the Cyclone Seeder Company, manufacturers of the Cyclone Seeder, an invention which has become known to agriculturists all over the United States and in various other countries. Mr. Speicher was born on his father's farm in Lagro township, Wabash county, Indiana, Sep¬ tember 22, 1867, and is a son of Samuel S. and Mary (Kepler) Speicher, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana.

The Speicher family originated in Switzerland, from whence two brothers emigrated to the United States, married and reared families in Ohio. Mrs. Speicher 's people originally came from Holland. Sam¬ uel S. Speicher was a small child when brought by his parents to In¬ diana, and here at the age of fourteen years he began his career as a carpenter, an occupation which he followed for some thirty years. He subsequently turned his attention to farming and became the owner of a valuable farm, which he conducted in a modern manner and with suc¬ cessful results. He had always been of an inventive turn of mind, and had made numerous labor-saving devices for his own work on the farm, but it was not until 1870 that he conceived the idea for a seeder, which proved such a great boon that he finally placed it upon the market. He first fitted up a little shop on his farm where he was able to produce about 150 seeders a year, and continued to so operate for about ten years, when, a heavy demand having come for the product, he moved his business to North Manchester, and there turned out about from 2,000 to 5,000 seeders annually. After being in North Manchester about ten years, he moved his plant to Urbana, where he took over the old Urbana Planing Mill, and this was used for a part of the factory until 1913, when this department was destroyed by fire. New quarters were im¬ mediately found, and the product of the factory now averages from 30,000 to 40,000 seeders per year. Mr. Speicher continued to be at the head of this business until his death, which occurred in 1895, and through his industry, energy and good management built it up to large propor¬ tions. He was a man of the strictest integrity and fidelity in business matters, and on numerous occasions proved his good citizenship. Mrs. Speicher, who survives her husband, has been the mother of three children: Daniel E., of this review; Matilda, who is now the wife of Charles Grist ; and Paul J.

Daniel E. Speicher received his education in the public schools and was brought up as a farmer, but in 1890 came to Urbana to join his father in the business established here. At the time of the elder man's death he became the directing head of the enterprise and his diligence, executive ability and modern ideas have resulted in a largely increased business. The principal product of the Cyclone Seeder Company is the Cyclone Seed Sower, considered one of the best on the market. Among its chief features are found a slant feed board, which keeps the hopper properly filled; an automatic feed adjustment, which stops or starts the flow instantly; oscillating feed agitator, a positive force feed which cannot clog ; a patent distributing wheel, full regulation size, without soldered joints, wThich always scatters the seed instantly ; triple, adjustable gears, and a large hopper, which, while easy to handle, is of unequaled capacity. Other articles manufactured by the company are the Chicago (Bow) Seed Sower, the Little Wonder Seed Sower, the Double Fan Seed Sower and the Sectional Tube "Horn" Seed Sower, while smaller articles are the Cyclone Jr. Seed Sower and the Champ Jr. Seed Sower. All of these goods have an extensive sale throughout the country, and for the foreign trade an office has been established at No. 149 Queen Victoria street, London, England.

Mr. Speicher was married April 21, 1892, to Miss Alice Stark, who was born at Naperville, Illinois, daughter of the late William Stark, and to this union there have been born four children : Naomi, Miriam, Harold and Virginia. Mr. Speicher is a member and trustee of the Evangelical Association church. In political matters he is a stanch prohibitionist.

Charles R. Delauter. Among the younger generation of agricul¬ turists of Wabash county who are achieving success in their operations through the application of modern methods to the practical experience gained by their forefathers after many years of labor, is found Charles R. Delauter, of Pleasant township, who is proving himself a worthy rep¬ resentative of one of his community's substantial families. Mr. De¬ lauter has been a lifelong resident of this part of the county, has grown to manhood amid its rural surroundings, and is now taking his place among the men who are striving to maintain its high agricultural stand¬ ards. ' He was born on his father's homestead farm in Pleasant township, April 8, 1886, and is a son of Frank and Sarah J. (Bussard) Delauter.

Frank Delauter was born in Frederick county, Maryland, a son of David and Emma (Lowery) Delauter, and had five sisters and seven brothers: Catherine, Mahlon, David, Sarah, Susan, John, Julia, Char¬ lotte, Louise, Aaron, Charles and George. Of these five are now de¬ ceased, George dying when quite young. Frank Delauter grew up in his native state, and was a young man wrhen he came to Wabash county, Indiana, locating at North Manchester, where he was mar¬ ried to Sarah J. Bussard, daughter of Jacob Bussard, who was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Two children were born to them: Charles R., and Arthur who is single. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Delauter moved to the farm which is now occupied by Mr. Penrod, in Pleasant township, but after several years located on their pres¬ ent property, the old Bussard homestead, and here they have developed an excellent farm. This tract, equipped with a fine set of buildings and the most modern improvements of every description, is situated on the farm adjoining that of his son, Charles R., who lives across the r,oad. Mr. Delanter has been a resident of Wabash county for thirtyfour years, and during this time has taken a keen interest in its growth and development. He has been active in public matters, is a stanch sup¬ porter of the democratic party, and in 1912 and 1913 served efficiently in the capacity of road supervisor. He is a man of the strictest integrity, and is widely known and highly esteemed throughout this section.

Charles R. Delauter was given his educational advantages in the pub¬ lic schools of Pleasant township, and grew up on the homestead place, adopting the vocation of agriculturist when he entered upon a career of his own. He was married in Chester township, Wabash county, De¬ cember 31, 1908, to Miss Lina Neher, daughter of Joseph W. and Hanna (Crip) Neher, who were married in Pleasant township, Wabash county, having come to this part of the state as children, at an early day. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Delauter, namely: Irene Catherine, born December 16, 1909; and Herbert Leo, born January 23, 1914, both in Pleasant township. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Delauter located on a rented farm, and later went to the property lo¬ cated on the side of the road opposite to the old Bussard homestead. This is a tract of forty acres, upon which the present residence and all other buildings had been already placed, although Mr. Delauter has made numerous improvements. He is now operating one hundred and twenty acres, which he devotes to general farming and the raising of stock. He has shown himself, in his operations, a capable man of business, thoroughly versed in agricultural work and a good judge of cattle. Fur¬ thermore, his transactions have always been carried on in such a man¬ ner as to gain him the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. Like his father, he is a democrat in his political views, hut has found no time to give to the affairs of public life, his agricultural duties having demanded all of his attention. Mr. and Mrs. Delauter are consistent members of the Church of the Brethren, and both have many friends in its congregation, as well as in social circles throughout the township.

Joseph II. Elliott. Among Wabash county citizens whose lives have been entirely spent within the county boundaries special mention should be made of Joseph H. Elliott, whose individual career has been one of successful accomplishment as a farmer, and whose father was one of the splendid pioneers who helped develop the county from its wilderness condition.

Joseph H. Elliott was born in Noble township, where he still lives, on February 22, 1863. His father, Jacob Elliott, was a native of Dela¬ ware county, New York, and his mother, Rebecca (Heston) Elliott, was born in Maryland. A point of family history which should not be omitted is the fact that grandfather Alvah Elliott at one time owned the site on which the city of Buffalo nowr stands. Jacob Elliott, who was a settler in Wabash county in 1841, had a great variety of experi¬ ence, both before and after coming to this county. When a small boy he was bound out, in accordance with a common custom of the day, but it is not known whether he completed the period of service for which he was indentured. He was still quite young, when, in company with two other boys, he started to walk from Buffalo to Detroit. The fact that he was the only one of the trio to carry out the resolution is a sufficient commentary on the pluck and persistence which was char¬ acteristic of him through all his life. Arriving in Michigan, for some time he drove a stage coach over the old national road between Detroit and Chicago. Arriving in Wabash county in 1841, he at once entered some government land, and put up a cabin in what he considered the most convenient spot. It soon proved that his location was an incon¬ venience to the Indians who still lived in that vicinity and while these sons of the forest were in the main peaceable, they showed considerable hostility to Jacob Elliott until he had removed an obstruction of felled trees from a trail which had long been their accustomed route in travel¬ ing from one place to another. His willingness to accommodate the Indians to the extent of clearing the obstruction enabled Mr. Elliott to live in peace, and he worked out his pioneer lot in such a way as to dem¬ onstrate his true pioneer qualities. Besides clearing the greater part of his land he also put up a number of good buildings, and his later years were spent in the generous provision which his earlier trials had de¬ served. In 1847 he married Rebecca Heston, and while he died on his farm March 19, 1899, his widow survived until March 15, 1911. To their union were born five children. Emma, the first, died in infancy; Ella, is unmarried; Susan and Letitia both died when in their twentieth year of life; and Joseph H. is the only son.

Joseph H. Elliott was educated in Noble township in the locality where he was born and reared. He also spent two and a half years at the Methodist Episcopal College in Fort Wayne, graduating in 1886. On October 12, 1887, occurred his marriage with Sarah Miller, daughter of Samuel C. and Susan (Beswick) Miller, the former a native of Fayette county, Indiana, and the latter of Logansport. Mrs. Elliott was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, in the town of New Carlisle. She was one of four children, the others being Georgia, Edwin and Laura. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have been born two children : Joseph Loren, born April 4, 1890; and Lois L., born March 21, 1897. Both were born in Wabash county.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Elliott moved to a farm adjoin¬ ing his father's old homestead, and in 1900 came to their present farm. His farm is now conceded to be one of the most modern and highly im¬ proved places in the township, and it comprises three hundred and twenty-seven acres of fine land. His dwelling is new and of modern conveniences.

Mr. Elliott is a Methodist and a republican, as was also his father before him. The work that his pioneer father did so well is being con¬ tinued, though in a different time and under new conditions, by the son. While he has found his labors come easier than those performed by his father, he has brought to them a spirit no less progressive and

Gael Morrow. A general elevator business has claimed the atten¬ tion of Garl Morrow for some years past, though he has divided his in¬ terests in some measure between that enterprise and farming activities, which he never quite gave up. He is well known as a stock dealer here¬ abouts, and as a successful farmer and elevator man, so that his busi¬ ness interests are three fold, and bring him a prominence that not every farmer owns.