Whitley County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 17 of 28)

Mr. Schrader has a beautiful and comfortable home well supplied with the conveniences and a few of the luxuries of life, owning an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres, of which one hundred is under cultivation. He is a progressive farmer, devotes considerable attention to live stock and has been successful to the extent of placing himself and family in independent circumstances, being one of the solid men of his township as well of the leading citizens of the community in which he resides.

From 1875 Mr. Schrader was a resident of Union township, where he owned a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, but in the latter year disposed of his interest there and purchased the place in Jefferson township on which he has since lived and prospered. His methods in this line of agriculture are in keeping with the progressive spirit of the times and his prosperity is a monument to his thrift and ably directed efforts.

He is a Republican in politics, an active member of the Patrons of Husbandry and in religion belongs with his wife to the Church of God. Of broad humanitarian principles, earnest of purpose, and upright in his relations with his fellowmen, he is widely known and greatly esteemed for his genuine worth. Mr. and Mrs. Shrader are the parents of four children : Cora (deceased) ; Ratie, wife of Verlin Morr; Merritt and Clara, now Mrs. Fred Geisler, of Columbia City.

In 1895 the subject was married the second time to Mary A. Clark, who was a native of Huntington county, Indiana, daughter of Otho and Elizabeth (Oaks), natives of Pennsylvania, but early settlers of Huntington county, but now both dead.

Henry Vogely

To the ranks of the useful and honorable belongstthe subject of this sketch, who though an American by adoption is nevertheless a true citizen of the Great Republic. He is an ardent admirer of the free institutions and firm in his loyalty and allegiance toits laws. Henry Vogely is a native of Switzerland, born in the city of Schauffhausen on March 20th of the year 1836, being the son of Jacob and Annie (Wurtenberger) Vogely, of the same place. These parents spent their entire lives in the land of their birth and with their ancestors and many other members of the family are now sleeping their last sleep beneath its historic soil.

Henry Vogely spent his childhood and youth amid the romantic scenery of his native land and received his educational training in the schools of same and later thought to better his condition in a country abounding" in mi >re favorable opportunities than obtained in his own; accordingly in i860 he came to America and for some time thereafter made his home in Ohio. In 1863 he was married in Stark count}', that state, to Miss Cathrine Smith and the same year transferred his residence to Whitley county, Indiana, settling on the farm in Jefferson township, which he still owns and cultivates and setting up his domestic establishment in an old abandoned schoolhouse, that served the purpose of a dwelling during the three years ensuing.

By persevering toil Mr. Vogely in due time cleared and improved his farm, erecting a substantial residence in 1869 and in 1876 built a large and commodious barn, which, with the dwelling is still in use and in excellent repair. Besides making many other improvements and bringing the place to a higher state of tillage, one of the improvements was an excellent system of drainage, which was installed from time to time, the entire farm being underlaid with tiling, of which 2,000 rods have already been put down, with the result that the fertility of the soil has been greatly increased as tlie abundant crops attest. In i860. Mr. Vogely revisited the land of his birth, and once uii ire gazed on the scenes endeared to him by the recollections of youth, besides renewing acquaintances with a number of his erstwhile companions and friends, he learned that the majority of his early associates had grown to mature years and moved to nther places and countries, not a few of the number having passed on to that mysterious bourne from which no traveler ever returns. After making quite an extensive tour of Switzerland he returned to his home in the New World, better satisfied than ever with conditions here. Still later, 1903. he made another trip to Europe, during which he spent three months in Switzerland, subsequently traveling over the greater part of that country, also France and Germany, returning at the expiration of the period indicated with the conviction that the masses of the people in the United States have greater privileges and opportunities and enjoy more of the blessings of life than those of an}' other country. Prior to becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Vogely served three years in the Switzerland Arm}", during which time he took part in the war between Switzerland and Prussia, where he experienced man}" vicissitudes incident to camp life, march and battle, and earned an honorable record as a soldier. Since transferring his allegiance to the government under which he now lives he has devoted his energies untiringly to agricultural pursuits and by thrift and sound judgment has so managed his affairs that he is now in comfortable circumstances, with a sufficiency of this world's goods to insure an old age free from anxiety and care. He has always been public spirited and a leader in enterprises for the material advancement of his township, serving four years as a trustee, during which time he inaugurated a number of improvements, including the construction of several highways, the erection of three new school houses, that are said to be among- the best buildings of their kind in the county. He afterward served as assessor of his township four years. Mr. Vogely is a Democrat, and as such wields a strong influence in political circles, being a leader of his party in Jefferson township. He has been an earnest worker for the success in a number of local and general campaigns. Mr. and Mrs. Vogely have one child, a son, John, who married Miss Iva Crowell, of this county, and assists his father in running: the farm.

Samuel Hively

It was in 1836 that seven families moved into Whitley county, whose names, perpetuated by numerous descendants, were destined to become household words throughout this section of Indiana. The leader of the party was Daniel Hively who, before leaving Ohio, had married Catharine Egolph, whose brothers came along with them on the weary journey from "old Licking" to the heart of the Indiana wilderness. Samuel Hively, whose name heads this biog'raphy, was a son of the early pioneer above mentioned and one of a large family, whose names are given elsewhere in this volume. He was born in Whitley county, Indiana, December 9, 1837, about a year after the time which witnessed the arrival of the Hivelys and Egolphs. Samuel grew up on the newly settled farm in Thomcreek township and learned all about what it meant to be one of the children of the pioneers. As was usual with the farmers' boys of that clay, he remained at home until of age, and then launched out for himself. He partially improved a tract given him by his father and selling bought a second, but after about five years bought the present home, consisting of ninety acres, which was known as the McGrew farm, one of the oldest places in the neighborhood. He eventually erected the present residence in 1874 and in 1880 put up the present barns. He was a kindly, well disposed man, indulgent to his family and a good provider. He was a member of the Grange and took much interest in its meetings and discussions, and a member of Pomona Grange. When Mr. Hively died, April 12, 1890, his children were small and the mother had a strug-gle to keep them together and obtain a comfortable support, but she was a woman of unusual energy and good sense, and discharged her parental duties in such a way as to receive general commendation.

December 9, i860. Mr. Hively married Isabell Engle, who was born in Starke county, Ohio. May 15, 1842. Her parents, David and Margaret (Beamer) Engle, came to Whitley county in 1847. The father purchased a place in Thomcreek township, built a log house and went through the usual hardships incident to pioneer life. Having lost his wife by death in 1864, Mr. Engle removed to Columbia City, where he died in 1887. He and his wife were active workers in the Baptist church, ami were influential in starting a society and in company with the Methodists built a small log church, and were altogether fine samples of the heroic race known as pioneer farmers. Their twelve children were Michael, William. Elizabeth, Mary. Sarah. David, Isabell, John, James. Margaret and one that had died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hivelv had fourteen children : Mary C, and Jane, deceased; Ella, wife of Aaron Appleton; William R., a resident of Thorncreek township; David E., of Smith township, married Minnie Smith ; Lizzie, widow of Melvin Hill, who was a painter in Columbia City, lives with her mother and has one son, Oscar; Daniel A., who married Josie Shock, resides in Wisconsin ; Lowell married Florence Eagney and lives in Noble county; Austin R., who resides in Thorncreek, married Minnie Fisher ; Russell, a fanner of Thorncreek, married Ora Zigler; Benjamin E., remains at home and manages the farm ; Emma Jane, Lawrence and Rosa May, deceased. Mrs. Hively is a member of the Christian church, as was her husband during: his life time.

Henry J. Pressler

As a general thing the lives of farmers are not eventful. Confined closely to the one object of tilling the soil, a very close, exacting business at best. But unless their work is done there can be no progress and the wheels in other departments will soon cease to turn around, if the work of the plow, the binder and the reaper should stop for a season. Therefore, though a quiet and unassuming class, the farmer is indispensable and everyone who has contributed in this line has not only helped himself but has helped the whole community. Henry J. Pressler, one of the Thorncreek township farmers, is one of the many to whom the foregoing remarks apply, and he deserves, what should always be considered high praise, the verdict of having done his duty in the limited field to which he has been confined. His parents, Valentine and Diana (Dupler) Pressler, were Ohioans, who came to Whitley county in what the pioneer historians call "an early day." The father settled on a Thorncreek township farm and worked it industriously until the time of his death in 1894. His widow still occupies the homestead and is spending the evening of her life in the enjoyment of the affection of numerous descendants. They had the unusually large family of thirteen children : Elmira, deceased ; John, a resident of Churubusco ; Samuel D., Henry J.. Emerson, David, Wayne, Willard, Charles, Bayard, Aldora, wife of John Scott, of Columbia City; Landis, of Thorncreek township; and Jane, wife of Harcanus Leaman.

Henry J. Pressler, sixth of the family, was bom on the homestead September 20, 1866, and spent most of his life on the Thorncreek township farm where he first saw. the light of day. In 1900 he purchased the farm where he now makes his home, consisting of eighty-six and a half acres bordering Crooked lake as also the county line eight miles north of Columbia City. It has comfortable buildings, such as are needed on all farms, and everything indicates thrift and good management. There is a welcome at the door for the visitor and signs of comfort within, characteristic of the contented farmer. November 6, 1888, Mr. Pressler married Laura A., daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cromley) Leaman, and who is a sister of Harcanus Leaman. Mr. and Mrs. Pressler have five children : Amos M., Dorothy Mav, Homer L., Emmet V., and Blanch B.

The career of this gentleman has been eminently honorable, and in all things relating to life he has dignified his station and made every other consideration subordinate to duty and right. He has long been one of the leading citizens of the township in which he resides, and as one of the few remaining representatives of the pioneer period, is entitled to the esteem and publicity which in the nature of things belongs to those who, in the times that tested man's endurance, proved worthy of the trust reposed in them and builded wisely and well the foundation upon which the present prosperity of the country is based. John E. Kates is a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, where his l>irth occurred on July 21, of the year 1836. His father, William Kates, was born February 22, 1801, in New Jersey, and there married when a young man Miss Mary Eff, also a native of that state. Later this couple migrated to Ohio, where they lived until 1840, when they removed to Whitley county, Indiana, settling in what is now Washington township. The country at that time being largely as Nature had made it, with the exception of a few cabins at intervals like niches in the surrounding forests, Mr. Kates's first dwelling was a rude cabin of round logs, hastily constructed, having neither door nor window, the floor consisting of Indiana soil, and the only means of entrance being an opening in the earth beneath one of the foundation logs, sufficiently large to admit the different members of the family. In due time, however, this primitive habitation was replaced by a larger and much more comfortable edifice, and in the course of years the forest was converted into a fine farm with improvements of all kinds, second to no other in the township of Washington.

Mr. Kates lived to the age of seventyfive and departed this life in 1876, his wife surviving him until 1879, when she. too, was called to her reward. They were the parents of five children whose names are as follows : Josiah. Henry. George, John E., and Mary E.. the last two being the only members of the family living.

John E. Kates was four years old when his parents moved to their new home in the sparsely settled county of Whitley, and from that time- on he experienced many of the vicissitudes that fell to the lot of the pioneers. Work in the woods and fields occupied his time as soon as he was old enough to labor to advantage, and when not thus employed he spent his leisure in the forest in quest of game, having early evinced a fondness for the sport and great skill in the use of the rifle, many deer, turkeys, to say nothing of all kinds of smaller game then so abundant, falling before his unerring' aim.

Mr. Kates remained with his parents until attaining- his majority, when he started out to make his own way, selecting agriculture as the calling most suited to his taste and inclinations. In connection with farming, he also established a nursery business and between the two his time was divided until the breaking out of the late Rebellion, when he laid aside the implements of husbandry and entered the service of his country, joining' on October 9, 1861. the Fifth Indiana Battery, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war until honorably discharged October 2, 1864. At the expiration of his period of enlistment, Mr. Kates's command was in the Army of the Cumberland and he took part in all the campaigns and battles in which the battery participated, including the bloody engagements of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and the movement against Atlanta, in which they fought the battles of Resaca, Altoona, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and many others, to say nothing of numerous skirmishes, some of which were as dangerous as any of the sanguinary conflicts enumerated. On leaving the sendee, Mr. Kates returned home and again addressed himself to his farming interests which, without interruption he has since conducted, meeting with encouraging success in the meantime and establishing an honorable reputation as an enterprising husbandman. In addition to agriculture, he was for eighteen years engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, but since discontinuing that line of business he has devoted his attention exclusively to farming and stock raising, owning at this time a good farm of eighty acres in Washington township which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Kates was married in 1866 to Miss Mary Henemyer, whose parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Snavely) Henemyer, moved to Whitley county in 1846 from the state of Ohio and settled in Washington township, where the father became a large landowner and successful farmer, dying in 1902, his wife in the year 1862. They had a family of seven children, namely: David, Margaret, Benjamin. George. Elizabeth, Jacob and Mary, wife of the subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Kates four children have been bom: Henry W., J. Perry, Malcon E., Bertie E., the last named deceased.

Politically Mr. Kates is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and religiously subscribes to the creed of the United Brethren church, his wife being a member of the same congregation to which he belongs.

Alice Baker Williams, M. D., who is successfully engaged in the practice of her profession in Columbia City, was born at Celina, Ohio, on September 18, 1866, and is the daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Schuyler) Baker. Joseph Baker was born at Versailles, Ohio, in 1845, m which state he was for many years a successful merchant. He afterwards removed to Kansas, where his death occurred. Mrs. Baker then married Dr. Charles Williams, a graduate of Bellevue College, New York City, and who for thirty-two years practiced his profession in Columbia City. Dr. Williams was coroner 1 if the count}- for over twenty years. He was an active Democrat and was influential in his party's councils. His death occurred July 10, 1905. aged sixty-two. He was a prominent and active member of the Knights of Pythias and a stanch Presbyerian. Eliza Miller, great-grandmother of the subject, was a second cousin to George Washington.

Alice Baker Williams accompanied her parents to Columbia City when thirteen years old. Upon the completion of her school life she read medicine under the instructions of her stepfather. She then entered the Fort Wayne, now the Purdue Medical College, f-om which she was graduated March 13, 1894. Dr. Williams at once established herself in the active practice of her profession and has gained precedence and success in her chosen work and is recognized as one of the able and discriminating practitioners. Her practice is extensive and she is held in high regard in professional, business and social circles. She holds membership in the Allen County and the State Medical societies. She has been medical examiner for the Lady Maccabees of Columbia City for twelve years and is present commander of this, organization. She is also medical examiner for the Royal Neighbors Society and has been since its inception. Dr. Williams is a member of the Pythian Sisters, the Daughters of Rebekah and of the Order of Ben Hur. She is also a member of the Presbyterian church. Doctor Williams believes in and practices the principles of good will and good feeling, her presence in the sick room buoying up the depressed and bringing hope to the despondent.

Ambrose Gerkin

There is no place on earth better for the development of true and noble manhood than the farm, where all the social virtues, religious sentiments and patriotic impulses culminate in a citizenship noted for strength of character. Harmon Gerkin, the father of Ambrose, was a native of Germany, coming to this country when quite young; after spending a few years in New York city, he moved to Noble county, Indiana, and engaged in farming, where he remained until his death when Ambrose was but a lad. His first marriage was to a Miss Beanblossom and resulted in the birth of four children : William, living in Missouri ; Jasper and John, both living in Noble county, and Sarah, widow of George Guilder. His second marriage was with Frances Mary Hyndman, still living and making her home with" Ambrose. The parents were faithful memmembers of the Christian church, and to them were born five children : Anderson, living in Marion. Indiana ; Ambrose, Mary, widow of Alfred Gross ; Belle, wife of Verner Hersey. living in Cromwell, Indiana ; Margaret, wife of William Brown, of Noble county.

The birth of Ambrose Gerkin occurred October 1, 1862, in Noble county. He grew to manhood on the farm, receiving a good common school education. The death of his father occurred when he was quite small, and he remained at home and rendered his mother valuable service until he was a young man, when he worked for others several years by the month. In 1885 he came to the farm on which he still resides, consisting of one hundred and thirteen acres of very productive land in Troy township two and onehalf miles west of Etna. The buildings on the place at the time of purchase have been remodeled and a modern and commodious barn add comfort and convenience. Attention has also been given to thorough drainage and substantial fences, giving the farm

January. 1887. he was married to Cora E.. daughter of Samuel and Anna (Jones) Orcutt, born in Troy township June 10. 1864. Mr. anil Airs. Orcutt were early settlers in Whitley county, and at this time are residents of Etna township. Four children were born to them, three now living : Helen, wife of George Deeter; David J., living in Troy township; Cora, wife of the subject. The fourth died in infancy. Mr. and Airs. Gerkin are the parents of six children : Merl, who died in his eighteenth year of appendicitis ; he was a high school student ; Hilbert, Willard, Ernest, Ruth and Alton. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Etna, and liberal and faithful in its support, while he is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Maccabee lodges.

The French, as a rule, are not disposed to emigrate and the proportion of this nationality found in our Western States, during the pioneer period was not large. Occasionally, however, a name like the above indicates the presence of a representative of that gallant nation, which has done so much for the civilization of the world. It was during the second quarter of the last century that Charles L. De Vine, a young Frenchman, came over to seek his fortune in the Western Republic. After living some time in Ohio he decided in 1850 to try the newer state of Indiana, and in due time became a settler in Kisciusko county. He married Martha Peterson, by whom he had a family of five children : Mary A., Catherine, Angeline, William (deceased) and Charles E. The sisters are all living, but none in Whitley county. In 1857, shortly after the birth of the last named, the mother died and the father passed away in 1863 after surviving his wife a little over six years.

Charles E. De Vine, who was deprived of a mother's care in early infancy, was born March 20. 1857. and when about four weeks of age was taken in charge by Joseph Scott, a kind-hearted farmer of Troy township in Whitley county. He grew to manhood with his foster-father and remained a member of his household until his thirty-fifth year and about one year after the death of Mrs. Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Scott had one daughter, Mary Ann, who became the wife of E. C. Doke but died without issue. Mr. Scott lived with Mr. De Vine during his latter years, he dying September 18, 1896, aged seventy-eight years. He had made provision for his foster son by deeding him one hundred and forty acres including one-half of his original entry of one hundred and sixty acres. December 25. 1892, be married Susan, daughter of Joseph and Lucinda (Hoffer) Welker, the former of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania by birth. After marrying in Ohio they came to Whitley county in 1844. and settled in what is now Etna township, but which at that time was a part of Noble county. Hei died ten years since, surviving his wife about ten years. He died 1896. She died aged sixty-two, but their family of seven children are still living and named in order of their births as follows : Isaac. Julia, Matilda, Joseph, Levi W., Susan and Carrie. Mrs. De Vine, second to the youngest of these, was born on her parents' farm in Etna township, December 4, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. De Vine have had three children : Scott, who died when six years old ; Don and Elenora. Mr. and Mrs. De Vine now live on a part of what is known as the old Scott farm, of which he owns eighty acres. He owns one hundred and fifty acres, most of which is under cultivation, and the place has been much improved under his management. Fourteen years ago he erected a comfortable eight-room house, in which he has since made his home, and a few years ago a new bank barn forty by seventy was put up, which adds much to the appearance and convenience of the farm. Mr. De Vine does not attempt any fancy farming or breeding, but contents himself with raising of the cereals and other features known as general farming. He has done well and is now one of the prosperous farmers of his section. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he has served as .assessor of Etna township. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church.

F. Marion Grable

The founder of the Whitley county family of this name was John Grable who was not only an early settler but a man of prominence and influence in the fields of agriculture and politics. He settled on a farm in Thorncreek township, which he cultivated with success, and enjoys the distinction of having been the first treasurer of Whitley county. He died many years ago, but left a worthy representative in the person of his son George, who also became a successful farmer, and followed agricultural pursuits six miles north of Columbia City until his death, which occurred May 10, 1905. He married Sarah Lamon, who was bOrn in Thorncreek in 1848. Her parents, John and Caroline (Keister) Lamon, were Pennsylvanians who lived some years in Ohio and then came to Whitley county in pioneer days and settled on a farm in Thorncreek township, where they ended their days. He died in 1900. She died November, 1905. George and Sarah Grable had three children: Melvin, who owns part of . the old homestead in Thorncreek township; F. Marion and Mary Ellen, a twin sister, who died in, childhood. Mrs. Grable still owns the old homestead.

F. Marion Grable, the second son, was born on the homestead September 2, 1876, where he grew to manhood. Besides attending the district schools, he attended the normal schools at Valparaiso, and Angola, He engaged in teaching at nineteen and followed this occupation for six consecutive winters in his native township. He put in six months as fireman in the employment of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Fort Wayne and also assisted his father on the farm during the closing years of the latter's life. His mother, who survives, is a member of the Christian church, as was her husband. In June, 1906, Mr. Grable bought the farm of ninety-five acres where he at present resides, has erected a comfortable house and is otherwise improving the place. This is the old Hiveley farm bordering the county line.

Nettie Paulus, a popular young lady of Noble county, of excellent family connections. Her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Waterfall) Paulus, are well-to-do farmers of Noble county. Mr. and Mrs. Grable have two children, Earl Kenneth and Ernest Keith, twins. Mr. Grable's political affiliations like those of his father are with the Democratic party, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is one of the progressive and popular young farmers of Thorncreek township and bids fair to become one of its most useful and influential citizens.

William R. Hively

A young, prosperous farmer, living in Thorncreek township, was born in this township July 5, 1866, is the son of Samuel and Belle (Engle) Hively, the former a native of Whitley county. They experienced many of the privations of those in the early history of the county, but they were ever cheerful and enjoyed the regard and friendship of a large acquaintance. They were devoted and consistent members of the Christian church, and zealous in its service. The husband passed away in 1892, but the widow still resides on the old homestead.

William R. has lived all his life in Thorncreek township, remaining at home till of age, performing the duties of an affectionate son and being educated in the common schools. He worked by the month for four years, carefully husbanding his means, when he bought a small farm, which he sold later, and then in 1901 purchased his present farm of ninety-one acres, in the improvement of which he has spent much time and money. It is tile drained, well fenced and systematically managed and renders profitable results. It has an eightroom house, substantial barn and other convenient buildings, and the entire farm presents a thrifty and prosperous appearance. This farm was the homestead of Jacob Fisher, whose son, Adam Fisher, erected the house and his home till retiring to Columbia City. March 29, 1891, Mr. Hively was married to Elsie D., daughter of Adam and Mary (Stem) Fisher, the latter now deceased, while the former is still living in Columbia City. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hively, namely: Walter, Clarence, Irvin, Grace, Voyd and Alta, Both are members of the Christian church, contributing liberally toward its support, and are highly respected and esteemed by many personal and social friends. In politics he is a Democrat, and enjoys social and fraternal relations with the Order of Ben Hur at Columbia City. Mrs. Hively was born on the present farm September 21, 1868, and her childhood and active life passed on the farm.

Elisha Swan

The subject of this sketch is descended from ancestors that came to America in the time of the colonies and were actively identified with the history of the localities in which they settled. His great grandfather on the paternal side was a native of Hoi- land and for some time connected with the marine service of the country, later becoming Captain of an American merchantman which after many years of trade was lost at sea with all on board, the commander going to the bottom with the vessel. He settled in Maryland prior to the war of the Revolution, and there reared a family, among his children being a son by the name of Henry Swan, who was born in Queen Ann county, in the year 1757. The Washington and Swan families were near neighbors and when George Washington was drilling the provincial militia preparatory to the War of Independence, he secured young Henry Swan as fifer, paying him three shillings per day for his services. Later Mr. Sawn removed to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he remained four years and at the expiration of that time migrated to "Wayne county, Ohio, in 181 5, being one of the first three settlers in what is now Sugarcreek township, when, he entered land, cleared a farm and became one of the leading citizens of his community. He was married in his native state to Lamenta Davis, a relative of the family of Jefferson Davis, president of the southern confederacy, and became the father of ten children, all of whom have died.

William H. Swan, son of Henry Swan and father of the subject of this review, was born August 12, 1805, in the District of Columbia. He married when a young man Harriet Merriman, whose birth occurred in Wayne county, Ohio, in the year 181 7, and in 1865 he moved to Whitley county, Indiana, settling in the woods of Washington township on the place now owned by the subject. In due time he cleared and improved this farm, made a good home where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1893, his wife preceding him to the grave in 1865. Of the eleven children born to this estimable couple, six grew to maturity, five of the number living at the present time. The mother of Mrs. Henry Swan belonged to an old and highly esteemed family that was connected with a number of distinguished people, among the number being Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of America's greatest philosophers and literary men.

Elisha, one of the five surviving children of William H. and Harriet Swan, was born February 9, 1846. in Wayne county, Ohio, and there spent his childhood and youth at the parental home, becoming inured to farm labor at an early age. In 1865 he accompanied his parents upon their removal to Whitley county. Indiana, and for some years thereafter assisted his father in clearing and developing the farm in Washington township, since which time he has resided on the farm he now owns. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and his success has been commensurate with the intelligence, and energy displayed in his chosen calling, being at this time one of the representative farmers and stock raisers of his township, owning seventy-eight acres of land.

Mr. Swan is a well educated and widely read man and his opinions on current events and the issues of the day have weight and influence among the friends and neighbors with whom he is accustomed to associate. In his younger days he was for several years one of the successful teachers of Whitley county, and has always been a friend of popular education, and an earnest advocate of all measures for its dissemination among the people. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a members of the Universalist church. Mr. Swan has been a diligent worker and judicious manager and having made all he possesses merits the proud American title of "Self-made Man." He was married in 1869 to Miss Ruth Anna Bell, daughter of Robert S. and Chloe (Hadley) Bell, natives of New York and among the early comers of Whitley county, settling here as long ago as 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Swan have had two children, Theodore H., who died in childhood, and Diadem, w]io is now the wife of Dale White, of Forest, this county.

Frederick Wolf Angel

Prominent among the foreign born citizens of Whitley county is the enterprising farmer and highly esteemed gentleman whose career is briefly touched upon in the following lines. Frederick Wolfangel as the name indicates is a native of Germany, born in Wittenberg, December 10, 1840, being the older of two children, whose parents were Mr. Frederick and Johanna (Gull) Wolfangel. 1 These parents left their native land in 185 1. immigrating to the United States and settling in Starke county, Ohio, where they resided for a period of four years, at the expiration of which time Mr. Wolfangel moved his family to Whitley county, Indiana, locating as a farmer in Jefferson township adjoining the place the subject now owns and occupies. Here they spent the remainder of their lives, widely known and respected for their sterling honesty and sturdiness of character, for which their nationality has always been distinguished. The second child, a daughter by the name of Catherine, married William Smith, of Whitley county, and at this time lives in Middlebury, Indiana, where her husband has business interests.

Frederick Wolfangel was eleven years old when his parents brought him to this country, and from 1852 to 1856 he lived in Starke county, Ohio, where he attended the public schools, supplementing the training received in his native tongue by a knowledge of the English branches. When a youth of sixteen he accompanied his parents to Whitley county, Indiana, and from that time until the present he has lived in Jefferson township, his residence covering a period of fifty consecutive years, during which time he has not only witnessed the many wonderful changes that have taken place in the county but to the extent of his ability has contributed to their accomplishment. Reared a farmer he has devoted his life, thus far, to tilling the soil and at the present time is recognized as one of the leading agriculturalists of his community and as a neighbor and citizen stands in the front rank among his compeers.

Mr. Wolfangel's farm consists of one hundred and four acres of fine land, well improved and admirably adapted to general agricultural and stock raising. He cleared half of the farm by his own labor, erected the different buildings, which include a fine modern residence, a large, well equipped barn and the various other buildings found on farms of the better class and by judicious management has surrounded himself with a sufficiency of worldly wealth to render his condition one of independence. Mr. Wolfangel was married in 1869 to Elizabeth Hipps, daughter of Jacob and Cebila (Smith) Hipps, and has a family of seven children namely, Emma R., Annie, Ira, Mary, Lydia, Charles and Homer, the third, sixth and seventh in order of birth being inmates of the parental home. Politically Mr. Wolf angel votes the Democratic ticket, and while ever interested in party matters and affairs of public importance he is not a seeker after place having filled no office with the exception of minor positions connected with the schools of his township. He is a believer in religion and is a member of the German Reformed church. His life affords a practical exemplification of its worth and wholesome influence. He is in the best sense of the term a self-made man, having made all his possessions himself, and his life may be studied with profit by the young man, whose career is a matter vet to determine.

Enos Goble

For more than half a century a leading farmer of Whitley county, Enos Goble, of Washington township, ranks among the representative citizens of this part of Indiana and occupies a conspicuous place in the confidence and esteem of his many friends and associates. Few residents of the community have been as long identified with its growth and development and none has so indelibly impressed his personality upon the people or exercised a stronger influence in directing and controlling public sentiment in the township of his residence. The Goble family had its origin in England, of which country the subjects grandfather, Mathias Goble, was a native, and from which he emigrated to America many years ago, settling in the state of New Jersey, where several of his children were born, among the number being a son by the name- of Peter R., whose birth occurred in the year 1785. In his young manhood Peter Roy Goble went to Ohio, where, in addition to working at the cooper's trade, he engaged quite extensively in the making of cider, which lines of business he followed until 1853. when he disposed of his interests in that state and moved to Whitley county, Indiana, locating in Washington township on the farm which his son, the subject of this review, owns and occupies. He married in Ohio, Miss Mary Weller. after whose death he took a second wife and by the two had a large family of seventeen children, of whom Enos, of this review, and James W. are the only survivors, - both being- residents of Washington township. Peter Roy Goble was a man of excellent repute, a leader of the local Democracy in the township of Washington and an active participant in the political affairs of the county. In early life he was a Baptist, but subsequently severed his connection with that denomination and became a member of the United Brethren church, to the teachings of which he continued loyal until the day of his death. He lived a long and useful life and reached a ripe old age. dying in 1877, in his ninety-third year.

young manhood, in the meantime receiving such an education as the schools of the country could impart and acquiring a knowledge of the higher branches of learning by two years' attendance at a select school in the town of Somerset. In 1853 he accompanied his parents to Whitley county. Indiana, and later engaged in teaching, which line of work he followed for twelve consecutive years. In the meantime he purchased land in the township of Washington and in due season became one of the enterprising agriculturists. and substantial citizens of the communtiy. Air. Goble the present time owns a quarter section of as fine land as the township of Washington can boast. He has made many valuable improvements on his place in the way of buildings, fencing, drainage, etc., having fourteen hundred rods of tile under his land. The tillable portion is under a high state of cultivation, rendering- it a beautiful and desirable home. Mr. Goble's success as a tiller of the soil and raiser of fine live stock has been very commendable and be is classed to-day among the financially reliable men of the community, having accumulated a sufficiency of tin's world's goods to place him in independent circumstances with an ample competency to guard against future expenses. Like his father before him, Mr. Goble is a local politician of considerable note and influence, a Democrat of the Jefferson and Jackson school, and as a reward for services rendered his party as well as by reason of his fitness for the place he has frequently been elected trustee of his township, filling the office to the satisfaction of the public for a period of eleven years, beside-, serving three terms as assessor. For a number of years he was a leading spirit in the Farmers' Alliance of Whitlev county, and as a member of the local grange made his influence felt in all matters relating to the agricultural interests of this part of the state.

In the year 1885 occurred the marriage of Mr. Goble and Miss Rachael Westall, daughter of Gilroy and Catherine (Lidey) Westall, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively, the mother's people moving to the latter state from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Goble have had thirteen children, six of whom are living, namely: George, James, Samuel. Enos, Charles, and Augusta, five of the deceased dying in infancy and two after reaching years of maturity. The subject and his wife are respected members of the United Brethren church and take an active interest in the various lines of religious and benevolent work under the auspices of the local congregation with which they worship.

Octavius Phelps

The subject of this sketch traces his lineage to New England, and combines in his personality main- of the sterling qualities which have long distinguished the sturdy people of this section of the Union.

William Phelps, the father, was born at Windsor, Connecticut, in the year 1800, and six years later was taken by bis parents to Franklin count)', Ohio, where he grew to maturity on a farm and where he married in his young manhood Miss Jane Watt, whose parents were among' the early settlers of that that part of the Buckeye state. In 1S41 William Phelps disposed of his interest in Ohio and moved to Whitley count}-. Indiana, lo- eating in Jefferson township, of which he was one of the seven original settlers. He purchased land and developed a farm which is still in possession of his descendants, and had a family of eleven children, only three of whom survive. Mr. Phelps being a gentleman of intelligence and good standing, did much to create an influence of public sentiment among his neighbors and fellow citizens. He died in the prime of life in 1847 and left to his wife and children an honorable name, which they prize as a grateful heritage.

Octavius Phelps was born June 8, 1825, in Franklin count}-, Ohio. After receiving an elementary training in the schools of his native place he obtained a knowledge of the higher branches by attending at Blendon Institute, Ohio, and later pursued his studies for one year in an educational institution of advanced grade in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana. With this excellent mental discipline he entered the teacher's profession and continued in that line of work for a period of nine years in the schools of Whitley and Allen counties, achieving well merited success and earning honorable repute as an able and popular instructor.

At the expiration of the period mentioned Mr. Phelps discontinued teaching and turned his attention to agriculture, which vocation he has since followed, owning at this time a part of the original Phelps homestead in lefferson township, which he has converted into a fine farm and an attractive rural home, and on which, with the exception of three years he has lived since coming to Whitley county in 1841, being in point of continuous residence one of the oldest citizens of the township. As a farmer he ranks among the most enterprising and progressive of the community in which he resides, and as a citizen discharges his duty as becomes an American today. Mr. Phelps has been twice married, the first time in 1848 to Miss Lydia Decker, who died after a mutually happy wedded experience, leaving besides her husband six children to mourn their loss, namely: Agnes J., Florence, William H., Edward, Ellen and Corwin. His second marriage was solemnized in 1885 with Martha E. Fordyce. daughter of Joseph and Man- (Thompson) Fordyce, this union being without issue. Mrs. Phelps' parents were natives of Warren county, Ohio. They moved to Indiana in 1861, settling on a farm in Huntington county, where tliev lived for a number of years, later in life transferring their residence to the city of Huntington, where their respective deaths subsequently occurred.

Mr. Phelps is a Republican in politics and a leader and trusted adviser of his party in Jefferson township. He held the office of justice of the peace eight years, during which time much important business was transacted in his court, and such were the fairness of his rulings and soundness of his decisions that few appeals were ever taken to higher tribunals. Mrs. Phelps is a member of the Christian church.

J. W. Smith

Success has been worthily achieved by the subject of this sketch, who has long occupied a commanding position among the representative farmers of Jefferson towni38 ship, besides enjoying distinguished prestige as a public-spirited man of affairs. Oliver Smith, father of the subject, was born in 1832 in southern Indiana and departed this life in Whitley count}' in the month of Jul\'. 1906. He was a fanner by occupation, came to this part of the state in 1852 and in due time became one of the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens of the community in which he lived, having been a leader in local affairs and a man of great influence among his neighbors and associates. By judicious investment he succeeded in accumulating a handsome competence, owning at one time three hundred acres of land, much of which he improved and made valuable, besides becoming the possessor of considerable fine city property in Fort Wayne and elsewhere. He was a pronounced Republican in politics but never aspired to office, and in public matters his opinions always commanded respect and carried weight. Malinda Berry, who became the wife of Oliver Smith, was a native of Ohio and the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Hasty) Berry. They became the parents of seven children, of whom J. W. is the second in order of birth, the names of the others being as follows : Sanford ; Melissa, deceased ; Mrs. Estella Kelsey ; Ina, wife of Martin Gillispie; Clarence; and Effie, who married Perry Putnam.

J. W. Smith is a native of Whitley county. Indiana, born in Jefferson township "ii January 6th of the year i860. At the proper age he entered the public schools, which he attended until completing the branches comprising the usual course of study and on the farm received a training in the more practical things, which in due time enabled him to lay broad and deep the foundation of his future course of action. Reared under the wholesome influences of country life, and early initiated into the duties which labor entails, he developed, while still young. a strong, sturdy physique and an independence of mind that stood him well in his subsequent career as an enterprising and progressive tiller of the soil, which vocation he has always followed and in the prosecution of which he has achieved results that place him today among the leading men of his calling in the township of his residence. The quarter section of land which Mr. Smith owns is finely situated in one of the best parts of Jefferson township, one-half of it being under cultivation, thoroughly drained and otherwise well improved. The other eighty being largely devoted to pasturage, with a sufficiency of good timber remaining to answer all purposes of the farm for many years to come. Mr. Smith is a progressive agriculturist in the most liberal sense of the word, and in connection with farming is extensively engaged in the raising of fine cattle and hogs. His reputation as a stockman, comparing favorably with that of any other in the county. He has a beautiful and attractive home and with an abundance of thisworld's goods as the result of his systematic labors is well situated to enjoy life. Politically he votes the Republican ticket on state and general issues, but is broad and liberal enough to break away from party lines in matters of local nature, supporting the best qualified candidate for count}- and township offices. Mr. Smith and family subscribe to the Methodist Episcopal faith and for a number of years have been earnest and consistent workers of that church and liberal contributors to its various charities.

the marriage relation with Miss Sarah Long, whose parents were Philip and Eliza Ann (Rogers) Long, natives of Ohio, and among the early settlers of Whitley county, moving to Jefferson township as pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of seven children, whose names are as follows : Edgar, Howard, Ethel, Archie, Chester, Hobart and Iva, all at home with the exception of Howard, who holds an important position in a bank in the city of Wabash.

O. J. Crowel, fanner, stock raiser and trustee of Jefferson township, is the oldest of six children, whose parents were John W. and Martha J. Crowel, the former a native of Ohio and an early settler of Whitley county, moving to Jefferson township some time in the forties. John W. Crowel was a farmer and an intelligent and respected citizen. He developed a good farm and earned an honorable reputation as a public-spirited man. He departed this life in 1876. Before her marriage Mrs. Crowel was a Miss Martha J. Shaffer, a native of Tennessee. She bore her husband the following children : O. J. ; William D., of Jefferson township, and Mary E. Loutzenhiser; James B., a resident of Whitley county ; John F., an artist, who died some years ago in Minnesota ; and Henry, a farmer of Jefferson township. Michael Crowel, father of John W., was a Marylander by birth, but removed early to Virginia and then later to Ohio, and in the thirties came to Whitley county, entering land in Jefferson township, a part of it being still in possession of his descendants.

He died in Ohio. He did not move to Indiana, but entered the land for his children. O. J. Crowel dates his birth from June 7, 1850. He received fair educational training and grew to maturity in close contact with nature. Mr. Crowel's life has been devoted mainly to farming, and at the present he holds prestige, owning a fine tract of two hundred acres, all but forty cleared and in a high state of cultivation, his buildings and other improvements being substantial, and with the excellent condition of his fields, orchards, etc., bearing evidence of the progressive spirit of the proprietor. Mr. Crowel, familiar with the nature of soils and their adaptability to the various crops grown in this latitude, cultivates his farm with great care and in addition to realizing liberal profits from his agricultural labors, also gives considerable attention to live stock, in the raising and marketing of which his success has been very gratifying.

In public affairs his interest has never been permitted to waver and in matters of political nature he has long taken an active part, being one of the leading Democrats of his township, besides wielding a strong influence in party circles throughout the country. In 1904 he was elected trustee of Tefferson township, which important office he still holds, discharging the duties of the same with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people of his jurisdiction irrespective of political ties. Mrs. Crowel was formerly Miss Mary Chodat, daughter of D. A. and Leah (Sours) Chodat, the father a native of Switzerland and the mother of Indiana. The ceremony by which her name was changed to the one she now bears was solemnized in the year 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Crowel have five children : Edward, an em- ploye of the Nickel Plate Railroad; Iva, wife of John Vogley; Ray, Hazel, and Lester, all living. The last three are still members of the home circle.

Andrew Kenner

Andrew Kenner. a well known farmer and highly respected citizen of Troy township, Whitley county, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, May 25, 1834, and was the son of John G. and Christina (Mattes) Kenner. The mother of the subject died in Germany in 1847. The father then married Margaret Yahn and came to this country in 1853, settling in Hancock county, Ohio. He departed this life in 1855. His first children were Andrew, John G. and Gotlieb, who died in 1856. Two children were born to them, Sophia, wife of William H. Attesbarger, living in Hancock county, Ohio, and John, living- in Michigan. John G. came to Indiana in i860, bought this present farm and made some improvements, going from here in the fall of 1864 to the army, enlisting in the Thirteenth Indiana Regiment. His deatli occurred near Raleigh, North Carolina, after the fighting was over and when about ready to come home. Andrew remained in Ohio, working- by the month, until [858, when lie went to California ami Idaho, engaging in mining, teaming and other work until 1864, when lie came to Whitley count)', purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, the beginning of a farm, but lit lie improved, in Troy township, where be has continued to live to the present time. He had assisted John in its purchase in [860.

He has always been industrious and frugal and as a result his farm is one of the best in the country. In 1870 he erected one of the largest and finest eleven-room brick houses in the county, the brick for the same being burned on the farm, the lumber cut on the farm and finished in oak and ash. In 1872 he built a large and commodious bank barn, which, together with other modern buildings, completes a very convenient farm. His business is general farming. He was married in 1865 to Mary (Goodrich) Kenner, widow of his brother John, and who was born in Richland township and is a sister of Fletcher Goodrich. She had one child by her first husband, Charles A. Kenner. a doctor of medicine at Omaha. Nebraska. He grew up on the farm, went west, graduated in medicine and has a fine practice in the city. Three children were born to them : Cora became the wife of Thomas M. Briggs, of Thorncreek township, to which union were born three children, Orville C, Bland M. and Theresa: William Clinton, also a doctor of medicine at Utica, Nebraska, whose first marriage was with Ora Devore, resulting- in the birth of one child, James Robert. The second marriage was with Julia Dart, the result of this marriage being one child, William Clinton. Lewis A. is the well known dentist living in Columbia City, with his wife, formerly Nettie Workman, and have one child, Irene L. Mrs. Kenner died in 1873. His second marriage occurred in 1874 to Margaret Jane, daughter of John W. and Cynthia (Wiley) Smith, born in Troy township. June 16. 185 1. Her parents were natives of Ohio and Kentucky, coming to Indiana in an early day, where they contributed their full share to the development of the country and in the establishment of schools and churches as well. The father died February 17, 1890, and the mother April 21, 1900. Eight children were born to them : Rebecca, deceased ; George Lewis, living in Troy township; Margaret Jane; Ann Elizabeth, wife of John H. Elliott, living in Troy township; Hugh Franklin, on the old homestead; Martha E., widow of James R. Coyle, living in Troy township; Mary A., wife of D. C. Noble, living in Columbia City; Harriet I., widow of Jasper N. Marrs, living in Troy township. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kenner: Eva, wife of Charles M. Arnold, living in Troy township, with four children, Delma M., Frederick C, Blanche Irene and John A. ; Frank E., married to Kizzie Hyre, living in Columbia City, and has one child, Helen Marie; Minnie Dell, wife of Arthur Watters living in Troy township, also has one child, Merland Roscoe; Clyde DeWitt, a dentist at Seward, Nebraska; John C. married Mabel Fona Bills and is operating his father's farm; George LeRoy, married Cloan Herrick, is in Columbia City; Ella May is a telephone employe in Columbia City; Mary Frances, Lyman Roscoe and Frederick Oral, all at home.

In politics Mr. Kenner is a Republican, and the public, recognizing his sterling integrity and good judgment, nominated and elected him to the office of township trustee in 1894. He discharged the duties of this office so satisfactorily that he was re-elected in 1900 to the second term, making six years of sendee. Mrs. Kenner is a faithful and generous member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The family is enterprising in all matters of public interest and is held in very high esteem.

Mr. Kenner became an Odd Fellow in California in i860 and for forty-seven years has kept in close touch with the fraternity, being also a member of the encampment.

For forty-three years he has been actively identified with Whitley county and few citizens have done more to advance the interests of the county and its civilization. No move for the general betterment but has found in him an ardent supporter and advocate.

Beal F. Taylor

The subject of this sketch enjoys a history that is worthy of emulation by many young men. He was born in Jefferson township, Whitley county, March 22, 1858, and is the son of Henry and Melvina (Mossman) Taylor. Henry, the father of the subject, was born in Ohio in 1821, in which state he resided and was a successful carpenter until 1845, when he came to this county and located on the home farm, which he improved and cultivated with success. His death occurred in 1896, his wife preceding him in 1865. They had six children : Marion and Josephine, both deceased; James R. W., a farmer in Jefferson township; Beal F., the subject; Howard W., also deceased, and John M., also a fanner in Jefferson township. The grandfather came to this country from Ireland and located in Virginia and later moved to Ohio. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. The subject was married on February 19, 1889, to Magdalene J., daughter of Burkhard and Caroline -(Riebon) Shanline, natives of Germany, who after coming to this country lived in Pennsylvania, but later moved to Noble count y.

Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Our subject was the father of two children, Mabel M. and Russell F., both of whom are attending school. During twelve years of his early manhood he was an engineer and piledriver on the railroad. He also has the distinction of running the first traction engine in Ohio, some twentysix years ago, and the first traction engine in Indiana as well. He now owns the old home farm, on which his father settled in 1845, consisting of one hundred and forty acres, nearly all of which is under a high state of cultivation. The farm is well fenced, thoroughly drained and stocked with Duroc hogs crossed with Poland China, fine graded cattle and fifty elegant Shropshire sheep. The elegant bank barn, forty by eighty feet, stands as a monument to his energy, frugality and good judgment.

He has never held office, but favors the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 116, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Presbyterian church has the benefit of the family membership and financial support. In all his labors and success he gives full credit to his wife, whose counsel and advice, he claims, governs his final determination and action.

He was married to Orpha Mossman, who died April 15, 1850. They had five children, two of whom survive. Mr. Compton afterward married Mrs. C. M. Ormsby (nee) Hamilton, who since has died, and to this union three children were born, now all dead.

Nearly all the mature years of his life Mr. Compton lived a consistent Christian. At the time of his death he was a member of the Church of God, at the place now known as Oak Grove Bethel, in which he held the office of elder for a number of years. In politics he was a stanch Republican and a firm advocate of the abolition of slavery. The northern states had no man that was more loyal to his country during the rebellion. His health would not permit him to enter the service, but to the young men who went to the front from his neighborhood, on bidding them goodbye he would say, "If you are unfortunate and return crippled, while I live you have a home."

By hard work, keen foresight and frugality he was enabled to amass a comfortable fortune, he having at his death about eight hundred acres of valuable land, well improved and stocked.

James Compton

James Compton was born in New Jersey in 181 5 and when a boy he moved to Muskingum county, Ohio. In 1842 he removed to Richland township. Whitley county, Indiana. After eight years he removed to Columbia township, where he died Ohio, where his life was passed as a prac- February 16, 1866. tical farmer. Among his children was Elias

Sylvester Wilkinson

-C. Wilkinson, who married Lavina De- Weese, who bore him two sons, John and Sylvester, the former a resident of Pierceton, Indiana. Elias died shortly after the birth of Sylvester and his widow married Barton Marrs, with whom she came to Indiana about 1857. By their union there were three children : Leonidas, a resident of Muncie; Barton, deceased, and Thurza, who lives at Mishawaka. The second husband dying, Mrs. Marrs contracted a third marriage with Walter Laidlow, but both died within a few years thereafter.

Sylvester Wilkinson was born October 2J, 1850, in Shelby county, Ohio, and was seven years old when the family removed to Whitley county. By casual attendance at such schools as existed he learned the rudiments of "readin', ritin', and rithmetic." Scanty as it was, this knowledg-e proved a valuable basis for a more extended later education. He remained with his mother and stepfather until his majority, meantime devoting himself exclusively to farm work. In 1871 his grandfather, Thomas Wilkinson, gave him eighty acres of woodland in Etna township, the improvements consisting simply of a pole cabin and a path to reach it. Young Wilkinson, however, took hold resolutely and after many weary weeks and months of hard work succeeded in converting this wild inheritance into a tolerably respectable farm. He purchased twenty additional acres and now owns a well improved and productive farm, well cleared, well tilled and well stocked. He has erected a thirteenroom, up-to-date residence, a large barn and all the necessary outbuildings. Besides the cereal crops and other features of general farming, Mr. Wilkinson has for some years

In 1 87 1 he was married to Amanda, daughter of Leyi and Rebecca Belch, early settlers in Troy township. By this union there were three children: ' Edwin S., who married Emma Pearl Buck, has two children and lives in Noble county; Nettie, wife of Marion Rider, of Etna township ; Amelia, wife of Theodore Clingman, a resident of Noble county. Mr. Wilkinson lost his companion in 1879 and August 3, 1883. occurred his marriage to Caroline, daughter of John and Mary Hindbaug-h, pioneers of Noble county, now deceased. The eight children resulting from this second union are Merrel, Alvernis, Arbie, Ernest, Mary, Otho, Joseph and William. The parents are members of the Church of God at Wilmot, Noble county, and in politics Mr. Wilkinson affiliates with the Prohibition party, as he has always been much opposed to the traffic that steals away men's brains and makes beasts of that which was made in God's own imaee.

Washington Long

Prominent among the successful farmers and stock raisers of Whitley county is Washington Long, who was bom February 22, 1846, on the farm in Washington township, which he now owns and on which his entire life thus far has been spent. He is the seventh of the eight children of Reuben and Elizabeth (Olinger) Long, received his education in the country schools and assisted his father on the farm until the latter's death, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own responsibility, meeting with encouraging success the meanwhile. The farm which Mr. Long owns consists of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land, all but forty in cultivation and well improved with excellent buildings, good fences and ample drainage, being one of the finest and most productive farms, not only in Washington township, but in the county of Whitley as well. In addition to agriculture Mr. Long is extensively engaged in the raising of live stock, feeding nearly all the products of the farm to his cattle and hogs, which he disposes of in large numbers. He makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs, in the raising of which he has earned a wide reputation, and his efforts in the matter of fine stock have induced many of his neighbors to imitate his example and improve their breeds of domestic animals.

Mr. Long is a Democrat in politics and has filled various local offices. He is a member of the United Brethren church, but possesses a liberal and broad spirit, which enables him to perceive good in all religious bodies, and to the extent of his ability he encourages the different denominations by his financial support.

Mr. Long was married in 1871 to Miss Mary J. Baker, who departed this life in 1880, and later he chose a second wife in the person of Mrs. Albina Heath, widow of the late Franklin Heath and a daughter of Mathew and Eliza Gleason, natives of New York but for many years residents of Van AYert county, Ohio, where their respective deaths occurred. Mr. Long is the father of five children: Franklin, deceased; Calvin, who married Lizzie Huffman and is engaged in farming in Cleveland township; and Ann,

The subject's parents, Reuben Long and Elizabeth dinger, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, the former born in 1801, the latter in 1803. They were married in Ohio, to which state the father was taken when a child, and after residing there until 1835 came to Whitley county. Indiana, settling in Washington township on the place which is still in possession of their son Washington, being among the very first pioneers in this part of the state. The Indians were still roaming the country when the family arrived. All kinds of wild game were plentiful and easily procured and it is needless to state that the elder Long experienced in full measure all the vicissitudes and hardships which fell to the lot of those w o paved the way of civilization to the fert'le lands and dense forests of northern Indiana. He cleared a good farm, lived a useful life and died in 1861 lamented by all who knew him, his wife surviving him ten years, departing this life in 1870. They were ..ie parents of eight children : Jacob, Eliza, Catherine, Lizzie A., Sarah, Lewis, Washington and Elijah. The subject of this sketch is the only surviving member of this laro-e family.

David B. Clugson

The Clugston family boasts no royal nor ancient lineage. They go back in written record only to the year preceding the Declaration of Independence to a sturdy Scotch- Irish Presbyterian who made his declaration of independence when he left Ireland and settled in America. So far as known none ever achieved any great distinction nor attained great wealth and on the other hand so far as known all have lived sober, industrious lives and have been honest and Godfearing men and women. The first member of the family in America bore the name of James, who was bom in Scotland. His wife was born in Ireland and they came from the north of Ireland and settled in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in 1775.

The subject of this sketch is a greatgrandson of this new Adam, being the son of Asher, who was the son of James the second, who was the son -of James the first. On his mother's side he was of good old Dutch stock, the Rittenhouse family tracing its way back through the earliest settlers of Germantown, Pennsylvania, to the burghers of Holland. David Benjamin Clugston is the oldest of seven children and was born March 7, 1832, on a farm near Flemington, Hunterdon county, New Jersey. When two years of age his parents moved to Delaware and settled on a farm near New Castle. He attended the country schools until thirteen years of age, spent a few years as clerk and subsequently returned to the farm and remained there until the spring of 1857. when he was caught up by the tide of emigration then sweeping westward, and landed at Huntsville, now Larwill, Indiana, on Easter Sunday. His visit was one of investigation and extended as far as Minnesota. He must have been impressed with the outlook, for he returned to Delaware and made a sale of his stock and farming tools and in December of the same year came again to Huntsville and began working in a sawmill.

Ann McLallen, and shortly thereafter formed a partnership with E. L. McLallen. under the firm name of McLallen & Clugston, and purchased the general store then owned by Henry McLallen, Sr., and embarked in business. In 1873 Mr. McLallen retired from the firm to enter the banking business at Columbia City and Asher R. Clugston purchased an interest, and the firm name became D. B. Clugston & Brother. They continued business under this title until 1877, when Thomas Stradley became a partner. In 1878 the firm as it then existed and John Adams opened a branch store, under the name of Clugston, Adams & Company, in the old frame building on the southwest corner of VanBuren and Chauncey streets in Columbia City, and Asher R. Clugston moved to Columbia City and assumed charge. In 1883 David B. and Asher R. Clugston became sole owners of the Columbia City store and David B. of the original establishment at Larwill. In the meantime he also organized the firm of Clugston, Collins & Company, at South Whitley, which later became Clugston, Miller & Company. In 1891 the business at Larwill passed into the hands of D. B. Clugston, Jr.. who conducted the business at the same location for thirty years. Mr. Clugston shortly thereafter removed to Columbia City and has since been identified with several manufacturing and financial interests, but has practically retired from all active business connections and spends his declining years in looking after his financial interests and managing his farms. Mr. Clugston is president of the Provident Trust Company and vice president of the Harper Buggy Company and senior member of the drv eoods firm of Clueston

Brothers & Company. Mr, and Airs. Clugston are the parents of six children, all but one of whom survive, and all are residents of the county: Airs. George F. Miller, 1'. H. Clugston, D. B. Clugston, Jr., Mrs. Glen A. Mason, Hubert B. Clugston and Airs. Alar)- E. Roberts. Mr. Clugston has always been identified with the Democratic part}-, but has never been either an office seeker or an office holder. He united with the Masonic order in early manhood and advanced from rank to rank until he has reached the thirty-second degree. He is a member of the Baptist church and is active in the work. His success of life has been due not to any stroke of fortune, nor to any special genius, but to the fact that he has always done business on strict business principles. Unwearied industry and an infinite patience for details have been his rule. He has not limited his enterprise to one direction and some of the best buildings in Columbia City stand as monuments to his public spirit.

Thomas T. Pentecost

When Union county was a veritable wilderness, with scarcely a score of settlers within its limits, a young man came in from the east who went by the name of James Pentecost. He had little capital besides his sturdy frame and willingness to work, but he "pitched in," as the pioneers used to say, and proved a valuable accession to the increasing band who were trying to wrest a living from the inhospitable solitudes. Before coming, young Pentecost had married Nancy De Bolt, who had all those qualities of courage, patience and endurance necessary to fit a woman to be the wife of a pioneer. They "lay to" with a will and not only managed to live, which was a good deal in those days, but provided for their family after the rough manner of the times and accumulated a little property before their deaths, which occurred many years ago, both reaching advanced years. Among their children was John, who married Mary J. McComas, also a native of Union county, and who died in 1858. He then married Eliza Gard and in i860 removed with his family to Whitley county, where he lived on a farm in Etna township, later removing to Troy township, where he died in 1893. By his first marriage he had four children, only two reaching maturity, William H., who died in Troy township September 16. 1906, and Thomas T. By his second marriage he had three children : Philip, a resident of Alexandria, Indiana ; Emma Jane, now Airs. Alfred Funk, of Montana, and Lorenzo, a life insurance agent at Elwood. Thomas T. Pentecost was born in Union county. June 17, 1S51, and was seven years old when deprived of his mother by death. He grew up on the farm and has spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. In 1901 he purchased the farm of eighty acres in Etna township, two and one-half miles west of Etna, on which he now resides, but he also owns another farm of equal area in another part of the township, one-half mile distant, which makes his entire holdings one hundred and sixty acres. His home place is regarded as one of the best improved and most productive farms in the county. This farm was formerly the Blain estate and later known as the Tim Miller farm. He resides in a large brick house, which is modernly constructed and possessed of all the conveniences for comfortable living and everything about the place is in keeping' with the needs of a progressive fanner. He rents out a portion of his land and devotes the rest to general farming, which he thoroughly understands as the result of long experience, and has made the business profitable. March 26, 1874, Mr. Pentecost married Caroline, daughter of Benjamin and Annie (Ramer) Boyer, both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania. In 1849 they came to Whitley count}' and settled on a farm in Etna township, where they spent the remainder of their lives, he dying September 19, 1900, having survived his wife eleven years. They were members of the Lutheran church and had seven children : George, deceased ; Lavina ; Jacob, deceased ; Isabella, deceased ; Sarah and Benjamin, deceased, and Caroline, now Mrs. Pentecost. Mr. and Mrs. Pentecost have had two children, Bertie and Lawrence Leroy, both of whom died in infancy. At a later period they adopted Maud B. Pentecost, taken as an infant at her mother's death, daughter of his brother, W. H., who is now the wife of Clyde O. Miller, of Etna township. Mr. and Mrs. Pentecost are members of the Christian church and no family in the neihgborhood is more highly esteemed.

William Snodgrass

"Times were hard and money was scarce" in northern Indiana, as set forth in the above quotation from a song of that day, when the settlers were pouring into the counties of Elkhart, Kosciusko and Noble during the thirties and forties. It was not a pleasant prospect, therefore, that greeted John Snodgrass and his wife, formerly Ann Cowan, when they left their Ohio home to travel to Indiana in 1834. They first decided on Elkhart county as a home, but after trying to "catch on" there and later in Kosciusko county, they eventually found satisfactory anchorage in the county of Whitley. It was in 1837 that they reached Troy township, where a tract of wild land was purchased and the hard work of improving it entered upon under all the discouragements that ever beset the first settlers. John Snodgrass was a man of unusual energy and much perseverance, of excellent judgment and a good manager, so the little farm became in due time a good home for himself and his growing family. Evidence of his popularity, as well as his business ability, is found in the fact that he served as trustee of the township and was called, by the vote of the people, to fill the important office of county commissioner. His father and namesake was a Kentuckian, who emigrated to Ohio in early manhood and fanned there until his death, and the son probably inherited his politics from him, as during his whole life he was an ardent Democrat. He lost his wife by death in i860, but survived her many years and answered the final summons himself on his old homestead in 1888. They had nine children: Samuel, deceased : Thomas, who died at Little Rock while a soldier; Jane, widow of Wilson Gray, now a resident of Pierceton. Indiana: John, who died at Indianapolis after enlistment: William; Joseph, who was a soldier and now lives at Garrett: Mary Ann, wife of Samuel

White, of Troy township, she owning part of the old homestead; James M., a resident of Kosciusko county; and Wilson C.j who died at about the age of thirty.

William Snodgrass, fifth of the family, was born in Troy township, on the old farm, September i, 1844. He remained at the parental home until of age and afterward did work of various kinds, mostly on farms, until 1875, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Etna township, on which he has since resided and which was then but the beginning of a farm. He has improved it in many ways and now has a very valuable piece of property, as well as a comfortable home, which is equipped with modern buildings and all the conveniences. November 21, 1869, he was married to Frances, daughter of Ami L. and Samantha (Palmer) Trumbull, who lived in what is now Etna township, but which at the time of Mrs. Snodgrass' birth, August 31, 1848, was a part of Washington township, Noble county. Mr. and Mrs. Snod- 61 - Bow en Regular grass had six children : Milo, the eldest, married Nancy Boyer, by whom he had three children, Arba, Merl and Orvill C. deceased ; he was married a second time to Laura Helfrich and lives on a farm in Etna township; Lottie Violet, wife of Willis Ellen Earnhart, lives on a farm in Noble county; Raymond, married Maud Long and farms in Troy township, and with his brother Milo owns part of the old Snodgrass homestead ; Samantha Ann, wife of Earl Wise, of Etna township, has one child, Wilma : Delia and Minnie remain at home. Mr. Snodgrass is a Democrat in politics, though not an aspirant for office, and his wife is a member of the Baptist church.

This thriving fanner and progressive citizen is a native of the state in which he resides and by a life of honor and usefulness, reflects credit upon the community where he was born and reared. His father, James E. Merriman, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, moved to Whitley county. Indiana, in [852 and settled in Washington township, where he purchased land, cleared a farm and in due time became one of the substantial citizens of the neighborhood in which he was first to locate. Like many early comers to northern Indiana, he was a man of sound judgment and intelligence, a zealous politician and for many years enjoyed prestige as a leader of the local democracy of his township, having been prominent in the councils of his party and an influential factor in the winning of not a few victories at the polls. The maiden name of Mrs. Merriman was Susan Ingram, a native of County Antrim, Ireland. Their children, four in number, were Emarilla S.. wife of James F. Johnston : I. L. : Jennie, now Mrs. John Wilson ; and Manuela. deceased. The subject's paternal grandfather was Elisha Merriman. He accompanied his son James to this county and lived with the latter until his death, which occurred a number of years ago.

I. L. Merriman was born December 27, 1858, in Washington township, grew to manhood on the family homestead and enjoyed the advantages of the common schi 11 »Is. In early life he became a farmer and to this honorable vocation his time and energies have been since devoted with the result that he is now one of the large owners of land in Washington township and a representative agriculturist of the most advanced type.

His farm, containing two hundred and four acres of fertile and valuable land, is highly improved and in a successful state of cultivation. One hundred and sixty acres are tillable and its productiveness has been greatly enhanced by much tile drainage. Mr. Merriman has not been sparing of his means in the erection of buildings, having a beautiful and commodious residence, well supplied with all modern conveniences, a large barn and outbuilding's, all substantially constructed and in excellent repair.

Miss Ollie Howenstine. who became the wife of Mr. Merriman in 1887, is the daughter of William and Lydia (Kimmell) Howenstine, who came from Ohio to Whitley County in an early day and settled in the township of Jefferson, where their respective deaths occurred. To Mr. and Mrs. Merriman three children have been born : Hugh, Solon and Errett, all living and to their best ability endeavoring to realize the hopes, which the parents indulge, for their future welfare. Mr. Merriman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging- to the lodge in Columbia City. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen at the same place and for a number of years has been an influential worker in the grange, having been honored with important official positions in these orders. In religion he subscribes to the plain simple teachings of the Bible as presented by the Christian church and in politics has been a lifelong Democrat, and to no small extent a leader of his party in the township of his residence.

In business affairs Mr. Merriman has achieved success that has been well merited, being in independent circumstances financially and amply provided for a comfortable and happy old age. He is in the true sense of the term a self-made man and the architect of his own fortune, and too much credit cannot be awarded him for the indomitable courage and strict moral rectitude which have characterized his career from the beginning- to the present time. He is a man of sterling- worth and high social standing, has always had well designed purposes in life and "standing four-square to every wind that blows" enjoys the confidence of the community and by a course of conduct above reproach demonstrates to the world that the universal esteem in which he is held has been fairly and honorably earned.

Urias Hosler

The family of this name originated in Switzerland and the emigrant ancestors came over during the latter part of the eighteenth century settling in Pennsylvania. Jacob Hosier, one of their descendants, who spent his life in Pennsylvania, had a son George, who emigrated to Ohio, when twenty years old, and followed the trade of a carpenter. He married Mary, daughter of David Brady, who was born in Starke county, Ohio. Her father came from Ireland to the United States when fifteen years old and spent his life in Ohio. Mary (Brady) Hosier died in Stark county, at the age of sixtyfour and her husband when forty-five years old. They had nine sons: Samuel, a resident of Stark county, Ohio; Franklin, living in Massillon, Ohio : Jefferson, deceased : Urias : Allen and Calvin, deceased ; and three that died in infancy. Urias Hosier, fourth in order of birth, was born in Stark county. October 30. 1845. In July. 1862, when less than seventeen years old, he enlisted in Company A of the Sixty-first Regiment but transferred as a company becoming Company I. Seventy-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was afterwards attached to the First Brigade, Fifteenth Army Corps. He was the youngest man in the regiment that carried a gun. His first battle was at Fort Donelson in which he was wounded, being the first man shot in the regiment. His next battle was on the bloody field of Shilqh. The regiment also participated at Stone River and Chickamauga, but owing to absence through sickness he was not in those engagements. He accompanied Sherman on his celebrated March to the Sea and took part in the fighting as Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, Peach Tree Creek. Culp's Farm, Atlanta and Bentonville. returning home at the close of hostilities. He was married June 11, 1867, to Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Geib) Hose, natives of Prussia, Germany, who came to the United States in 185 1 and settled in Massillon, Ohio. In 1873 they came to Columbia City, where Jacob died in 1878 and his wife in 1896. Mrs. Hosier was born, in Prussia on Christmas day, . 1847, and hence was quite a small child when her parents came to America. They had eight children: Captain Jacob Hosier; Charles, Philip and William, deceased; Frederick, resident of Columbia City; Adam, deceased, Catherine, and Mary, who died in infancy. \fin- his marriage Mr. Hosier worked as a coal miner and in a blast furnace at Massillon until [880, when lie came to Whitley county and purchased a farm in Thorncreek township, on which he has since lived. He has one hundred and four acres which he has improved by tiling and careful cultivation until it has become productive and valuable. He has a neat house, good barn, and other necessary outbuildings and altogether is comfortably situated. Mr. and Mrs. Hosier have had eleven children : Charles died in his eighteenth year ; George, who married Maud Blakely, lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and works on the Grand Trunk Railway; Jacob Arthur, a railroad man, is now at home with his parents. All the others died young. Mrs. Hosier is a member of the Evangelical Association.

Henry J. Gunder

As a faithful soldier, an industrious farmer and citizen. Henrv J. Guilder deserves and receives the good will and esteem of all who know him. He has done well his duty to himself and to his country and as the evening shadows lengthen can look back with pride to the stirring days of his young manhood and reilect with pleasure that he has done his part in helping along the industrial progress of the great republic. Daniel .-Hid Mary ( Rhoades) Guilder, the progenitors of the Indiana family, were natives respectivelv of Pennsvlvania and Ohio. They were married in the Buckeve state, but about 1845 came to Allen county. Indiana, where they settled on a farm and spent the next twenty years, when the wife died. Daniel Guilder then unwed to Noble county, where he spent the remainder of his days in farming and kindred pursuits. During his prime he was noted for great strength and became famed as an expert hewer of timber. He hewed the timber for the first bridge built over the St. Joseph River at Fort Wayne. He also ran a Maumee canal boat for several years, in the days when that mode of transportation was prosperous and popular owning a boat of which he was captain. He died in Michigan when about seventy years of age. He had seven children: Wesley who died in the army; Man- Jane and Martha, deceased; Sarah, a resident of Detroit; Henry : Frank and George, deceased.

Henry J. Gunder, fifth in order, was born in Hocking county. Ohio, September 25, 1840. He spent his earlier years in Allen and Noble counties, managing to obtain a meager education by irregular attendance at the country schools. In this way he spent his boyhood and young manhood and had scarce reached his majority, when the great sturm broke which was destined to influence the lives and careers of so many millions of men. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served his term and afterward re-enlisted in Company D. One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment, and continuing with this command until the end of the war. He saw much hard service and took part in numerous engagements , and skirmishes, including the battle of Nashville. His severest experience was in the battle of Stone River, which lasted three days, with varying fortunes to the troops engaged and dreadful slaughter on both sides. Mr. Gunder had the misfortune to be taken prisoner in this historic engagement between the armies of Rosecrans and Bragg and the still further misfortune to be confined for some

In 1866, while a resident of Noble county, Mr. Gunder married Minerva, daughter of John C. Reed, and lived for several years on a rented farm. Tn 1883 he removed to Whitley county and bought his present farm of one hundred acres. The place was badly run down when he got it, but Mr. Gunder by hard work and good management has converted it into a productive and valuable piece of property. His residence is a substantial and comfortable structure, while the barn and other outbuildings are in keeping with the needs of a progressive farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Gunder have had seven children : Ella and Nettie, deceased ; Bertha, wife of Lue Kindle, of Smith county. Kansas ; Leonard, a farmer of Adams count}'. Indiana: Gertrude, wife of Walter Klick, of Noble count)' : Walter, also a resident of Noble county ; and Nona, still at home with her parents. Mr. Gunder is a Republican.

Francis Marion Wright

During the rush to the west, which characterized the earlier half of the nineteenth century, a young Marylander named Matthew Wright was one of the numerous crowd from "the eastern shore" who determined to brave the dangers of the western wilderness in search of a betterment in his fortunes. Eventually lie found himself in Licking county. Ohio, where he met and married Minerva Lake, a young woman from old Virginia, whose parents had settled there some vears before. After mar- riage he remained there until 1864, when they came to Indiana, locating in Noble county, and lived there until their respective deaths. They were members of the Methodist church, found their livelihood in agricultural pursuits and became the parents of five children : Willis, who died in the army ; Alexander, deceased; Sarah, wife of Harvey Hull, of Noble county ; Allen, a resident of Elkhart, Indiana, and Francis Marion Wright. The latter was born in Licking county, Ohio, September 3, 1852, and hence was about twelve years old when his parents came to Indiana. He grew up on a farm and has never known any other kind of work or business except that connected with agricultural pursuits. He remained at home until about twenty-six years of age, renting the homestead two years, then rented a farm in Noble county and spent several years in its cultivation. He then bought a small place near Wolf Lake, which he worked and managed for three years, and in 1884 purchased the tract of eighty acres in Etna township which has since been his place of residence. This land was not in very good condition when he got possession and he found it necessary to do much draining to render it fit for satisfactory cultivation. Some clearing was also needed, but by dint of hard work and careful management the place has been converted into a good average farm, with all necessary buildings and good comfortable surroundings. Mr. Wright is a Republican in politics, has served as township assessor and is at present a member of the advisory board. He is recognized as an industrious farmer, a reliable business man and a good all-around citizen. May 20. 1878. Mr. Wright married Mary, daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Wimer) Breninger, both of Stark county, who came to Noble county in the early pioneer days and lived there until their deaths many years ago. They had eleven children : Gabriel, Catherine and Alfred, deceased ; Delilah and Lydia, both residents of Noble county; Ella and Lina, deceased, and Mary, who was born in Noble county, March 9, 1856; Rosetta, a resident of Stark county, Ohio ; Jennie, a resident of Whitley county; and Viola, who lives in Noble county. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have two children, Elva 'and Chester, both still living with their parents, though Elva is a practical dressmaker. The mother is a member of the Freewill Baptist church.