Whitley County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 20 of 28)

Francis M. Sonday

Thought but a short time a resident in the town no citizen has impressed himself mere favorably on the community, which is due to his genial character, his friendly greeting to everybody as well as his excellent business habits and reliability as a citizen. He is full of enterprise and has already done much to improve the conditions of his adopted home and 'altogether has been a valuable addition to the commercial and social life of this enterprising and progressive little city. His parents, Jacob and Barbara Scnday, were settlers of Jay count)-, where they earned their livelihood by farming and were esteemed members of the community in which they lived. Francis M. Sonday, the second of their nine children, was bom in Jay county, June 8, 1873. and was reared to manhood in the place of his nativity. Being studious and attentive, he received a good education in the common schools, which has served him a good purpose through life. His parents were poor, however, and before reaching his majority he was compelled to "strike out for himself" as they say in the country. In 1892 he secured employment at farm work in Allen county and kept at this for about three years, when he took personal charge of his own farm of one hundred and forty acres. Wearying of this, he concluded to try another line and in 1900 opened up in the general mercantile business at Ari, one the live towns of Allen county, and near his home place. He was appointed postmaster of the place and acted as local agent for the Wabash Railroad Company. He remained at Ari for fifteen months and then returned to his farm, which he sold and in April, 1906. came to Churubusco, where he purchased the furniture and undertaking business of E. L. Welshmier, enlarged the stock and otherwise improved the plant and now conducts a first-class establishment. In 1906 he erected a commodious store building, twenty-two by ninety with three floors, built of cement blocks, equipped it thoroughly and by paying strict and personal attention to all the details has enjoyed a full measure ot prosperity. He is public spirited and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all his townsmen. In 1892 Mr. Sonday was married to Miss Alice Galloway. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sonday are identified with the United Brethren church.

George R. Hemmick

Churubusco. one of the lively and progressive towns of Whitley county, has been m ited for the public spirit of its citizens. The general feeling has been to do what was necessary to help the town forward by bringing about improvements, securing good government and thus aiding to make the people happy and contented. Perhaps no man has more in this way, according to his means, than the well known jeweler whose personal and business career it is here the purpose to present in brief outline. George W. Hemmick, the founder of the family of this name in Whitley county, became a settler as far back as the latter part of the forties. He bought land in Columbia township, but being a plasterer by trade did most of his work at the county seat. His death occurred at Columbia City in the sixtyninth year of his age, after a life of activity, which secured him many friends and general respect. When a young man in Ohio he married Mary Winget, who also died on the farm at the comparatively early age of thirty-eight, after becoming the mother of eight children. George R. Hemmick, the sixth of this family, was born in Columbia township, November 23, 1859. He was reared in Columbia City and as he grew up had the benefit of the schools of that place and thus obtained a fair education. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age. meantime learning the jeweler's trade with A. H. Woodworth, at which he worked until 1885. He spent two years in Chicago in the same line and in 1887 came to Churubusco, where he established himself in business and has continued without interruption to the present time. During his residence in Churubusco he has taken much interest in public affairs and his popularity is attested by the fact that he held the office of clerk and treasurer of the town for two years.

January 21. 1882. Mr. Hemmick was married in Columbia City to Miss Amanda }.. daughter of John and Anna (Born) Cotterlv. The father was a native of Berne. Switzerland, and married his wife in Whitley county in 1850, settling in Thorncreek township. He died on his farm there, November io, 1882, in the fifty-first year of his age. Mrs. Hemmick, who was born on the homestead in Thorncreek township, was the third of her parents' ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Hemmick lost two children in infancy and have an only daughter, Lenora. Mrs. Hemmick is an active member of the Baptist church, and her husband is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he is an active participant. The family is highly respected at Churubusco and are welcome in the best social circles of the town.

Among the professional men now on the stage of action in Whitley county, none give higher promise of success and future usefulness than the above popular physician of Churubusco. He has the friend-making talent, so essential to success in any line, and the push and vigor without which none are thoroughly equipped for the struggles of this active age. He has educated himself with care, is devoted to his profession and is imbued with those instincts of sympathy and patience, which are so essential to the devotees of the healing art. David and Lucy (Kinmont) Hart became residents of Thorncreek township in the spring of 1866, where they lived and carried on agricultural operations for a number of years. Eventually, as age approached and they felt the effect of advanced years, they concluded to retire and in the early nineties located at Columbia City. Mrs. TTart died in February, 1904, and her husband passed away December 8,

1906. Bruce D. Hart, one of the nine children, was born on the farm in Thorncreek township, October 5, 1878. He grew up on the paternal homestead, going through the experiences usual with the farmer boy and when of age entered as a student at Franklin College, where he devoted himself to assiduous study for a year. He then accepted a clerkship in a drag store, that line of business being in accord with the plans he had formed for his future. After three years of this experience, he took up the study of medicine in earnest and after a brief preparatory course entered the Keokuk (Iowa) Medical College. He devoted two years to work in this institution and a similar period in the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, where he was graduated in the class of 1906. In June of that year he returned to Churubusco and began the practice of his profession with such earnestness that he has already in the brief time since elapsing secured a solid standing as one of the coming men of Whitley county's medical fraternity. October 18, 1906, Dr. Hart married Miss Nina Merrill, a popular young -lady of Prophetstown, who has proved a welcome accession to the social circles of Churubusco. Dr. Hart is a member of the Whitley County Medical Society and keeps abreast of all the advances and improvements in his profession. Dr. Hart is a Republican.

Isaac Humbarger

county, Ohio. They came to Whitley county in 1852 and bought two hundred and thirty-four acres of land which has grown greatly in value by their efforts. Frederick died June 5. 1897. but his widow still lives on the old homestead. They were members of the Lutheran church and Frederick was a Democrat and served several times as trustee of Thorncreek township. Thev had six children, four reaching maturity : Caroline, deceased wife of John W. Waterfall ; Alary, wife of Ira Spittler. of Columbia township; Isaac and Lucy Alice, wife of Frank Miller, of Fort Wayne.

Isaac Humbarger was born on the old homestead, December 27, 1861. He has spent his whole life on the farm where he now lives, which is part of the homestead settled by his father more than half a century ago. He now owns one hundred and three acres of good land, lives in a comfortable In >use and all the surroundings indicate prosperity and thrift. January 11, 1883, Mr. LIumbarger married Mary Ann McClain, who was born in Columbia township. March 3, i86t. She was the daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Wingent) McClain. the former born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1825. the son of Philip and Nancy McClain. Nancy Wingent was born in Clark county. Ohio, May 30. 1 83 1. daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rinearson) Wingent. the latter of Pennsylvania and the former of Ohio. They came to Indiana in 1853 and settled in Union township, where they spent the rest of their lives. Joseph McClain and Nancy Wingent were married in Whitley county in 1852. He was a plasterer by trade and died February 14. 1890. His wife is still living in Thorncreek township, where she has lived for thirty-six years. They had eight children : John, a resident of Thorncreek township ; Sarah, wife of Virgil Compton, of Smith township; Philip, living in Thorncreek; Mary Ann; Charles, deceased; George F., resident of Columbia township ; Ellen, wife of John Mc- Donald : Alfred, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Humbarger have two children : Gilbert M. married Ketura Schroll and has one child, Mar}' L. ; Hessie May, a school girl. The parents are members of the Lutheran church in Columbia City. Mr. Humbarger is a Democrat and member of the Modern Woodmen.

Louis Festus Metsker

Nearly a century and a half has passed since the emigrant founder of this German American family first set foot on the shores of North America. Born at Strasburg in 1747, Frederick Metsker crossed the ocean in his twentieth year and became a settler of Pennsylvania. He engaged in farming near Barren Run and followed that occupation until his death in 1824. The children left by this old pioneer, now all long since dead, were named Frederick. George. Henry. Samuel, Nancy and Christian. The latter was born in Pennsylvania, March 21. 1705. and about thirty years later became a resident of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. He lived in Ohio some twenty-five years and seems to have met with financial success and achieved local prominence, as he founded the town of Strasburg and named it in honor of his ancestral home. In 1850. he came to Whitley county and settled at what is now the town of Churubusco, where he carried on the business ot farming in connection with weaving, in which trade he was something of an expert. In 1820, in Pennsylvania, he married Catherine, daughter of Christian Gnaga, a minister who came from Switzerland and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. During a long residence in his adopted Pennsylvania home he reared a large family, all long since dead, whose names are recorded in the family Bible as follows : Abraham, Michael, Fanny, Jacob, Christian, Elizabeth. Barbara and Catherine. The latter was born June 8, 1797, and died in Whitley county in 1862, the same vear in which her husband died.

The children of Christian and Catherine Metsker were Mariah, Sarah, Anna, Leah, Sophronia. Christian, Nathaniel and Louis, all of whom are now dead except the last two mentioned.

Louis Festus Metsker, youngest of his father's family, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 12. 1840. He was ten years old when bis parents made the overland trip to this section and well remembers the rough ride for weeks in the awkward wagons. There was little in w.hat is now smiling and prosperous Smith township that was calculated to please the weary travelers of that distant date. There were no roads worthy of the name, no decent houses, no conveniences of any kind, while the forbidding landscape was covered with marshes and virgin timber. Louis was especially anxious for an education, but the three months of the poor winter schools and the summer subscription terms, which were even worse. affi >rded litle chance to 1 me who desired t< 1 gi 1 beyond the three R's. Louis, however, made the besl of these opportunities and in the early sixties supplemented them by attendance at the Seminary of Alexander Douglas in Columbia City, which was conducted in the Old Baptist church standing on the present site of the Clugston Hotel. Having thus qualified himself with difficulty, Mr. Metsker entered upon a term of teaching and followed this occupation during several of the succeeding years. Tiring of this as unprofitable, he eventually rented a small farm which be worked with some success until 1869, when he was able to purchase a place of his own. This sixty acres has been added to from time to time until at present Mr. Metsker owns two hundred and two acres of well improved land, desirably situated in Smith township, one mile south of Churubusco. This with its improvements makes one of the best farms in the county.

In 1863 Mr. Metsker married Claracy, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Briggs) Nickey, natives of Virginia, and her birth occurred in Smitht township, April 5, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Metsker have had eight children : Ella, a graduate of Chicago University and is now Dean of Women and Professor of Latin in the Denver University ; Rose, wife of John H. Grisamer; Callie. who is in business with S. M. Nickev. of Denver; Grace is wife of S. M. Nickey, above mentioned; Gertrude, wife of H. S. Lawrence, a Lutheran minister at Springfield, Ohio; Cathrine, wife of H. P. Barry, attorney, of Beaumont. Texas; Lois, a student in Indiana University; Christian Frederick, a student 1 4" Purdue University. It i^ a singular fact that every one of the children have been teachers in the public schools, a trait probably inherited from their father who has always been interested in educational matters.

Mr. Metsker is a Republican in politics, served two terms as trustee and is now and for some years has been a member of the county council. Himself and family are members of the United Brethren church.

Augustus W. Jeffries

Augustus W. Jeffries was born in Smith township, October 20. 1843, and is the sun of Wyatt W. and Eliza Jane (Jones) Jeffries, both natives of Greenville county. Virginia. In 1S35 they came to Smith township, Whitley county, and entered eighty acres of land of the government. They were the parents of sixteen children, but only four of them lived to maturity, and Nancy Ann is the only one surviving. Industry and economy was their motto and they soon became very successful, owning three hundred and forty acres of land. They were pioneers in the county and necessarily endured many privations and hardships, but withal enjoyed themselves and contributed much to the establishment and development of the county schools and churches and all that pertains to a civil and religious community. Both were identified with the Methodist church and gave it a liberal support and faithful service. Mr. Jeffries died February 14. [869, and his wife October 20. of the same year.

Augustus W. Jeffries was. educated in the common schools, living at home until he was married to Alary J., daughter of Richard and Ann E. (Scott) Akers. November it, 1862. who was born in Tennessee, October 29. 1842. Her parents moved from Tennessee to Ohio in 1851, where they continued during the remainder of their lives.

There were twelve children in the family. To Mr. and Airs. Jeffries were bom ten children. Milton J. lives in Wyoming; Walker W. lives with his mother on the old home farm ; Albert A. lives at home with his mother and assists on the farm; Edward H. died an infant; Georgia married Joseph Casey; Frederick R. lives in Grant county, Indiana, and married Nellie Casey ; Anna M. married Jay Powers and lives in Chicago ; William J. married Elizabeth Brown and lives in Indianapolis ; Harry M. also lives at home with his mother; Mollie J. died May 21, 1906, in her nineteenth year.

Mr. Jeffries was a very successful farmer, far beyond the average, and at the time of his death, which occurred December 26, 1900, he owned three hundred and eightyseven acres of fine land, including the old homestead, nearly all highly improved. The Republican party received his support. The family belongs to the Methodist church and is quite a factor in membership and support. The widow lives with her children on the home farm, and this they have increased tn four hundred and thirty-three acres. The sons are Republicans.

Samuel E. Geiger

A prominent and respected citizen of Thorncreek township, was born November 30. 1864. in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is the son of David and Mary (Good) Geiger. The father was the son of Daniel Geiger, also a native of < *hip He was a soldier in the war of the rebellion, distinguishing himself for bravery and soldierly conduct. After his discharge, he again engaged in agricul-

David Geiger grew to manhood on the home farm in Ohio, being trained to agriculture and receiving a common school educaion. He was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Daniel Good and wife, who were farmers of Fairfield county, where they remained to the end of their lives. Mary was born in Ohio and was a member of he Church of God. Nine children were born to them, of whom six are living: Samuel E.. Sarah, wife of Matthew Wiegold; Arvilla, wife of Douglas Pumey ; William, of Columbia City: Jennie, wife of Charles Marker: and Bert C. of Columbia City.

In 1867, David Geiger and wife moved to Illinois, where the}- remained a couple of years, when in 1869 they came to Indiana, settling in Jefferson township. Mr. Geiger engaged in the timber business, in which he still continues, being for twelve years associated with S. J. Peabody. and for two years a member of the Peabody Lumber Company. He has charge of the purchase of timber. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger now reside in Columbia City. Samuel E. Geiger was only five years of age when his parents came to Indiana, and grew to manhood on the home farm, where he rendered dutiful and faithful service, receiving the educational benefit of the common schools. On January 3, 1885, he married Mina, daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Hutchinson) Williams. \\ln> was born September 12. 1867. at Calvan. Michigan. The father was a native of Virginia, and is now living in Los Angeles, 1 alifornia. The mother is deceased. They were the parents of nine children, only two

After marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger lived on a farm in Jefferson township, where they remained until 1903. when they purchased a farm of ninety-five acres in Thorncreek township, known as the Old Ferner farm, and on which they continued to live, enjoying a comfortable and valuable home. In politics he is a Republican, enjoying the confidence of the party, being township committeeman. He also fraternizes with the Modern Woodmen and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Columbia City. Two children were bom to them: Mahel, who married George Long, and lives in Jefferson township, and has two children, Marie and Alice ; and Winona, a school girl.

Benjamin F. Magley

Benjamin F. Magley, a prosperous farmer living in Thorncreek township, was born in this township December 9. 1858, and is the sun of John and Elizabeth Magley, both natives of Switzerland (see John Magley sketch). With the exception of four years spent in Jefferson township. Benjamin F. Magley has beenalife resident 1 if Thi irncreek. He was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools, supplemented by three terms in the summer normal school of Columbia City. In 1877 he passed the examination and secured a teacher's license for a term of twenty- four months to which professorship he devoted six years, four in Thorncreek township and two in Columbia. As a teacher he ranked among the best and did much to improve and develop the educational interests of the county. In 1881 he was married to Emma Catherine, daughter of Jacob -and Elizabeth (Helblig) Kessie, who was .born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1858, and was also a teacher in the public schools in her younger womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Kessie were natives of Switzerland and came to this country in 1850, locating in Franklin count}-, Ohio, where the}' lived a number of years, removing in 1872 to Indiana, settling on the farm where Mr. Magley now lives. Mr. Kessie departed this life February 14. 1905, the widow being a member of the household of Mr. and Mrs. Magley on the old home farm. They were the parents of eight children: Jacob, living in Columbus; John, deceased; Mary, also living in Columbus ; Mariah and Margaret, both deceased ; Elizabeth, of Whitley county ; Carolina, widow of Christ Keller, is with her mother ; and Emma C.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Magley: Rose L., wife of Lee F. Johnson, living in Columbia City; Blanche G., a student in the senior class. Columbia City high school, preparatory to teaching; Arnold, also a student in high school, and Benjamin H. ; two who were twins died in infancy. For twenty years Mr. Magley has operated the old Kessie homestead, though owning an adjoining farm of eighty acres. The family is allied with the Thorncreek Bethel Church of God, faithful in services and generous in support, and ever attentive in all social and public interests. In politics Mr. Magley is a Republican, and the party recognizing his ability placed him in nomination in 1902 for the very mportant office of member -of the city council, and the people endorsed the selection at the polls. He was re-elected in 1906 and then chosen chairman of the board at its organizatiun. He has also served as a school director for nineteen years. While these offices are not remunerative, they are among the the most important and it is gratifying that men of this type can be induced to accept them.

George W. Ott

George W. Ott, a prosperous farmer and substantial citizen residing in Smith township, was born in Noble county, Indiana, November 13, 1853, an<l 's tne son °f Jesse aild Docia (Brown) Ott. both natives of Preble county, Ohio. The paternal grandfather was John Ott, a native of Pennsylvania. He had six children. Jesse Ott and Docia Brown were married in Preble county, Ohio, and came to. Indiana in the early fifties. Here they happily lived until the angel of death visited the household and took from it the husband and father in May, 1903. Mrs. Ott is still living on the old homestead in Noble county. Mr. Ott was a very successful farmer and at rme time owned almost a section of land. Unto Jesse and Docia (Brown) Ott were born eight children: Cornelius, who is a farmer of Noble county: Amanda J., wife of William T. Clucas, a resident of Noble county; John, a farmer of Noble count}", lives on the homestead with his mother;

George W. Ott has spent his entire life in Noble and Whitley counties. At the usual age he entered the common schools and acquired a fair education. In early life he turned his attention to farming- and has never seen occasion to change his occupation. The work is congenial to him and has also proved a source of good income. Year by year he has continued his work and year by year he has prospered as his crops and stock have been sold and have returned to him a good profit. He has thus been able to invest more and more largely in land and today is the owner of one hundred and nine acres of as fine land as can be found in Whitley county, lying three miles northwest of Churubusco on the Goshen road. On his place is situated an elegant barn, which is said to be one of the most modern structures of the kind in the county. March 27. 1879, Mr. Ott was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Gaff, who was born in Smith township, December 2, 1857. the daughter of Alpheus B. and Rebecca (Mohn) Gaff, both now deceased. He came from Stark county. Ohio, in the thirties witli his parents, Robert and Man' (Deardorf) Gaff, who settled in Noble county. He was married in Noble county and soon settled near where Mrs. Ott now lives on the farm now owned by W. S. Gaff, and there both parents died, he at seventyfive and she at forty-nine vears of age. There were eight children in the Gaff family to reach maturity and all these are living: Alonzo P. : Mary C. ; Charles W. ; Winfield S. ; Orange 1*1: Alpheus H. ; Lovilla May; and lv\ M.

in the success and growth of the principles. which he believes right and which he thinks will best promote the welfare of the nation. He is now and has been for twelve years justice of the peace, in which capacity he has served the public faithfully. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ott are of the highest respectability and the hospitality of the best homes of this portion of the county is freely accorded them.

William Lewis Deem

An energetic and prosperous farmer, residing on a fine farm in Smith township, two miles west of Churubusco, was born in Smith township January 3, 1875, and is the son of John M. and Emma (Mowery) Deem,. of whom more extended mention is found on another page. In 1S98, William L. Deem married Laura, daughter of John and Mary (Hazen) Pence, who was born in Smith township, September 16. 1878. Her father died in 1895. but his widow still lives in the township. They were parents of four children: Alice, wife of John Lewis: Nettie, wife of John Hedge: Virgil, and Laura. Mr. and Mrs. Deem have two children: Helen and Bernice. William L. Deem was educated in the schools of the township, later taking a two years' course in the Churubusco high school. In addition to tln'< lie had the benefit of a business course in the North Manchester school, when he became stenographer in the office of E. K. Strong in Columbia City. He then engaged as teacher in the public schools, which he continued for three years, when in 1901 he purchased the eighty-acre farm on which lie now resides, giving it that skillful and systematic management which insures abundant crops. The Republican party receives his support ; and his social and friendly relations are broadened and strengthened by membership in the K. of P. lodge. He is a member of the township advisory board.

William R. Anderson

A well known and respected farmer of Smith township, was born in Darke county, Ohio, January 14, 1843, anc' >s tne son °^ Major and Elsie (Phipps) Anderson.

His father was a native at North Carolina and was the son of John Anderson, of the same state, who came to Indiana in a very early day settling in Randolph county, where he died about 1850. Major Anderson died in the boyhood of William R., leaving two children : William R., and Rosetta, who married Joseph Heck and is now deceased. His mother was again married to Major Anderson's brother Abner. who died in Randolph county and was followed by that of his wife Jul}'- 8, 1905. To this marriage two children were born : Mary, deceased ; and Jonathan, a farmer of Randolph county. In 1865 Mr. Anderson was married in Darke county, Ohio, to Louisa J., daughter of Zachariah and Rebecca (Coat) Green, who were natives of Ohio and both deceased. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson : George, living in Auburn ; Lewis, a street railway employe, lives in Fort Wavne ; Clarence, at home; Ira, living in

Smith township; Alleary, a resident of Churubusco ; Edward, living at home; Sadie, wife of George Linnvill, lives in Smith township ; Minnie, bank stenographer at Churubusco ; Lawrence, Ida and Rebecca,, deceased; Charles M., a street railroad conductor at Fort Wayne.

Mr. Anderson has always been a farmer, starting at the bottom and building up successfully. As a boy he worked out, though he had spent some months with an uncle in Illinois. When fifteen years old he worked one year for $60 and board with three months of school. In early manhood he worked by the month, but in 1871 settled on a farm in Smith township, which he had purchased. In 1873 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, which is a splendid farm of one hundred and ninety-one acresthat he has made from the wilderness. It is well drained and is a productive farm devoted to general fanning. He is a Republican and Mrs. Anderson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On September 12, 1861, he enlisted in defense of the flag of his country, as a member of Company G, Fortieth Ohio Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, and Second Brigade, Army of the Cumberland, serving until June 10, 1865. He was taken prisoner at Lovejoy station, and from September 5, 1864, until November 25, lay as a prisoner in Milan (Georgia) Prison, when he was paroled. After returning he served in the same company and regiment. He went through all of the Atlanta campaign!. He was discharged at Camp Chase. Ohio, as a paroled prisoner and saw no service after his capture. Among the important engagements in which he took part were the battles of Middle Creek, Kentucky, January 10, 1862; Chickamauga, the three days' fig'ht. Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.

James E. Witham

The history of the village blacksmith, like that (if the miller, forms an important chapter in the early history of the country. To him the farmer, the mechanic and the professional man as well come with their broken implements for repairs and are never turned away without relief. His whole thought seems to be a determination to so "mend" the misfortunes of life as to contribute to the well-being and happiness of all. James E. Witham, the pioneer blacksmith of Churubusco, who was born in Washington county. Ohio, September 15, 1835. is the son of Elisha and Lydia (Gates) Witham, both natives of Ohio, the latter being born near Delaware. They were married in Ohio and came to Indiana in 1S39, settling in Smith township, Whitley county, and purchased nn improved land. This investment was followed in 1840, less than a year, by the death of the husband, leaving his wife with four children: Mary, who was married to Henry Knight, of Thorncreek township, but now deceased: James E. : Miles died in infancy; Mary died about 1885. After the death of her husband Mrs. Witham was married to Adam Egolf, and to this union tight children were born : Rachel. George, Melissa, Jemina, Adam, Lydia Ann, Han ey, and Mariah. Mrs. Egolf lived to a ripe old age and in [892 passed calmly and hopefully to her reward. At the age of fifteen Tames E.

Witham left home and went to Columbia City to learn the trade of blacksmith, where he remained four years. Being of a roving nature, he then went to Iowa and remained there seven years. In 1862 he returned to Indiana and settled at Egolf Corners, Thorncreek township, where he remained until 1864, and then moved to Columbia City, remaining one year, then moved to Forest, Indiana, and remained until 1868, then moved to Churubusco in 1871, where he remained until 1883. when he moved on a farm, then to Decatur, Indiana, from which piace he moved in 1885 to Avilla, Indiana, engaging in his old trade till 1886. when he moved to Kansas, and remained seven years. In the spring of 1893 he moved to Dunfee and about one year thereafter went to Areola, where he also lived about one year, and then made his final move back to Churubusco, where he resides at the present time. July 9, 1856. he was married to Mariah, daughter of Luther and Mar)' (Strain) Nott, who was born March 30. 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Nott were natives of Stark county. Ohio, and came to Indiana, settling in Smith township. In 185 1 they moved to Iowa, where they remained to the t lose of their lives. Ten children were born tn this union: Clara, deceased; Mariah: Mary, living in Iowa; Jane, deceased; Polk; Frank. Sarah, Belle. Angie, and Anna Belle. all six living in Kansas. The subject of this sketch and wife had eleven children to reach maturity: Angeline. wife of John Nelson, living in Fort Wayne: Jennie, wife of James Vaughn, of Dunfee; Lydia, wife of William Jones, living in Columbia City: Frank, living in Churubusco, married Viva Miller, and has one child. Evaline; Alice, wife of George Criner; Flossie, wife of William

Richardson; Flora, wife of Isaac Brundage, of Wayne, and Walter and Libbie, deceased. In politics Mr. Witham is a Prohibitionist, believing the enforcement of the principles of that party would promote the happiness of the people and elevate the standard of true citizenship. In religious faith he and his wife are identified with the Church of God, devoted to its service and exemplary in conduct. The culminating event of their lives occurred July 9, 1906, when the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage was duly celebrated in an appropriate manner. All their children, together with the grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, were present, forming a grand reunion typical of the morning and evening of life. Many beautiful and valuable presents were received, being given to serve as a pleasant memory rather than for their intrinsic worth or value.

Irving J. Krider

This prosperous fanner was educated in the common schools which gave him the basis of future usefulness and success. The system with which he managed his business and the success achieved pointed him out as a proper person with which public business could be safely entrusted, and accordingly he was made president of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, the duties of which he discharges efficiently and to the entire satisfaction of his associates. He is also serving the public as a member of the county council, a position requiring a thorough knowledge of public affairs and the couragfe to act for the best interest of the

Mr. Krider was born in Allen county, Indiana. June 16, i860, and is the son of William and Sarah (Nickey) Krider, whose history appears in another chapter. He was married October 27, 1881, to Kate, daughter of Uriah and Julia Ann (Pendlum) Slagle, bom in Smith township, October 10, 1861. Her father was a native of Ohio, and her mother of Kentucky. They were married in Ohio in 1846, the same year came to Indiana and settled in Smith township. Here they remained till 1884, when they moved to Rice county, Kansas, where they continued to reside to the end of their lives. The death of the mother occurred October 27, 1898, and was followed by that of her husband on December 6, 1901, while visiting at the home of Mr. Krider. They were faithful and consistent members of the Methodist church. Eleven children were born to them : Frank and Zachariah, both deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Cook, living in Rice county, Kansas ; Howard and Charles, living in Oklahoma; Minnie, wife of Peter Hull, also in Oklahoma; Katie; Elda, widow of William McKoun, living in Huntington. Indiana; Margaret, wife of Joseph Smith, living in Finney county, Kansas; Thomas, living in Kansas ; and Olive, wife of George Scudder, living in Oklahoma.

Mr. Krider and wife have but one child, Mamie E.. wife of Harry Briggs. a farmer of Smith township. They have two children : Robert K. and William. Mr. Krider is identified with the Democraic party and his wife is a member of the United Brethren church at Collins. After marriage they lived on a rented farm five years, when they purchased a farm of one hundred and forty-three acres on which they still live. An elegant tenroom house was erected in 1902 and later a fine barn thirty-eight by sixty feet. The farm is well stocked, systematically and scientifically managed and produces splendid results. It is one of the best improved and most productive farms in the county and presents every evidence of prosperity.

Tacob E. Pence

Jacob E. Pence, a prosperous and successful farmer of Smith township, was born in the township May 3, 1862, and is the son of Absalom and Clara (Van Houten) Pence. Absalom Pence was bom in Highland county, Ohio, and was the son of George C. Pence, who came to Whitley county in 1836 and settled in Smith township. He was a successful farmer and gave much of his time to religious interests, being a class leader for many years in the Salem Methodist Episcopal church. The mother was born in Richland county, Ohio, October 28, 1835, and was the daughter of Jacob A. and Catherine Ann Van Houten. who came to Whitley county. Indiana, in 1837. and also settled in Smith township. He bought government land near Concord. where he reared the family, though in later years he resided in Union township where he died. To him was the distinction of having served as judge of the first court held in the county. 1 lis eventful life closed in 1875, being preceded by his wife, who died in 1868.

Both were members of the Presbyterian church near Coesse. They were the parents of eleven children : John, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church in Illinois; Isaac, David, Jacob, Alexander, Jane Clara, and Emma. The only survivors are Alexander and Clara.

Absalom and Clara Pence were married at Concord, in 1853, and spent their lives on the farm in Smith township. The)" were both faithful and zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father died in 1875, and the mother still owns the old homestead though now living with Jacob E. Six children were born to them : Northan W. died at twenty-five; Leila.. wife of W. A. Leech, living in Smith township: Melda died in infancy ; Emma Jane died in childhood and Effie L. died at seventeen. Jacob E. continued to live with his widowed mother until he was married. February 3. 1882, to Martha Almeda, daughter of John and Ingeba (Gandy) Jones, bom in Smith township July 15, i860. Her father was a native of Ohio, while her mother was born in Virginia. They were married in . Whitley county and engaged in farming. John was born November 1, 1825. and died September 15, 1895; Ingeba was horn June 21/. 1827. and died March 3, 1H74. They were the parents of six children: George \\'., living in Smith township; Charles and Isaiah, deceased: Samantha. wife of C. N. Smith, living in Collins: Martha Almeda. and Mary, wife of Richard Cramer, of Smith township. Mr. Pence and wife have had three children: Ruth, who died at twentythree: Toby Absalom, a student in the Columbia City high school, and Herschel Oscar. Jacob E. Pence was educated at the public schools, securing a foundation upon which he has builded constantly and successfully. In 1885 he purchased his first forty acres of land, which he sold in 1890 and immediately purchased eighty-five acres, a part of the present farm. He purchased eighty acres adjoining and in 1903 purchased eighty-four acres more, making two elegant farms some ten miles apart. The latter farm was formerly the homestead of his uncle, Abraham Pence, and is a part of the original section purchased by his grandfather. Mr. Pence is a Republican in politics and enjoys social and fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias lodge, while Mrs. Pence is a member of the United Brethren church, giving it faithful and zealous support.

Rev. Charles S. Parker

Rev. Charles S. Parker, the popular pastor of the United Brethren church at Churubusco, of which he took charge in September, 1905, was born in Huntington county, August 2. 1865, and is the son of John J. and Celia (Penland) Parker, the former a native of Lawrence county, Ohio, and son of William Parker, an attorney and a native of Pennsylvania, who located in Lawrence county in 1824, and later removed to Mt. Etna. Huntington count}', Indiana, and finally to Iowa, where he served several years as judge of the courts. He died in that state in 1867, the father of seven children. John J. Parker accompanied his parents to Huntington countv when a lad of twelve. He was reared to manhood under the parental roof and spent forty-one years on the farm near Huntington. His death occurred in Oregon in February, 1897, and that of his wife occurred in Huntington on September 8, 1892. They were the parents of ten children, those living being Rev. William F., pastor of the United Brethren church at Butler, Indiana ; Belle, wife of Samuel Horsell. of Chehallis, Washington ; David M.. of Huntington; Thomas J., of Huntington : James M. ; Charles, general manager of Philometh College in Oregon; and Richard B., of Huntington.

Charles S. Parker passed his childhood and youth amid the scenes of farm life, most of the time being spent in incessant toil, varied only by attendance at the district schools. At the age of nineteen, feeling the need of a more thorough intellectual training, he entered the Huntington Normal, the Roanoke Seminary and North Manchester College. Being reared under religious influences, when quite young he began seriously to consider the matter of his soul's welfare. His convictions were strong and abiding, his feelings deep, and seeing his duty plainly, he made a public profession of religion and united with the church. It was with the object in view of ultimately devoting his life to the ministry that young Parker prepared himself and in September. 1895, he was ordained a minister at the St. Joseph conference. His first charge was at Dayton, Indiana, which was his field of labor during one year. He then accepted a call t<> the church at Frankfort and after a successful pastorate of three years at that place he served successively at Silver Lake. South Whitley, North Manchester. Peru, Indianapolis, and at Russell. Kansas. Two or three years lie devoted exclusively to evangelistic work. Mr. Parker*s life has been one of great activity. Intent upon his Master's work, he has labored zealously and faithfully in spreading the gospel and calling men and women to repentance, many through his earnest and eloquent appeals being induced to abandon the ways of sin and seek the better way of leading to lives of righteousness and Christian service. Ostober 19, 1898, Mr. Parker and Miss Sue Pence were united in the holy bonds of wedlock. Mrs. Parker was bom in South Whitley August 21, 1878, the daughter of Allen and Mary (Harshbarger) Pence, and is the mother of one child, Paul. Mr. Parker takes a living interest in all public questions, rendering unqualified influence to all efforts making for better living and a purer citizenship.

Frederick G. Binder

During the years immediately preceding the Civil war six brothers by the name of Binder emigrated to the United States from Germany and settled in various towns in eastern Michigan. As they wrote favorable reports back home, another brother, Jacob U, was tempted to come in i860, and settled at Ann Arbor, where one of the others lived. He established a butcher shop in connection with stock buying, and became an old style drover, taking cattle to Buffalo and New York. At one time he received an order to send forty yoke of cattle to Lake Superior and after some lively hustling procured the number in two days and drove them to Detroit, for shipment by boat. He brought with him a son, Frederick G, who was born at Wittenberg, Germany, March 12, 1853, and learned the butcher trade, while with his father in Ann Arbor. He worked both in Ypsilanti and Detroit, but in 1874 came to Whitley county, which was destined to be his permanent home. He first worked with Fred Bush and for eight years for Daniels Brothers, in Columbia City, but being ambitious to enter business on his own account he began at South Whitley, with a capital of two hundred dollars. However, he had a partner by the name of Dickey, whose standing enabled him to get all the needed credit. In 1885 he opened business, at the stand where he now is, though the intervening years have made wonderful changes in his financial condition. His business as a butcher, stock-dealer, and meat merchant grew steadily, through good management, skill and industry until now after twenty years Mr. Binder can consider with pardonable pride what he has accomplished. His annual sales now exceed twenty thousand dollars and he pays to the farmers of Whitley county between ten thousand and fifteen thousand dollars a year for stock. By confining himself strictly to his own business and giving it his undivided attention, he has achieved well merited success. He is now located in the same building in which he worked while employed by the Daniels Brothers, buying it in 1893. In politics he is a Democrat and has frequently been honored by his party, while in turn rendering it faithful and judicious service. ^ He was county chairman for two years and has been delegate to the county and state conventions. He was a member of the city council for two years and held the office of city treasurer twelve years in succession. Mr. Binder would not be a German could he not find time for social intercourse and for the enjoyment of the society of friends. He contributes to all influences to develop and improve his adopted city. He is a stockholder in the furniture factory, one of Columbia City's most valuable industries, besides having other real estate and business interests. He is a charter member of the Knights of the Maccabees and has been a trustee ever since the institution of the lodge.

In 1874 Mr. Binder was married to Rebecca Walz, of Marshall, Michigan, and they have an interesting family of five sons. Fred G., the eldest and namesake of his father, is a printer. Otto S. and Edward C. remain with the father. Walter is clerk with the Providence Trust Company and Homer is in high school.

James M. Crone

James M. Crone, a highly respected and well-to-do farmer of Whitley county, was born in West Virginia September 19, 1853. and is the son of Levi and Margaret (Orebaugh) Crone. Levi Crone came to Whitley county in 1872 and located in Columbia City, where he labored by the day. His death occurred in 1890. He was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Orebaugh in Rockingham county, Virginia, and they were the parents of six children : George William, a fanner in Smith township; Sarah Margaret, a resident of Chicago, and the widow of William Reed ; Elizabeth, wife of James Jeffries, lives in Xenia, Ohio ; Mary, a resident of Cincinnati ; James M. : Nancy Jane, of near Leesburg, Indiana, wife of Leander Jeffries. Levi and his son George were compelled to leave West Virginia in 1863 in order to avoid conscription into the Confederate army and for a time lived in Xenia, Ohio. The mother and the remainder of the family came north with the Unoin army some time later.

James M. Crone received a good district school education and in 1870 came to Whitley county and worked as a farm hand for Mortimer Jeffries. On February 6, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla, daughter of Mortimer and Elizabeth (Keen) Jeffries and bora in Smith township August 4, 1858. Mortimer and Elizabeth Jeffries located in Whitley county on a farm adjoining the present Crone farm, where Mr. Jeffries died in 1879 and his wife in 1 901. They were the parents of six children : Leander, Priscilla, Herbert, Lizzie, Mary and Levi, the latter a resident of Lansing, Michigan. James M. Crone after marriage lived on the farm of his father-in-law and was successful in raising abundant crops and all kinds of cereals common to that locality. He is now the owner of one hundred and forty-six acres of rich land, nearly all under cultivation, and a part of which was inherited by his wife from her father's estate. He has erected an attractive and modern eight-room house, has built a large and substantial barn and the general appearance of the place is inviting to the observer. Air. and Airs. Crone have been the parents of three children : David, who died in 1890; William, who married Miss

Carrie Hire and lives on the Levi Jeffries homestead ; Amanda, living at home. Mr. Crone supports the Republican party, while he and his family are members of the Collins United Brethren church. Mr. Crone is a man of stanch qualities of character, his actions being characterized by the strictest integrity and he now occupies an enviable position in the community.

Joseph J. Pence

Joseph J. Pence, who is entitled to special mention because of the distinction that is his of having lived in Smith township the longest of any poineer settler, was bom in Fayette county, Ohio, November 20, 1831, and is the son of George C. and Sarah (Windle) Pence. The paternal grandfather was Philip Pence, a native of Germany who came to America in early life and settled on a farm in Highland county, Ohio. It is stated that he was bringing corn from Kentucky and when crossing the Ohio on a ferry boat it sprung a leak and sank. He jumped on one of his horses and it is supposed was kicked and so stunned that he was drowned. George C. Pence was born in Highland county, Ohio, November 20, 1791, being forty years older to the day than Joseph J. In 1836 he disposed of his farm in Fayette county and with his family started with a wagon and team to drive to Whitley county, arriving there November 18th. He bought all of section 19, Smith township, the purchase price being twelve hundred dollars and here he lived until he went to Hardin county, Iowa, in 1856, trading the old homestead with Joseph J. He was the first man to drive through Smith township. At that dav the woods were inhabited by a great number of Indians and deer and other wild animals, the most numerous of which was wolves, and he was compelled to cut his way through the forests to reach his destination, having selected the land the spring before. Mr. Pence was married in Fayette county, Ohio, to Sarah Windle, who was born in Shenandoah county. Virginia, November 18, 1792. Mr. and Mrs. George Pence were the parents of ten children. Henry, Eliza, Abraham, John. Absalom, Catherine. Willis F., Elizabeth. Joseph J., and Jesse. Mrs. Pence died August 18, 1854. at the old homestead and he died in Iowa about 1866. He was married again in Iowa to Mrs. Gauger, whose maiden name was Reese and who formerly lived in Whitley county. Joseph J. lacked but two days of being five years of age when he came to the present home. With the exception of about one vear. when he resided in Iowa, he has lived ever since on the farm. In 1854 he wait to Hardin county, Iowa, exchanging two years later with his father and renting the old homestead, getting one hundred and twenty acres, which his father first purchased. On this land he raises all the crops common to this section of Indiana and has achieved a marked and definite success in his calling, a success which may be credited entirely to his own efforts, directed and controlled by wise judgment and keen discrimination. Mr. Pence has been twice married, his first union being with Susan Waugh, who was born in Ross county. Ohio, in 1837, the daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Harper) Waugh, the latter of whom recently died at the ripe old age of ninety. This union was blessed with the birth of six children : Mary Elizabeth, wife of J. J. Smith, a resident of Whitley county, has two children, Jessie and Minnie ; Eldora, who died in childhood; James Abraham Lincoln, a resident of Smith township, who married Maria Leach and has three children, Olive, Mabel and Joseph C. ; David M., a resident of Smith township, married Miriam Coulter and has two children, Evan J. and Lylia May; Florence, wife of F. J. Heller, an attorney of Columbia City, has three children, Kate, Grace and Lois; William Judson, a resident of Columbia City, married Zella Clark and has two children, Hallie and Alice Amelia. Mrs. Pence died June 6, 1 87 1. Mr. Pence's second marriage, which took place November 14, 1872, was with Alice Henney, who was born in Whitley county September 17, 185 1, and is the daughter of Philip and Charlotte (Richard) Henney, natives of Stark county, Ohio, who came to Whitley county in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Pence are members of the Methodist church, he having belonged to this body for nearly sixty years. He distinctly recalls the first sermon he ever heard, which was delivered in his father's cabin by a traveling preacher when he was seven years of age. Mr. Pence now owns one hundred and sixty acres, after having given a farm to each of three children. In 1870, Mr. Pence erected a fine brick residence, which is thoroughly equipped with every modern convenience, and he soon forged to the front as an enterprising tiller of the soil. He has always kept abreast of the times in the matter of advanced agriculture, his beautiful and highly cultivated farm being at this time one of the finest and most attractive places in Whitley county, as well as one of the most highly improved. Mr. Pence is the only surviving member of the Pence family anil relates many interesting incidents pertaining to the pioneer days of Whitley county. He has four great-grandchildren. In politics he gives an unqualified allegiance to the Republican party. He is a man of excellent business judgment and sterling integrity and is deserving of the success which has accompanied his efforts.

David L. Pence

David L. Pence, a practical and progressive farmer of Smith township, was born on the farm which he now occupies March 13, 1859, and is the son of Willis F. and Mary J. (Burney) Pence. The paternal grandparents were George C. and Sarah (Windle) Pence, both natives of Ohio. The maternal grandparents were John and Catherine (Myers) Burney, the former of whom was born during the voyage across the ocean. He was raised in Harrison county, Ohio, and died there in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. John Burney were the parents of five children : Martha, deceased ; Elizabeth, widow of Major Prichard, of Colorado; William, a doctor in Hannibal. Missouri : Loraney, widow of Adam Van Houten, lives in Denmark, Kansas, and Mary J. Mrs. Barney's second marriage was with Lewis Deem and they were the parents of three children : Eliza, wife of George Kreider. lives in Smith township; David, deceased; John, a resident of Churubusco. The parents came to' Indiana about 1854 and located on a farm in Smith township, where they both died. The maternal great-grandparents were William and Elizabeth (Ticher) Burney, natives of England. They came to America and located in Harrison count}-, Ohio, where they entered government land and lived during the remainder of their lives. Willis and Mary J. (Burney) Pence were married April 21, 1858, and located on the farm now occupied by David L. They were the parents of two children : David L., and Kate, who is the wife of Everett Barney, a resident of Thorncreek township. Mr. Pence died January 2, 1862, and the widow was united in marriage with Jacob J. Hallenbeck, a native of New York and son of Jacob W. and Susannah Hallenbeck, the former of whom died in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob J. Hallenbeck were the parents of three children : Johnl W., who married Miss Lydia Morse and lives on a farm in Union township; Ida, deceased, and George, who died in infancy. Jacob Hallenbeck died in 1904 and his wife is now living in Columbia City.

David L. Pence received his education in the common schools of the community and has spent his aitire life in Whitley county. He is now the owner of the old homestead, which comprises one hundred and thirty-six acres of excellent land and on this he has erected a modern house of eleven rooms and other necessary buildings which go to make up a complete homestead. On November 22, 1882, he was .united in marriage to Rosa A. Demoney, born in Allen county, Indiana. March 2. r865, daugher of Albert A. and Mary ( Donaldson) Demoney, and who was a teacher before marriage. This union was 1 d \\ith the following1 named children:

Orval, a teacher in the county, and Estella M., a teacher at 'Collins, both living at home;. Allien, who died in infancy, and Benjamin F., student in the Collins high school. Mr. and Mrs. Pence are members of the Salem Methodist church. In his political affiliations Mr. Pence is a Republican and is loyal in his advocacy of the party and its principles. He is a man of many fine personal qualiies and enjoys the good will of all. who know him.

William A. Leech

William A. Leech, an enterprising and well known farmer of Whitley county, was born in Richland county, Ohio, March 31, 1858, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Strean) Leech. They were married in Whitley county on August 2, 1849, and located on the farm now owned by William A. Mr. Leech died in February, 1879; his wife survives and is living in Churubusco. This union was blessed with the birth of seven children : John W., who died one day after his wife, the two being buried in the same grave, his age being forty-eight ; Fanny wife of William Jacuay, a resident of Allen county, Indiana; Austin, deceased in boyhood ; William A. ; Mariah, wife of James Pence; Ira Elmer, who is living in Marion, Indiana ; Esther and Jane, who died in infancy. The paternal grandfather was John Leech, who came to America from Ireland and settled in Richland county, Ohio. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and died in Ohio. He was the father of eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity : Benja- min, James, Samuel, Joseph, John, Esther,, Jane, Margaret, Mary, Nancy, Emily and Elizabeth. The maternal grand-parents were John and Mariah (Craig) Strean, the former of whom was a native of Ireland, who came with his parents to Knox county, 'Ohio, and in 1830 located in Allen county, Indiana, subsequently removing to Whitley -county and thence in the fifties to Hardin county, Iowa, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Strean had ten children : Mary, Mariah, Hester Ann, McKee, Elizabeth, John. Sarah. Joseph, Lorain and Jane. The maternal great-grandparents were Robert and Elizabeth (McKee) Strean, the former of whom was bom in Ireland and after coming to America lived in Knox county, Ohio.

William A. Leech attended the public schools, thus acquiring a good education and upon taking up life's duties entered upon a farming career, in which he has been successful. He was a year and one-half old when "he was brought by his parents to Whitley county and has spent practically his entire life on his present farm. In November, 1882, he was married to Leila Lavina Pence, born in Smith township September 15. 1858, and daughter of Absalom and Clara (Van Houten) Pence. Mr. and Mrs. Pence had six children: Northan W., deceased at twenty-five; Leila Lavina; Melda, deceased in infancy; Jacob, a resident of Smith township ; Effie. deceased : one who died in infancy, unnamed. Mr. Pence died in 1875 and his wife is living with her son Jacob in Smith township. In 1894 Mr. Leech returned to the old homestead after an absence of about ten years, some five of which were spent in selling goods. This comprised one hundred and sixtv acres, of which he now has sixtvtwo. His farm work has been followed by excellent results and his property is now well improved and valuable. He has good buildings on the place and his work is of such a practical nature that he annually harvests good crops and finds for them a ready sale upon the market. Mr. Leech is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party and enjoys the sincere respect and absolute confidence of all who know him.

Daniel Zumbrun

Daniel Zumbrun, a well known and respected farmer of Whitley county, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, May 16, 1843, and is the son of Henry and Julia (Kinzie) Zumbrun. Henry Zumbrun was born in Maryland and resided in the state of his nativity until he became forty years of age. He then located in Ohio and afterwards removed to Whitley county, at a time when wild game of all kinds was plentiful, and there bought a tract of land of one hundred and eightv acres of unimproved and heavily timbered land. By diligent and continuous toil and good management he reduced the greater part of his land to tillage and today it is considered one of the finest farms in the county and is now owned by his youngest son, John Zumbrun.

Daniel was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents to Whitley county. He passed his youthful years much the same as did the average farmer boy of the locality and period, having been reared to manhood on the old homestead in Thorncreek township and having early begun to assist in its work. He continued to be associated in the work of the home place until he attained the age of twenty-one years, when he was united in marriage March, 1864, with Sarah Ott, who was born in Preble couny, Ohio, September 2, 1841, and is the daughter of George and Mary (Brown) Ott, natives of Ohio. George Ott came to Noble county, Indiana, in 1842 and settled on a tract of heavily timbered land, comprising one hundred and sixty acres which his father had purchased from the government and given him. Here he maintained his home during the remainder of his life, his death occurring September 9, 1887, and that of his wife October 28, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Ott were the parents of ten children : Sarah ; Mary Ann, wife of Thomas Young, of Noble county ; Matilda, widow of Nicholas Henry, resides in Ohio; Ellen married David King and lives in Noble county; Hetta, wife of Jesse Lock, of Churubusco ; Louisa Jane, wife of Christ Zumbrun, a resident of Smith township ; Daniel P. Ott, of Kosciusko county, but who remained on the old homestead while the parents lived ; Olive, widow of Andrew Marker, living in Noble county; Almeda, wife of Jacob Leamon, of Noble county: and John Franklin, who died in infancy.

After Mr. Zumbrun was married he located in Noble county and rented a farm of John Ott for five years, when he purchased eight)' acres directly across the road from his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Smith township. He is now the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and eighty acres . part of which is under effective cultivation and on which are raised all the crops common to this latitude.

Mr. and Mrs. Zumbrun have had six children : Elom Harvey, who married Ida Crigger and has one child, Pearl ; Saba Elmina, wife of Clarence Shively, has four children, Floyd, Stella, Jesse and William Henry ; Nettie, wife of Noah Shively, has six living children, Lawrence, Essli, Lois, Murry, Ethel, Isa, and Martha, widow of Ira Claxton and has one child, Clyde; Caroline, wife of William Brumbaugh, a resident of Smith township, has three living children, Melvin, Lilia, and Hallie; Anna, wife of David McCoy, lives on a part of the Zumbrun farm. Both Mr. Zumbrun and his wife are members of the German Baptist church, and their active efforts in its behalf have been of material benefit. In his political views Mr. Zumbrun is a Republican and while deeply interested in all political and public matters, has never taken an active part. He is widely known and his upright character has gained for him the unqualified confidence of all.

Albert A. Demoney

Albert A. Demoney, a prosperous farmer and popular citizen of Smith township, was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1833, ar*d is tne son of Samuel and Clarissa (Tripp) Demoney, the former of whom was of French extraction. He was a farmer by vocation and came to Richland county, Ohio, in 1846. He lived there and in Huron county for a period of about ten years, when in 1857 he removed to Scotland county. Missouri, and there his death occurred in July, 1885. Clarissa (Tripp) Demoney was born and reared in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and her death occurred in Kansas on March 1, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Demoney were the parents of eight children: Albert A.; William E., a soldier in the Twenty-First Missouri Regiment, who was drowned in a hospital boat in Alabama during the war; Edward M., a resident of Adair county, Missouri ; Catherine, widow of William Chartier, lives in Hope, Kansas ; John H., who is a farmer in Kansas ; Melvin F., deceased: Hannah Ann, wife of William McMann and lives in Missouri, and Charles F., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Demoney were zealous and active members of the Methodist church.

Albert A. Demoney grew to manhood on his father's farm and attended the district schools until he became thirteen years of age. He remained at home until twenty-three, when he started out in life on his own account and everything that he has enjoyed or possessed since that time has been acquired through his own efforts. March 4, 1856, he was united in marriage with Mary Donaldson, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 17, 1837, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah G. (Matthews) Donaldson. Joseph Donaldson was a native of Virginia and spent the latter part of his life in Allen county, Indiana, his death occurring there July 27, 1891. Almost the entire family of Donaldsons was killed by the Indians on the Susquehannah, one only escaping, who is the ancestor of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson were married in Richland count)-, Ohio, and became the parents of seven children : Francina, deceased ; John, who lives in Ohio ; Mary; William, who owns a grocery and feed store; Jemima, who died April 1, 1890; Levi, a Congregational minister at Medina,

Ohio; Emily, wife of W. S. Gandy. Mrs. Donaldson died November 1, 1897. She and her husband were both members of the United Brethren church and in this work were active, helpful and influential. Mr. and Mrs. Demoney have had five children : Joseph H., who married Elsie Roach and has two children ; Mary C. and Blanche R. ; Elmer married Elizabeth Smith and has one child, Jessie; Rosa R., wife of David L. Pence, has three living children, Orval, Stella and Benjamin Franklin; Effie, wife of Cary Braddock, of Thorncreek township, has four children. Nellie. Elijah Yost, Albert A., Retta Fern, and John F., who died in infancy. After Mr. Demoney was married he lived on a farm in Ohio for about a vear and a half, then in 1857 removed to Missouri and purchased eight}' acres of land in Knox county, where he lived for three years. Owing to the unsettled condition of affairs in Missouri, he disposed of his land and moved back to Ohio, where he lived for two years or more, and came to Allen couny, Indiana, and in 1866 came to Whitley county. He purchased one hundred acres of heavily timbered land at ten dollars per acre and has cleared most of this himself. In place of the little log cabin which he built when he first became possessor of this land, he has erected an attractive ten-room house, modern in every sense, has built a large and substantial barn and other outbuildings and has fenced his land, thus dividing it into fields of convenient size. In his barn and pastures can be seen good grades of stock and his home has become one of the attractive features in this portion of the count)-. Mr. Demoney is a member 1 f the United Brethren church, while his wife is a faithful member of the

Methodist organization. Mr. Demoney is a member of the Republican party, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. In 1865 he enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, but saw no active service and was honorably discharged at Charlestown, Virginia, August 30, 1865.

George Sheckler

George Sheckler. a prosperous farmer and honored resident of Thorncreek township, was tern July 22. 1834, and is a son of John and Rachel (Tet'tit) Sheckler, the former of whom was born in Huntingon county, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Hampshire county, Virginia. The paternal grandfather was Frederick Sheckler, a native of Pennsylvania, who spent his entire life on a farm and was also engaged in the distillery industry. The maternal grandmother was a native of Germany and came from the old country at the ag-e of fourteen years. John Sheckler's schooling was limited to one month's instruction and he was reared to the life of a farmer, which pursuit he. followed all his life. He walked from Pennsylvania to Crawford county, Ohio, where he took up a farm of one hundred and sixtv acres, on which he made a number of substantial improvements. He remained there two years. when lie returned to Pennsylvania and later back to Ohio, where he died about 1859. Rachel Sheckler's death occurred about 1835. This union was blessed with eight children: Elizabeth, Catherine, David, Thomas, John, Christina, James ami George.

George Sheckler remained under the parental roof until he became twenty-six years of age. He received his education in the common schools, the school house which he attended being a very old one, the seats or benches being made of split saplings and the chimney of small sticks. About 1858 Mr. Sheckler came to Whitley county and settled on his present farm of one hundred and sixtv acres, only four acres of. which was cleared at the time of its purchase. By his continued efforts he soon made of this one of the most attractive and highly productive farms of the neighborhood. Year by year he prospered as his stock and crops were sold, until he was thus able to invest more and more largely in land and was at one time the owner of two hundred and sixty acres. He disposed of a portion of this, however, and at present owns the original one hundred and sixty acres which he purchased of his brother.

On September 14, 1865, Mr. Sheckler was united in marriage to Sarah, daughter of Matthew and Hannah (Rutman) Allbons, and to them were born five children : Catherine, wife of Jess Kiler, of Oak Grove ; Orin, now operating- the home farm: Izora. wife of Sherman LaDow, of Crawford county. Ohio; Florence, wife of William Snyder, a lumber manufacturer of Butler county, Missouri, ami Roscoe, a music teacher at Fort Wayne. Indiana.

July 15. 1 861, Mr. Sheckler enlisted in Company E, Thirty-Fourth Regimenl Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three years and served in West Virginia and in the Army of the Upper Potomac. His brother David, who served in the same command, was discharged and became Captain of Company T, First Ohio Militia. Tames served in Sherman's

Himself and family are members of Thorncreek Bapist church, of which body the former is treasurer and he has also served as school director. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Republican party. Mr. Sheckler has a large of warm friends and is well liked by all who know him .

George Judd

George Judd, a capable farmer of Thorncreek township, was born in Adams county, Indiana, February 7, 1843, anc^ 's me son °f John and Anna Louisa Jane (Double) Judd, the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. Thev were married in Stark county. Ohio, in 1838, moved to Preble township, Adams county; Indiana, where he lived for a period of fifty years, his death occurring May 15. 1892, surviving his wife just five years, her death occurring May 15, 1887, and at the same hour of the day. At the time he and his wife moved to Adams county the region was in a wild state and unimproved. The forests abounded in wolves and many nights they were compelled to build a fire in order to save themselves from the jaws of these vicious animals. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Judd were born ten children : William and Elmer, deceased; George; Hesekiah. who lives in Wells count}-; Isabella, deceased; Isaac, a farmer of Whitley county ; Jacob, deceased ; Daniel, deceased; Mary, the wife of Samuel

Kinsey, who resides in Adams county ; and Franklin, who resides on the old homestead in Adams county. Mr. and Mrs. Judd were members of the Presbyterian church and at all times deeply interested in its welfare.

George Judd received a good practical education in the district schools and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He worked in the fields during the summer months and in winter attended school. He spent one summer with John Orr in Thorncreek township and here met the girl to whom he was married. January 4. 1866. he married Catherine Miller, a native of Whitley county, Indiana, and a daughter of Solomon Miller, of whom mention is made elsewhere. Mr. Judd then returned to Wells county, where he owned and operated a productive farm for a period of thirteen years. Having disposed of this farm he in 1882 pur chased his present fann of one hundred and twenty acres four and one-half miles northwest of Columbia City. It is the old Samuel Miller homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Judd have had six children: Anna; Vernie. widow of George Sheckler, has two children, Vernie and Esther; Mary Malinda, wife of Jacob Erne, a resident of Columbia City, who has eight children, Raymond, Vida, Oresta, Walter, Eldra, Harlow, Dewey August and Mary; Sarah died in childhood: George F. married Martha Engle and they are the parents of four living children. Alice. Ralph. Harold and Florence Catherine: Solomon married Myrtle Reiser and lives on the old homestead with his father; Sarepta Ellen died November 4, 1906. having remained with her parents. In politics Mr. Judd was a Democrat, while in religion he and his wife are members of the Thorn Creek Baptist church. Mr. Judd has served as supervisor for three years and has ever taken a deep interest in all public movements having for their object the benefit of the country. He is a quiet, unassuming man, a good neighbor, a reliable citizen and one who is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

Jacob Paulus

Jacob Paulus. a well known farmer and ex-county commissioner of Whitley county, was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 17. 1839, and is the son of Simeon and Barbara (Gephart) Paulus. His grandfather was Abraham Paulus, who came to Preble county, Ohio, in an early day and lived there all his life. Simeon Paulus was a native of Maryland and came to Whitley county about i860, locating in Smith township. Here he remained for some time, but subsequently removed to Iowa and afterwards came back to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where he resided until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-seven, being survived some years by his wife. They were the parents of eleven children : John, deceased; Christina, the wife of Ira Keltner, a resident of Iowa ; Abraham, deceased :- Mariah, the widow of Joshua Aller, a resident of Ohio; Jacob; Daniel, a farmer of Noble county; Catherine, wife of Joseph Haas, of St. Joseph county, Indiana ; Joseph, deceased; Peter, a resident of Columbia City; Margaret Ann, who died in inf;mr\ ; Emeline. the wife of John Wallace, a resident of St. Joseph county.

in the district schools and spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm in the county of his nativity. At the age of twenty-one he began to work out as a farm hand, but at the same time performed his full share of the labors on the homestead. In 1869 Mr. Paulus was united in marriage with Anna Lavering, born in Hancock county. Ohio, July 23, 1847, and a daughter of Harvey R. and Rebecca (Dye) Lavering, both natives of Ohio. They came to Indiana early in the fifties when the country was a wilderness and settled on the farm now occupied by Mr. Paulus. Mr. Lavering and family settled on the farm and here spent their lives, he surviving his wife several years, being nearly seventy at his death. Their six children to reach maturity were: Charles D., now of Kansas; Anna; Morgan, of Colorado; Lucretia, wife of Isaac Hively, lives in Thorncreek ; Mazie, wife of John S. Her, of Thorncreek ; and John, a resident of Colrado Springs. Mr. Paulus and wife were the parents of nine children : Lavina, wife of S. S. Fogle; Harvey, deceased at eighteen ; Allie, widow of George Claybaugh r Joseph, married Emma Cake, operates the homestead and has one child, Velma ; Clara resides in South Bend ; Ira in the state of Washington ; Mazie died in childhood ; Grover resides at Columbia City ; Arvilla died in childhood. The mother was summoned to eternal rest on July 15. 1898. Jacob spent some time in the sawmill business, but has devoted the greater portion of his life to farming-. He is a man of good business judgment and indefatigable energy and is deserving of the success which has accompanied his efforts. About twenty years since he secured the Lavering homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, his wife's father spending his latter years with him. Mr. Paulus lends his support to the Democratic party and in religion is a devout member of the Methodist church, as was his wife during her lifetime. .In 1896 Mr. Paulus was elected to the office of county commissioner, which position he held capably for three years.

Isaac Judd

is a resident of Columbia City, and has two children, Hilda Myrtle and Opal; Elsie May, wife of Otto Arthur Sutton, a railroad man at Garrett, has three children, Arlington, Harlin and Ralph Arthur; Clarence is working out as a farm hand : and Solomon Franklin died at the age of two years. Mr. Judd is a Democrat and takes an active interest in all public questions affecting the local welfare. He and his wife are well and favorably known and their family is one of he most highly respected in the community.

Isaac Judd, an industrious and progressive farmer of Thorncreek township, was born in Adams county, December 16, 1848, and is the son of John and Anna Mariah (Double) Judd. Isaac received a good education in the district schools of the neighborhood and learned under his father's instructions the secrets of successful husbandry and his efforts have been exerted along this line during the subsequent years. At the age of twenty-three he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jane Miller, who was born in Whitley county October 17, 1849, and is the daughter of Solomon and Malinda (Auspaugh) Miller. Mr. Judd worked two years at the carpenter's trade and then purchased sixty-five acres of unimproved land, the only building on it being an old log cabin which was used for a voting place. Mr. Judd at once began to clear the land and put it in a state of cultivation and in 1884 erected a neat seven-room house, a large and substantial barn and other accessories which go to make up a complete set of farm buildings. Mr. Judd and wife have had five children : John W.j a railroad employe at Fort Wayne; William, who married Miss Laura Esfolf,

W. H. Carter

A few biographical details of W. H. Carter cannot fail to prove of interest to many and any history of the county would be deficient that failed to include them. Mr. Carter was born at Massillon, Ohio, October 15, 1856, his parents being of English birth. His father having died in 1864 at Cleveland, the widow came to Indiana with her parents and two sons and located near Churubusco. W. H. Carter, eldest of the children, attended the district schools until fourteen, put in a term at the Ligonier graded school and in 1S73 secured work with J. L. Isherwood in a general store at Churubusco. When this firm sold in 1887, he took a position with G. W. Maxwell & Co., and later with Jontz, Lancaster & Co. Being appointed postmaster in 1873 he attended to the office aided by a competent assistant, but also found time to act as salesman for S. F. Ort & Bro. Mr. Carter performed his double duties so well as to give ereneral satisfaction to all concerned, making a most efficient postmaster. During this period he was active in many ways and contributed much to the advancement of the town. Prominent in Democratic politics, his part)- early recognized him as a wise counselor and leader. He served four years as precinct committeeman, five years as town committeeman and was town councilman for four years, resigning in 1893 before his last term had expired. Some of the town's most substantial improvements are due to Mr. Carter's work and influence while a member of the board. Included in these was the ordinance to pave streets which was secured after violent opposition. Having done well in the local arena there was a call for him to go up higher, resulting in his nomination as candidate for county auditor on the Democratic ticket in 1898. His party backed him loyally, the newspapers of his own and neighboring counties were unusually enthusiastic in his behalf and the result was his triumphant election. He served with entire acceptability for four years, retiring January 1, 1903. During his term the county reform law was put into operation and he cast the tie vote that selected G. H. Tapy as county superintendent. June 1, IQ03. Mr. Carter purchased the drug stock of E. J. Mowey in Columbia City .and in less than four years has made a brilliant success in his new undertaking. Though experienced in general merchandising the drug-gist trade was out of his line, but by diligent study of the details, good natural business judgment and close application he lias made the name "\ "Carter, the druggist" widely familiar. Tn Fact his place opposite the Masonic temple has become a feature of Columbia City and a popular resort for all classes of people.

The results set forth above are very creditable, when it is remembered that Mr. Carter came to the county when only nine years old and since his eleventh year has made his way in the world without a dollar of financial help.

In 1886 Mr. Carter was married at Wooster, Ohio, to Miss A. M. Eckenroth, by whom he has three children : Arthur B. is a pharmacist, graduating from Purdue University in March. 1906, as the youngest member of a class of thirty-three. In the examination before the state board for a license he passed with a general average of ninety-four per cent., being the highest out of the seventytwo applicants, and that when less than nineteen years old ; Misses Martha and Anna are pupils in the Columbia City high school. Mrs. Carter is a highly educated lady as well as possessing- excellent business qualifications. A graduate of the Wooster. Ohio, University, she taught school for some time at Churubusco and while her husband was postmaster acted as his "right hand man" in conducting- the affairs of office.

Milo Harshbarger

The gentleman of whom the biographer writes in this connection is an Indianian by adoption, being like so many of the substantial citizens of Whitley county, a native of Ohio. His ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, from which state his grandfather moved to Ohio and located in Summit county, where his parents. Lewis and Katherine (Mancer) Harshbarger, lived until i8sA Lewis Harshbarger was reared in the above named county and in early manhood followed the undertaking business, but in the year indicated discontinued that calling and moving his family to Whitley county, Indiana, settled on a farm of sixty-six acres in Union township. Like all early comers his beginning in the new country was on a very modest scale, the only improvements his land contained when he took possession being a rude log cabin and about six acres from which a part of the timber had been cut, but a second growth had sprung up in the meantime, which required almost as much work to remove as did the original. Mr. Harshbarger had a yoke of oxen, with which he broke ground and cultivated the crops and during the winter months applied himself to the clearing of his farm, until within a few years the greater part of the original purchase was rendered tillable, in addition to which he bought other land until his holdings finally amouned to two hundred and forty-two acres, nearly all of which was reduced to cultivation during his lifetime. He was a man of great energy, did much to develop the township in which he resided and after a very active and useful life was called from the scenes of his earthly labors in the prime of his powers, dying in 1875, at the age of forty-seven years. His widow, who is still living on the old family homestead, has reached the age of seventyfive and is widely known and grealy esteemed by her neighbors and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Harshbarger had a family of nine children, the oldest of whom is the subject of this sketch. The others are Emanuel ; Lavina, who first married Hiram Gradless, after whose death she became the wife of Chris Judd ; David died in boyhood ; Matilda.

deceased wife of Dr. Solomon; Katherine, now Mrs. George Beaty, of Fort Wayne; Samuel S. died in boyhood ; and Henry A. is a resident of Whitley county.

Milo Harsbarger, born July 19, 1852, in Summit countv, Ohio, was reared on the family homestead in LJnion township, attended the district schools and until nineteen years old assisted his father in cultivating the farm. On reaching that age he began working as a farm hand in the neighborhood arid the money thus earned went towards discharging the indebtedness on the home place. Later he remained with his father until the latter's death, from which time until the estate was divided he cultivated the farm for his mother, securing a share of the proceeds for his labor. On receiving his portion of the estate he at once addressed himself to the task of its improvement, also added to its area, and at this time he has a fine farm of sixty-six acres, admirably situated, throughly drained and well adapted to general agriculture and stock raising. As a farmer Mr. Harshba*rger keeps abreast of the times, is progressive in his methods and has met with a large measure of success in his chosen calling. Miss Virginia Riley, who became the wife of Mr. Harshbarger in 1867, was born and reared in Whitley county nad is of Irish descent, her parents being Johnson and Mary Ann (Smith) Riley. She has borne her husband two daughters: Jnsie, wife of C. H. More, of Fort Wayne, and Blanche, the latter preparing to be a professional nurse in a Fort Wayne hospital Like all enterprising' citizens. Mi-. Harshbarger is keenly alive to the best interests of the countv and state and keeps well informed concerning the great questions and issues upon which the public is divided. Politically he is a Democrat, but in matters merely local generally follows the dictates of his judgment as to candidates, giving his support to the one best qualified for the office. In state and national affairs he adheres closely to the principles of his party and is one of its stanch supporters in the community in which he lives.

Charles Willard Reese

The family of this name originated in Ireland, the emigrant ancestor being Lewis Reese, who came to America about the time of the Revolutionary war and years after settled in what is now known as Delaware county, Indiana. He was a distiller and made much of the "fire water" that was sold to the Miami and other Indians that inhabited the northeastern part of Indiana. Lewis and Mary Reese had ten children : David, Bowen, Marie, Robert, Lewis, John, Border, Mary Ann, Russel and Matilda. Bowen, the second son, was born in Delaware county, Indiana, in 1814 and married Sophia Keesling, born in Virginia in 1823. He farmed in his native county until 1854, when he came to Whitley county and settled in Cleveland township. He was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1890, his wife surviving him until 1905. They were the parents of ten children : Robert (deceased). Ann. William, Mary and Ellen, deceased, Charles Willard, Border (deceased), Samantha, Hiram, Morris and Mahala.

his twenty-fourth year, helping on the farm and in the meantime obtaining a meager education in the poor schools of those times. He followed agricultural pursuits in Cleveland township until 1901, when he purchased the farm of thirty-two acres in Thorncreek, which was the Edwin Wilcox homestead three and one-half miles northwest of Columbia City, which has since been his home. In 1870, Mr. Reese married Susan L., daughter of Edward and Ruth (Dunkin) Webster. Mrs. Reese was born April 19, 1852, in Wayne county, Indiana. Her father was bom in Pennsylvania December 5, 1 819, and the mother in Ohio September 9, 1825. He was a fanner and plasterer by trade, which callings he pursued in Wayne county until his death September 18, 1869. They had twelve children: George, Sarah (deceased), Daniel, James (deceased), Hannah J., Mary, Charles, Clement (deceased), and Henry A. Mr. and Mrs. Reese have had ten children : Clara, at home ; Rose, wife of William Gipe, of Allen county; Maiy, wife of Frank Hass, of Thorncreek; Charles, married Maggie Homes, of Columbia City. The fifth child died in infancy. Frederick married Myrtle Kincade, of Allen county ; Daisy married Robert Spear, of Fort Wayne; Joseph, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Reese are members of the Church of God at Collimer, in which he was elder for four years. He is a Republican.

William J. Sell

most prosperous of the pioneers. Henry Sell, who was a native of Ohio, moved in when the land was to be had almost for the asking-, but being a shrewd business man he foresaw the time when it would be valuable. An industrious and careful trader, with a fondness for speculation, he acquired tract after tract, until his holdings in time became quite large. This successful farmer left a son William, born in Stark county, Ohio, who seems to have inherited his father's capacity for accumulation. He became the owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Columbia township on which he made his home until 1896, when he transferred his residence to a farm in Thorncreek township where his career was ended by death June 3, 1906, in his seventieth year. About 1876 he engaged in the agricultural implement business at Columbia City and continued in this line for twenty years, though retaining his residence on his nearby farm, which he also operated. In early manhood he married Jane Ritenour, who died in 1872, after becoming the mother of the following named children : Frank, Henry J., William J.. Milladore and Theodore (twins), Catharine, and Charles. He later married Anna Ritenour, sister of Jane, and by this union there were also seven children : Cora, Fanny, Oscar, Isaac, John, Arthur and Bertha. Fanny and Johnnie died in childhood and Oscar died at nineteen.

William J. Sell, third of his father's family, was born on the farm in Columbia township, June 9, 1864. He continued to live with his parents for some time after reaching his majority, when he rented a farm for a while and afterward worked a short time in a saw-mill for James Peabody.

Having by this time accumulated some means, he purchased forty acres of land in Jefferson township, but after living on this for four years he traded it in 1900 and removed to his present place of eighty acres in Thorncreek township, known as the Burwell farm, two miles north of Columbia City. This he has cultivated successfully and converted into a productive farm. His residence is comfortable, his out-buildings satisfactory and altogether Mr. Sell may be regarded as one of the worthy members of Whitley county's great family of farmers.

August 14, 1886, Mr. Sell married Lamina Ummel, who was born in Whitley county in 1866. Her parents, David and Rosanna (Gross) Ummel, the former of Ohio, and the latter a native of Germany, were married in Stark county, Ohio, and came to Whitley in 1851. She died in 1904, surviving her husband over thirty years, leaving twelve children : Mary, Lydia, Catharine. John, Sarah. Lucinda, Samuel and Daniel (twins), Henry, Lavina, David and Amanda (twins). Mr. and Mrs. Sell have five children: Clarence E., fireman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad ; Gail, Voida, Ralph and Goldie, besides one who died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Sell's political affiliations are with the Democratic party, though he has never held or been a seeker after office.