Whitley County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 23 of 28)

from Ohio. Besides Mrs. Hyre, who is the youngest, her parents had three other children. Rachel, Josiah and Alary. Air. and Mrs. Hyre have two children : Sadie, the eldest, is the wife of H. F. Egolf, who operates the farm in connection with his fatherin-law. They have one child. Frances Carrie, the second daughter, married William Crone, of Smith township, and has one child, Martin Kinnet. Air. Hyre is a Republican in politics but wastes no time trying to get an office. Airs. Hvre is a member of the ness ability. She lived to the age of eightythree years, and was active to the last, being engaged during the latter part of her life as manager of a boarding house. This Canadian couple had nine children, of whom seven are living. D. C. Fisher, one of the survivors, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 29, 1839. He grew up on his father's farm and was beginning his twentyfirst year when the opening of the Civil war made its irresistible appeal to all young patriots. In April, 1861, shortly after the first

D. C. Fisher

In the early part of the nineteenth century, before the days of steamboats, a certain Captain Fisher was in the habit of making voyages from England to the countries of the west. On one of his voyages in 181G In- was accompanied by his son, a bright lad of twelve years, who was born near London in iSn;. This youth, whose name was William Fisher, subsequently settled in Canada. where be lived until 183R and then came to Wayne county, Ohio, where he earned his livelihood by farming. In [859, he removed in Miami county, Indiana, where ho resumed farming- anil continued in this business with success until his death in [870. Before ('inning tn this country, he was married in Canada t" Charlotte Draper, burn near Toronto in [813. She was a remarkable woman in many ways, being noted for her -strength of character, her energy and busi-

Company C, Seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served five months. In 1862, he re-enlisted in Company F, Eighty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained until the conclusion of hostilities. He took part in the battles of Crab Orchard. Stone River, Nashville, Alurfreesboro, Chickamauga, Alissionary Ridge and innumerable skirmishes and smaller engagements. His military career as a meml>er of the famous Army of the Cumberland was wound up as one of the host who accompanied Sherman on his dash to the sea during the memorable winter of 1S64-5. Then, after the surrender of Johnston ended the confederacy, Air. Fisher had the pleasure of taking part in the grand review of the armies at Washington and received his discharge July 7. 1865. After the war Air. Fisher settled in Whitley county and resumed his old work of farming. In the course of time he was able to buy forty acres of land inWashington township, to which lie added until his holdings now amount to one hundred and s'ixty-five acres. He has greatly improved his place since taking possession in 1877 and now has a fine brick house of ten rooms, a barn forty by ninety, to say nothing of the cost and labor of the fencing, ditching and other things incident to building up a modern farm. He raises shorthorn cattle, Chester White and Poland China hogs and Norman horses. He is a Republican in politics, but has held no office aside from serving on the board of elections.

In 1862 Mr. Fisher married Phoebe E., daughter of James and Elmira (Lockwood) Thompson, early settlers of Indiana from Virginia. In 1880 he was married a second time to Lucy A., daughter of Jacob and Louisa Crim, both of Preble county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have two boys, Frank and Jacob, who are in business at Rochester, Indiana.

George W. Laird

George W. Laird, a well known farmer and successful school teacher of Thorncreek township, is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Magley) Laird, the former of whom was born about 1816 and died in 1868 on the farm now occupied by the family. He came to Whitley county about 1857 and here bought eighty acres of wild land, which he soon improved and developed into the fine farm now owned by his family. Elizabeth (Magley) Laird was a native of the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, and came to America with her parents, settling in Fairfield county, Ohio, and later removing to Whitley county, where she has passed her life. There were five children : George W., Eliza A.. Margaret, John F.. deceased at twenty-five; and Mary. Being left with five children, the eldest but ten, she realized to the full the meaning of hard work, but with a grim determination she succeeded in rearing her children and gave them more than ordinary education so that two were competent and successful teachers. Margaret, the wife of Isaiah Brown, of Chetopah, Kansas, taught in the country for eight or ten years. Eliza and Mary have remained with their mother. The paternal grandparents were William and Elizabeth (Flory) Laird, the former of whom followed agricultural pursuits all his life and died in Stark county, Ohio, about 1826.

George W. Laird was born on his present homestead in Thorncreek township, Whitley county, Indiana, February 17, 1858. When but seventeen years of age he began teaching and with the exception of foui years, during which he served as trustee and one year spent at Valparaiso, he has taught all his life in Whitley county. Mr. Laird lends his support to the Democratic party and at all times takes a deep interest in the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Patrons of Husbandry. He is unmarried and resides on the old homestead with his mother and sisters. The mother is a member of the Evangelical church. Mr. Laird is an honest, straightforward man in all of his dealings, conscientious in his work as a farmer and educator and it is with pleasure that this brief svnopsis of his life and tribute to his worth as a factor in the affairs of Whitley county is given a place in this volume. Mr. Laird's home, four miles north of Columbia City, is an attractive one and is in the center of an active, intelligent neighborhood and. besides participation in church and Sunday school.

Mr. Laird, assisted by his sister, enjoys tendering the hospitality of the home to the numerous neighbors and friends. Possessing a well cultivated tenor voice. Mr. Laird takes pleasure in the study and practice of both vocal and instrumental music. Well read and carefully informed he enjoys friendly social discussion on the important questions affecting public or religious life.

Dennis Walter

Dennis Walter, a prominent farmer and early pioneer of Thorncreek township, Whitley county, Indiana, is the son of Francis Valentine and Monica (Harmbaugh) Walter, natives of Germany. They were married in 1825 and ten years later came to Huron county. Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of wild land which the father cleared and put into a high state of cultivation, living there the remainder of his life. This union was blessed with six children, five boys and one girl: Frederick, who lives in Mansfield, Ohio; Joseph, who lives on the old homestead in Huron county; John, who went west early in life and has not been heard of since; William, deceased; Dennis, the subject ; Mary, who is the widow of Lewis Strouse, a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota.

Dennis Walter was horn in Huron county, Ohio, January 15. [834, reared under the parental roof and received such education as was afforded by the schools of his neighborhood. At the age of nineteen years he took Up life's activities on his own account and began clerking in a store. lie followed this vocation for two years and then returned to farm life. In 1855 he started to California, but owing to some trouble was compelled to turn hack and came to Ohio and assisted it the operation of his father's farm. In 1858 he engaged in the dry goods business with his brother-in-law at Monroeville, Ohio, and after three years of very pleasant business dealings he disposed of his interest and began clerking in a distillery. After holding this position for one vear, he went on the road as traveling salesman, but in 1863 resigned and came to Columbia City, where he bought a half interest in a distillery owned by his brother. Becoming dissatisfied with this business he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, thirty-five of which was under cultivation, and there he is still living. In place of the log cabin which was on the farm when it came into his possession, he has erected an elegant twelve-room house, under which is a large and convenient cellar, and has made other improvements on the place in the way of drainage, g'ood fences, a large barn and several outbuildings. In about 1859 he was joined in wedlock with Mary Ann Carabin. who was born in Huron county, Ohio. April 14, 1836. and they are the parents of ten children : Edward D. and Jerome, who are living in Republic, Washington; Alfred L.. who lives in St. Joseph. Michigan ; Frederick, who is a resident of Chicago; Matilda, who is known as Sister Gregory in the Catholic church; Lydia, who is the wife of Ferdinand Eich, a resident of Plymouth : Nettie, who is the wife of Charles West, a resident of Chicago; Cornelia, living at home; Julia, living at Plymouth, this state: Cecelia, a resident of Chicago. The subject's political allegiance has always been given to the Democratic party. He has served as land appraiser and assessor and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the community. The entire family are members of the Catholic church and their friends and neighbors speak of them in terms of praise and high regard. Mr. Walter is now about seventytwo years of age and in the evening of life is enjoying the fruits of his former toil, having gained a comfortable competence by his perseverance, industry and capable manasrement.

Nathan Roberts

This prosperous farmer and public-spirited man of affairs is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, but since his youth has been a resident of the Hoosier state, his life being closely identified with the progress of Whitley county. His paternal grandfather was a Virginian by birth, but left the state of his nativity many years ago and went to Hancock county, Illinois, thence after a six years' residence moved his family to Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life. Nathan Poison, the subject's maternal grandfather, was a native of Germany but early emigrated to America, where he reared his family, only one member of which is now living, Mrs. Deborah Crawford, who with her husband and two children resides in the state of Missouri. George Roberts, father of Nathan, was born in Ohio and spent his early life in that state, learning while still young the tanner's trade. Later he came to Indiana, where he spent two years at various kinds of employment and then made a tour of observation through several of the western states, with the object of finding a suitable location. After a residence of six years in Illinois he returned to Indiana and purchased a farm in Whitley county about one mile south of Columbia City, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted the remainder of his days, departing this life August 22, 1901. George Roberts was a man of intelligence and exercised beneficial influence on all with whom he came in contact. For many years a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his life, ever in harmony with the faith he possessed, was marked by the many unselfish acts of kindness and charity which enter into the make-up of the well-rounded, upright Christian gentleman. Elizabeth Poison, who became his wife, was a lady of excellent parts, devoted to her family and church and her life was a long' round of duty, faithfully and uncomplainingly performed. She bore the following children : Nathan, Margaret, William and Wilson, who died in infancy; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John Hurd, of Columbia City; Normanda, who married Thomas Miller and died in 1887, leaving two children : Sarah Jane, now Mrs. C. H. Orner.

Nathan Roberts was born in 1846 and when a lad of eight was brought by his parents to Whitley county, Indiana. Later he accompanied them in their various travels, and during that time attended the schools of the different places where the family was temporarily located. Returning to Whitley county, he resumed his school work in Columbia City and during his vacations assisted in cultivating the farm, dividing the time between study and labor until arriving at manhood's estate. On attaining his majority he gave his entire attention to the duties of the farm and was thus engaged with his father until his twenty-ninth year, when he married and set up a domestic establishment of his own, choosing for his companion Elizabeth Nolt, who was born and reared in the 0 iunty of Whitley.

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Roberts moved to the farm in Columbia township, where he has since made his home and in due time achieved merited success in his chosen calling, besides earning the reputation which marks the honorable and upright citizen. The farm, which came as a legacy to Mrs. Roberts, consists of one hundred and eighty-six acres of land, the greater part under cultivation, and in the matter of improvements it easily ranks among the best country homes in the county, the residence, a large and commodious frame edifice, being finely finished and furnished and equipped with modern conveniences, while the barn and outbuildings are in excellent condition. In brief, the place is fully up to date, lacking none of the features that constitute the comfortable and attractive home of the intelligent, well-to-do American countryman of today, while as an agriculturist, in full touch wiili everything relating to the noble vocation to which his time and energies are being applied, Mr. Roberts stands with the most advanced of his class in this part of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are much esteemed in the community and always take a lively interest in everything that tends to advance the material, social and moral interests of their neighbors and friends. They have been the parents of seven children. Four of whom died in infancy : Allen, John, Fanny, and one unnamed. Adam is engaged in cultivating the farm owned by his father, and on which the latter spent his youth and early manhood. He married Mabel Lovering, of Boston, Massachusetts, and is an enterprising farmer and one of the public-spirited men of the township in which he lives. Harry, next in succession, is a member of the home circle and his father's assistant in running the farm. Ella, the youngest of the family, who recently was graduated from the public schools, is still under the parental roof. Mr. Roberts is a Republican but not a partisan, nor has he ever aspired to public position or leadership, having no inclination in these directions.

Henry H. Lawrence

A leading farmer and insurance promoter as well as a soldier in the Civil war, Henry H. Lawrence occupies a conspicuous place among the more progressive citizens of Whitley county. He was born December 14, 1841, in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, and is the son of John A. and Sarah (Rouch) Lawrence. He attended the public schools of his native county and at the age of nineteen entered the service of the government, enlisting September 21, 1861, in Company G, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he experienced the fortunes and vicissitudes of war for more than three years. Until his discharge in November, 1864, he shared all the sufferings and perils of the many campaigns, including some of the most sans'uinarv eneae'ements of the war. He was at Cumberland Gap and Chickasaw Bayou with Sherman, later proceeding to Alexandria and Millikens Bend and on to Vicksburg, in the siege and fall of which his regiment bore a gallant part, holding Johnston in check at Black river and after the surrender, accompanied his command to Jackson, Mississippi, and to New Orleans. He then went to Indianola and Matagorda Island, Texas, and back to Louisiana until expiration of service. He remained one year with his father in Ohio, when he joined his brothers George and John, in Whitley county, where the three engaged in the manufacture of lumber, operating a saw-mill on Mud Run during the ensuing' seven years and meeting with gratifying success. Disposing of his interest he purchased one hundred and forty-six acres of wild land in Union township, where he has since lived and turning his attention, to agriculture has followed the same ever since, meanwhile by judicious management bringing his farm to a high state of cultivation, besides erecting a fine modern dwelling and basement barn with necessary outbuildings. His son, William E., is a partner and the leading feature of their business is a creamery, milking a dozen cows.

June 14. 1866, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage with Miss Eunice Mowrer, of Wayne county, Ohio, whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Mrs. Lawrence devoted her life to the family, proving a most excellent companion and helpmate. Her death occurred February 22, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence had two children. William Eldon graduated at Purdue University and then going east spent ten years in Virginia, where he erected and operated a creamery as well as becoming familiar with the growing and handling of nursery stock. He there married Lelia F. Fisher, by whom he has two children, Bessie May and an infant. He is now devoting his energies to the demands of the homestead, his intelligence and experience producing most gratifying results. Thoroughly imbued with advanced agriculture he keeps in hearty co-operation with others through the medium of Spring Run Grange. Elizabeth May is the wife of Albert G. Lower and the mother of two children. Mr. Lawrence is a stalwart Republican and at times has been his party's candidate for important official positions, including that of representative and county treasurer, an overwhelming majority of the opposition, defeating him with the rest of the candidates. For nine years he has been president of the Whitley County Farmers' Fire Insurance Association, of which he was an organizer and a director for fourteen years. He is its active representative for Lnion township and to him is largely due the growth of the company and the solid status which it enjoys. This organization has about three and one-half millions of insurance at risk, all confined to the farmers of Whitley county, the average cost being about one-half on the average of that in the standard companies. He belongs to George W. Stough Post, No. 181, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is pastcommander. He is also identified with Spring Run Grange, Patrons of Husbandry and Whitley County Pomona Grange, of which he is lecturer. Mr. Lawrence is a firm believer in revealed religion and with his children belongs to the English Evangel- ical Lutheran church, of Columbia City. with which his wife also held membership. He has been superintendent of the Sundayscl 1 and was long a teacher in the same and for thirty years has been a member of the ci >uncil of the church. He has always been deeply interested in agricultural and it was through his instrumentality that the Farmers' Institute of Whitley count)- was established, of which he was president for four years, and to him in a large measure must be attributed its success. He is alive to all that concerns the community, keeping in touch with current events and the trend of modern thought, and in a large degree is a moulder and director of opinion among his friends and neighbors on matters of local and general interest.

Fletcher Goodrich

The Goodrich family were among the earliest of the pioneers of Whitley county and the name has been intimately associated with the important events in its history. Fletcher Goodrich was born on the farm where he now resides. April 27, 1850. and is the son of Price and Julia Ann (Black) Goodrich, the latter a native of New Jersey and the former of Connecticut. They were married in Delaware county, Ohio, and previous to 1840 came to Indiana, settling in Richland township on one hundred and sixty acres of land purchased of the government, which is now partially owned and occupied by Fletcher. This move was made in wagons|in sixteen days, long enough to go to any foreign country with the present traveling facilities. They engaged in farming, but Mr. Goodrich was also a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, faithful and zealous in his work, which he continued over seventy years. He also enjoyed public honors, being the third judge of the probate court of the county, and served for some years as county commissioner. In addition to his public duties, he was energetic and successful in business, being a lime-burner, a brick-burner, brick and stone mason, plasterer and building contractor. He built the first brick court-houses both in Whitley and Noble counties, burnt the lime and brick and built in 1849 the brick residence now owned and occupied by his son. The shingles with which this house was roofed he also shaved from blue ash. But few men in Whitley county or in the state have performed greater work for the development of the material, educational and moral interests of their com munity than Price Goodrich. His death occurred in 1892 at the old home where he first settled and that of his wife followed the next year. The passing away of this venerable couple cast a gloom over the fireside of nearly every household and "peace to their ashes" found a responsive amen in every heart. Nine children were born of this union : Fanny, now living in Kansas and the widow of John Marrs : Silas, living in Thorucreek township: Minerva, wife of Scott Barber, of Larwill; Chauncy, living in Wyoming; Mary, deceased : Martha, a resident of Larwill; John F., deceased; Fletcher; and Calvin, who died in infancy. Fletcher was educated in the common schools of Richland township and has always lived on the old home farm. This now consists of one hundred and tweutv-three acres of well improved land, tile drained and well fenced, which by intelligent management has been made productive. A specialty is made of potatoes and a large crop is grown each year, that for 1906 being one thousand seven hundred bushels. In 1878 he was married to Mary Ann, daughter of James and Lydia Mc- Cown, who was torn in Hancock county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McCown came to Indiana in 1855, settling in Thorncreek township. The husband is deceased, but his widow is still living at the old homestead. Eight of their children reached maturity, of whom five are living.

Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich are the parents of nine children : Alice L., wife of Amon Beard, living in Troy township: Frank, at nome; Alva and Charles Price died of scarlet fever and were buried in one grave; Erma ; Leota, wife of Leonard Foster, of Thorncreek township; Chauncy, Floyd and Frances.

Mr. Goodrich is a Democrat and has served the public faithfully and acceptably for nine years as supervisor. The family take an interest in all social and public affairs in the neighborhood and are highly esteemed.

William H. Hamilton

A native of Whitley county and descendant of one of its early pioneer fanners, was born in Columbia township, December 23. i860. His father was Justin Hamilton, a native of New York, and his mother was of Pennsylvania birth, both having been brought to Indiana in childhood. The grandfather. Rise C. Hamilton, came to

Whitley county in the early thirties, being among the first permanent settlers in Columbia township, where he purchased a tract of government land. Here he resided until about i860, when he retired with his wife to Columbia City, where both died. The father of Kise C. Hamilton was born in New York and served with distinction in the war of 1812. Justin Hamilton for a number of years owned and cultivated the farm upon which William H. now lives. He was married in 1859 to Mary Nolt, who died at the age of thirty-two. leaving two children, being followed in 1863 by her husband. The older of the two children indicated is William H., the younger being Virginia Elizabeth, who was first married to Gabe Knisley, of Whitley county, and was later the wife of J. M. Main, a soldier of the Civil war and formerly a merchant of Columbia City, but now living retired on his farm near the city.

William H. Hamilton turned his attention to agriculture and since beginning for himself the duties of life he has lived on the farm in Columbia township, which he now owns. It is one of the beautiful and attractive rural homes in Whitley county, the improvements ranking with the best, while the fertility of the soil and the advanced methods by which it is cultivated bear testimony to the progressive spirit of the proprietor. Mr. Hamilton's dwelling is a substantial edifice, elegantly finished and furnished with all modern conveniences. He erected a large well built barn, one of the best in the township, besides good outbuildings.

Mr. Hamilton was married in 1885 to Miss Matilda Compton, whose grandparents came to this county from Ohio in 1837 and whose father. S. J. Compton, served with distinction during the Civil war as a private in the Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have no children of their own, but about fourteen years ago they took to their home a little orphan girl, Leona Leech, now a teacher in the Columbia Citv schools.

Daniel Baker

Daniel Baker, one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Washington township, was born February 21, 1848, in Whitley county, Indiana, the third of a family of five children, whose parents were Jonas and Maria (Haines) Baker. Jonas Baker was a native of Stark county, Ohio, where he lived until of legal age, when he came to Whitley county, Indiana, and located in what is now Washington township, of which he was one of the first permanent settlers, his arrival being some time in the thirties. He bought land, cleared and otherwise improved a good farm and became a substantial and praiseworthy citizen, dying on the place which he redeemed from the wilderness in the year 1892. His oldest child, a daughter by the name of Elizabeth, married Joseph Mullendore, a farmer of this county ; Mary, A., the second in order of birth, became the wife of David Shoemaker, and at the present time lives on a farm in the state of Kansas. Mary J. is deceased, and Frank P. Baker, the youngest of the family, lives on a farm in Washington township adjoining that of the subject. Jonas Baker was a man of excellent parts, successful in his business affairs and at one time was the owner of five hundred acres of valuable real estate in the county of Whitley. He served several terms as trustee of Washington township, was keenly interested in all enterprises for the benefit of the public and stood high in the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen.

Daniel Baker first saw the light of day on the family homestead in the township of Washington, grew to maturity in close touch with farm labor and in the public schools received a fair English education. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all but twenty in cultivation, and his improvements are among the best in the county, the land being well drained, the buildings modern and in excellent repair, everything on the place indicating the interest and progressive spirit of the proprietor, who has long enjoyed high standing among the represenative agriculturists and stock raisers in this part of the state.

Mr. Baker was married in 1873 to Miss Dora, daughter of George Fowler, of this county, and has a family of eight children : Charles married Lettie Liche and is engaged in agricultural pursuits. Harley P. is also a man of family, his wife having formerly been Lulu Clarke. Orpha is the wife of Ottis Plattner, one of Whitley county's successful teachers. Albert G. lives at home and assists in the management of the farm. Cleo and Roy are still members of the home circle. Mr. Baker is a Democrat, but not a politician in the usual acceptance of the term, and he and wife are members of the Baptist church.

Franklin Shilts

Franklin Shilts, one of the practical and farmers of Thorncreek township, was born in Lorraine, France, April II, 1839, and is the son of Jacob and Margaret (Egolff) Shilts, also natives of Lorraine. They emig-rated to America in 1846, settling 'in the coal region of Elk county, Pennsyl- They remained here until 1854, when -they removed to Noble county, Indiana, and "in 1865 to Whitley county, where they hought the farm now owned and occupied by Franklin, three miles north of Columbia City. Mr. and Mrs. Shilts had two children to reach maturity, Franklin, and Mary, deceased wife of Sebastian Keller. Both parents were members of the Catholic church in Columbia City. Jacob Shilts died September 27, 1889, aged eighty-five, and his wife June 10, 1 87 1, aged sixty-eight. He could remember distinctly the retreat of Napoleon from the disastrous invasion of Russia, the Cossacks following and harrassing him till the Rhine was crossed.

Franklin Shilts was a lad of fifteen years he removed with his parents to Indiana. He received his education in the German schools of Pennsylvania and his life was passed with his parents. In 1862 he married Catherine, daughter of Sebastian Munger, who died May 8, 1901, after thirty-nine years' companionship. To this union were born ten children : John H., of whom a separate mention is made in this volume ; Mary Ann, who is her father's housekeeper ; Frank, a farmer of Thorncreek township ; Joseph. Avho operates the home farm ; Rosa, who died in young womanhood ; Charles, a superintendent for the National Concrete Company, of Cleveland; Edward B., a local gardener and celery grower ; Anna, died at fifteen ; Jerome, who died an infant, and Clara, at home. No people of the county stand higher in the estimation of their neignbors than do the members of this family. Mr. Shilts is public spirited in all the term implies and gives support to every enterprise and progressive measure for the material advancement of the people. He has served efficiently as trustee of Thorncreek township and in politics is a Democrat. Mr. Shilts has been diligent, ever placing duty before pleasure and stands a fine representative of the industrious and progressive citizen. Reared in the mother church, Mr. Shilts has ever retained active membership, his family being among the substantial ones of St. Paul's. He is one of three remaining of those who were the builders of the present church edifice. The Shilts' home, built in 1853 by William Roley, is one of the oldest frame residences of the county and is in excellent state of preservation.

William Marsh Bower

The late William M. Bower, who passed from earth December 8, 1899, was born in Pennsylvania. September 20. 1847. His parents were George and Margaret (AlabaughO Bower, also natives of the Keystone state. In 185 1 they came from Pern- county, Ohio, settling on the farm in Thorncreek township, four miles north of Columbia City. Their efforts thenceforth were devoted to the making of a farm from the two hundred acres of wooded land, he dying in 1889, fol- lowed by his companion four years later. Their ten children were William. Jacob, Samantha. Anna. David, Charles, Alice, Samuel, Elmer and an infant.

William's life from the age of four was passed in Thorncreek township and he acquired the homestead after his mother's death. This is a fine tract of land, well improved, with open and tile drainage, firstclass house and other buildings and in all respects a country home of which any family might well be proud.

At the age of twenty-six, AYilliam M. was married to Emma E. Hart, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hannah) Hart, and who was born in DeKalb county, Indiana, 01 which her parents were pioneers, she being one of sixteen children. Of six children born to Mr. Bower and wife three, George, Samuel and Hazel, died in childhood, the survivors being Nellie, a professional nurse ; Boss and Zula, wife of Even' J. Sullivan, who operates the farm. Mr. Bower was a Republican, though never an aspirant for political preferment.

James M. Smith

This enterprising farmer and stock raiser enjoys prestige among the men of his calling in Washington township and is widely and favorably known throughout the county. Mr. Smith is a native of Whitley county and a creditable representative of one of its old and eminently respectable families. His grand- Eather, Moses Smith, was born in Pennsylvania. bu1 early moved tn Wayne county, ( >hio, where his death occurred a number of years ago. Elias Smith, his son, was bom in Ohio in 1825, grew to manhood in Wayne county and in 1848 moved to Whitley county, Indiana, settling in Washington township, where he engaged in farming and became a man of no small influence in the community. His wife, Nancy Merriman, also a native of Wayne county, Ohio, bore him eight children, their names being as follows : Francis M. ; Mary, the wife of Stephen Haley ; James M. ; Bazzle C. ; Elisha T. ; William A. ; Mrs. Harriet Raber and Sherman, all living and doing well in their respective places of residence. The father of these children departed this life in 1878, the mother in 1906.

James M. Smith was born October 5. 1852, in Washington township, received his early training on the home farm and obtained a common school education which, supplemented by reading and intelligent observation, made him in due time one of the well informed men of his community. On attaining his majority Mr. Smith turned his attention to agriculture, which vocation he still continues, now owning three hundred and forty acres of fine land in the township of Washington, of which two hundred and fifty have been reduced to culivation and improved with splendid buildings, good fences and a successful system of tile drainage, the farm being exceeded by no other in his part of the count}- in all that constitutes a beautiful and attractive home and a reliable source of revenue. He is a breeder and raiser of live stock, his cattle and hogs being of good breeds.

from Ohio in the fifties and settling in Washington township, where the father bought land and became a successful tiller of the soil. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had nine children : Roley, Myrtle, May, Bazzle, Claud, Russell, Harley. Rasho and Darl. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and. with his wife, holds membership in the Baptist church. He is energetic and progressive and no man in the county enjoys a higher degree of respect or has shown himself more worthy of the esteem in which he is held.

Henry Huffman

Henry and Margaret (Shonk) Huffman were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the father was born in 1822. About 1 84 1 he moved his family to Ohio, where he made his home for a period of eight years and then came to Whitley county, where he intended to make his permanent home, but the vear following he was accidentally killed while digging a well. His family consisted of three children : Elizabeth, first married a Mr. Lesley, and after his death became the wife of George Richard; Henry and Fannie, who married Thomas Emery, of this county, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in these pages.

Henry Huffman, the only son, w-as born September 10, 1840, in Darke county, Ohio, and at the age of nine years was brought by his parents to Indiana, since which time he has lived in the countv of Whitley and taken an active part in the development of its resources. His academic education was confined to the public schools and his adult life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. He had no assistance when he started out to make his own way, but by energy, persevering industry and the exercise of sound judgment, he finally succeeded in getting a start, since which time his progress has been steady and substantial and he now occupies a conspicuous place among the successful agriculturists and representative citizens of Washington township, where he has long resided.

Mr. Huffman's farm of one hundred and fiftv-six acres is highly improved, one hundred and thirty acres being in cultivation, the remainder consisting of timber and pasture land. He has a fine modern brick residence, amply furnished with comforts and conveniences, a large commodious barn and other good buildings, all of which with the land itself are the result of his own labor and management. Mr. Huffman has earned wide repute as a stock raiser as well as a farmer, having of recent years devoted much attention of fine shorthorn cattle and superior breeds of hogs. In his political views he is a pronounced Democrat and well versed in the principles of his party.

In 1868 Mr. Huffman married Mary Emery, who has since presented him with six children : Ida M.. wife of Richard Gardner, of Huntington county : Maggie, now Mrs. George Lehman, of Washington township; Thomas, who married Ollie Slatters. and is engaged in fanning in this county; Alma. Lizzie and Warren O.. all married and doing for themselves. Mrs. Huffman is an esteemed member of the United Brethren church. Although not identified with any ecclesiastical organizations himself. Mr. Huffman believes in religion and has pro-

John A. Snyder

John A. Snyder was born February 18, 1836. in Mulberry township. Stark county. Ohio, being the fourth of five children in the family of Adam and Elizabeth Snyder, natives of Germany and Ohio respectively. He was reared to maturity near the place of his birth, attended at intervals during his youth such schools as were common in Stark county in those days and grew to manhood as a farmer, which calling he has since followed. In 1843, Mr. Snyder became a resident of Whitley count}". Indiana, since which time he has been largely identified with the material growth and developments of Washington township, where at intervals he has had extensive property interests, owning at one time four hundred and forty acres of valuable land, much of which lie cleared and otherwise improved. Later he divided the greater pari of this land among his children, his holdings at the present time consisting of a quarter section, which, under bis effective labor, has been brought to a condition second to no other estate in the township and equalled by few in the county. For twelve years his dwelling was a log cabin indifferently equipped with the most ordinary conveniences. This has been replaced by a commodious and comfortable frame edifice, the indifferent log stable has given way to the large barn, the former stumps have disappeared and the smooth fields are closed with fine wire fences. The productive area has been greatly increased by systematic tile drainage, every feature of the premises bearing evidence of modern methods and a familiarity with agricultural science such as farmers of the most advanced ideas alone possess.

Mr. Snyder is a man of high character, a kind neighbor, and public spirited citizen and his influence has always been on the side of civic righteousness and a strict enforcement of the laws of the land. He is a Democrat, served one term as trustee of his township, has ever been a friend of education and an advocate of all enterprises having for , their object the advancement of the community and the welfare of the people. At the age of nineteen he was converted and received into the Evangelical Reformed Lutheran church. March 4, i860, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of George W. and Maria (Eberhart) Cox. born in Sheffield township. Portage county. Ohio. September 14, 1839, and came to Whitley county, Indiana, in October, 1850. She was a member of the Church of God, living a consistent Christian life, which closed July 2~. 1887, the interment being in Eberhart cemetery. Mr. Snyder has done well by his children, not only providing them with the best educational advantages the country afforded, but giving to each of the married ones a g 1 farm, besides looking after their interest in many other ways. Adam Snyder, his father, was born near New Byron. Germany. April to. 1801, and in 1825 married Elizabeth Knopp, who was born January 4. T705, in Wurtumberg, Germany. In November, 1831, they sailed from Havre, France, in fifty-two days landed in New York city and spent the winter in Buffalo. In March, 1832, they came to Canton, Ohio, where the\ remained until April, 1842, when they took a steamer for Toledo, Ohio, and thence by the Wabash and Erie Canal to Huntington, Indiana. Locating in Whitley county, in November, 1843, ne engaged in fanning, thoug-h formerly a blacksmith, which trade he learned in the land of his birth. He was an intelligent and useful citizen, a Democrat in politics, a consistent member of the Lutheran church, and his death, which occurred April 10. 1866, was greatly regretted by all who knew him. Eight children were born to them : Christian, 1826; Elizabeth, 1828; Pheba, 1830; Mary, 1832; Julia Anie, 1834; John A., 1836; Catherine, 1838: and Lydia. 18-10.

William Adam Snyder

William Adam Snyder was born in Union township, Whitley county, Indiana. August 22. 1861, and at this time is a resident of Washington township. (See sketch of his father). He was united in marriage January 14, 1886, to Sarah Anie Goble, who was boni in Washington township, Whitley county, Indiana, June 2, 1862. To them was born one child. Alpha Allen, who died April 7, 1904, aged fourteen years and fourteen days. He was an intelligent. Christian youth, and his death was not only a shock to the family, but cast a gloom over a large circle of friends, who had become greatly attached to him on account of his manly ways and lovely disposition. The parents are members of the United Brethren church, to which fhev are greatlv devoted and render zealous and liberal support. They enjoy a comfortable home and are highly respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The paternal mother's great-grandfather, Mr. Hager, was the founder of Hagerstown, Maryland, a city of thirteen thousand six hundred population.

Lewis Halterman

This successful farmer and influential citizen comes from Revolutionary ancestry and is worthy of special notice among the leading men of Whitley county. Charles Halterman. the grandfather, was a native of Hesse and was sent here as a soldier of the Revolutionary war by the British. At the close of the struggle, he settled in Virginia, where he reared a family and died many years ago. George Halterman. his son, was born in Virginia in 1788 and about 1817 moved to Champaign county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying- in 1866. He was married in Virginia to Elizabeth Rickroads and had eight children : Ellen. Samuel, Sarah. Jane. Isaac. Margaret. Lewis and Elizabeth, four being deceased. Lewis Halterman was born in Champaign county, Ohio, in 1833. He spent his early life at the place of his birth and while still a youth left home to make his own way in the world, earning his first money as a farm hand at small wages. In 1851 he purchased eighty acres of wild land in Washington township. Whitley* county, and by industry and economy succeeded in paying for the same at the rate of $3.25 per acre, continuing to reside in Ohio during the time. Later he transferred his residence to Whitley county, investing his means in real estate in Washington township, where in clue time he added to his holdings and became one of the leading farmers of the community in which he lived.

At the present time Mr. Haltennan own-, a first-class farm of one hundred and twenty-three and a half acres, ninety of which were cleared by his own hands and otherwise improved. The buildings are substantial and up-to-date, the fences good, the soil well drained and all things considered the proprietor is as well situated to enjoy life as any of his neighbors.

Mr. Halterman came to Washington township in 1861 and during the early period of his residence could see no road from the little log cabin, which served his family for a dwelling. He took die initiative in the matter of public highways in his part of Washington township, wrote and circulated the first petition for the road that leads to South Whitlev and by untiring" effort seen red favorable action on the same by the board of county commissioners. He has always been an advocate of public improvements and a friend to all enterprises that make for the general welfare of the township and county. Politically lie is independent, giving bis support to the candidates and policies which, in his judgment, subserve the best interests of the people. He keeps well informed on the questions of the day so a< to cast his ballot intelligently and discharge faithfully the duties of citizenship, lie holds membership in the Independent Order of ( >dd Fellows at Laud. In 1856, Mr Halterman was married in Ellen Valentine, of St, Joseph county. Indiana, and has five children : Mary .!.. Margaret A., Clara.

Emma, and Winnie, all living. His second marriage was solemnized in 1880 with Elizabeth, daughter of Emanuel and Susanna (Dull) Heller, the parents being natives of Pennsylvania, but for a number of years residents of Wayne county, Ohio, where their respective deaths occurred.

A prosperous and steadily thriving farmer and for thirty years a worthy resident of Whitley county, R. B. Bolinger has made his presence felt among his contemporaries and merits notice in a work devoted to the lives of representative citizens of northeastern Indiana. Daniel Bolinger. his father, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 18 10, but in early manhood changed his abode to Stark county, Ohio, where he lived for a number of years, subsequently removing to Indiana and settling in the county of Lagrange, where his death occurred in 1892. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizalieth Brown, bore him eight children: Gideon and Benjamin, deceased; R. B.. Daniel, Mary, Mollie (deceased), Lizzie and one that died in infancy.

R. P.. Bolinger was born in Stark county. Ohio. January 1, 1840, and there grew to man's estate. After a residence of thirty-six years in his native commonwealth. Mr. Bolinger sought a new home in northeastern Indiana, moving in 1876 to Whitley county and settling in Washington township, where he engaged in agriculture, which he has since followed with gratifying results, as his present fine farm and the comfortable competency which he possesses- abundantly attest. His estate, which consists of two hundred and six acres of valuable land, lies in one of the most fertile agricultural districts of the township, and is well improved, being thoroughly drained and containing commodious buildings, good fences, all but fifty acres being tillable. Mr. Bolinger is a progressive fanner, votes the Independent ticket, manifests keen interest in public and political affairs and being a wide reader and intelligent observer, keeps in close touch with current events and the trend of modern thought. In early life he united with the German Baptist church, later became a minister of the same and for over a quarter of a century has discharged the duties of his pastorate in an able and conscientious manner. He is a forceful and logical speaker, whose public labors have been productive of great good, many through his efforts having been induced to forsake their sins and live the better life.

Mr. Bolinger married his first wife, Sophia Mohler, in 1864. She departed this life in 1892 and in 1894 he chose a companion and helpmate in the person of Sarah, daughter of Henry and Mary Ann (Pressler) Kitch. the two marriages resulting in the birth of eight children : Clara, Emma, Orilla, Isaac, Ella, Noah, Lemuel and Mary, the two last by the second marriage.

Mr. Bolinger has taken great interest and a father's pardonable pride in his children and in return they duly appreciate his loving care and kindness and in their lives reflect the superior training received during the formative period of their characters. Six of them are married and doing for themselves and all are much esteemed in their respective places of residence.

Gottlieb Kunberger

Among the enterprising foreign born citizens of Indiana, whose efforts have contributed to the material prosperity of the communities in which they reside and whose influence has been on the side of law and government, Gottlieb Kunberger affords a worthy example. He was born April 14, 1849, near Stuttgart, in the Province of Wittenberg. Germany, being the son of Jacob Fredrick and and Barbara Kunberger, the father a farmer and gardener in connection with which vocation he also followed for a number of years the trade of winemaking. Jacob Fredrick Kunberger died in his native land and his widow, whose maiden name was Barbara Schwartz, came to the United States in 1876, departing this life in Whitley county in 1889. Gottlieb Kunberger spent his childhood and youth in Germany, received his education in the schools of his native country and at the age of twenty came to the United States, landing in New York in 1869. Proceeding without delay to Whitley county, he settled, October 9th, in Columbia township, where he turned his attention to farming, which he followed until he removed in 1871 to Washington township. Four vears later he purchased land, which in due time he cleared and converted into a good farm, residing on the same until 1902, when he sold it and bought the beautiful and attractive farm of eighty acres on which he now lives and which he has brought to a high state of tillage, all but twelve acres being under cultivation. It is improved with excellent buildings, good fences and ample drainage, Mr. Kunberger having already put down several hundred rods of tiling, which amount he proposes to increase until the entire place is underlaid and properly intersected by a system of ditching as thorough and complete as that of any in the township.

Mr. Kunberger is a progressive agriculturist, growing large crops of grain, principally corn, all of which is fed to live stock, in the raising of which he has a reputation second to none of his neighbors, his breeds of shorthorn cattle and high grade hogs being among the best in this part of the state. In public matters he maintains an abiding interest in all that concerns the advancement of his township, being an advocate of public improvement and a friend to every enterprise or measure that makes for the general welfare of his fellowmen. He gives his support to Democratic principles and in recognition of valuable services rendered the party he was nominated in 1906 for county commissioner, but was defeated.

In 187(1 Mr. Kunberger was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie, daughter of Ulrich and Maggie (Schwartfager) Lahr, natives of ' lermany, who emigrated to America in 1 84 1 and settled mi a farm in Huntington county. Indiana, where the mother's death occurred, the father dying in 1006. at the E eighty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Kunberger have four children: John F., a residentof Columbia City; Henry E., a farmer of Washington township; Lulu F., wife of Henry Lucky, a farmer and stock raiser; and Maggie, assistanl in the management of the home. Subject and wife are greatly esteemed in the community of their residence and as members of the Lutheran church, their lives afford examples of the wholesome influence of practical religious faith. The different members of the family likewise enjoy the esteem and confidence of the communities in which thev reside and wherever known they stand for correct conduct and sterling moral worth.

Daniel Fisher

Daniel Fisher is a prosperous farmer living in section 9, Thorncreek township, about five and one-half miles north of Columbia City, was born in the township September 15, 1868, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Ann (Hively) Fisher, both natives of Ohio. The father came to Indiana with his father, whose name was also Jacob, and settled in Thorncreek township, where the latter remained until the close of his life. The life of the father was also spent in this township, of which he was at one time trustee. His death occurred February 29. 1896. when sixty years old. The mother was the daughter of Daniel Hivelv and was also born in Ohio. They were both members of the Christian church, faithful and liberal in its support. Four children were born to them : Noah, deceased in middle life : David, a farmer in Thorncreek township; Callie. deceased at ten years of age ; and Daniel. The second marriage of the mother was in [899 to Leonard Hire and they now reside in Columbia City. Daniel Fisher grew to manhood at home, being trained to agriculture and receiving a common school education in the meantime. In 1889 he was married to Delia May, daughter of Richard and Jane (Lemaster) Herron, born in Noble county. Indiana, in 1867. Five children were horn

In 1890 Mr. Fisher and his wife purchased sixty acres of their present farm, to which they have since added, making a quarter section. The farm is well improved with good fences, tile ditches, substantial and convenient buildings and is a desirable and pleasant residence. In politics he is a Democrat, while both enjoy membership in the Christian church, to which they are devoted and give faithful and liberal support.

Tohn H. Shilts

John H. Shilts, a successful farmer and public-spirited citizen of Thorncreek township, and ex-recorder of Whitley county, was bom August 15, 1862, at Avilla, Noble county, and is the son of Franklin and Catherine (Monger) Shilts, of whom separate mention is found on another page. He received a good, practical education in the district schools and upon the home farm, where he remained until eighteen years of age. He taught one term and then took a business course in the normal school at Valparaiso. He confined his attention wholly to teaching till 1888, when he took special teacher's training under the renowned Professor Holbrook at the Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. His work as an educator extended over ten years, one being in the Columbia City graded schools. In 1886 he was elected recorder for the county, a position, he filled with aptitude and to the satisfaction of all for four years. Being nominated when but twenty-two years of age, he was the youngest man ever named for a county office by his party in Whitley county. In 1891 he removed to his present fine farm of eighty acres, which he had purchased meantime, and erected in 1900 an attractive ten-room house and in 1904 a commodious bank barn, forty by sixty feet. He also owns a thirtyseven acre farm in Columbia township, each affording ample income. In 1894 he was chosen township assessor and held this office efficiently for five years. In 1885 he married Miss Hulda, daughter of Albert and Jane Hatfield, a native of Whitley county, who became the mother of five children, Gertrude and Leander being the only survivors. During the year 1897 the angel of death thrice visited this home, taking the mother and two children. Three years afterward Mr. Shilts was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Goodfellow, who was born in Columbia City in 1862, a daughter of John and Julia Goodfellow, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Shilts have two children. Walter L. and John F. Himself and family are devout members of St. Paul's Catholic church.

Mrs. Shilts is considered one of the most' progressive and thoroughly informed men of the county. He has a selected library of about six thousand volumes, including the state reports of agriculture and statistics and geology of Indiana complete. He also takes keen interest in the collection of old curiosities, such as ancient household articles, antique furniture and the like, including an antiquated lock safe, the first owned by \\ nitley county. He has made a careful study of the Indians and of the Mound Builders, having several thousand implements of Indian warfare and domestic uten-

Air. and Mrs. Shilts are widely known, their home being one of the most popular rural social resorts in the county, a wide circle of warm friends finding therein a generous dispensation of old-fashioned, warm-hearted hospitality. We take pleasure in presenting two articles by Mr. Shilts, one on Thorncreek township and the other that on the archaeology of the county.

Thomas E. Adams

Thomas E. Adams, a progressive and respected farmer of Thorncreek township, was born on his present homestead December 3, 1857, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Elliott) Adams, his parents being James and Catherine (McDonald) Adams, both natives of Ireland. Andrew Adams was also born in Ireland March 17. 1821, and when eight years old was brought to America by his mother, who settled in Pennsylvania. His father dying when he was a child, Andrew was taken by an uncle, a farmer in Columbiana county, Ohio, with whom he remained till eighteen years old. Going to New York City, he learned the trade of machinist and boiler-maker, at which he worked until 1852. A Mr. Brewer, an attorney and paymaster in the United States Army, for whom young Adams worked in Ohio, sent him to look after lands he owned in Whitley county and while here he decided to become a resident himself. Some years later lie purchased part of the Brewer lands, the owner having been killed by an explosion on an Ohio river, steamboat. He also purchased other tracts until he became the owner of over a thousand acres. He disposed of the greater portion, however, and at his death owned but two hundred and eighty acres. Returning to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, he was married to Elizabeth Elliott, a native of that county and a daughter of George and Margaret Elliott. For forty-seven years they journeyed hand in hand till her death in 1897. He died April 15, 1906, aged eighty-five years and twentyeight days.

He had rendered valuable assistance to his children when it was most needed. A consistent member of the Baptist church, he was an enthusiastic Sunday-school worker and being well read and ever ready to uphold his opinions enjoyed a social discussion of live topics, whether of religion or public polity. He was a Democrat and served six years as county commissioner.

They were the parents of three children : John, a well known horseman of Columbia City and New York ; Thomas and Andrew. The latter is doubtless the most renowned literary character that can be credited to Whitley county. After spending several years as a cowboy in Texas. New Mexico and Oklahoma, he began to write of the life he had seen and experienced, his best known hooks being "The Log of the Cowboy," "The Texas Match-Maker," "The Outlet" and "Cattle Brands." His articles are eagerly sought by the leading magazines. His home is at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Mr. Adams served as commissioner of Whitley county for three terms. Himself and wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian church and he was a Democrat politically.

Thomas E. Adams received a preliminary education in the district schools, supplementing this with three terms at Valparaiso. He bought and sold stock for his father from eighteen years of age until the practical retirement of the latter. Thomas then took charge of the farm, which lie has since operated, though for a time he was engaged in merchandising in Albion. Few stockmen in Indiana are more extensively known than Mr. Adams, his herds of shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep and Duroc- Jersey swine having carried off honors sought for by many ambitious breeders. Thorn Creek Stock Farm is well adapted for breeding purposes and he is considered as one of the successful breeders of the state.

October 18, 1893, ne was married to Miss Hattie Pollock, a native of Noble county and a daughter of Truman and Mary (Alwine) Pollock. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have two children, Cedric and Andrew. Mr. Adams's farm contains six hundred acres of fine land, on which is located a neat and commodious house, barns and other improvements so corresponding as to lend harmony to the whole, making it a very desirable rural residence. He is a Democrat and for six years was trustee of Thomcreek township. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order.

Harcanis C. Leaman

29, 1864, and is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Crumley) Leaman. The paternal grandfather was Samuel Leaman, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in an early day and in 1838 came to Whitley county, where he bought and settled on eighty acres of land, which is now part of the farm owned by Harcanis. Mr. Leaman was twice married and had eight children : John, Samuel. Daniel, William, Isaac, Agnes. Lacina and Mariette, none of whom are living. Mr. Leaman died when past seventy. Samuel Leaman, Jr., was born in Massillon, Ohio, in 1826, and after his marriage bought forty acres of land adjoining his father and there erected a nice home. By his father's death he inherited the old homestead, on which he lived until his death, which occurred May 17, 1884. Elizabeth (Crumley) Leaman was born in Stark county, Ohio, and came to Indiana with her parents as a child. These parents came to Noble county about 1843 ar,d are now both deceased, he attaining past ninety years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Leaman had ten children : Galveston, a ranchman in Colorado; Wayne, who is living in Churubusco; Albert and Clinton, both dying in childhood ; Harcanis C. ; Emma J., wife of David Fisher, of Thorncreek township: Laura, wife of Henrv J. Pressler, owning part of the old homestead ; Isaac, of Thorncreek township; Rosa D., wife of Oscar McCown, a resident of Oklahoma ; Massillon. who is living in Columbia City. Mrs. Leaman is living in Churubusco.

Harcanis C. Leaman was earlv inured to the toil incident to the life of a farmer and upon attaining his majority decided to adopt agriculture for his life work. He is the owner of ninety acres of the old homestead, on which stands a fine twelve-room brick honse. equipped with all the modern conveniences. .March 19, 1803. he chose a life companion in the person of Jennie A. Pressler. who was born in Thorncreek township in 1864, and is the daughter of Valentine and Diana 1 Dupler) Pressler.

Mr. Leaman is a Democrat, while fraternally he and his wife belong to the order of ] >en I fur. Mr. Leaman has served on the advisory hoard and has done much to advance materially, morally and educationally the interests of the community. They have no children but by a former marriage, Mrs. Leaman is the mother of Henry Cleveland and Frank Laota Stewart, young men, the oldest being a teacher for the past three vears.

Franklin P. Loltdy

The ancestors of Whitley county's family of this name were natives of Germany. Edward Loudy and Louisa Stroh, after marrying in the old country during the latter years of the eighteenth century, emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1801 and farmed there until their respective deaths. Their five children, now all dead, were Jane, Lucy, John. Edward and Daniel. The latter was married in his native state to Martha Wise, with whom he removed in 1836 to Sandusky county, Ohio. He located on a farm and remained there until 1864, when he went to Monroe county, Michigan, resumed farmingand so continued until his death in 1867. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1807, died in [847 during the residence in Ohio.

couple, was born in Sandusky county, Ohio,. July 4. 1845. In December, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Second Brigade, Third Division of the Twentyfourth Corps. Army of the Potomac. With this command he participated in the battles of New Market, Virginia, Winchester, Berryville, and the bloody engagements of the Opequan, in which Early was so disastrously defeated by General Sheridan. Other engagements of the command were Fisherville and Cedar Creek, where Sheridan made his famous ride. This fighting took place within a little more than six months and after its transfer to the army of the Potomac, this corps did its full share of the work in the final crushing of Lee's army. It was engaged at Petersburg, at High Bridge, and in the round-up at Appomattox. Few soldiers in the same length of time can show harder campaigning, more arduous service and severe fighting than that which fell in part on Mr. Loudy, who has just right to be proud of his share in saving the Union. At Winchester he received a flesh wound, was captured at Appomattox, paroled three days later, and soon exchanged. After the surrender Mr. Loudy went with his regiment to Camp Chase, Columbus, where he was discharged. He had the distinction of acting with Company H at the state house, Columbus, as guard of honor over the remains of President Lincoln, when his body was lying in state on its way to Springfield, llliimis. After his final discharge June 1 _\ [865, Mr. Loudy returned to his parents' In mie in Michigan, but after a rest of one year went to Omaha. Nebraska, where he engaged in railroading. Coming back to

Michigan, he attended commercial school at Toledo, Ohio, then settled at Columbia City, in his trade of painter and paper hanger. After continuing this work at the countyseat for three years he came in 1871 to Churubusco, which has ever since been his place of residence. In 1886 he was elected town clerk and treasurer, in which position he served three years, besides being councilman for one term. In 1890 he was elected on the Democratic ticket trustee of Smith township for four years, was re-elected at the end of his term and at present holds this office. He has made an excellent official, managing the township affairs with honesty and judgment, enjoying full confidence of his constituents. In 1887, he organized the Churubusco volunteer fire department and held the position as chief until 1904, when compelled to give up by pressure of other duties.

In 1874 Mr. Loudy married Margaret, daughter of David and Martha (Frick) Ruch, natives of Pennsylvania, and his wife and self are members of the Lutheran church, and much esteemed in the social circles of Churubusco. He is a Mason, Knight of Pythias, and a comrade of Simonson Post of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Ernest S. Cotterly

Ernest S. Cotterly is a son of John and Anna (Born) Cotterly, the former of whom was born in Switzerland and came to America when about twenty years of age. He as first located in Ohio, but later removed to Whitley county, where he settled on a farm in Thorncreek township. At that time the land was in a wild state, but he at once turned his efforts towards improving it and soon made of it one of the most attractive and desirable farms of the locality. He died November 10, 1881, in middle life. His wife, Anna Born, was a native of Switzerland, came to Whitley county in early youth, lived on the farm until her husband's death and since then has made her home with her children, they being : Callie, wife of Dr. Schoonover, of Greenville, Pennsylvania; Amanda, wife of George Hemmick, of Churubusco; John, a merchant near the old home; Julia, wife of F. W. Hart, of Columbia City; Ella, who is in the millinery business at Churubusco ; Benjamin, a miner in Arizona ; Ernest S. ; Samuel and Albertine, deceased.

Ernest S. Cotterly was born on the old homestead in Whitley county, Indiana, April 6, 1878, received his preliminary education in the public schools, later attended high school one year at Auburn, supplementing this by terms in the normal schools at Angola, Columbia City and Valparaiso. He then taug'ht for ten years, operating the homestead in the meantime.

April 13, 1902, he was married to Miss Lydia, daughter of Joseph and Jane Hyre, pioneers of Whitley county, and to them have been born two children : Ellen Lavon and Mary Jane. Mr. Cotterly is of pleasing presence, genial in manner and conversation and his social qualities, as well as his sterling' characteristics, have made him popular with a large class of people. He is a reader and thinker and spares no pains to keep himself in touch with the trend of modern thought. A close observer of current events, lie has well denned opinions upon political, economic and sociological subjects, but neither his tastes nor inclinations have ever permitted him to become an active partisan, much less an aspirant fur public honors. Besides voting the Democratic ticket and occasionally giving expression to his convictions, he takes little interest in party affairs. Joseph Hyre was a farmer in Tin irncreek township and died there aged sixty-four. His widow now resides in Columbia City.

James Staples

James Staples, a respected citizen and successful fanner of Thorncreek township. was born in Licking county. Ohio. March 24, 1838. and is the son of William and Anna (Parkinson) Staples, both natives of England. William Staples was the son of Samuel Staples and grew to manhood in the country of his nativity. He served nine years in the English army under the Duke of Wellington, including- the Peninsular war, and was wounded at the taking of the Me oi France, East India. He emigrated to this country about 1832 and located on a farm in Licking count}-. Ohio, where he died in 1852. His wife survived till 1872 and they were the parents of three children: Wesley, a farmer in Thorncreek and a soldier in the Civil war, died at fifty-eight; James, and Sarah, who is the wife of Samuel Waters, a resilient of Troy township. The maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Robertson) Parkinson. John Parkinson anil wife coming from England first located in Connecticut, about 1820 came to Muskingum and subsequently to Licking county, Ohio. Mr. Parkinson died of the cholera in 1832. his wife dying some years previous.

After the death of his father, James Staples assisted his brother in the operation of the home farm. He enlisted in July, 1861. in Company C, Twenty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served the full term of three years. His service was in the west under Generals Fremont, Pope and Grant. He assisted in the capture of Island No. 10, the siege and battle of Corinth and the battle of Iuka. Under General Sullivan two brigades met rebel General Forrest's cavalry at Parker's Crossroads, Tennessee, where after capturing five hundred prisoners, three hundred horses and six or seven pieces of artillery, they drove the enemy off with but slight loss. After this he did not see much active service, owing to impaired health, which kept him in hospital at Paducah. Kentucky. August 4. 1864. he was mustered out at Camp Denison, Ohio. In 1865 he and his brother brought the family to Indiana and located on a farm in Thorncreek township, near his present home. Mr. Staples was married in 1867 to Elizabeth, daug-hter of Frederick and Lydia (Humbarger) King, both now deceased. Frederick King came from Perry county, Ohio, to settle in the woods mi land his father had bought and on this farm Mrs. Staples was born in 1848. Frederick died at thirty-eight, his widow becoming the wife of John Pressler and lived and died near Columbia City, aged seventy-two. The King children were Elizabeth. Reuben and Matilda. Reuben lives on part of the King homestead ; Matilda married Noah Hiveley and died in middle life. In 1S78 Mr. Staples bought the other interests in the King estate and has lived here ever since. His place has good improvements and is considered one of the model farms of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Staples have had six children : Byron, a sawmill operator living in Tennessee ; Logan, the present sheriff of Whitley county; Valona, wife of James Leamon, a fanner of Thorncreek township : William Wirt, married Mary Johnson and lives in Thorncreek ; Virgil, who married Minnie Smith, is a farmer in Miami county, Indiana ; and Bruce, operating- the home farm. Mr. Staples is a Republican, served five years as assessor and twelve years as justice of the peace His relations with his neighbors and friends have always been of the most agreeable character, his influence has ever made for the good of those with whom he associates and the high esteem in which he is held shows that the confidence reposed in him "by his fellow citizens has not been misplaced. He is a member of the United Brethren church, while his wife belongs to the Church of God.

Alvin M. Hire

Alvin M. Hire, who is numbered among the practical farmers of Whitley county. was bom in Elkhart county, Indiana, December 17, 1866, and is the son of Jacob and Christena (Haney) Hire. For particulars of family history see sketch of Simon W. Hire, elsewhere in this book. The subject of this sketch has spent his entire life in the three counties of Elkhart, Noble and Whitley. At the usual age he began his education in a school near his home and therein remained until he had mastered the branches of learning taught in such institutions. When still a youth he began work in the fields, plowing-, planting and harvesting from early springtime until crops were gathered in the late autumn. He started out in life on his own account, empty handed, and today he is a prosperous resident of his county, owning fifty-seven acres of arable and productive land. On December 19, 1886, Mr. Hire was married to Miss Elizabeth Swihart, a native of Noble township. Noble county, the daughter of Jacob and Clara (Gidley) Swihart. Jacob Swihart was the son of Jonathan, who came to Noble county in 1870. Clara (Gidley) Swihart was born in Washington county, Ohio, and died in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Swihart were the parents of seven children : John, who lives in Arkansas ; Walter, who lives in Noble county ; Elizabeth ; Amy, the wife of Arthur Gardner, a resident of Goshen, Indiana: Martha, wife of Amasa Cripe, of Goshen ; Jesse, who is on the old homestead in Noble county ; Charles, who lives in Goshen.

Mr. Hire and his wife have had six children : Esta, Blanch. Lucy. Rhoda, Glen, Dorotha. Mr. Hire votes with the Republican party, but he has never sought or desired office for his time and attention are fully occupied with his business affairs, which are of an important nature. He is bending every energy to develop his farm and already deserves to be classed among the best farmers of the county.

Elmer J. Nei

The gentleman whose career is briefly outlined in the following paragraphs is of German descent and belongs to that large and eminently respectable element of our populace that in a quiet and unassuming way has done so much to improve the great central and western states, and develop their resources. Frederick Nei, a native of Germany, was brought to America by his parents when about six years old and for some time thereafter lived in Canton, Ohio, near which city his father purchased a farm of eighty acres, on which he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-eight. Frederick made a tour through Whitley and other counties of northeastern Indiana with the object in view of finding a suitable location, but for some reason he returned to Ohio without making the contemplated investment. During the ensuing four years he cultivated the farm in Stark county and at the expiration of that time made a second trip to Whitley county, bought one hundred and thirty-four acres of land, which is now in Union township, which in due time he improved and which he still owns. In connection with agriculture. Mr. Nei worked for a number of years at carpentry and being a skillful mechanic, his sendees as a builder were always in great demand. He is now in comfortable circumstances, owning a fine estate, which is well improved in the way of buildings, drainage and fencing and his long period of residence in the same locality has made him one of the best known, as well as one of the oldest citizens in the township. Before her marriage Mrs. Nei bore the maiden name of Eltra Altaffer; her parents were German and for many years lived in Columbiana county, Ohio, in which state she was born and reared and it was there she met her future husband. The family of Frederick and Elma Nei consisted of four children : Rufus, Leonard, Elmer J., and Frank, the second oldest of the number being deceased. February 17, 1870. in Columbia City, Whitley county, Indiana, Elmer J. Nei first saw the light of day and his childhood and youth were spent on his father's farm in Union township, where by practical experience he early learned the true meaning of honest toil and frugal thrift. He divided his time between work and attending school until nineteen years old and then turned his attention to the pursuit of agriculture, which has since been his life work and in the prosecution of which his success has been very encouraging. With the exception of one year spent in the employ of others he has always lived on the farm which is now his home, working for his father until 1903, since which time he has been tilling the soil upon his own responsibility.

Mr. Nei has been twice married, the first time to Alma Crawford, of this county, who died after about one year of happy wedded life, leaving a daughter, Ada. Later he married Anna Walter, of Missouri, who has borne him four children : Frances. Frederick, Bertha and Ruby. Mr. Nei belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the order of Woodmen. In politics he is a Democrat and as such was elected in 1904 trustee of Union township for a term of four years, the duties of which office he has since discharged to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mrs. Nei holds membership in the order of Maccabees and since her childhood has been identified with the Lutheran church.

Michael Lawrence

One of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Columbia township, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, June 2, 1855, and is the oldest son of George and Eva Ann (Mowrey) Lawrence, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in these pages. Like the majority of country boys the early experience of Michael included the usual round of farm labor during the spring and summer months, varied in the winter time by attending the subscription schools in his native county. At best his educational advantages were but meager, the schools lasting only about three months of the year, but by diligent application he succeeded in completing the usual course of study and at the age of twenty was sufficiently advanced to take charge of a school, to which vocation he devoted his attention for about one year. At the close of his school term Mr. Lawrence engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself on a part of his father's farm in Union township, where he continued for a period of eight years, and two years later purchased the fine farm in Whitley county, on which he has since lived and which, under his excellent management, has been improved until it now stands to the front amongthe most productive and valuable in this part of the state. Originally his farm consisted of one hundred and sixty-five acres, one hundred of which were in cultivation, but since coming into his possession he has cleared and rendered tillable an additional thirty acres, besides purchasing fifty-five acres adjoining, all of which is well situated and especially adapted to general agriculture and the raising of live stock, all but four acres of the last purchase being in cultivation. Previous to buying his present place, Mr. Lawrence owned one hundred acres of land in Union and Jefferson townships, which he disposed of at a handsome figure, the proceeds from this land enabling him to add a number of substantial improvements to the beautiful and attractive homestead on which he now lives. For some years Mr. Lawrence has devoted considerable attention to stock raising, which he finds far more profitable than the raising of grain for market, and he now feeds all of the products of his place to the cattle, especially the fine Jersey cows, of which he keeps quite a number. From the milk of these cows he manufactures butter quite extensively for the Fort Wayne markets, where it commands a high price and for which there is always a much greater demand than he can possibly supply. He also takes pride in his horses, in the raising of which his success has been very gratifying, his favorite breed being the pure Norman stock, which for heavy work, as well as for general utility, excels all other kinds. The career of Mr. Lawrence as a farmer and stock raiser presents a series of continued successes and as already indicated he occupies a conspicuous place among the leading agriculturists of Whitley county, besides standing- high as a citizen and liberalminded man whose enterprising spirit has done much to advance the material interests of the community in which he resides. April 11, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice VanMeter. who died February 7. 1879, shortly after presenting him with a son, who was named William E. and bom January 31, 187.x. March iS. 1S86. Mr. Lawrence married Iantha B. Cassel, a representative of one of the old and well known families of Whitley county, her grandparents moving to this state as early as 1838. Mrs. Lawrence's parents died when she was quite young and she grew to mature years in the home of her grandfather, who departed this life in 1876. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence : George Ray, whose birth occurred May 10, 1887, is now a student in the Columbia City high school; Pearl Keller, born October 18, 1888; Victor Lyman, born November 11, 1890; Albert Lloyd, bom May 27, 1895; Eva Alice, bom July 10, 1897; Blanch Gertrude, whose birth occurred April 14, 1900, the fifth of the number being deceased. The religious faith of Mr. Lawrence is represented by the Lutheran creed, but his wife and children attend the Church of God, of which they are members. In politics he is a Democrat.

Ephraim Kyler Strong

Ephraim Kyler Strong, of the Columbia City bar, is a native of Whitley county ami the youngest in a family of nine children, whose parents were Ephraim and Eleanor Strong, the former born in Chenango county, New York, in 1816. Ephraim Strang came to \\ hitley county. Indiana, in 1837 and in [856 was here married to Eleanor Kyler, who preceded him by one year to the new Indiana country. They reared their family, prospered in material things and it was here that the husband and father died in 1888, at the age of seventytwo. Mis widow, who has passed her eightieth birthday, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and for seventy years has resided within twelve miles of Columbia City. In his younger years Mr. Strong carried on farming and stock raising quite extensively, but from 1869 was engaged in merchandising, which seemed well suited to his temperament. For over half a centuryhe took an active interest in the growth and development of the county, which he assisted in transforming from a wilderness. He was twice married and of his children the following survive: Aaron T., William E., Hively, Mrs. Sarah E. Baker, Mrs. Jennie E. Hammer, Mrs. Lois E. Gale and Ephraim K. David W., Angeline and Matilda are deceased.

Ephraim K. Strong was born in Thorncreek township October 10, 1865. He was graduated from the high school in 1884. after which he taught for one year and then began the study of law under the instruction of Hon. Joseph W. Adair, in whose office he continued during the ensuing two and 'one-half years. Meanwhile he served as deputy surveyor and city engineer. In 1887 he was admitted to the bar and immediately entered upon the practice of the profession to which his time and energies have since been devoted. He was associated with Judge Adair until the latter's election to the bench in 1889. Well grounded in the basic principles of jurisprudence and familiar with the great array of legal authorities, he has been quite successful in adapting this knowledge to the varied demands of a growing practice. Tact in the management of cases, marked ability in argument before juries, uniform consideration for the court and opposing counsel, have made him a powerful, thorough, courteous antagonist, whom to meet in trial is certain to call forth the best in those arrayed against him. Recognizing the fact that success is only achieved through earnest and faithful effort. Mr. Stong lends all of his energies to cases in hand and by thorough mastery before trial, fortifying the strong points and protecting the weak, and being quick to detect and expose the weak points of the opposition, he fights tenaciously to a finish. Mr. Strong is vitally interested in all that concerns the material progress, intellectual advancement and moral good of the city in which he resides, and to further these ends he gives his influence and hearty support to every measure that in any way tends to benefit the public and add to the fair fame of the community. He holds membership in the ancient and honorable order of Masonry, in which he has been exalted to a Knight Templar, as well as to the Scottish Rite. He is also identified with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen of America, besides belonging to several literary and social clubs. He is a Democrat and as such wields a wide influence throughout the state, being a judicious adviser in its councils and an active worker in the ranks, and to his efforts is largely due the success of the ticket in a number of local, state and national campaigns.

February 12, 1891, Mr. Strong was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Adair, the accomplished daughter of Judge Joseph W. and Margaret A. (Young) Adair, an intelligent and cultured lad}-, who presides with becoming grace over the home, and who since her girlhood has been popular and highly esteemed in the best society circles. Mrs. Strong is deeply interested in literary and social life, belongs to various clubs and societies and is noted as a most accomplished entertainer, her home being the rendezvous of a refined and select circle of friends. Mrs. Strong is a faithful member of the Evangelical ' Lutheran church and alive to all charitable work connected therewith. Mr. Strong is a genial, affable gentleman of pleasing address and attractive personality and possesses in a marked degree those qualities of mind and heart which win and retain warm friendships.

John W. Brand

John W. Brand, the efficient and popular treasurer of Whitley county, is a native of Ch'de. Ohio, where he was born October 31. 1853. His parents. John and Mary Ann (Loudensleger) Brand, were of German and American birth respectively, the former having been brought to this country when about nine years old and grew to maturity in the Buckeye state, where his father John spent the remainder of his life, the widow later moving to Indiana, dying a number of years since near the city of Kokomo. In his younger davs John Brand drove teams on the canal, being denied the privileges which tlie majority of lads enjoy. He attended school but little and was obliged to labor earlv and late; but possessing sound, practical intelligence he made the most of his op- portunities and when still young became a manufacturer of brick. He conducted this line in Ohio until 1858. when he removed to Columbia City, Indiana, where he engaged in brick making', which he carried on until 1884. He then turned his attention to the manufacture of special furniture in partnership with his younger son, until his death in 1894, building up quite a large and profitable business. He was a public-spirited man. did much to advance the material interests of his adopted city, stood high in business circles and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He was an active member of the Masonic fraternity and was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in both of which organizations he filled positions of honor and trust. Mrs. Brand survived her husband about two years, dying- in 1896. at the age of sixty-two. Their family consisted of eleven children : Catherine B. married J. W. Scott, a dentist and druggist of Ligonier, both now deceased; George F., who is a traveling salesman ; Laura, wife of James F. McDonald, lives at Ligonier, where he husband is editor of the Ligonier Banner; Clara, wife of H. F. Keenev, lumber dealer of Columbia City; Alma, now Mrs. Harry Stansberry, lives in Ligonier; Charles C. is a merchant of Columbia City, where at "nc time he was associated with hi- Father in the manufacture of furniture; Maude, wife .if Simon Ulrich, a telegraph operator, lives in Chicago; and John \Y

John W. Brand spent the years of his clhildhood and youth in Columbia City, in the public schools of which place he received his earh education. Subsequently he attended Mt. Union Business College. Ohio.

and then held a clerkship in a clothing house fi ir two years. He spent the ensuing three years as a salesman in a drug store, and in 1 878 engaged in the drug trade at the town of Churubusco. He remained there thirteen years, and not only built up a large and lucrative business, but took an active interest in advancing material local improvements, serving eleven years on the school board and in many ways making his influence felt as a public-spirited citizen. In 1891 he disposed of his interests in Churubusco and returned to Columbia City, where he has since conducted a large drug store. He has also been identified with various other lines of activity. besides taking a leading part in city and county affairs. For four years be served on the school board and as such labored to promote the efficiency of the city's educational system. In 1897 Mr. Brand sold a half interest in his business to H. A. Ireland. Their establishment is stocked with the various lines of drugs and other articles, while the efficiency of the proprietors as skilled and careful pharmacists is generally recognized. Not only in the realm of business has Mr. Brand demonstrated his judgiuent and discrimination, but also in the domain of politics, where he has long been recognized as a forceful factor and leader, whose efforts have contributed materially to the success of the Democratic party, to which he belongs. In TO04 he was nominated for comity treasurer and was elected by a strong majority. He has discharged the duties of this important trust in an able, straightforward, businesslike manner, proving a capable custodian of the county's finances and a most courteous and obliging public servant, Tli'- official record is replete with the evidence of duty ably and faithfully performed and among the people of the county, regardless of party ties, he is held in high esteem, his integrity being beyond reproach, while in every relation of life he shows a due sense of responsibility, and as a consequence orders his course according to the highest principles of ethics. He maintains liberal ideas, keeps informed on the questions and issues of the times and although firm in his convictions, which are invariably well fortified, and fearless in the expression of his opinions, he is always tolerant of the opinion of those from whom he differs. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic and Maccabee orders, in both of which he is an active and influential member, striving by every legitimate means at his command to make the organizations meet the high and noble ends for which they were designed.

In 1878 Mr. Brand was united in marriage with Miss Ella J. Yontz, of Millsport. Ohio, daughter of William and Sarah Yontz, the union resulting in the birth of five children : George F., Scott Clifton. Will Yontz, Elsie Merritt and Ora Belle, who died at four years of age.

John H. Maxwell

John H. Maxwell is not only a representative of the community in which he lives, but has also gained more than local prominence as one of the enterprising and successful farmers in a section of country where agriculture is the predominant business. He was born in Putnam county. Missouri, and is the son of Georsre and Elizabeth (Van Buskirk) Maxwell, the father born in Ireland, the mother in Wayne county, Indiana. George Maxwell came to the United States at the age of twenty-two and during the ensuing eight years peddled various kinds of goods in the south and southwest, meeting with encouraging success in this line. While thus engaged he traveled over various parts of Missouri and being pleased with Putnam county and attracted by its advantages, he decided to make it his future home. He purchased from the government about eight hundred acres of prairie land, which he began to improve, erecting the necessary buildings and reducing a portion to cultivation. As population increased this land steadily advanced in value and in the course of a few years he became one of the largest farmers and wealthiest men in the county. He also rose to prominence as a public-spirited citizen, took a lively interest in promoting the welfare of the county, and at different times was elected to positions of honor and trust, holding for a number of years the office of township trustee, and serving at intervals as a member of the county court, corresponding to the board of commissioners in Indiana. In politics he is Republican and in religion he early became one of the leaders of Methodism in his community. George Maxwell was married in 1859. in Putnam county, Missouri, to Elizabeth VanBuskirk. of Indiana, whose parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth VanBuskirk. had gone to Missouri from Wayne county. Indiana, when she was but twelve years old. She bore him nine children: Ellen, wife of D. A. Williams, of Missouri: Thomas. a farmer and stock raiser of Putnam county. Missouri : John H. : Edward also lives in

Missouri; Melville, a physician and surgeon m Seymour, Iowa; Andrew also lives in Missouri; Myrtle, now Mrs. J. D. Johnson, of Unionville, Missouri; Jessie, wife of Dr. Harvey Bowers, of Osgood, Missouri : Victor A. lives on the old homestead in Missouri with his father.