Whitley County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 25 of 28)

In [860 Mr. Sickafoose was united in marriage with Sarah A., daughter of Michael and Polly (Stults) Holem, natives of Stark county, Ohio, who in 1854 came to Indiana and spent the closing years of their lives in Whitley county. Mr. and Mrs. Sickafoose have five children: Margaret; Jane, wife of A. B. Henry; Ephraim, who married Mamie ( Cunningham and lives in Mishawaka, Indiana: Levi D., who married Susan Pimlot, of Whitley county, and lives at Logansport; Ethel, who lives with her father : and Rev. Curtis Sickafoose. minister of the United Brethren church at Galveston, Indiana. The parents also belong to this church and have always taken a deep interest in its work. The political affiliations of Mr. Sickafoose are with the Republican party, of which he has been a lifelong member.

H. H. Warner

H. H. Warner, one of the five survivors in a family of twelve children, whose parents were Adam S. and Mary (Holin) Warner, is a native of Whitley county, Indiana, born October 1. 1856, in the township of Cleveland, where he still resides. He was reared under the healthful and wholesome influence of farm life, and is indebted to the district school for his preliminarv education, the training thus received being supplemented by a year's course at the Sixteen College in Huntington county, where he made substantial progress in the higher branches of learning and earned an honorable record as an industrious and painstaking student. With this discipline as a foundation and by taking advantage of every opportunity for mental culture. Mr. Warner has become one of the well informed men of his community, being a wide reader of current and general literature, also a thinker and close observer, with the result that he is familiar with the leading questions and issues of the day. and to no small degree an authority among his friends and associates. Early in life he matured plans for his future course of action and by adhering to the same, his career has been emi- nently honorable as well as financially successful, standing today among the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of his "township and enjoying repute as an enterprising farmer who has made agricultural science the subject of critical study. Mr. Warner's farm is admirably situated, well drained and improved with good buildings, fences, etc., even' acre of tillable land being fertile and highly productive, the estate as a whole representing a value considerably in excess of one hundred dollars per acre. On taking possession of his place he addressed himself to the task of making such a home as his ambition had long coveted. To accomplish this required result the exercise of those qualities of perseverance and economy more essential in farming perhaps than in any other vocation. How well he has succeeded in his laudable undertakings is proved by the comfortable residence, commodious barn and other structures, which adorn the place ; also by the rich fields and careful fencing, which encloses the various tracts set apart for crops, orchard and pasturage. Mr. Warren does not confine himself strictly to growing crops for an income, but gives attention to the raising of good breeds of cattle and hogs, which materially increase the profits arising from his cereal products, while the eighty acres under his careful and prudent management present not only an attractive and desirable country home, but a delightful picture of rural beauty, pleasing to every beholder.

Tn addition to his agricultural interests, Mr. Warner is vice-president of the Farmers' State Bank, of South Whitley, the duties of which office he discharges in a highly creditable manner to all concerned, being- familiar with financial matters and well qualified to fill positions of honor and trust. He has also held various local offices and for a number of years has been an advocate of public improvements, encouraging all enterprises with this object in view, also standing for whatever makes for the social and moral good of the community. A Republican, well versed in the principles and history of parties, he has seldom been drawn into the arena of partisan politics, nevertheless his influence has done much for the success of the ticket and he has proven an earnest worker in a number of hotly contested campaigns. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 510, at South Whitley, and in religion the United Brethren church embodies his creed.

Tune 25, 1879, Mr. Warner married Miss Isadora, daughter of John and Jane (Hard) Henrv, and they have three children : Fermar A., cashier of the wholesale grocery firm of A. H. Perfict & Company, at Fort Wayne; Effie May and Lloyd H., who are still under the parental roof. After his marriage Mr. Warner was in the saw-mill business five years before he engaged in farming. At the fall election in 1906, he was elected a member of the Whitley county council.

Martin H. Briggeman

Martin H. Briggeman, farmer and stock raiser of Cleveland township and son of Henrv and Minnie Briggeman. is a native of Whitley county, Indiana, born May 31, 1853. He enjoyed the advantages of the common schools and grew to maturity mi close touch with nature on the farm and Inning early decided to make agriculture his life work has pursued the same for himself ever since attaining his majority and is now well situated as concerns material things, ownin-' a small though excellent farm, which is tilled according to modern methods and on which are to l>e seen some of the best improvements in the community where he resides. In ci mnection with tilling the soil Mr, Briggeman has done considerable work in the line of carpentry, which trade he learned in his younger days. He put up all the buildings on his own farm in addition to which his services as a mechanic have also been much in demand by his neighbors, having erected a number of dwellings, barns and other structures in his own and adjacent localities, besides having done a thriving business in masonry work and moving buildings. Mr. Briggeman possesses sound intelligence, mature judgment and his ideas and opinions have weight with his fellowmen. He is keenly interested in the events of the day, well informed on the leading questions of the times, and as a neighbor and citizen stands high in the community, commanding the respect and confidence of all with whom he has relations of a business or social nature.

Mr. Briggeman was married in 1S88 to Miss Caroline Grieser, who has borne him five children : Franz, Traugott, Clara. Emma and Emil, all living at home. Mrs. Briggeman was born in \ 1 1 < -i i county. Indiana, September 5, iSoi, lui- parents being John and Frances i Schaffner I < irieser, natives of Germany, who became early settlers of Allen county and died there some years ago. T°hn Grieser was a Union soldier during the Civil war. Mrs. Briggeman has achieved quite a reputation as a raiser of poultry, to which site has devoted considerable attention for several years, making a specialty of the fine breeds. She has a number of fine fowls which command fancy prices, besides doing a lucrative business marketing the more ordinary varieties. Mr. Briggeman and wife are members of the German Lutheran church and manifest an abiding interest in all lines of religious and charitable work under the auspices of the local congregation with which they are identified. Henry J. Briggeman was a native of Germany, bornin the principality of Lippe Dettmold. where he lived until about 1850, when he emigrated' to the United States and later came to Whitley county, purchasing the land in Cleveland township now owned by his son Martin, cleared and otherwise improved the same and made it a valuable farm. He was an honest and law-abiding man. an honorable public-spirited citizen and his death, which occurred December 27, 1905, was deeply lamented not only by the members of his own family but by a large circle of friends and" acquaintances, who had learned to esteem him for man}" of his excellent qualities of mind and heart. The maiden name of his wife, whom he married in his native land, was Minnie Hauptmeyer. (See sketch of William Hauptmeyer.') She bore him children as follows: Martin H. : Caroline, wife of Henry Ahneman; Emelia, now Mrs. Emil Weihle; Rieke, who married John Trier: Mary, wife of Edward Trier: Henry, Minnie, wife of William Liche ( see sketch) : Lizzie who married Christian Denges : and \nnie. all living but Mrs. Denges. who departed this life in September. 1906.

David Gable

George S. Gable left his home in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, when a young man and moved to Ohio, being the only member of this family to come westward. He became a man of influence in Darke county, and as a local leader of the Democracy held various public offices. He married Elizabeth Keaner, of Pennsylvania, and in 1850 came to Whitley county, locating on a farm in Cleveland township, where he spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, being at the time of his death one of the representative farmers of his community. He had five children: Abraham, John, deceased, Jacob, Lydia and David.

David Gable was born in Darke county, Ohio, March 27, 1840, and hence was about ten years of age when brought to Whitley county by his parents. Like other country boys, he had the benefit of a farm training, with the usual school advantages of those days, and when old enough to work assisted in the clearing of the new land. Eventually he became owner of this farm, which he has greatly improved, and his whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. His estate consists of one hundred and seventyfive acres, situated in one of the richest agricultural districts of the county, one hundred and fifty acres being in cultivation and thoroughly drained with over three thousand rods of tiling. His buildings are all firstclass and in excellent condition, the entire premises bearing evidence of an owner who makes every other consideration subordinate to the successful prosecution of his chosen calling.

(Schafner) Reams, natives of . Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio and thence to Whitley county, a short time prior to the arrival of the Gable family. Mr. and Mrs. Gable have five children: Eldora, wife of George Bruch, a farmer of this county ; Diana, who married Perry W. Jenkins and lives in Kansas ; Malinda, now Mrs. William E. Pence, residing in Marion, Indiana; Sheridan, a farmer of Whitley county ; and Ida, the wife of Milton Sickafoose, who assists in cultivating the home farm. Mr. Gable is a Democrat, but his interest in party affairs extends no further than defending his principles and supporting the regular nominees. He discharges the duties of citizenship as becomes an enterprising, publicspirited American of today, keeping pace with current though and in touch with the leading questions before the people, on all of which he has well defined opinions and the courage of his convictions in their utterance. His financial success has been commensurate with the industry and energy displaved in his chosen field of endeavor, and he is now classed among the leading farmers and well-to-do men of his township and county.

John W. Eastom

The agricultural interests of Cleveland township are represented by some of the most intelligent and enterprising citizens of this part of Indiana, and none stand higher in the list than the well known farmer whose name appears above. He is descended from English ancestry and in bis personality are combined many of the sterling qualities for which this nationality has long been distin- guished. His father. George Eastom, was a native of Pennsylvania and son of an immigrant who came to this country from Liverpool, England, and settled in the Keystone state, where he lived until his death. George Eastom married Hannah Donohoe, who was horn in Virginia, where her father settled when he came to the United States from Ireland. They had six children : James, Alary. John \Y., Frank, Martha E. and Nancy. George Eastom removed first to Ross and later Putnam county, Ohio, where his death occurred in 1862. He was a man of unbending rectitude, a pronounced Democrat and a zealous member of the German Baptist church.

J< ihn W. Eastom was born October 2H. 1838, in Ross county, Ohio, spent his early years on his father's farm, received his education in the common schools and remained at home until the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted at Tiffin in Company I, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel Gibson, with which he served three years and fifteen days. He went through a number of noted campaigns and took part in many battles, among which were Bowling Green and Green River Kentucky. Nashville. Chattanooga and other engagements in Tennessee, his regiment being with General Sherman during this period. The Forty-ninth Ohio was the first Union force .to cross into Kentucky and during most of his service Mr. Eastom was in the Army of the Cumberland, experiencing all the perils and hardships that fell to his command. He was honorabh discharged in September. 1864, and at once returned to his home in Putnam county. Ohio, where be remained until 1869 and then removed to Whitley count}', settlingnear Larwill, Richland township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1903. he purchased land in Cleveland township, where be has since lived and prospered, owning at this time a well improved farm of one hundred acres, the greater part in cultivation and lying a short distance from South Whitley, in proximity to as good markets as northern Indiana affords. Mr. Eastom deals considerably in real estate, especially farm property, which he buys and sells quite extensively, realizing no small sum in this line of business. He was formerly a Democrat, but eventually became a Republican as the result of issues growing- out of the war. He has held various local offices, including that of supervisor and school director, and is at present a township councilman, elected for a term of four years.

In May. 1865. Mr. Eastom married Miss Sarah J., daughter of David and Rebecca (Haeger) Wallace, natives of Wood county. Ohio, and both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Eastom have had eight children : Jennie M. and Cora, deceased; Martha E... Gertrude. Charles, Edward, Clarence and Elsie. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Eastom was for mam' years a minister, but is now retired. He is a comrade of the South Whitley Post, Grand Army of the Republic.

duced many to seek the better way, was the late Ozias Metz. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 29, 183.3, the son of Jacob and Catherine (Giselman) Metz, natives of Pennsylvania, the father a farmer by occupation, but for many years working as a carpenter. Jacob and Catherine Metz lived in Ohio until 1853, when they came to Whitley county, settling on a farm in Washington township, where the former died in 1881 and the latter June 24, 1899. They had eleven children : Eliza, Sarah, Catherine, Margaret, Aaron, Lewis, Ozias, Caroline, Moses, Manassah and Rachel, the majority of whom grew to maturity and reared families.

Ozias Metz was reared to manhood in his native state, spent his early years on the family homestead in Stark county and by attendance at school and home reading became an unusually well informed man. He accompanied the family on their removal to Whitley county and from that time devoted his energies to the pursuits of agriculture, eventually being able to purchase a farm of his own in Cleveland township, which, under his judicious management, was highly improved and has become one of the beautiful homes of the county, containing at present two hundred and forty-six acres. Admirably situated about one mile southeast of South Whitley, in the midst of one of the most fertile and productive agricultural districts of northeastern Indiana, the improvements consisting of a fine brick residence of modern design, a large, well constructed bank barn, good outbuildings of all kinds, the fields enclosed with high-grade wire fences, the Metz home attracts the attention of every passer and impresses the beholder as a model rural estate. Mr. Metz was a man of enterprise, systematic in all of his undertakings, prudent in the conduct of his . business and at the time of his death was one of the financially substantial men of Whitley county. Possessing unimpeachable integrity, his reputation was unsullied by the commission of a single unworthy act, while his character as an upright man won him the esteem of all with whom he came in contact and gained him a name that was long synonymous with integrity and fair dealing. In early life Mr. Metz united with the German Baptist church and from that time until his death his daily walk and conversation where consistent with his profession as a sincere follower of Christ. A number of years ago he became a minister and wielded a salutary influence, not only among the members of his own religious sect but among the people wherever he publicly proclaimed the gospel. Mr. Metz was a Republican but took no active part in political campaigns. After a long and useful life, he passed away April 26, 1901. his death being widely and deeply lamented as the loss of a kind and accommodating neighbor, a sincere and devoted friend and a worthy citizen in the best sense of that term. Mr. Metz first married Christina Shively, a native of Wells county, Indiana, who died in 1863. His second matrimonial alliance was with Nancy Wagoner, of Huntington county, by whom he had four children : Maggie, Cora, Irvin and Stella. After the mother's death some years later, Mr. Metz was married in 1881 to Miss Fanny, daughter of Lewis and Man' (Shoemaker) Rhumsyre, by whom he had two children : Omer R., bookkeeper for a large business house in Philadelphia; and Arthur R., who is studying chemistry in the Indiana State , University but manages the farm for his mother. The parents of Mrs. Metz had six children: Katie. Mary, David, Fanny. Lewis and Adam.

Tohn Kreider

Early in the ninteenth century David and Barbara Kreider migrated from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio, where the former ended his days after a residence of some years. His son Jacob, who was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1809, located in Darke county, Ohio, in 1833 and after a residence there of twenty-two years removed to Whitley county, Indiana. He bought land in Cleveland township, which in due time was cleared and developed into a good farm, and continued to live on the same until 1865, when he went to Huntington county, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1895, while on a visit to his daughter. He was a true type of the rugged pioneer, took a prominent part in local affairs and is remembered as a man of high moral character, having long been a zealous member of the German Baptist church. He married Elizabeth Brenner, a native of Ohio, who died in 1856, the year following the settlement in Whitley county. They had nine children : Barbara G., George. Sarah A., Joseph, Eliza, David, Paul, John and Elizabeth, all but Paul surviving and well settled in life.

Whitley county. Since then his life and work have been intimately connected with the material development of the community in which he has resided continuously for over fifty-one years. His schooling was that of the pioneer boy and while still a youth he was able to keep pace with full grown men in the work of clearing and cultivating the soil. He attended school in a little log building near the parental home and by diligent application obtained a fair education. Several years before attaining his majority, he began working for himself as a hired hand at monthly wages and by carefully husbanding his earnings soon had a neat sum for future emergencies. For some time he lived with Abrafn Gable, one of the county's pioneers, and worked for him and others until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and fifty-second Regiment Indiana Infantry with which he served in the Armv of the Potomac until honorably discharged in September, 1865. He participated in the battles of Harper's Fern-. Charlestown. Winchester and others, in all of which his conduct was that of a brave and fearless soldier who shirked no duty, however arduous or dangerous. At the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Kreider returned home and resumed his farm labors, which have placed him in easy circumstances.

March 17, 1867. he married Miss Huldah, daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Wysong) Wantz, natives respectively of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and Braddock county, Virginia. Frederick- Wantz was born September to,. 1806, came to Whitley county in 1844 and entered land in Cleveland township, of which he was one of the first settlers. The place on which he located and improved and on which he and his wife spent the remainder of their days, is now in of Mr. Kreider, who holds the patent from the government bearing the signature of President Van Buren. Mr. Wantz died in 1880 and his wife in 1884, the latter being born on June 16, 1803. Mr. and Mrs. Kreider have had eight children : Sarah E. ; Fred, who married Amadda Layton and is engaged in farming in Cleveland township; Joseph J., who married Alma Huffman and resides in Washington township ; Minnie, wife of Clyde Martz, who op- -erates a part of the family homestead ; John L.. who married Effie Jenkins and is also interested in the cultivation of the home place; Eliza C. Izah and Loyd, still under the parental roof. Mr. Kreider owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land, of which one hundred and twenty are in cultivation, forty consisting of timber in its original state, not a tree of any size having been ait. Mr. Kreider devotes his attention to general farming and stock raising, in which his success has been gratifying. He has a commodious and comfortable residence, supplied with many modern conveniences, and the barn, fences and general appearance of the place indicate the presence of a practical and painstaking farmer. He co-operates with the Democratic party, but has never sought nor desired office, contenting himself with being an active worker in the ranks. He holds membership in Lodge No. 131, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Springfield Post, No. 195, Grand Army of the Republic, at South Whitley, and with his wife belongs to the United Brethren church.

Fred Harshbarger

As a successful farmer and stock raiser, of Cleveland township and an honorable representative of one of the county's oldest families, the gentleman whose name appears above is entitled to mention in any history of Whitley county. Fred Harshbarger was born in Whitley county, December 15, 1873, being the second child and the only son of Isaac M. and Amanda (Pence) Harshbarber, appropriate mention of whom will also be found in this work. Reared on the paternal homestead, he became at maturity his father's assistant and thus acquired the knowledge of practical farming that laid the foundations of his future success. The neighborhood schools afforded him good opportunities for education and, combined with his subsequent reading, have made him unusually well informed on those questions of most interest to men in his line of business. When old enough to begin life for himself Mr. Harshbarger engaged in farming and to this he has since devoted his thought and energy, with the result that he is now in comfortable circumstances, owning- a small but well improved farm adjoining the corporate limits of South Whitley. Mr. Harshbarger has achieved reputation as a breeder and raiser of stock, which he carries on in connection with his general farming interests, and from this source derives no inconsiderable portion of his income. He makes a specialty of improved shorthorn cattle, which are valuable as revenue producers, and his other domestic animals are of good grades in their respective breeds. He is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant for office, pre-

In 1898 Mr. Harshbarger married Miss Edith, daughter of J. P. and Amanda D. (Reefer) Anderson, the father a native of Wabash county, Indiana, and representative of one of the pioneer families of the northern part of the state. For a number of years he was in the railway sendee as ticket agent at Liberty Mills, in connection with which he conducted a flourishing business buying" and shipping grain at the same point. At one time he held a position in the postal sendee in Ransas City, Missouri. He also taught school at different places and for several years was engaged in the mercantile trade in Columbia City, besides being variously employed elsewhere throughout the country. Mr. and Mrs. Harshbarger have two children, Jean and Winifred. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at South Whitley.

William S. Nicrey

Among the emigrants from Germany to the United States in 1769, were three brothers named Nickey, one of whom died on the ocean and another became a soldier in the Revolution, participating in the battle of Long Island. After the war he settled in Virginia and reared a family, one of whom was Samuel. He enlisted for service in the war of [812 and died February 17, 1832. He married Anna Balsley, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had eleven children: John, Mary Ann, Samuel, David. Christian, Jacob. Julia Ann. Rose Ann. Catherine, Rebecca and Henry.

The widow Nickey removed soon after her husband's death with her children to Ross county, Ohio, where she remained six years and in 1838 came to Whitley county, settling in Smith township, with which her descendants have ever since been closely identified. This devoted mother made her home with her son David until her death in 1861. Jacob Nickey, her sixth child, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1814. In 1834 he married Elizabeth Briggs, a native of Ross county, Ohio, who died in 1844 after becoming the mother of six children : Elizabeth, the eldest, is the wife of Alexander Moore, of Union township; Rose, wife of George Perry, lives in Noble county ; Ruhamah married J. O. Long, of Smith township, but both are now dead; Sarah is the wife of William Krider, of Smith township; Clarissa, wife of Lewis Metsker, also in Smith township. Allen S. lives in Tipton county. In January, 1849, Jacob Nickey married Catherine (Crabill) Frederick, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia. October 29, 1821, and is now living with W. S. in the enjoyment of excellent health at the age of eighty-five. Her father. William C. Crabill, removed to Whitley county and settled on a farm in Smith township. Jacob Nickey developed a farm in Smith township which he operated until his death in 1892. and built on it the first frame house in Whitley county. He was a practical business man and was chosen trustee of Smith township and commissioner of the county several terms.

By the second marriage there were four children: William S., Mary N. (deceased) wife of Nathaniel Metsker; Austin, deceased; and Jacob W.. now of Buffalo, New York.

William S. Nickey was born on the paternal farm November 3, 1849. He has spent his whole life in the same locality and until recently has lived on the old homesteadthree miles southwest of Churubusco. He is a Democrat and has long been an important factor in the public life of his county. In 1.888 he was elected county commissioner, was re-elected and devoted careful attention to the affairs of the public, proving himself a most conscientious and capable official. The old home farm, consisting of two hundred acres, is well improved with first-class buildings and its cultivation has yielded a satisfactory income. Stock breeding, growing and feeding has been a leading feature. He has ever been much interested in church and Sunday school work, frequently giving oversight to religious and charitable affairs and for seven years continuously was superintendent of the Sunday school at Churubusco.

October 17, 1878, Air. Nickey married Jennie, daughter of John J. and Rachel (Daugherty) Mossman, natives of Ohio, who passed the greater part of their lives on a farm in Wabash county. Mrs. Nickey was born December 5, 1849, and died February 20, 1892. She was the mother of seven children : Inez R., Lan H., Lee F.. Rheua, Lena Z., Ella M., and Orpha, who died in infancy. All the living children remain at home. Inez being a teacher. The family are members of the United Brethren church, at Churubusco, and are among the most highly respected citizens of the county. Mr. Nickey has recently purchased and remodeled a neat residence on Main street, Columbia City, retiring from the personal demands of the farm.

Perry M. Williamson

Joshua Williamson left Virginia in an early day, and after spending several years in Ohio moved in October. 1843, to Whitley county, settling on what is locally known as the Grimes farm in Cleveland township, where his death occurred in 1858, at the age of seventy-two. By his two marriages he had eleven children, five of whom were by his union with Elizabeth Thorp: Malissa J., Perry M., Beniah, Joseph L. and Henry H., all living except the oldest.

Perry M. Williamson was born in Preble county, Ohio, April 10, 1837, and hence was about six years of age when brought to Indiana by his parents. During his youth he attended such schools as were then common to this part of the country and still retains many fond recollections of the primitive log building, with its rough floor, backless benches and large-mouthed fireplace, in which he was first initiated into the mysteries of learning. By far the greater part of his time, however, was devoted to the steady routine of labor on the home place and later he came into possession of land of his own, which by dint of hard work he cleared and otherwise improved, making of it one of the best and most valuable farms in Cleveland township. Mr. Williamson's place now consists of one hundred and fortyfour acres, the greater part under a high state of cultivation, and in improvements, including buildings, fencing, orchards and drainage, compares favorably with any other farm of the township, the entire premises giving evidence of care and impressing the beholder as the home of a substantial, well- to-do agriculturist. Like the majority of the progressive farmers of his locality, he devotes considerable attention to fine live stock, in the breeding and raising of which he enjoys more than mere local repute and from the sale of which he realizes every year a goodly portion of the income which has placed him in comfortable circumstances.

In 1862 Mr. Williamson married Rose Ann Pence, of Whitley county, and they have four children: W. W. (see sketch in Columbia City biographies) ; Amanda W., wife of L. L. Lee; Ada B. and Ora E., deceased. Mr. Williamson is regarded as a leader among the Republicans of his township, being a stanch and unswerving supporter of his party and loyal to its principles. For a number of years he has held membership in the United Brethren church, with the teachings of which his daily walk and conversation have always conformed, and his w.ife belongs to the same Christian denomination.

Henry H. Williamson

Sixtv-three years have dissolved in the mists of the past since the above named was brought to Whitley county, during the greater part of which period he has been an honored resident of Cleveland township and very closeh' identified with the growth and development of its resources. He recalls the time when the country was a wilderness, infested with wild animals, many of which fell before bis rifle and he has not only been an eve witness of the many remarkable changes that have taken place since that period but has contributed his share toward making them possible. Henry H. Williamson was borne in Darke county, Ohio, March 3, 1843, the son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Thorp) Williamson. He was brought to Whitley county in his childhood and being reared amid its stirring scenes of pioneer times he early became accustomed to hard work and on the farm received the training" and discipline that prepared him for the duties of subsequent life. He was reared to agriculture and has always followed that calling, owning at the present time two hundred and eight acres of valuable land in Cleveland township, which he has converted into a fine farm, one hundred and fifty acres being tillable, the rest largely timber and pasturage. All of the improvements on this place are the results of Mr. Williamson's own efforts and to nobody but himself is he indebted for the handsome competency which he today commands. Mr. Williamson devotes considerable attention to the breeding and raising of fine live stock, making specialties of Durham cattle, Chester White and Duroc-Jersey swine. He also manufactures every spring large quantities of maple syrup, his sugar orchard being one of the finest and most productive in this part of the county.

In 1862 Mr. Williamson was married to Miss Mellezene, daughter of Fred, and Catherine (Wysong) Wantz, natives of Preble county, Ohio, and early settlers of Whitley county, their arrival here antedating the year T845. Mr. and Mrs. Wantz had eight children: Mary A.. Elizabeth, Sarah, Catherine. Jackson, Daniel. Mellezene and Huldali. the majority of whom grew to maturity and acted well their parts in the world. Mr. and

Mrs. Williamson have had seven children : Noah F., deceased ; John B., a farmer of -Cleveland township; Weldon, deceased; Oscar, a farmer and oil operator of Wells county ; Delmar, a farmer of Kosciusko county; Gideon, a resident of Washington township ; and Rollie. a farmer of Cleveland township.

Mr. Williamson stands well among his neighbors and commands the confidence of the public. He is intelligent and enterprising and with faith in the future of Whitley county has done all within his power to advance its development. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 222, Knights of Pythias, and politically gives his support to the Democratic party. He is a firm believer in the Bible and as a member of the United Brethren church has made his influence a potent factor for good in the community. Mrs. Williamson belongs to the same church and is deeply interested in its various charities and benevolences.

John Rose Anderson

We have here the oldest living settler of Whitley county, the patriarchal pioneer of Richland township. He has lived on the same farm over sixty-eight years, has paid taxes regularly from the organization in 1838 and took part in the first election held in the county, which was attended by only seven voters. This venerable man was bom in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 7, 1 816, his parents being Samuel Wellington and Rebecca (Rose) Anderson. The former was born in Count v Down, Ireland, in

1774 and his wife in Essex county, New Jersey, in 1776. They were married in New Jersey, removed to Ohio early in the nineteenth century and farmed there until their respective deaths in 1825 and 1830. Their four children were John Rose, Joseph and Elizabeth, deceased, and Samuel W., a resident of Kansas. John Rose, after the death of his parents, made a meager living by working out. Having been reared by John Mossman, he bought six days of his time for three dollars and thus started out on a conquest of the world before reaching maturity. It was September, 1837, when this homeless boy wandered into the confines, of Whitley county and a few months later found him proprietor of one hundred and sixty acres of wild land bought from the government. The exact date of his settlement was November 14, 1837, and from that da)' to this he has been a continuous occupant of this land, though one who sees it now would find little to recall the rugged conditions of long ago. Mr. Anderson is over ninety years old and at the meeting of the old settlers' association in 1905 he was presented with a gold-headed cane as a token of regard and recognition of his claim to being the oldest living settler of Whitley county. He is a member of the Methodist church, a Republican in politics and has in years past served as township trustee, school director, constable and supervisor. He has arranged that his old family Bible and the gold-headed cane presented him shall descend as heirlooms to the oldest male representative of each succeeding generation. Mr. Anderson has always been a pronounced temperance advocate and one of his amusements for vears has been the collection of stamps, of which he has quite a variety. He accumulated a competency during his many laborious years and still owns one hundred and forty acres of good land, though he has given most of his holdings to his children from time to time.

October 21, 1839, Mr. Anderson married Lucinda, daughter of David and Betsy (Burts) Witt, old settlers of Muskingum county, Ohio. Lucinda (Witt) Anderson was bom in the above mentioned locality June 14, 1823, and died in 1878 after having become the mother of ten children. Joseph, the eldest of these, died in 1905 from the effects of wounds received in the war. He married Amanda Keifer and had four children, Frank E., Edith, Ethel and Joseph. Wellington, the second son of Mr. Anderson, died in infancy. Jonathan W., now deceased, married Marie Hamintree and left four children, Clyde, Charles, Myrtle and Algie. Milliard F., the fourth son, who is an oil-cloth manufacturer, married Jennie Morrison and has three children, Frederick, Georgia and Mabel. William, the fifth son, a resident of Richland township, married Rose Hamintree and has five children, Merle, Archie, Keith, Floyd and Adolph, besides one lost in infancy. Elizabeth Jane, eldest daughter of Mr. Anderson with whom he makes his home, first married David Smith, by whom she had four children, John, Leroy Clifton, Cora and Neal. The father dying March 5, 1896, the widow married William Smith, brother of her first husband. Frank, the sixth son, a resident of Richland township, married Martha Noris and had two children, Ralph and Ruth, both now dead. The eighth and ninth children of Mr. Anderson were twins, May and Cassius, who died in childhood. May Sofia, the youngest child, also passed away before maturity. Mr. Anderson has four great-grandchildren, two of them being Georgia and Winifred, grandchildren of his eldest son, Joseph. Helen Steel is a granddaughter of Jonathan Anderson and Beatrice Smith is the granddaughter of Elizabeth (Anderson) Smith.

Wallace W. Williamson

The founder of the local family of this name was a Virginian, who moved first to Ohio, and then, after a few years' residence, came about 1842 to Whitley county, locating in Cleveland township, where he spent the remainder of his life as an industrious and enterprising tiller of the soil. He purchased eig'hty acres of wild land, on which he erected a log cabin of the conventional type and with the assistance of his sons cleared and improved a good farm, where he lived and prospered until his death in i860, his widow departing this life three years later.

Perry M. Williamson, one of his sons, was born in Preble county, Ohio, helped to clear the Whitley county farm and after his father's death took charge of the homestead, which he has since cultivated and still owns and occupies. He was married in 1861 to Miss Rose Ann Pence, a native of Champaign county, Ohio, who bore him four children: Wallace W., Amanda, wife of L. L. Lee. a farmer of Cleveland township residing on the home place ; Ada Bell and Ella, deceased.

'Cleveland township, July 22, 1S63, and attended school in the same district where his father had received his early instruction. After completing the usual branches he became a student of the Ohio Normal College at Ada, where he prosecuted his studies for a period of four years and from which he was graduated with a creditable record in 1889. While attending college he devoted his vacations to teaching in order to defray his expenses, and after finishing the course continued educational work in the district, villageandtownschoolsof his native county, spending in all about five years as an instructor. In 1889, Mr. Williamson purchased the Weekly Tribune at Rochester, Indiana, and for one year thereafter published the same, during which time he earned honorable repute as an able editor and clear, concise, forceful writer. January 1, 1891, "he bought the Columbia City Times, changing the name to The Mail, and fourteen years later became owner of the Columbia City Commercial, which he merged with the former paper under the name of the Commercial Mail, since issued as a daily and weekly and now one of the best edited and most influential papers in the northeastern part of the state. With the exception of two years. Mr. Williamson has been actively identified with journalism in Columbia City since 1891 and during that time has become widely and favorably known throughout Whitley and other counties as one of the ablest newspaper men in northeastern Indiana. The Commercial Mail has constantly grown in public favor, not only as the official organ of the Republican party in Whitley county, but as a clear, dignified and interesting family paper, its columns containing all the latest news in a very readable form, besides a thorough discussion of the leading public questions and political issues of the day, in the consideration of which the editor is fearless yet courteous and writes so as to be understood easily. The office is well equipped for all kinds of first-class work in the printing line and under the present able management the enterprise has proven successful financially, the circulation of both daily and weekly being large, while the advertising patronage is and always has been quite liberal. Mr. Williamson is one of the Republican standard bearers in Whitley county, but conducts his paper in such a way as to win the esteem of his political opponents. He has rendered valuable service to his party, in recognition of which he was appointed, December 1, 1897, as postmaster of Columbia City, the duties of which position he discharged with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public for a period of eight years, retiring from the office with the good will of his fellow citizens in 1905. June 2, 1900. Mr. Williamson was married in Springfield, Illinois, to Miss Laura D. Kinsley, a native of Columbia City, an alumnus of the high school and a young lady of varied culture, who has long been a popular favorite in the social circles in which she moves. She belongs to one of the old and prominent families of this part of Indiana, her grandfather. Hon. Richard Kinsley, having been one of the first probate judges of Whitley county, while her father. William H. Kinsley, served four years in the revenue department of the government under President Harrison and until two years ago was associated in the lumber business at Denver, Rochester and Chili with S. f. Peabodv.

Mr. Williamson is identified with the Masonic fraternity and stands high among the brethren of the mystic tie. In additional to his editorial experience in Indiana he spent about two years in newspaper work at Memphis. Tennessee, St. Louis, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado, during which time he came in close touch with the leading papers of those cities and made many warm friends among his associates. Mr. Williamson is an active and uncompromising Republican, firmly believing the principles and policies advocated in the platforms of the party to be conducive to the best interests of the government and the welfare of the people. He is public spirited and progressive, deeply interested in the prosperity of his city and county and in all that contributes to their educational, moral and material advancement. His business enterprises have been crowned with a large measure of success and he occupies a conspicuous place in the esteem and regard of a large circle of friends and of the public in general.

Walling Miller

We have here a sample of the genuine pioneer, one that recalls the trying but interesting times of the long ago. If you are visiting this hospitable home. Mrs. Miller will show you an old-fashioned spinningwheel, which she has preserved from her girlhood and cherishes as a souvenir of the days that tried men's souls, as well as their pocket-books. Mr. Miller will show you some small coins brought from the east, which he has preserved as talismans for over half a century, resisting every temptation to let them go when hard-up because, as he says, he did not want it said that he was ever entirely out of money. The lesson taught by this worthy couple is valuable, as it shows how much may be done in this world of struggle and hardship provided we never lose hope, live moral lives and are not afraid of work. The emigrant ancestor of this family on the paternal side was Benjamin Miller, who came from Holland during the later years of the eighteenth century and located in New Jersey. His son Samuel, who was born in the last mentioned state, migrated to Stark county, Ohio, as early as 1812, bought government land and lived by farming during the remainder of his career. He married Polly Bauman, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where her father Jacob was one of the early settlers. There were three children of this union, Mary Ann, Hannah and Walling, the latter being the only survivor.

Walling Miller was born in Stark county, Ohio, February 8. 1828, but when eleven months old was deprived of what means much to a child by the death of his mother. His father married again and he remained at home until fifteen years old, when he entered the household of an uncle and spent six years under his roof. Meantime he had learned the wagon-maker's trade, but not liking the business did not follow it in after life. In 1851. with all the strength and hope of young manhood, he decided to cast his fortunes with the growing state of Indiana and, after making the trip by canal boat, arrived in the wild woods which constituted the principal scenery of the section. For one hundred and twenty dollars he was able to buy forty acres of unimproved land, but after working this for three years he sold his little place and removed to Iowa. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land, in the cultivation of which he spent the next four years, but becoming dissatisfied he disposed of his holdings and after a short interval returned to Indiana. Mr. Miller likes to tell that when lie reached Huntington on his return trip he had only one hundred and eighteen dollars and all but eighteen of this was used as first payment on the first forty acres of land bought in Washington township. Whitley county. This was in 1862 and at that time there were only two log houses in the township. After working many weary days to improve his wild land Mr. Miller sold it in 1884 and bought the eighty acres on which he has since resided. At present he owns two hundred acres in different pieces, a very creditable showing when we think of the eighteen dollars which was all he had to begin building and housekeeping with, some forty-four years ago.

In 185 1 Mr. Miller married Harriet Guest, a native of Carroll county, Ohio, but reared near Canton in that state. She was the daughter of Jesse and Marg'aret (Richard) Guest, the former born in Xew Jersey in 1808 and the latter in Pennsvlvania in 18 10. Mrs. Miller's father died when she was nine venrs old. Her parents had six children : Charlotte, Harriet, Emaline. Caroline. Angeline and Elizabeth C. All of these have long since passed away, except Angeline and Mrs. Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had twelve children: Trabulia Margaret died when three months old and her grave was the first in the Baptist cemetery, then a mere woods; Uiantha, deceased; Bervilas, of Washington township ; Samantha, deceased : Arvilas, a resident of Missouri ; Dema, wife of Philip Churchell, of South Whitley ; Albert, a resident of Thorncreek township; Wilbert Wallen, of Columbia City; Ida, wife of Lewis Trumbull, of Troy township; Ada, deceased; Emmet Alfred, of Thorncreek township ; David Milton, deceased. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Dunkard church ; her husband, though not a church member, is a man of , high morals and exemplary conduct, having never used tobacco or liquor or given away to anv of the ordinary vices of men.

Chester Lotspiech Cone

The family of this name traces its genealogy to the time when John Winthrop was governor of Connecticut colony. Daniel Cone, the original ancestor, obtained with others an allotment of land by treaty with the Indians, lying near Haddam, in Hartford county. His descendants lived there for four generations but in 1770 an emigration was made to Middlesex county, where the second Daniel of the family lived until 1808. He was born at Haddam, March 28, 1768, and had numerous children, most of whom were born in Middletown Connecticut. In 1808, the family moved to Lewis county. New York, then to Susquehanna county. Pennsylvania, in 1813, and finally to Union county. Ohio, in 181 7. Daniel Cone lived here until 1838. when he removed to Whitlev county where he died December 11, 1847. His wife, whose maiden name was Ruth Rich, also died in this county. May 26, 1848. Edwin Cone, one of their sons, was born at Middletown, Middlesex county, Connecticut, April 30, 1805, and came to Whitley county about the time of the completion of his twenty-first year. He settled in Richland township and taught several terms of school in this and Kosciusko county. He was also a licensed minister of the Methodist church and officiated in this capacity at most of the weddings and funerals of the neighborhood. He was present at the organization meeting of the township. October 15, 1837, and gave it the name of Richland. He was elected first justice of the peace at a special election a few days later and about seven years afterward served another term in this office. He was one of the school examiners when the board consisted of three members and was once a candidate for county commissioner but was defeated. He was a Henry Clay Whig of pronounced type, opposed to slavery and foreign immigration and otherwise national in his views. He died February 12. 1854. and now rests in the Lakeview cemetery at Larwill. May 14. 1832, he was married at Sharonville, Ohio, to Salima Wilson, who was born at the town which witnessed her nuptials November 7. t8o8. She, too, rests in the Lakeview cemetery at Larwill, having died April 21, [870. Her parents were natives of Virginia but migrated to Kentucky and thence to Ohio ab' ml the beginning of the last century. Her father. Thomas Wilson, was a Methodist preacher and a hunter and adventurer, niie of his achievements being the shunting of a panther. Once he made a trip tn New Orleans on a flatboat ladened with corn and after selling his produce walked all the way back. He had a son named Daniel, who inherited his venturesome spirit and wandered through the west to Oregon as far back as 1846. He became an Indian fighter and later one of the goldseekers in California, where he spent the year 1849 with considerable financial success and eventually died at Portland, Oregon. Nearly all the male descendants of Thomas Wilson served as soldiers of the Union army during the Civil war. Edwin and Salima ( Wilson ) Cone had seven children, two of whom died in infancy but the others reached maturity. Margaret, the eldest of these, was born July 1, 1834. and married Orin C. Adams ; Orella. the first white child native of Richland township, was born January 30. 1837, and became the wife of Frank Inlow. All these are now dead, having passed away a number of years ago. Appleton W.. the oldest son. was born March 14, 1839, enlisted in the army several times during the Civil war, but married later and is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio. Gilbert J. was born March 24, 1849, and is now a resident of Kansas City, Missouri.

Chester Lotspiech Cone, second youngest of the family, was born in Richland township, Whitley county, Indiana. August 12. 1846. His boyhood was spent on the farm, assisting during the summer and attending school a few months each winter. He was of a mathematical turn of mind and while despising grammar, showed a natural taste for arithmetic which he "went through," as it was called, when thirteen years old. In 1862, he became an apprentice i" the stonemason's trade, working for three dollars a month and board. His first job was building a wall for the "Tadpole schoolhouse" in 1864, Judge Adair working as a carpenter at the same time. For many years he worked in this Jine, off and on building hundreds of flues. He was the contractor in the building of the Boonville schoolhouse, a brick structure put up in 1882. After reaching his majority, Mr. Cone attended the Spring-field academy at South Whitley for two terms and in December, 1868, began teaching school. During the next nine years he' taught winter terms of from two to four months each, and did masonry work during the summers. He was a regular attendant at the institutes. paid close attention to his work and always stood well in the profession.

February 12, 1874, Air. Cone married Miranda Bayman, who was born January 19, 1849, in Wells county, Indiana. Her parents, James and Hannah (Hole) Bayman, came to Whitley county in 1853 and settled in section 18. of Richland township'. The father died there in January. 1897, and his wife in January, 1889. After marrying Mr. Cone bought a small piece of land in section 19, where he lived until 1886, after which he rented additional land and farmed on a large scale. At present he lives on forty acres of land in section 18 which he has owned since 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Cone have had six children : Alice Maud, born November 26. 1874; Dora A., born October 6, 1876; Lily F., born August 24, 1878, died "November 13, 1878; Fanny F., born February 24, 1880; Fred L., born May 30, 1882, and Grace L., born March 23, 1885. All remain at home, but each bas a trade or profession and is self-supporting. Mr. 'Cone is a Republican and was elected justice of the peace in 1876, serving four years. The family are members of the Christian church and most of them in the choir. Mr. Cone having held all the church offices and now being clerk. He is a man of unusual intelligence and possesses much curious information that makes him an instructive companion.

Benjamin H. Domer

The Domer family came to this state from Ohio many years ago and settled in Noble county, where George and Lydia (Hoover) Domer spent the remainder of their lives as honest and enterprising tillers of the soil. The father was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1809, the mother being a native of Stark county, and their influence for good is still felt in the community which they helped to establish. Georgia and Lydia Domer reared a family of seven children, Man-, Julia, Malissa. John, William. Benjamin H. and Simon P., the majority of whom grew to mature years and became respected members of society in their different places of residence.

Benjamin H. Domer was born March 18, 1858, in Noble county, Indiana, and spent his childhood and youth on his father's farm, his early life being marked by no event of especial note. He attended district school during his minority, later received a normal training and for several years taught in the public schools, earning the reputation of a successful and painstaking instructor. Mr. Domer became a resident of Whitley county in 1878. since which time he lias been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Cleveland township, owning a valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres, of which one hundred and ten are under cultivation and otherwise improved. In connection with general agriculture he raises considerable live stock and is also extensively interested in the manufacture of maple syrup, having a fine sugar orchard containing- five hundred well developed trees, which add very materially to his yearly earnings. Mr. Domer owns a beautiful and comfortable home, has accumulated a liberal share of this world's goods and his qualities as an obliging neighbor and enterprising citizen have won for him a conspicuous place in public esteem. His relations with his fellowmen have always been characterized by a high sense of honor in every walk of life. The rectitude of his intentions have been above criticism and to the extent of his ability he has encouraged and assisted all measures and movements having for their object the material development of the community and the moral welfare of the people.

In 1880 Mr. Domer was united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of Christian and Catherine (Abbott) Myers, the father being among the first settlers of Whitley county, locating in Cleveland township as early as 1834. when the country was an unbroken wilderness. He was a well-to-do farmer, a respected citizen and with his good wife wielded a wholesome moral influence ami mg their friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Domer have two children: Merle S., bookkeeper and stockholder in the Farmers' State Bank of South Whitley; and George, assisting in the management of the farm. Mr. Domer is a Republican, a member of the

Odd Fellows fraternity and with his wife belongs to the Christian church. His life has been successful, having made all he possessed by persevering labor and judicious management, and his career forcibly illustrates what can be accomplished by a young man of intelligence and sound judgment, whose course of conduct has been directed and controlled by principles of rectitude.

David Schannep

The above named is one of the oldest residents of Cleveland township, and his standing is second to none. He was born in- Greene county, Ohio, March 13, 1828, being the second in a family of five children whose parents, Joseph and Susannah (Frost) Schannep, moved to Ohio from Pennsylvania. In 1846 the elder Schannep came to Whitley county and settled in Cleveland township, where he became a successful farmer and large owner of real estate, his holdings at one time amounting to five hundred acres of fine land, much of which was cleared and improved under his direction. He was a man of mark in the community, a leading Democrat of his township and an influential member of the Lutheran church. He was accidentally killed in 1848 by the falling of a tree, his death being deeply lamented by all who knew him. Joseph and Susannah Schannep had five children : Mary. David, Rosanna. Susannah and Isaac, all but the oldest living. David Schannep grew to manhood in his native state, received his early training on a farm and in 1846 changed his residence to Whitlev county, Indiana.

settling in Cleveland township, with the subsequent growth and development of which his life has been closely associated. He experienced many of the vicissitudes and hardships of pioneer life, worked early and late cutting timber and clearing land and bore his full share in bringing about results. He has always been a tiller of the soil and at this time owns a fine farm in Cleveland township which is well improved, containing comfortable and commodious buildings and bearing all the other evidences which characterize the homes of enterprising agriculturists of the times.

In 185 1, Mr. Schannep was married to Man', daughter of George and Sarah (Williams) Moore, natives of South Carolina, who came to this county in the early 'forties and located in Cleveland township, where the father purchased land and cleared a farm. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schannep : Edgar, a farmer of Cleveland township ; Joseph, a resident of Hoagland : Elwood, who died in childhood ; Ida, deceased ; Eva, wife of Arthur Knoop, who assists in running the home place : and Nettie, wife of Arthur Hayden. a business man of Kosciusko county, whose death occurred a few years ago.

At one time Mr. Schannep owned two hundred and sixteen acres of valuable land in Whitley county, but he has since divided the greater part among his children, retaining only the familv homestead, consisting of eighty acres. He now lives a quiet, peaceable life, consecrated to his family and to his fellowmen. His wife died January 6, 1892. but he lives in hopes of a future reunion where tears shall be wiped away and farewells known no more. Mr. Schannep has long been a faithful member of the Church of God, his Christian character being without spot or blemish. He is a Republican in politics and has filled various local offices, but has never entertained an ambition for public place.

Lewis Huffman

Lewis Huffman, farmer and stock raiser of Cleveland township, is a native of Ohio, born in Stark county September 6, 1846. His parents were Michael and Mary Huffman, both natives of Ohio, and the former a farmer by occupation, moved in 1844 to Whitley county and settled in Columbia, subsequently changing to Cleveland -township, in whose development they took a conspicuous part. Their nine children were : Jacob, Katie, Louise, Lewis, Mary, Alvin, Anna, Sophia and Maggie, all dead but the third and fourth.

Lewis Huffman, only surviving son, was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 6, 1846, and was about two years old when his parents came to their new home. He grew up on the farm with proper conceptions of life and its responsibilities and with the determination to make the most of his opportunities. He obtained a fair English education in the common schools, has always been a man o.f observation and is recognized as well informed in all matters pertaining to agriculture. This has been his life work and since beginning for himself his progress has been satisfactory, as he is now one of the enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Cleveland township and well situated to enjov the fruits of his toil. Mr. Huffman'^ farm, which lies alxuit two miles east of South Whitley, is well improved with a nice, comfortable residence,' a commodious barn and other buildings and by judicious care, skillful cultivation and excellent management, he has made it yield abundantly, as the ample competency in his possession attests. In connection with general agriculture he raises superior breeds of cattle, hogs and sheep and from the sale of live stock adds very materially to his annual income. In 1899. Mr. Huffman married Miss Sarah Todd, whose parents moved to this county a number of years ago from Ohio, settling in Cleveland township, where the father died in 1905, at the age of eightyeight years. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have had four children, of whom only Oda, the youngest, is living. She married Harry Beard and has three children, Vernon, Lewis and Eugene. Mr. Beard resides on the Huffman farm, manages the same, and is one of the rising young men of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman's other children were: Dora, deceased; Raughly, who was killed in T897 m ms twenty-first year by a falling tree, while helping his father cut timber; the third child died unnamed. Mr. Huffman's fraternal relations are with Lodge 222, Knights of Pythias, at South Whitley, and in religion he subscribes to the United Brethren creed, of which church his wife is also a member. He stands well with the people of his community, manifests an abiding interest in all worthy enterprises and as a citizen is progressive and public spirited, holding broad and liberal views on the issues of the day and clinging firmly to his convictions of right, as he sees and understands the right.

Harvey Kreider

David, son- of Jacob Kreider, was bi n'n February 24, 1841, in Darke county. Ohio. and in 1855 accompanied his parents to Whitley county, where he became a large landowner and prominent farmer, in addition to which he has for years been a minister of the German Baptist church. At one period his real estate in Cleveland township amounted to three hundred acres of choice land, but he disposed of this from time to time until his holdings now represent but one hundred and four acres, this constituting the home farm on which he at present resides. David Kreider has been a man of wide influence in his community and through the medium of his ministerial calling his usefulness has been extended throughout Whitley and other counties of northern Indiana, being a preacher of considerable note, and held in high repute, not only by his friends and neighbors but by all with whom he is brought into contact. He married Nancy Grist and they had nine children : Cindia. Emma. Jacob, Tobias, John, Noah, Harvey, Estie and Malinda. (For ancestral history see sketch of John Kreider elsewhere in these pages.)

Harvey Kreider, one of the younger sons, was born in Cleveland township, Whitley county, August 23. 1880, received a good education in the public schools and was trained in youth to agricultural pursuits. His early discipline amid the rugged duties of the farm had no little influence in developing a strong well rounded character and he grew to manhood with a proper conception of the responsibilities that rested upon him as a member of societv and an active a«'ent in furthering the various interests of those with whom he was accustomed to associate. Having decided to make agriculture his life work, Mr. Kreider early bent his energies toward making the calling as successful as circumstances would admit and that he has fully met, if not exceeded, his anticipations, is attested by the high standing which he has attained as a farmer and stock raiser and the prestige he enjoys as an enterprising, trustworthy citizen. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and ten acres, all but twenty under cultivation and otherwise well improved, his home being beautiful and attractive as a place of residence and in all the essentials of a first-class estate compares favorably with any other in the township.

In 1903, Mr. Krieder was married to Miss Grace, daughter of Jacob and Clara (Bowman) Snell, who came from Ohio to this part of Indiana in an early day and settled in Cleveland township, where the father's death occurred in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Kreider have had one child, Curtis LeRoy. In politics Mr. Kreider is a Democrat, ir religion he is a consistent member of the German Baptist church, his wife belonging to this communion also.

John Huffman

John Huffman, one of the oldest residents of Cleveland township, as well as one of its leading farmers, is entitled to a place in the history of Whitley county and a few biographical details concerning him will be welcome to many. John Huffman was born in Darke county, Ohio, March 11, 1831,

The father moved his family to Whitley county in 1841. and settled in Cleveland township, where he purchased land, developed a farm and became one of the influential citizens of the community. He and his wife were widely known and greatly respected and the name of Huffman has long been synonymous with all that is enterprising and upright.

John Huffman was a lad of ten years when his parents came to Indiana, since which time his life has been closely identified with the material, social and moral advancement of Whitley county. On his father's farm he early learned lessons of industry and thrift, which had such a marked influence in shaping his subsequent life and character. In such schools as the county afforded, he received a limited education, but his most valuable acquirements were of the practical kind obtained by coming in contact with the world in the stern school of experience. Since beginning business for himself he has always followed agricultural pursuits and now owns a highly improved place of one hundred and twenty acres, of which one hundred and ejght are in cultivation, his buildings of all kinds being well constructed and substantial. He has devoted much time to the improvement of his farm, has beautified his home and made it attractive by a judicious expenditure of his means, being now in the evening of a well spent life, surrounded by many comforts and conveniences, in addition to which he enjoys the confidence and esteem of the large circle of friends. He is a self-made man, as he began the struggle of life with no capital save that with which nature had endowed him, and what he now owns is the result of his unaided industry and excellent management. In March, 1903. Mr. Huffman was married to Mrs. Joseph Shaffer, widow of the late Christian Shaffer and daughter of B. F. Strong, of Union county. In politics he is a Democrat of the old school, and as such keeps well informed on the leading questions of the day, but at no time has he aspired to office or manifested any desire for public preferment. In matters of religion he takes the Bible alone for his rule of faith and practice, for a number of years belonging to the Christian church and his daily conduct having ever been consistent with his profession.

Owen M. Smith

Owen M. Smith was born in Tuscarawas -county, Ohio, November 20, 1864, in the town of Boliver, where his parents, Harrison and Harriet (Steinmetz) Smith were then residing. In early life the father taught school for a number of years and later opened a meat market, which business he conducted some time in the town of Boliver. Harrison and Harriet Smith had six children : Owen M.. John, Franklin, William, Ora and Bertha, all living but Franklin,

Owen M. Smith was reared and educated in his native to >wn and remained with his parents until young manhood when he "began the struggle of life upon his own responsibility, devoting his energies to various of employment until about twenty-two years of age, when he engaged in contracting for railway bridge work, which he followed during the ensuing eleven years, discontinuing the business in 1897. ^n the latter year he came to Indiana and after spending two years in Wabash county, changed his abode to Whitley and purchased the beautiful farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cleveland township, on which he has since lived and prospered, achieving success as an agriculturist and stock raiser and winning prestige as an energetic and public-spirited man.

Mr. Smith stands in the front rank of progressive farmers in Cleveland township, enjoys the esteem of his fellowmen and as a citizen is deservedly popular, ever manifesting a lively interest in measures that make for the material advancement of the community and the social and moral wellbeing of the friends and neighbors with whom he is wont to mingle. His political faith is in accord with the Republican party, of the principles of which he has been an ardent supporter since old enough to cast a ballot, but his inclinations have never led him into the arena of partisan politics, nor to aspire to public office.

In 1897, Mr. Smith was united in wedlock with Miss Hattie, one of the six children of Raymer and Emma (Tribit) Howenstine. the marriage resulting in the birth of three children : Nila, Lola and Charles, the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend the United Brethren church, move in the best social circles of the community and are much esteemed by all with whom they come in contact. Indeed it would be difficult to find a man who stands higher among his neighbors or who takes greater interest in the welfare or prosperity of his township and county than Mr. Smith, who since taking up his residence in this part of the state has show himself an honorable man in every walk of life and who well deserves the implicit confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens.

Nelson Keller

Thomas Keller, who was born in Ohio county, Virginia, August 20. 1S10, when a lad of ten years accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, in which state he lived until about 1854, when he decided to try his fortune in the new and sparsely settled region of northern Indiana. Accordingly, he made his way to Whitley county, where he purchased land, from which in due time he developed a good farm. By his first marriage he had two children, Lewis H. and Ellen ; by his second marriage there were five children : Cornelius, Matilda. Martin S.. Jasper L. and Nelson. Thomas Keller was a quiet, unassuming man and during his residence in Whitley county exerted a wholesome influence among those with whom he was accustomed to mingle. He departed this life February 6. 1887, lamented by all who knew him.

Nelson Keller was born on the family homestead in Cleveland township, November 18, i860, and has spent his entire life within the borders of Whitley county. He was reared to farm labor, attended the district schools and on arriving at manhood turned his attention to the pursuit of agriculture, which he has since carried on with more than ordinarv success, being one of the leading farmers and stockmen of his township. Mr. Keller began life without capital, but gradually surmounted the obstacles that .beset his pathway and in due time became the possessor of a tract of land, which he improved and to which he has added at intervals until he now owns a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres, ninety-five of which are in cultivation. In connection with general farming, which he conducts upon an extensive scale, he is largely interested in live stock, devoting special attention to Duroc Jersey hogs and a fine grade of horses, raising the latter principally for his own use. He also carries on a sucessful dairy business, keeps from ten to twelve cows of the best milking breeds and his patronage has increased to such an extent that he is taxed to the utmost to meet the demands of his numerous customers. On Mr. Keller's farm is perhaps one of the finest sugar orchards in Whitley county, consisting of thirty-six acres, in which are six hundred trees, to the care of which he devotes no little time and attention. His camp is equipped with the latest modern improvements for the manufacture of a high grade of sugar and molasses, for all of which the demand is much greater than he can supply, the superior quality of the product winning much more than local repute among the dealers. Mr. Keller possesses good business ability, as the success which he has achieved abundantly testifies. He has a fine home, on which his means have been judiciously expended, a model farm which compares with the best in Whitley county and his future is in everv respect bright and promising.

ried Miss Josie, daughter of Martin and Barbara (Loudenbeck) Pence, the union being blessed with three children, Hugh. Clod and Glenn, in addition to whom is Clara White, an orphan girl adopted at an early age, who is treated with the same kindness and consideration as their own offspring.

Thomas Sheckler

Thomas Sheckler, one of the oldest and best known pioneer fanners of Thorncreek township, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, January 2j, 1827, and is the son of John and Rachel (Pettit) Sheckler. John Sheckler was a native of Pennsylvania and removed to Crawford county about 1812 at a time when there were many Indians there. He was reared to the life of a farmer, which pursuit he followed during his entire lifetime. In early life he spent a part of his time in the coal mines and thus saved enough money to buy his first tract of wild land. The mother died about 1833, when Thomas was but seven years old and the father survived until about [856, his death occurring in Crawford county, Ohio. They had eight children: Elizabeth. Catherine, David, Thomas. John P., Christina. James and < t© n'ge.

When Thomas was a boy opportunities were not as now, for the education of youth and he received a very meager schooling. The house he attended was a very crude affair, with puncheon floor and home-made seats or benches. He assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-two years ot age, when he was employed as a farm hand elsewhere. He also devoted some time and attention to the carpenter's trade and about 1854 came to his present farm, which he had purchased some two years previous for six dollars an acre. At that time this land was a dense forest, but Mr. Sheckler at once set to work and almost entirely by his own efforts soon made of it one of the most attractive and highly cultivated farms of the locality. He is now the owner of three hundred acres of as fine land as can be found in Whitley county and the general appearance and neatness of the place indicates the owner to be a man of excellent taste and sound judgment. In the early days he aided largely in rolling logs and making clearings, that the work of improvement and development might be further carried on.

August 8, 1854, he married Charlotte A. Wilder, daughter of Lyman Wilder, and to them have been born the following named children: James B., deceased at forty-one; Mary, who died in infancy: Christina, wife of Nathan Kern, a farmer of Whitley county: George, who died in the fall of 1905. aged forty ; Charles, who married Myrtle Walton and lives on the old homestead : Edward married Alta F. Egolf and operates the old homestead, and has two children, Ruth and Luther; Delbert died in infancy. Mr. Sheckler is a Republican in politics, but is liberal in his views. Both he and his wife are members of Thorncreek Baptist church. located on the corner of his farm, and for which he donated a site. Mr. Sheckler is now living a retired life and enjoys the respect and good will of all who know him.

Lewis H. Keller

Martin Keller, a native of Marshall county, Virginia, and a farmer by occupation, emigrated in 18 16 to Licking county, Ohio, where he achieved local influence, prospered fairly, and died about 1855. He married in Virginia and reared a family, among his children being a son by the name of Thomas, who was born August 10, 1810, and who at the age of six years accompanied the family to Ohio, where he grew to maturity. Matilda Judge, who became the wife of Thomas Keller, was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1816, and departed this life in May, 1843. After remaining in Ohio until 1854, Thomas Keller moved his family to Whitley county, Indiana, and in October of that year settled on what is locally known as the Edwards farm in Cleveland township, where he resided during the ensuing ten years, at the expiration of which he purchased the place where his son Nelson now lives and made it his home the remainder of his days, dying there February 3, 18S7. He was a man of considerable influence in his neighborhood and a leader of the Democratic part)' in his township. He was quite successful in his business affairs, accumulated a comfortable competence and at the time of his death was one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of the community. The children of Thomas and Matilda Keller were : Lewis H. and Margaret E. Thomas was married a second time to Eliza Ann Smith and by this union the children were Harriet M., deceased; Martin ; Jasper ; Nelson, and an infant that died unnamed.

was born June 17, 1838, in Licking county, Ohio, and spent his early life in his native state. When a lad of sixteen he accompanied his father to Indiana and since then his life has been closely identified with the agricultural interests of Whitley county, being at this time one of the leading farmers of Cleveland township, as well as one of the representative citizens of the community in which he resides. Mr. Keller's farm, consisting of one hundred and fifty-nine acres, is improved with good buildings and the tillable land is well drained and under a high state of cultivation. In addition to this he owns thirty-six acres of his father's estate, making a total of nearly two hundred acres of excellent land, all but twenty acres being under cultivation, the remainder consisting of woodland, on which considerable first-class timber is still standing. Mr. Keller has made his own way in the world and the fine farm and comfortable home now in his possession is the result of his individual efforts. His success has been merited and the high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is complimentary to his sterling qualities of manhood and citizenship. In politics he votes with the Democratic party on state and national questions, but in local matters usually supports the man instead of the party.

In 1870 Mr. Keller was united in marriage with Miss Minerva, daughter of John and Sarah Stoner, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, four children resulting from the union: George T., Wiley M., Harley N. and one who died in infancy. Mr. Keller's sons are married, well settled in life and greatly respected in their several places of residence.

William I'lattner was a native of Pennsylvania who moved to Ohio and from there to Whitley county, where in addition to farming he did a thriving business as a carpenter, having been for many years one of the best known and most successful architects and builders in this part of the state. In the days of his prime, he erected nearly all the churches, schoolhouses and other public buildings in Whitley county, to say nothing of the numerous private dwellings and other edifices in both city and country, many of which still stand as monuments to his ingenuity as a mechanic. On one occasion, while constructing a home, he accidentally stumbled and falling from the roof of the structure to the ground was almost instantly killed. He was successful in the accumulation of wealth, being in independent circumstances at the time of his death, and as a citizen was public spirited and enterprising, standing high in the confidence of the large circle of friends with whom he mingled. In politics he was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party; in religion a member of the Lutheran church and he is remembered as a kind and obliging neighbor and friend. He married Elizabeth Snyder, born and reared in Ohio, who became the mother of eight children: Jacob. Sophia, Lavina, Lewis, William, John and Levi, and one that died in infancy.

L. E. Plattner was born in Whitley county. Indiana. January 16, 1857, on the family homestead in Columbia township. He was educated in the country schools, grew to manhood on the farm and after leaving home engaged in agriculture, which

Mr. Plattner's farm in Cleveland township contains one hundred and twenty acres of fertile and productive land which is well drained and in a high state of tillage, and the buildings thereon are modem, substantial and always kept in repair. The other improvements are such as enter into the makeup of a comfortable home, with all the necessities and some of the luxuries of life. This place compares with the best in the township, being tastefully as well as conveniently arranged, so as easily to meet the needs and desires of the occupants.

March 27, 1869, Mr. Plattner married Miss Frances, daughter of John and Henrietta Schrader, by whom he has five children : Otis, a resident of Washington township and one of Whitley county's successful and popular teachers; Vernon and Fermer, who are still members of the home circle: Lee, a student of the Indiana Business College at Fort Wayne ; and Clarence, at home. Mrs. Plattner's parents moved to Whitley county in 1870 from Pennsylvania "and located in Columbia City, where they became well known and much esteemed. Mr. Plattner and wife are respected members of the best social circles of the community in which thev reside and all who come within the sphere of their influence speak in complimentary terms of their many admirable qualities. They are interested in everything that makes for the advancement of their neighborhood along material lines, lend their names to all measures that tend to the moral welfare of their friends and associates and their home life has been beautiful as well as useful.

David Spohnhauer

Samuel and Mary (Koch) Spohnhauer moved from Ohio to Whitley county in the <early 'forties and settled on a farm in Cleveland township where, in addition to tilling" the soil, the father preached for a number of years throughout the country, having been duly ordained to the ministry of the Church -of God in his native state. Samuel and Maiy Spohnhauer had seven children : Mary, Rebecca, Leah, Kate. Lydia, David -and Warren.

David Spohnhauer was born in Cleveland township, Whitley county. Indiana, October 22, 1853, attended the public schools and assisted in the farm work until he reached his majority. When old enough to begin life upon his own responsibility, he decided to become a farmer and by making the most of his opportunities eventually became the possessor of a tract of land, which was soon brought under cultivation and gradually improved. Mr. Spohnhauer's farm now contains one hundred and sixtyfour acres of as fertile land as can be found within the bounds of Whitley county, one hundred and twenty being in cultivation, the rest consisting of timber and pasturage. All the improvements were made by himself, and he can show, as the result of his labor and thrift, an elegant brick residence of modern design, a large and commodious "barn, substantial outbuildings, . fine fences and a thorough system of tile drainage, all these with other improvements going to make up one of the most valuable farms, as well as one of the most beautiful and desirable country homes in this section of the estate.

Mr. Spohnhauer is a supporter of the Democratic party and a member of the Church of God, of which he has long been a faithful and consistent adherent. He discharges the duties of citizenship in the intelligent manner .and liberal spirit characteristic of the more advanced American farmer. In addition to his farming interests, he has dealt quite extensively in lands in Whitley and other counties, not only buying and selling in his own name, but investing considerable capital for other parties. He has accumulated a handsome property in real estate, besides other valuable interests, and stands today among the financially substantial men of the county.

In 1875 Mr. Spohnhauer married Miss Eliza, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Phillips) Shorb, and they have an only child. Niles, who married Miss Klessa Harter, of Whitley county, and assists in the management of the home farm.

Mrs. Spohnhauer's parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but moved to Ohio and from there in 1842 to Whitley county, Indiana, where the mother died in 1894. and the father five years later. Mr. and Mrs. Shorb had ten children : Lavina, Nathaniel, Jessie, Jane, Amanda, Mary, Ella, Thomas, Jackson and Henry.

John F. Bentz

Among the emigrants from Germany to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century were George and Mary Bentz, who settled in Ashland county. Ohio. and there ended their davs. Their son.

Jacob, born in 1833, married Nancy Singer, born in 1837. became a prosperous farmer and grain thresher and after his removal to Whitley county operated a separator for twenty-nine years. He came to this state in 1862, purchased a farm in section 33, Cleveland township, and lived on the same until his death, which occurred January 22, 1903. He was a man of intelligence and ripe judgment, remarkably successful in business matters and in addition to a fine farm accumulated considerable personal property, being one of the substantial men of his township. He had six children : William, deceased ; John, Mary J., wife of W. E. Harsbarger, of the state of Washington ; Laura, deceased ; Dora and Perry L.

John F. Bentz, second of this family, was born April 23, 1858, in Ashland county, Ohio, and hence was but four years old when his parents removed to Indiana. After reaching manhood he engaged in agriculture and has met with gratifying success. In 1 90 1, Mr. Bentz moved to his present beautiful and attractive home in Cleveland township and since has added many substantial improvements to his farm in the way of fencing, drainage and buildings, the latter including a fine brick residence of modern design, a large, well constructed barn and the usual outbuildings found on first-class estates, all in excellent repair and fully answering the various purposes for which they were designed. Of the one hundred and four acres which the farm contains. eighty-five are in cultivation, the remainder being largely devoted to pasturage, for which the soil seems peculiarly adapted. Mr. Bentz is recognized as one of the prominent farmers and stock raisers of Cleveland township and as a citizen is enterprising and up-to-date, lending his support to all measures of public utility and taking an active interest in every movement having for its object the social and moral well-being of his fellowmen. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 222, Knights of Pythias, at South Whitley and politcially is a Democrat, being an influential adviser in the counsels of his party and an efficient worker with the rank and file.

In 1883, Mr. Bentz was married to Miss Mary Emma, daughter of Adam and Mary (Holem) Warner, natives of Stark county, Ohio, three children being born of this union: Linnie S., wife of Evert Stumfph ; Sylvan, who is engaged in the railway service at South Whitley; and Gladys, who is still an inmate of the paternal home.

Perry L Bentz

The emigrant ancestors of the family of this man were Germans, who settled in Ashland county, Ohio, when that state was still young and there remained until the end of their lives. (See sketch of John F. Bentz.) Jacob Bentz, one of their sons, born and reared in Ohio, was married in early manhood to Nancy Singer, of the same state. In 1862, this couple removed to Whitley county and settled on a farm in Cleveland township, where in connection with agricultural pursuits Mr. Bentz engaged in the threshing of grain, following the latter line of work for a period of twenty-five years and becoming widely known throughout the country as a skillful operator of threshing machinery. He came to this county one 3'ear in advance of his family, purchased a tract of wild land on which he erected a rude log cabin and cleared a few acres of ground. This done he returned to Ohio and, disposing of his interests there, loaded his few effects on a wagon and accompanied by his wife and children drove to the new home in the midst of the Whitley county forest. He succeeded in the course of years in developing a good farm and also achieved honorable repute as an enterprising and publicspirited citizen. He was an ardent Democrat and influential in party and public affairs, having filled several local offices, and he also took a leading part in all measures having for their object the material advancement of his township and county. After a long and useful life, he was called from the scenes of earth January 22, 1903. leaving to his family an honorable name and to the community an example of good citizenship. Jacob and Nancy Bentz had six children : William (deceased) ; John F., a farmer of Cleveland township; Mary J., wife of W. E. Harsbarger, a farmer in the state of Washington; Laura, deceased: Dora, wife of Harvey Kaler, who lives with his mother -on the home place; and Perry L.

Perry L. Bentz was born in Cleveland township, Whitley county, in 1876, and after receiving a common school education turned his attention to agriculture, which has been his life work and in the prosecution of which he has achieved well merited success, owning at this time a well developed farm of seventy acres, containing substantial buildings, excellent fencing and other improvements in keeping therewith. He has -a good modern dwelling, a fine farm and, in common with all enterprising agriculturists of this part of the state, he has been liberal in the matter of drainage, his farm being well tiled, and as a result its fertility and productiveness has been greatly enhanced.

Mr. Bentz is a good farmer, a wideawake citizen and all enterprises of public nature enlist his hearty co-operation and support. When a young man he taught several terms of school in Whitley county, earned an honorable reputation in that profession and has ever been a warm friend of education. In politics he is an uncompromising Democrat and in recognition of services rendered the party, he was nominated in 1906 for the office of county auditor, but was defeated.

In 1 90 1, Mr. Bentz was united in marriage with Miss Bertha, daughter of G. A. and Mary (Hippensteel) Bowers, natives of Pennsylvania, and for a number of years well known residents of Whitley county. (See sketch of G. A. Bowers). Mr. and Mrs. Bentz have one child, whom they have christened Mvron.