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

In 1879, Mr. De Pew was married to Miss Martha J. McCoy, whose parents, David and Misanier (Walker) McCoy, moved from Ohio to this part of Indiana a number of years ago and spent the retnainder of their lives on a farm in Columbia township. Mr. and Mrs. De Pew have no children of their own, but their home is a favorite resort of the children of the neighborhood. Fraternaly Mr. De Pew belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his wife holds membership in the Rebekahs. He has passed the chairs of the subordinate lodge and was representative to the grand lodge. He is also a member of Summit City Encampment, No. 16, at Fort Wayne.

Edwin H. Click

Edwin H. Click holds a prominent place among the leading farmers and representative citizens of Union township. His paternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Rockingham county, Virginia, in which state his grandparents lived for many years. Michael Click was born in Springheld. ( )hio, and when a young" man came to Whitley county and established a photograph gallery in Columbia City, to which his efforts thereafter were devoted. He died in September. 1885. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Harriet Smith, is a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and is still living at Roy, Colorado.

Edwin H. Click, the only child, was born February 7. 1868. in Columbia City, in the schools of which he received his early education, but owing to circumstances over which he had no control he was obliged to discontinue his studies at the age of seventeen. After spending several years in any honorable employment which he could obtain, he decided to devote his attention to farming, and with this end in view, purchased land five miles east of Columbia City, in Union township, by additions to which he now owns one hundred and ninety acres, one hundred and fifty in cultivation, with first-class improvements. The soil has been improved with open and tile drains and is in a productive condition. Like the majority of farmers, Mr. Click devotes considerable attention to live stock but general farming is his main business.

September 17, 1890, Mr. Click and Miss Nettie W'ynant were united in the bonds of wedlock and they are now the parents of two children, Helen and Walter, both students in the district schools. Mrs. Click's parents were Jacob W. and Mary A. ( Kerr) W'ynant, the former a farmer near Larwill. Mrs. Click was born in Jasper county, Indiana, and brought to Whitley county when four years old. In politics Mr. Click is a

Jesse Selleck Oman

Jesse Selleck Oman, a representative farmer and highly esteemed citizen of Union township, was born in the house where he lives, March 7th, and dates bis birth from the year 1855. His father, George W. Oman, was a New Yorker by birth and his mother, whose maiden name was Louisa Selleck, also sprung from an old family that lived for many years in the Empire state. The Omans came to Whitley county in 1836 and took an active part in the development of the locality in which they resided, taking this farm from the government. George W. Oman devoted a number of years to the manufacture of shingles in New York as well as doing carpenter work. He took up land in Union township, made the first improvements on the farm which the subject now owns and it was here that Esther Oman, who married James Hight, was born not long after the family came to the county, the event being the first of the kind within the present bounds of the township. The house which Jesse's father erected is still in use, as is also the barn, the latter being built over sixty-five years ago and notwithstanding its age it is still in excellent condition anil doubtless will answer the purpose for which designed for a number of years to come. Mr. Oman opened his house for accommodation of the traveling public and it early became a favorite stopping-place for land-seekers and other travelers. He and his wife lived to a ripe old age, the former dying in 1883, at sixty-eight, and the latter in 1894. at seventy-eight years. Of their family of seven children, Jesse is the youngest. The names are : Esther, Henry C, Julia, Constantia, Levi Frederick, died in infancy, and Jesse S. Esther, who became Mrs. James Hight, died when past sixty years of age. Henry C. was a soldier, who settled on part of the old farm, and later, returned to New York, where he married and died. Constantia is Mrs. Levi Garrison, who lives on part of the old homestead. Levi Frederick is now a resident of Oregon.

Jesse Oman received such an education as the district schools were able to impart and when old enough to be of service was set to work in the fields, where he developed a strong physique, which has stood him Avell in the strenuous life he has since led as a tiller of the soil. Mr. Oman has been a persevering worker and capable manager and now owns a productive farm of one hundred and thirty acres, well drained and under a high state of cultivation. He is a man of progressive ideas, operates his farm according to modern methods and by a judicious rotation of crops seldom fails to realize liberal returns. As a citizen he is public spirited , manifests an interest in current events and on all questions that attract the attention of the people has well defined opinions and the courage of his convictions in giving expression to the same. In politics he is a Republican.

Smith township, settling there in the spring of 1836. There he made a farm and was a minister of the Church of God. He died at the age of seventy-eight, surviving his wife about three years, she being sixtyeight. Mr. and Mrs. Oman supplied a home to Bertha Mellen from the age of eleven until married. Mrs. Oman is a member of the Methodist church at Coesse.

Alfred Grace

Among the men of Whitley .county whose time and energies have been devoted to agriculture, the subject of this sketch is entitled to a conspicuous place. Alfred Grace is a native of Ohio, born July 28, 1858, in the county of Stark, being one of six children whose parents were William and Catherine (Morroff) Grace. The names are as follows : Sarah, who lives with her father; John, who is living in Jefferson township; Mrs. Dinah Bennett, of Laud, Indiana; Henry, a resident of Jefferson township; Alfred, and Joseph, deceased at the age of forty. When Alfred was but three years old his parents came into the woods of Jefferson township and there improved a farm, one mile east of Laud and there the father still lives at about eightyfive years of age, having survived his companion about twenty years.

In his younger days Alfred Grace attended the district schools in the winter time and during the rest of the year assisted his father and older brothers in cultivating the soil, his free outdoor life in fields and woods contributing largely to the well developed physique and vigorous health, which characterized his youth and early manhood. After working on the homestead until June, [884, he rented the farm and from that time until 1891 tilled the soil for a share of the proceeds. In the latter year he purchased an eighty-acre farm in Jefferson township, which was his wife's father's homestead, on which he lived during the ensuing eight years. In 1902 he bought his present farm of one hundred and six acres in the township of Union, five miles east of Columbia City. It is part of the old Merriman homestead and with a handsome residence makes a very desirable home. Mr. Grace has not been sparing of his means to make his farm beautiful and attractive as well as productive, and believing in devoting the good things of this world to useful ends, he has provided his family with many of the comforts and conveniences of life, not the least being a substantial and well furnished modern residence, in which domestic peace holds sway and a spirit of hospitality prevails. His place is well drained and the soil, which is in excellent condition, produces abundantly all the grain and vegetable crops grown in this latitude, in addition to which considerable attention is devoted to fine live stock, which has been found one of the most profitable departments of modern farming.

January 3, 1884, Mr. Grace was united in marriage with Miss Mary L., daughter of William and Margaret (Crumley) Kline, the former a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent, the latter born and reared in Wayne county, Ohio. They cleared a farm in Jefferson township and there their lives were passed. He died at the age of eighty-five years, in May, 1902. Two children have resulted from this union, Wilda May and Ethel G, both at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Grace is a Democrat and in religion holds with his family to the faith represented by the Church of God.

William Krider

. William Krider, a pioneer farmer of Smith township, was born in Stark county, Ohio, February 22, 1839, and is the son of Jeremiah and Susannah (Zent) Krider, both natives of Pennsylvania, but who came to Stark county in early life and were married there. In 1845 they came to Indiana, moving in wagons and settled in Smith township, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land near the center of the township, on which has been made a small clearing. They were soon in possession of a good home surrounded with all the comforts of the times. The infirmities of age coming on, they moved to Churubusco and spent the remainder of their days in a retired life. The mother, who was a member of the United Brethren church, died in 1883 and the father in 1898. They were parents of twelve children : John, Samuel, and Sarah Ann, deceased; William; Fanny, deceased ; George, a farmer living^ in Smith township; Eliza Jane, living in Denver; Malinda, living in Missouri ; Frank, living in Smith township; Hulda, deceased; Jeremiah, living in Chicago; and Mary, living in Fort Wayne.

ley county. He was educated in the common schools and has always been -a farmer. He remained at home until he was married, when he moved to a rented farm in Allen county, where he lived one year, returning to Smith township, where he purchased forty acres of unimproved school land in section 16. He improved this land, as also an additional forty acres, and made it his home about nine years, when he moved to the farm on which he still lives. At one time he owned three hundred and forty acres but gave a portion of this to his children, leaving two hundred and forty acres. In 1883 he erected one of the finest nine-room brick houses in the county. He also has commodious barns and other buildings to correspond. It is one of the finest and most desirable farms in the county and is a grand monument to industry, frugality and perseverance.

March 3, 1859, he was married to Sarah Anna, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Briggs) Nickey, both from Ohio, but of Virginia ancestors, now deceased. They came to Indiana about 1838 and to them were born six children : Elizabeth, wife of Alex Moore, a farmer living in Union township ; Rosanna, wife of George Perry, living in Noble county; Ruhama married Joseph Long, and both are deceased ; Sarah Anna ; Clerissa, wife of Lewis Metsker; Allen S., living in Tipton, Indiana.

The father was married the second time to Catherine (Crabill) Frederick, and to this union four children were born : William S., living in Smith township on the lrome farm ; Austin and Mary, deceased ; Jacob, living in Buffalo, New York.

Krider : Irving J., a fanner of Smith township, married Catherine Slagle, and has one child, Mamie, who is the wife of Harry Briggs, and has two children. Robert and Willie. Etta, wife of Sanford Ort, of Churubusco, has two children, Sidney and Robert; William O., a farmer in Smith township, married Cora Lincoln, and has three children, Blanch, Ralph and Truman. Her death occurred in August, 1906. Lizzie, the wife of Frank Egolf, living in Smith township, has five children : Paul, Roscoe, Elizabeth, Helen and Hildreth, twins. Olive, wife of Alfred Wollem, living in South Whitley; Samuel who married Cecil McGinley, operates the home farm. They have two children, Rodrick McGinley and Leonard E.

Mr. Krider does a general farming business, handles a good stock and manages his affairs with profit and marked success. He is a Democrat but never held office. Himself and wife are members of the United Brethren church.

Martin D. Crabill

Martin D. Crabill, a pioneer and well known farmer of Smith township, living in section 28, one half mile north of Collins, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, December 18, 1840, and is the son of William and Catherine (Funk) Crabill, both natives of Virginia, in which state they were married in 1820. Here they continued to live till 1837. when they moved to Champaign county, Ohio, there they 'remained three years and then came to Indiana, settling in Smith township on one hundred and sixty acres of land purchased of the government. one mile west of where Martin D. lives. "William, the son of Abraham Crabill, was born in 1795 and died on this farm in 1845. B< ith were members of the United Brethren church. Fifteen children were born. After the death of the father the widow by good management and perseverance kept the family together and gave them the benefit of the country schools. The children are as follows : Mary Ann, deceased ; Catherine, widow of Jacob Nickey ; Harrison, a farmer living in Smith township; William, living in Missouri: Jacob, deceased: the sixth deceased in infancy: Caroline, Margaret and Isaac, deceased: Eliza, wife of E. W. Flory, living in Kansas ; Levi, deceased ; Ellen, wife of Abraham Paulis; Minerva, deceased in infancy: Martin: and Festus, a farmer living in Fulton county.

Martin D. Crabill remained at home till the death of his mother, after which he worked by the month till 1865 and then learned the carpenter's trade, working at the same until 1870, when he engaged in farming on a small farm of forty acres, where he remained till 1884, when be purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he still lives. When he moved to this place only twenty acres were cleared, but by close application and good management he has developed one of the best farms in the county, being nearly cleared, thoroughly drained and well fenced, with a substantial barn and modern house, everything being in first-class condition for profitable business and the enjoyment of life.

Smith township, October 5. 4848. Hiram- Jones was born in Knox county, Ohio, August 1, 1816, and Catherine Davis was born. in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, February 14. 1812. and was married in Knox county, Ohio, in 1833, removing to Whitley county, Indiana, in 1842, buying the farm originally entered by John Strain, and paying for it with money earned by working for fifty cents per day. He died September 14. 1 90 1, while she had died May 4, 1891. Their ten children were Elizabeth, Alfred, Nancy, Martha, Mary and Clarissa, and four dying in infancy. Jacob Davis, father of Catherine, came to Whitley county in 1842- and bought the Luther Mott farm, he entering it in 1840. The parents of Hiram were John Jones and Martha Stilwell, who came to Whitley county in 1845, buying the Jacob Davis farm. After his wife's death in 1854, he deeded his farm to his son John, to keep him during his life, which was not closed till April 5, 1868, being almost' ninety-six years old.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crabill ; William E. married to Elnora Harter, and lives in Smith township ; Naomi Alice, deceased in infancy; Albert Austin, living at home; Mary Vietta married to Merritt McLain, who live in Smith township and has three children; Velma Marie, Perry and Waunietta May.

In May, 1864. Martin D. Crabill enlisted in Company K. One Hundred and Thirtyninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in many skirmishes, but no battles. His discharge bears date of November, 1864. In politics he is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church of Churubusco.

The Whitley county family of this name is of Scotch origin. Lewis Benjamin Tennant leaving the hills of his native land to cross the water in search of a new home early in the nineteenth century. He had married a Scottish lassie and during the long journey to the United States, they decided on Indiana as a desirable locality for a future home They located in Kosciusko count}-, where he practiced medicine until his death in 1865. While they were enroute to this country another child. Lewis H.. was added to their already numerous progeny. The mother died when Lewis was still young and it became necessary for him to depend upon himself. H'e had about attained his majority when the tocsin of Civil war aroused his patriotism and he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, with which he served throughout the memorable struggle. Soon after his return he began the study of medicine, completing his professional education in Cincinnati and has since practiced his profession regularly, being at present so engaged at North Manchester. In 1865, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth Barron, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Indiana in pioneer times, locating at Logansport and there spent the remainder of their lives. Dr. and Mrs. Tennant have had eleven children : John, a resident of Ohio; Charles P., living in Kosciusko county ; Demarius. wife of Emmett Miller, of Sidney. Indiana; Lewis W. ; Walter, a resident of Kosciusko county : Frank, who resides in Wisconsin ; Leroy. deceased ; Frederick, a resident of Sidnev :

Lewis W. Tennant was born in Kosciusko county, August 2, 1871. All of his earlier years were spent in his native locality, but acquired a good education in the local school supplemented by courses at the Terre Haute and Valparaiso Normals and the Academy at North Manchester. Entering the schoolroom as an instructor, he continued to teach for six consecutive years. Meantime, deciding to follow the profession, of his father, his spare time was devoted to reading medicine under his preceptorship. He entered the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis in 1900, devoting four years to a thorough grounding in the intricacies of the profession, graduating with the class of 1Q04. In October of that -year he located at Larwill and during the brief-time already elasped, has shown a remarkable aptitude for gaining both friends and business. He is a member of the Whitley County Medical Society, of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. His professional attainments received recognition by his appointment as medical examiner for several standard life insurance companies as well as for the Modern Woodmen.

December 25, 1901, Dr. Tennant married Miss Cora L., daughter of Oren and Tane ( Freeman) -Lenwell. a native of Laud. Whitley county, and born in 1881. Her mother was from Randolph county and her father a native of Whitley, their six children being Francis M., Freeman C. Curtis S.. Cora L., Clyde T. and Selbee R.

David Rouch

The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne county, Ohio, May 4, 1850, the son of Samuel Rouch, a native of Pennsylvania, and Louisa Hamer, whose birth occurred in the state of Ohio. Samuel Rouch was reared to manhood in the state of his nativity, married in Ohio, and in 1855, moved to Whitley county, purchasing the farm of three hundred and twenty acres in LTnion township on which he spent the remainder of his life and a portion of which his son, David, now owns. At the time of his arrival the land was practically unimproved, but by strenuous labor perseveringly continued he succeeded in due time in removing the greater part of the dense forest and fitting the soil for tillage, besides erecting the buildings necessary on all first-class farms. He was a man of energy and determination and in addition to contributing largely to the material development of his township, took a lively interest in its public affairs, having served one term as trustee, but refused to take the office a second time, although elected thereto by a large majority of the votes cast. He and his wife were faithful members of the Lutheran church and in a quiet way did much to promote the cause of religion and good morals in the community, his voice and actions as well as his influence being ever on the side of law. order and civic righteousness. Mr. Rouch departed this life in 188S. his wife in 1891 and their memories are still cherished by the friends and neighbors among whom they lived SO long and for whose welfare their efforts were generously exerted. Of the ten children of Samuel and Louisa

Rouch, David was the eighth in order of birth. During his childhood and youth he attended at intervals the public schools of the township and from the time he could work to advantage his services were required on the farm, where he soon developed not only strong physical powers, but the spirit of independence and self-reliance that enter into the make-up of the intelligent and substantial American citizen of today. When old enough to begin life for himself he rented a portion of his father's land and was thus engaged during the ensuing nine years, forty acres at his father's death falling to him as his share of the estate. Still later he acquired forty acres additional of the homestead, making his place consist of eighty acres on which he has erected a comfortable and substantial dwelling, a fine commodious barn and other necessary buildings, all in excellent condition and giving evidence of good taste, as well as an enterprising spirit on the part of the proprietor. Mr. Rouch's farm is well drained, naturally and by tiling, the soil exceedingly fertile and for general agriculture and pasturage it loses nothing in comparison with any like number of acres within the bounds of the township.

In 1 88 1 Mr. Rouch was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Lamb, of Whitley county, the union resulting in two children, Nellie, wife of Carl C. Aker, and Joseph B., who is assisting his father on the farm. In -politics Mr. Rouch is a Republican, in religion a member of the United Brethren church as is also his wife. Carl C. Aker, who married Miss Nellie Rouch, is a native of Whitley county and the son of Charles F. and Clara Aker.

After finishing the public school course he took up the study of telegraphy, which he completed in an institution at Columbia City and then entered the railway service as operator, being at this time in charge -of the office at Coesse, where he has been stationed during the past two years. He is a skilled telegrapher, faithful in the discharge of his duties and enjoys the confidence of the company by which he is .employed.

The leading veterinary surgeon of Whitley county is Charles P. Kime, who was born December 30, 1863, on a farm in Williams county, Ohio, his parents being Elias Kime, a native of Seneca county, Ohio, and Sarah Jane Kirkwood, who was born at Baltimore, Maryland. For forty years they resided on the Williams county farm, his occurring February 27, 1888, while she survives. Their five surviving children are Horace, of Camden, Michigan ; Robert, who is on the homestead : Laura, who is Mrs. Frank Bunce, of Jonesville, Michigan ; Albert, of Williams county, Ohio ; and the Doctor.

Charles P. Kime grew to maturity on the farm, receiving the local school advantages. Being early impressed with the importance of proper care of domestic animals, he decided to become a veterinary and in order to equip himself thoroughly, took -a course in the Chicago Veterinary College, graduating with the class of 1895. Choosing Columbia City as a suitable field for practice, he located here in that year and soon became widely and favorably known among farmers and stockmen, his practice surpassing expectations. Professional demands have so increased that he is kept constantly employed and has found the work not only remunerative but one that demands intelligence and aptitude. A successful practitioner must not only be well read but must be a skilful operator and constantly in touch with the great advancement made in the profession. Dr. Kime is up-to-date and is in close touch with the most advanced thinkers on subjects pertaining to animal physiology, comparative anatomy and biology. He was married March 28. 1894, to Miss Lydia E., daughter of William S. and Angeline ( Richie) Hazzard, a native of Williams county, Ohio. They have one daughter, Mildred A.

William H. Harshman

William H. Harshman, a successful business man and representative citizen of South Whitley, has spent the greater part of his life in the county. James Harshman. his father, was a native of Greene county. Ohio, but came to Whitley county when a youth of seventeen and located with his parents in Cleveland township on what has long been known as the "Old Allen" place, where he spent the ensuing eight years. He removed to the township of Richland, where he made his home until his death, which occurred March 9, 1881, at the age of fifty- six years. James Hafshman was not only a successful agriculturist and public-spirited citizen, but for a number of years took an active part in politics, having long been one of the Republican leaders in the two townships. He was just in his dealings, honorable in every relation of life and his loss was keenly felt, not only by his immediate family, but by all of his fellow citizens. His wife was Alary J. Cullimore, who was born in Maryland, and now, at the age of seventyeight years, makes her home with her son, George, on the family homestead in Richland township. They had eight children, of whom Sarah, Rhoda, 'William H., Martha and George, survive. James, Daniel and Upton are deceased. William H. Harshman grew to maturity with the conviction that man should earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. He attended winter terms of the public schools, obtaining a fair English education. He addressed himself assiduously to the cultivation of the family homestead, where he remained until his thirtieth year. March 3, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie A., daughter of Henry Norris, who came to this part of the state in an early day from Ohio. In 1885, Mr. Harshman engaged in the livery business, owning at tin's time a well equipped barn, supplied with all the conveniences and appliances usually found in first-class establishments, his stock and vehicles being of the best. Mr. Harshman is careful and methodical and has met with deserved success. He works hir the Republican party, and in matters of religion supports the Christian and United Brethren churches. Mr. and Mrs. Harshman have four children, Elmer, Iva. Edna and Walter H.

Oscar Gandy

Perhaps no man has done more to make the town of Churubusco favorably known than Oscar Gandy, who was born in Preston county, West Virginia, September 12, 1847. His father, Owen Gandy, removed to Indiana in 1853, settling at Heller's Corners,. Allen county. After several changes they finally settled on a farm in Noble county, where the father spent his remaining years, dying at the age of sixty-two years.

In the fall of 1863, when but a stripling of sixteen years, Oscar Gandy joined Company C, One Hundred Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which heserved with honor until the war closed, bearing uncomplainingly his share of the toil and privations. He took part in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain. Atlanta, Peach Tree Creek, Franklin, Nashville and Kingston. He returned to his father's farm, a boy in years, but a man in experience, and with a mind broadened through his contact and intercourse with men from all walks of life. Hefinally decided to engage in some business, other than farming and formed a partnership with Thomas Rhodes, for the operation of a saw-mill at Churubusco. Three years, later he turned his attention to buying and selling town and farm properties in and about that village. He then engaged with George Maxwell in the dry goods business, though a couple of years thereafter exchanged his interest for a farm. Resuming the manufacture of lumber in partnership with A. B. Xickey, he prosecuted it vigorously for some fifteen years when he turned his attention more especially to farming and stock raising. Mr. Gandy had become known as a man whose business judgment was good and whose name in connection with an enterprise, was almost a guaranty of its success. Indeed everything he touched seemed to prosper and his transactions gave him a substantial reputation for honesty and fair dealing. He organized the Exchange Bank of Churubusco in 1893, with a capital of ten thousand dollars. Having the confidence and support of the most conservative men of the community, it was an assured success from the start and was soon recognized as one of the solid financial institutions of Whitley county. ' The year following he organized the Exchange Bank of South Whitley, now known as the Gandy State Bank, also with a capital of ten thousand dollars. Mr. Gandy has been president of both these banks from their organization and each has so prospered that the capital stock of each has been increased to twentyfive thousand dollars. The Churubusco institution occupies one-half of a double brick building erected by Mr. Gandy. one side being- devoted to a full line of buggies, carriages and wagons.

Mr. Gandy was first married to Miss Martha Jones, of Churubusco, her death, however, occurring about the time of the death of her infant child. His present wife was formerly Miss Emma Cleland, who is the mother of ten children, eight of whom survive: William Owen, Elmer E.. Orpha, Frank, Odessa, Perry, Druzilla and Ilene. The three sons are associated with their father in the Churubusco bank. Mr. Gandy is a Knights Templar Mason as well as having made suitable advancement in the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Knights of Pvthias.

Mr. Gandy has always been heartily in touch with any movement tending toward the betterment of the community and has ever proven to be a representative of the highest type of American citizenship.

Elmer E. Stites

Elmer E. Stites, a prosperous and well' known farmer of Smith township, living in section 15, was born in Wells county, Indiana, August 23, 1861, and is the son of George W. and Almira (Caston) Stites. The father of the subject was born in Germany and came to this country with his parents, Peter and Christina Stites, when he was six weeks old, while the mother was born in Buchanan county, Ohio, August 3, 1842, and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Caston and departed this life January 6, 1896. The marriage of these parents occurred in 1858. To this union ten children were born, namely : Marcellus, deceased. Elmer E., subject of sketch. Hattie, wife of Sidney Smith, living in Churubusco, Indiana. John, living in Warren. Indiana. Maggie, deceased. Rollin, living in Bluffton, Indiana. Harvey, deceased. Mary, wife of Allan J. McKimmey, of Warren, Indiana. Zora, living at home with her father. Martin J., living in Fort Wayne.

Peter Stites, the paternal grandfather, settled in Ohio, 1835, and a few years later moved to Wells county. Indiana, where he remained during his natural lifetime, which was closed in 1878 and that of his wife in 1S77. Eight children were born -to them: Mary, Conrad, William and John, all deceased. George W., father of this subject, living in Churubusco, Indiana. Charles living in Noble county, Indiana, and engaged in farming. Malvina, living in Fort Wayne. Sarah, living on the old Stites homestead in Wells county, Indiana. Catherine, living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The parents were members of the Baptist church. George W. was trained by his father to the business of farming and in the meantime given the advantages of the common schools. Later on he was a student in the State Normal School at Terre Haute, qualifying himself for the vocation of teaching in the public schools, in which he was successfully engaged several years.' He heard the patriotic call for volunteers in 1861 and enlisted in Company F, Eighty-eight Regiment, as a private and was mustered out a lieutenant. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the farm, where he performed the labor generally required of a boy in the country. He received a common school education and was engaged with his father in a general store at Middletown, Indiana, for about one year, after which they conducted the same business at Hoagland about two years. He then began farming in Allen county, to which he applied himself about two years. In 1882, he came with his father to Churubusco, this county, where they engaged in the hotel business, and which is being continued by his father. In. 1898 he moved to the eighty-acre farm previously purchased and to which he had added other small farms, until he owns one hundred and seventy-three acres of as fine land as there is in the country. He erected a barn seventy-two by forty feet, remodeled the house, and now the farm is one of the best improved and most desirable in the country.

In 1889 he was married to Emma, daughter of George and Nora ( Fulk) Richards, who was born in "Noble county, Indiana, March 29, 1868. The paternal parent was a native of Noble county, Indiana, but is now deceased, the widow was born in Licking county, Ohio, and is living with our subject. Three children were born to these parents, parents.' namely: Frank M., living in Marion, Indiana. Emma, wife of the subject. William, deceased at three years of age.

The subject of this sketch is a Republican and has enjoyed several positions of honor and trust, being marshal of Churubusco, Indiana, two years ; eight years justice of peace ; and four years trustee of Smith township. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity at Columbia City, belong to the blue lodg'e, chapter and commandery. The history of his life should be an inspiration to the young men as it forcibly illustrates the possibilities of what may be accomplished by honesty, industry and perseverance. The family is childless.

Among the pioneers contributed to the western country by the state of New Jersey, and especially to Ohio, when the latter state was new, was a family of the above name who left their native section during' the earlier years of the last century. They settled in Coshocton county and followed agriculture with some measure of success. Andrew Cox, one of the children, came with his parents in youth, grew up on the farm and afterward made farming his life's business. He married Mary A. Stafford, whose parents were Virginians and by whom he had nine children : Rhea, J. N.. James, Jennie, Phoebe, Siletta, A. L., Frank and Matilda. In 1835, he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of government land in Richland township, Whitley county, and thus became one of the first settlers in that section of Indiana. It took him three weeks to make~the trip to Indiana from Ohio on horseback before he reached, his new tract in the Indiana wilderness. In 1837 he brought his wife and children from Ohio, and after the usual difficulties and rough experiences, they finally were settled in the new land. The father met with some successs as a farmer before his death in 1852. His wife, who survived him a number of years, died at the advanced age of eighty-three years.

I. N. Compton, one of the children of these early settlers, was born in Cosocton county, Ohio, September 20, 1832. He was a baby when his parents came to make their home in Indiana. He grew up on the family farm and, when large enough, assisted in the work of farming. He lived on the homestead until he reached his twenty-first year when he decided to make a start for himself. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, of the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Regiment of Infantry and served with this command with the Army of the Tennesee. He saw much actual service and experienced many hardships incident to campaigning. He took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Shiloh and many smaller engagements and skirmishes. Returning to his home after the close of the war, he again took up his business of fanning. He removed in 1 88 1 to his present farm in Cleveland township, which is a tract of two hundred acres, more than half of which is under cultivation. He engaged in general farming and stock raising. He buys and sells much stock, and this branch of his business has come to be, under his management, very remunerative. Although a Republican in general politics, he reserves the right to vote independent of party lines on county affairs. Following this line of aGtion, he frequently votes for the man rather than for the party candidate.

In 1854, Mr. Compton married Sarah J., a daughter of Andrew and Susan (Beason) Grimes. His wife's parents were natives of W'ayne county, Indiana, and came to Whitley county in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Compton have had eight children : Jasper, a conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad ; Frank G., a farmer of Richland township; Howard P., who was killed in a railroad wreck; and five others who died in youth. Mrs. Compton died in 1869.