Center Township (part 4 of 4)

David Alexander Ross, who has been a resident of Marshall county since September, 1863, is a native of Rush county, Ind., his birth dating from September 11, 1835. His father, Alexander Ross, came from his native country, Ireland, a number of years ago, and settled in Kentucky, in which state he married Mary Ross, by whom he had ten children: Jennie, Ann, Abie, Hettie, Sally, Angeline, America, Catherine, James Henderson and David Alexander. The mother died in 1843, and the father subsequently married Emma Williams, who had two children, Lovina, of Rush county, and James, whose residence is not known. The family came to Marshall county in 1850, and purchased the farm owned by the subject of this sketch, where the father remained on the farm about one year, and returned to Rush county, where he remained until his death in 1868. His ^yidow still survives. The early years of our subject were passed in Rush county, and he has always been a farmer by occupation. As already stated he came to Marshall county in 1S63, and purchased the home farm, upon which he has since resided, and which is one of the well cultivated places of Center township. His first wife, whom he married in Rush county in 1854, was Miss Martha Machlen, daughter of John Machlen. She died July 29, 1872, and of her children the following are living: Amanda, Ross, Jonana Josephine, wife of William Stranderman; Armilda, wife of John Kenley, and William Elmer, of Spokane Falls, W^ash. Mr. Ross's second marriage was solemnized in 1872 with Airs. W^ilhelmina (Weissert) Ross, who has borne him two children, viz.: Caroline and Pearl. Mr. Ross is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and belongs to the Mt. Olive congregation,

Michael Ryan, deputy auditor of Marshall county, and one Plymouth's popular young citizens, was born in the city of La Porte, Ind., February 23rd, 1857, and is the son of David and Mary (Ryan) Ryan, both parents natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1854 and located in the town of La Porte, and from there moved to Plymouth in 1858. His wife whom he married in La Porte, came to the United States in 1855. They were the parents of thre^ children, two living, viz.: Michael and Mary, wife of Michael McGary of Plymouth. Mr. Ryan died April iSth, 1S85, in his sixty-first year. His widow still survives, making her home in Plymouth. They were both active members of the Catholic church, and assisted in the organization of St. Michael's congregation in this city. Michael Ryan was educated in the public schools of Plymouth, and the parochial schools of the same place, and at the age of fourteen became clerk in the dry goods and clothing store of R. Williamson, in whose employ he continued for a period of nine years. He then engaged with M. Laur & Son, in the same line of trade, with whom he remained as salesman for six years. March 14, 1887, he was appointed deputy auditor of Marshall county, under C H. Lehr, the duties of which position he has discharged in a very creditable manner until the present time. Mr. Ryan has been very active in church work, striving with laudable energy and enterprise to build up the congregation and place it upon a substantial financial basis. February i8th, i8go, he read a very carefully prepared and elaborate address upon the history of the congregation at this place, the major portion of which is reproduced in this volume.

George Schafer, manufacturer and dealer in lumber, is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and son of John and Rosanna Schafer, who came from Germany a number of j'ears ago, and settled in the above county and state as early as the year 1816. John Schafer was a mechanic, and for a number of years followed the wagon-maker's trade in Stark county, Ohio, where his death subsequently occurred. His wife also died in Stark county. Their children living, are: Love, Mrs. Catherine Spidel, Mrs. Rosanna Carter, Mrs. Eliza Klein, Mary, and George, whose name introduces this sketch. George Schafer was reared in Stark county, Ohio, in the schools of which he received his education, and in early life became quite proficient as a carpenter and builder. In 1852 he went to California, where he remained until 1857, returning to Indiana in the latter year and settling at Valparaiso, where, in i860, he was united in marriage to Miss Paulina Miller, daughter of Charles Miller, of Porter county. He afterward moved to Colorado, thence to St. Joseph

Mo., and later to Nebraska, where he engaged in stock-raising. He came to Marshall county in 1866, and engaged in the manufacture of lumber at Inwood in partnership with Mr. Croup, and the firm thus formed continued about eleven years. At the end of that time Mr. Morris, of Plymouth, became a partner, and the firm lasted until February, 1890. Mr. Schafer has been successful in his various enterprises, and in addition to the lumber trade, deals quite extensively in wagons and agricultural implements. Politically, he is a democrat, and in religion, a Lutheran. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Schafer are five in number, viz.: Charles, traveling salesman, resident of Logansport; George, William, Lewis and Jennie.

Hiram U. Shafer, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and son of John and Sarah Shafer, was born March 20, 1844. John and Sarah Shafer, whose maiden name was Secrest, were both natives of the above county and state, where they resided until 1845, when they moved to Marshall county, Ind., and cleared a farm in Green township. In 1852, Mr. Shafer moved to Fulton county, where he also cleared a farm upon which he lived until 1866, at which time he returned to Marshall county and became a resident of Green township. He moved to his present farm in Center township in 1S82, and is now retired from active life. He has been a prominent citizen of the county, is a democrat in politics, and has filled several official positionsamong which was that of justice of the peace. In addition to farming he was for some time engaged in the saw-milling business, and for several years operated a threshing machine in different parts of this and other counties. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer had a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters, viz.: Israel, Hiram, Philetus, Martin, William, Leonard, Cynthia, and Alwilda, now Mrs. Charles Myers. The immediate subject of this mention was reared to manhood in Fulton county, received his education in the common schools and has followed agricultural pursuits and the carpenter's trade. He settled on his present farm in Center township in 1875, since which time he has cleared the greater part of the same and added to his original purchase until he now owns 335 acres in the honie place, besides 315 acres elsewhere, making an aggregate of 650 acres. He is one of the largest landholders in the county and also ranks as one of the most successful farmers. He was married in 1870 to Miss Lucy E. Taber, daughter of Samuel Taber, of Center township, to which marriage one child was born. This child died in infancy, and Mrs. Shafer departed this life in 1877.

Few men of Marshall county are so widely and favorably known as Thomas Shakes, a leading furniture dealer of Plymouth, and at present, the efficient trustee of Center township. Mr. Shakes is a native of Marshall county, being born in Greene township, February lo, 1850, the son of John and Eliza Shakes. The father was a native of Scotland, but came to the United States in early life, locating in Marshall county, Ind., where he purchased land from the government in Greene township, having been one of the pioneers of that section. His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza World, was born in South Carolina, but came with her parents to Indiana at an early day, and spent several years in La Porte county, where the family originally located. They subsequently moved to Greene township, Marshall county, where Mr. and Mrs. Shakes were married, and where his death occurred in the year 1S56, and hers in 1872 in Walnut Station. They had a family of three children, two sons and one daughter, the latter deceased. The sons are the subject of this mention, C. W. Shakes being a prominent business man of Bourbon, this county. Thomas Shakes was reared on the home farm in Greene township, received his elementary education in the country schools, and subsequently became a student of the Valparaiso normal school, in which he completed the teachers' course, graduating in 1878. He taught school at intervals during his attendance at this institution, and after completing his education, followed the teacher's profession in Marshall county until about the year 1879, during which time he earned the reputation of being an enthusiastic and successful educator. His abilities as a school man were duly recognized in 1881, by his appointment as superintendent of the public schools of Marshall county, to which position he was twice re-elected without opposition. He brought to the office a mind well fortified with professional experience, and his superior executive abilitv made his three terms of si.x years signally successful in placing the schools of the county on a higher plane than they before occupied. Previous to his election as superintendent he held the position of deputy recorder of Marshall county, to which he was appointed in 1879, and the duties of which he discharged in an eminently' successful manner until 1881. In the spring of 1888 he was elected trustee of Center township, and re-elected in i8go, bj^ a majority of 415, the largest ever given any candidate in the township, and of which office he is the present incumbent. It is safe to say that Marshall count}' has never had a more devoted friend of the public schools than Mr. Shakes, and although now practically retired from educational work, he does not lose sight of the schools with which he was so long identified, and which he looks upon as the best safeguards of society and the country. Upon retiring from the superintendency he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Plymouth, and is now conducting one of the leading establishments of the kind in the city. It might be well to state that his first business experience* was in the mercantile trade at the village of Walnut, where he began selling goods in 1871, and where he continued until compelled to close his establishment on account of the memorable panic of 1873. October 18, 1882, Mr. Shakes was united in marriage to Sarah L. Vogel, of Monterey, Pulaski county, daughter of Diebold Vogel, a native of the French province of Alsace. To this union have been born the following children: Mary, Olga, Rudolph, Vogel, and Eva Zenith. Politically Mr. Shakes is an earnest supporter of the democratic party, and fraternally a member of the Masonic, Royal Arcanum and Knights of Pj^thias societies.

Daniel C. Shively, a prosperous business man of Marshall county, and proprietor of the Inwood flouring mill, was born in Stark county, Ohio, April 3, 1S42. His parents, Jacob B. and Anna (Bortz) Shively, were natives of the same county and state, and early settlers of Marshall county, moving here in 1846, and settling in German township where the father engaged in farming. He afterward moved near the Stark county boundary, west of Plymouth, where he still resides. He is a prominent member of the Baptist church in which he has held the position of bishop for thirty-eight years, and is now an elder of a local congregation in Stark county. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shively, the following are living: The subject of this men tion; Manuel, who resides on the old homestead in German township, and Caroline, wife of Joseph Honnewalt, of Butler county, Ohio. Daniel C. Shively has been a resident of Marshall county since his fourth year, during which long period of residence he has gained the friendship and good will of a large number of people with whom he has had business relations. After remaining with his parents sixteen years, he began the manufacture of lumber in Bourbon township, subsequently engaging in agricultural pursuits, and since 1888, has been proprietor of the Inwood flouring mill, which he has greatly improved and supplied with machinery for the manufacture of flour by the roller process. He is doing a large and lucrative business, for the local and general trade, and the product of his mill has become widely and favorably known on account of its superior quality. He was first married in 1863, to Miss Hannah Burkholter, daughter of John Burkholter, of Elkhart county, Ind. She died in 1879, leaving five children whose names are as follows: Oliver, who assists his father in the mill; John, of Elkhart county; Jacob, who resides in the county of Stark; Katie, at home, and Ulrich, who lives in Elkhart county. Mr. Shively's second wife, Mary Stuntz, daughter of John Stuntz, of German township, whom he married in 1885, has three children: Frank, Emma and Mary. In addition to his milling business, Mr. Shively is proprietor of a feed store at Plynlouth, which has a large patronage. He is a member of the German Baptist church in which he holds the office of dea-

John M. Shoemaker, for thirty-four years an enterprising business man of Plymouth, and senior member of the firm of Shoemaker & Son, dealers in fancy groceries, confections and tobacco, and proprietors of the leading restaurant of the city, is a native of Germany, and dates his birth from the 15th day of October, 1830. He early learned the jeweler's trade in his native country, and when a young man entered the German army, with which he served for a period of three years. In 1S54 he came to the United States, and located at Detroit, Mich., where he followed his trade for six months, going thence to Chicago, where he was similarly employed for a limited period. His next stopping place was La Porte, Ind., where, in 1855, he married Lena Hausman, who was born in Germany in 1835, and came to America early in the fifties. From La Porte Mr. Shoemaker went to Michigan City, and in 1856 he located in Plymouth, where for a number of years he carried on a very successful jewelry business. About the year 1866 he purchased a mill and began the manufacture of flour in Plymouth, and was thus engaged for about ten years, when he sold out and began dealing in boots and shoes, which branch of business he continued until within a comparatively recent date. He subsequently took back his mill property, and after closing out the boot and shoe business, continued the manufacture of flour until 18S1, w^hen he again disposed of the mill and engaged in his present business with his son. Fred M. Shoemaker. Mr. Shoemaker has been prominently identified with the business interests of Plymouth, and has always manifested a lively interest in municipal affairs, having served at different times as member of the common council. Politically he is a democrat, fraternally a member of the Odd Fellows order, and in religion, a Catholic. To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker have been born two children: John B. (deceased) , was born in Michigan City, in 1S56, died in Plymouth, March 2, 1888, leaving a wife and two children; Fred M., was born in Phmiouth, November 6, 1859, educated in the city schools, and on completing his education, entered his father's business house, in which he served in the capacity of clerk until engaging with August Wolf in the clothing trade some time later. He continued the clothing business until 1881, at which time he entered into partnership with his father, and the firm thus formed still continues. He was married November 6, 1887, to Tena Shultz, of Michigan City, who has borne him one child, a daughter, Laura.

John W. Siders was born in Highland county, Ohio, March 31, 1839, and is a son of Henry and Nancy (Kidd) Siders. His father was born in Maryland, and when a child his parents es- tablished their homes in Virginia, in which state he was reared. The mother was born and reared in Virginia, and her father was of revolutionary famt. The marriage of Henry and Nancy (Kidd) Siders was consummated in Ohio, and gave issue to five children, two sons and three daughters, of which only ov.r subject now survives. His father was a farmer by occupation, and died at the age of fifty-eight years, his death occurring in Illinois in 1S60. His widow who removed to Illinois in 1856, now survives, and resides with her son. The subject of our sketch received a very limited education in the country schools up to the age of twelve years, since when he attended school for but forty days. He has gained a liberal education through the avenues of books, papers, and a wide experience. His father died when the son was but twenty-one years of age, and he began the struggle of life by assuming the position of the head of the family. He had taught school from the age of eighteen, teaching eleven winter terms and farming in summer. In the fall of 1875 he was elected county treasurer of McDonough county. III., and served two years, or one term. In February, 1878, he purchased an interest in the Ply month Republican, and thereafter he has resided in Plymouth, and been identified with the publication of the Republican. He is a practical and able newspaper man, and a reputable citizen. He is and ever has been a staunch republican in politics. September 16, 1889, he was commissioned postmaster in Plymouth, and is the present postmaster. June 19, 1888, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella J. Hume, bo^rn in McDonough county. 111. Mr. Siders and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been active and full of perseverance. He is entitled to much credit, as an editor, citizen and official.

John Soice, a retired business man and ex-treasurer of Marshall county, is a native of Germany, born in Hillsbach, Baden (now Prussia), November 7, 1830. His parents were Frederick William and Regina (Brinkman) Soice, both natives of Germany, where they raised a family of three children, namely: Bernhard, a farmer of Minnesota; John, whose name introduces this sketch, and Elizabeth, wife of Charles Tascher. In the j^ear 1839, the Soice family came to the United States, landing in New York city, after a voyage of fifty-nine days on the ocean. From New York city they traveled by railroad to Buffalo, N. Y., thence by boat over lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio, thence by the Ohio canal to Zoar, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, then by wagon to Carroll county, Ohio, where the father began working at his trade of dyer, which he soon abandoned, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. About two and a half years later, he moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he also followed farming, until his death, which occurred February, 1844. His widow, who afterward re- married, came to Marshall county in 1849 with her oldest son, and resided here until August, 1871, at which time she moved to Mishawaka, St. Joseph county, where she died in October of the same year. The youthful days of our subject were spent in Stark and Carroll counties, Ohio, and at the age of fifteen, he began working for himself as a farm laborer, for one Richard Elson, in whose employ he continued two years. When seventeen years old, he began to learn the harness maker's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship, and on becoming proficient in the same, he came to Marshall count}', Ind., 1850, and located at Plymouth. Being unable to find work at his trade immediately, he was employed for some time on the construction of a brick jail, but later, engaged with Joseph Evans in the harness making trade, with whom, and others, he worked until the fall of 1852, at which time, he opened a shop of his own at the town of Bremen. He did a successful business there for a number of years, and while a resident of the town, was very active in promoting its material interests. In 1S60 he made a visit to Pike's Peak, Col., and after spending eight months in the gold fields with indifferent success, he returned to Bremen, which continued to be his home until his removal to Plymouth, in 1871. He was elected justice of the peace in 1856, a position he held for three terms, and in 1870, was the democratic nominee for the office of county treasurer, to which he was elected the following year. He held the position of treasurer two consecutive terms, and while in the office, assisted in organizing the First National bank at Plymouth, of which he subsequently became cashier. He filled the office of cashier until 1878, when he disposed of his bank stock, and retired from the concern. In the spring of 1876 he purchased a farm of 300 acres in West and Center townships, to which he has since given the greater part of his attention. In 1875, he purchased his present brick residence on South Michigan street, where he has since resided, having practically retired from business life. Mr. Soice was married in Bremen in 1853, to Margaret Hartzog, who was born in Switzerland in 1832, and came to this country with her parents when but six months of age. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Soice, of whom the following survive: Oliver G., present treasurer of Marshall county, and one of the leading young citizens of Plymouth; Emma A., wife of John Bell; Elizabeth E., wife of Edward S. Hogarth; Edward H., Clara A., Flora P., Milton E., Walter M., Rosa E., and Charles L. Mr. Soice is a notable example of what energy and determination can accomplish in the face of opposing circumstances. As already stated, he began life for himself when but fifteen years of age, with but a limited education, and no capital except a well formed determination to succeed. He learned his trade unaided, and since that time, has been compelled to rely entirely upon his own exertions. His sterling worth and character for honesty and integrity, led the people to elect him to the most responsible position in the gift of the county, and they had no cause to regret their choice, for he discharged the duties of the office with credit to himself and a satisfaction to all concerned. Broad and liberal in his views, enterprising and progressive, he has been ready at all times to assist all worthy enterprises having for their object the advancement of the interests of the' county. He is one of the representative citizens of Plymouth.

Oliver G. Soice, treasurer of Marshall county, and one of the prominent young citizens of Plymouth, was born in the town of Bremen, this county, July 12th, 1855, and is the oldest living child of John Soice, whose sketch appears elsewhere. The early life of Mr. Soice was spent in his native town, and he received his education in the public schools, subsequently attending the Hillsdale college at Michigan, in which he completed the commercial course. He came to Plymouth in 1S71, at which time his father assumed the duties of the treasurer's office. On quitting school Mr. Soice became deputy county treasurer under A. L. Thompson, since which time he has been continuously in the office as deputy of Mr. Thomson, Frederick Tescher and John K. Lawrence, and as county treasurer to which he was elected on the democratic ticket in 1886. Mr. Soice received a majority of 393 votes, which was a larger majority than that received by any other candidate on the county ticket that year, and at his reelection in 18S8 he received a majority of 748, the largest ever given any candidate for the office of treasurer. This fact demonstrated the great personal popularit}' of Mr. Soice throughout the county, and was also an emphatic endorsement of his administration of the office. Mr. Soice stands high in Masonry, in which he has taken a number of degrees, including that of Knight Templar, and is also a member of the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Pythias. In 1884 he engaged in business in Plymouth in partnership with E. S. Hogarth, a well-known firm which deals extensively in groceries. Mr. Soice was married in December, 1878, to Olive M., daughter of John D. Armstrong, of Plymouth. They have three children, viz.: Gertrude C., Claude W. and Harry J.

C. H. Swindell, dealer in butter, eggs and poultry, was born in Whitley county, Ind., February 28, 1S62, the son of Charles and Sarah (Caldwell) Swindell, both parents natives of the state of Delaware. The father, who was a member of Company F, One Hundredth Indiana volunteers in the late war, was killed by a running train in Tennessee while in the service. He reared a family of five children, the following of whom are living: Emma; Joseph, who is a partner of the subject in business; May and C. H. The mother and children moved to Plymouth in i88r, and she died in January of the following year. C. H. Swindell was reared in his native county, attended the schools of North Manchester, and began his business life as a dealer of produce in that city in partnership with his brother. They carried on a successful trade in North Manchester until their removal to Plymouth in 1881, since which time their trade has largely increased, they being the most extensive dealers in their line in Marshall county. Mr. Swindell is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has taken a number of degrees, including that of Sir Knight, and in politics is a supporter of the republican party. He was married in 1889 to Miss Erdine Showecker, daughter of Mrs. Louisa Showecker, of Plymouth.

Benjamin Switzer, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, was born October 28, 1827, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Mummert) Switzer. The parents were both natives of the southern part of Pennsylvania, and died in Columbiana county, Ohio. Their living children are the following: Isaac, Tobias, Levi, Benjamin; Susan, wife of Charles Holloway, of i\Iichigan: Eliza, wife of James Crook, of Ohio; Ann, wife of Mr. Groves, of Trumble county, Ohio, and Sophia, who is unmarried. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Ohio, and early learned the carpenter's trade, and afterward engaged in the lumber business. He was married in Stark county, Ohio, October 13, 1851, to Miss Lydia Ann Blackford, daughter of Joseph and Mildred (Walker) Blackford. Mrs. Switzer's parents were natives of Ohio, and her grandfather, James Walker, was a gallant soldier in the war for American independence. After his marriage, Mr. Switzer resided for some time in Columbiana county, and afterward moved to Jay county, Ind., where he followed carpentering for several years. He became a resident of Marshall county in 1861, locating at Bourbon, where he followed his trade for some time, and then engaged in the saw-mill business in which venture he was quite successful. He subsequently moved to Kosciusco county, and later, in 1884, returned to Marshall county, and located in Center township, upon his present farm. Mr. Switzer is a substantial farmer and one of the progresive citizens of Center. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer have five children: Leonda P., a mechanic, of Lincoln, Neb.; Le Roy G., of Portland, Ore.; Laura (deceased), twin sister of Le Roy; Calvin L., Emily A. and Alice Adelia, last two of whom are living at home.

Henry G. Thayer, a grain dealer and prominent citizen of Plymouth, was born in the town of Euclid, Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 20, 1834. His parents, Rev. George H. and Hannah (Griffin) Thayer, were natives of that state. The father was born in 1807, and was a life-long minister of the gospel, accord- ing to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. Henry G. Thayer, his son, had few educational advantages. The family removed to Indiana in 1845, and settled in Peru, Miami count}', where he attended for three years, a school taught by his father. The family then went to Marshall county, and here during the winters of 1849 and 1S50, he engaged in teaching. The careful training he had received from his father, and his general knowledge, eminently fitted him for the profession of teaching. In 1850 he became a clerk for H. B. Pershing, with whom he remained about six months, and subsequently, for a period of near five years, he remained in the employ of Messrs. Westervelt & Hewitt, as salesman, book-keeper and trusted clerk. In 1857 he graduated with honors from the Iron City commercial college, at Pittsburgh, Penn., and in the same year returned to Plymouth, Ind., and became book-keeper in the dry goods store of Cleveland & Hewett. A few months later he was appointed deputy sheriff of Marshall county. Not long thereafter he gave up this office and embarked in the grain business at Plymouth, where he built and operated the first grain warehouse, giving the first grain market for Marshall county. About this time Mr. Thayer became interested at intervals with the grocery and dry goods pursuits, only for a short time. Subsequently he became associated with N. H. Oglesbee, in the general lumber trade, which trade he suspended in 1868, by selling his interest. Thereafter he turned his whole attention to the continuation of the grain trade. This he has continued even unto now, each year increasing the magnitude of the trade and until his business has reached enormous proportions. Mr. Thayer is a remarkably successful and practical business man, and perhaps takes the front rank as a financier. He has amassed an ample fortune by untiring energy and industry, together with unswerving integrity. He was first a whig in politics, but in 1854 became an earnest supporter of the republican party, of whose principles he has since continued an ardent advocate. He held several positions of honor and trust. In 1872 he was a defeated candidate, by forty votes, for the state legislature as representative, and two years later received the support of his own county (Marshall) for nomination as candidate for congress, but refused to allow his name to be used as a candidate in the convention. Subsequently his party in convention, unanimously nominated him as presidential elector for the Thirteenth congressional district, which position he accepted. During the civil war, although not liable to military duty, he placed a substitute in the field, and assisted the Union cause in various ways. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and has attained to the post of past grand. Mr. Thayer has long been identified with the Masonic fraternity of the city, state and nation. He received the York Rite degree in 14 - B.

1857. He held the high offices in the Blue lodge, the chapter and commandery. He held the position of grand commander of Knights Templar of Indiana. He became grand patron of the grand chapter of Indiana, also grand marshal of the general grand chapter of the United .States. In 1S77, at Boston, he was created sovereign grand inspector-general of the thirtj'-third degree, and honorary member of the supreme grand council of the ancient accepted Scottish Rite, for the northern Masonic jurisdiction of the United States. In 1878, he was initiated a member of the provincial grand lodge of the United States, of the royal order of Scotland. July 9, 1856, Mr. Thayer was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. VanValkenburgh, of Plymouth, daughter of fames F. and Angelica VanValkenburgh. Mrs. Thayer is a lady of high Christian character, whose affectionate and devout qualities have no doubt largely aided her husband in achieving his success in life. Unto her marriage with Mr. Thayer have been born six children, namely: Harry, Edgar (deceased), George Henry, James Wesley, Alice Lavantia (deceased), Mary Angelica and Horace (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Thayer are zealous members of the Episcopal church, and they and family enjoy a high social standing.

x\rthur L. Thomson was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., March 21, 1S34. From his fifteenth year until he was twentyone years of age, he was employed as shipping clerk by a firm in Ogdensburg, N. Y. At the end of that, term until iS6i, he was clerk on the steamers Niagara and British Empire, on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence river, and in 1862 clerked on a steam tug at New York city. In 1863 he was lumber inspector at Chicago, 111. In 1864 he came to Plymouth, Marshall county, Ind., and for two years assisted George H. Benson in the lumber trade, and in 1866 began work for H. G. Thayer in the grain business, and continued for five years, when he accepted the appointment of deputy treasurer of Marshall county, under John Soice. At the end of eight years he became Mr. Soice's successor in office, and served for two terms. In 1879 he became senior member of the firm of Thomson & Brink, brick planing mill. In 1880 he bought his partner's interest in the concern, and has since then managed the business alone. In 1876 and 1878, Mr. Thomson was chairman of the democratic county central committee. He has served as clerk of both the town and city of Plymouth. From 1869 to 1881, he was vestryman of St. Thomas' Episcopal church of Plj'mouth, and, during the last year of that time, he was also junior warden, and was relieved from the duties of these offices by refusing to be re-elected. In 1877 he was elected director of the First National Bank of Marshall county. He was also city councilman from the F"irst ward. He was married, March i, 1869, to Miss Eunice Bell, of Plymouth, who died in May, 1871. He was again married, January 25, 1875, to Miss Julia E. Patterson, of this city. This second union has been blessed with three children. Mr. Thomson is a man of good business tact, fine executive ability, is very successful in business, is quite a politician, and is greatly admired by his friends.

William D. Thompson, whose brief biography is herewith presented, was born in Fayette county, Ind., March 4, 1827, and traces his ancestry back through several generations to his great grandfather, James Thompson, who came to this country and settled in that part of the District of Columbia taken off the state of Maryland, where William Thompson, his grandfather was born in 1776. In 1798, was married to Miss Nancy Lewis, and moved to Bracken county, Ky., about 1800. He and his father were Baptist ministers, but after moving to Fayette county, Ind., in 1S16, he severed his connection with the Baptist church, and became identified with the Disciples, of which denomination he was also a minister until his death. He assisted in the organization of a number of congregations in Fayette and other counties, and also preached in Marshall county, after settling there in 1836. On coming to this county he purchased a large tract of land near Maxinkuckee lake, on which himself and children settled. He reared a family of four sons and four daughters, two of whom are now living, viz.: Mary, wife of Elias Dickson, of Union township, and William E., of Lincoln, Neb. Lewis Thompson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born December 20, 1804, in Bracken county, Ky., and was by occupation a farmer, in politics, a democrat, and a member of the Christian or Disciples church, and was married to Phebe Dickson, February 27, 1825. Of their children the following grew to maturity: William D., Alexander C, Nancy J. and Julia A. William D. Thompson came to Marshall county at the age of nine years, since which time he has resided continuously in the same county. February 14, 1850, he was married to Miss Amanda Logan, daughter of Thomas Logan, of the same county. The union has resulted in the birth of four children: Phebe C, Laura E., Albertus C. and Olive M. He held the office of justice of the peace in Union township, Marshall county, for four years ending in 1858, and held the ofiice of township trustee, in Center township, same county, from April, 1882, to 1SS6, and in politics has always been a democrat, and is an elder in the Christian church of Plymouth, Ind.

Jacob Wade, a well-known merchant of Plymouth, member of the firm of Haag & Wade, proprietors of a grocery, provisions, hardware, tinware, cutlery and crockery house, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 6, 1S40. After leaving school, he learned the trade of shoemaking in his native country, which he followed there until 1864, at which time, in company with a brother, Andreas Wade, he came to the United States, coming direct to Plymouth, where his half-brother and half-sister were then living. On arriving here, Mr. Wade at once began shoemaking, which he continued at intervals until 1870, when he was compelled to abandon the trade on account of impaired health. The same year he entered the store of Nussbaum & Mayer as clerk, in which capacity he continued thirteen years, severing his connection with the firm in 1883 to engage in business for himself. He effected a co-partnership with Joseph Haag in the general grocery trade, to which he has since added the departments above enumerated, and the firm is now in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative patronage. Mr. Wade was married in Plymouth in 1S67 to Elizabeth Stein, who was born in Germany in 1831 and died in this city in 1887, leaving three children, viz.: Katie, Andrew and Zeno. Mr. Wade married his present wife, Mrs. Frances Johnson, of Plymouth, on the 28th day of November, 1889. Mr. Wade has been a member of the Catholic church since 1864, and is at this time chorister of the St. Michael congregation.

Richard Williamson was born in county Cork, Ireland, October 28, 1815, son of James and Ann (Flynn) Williamson, who came to America in 1840 and settled in York state. Mr. Williamson was reared and educated in his native country, and in early life entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the mercantile business, at which he served until 1S44. He came to the United States in that year and located in Evansville, Ind., where for six years he was engaged as a clerk in a dry goods house. He next went to Fairfield, 111., where he established a business of his own, which he conducted with fair success for several years, subsequently disposing of his stock and engaging as clerk in New York, in which city and Philadelphia he was employed for two years. In 1859 he came to Plymouth, Ind., and established a dry goods business, which he continued until 18S1, meeting with good success during that period. During the last few years Mr. Williamson has not been actively engaged in business, having practically retired from the mercantile life, and is now giving his attention to his farm. He was married in 1854 to Miss Jennie B. Fillson, daughter of Robert Fillson, of Columbiana count)-, Ohio, but a native of Cumberland county, Penn. Mrs. Williamson was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and is the mother of one child, a daughter, Mary, wife of Charles De May, of Chicago. Mr. Williamson's political views are in harmony with the principles of the democratic party, and the Catholic church holds his religious creed.

Shelby county, Ind., November 7th, 1847. His parents, Walter and Elizabeth (Worthington) Wilson were both natives of Kentucky, from which state they moved to Indiana at an early da3^ settling in Shelby county, about the year 1S38. Subsequently in 1852 they removed to La Porte county, and after a residence there of some years, located in St. Joseph county, at the village of New Carlisle, where Mrs. Wilson's death occurred in 1876. Mr. Wilson departed this life at the residence of his daughter in La Porte county, March, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson reared a family of nine children, five of whom, all boys, still survive. John N. Wilson was reared principally in La Porte county, in the schools of which he received a good English education. In August, 1876, he began farming for himself in Center township, Marshall county, four miles south of Plymouth, upon land which he had pr'feviously purchased. In May, 1S86, he was nominated by the democratic party for the office of sheriff of Marshall county, to which position he was triumphantl}^ elected the following fall. Such was the ability with which he managed the office that he was renominated without opposition, and again elected in 1888, being the present incumbent. Mr. Wilson enjoys great personal popularity throughout the county, and as a public official, has endeavored to serve the people rather than party. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Plymouth lodge and chapter, also to commandery. No. 26, K. T. He was married September 12th, 1867, to Sarah E. Connor, of La Porte county, who has borne him five children, two sons and three daughters, one of whom, a daughter, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Christian church at Argos.

Dr. James H. Wilson, physician and surgeon, is a native of Indiana, born in Shelby county, February 5th, 1838, son of Walter and Elizabeth (Worthington) Wilson. He was reared in Shelby county until fourteen years of age, at which time he accompanied his parents to the northern part of La Porte county, where he grew to manhood. He received his literary education at New Carlisle, St. Joseph county, an institution under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal church, and later took a business course at Bryant & Stratton commercial college at Chicago. Having decided to make the medical profession a life work, he began the study of the same at New Carlisle in the office of Dr. J. Davis, and afterward entered the medical department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1873. He began the practice of his profession at Argos in 1871 before completing his medical course in the university, and continued in that town until his removal to Plymouth, in August, 1878. Since locating in the county seat the doctor's well known professional ability has won him a large and lucrative practice in the city and surrounding countr}^ and he now enjoys the distinction of being the leading physician and surgeon of the county. While giving attention to the general practice, he makes a specialty of surgery in which he excels, being frequently called upon to perform difficult operations requiring great skill, by parties living at remote distances from his usual field of practice. He is a member of the Marshall county medical society, and was the first secretary of the same, in which position he served for several years. He has also served as president of this organization, which at this time is an auxiliary of the state medical society and the American medical association. He is also a member of the national association of railway surgeons, and of the tri-state surgical society of the Lake Erie & Western railroad, in the organization of which he was a prime mover and charter member and of wh'fch he has since served as secretary. The doctor is a democrat in politics, and has served as mayor of Plj^mouth, and also as member of the town school board of Argos, and is now secretary of the Marshall county board of health. He has served as surgeon for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad, and Lake Erie & Western railroad for two years, and has given eminent satisfaction in those official capacities. He was married in 1S71 to Miss Lizzie A. Hay, daughter of David Hay of New Carlisle, Ind.

Charles H. Woodbury was born in the town of Bethel, W^indsor county, Vermont, October 11, 1S31, and is the son of Calvin and Amanda (Cushing) Woodbury, both natives of the same state. In 1833, the family moved to Delaware county, Ohio, and from there, in 1848, to Marshall county, Ind., settling in West township, where the father died in 1851. He was a man of intelligence, a whig in his political belief, and in religion a Unitarian. His widow survived him thirty-five years, departing this life in 1886. They had five children who grew to. maturity, all dead but the subject of this mention. Their names are as follows: Mariah, wife of Newton R. Packard; Mary; Ellen, wife oiA.C. Capron, and Henry. Charles H. Woodbury was reared principally in Ohio, and his educational training was limited to the branches taught in the countrj' schools of that period. In 1859 he went to California, and until 1865 was engaged in farming and mining in that state, and the latter year returned to Indiana, locating in Marshall county. He made the trip west by the overland route and returned by water. He was married in 1868 to Miss Matilda Vinall, daughter of Dr. Vinall, of Plymouth, and two j-ears later settled upon his present farm in Center township, where he has since successfully pursued the agriculturist's vocation. Politically, Mr. Woodbury is an earnest supporter of the democratic party, and fraternally, belongs to Plj'mouth lodge and chapter, F. & A. M. He is not a member of any church, but his wife and family are members of the Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Woodbury have seven children, viz.: Maggie, Alice, John, Gertrude, Oscar, Bessie and Harry.

William Zehner, the subject of this sketch, though of German descent, is of American parentage, his great grandfather, Adam Zehner, having come to this country from near Swoltzwalt, Germany, in the year 1746, at the age of twenty years, working three years for his passage to America. Settled in Schuylkill county, Penn. Served in the war of the revolution. Died in the year 1809, at the age of eighty-three years. His grandfather, David Zehner, was a captain in the war of 181 2, and bore a distinguished reputation; after the close of the war he engaged in the milling business in Schuylkill county, Penn. He died in 1831. His father, Solomon, was a miller, as were also all of his brothers, seven in number. Six of his sons being millers, the seventh being a merchant. In 1842 Mr. Zehner moved his family from Columbia county, Penn., to Wayne county, Ind., and in 1851 moved to Marshall county, settling in the woods four and a half miles southeast of Argos, where they lived two weeks under an elm tree while they built a rude log cabin which still remains to this day, having stood the storms of near forty years, the timber being cut in the month of August, and still remains apparently sound. At that early period the woods were alive with all kinds of game, deer and wolves being very plentiful, while the Indians, who were quite numerous, were about the only neighbors of which our pioneer family could boast. After a short sojourn at this place, the Zehners bought the Wolf Creek mill, which remained in their possession for a number of years. In August, 1852, William Zehner's father died, and one year later, William and David Zehner, both being now of age, began the milling business upon their own responsibility. William soon purchased his brother's interest and ran the mill alone about eight years. In 1861 he erected the mill at Sligo, which he operated until 1886, when he moved to Plymouth and began the manufacture of flour in that city, which he still carries on. Mr. Zehner's recollections of early life in the county are very vivid and his experience during the pioneer period is very interesting. During his mill experience at Wolf Creek, he operated the only mill in Marshall county, and he describes his business as having been very extensive for the time, having been compelled to run the machinery day and night in order to supply the great demand for flour. He kept no books, all the pay being taken out in toll. In fact, all kinds of business at that time was carried on by barter, the only money in use being a little Union Plank Road currency of questionable value, and a few State bank notes which were about on par with gold. "About the worst money I ever saw," says Mr. Zehner, " was that issued by independent banks. You could not tell one day whether it would be worth anything the next day or not." At this time Mr. Zehner Is proprietor of the largest flouring mill in Marshall county, which, with the latest improved machinery put in in 1SS7 by the Nordyke & Marmon company, of Indianapolis, manufactures 100 barrels per day. The product of this mill has an extensive sale and is noted for its superior quality. Mr. Zehner was married in 1858 to Margaret L. Grossman, of Lancaster county, Penn., daughter of Jacob Grossman. They have seven living children: Sylvester V., Cyrus W., Mrs. Mary Hosier, Mrs. Salome Long, Salena, Ellen and Jessie, the last three of whom still reside under the parental roof. Mr. Zehner has served four terms as township trustee, and formerly took an active part in politics, voting the democratic ticket. He and wife are both members of the Reformed church. Mr. Zehner's mother, Salome Zehner, was descended from German ancestry, her grandfather, John Michael Hoppas, having been a gallant soldier in the war for American independence. Born January 12, 1753, and died July 30, 1833. From Hanover, Whittenberg on the Rhine, her father, Michael Hoppas, was born March 21, 1781, and died April 21, 1S57. He served in the war of 1812.