Fremont Township (part 1 of 2)

Fremont Township

The township first known as Brockville, but afterward named in honor of the famous " pathfinder," JohnC. Fremont, is bounded on the north by Branch County, in the State of Michigan; on the east by Clear Lake Township; on the south by York and Scott, and on the west by Jamestown. It is four miles north and south, and five and three-quarters east and west. Its area is accordingly about twenty-three square miles, or 15,000 acres, of which 600 are covered by water. The largest lakes are Cedar, on sections 14, 15, 22, 27, 26 and 23; Walter's Lake, on 18, and Fish Lake, on 16 and 21. The Fort Wayne & Jackson branch of the Lake Sliore & Michigan Southern Railroad crosses the township from southwest to northeast, over sections 32, 29, 28, 21, 22, 15, 14 and 13. It has two stations, Fremont and Ray, the latter being partly in Branch County, Mich.

One day in the latter part of August, 1835, John McMahan unhitched his horses about a mile from the present village of Fremont, and to him belongs the honor of being the first white settler in the township. Uncle Demary Tillitson passed Mr. Mc- Mahan about two hours after the latter had stopped, and he is thus entitled to the second place on the roll of old settlers. Mr. Tillitson "took up" eighty acres of land where the commodious residence of Erastus Farnhara (now of Chicago) was afterward erected, and Mr. McMahan settled a mile further north. He died in 1878, being survived by Demary Tillitson for a short time. That same fall several more settlers came into the township, among them being Jeremiah Tillitson, an uncle of Demary's, Jacob Roop, Fred Bowers and Peter Cluck. Jeremiah Tillitson died about 1874, in his eightieth year.

Jacob Roop was killed about 1865 by the carelessness of a drug clerk. He had been troubled for some time with the rheumatism, and called on a physician for something to relieve him. The doctor told him to take a spoonful of tincture of colchicum every three or four hours. Mr. Roop took the prescription to a drug store. The clerk didn't know what tincture meant, and so gave him colchicum seed. He took one spoonful of them and in about three hours was in great agony, but thinking that it might be necessary to cure him took another spoonful. He grew rapidly worse. Medical aid was summoned from Fremont and other places, but notwithstanding every effort was made to save him he died in a few hours, having suffered terribly. Fred Bowers died of old age about 1869, being at the time of his death nearly ninety years of age. Peter Cluck was a blacksmith, and was noted as a very powerful man. One of his sons, Peter, succeeded him in that occupation at Fremont. Another sou was killed in the late civil war. The old gentleman died about 1870.

Among the first settlers in the township should be mentioned Elder Truman Burrows, a Baptist minister, John D. Barnard, Elijah Salisbury, Chester D. Salisbury, Avery Farnham and his brother Erastus. Elder Burrows died some years since, having attained a ripe old age. John D. Barnard and Chester D. Salisk^

"bury removed to Orland to enjoy, during their declining years, the fruits of their early labors. Mr. Barnard is dead. Elijah Salisbury went to California a few years since, and died in the Golden State. Erastus and Avery Farnham are both dead, the latter in 1878 and the former several years previous.

Tiie following also settled in the township prior to 1840 : Daniel Caswell, Thomas M. Brown, Peter Wolf, John Duguid, Jacob Wolf, Samuel Stewart, Aaron Goodwin, A. Crawford, James Lockwood, Henry Wilcox, James Duguid, Martin Tillitson, Henry Snow, John McClue, N. Ford, Charles Campbell, A. Campbell, Fred Bower, Horace Waite, William Campbell, Josiah Sabin, Dr. D. B. Griffin, James Winter, Dr. Reynolds, Alexander McNaughton, John Havens, S. Goodfellow, E. Masters, M. Terry, R. A. Gaines, Rufus Beall, Michael Kreger, Samuel Tillitson, Enos Beall, S. A. Steward, Peter Rowe, John Stewart, C. Yan Horn, M. Meade, M. Carpenter, L. Yan Horn, Joseph Terry, Elias True, Silas Doty, and James Critchfield. Nearly all of the old settlers have passed away, but among the living are yet numbered Alexander McNanghton, John McClue, Thomas Knott, Dr. D. B. Griffin (now of Angola), and a few others.

During the first few weeks after Demary Tillitson settled in Fremont Township, his only shelter was a few boards set against a tree. The lumber was hauled from Coldwater. His uncle, Jeremiah Tillitson, built the first log-house and he built the second. Bears would come snuffing around the houses, being not in the least afraid. Bruin would often put his nose through the crevices between the logs. Wolves were prowling around nights and would frequently venture close to the cabins.

The first frame building was erected in 1836-'7 by a man named Goodwin. The house is yet standing, being nearly in the center of the village of Fremont. About the same time a Mr. Parker, from Fort Wayne, built a log store on the lot just where the American House is now. He is spoken of by one of the "oldest inhabitants" as a "thundering good fellow." His stock of goods would not make a very creditable showing now. It is said that all his worldly possessions might have been very easily loaded into a one-horse wagon. He remained two or three years and then sold out. A frame addition was then built to the store and it was turned into a hotel. Truman Gilbert was the first landlord.

He sold everything at a fabulous profit, bnilt a larger store and stocked it with goods he bought in New York. Gaines also built the hotel now known as the American House, but did not keep it long. He sold or rented it to Truman Gilbert, who acted the part of " mine host " for some time.

When Gaines brought his stock of goods from iS'ewYork he was in debt to some extent, having borrowed money of his father. He was very anxious that the latter should come West, and made such glowing representations of the fabulous richness of the new country that the old gentleman was finally induced to sell his property in the East at a great sacrifice, and follow the footsteps of the son to the new country. The old gentleman had not been here long before the son desired to borrow what money the father had, about $7,000, saying he could double it in a year. The father was cautious, however, and didn't care to invest. In a short time they removed to Jamestown. Old Mr. Gaines had an attack of the ague one day, and his son persuaded him to take some medicine. The next day the father died. His wife, Richard's step-mother, was feeling somewhat indisposed. He persuaded her to take some medicine. The following day she also died.

When the administrator of the estate came to examine the affairs of old Mr. Gaines, he was unable to find any of the wealth people supposed he had. There was a note for $300 given by Richard to his father some time previous. Soon after this Richard removed to Hillsdale, Mich. He had two stores there, and appeared to be doing a flourishing business. One fine morning every one was astonished to learn that he had sold out to ex-Sheriff Beall, and with $16,000 in his pockets had left for " fresh fields and pastures new," No one had the least idea where he had gone. His familj^ was left in a destitute condition. Before he left he told Mr. Beall that if any letters came to him to open and read them.

In a day or two a missive came from Detroit, directed in a feminine hand. Mr. Beall opened and read it and found it was from a fashionable member of the demi monde whose home was in New York; but, judging from the letter, she had come on to Detroit to meet Gaines. They were then to go to some foreign land and enjoy their wealth. Beall showed the letter to Mrs. Gaines. She fainted and was too ill to travel for some time. When she recovered she took her family and moved to Ohio, where she lived with her brother until her family were grown up. When her son became of age, he resolved to search the wide world over for his father.

He went to CHlitbrnia, thence to Mexico and Central America. Finally he went to South America, visiting all the principal towns in the northern portion of that continent, in every one of which he made inquiries for his father. After months and years of searching, he at last saw the name of R. A. Gaines in a newspaper. He found that the man was his father.

The unnatural parent was engaged in the wholesale trade, and Dame Fortune appeared to have smiled upon him. He was reputed to be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Before the son left, his father gave him enough money to start him in business. Mrs. Gaines was still living in the Buckeye State. She had several offers of marriage, but had declined them all and declared she would remain single until she knew what had become of her husband. When her son returned from South America and she learned huw the fatlier of her children was living, she immediately married a gentleman of considerable means, who had been waiting for her for several years. They are now living in Ohio and the son is doing business in the same State.

In the early days of Fremont Township, Toledo was the nearest market. Demary Tillitson told how he took wheat there with an ox team and sold it for 50 cents per bushel and thought he was doing well. He used to go to Detroit quite frequently and return with loads of salt, dried apples, etc.

In 1837 the village of Brockville was platted. Prior to that time the settlement had been known as Willow Prairie. In 1851 the name of the postoffice was changed to Fremont, the reason for the change being that there was a Brookville in the southern part of the State, and the similarity in the names caused many mistakes to be made in the forwarding of letters. Jeremiah Tillitson, who was an ardent admirer of the distinguished officer and explorer John C. Fremont, christened the office after him, A. B. Goodwin was the first Postmaster at Brockville. In 1838 a mail route was established from Blissfield, Mich., to Lima, Ind. The mail was carried on horseback, and William A. Bliss was the first contractor. After the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad was completed to Coldwater, Judge Storrs made representations to the Department at Washington which secured a tri-weekly mail, the route being from Coldwater through Jamestown, Fremont, Angola, and Auburn to Fort Wayne. On this route Seeley & Fox were the contractors. Judge Storrs said that the first lucifer matches he ever saw were brought by the mail-carrier from Blissfield. He

In 1842 Adam Knott, more familiarly known as " Ad" Knott, opened a "store." His stock of goods was very limited. He stored them in a goods box and a trunk which he kept under his bed. From that small beginning he worked onward and upward until he had as good a store as any one in the village. He then removed to Angola, and a few years later became a partner in a wholesale house in New York City. Finally he came back to Toledo and went into the wholesale trade there. Dame Fortune did not smile on him as she had in years gone by; part of his large fortune vanished like dew before the morning sun. He became bewildered, and at last his insanity became so marked that his friends placed him in an asylum, where he committed suicide. Thus ended the interesting career of one of the pioneers of Fremont Township. He started at the foot of the ladder, but, unaided and alone, he attained wealth and prominence. In reaching that end he wrecked his own mind. Death kept aloof until finally the poor man in despair resolved to flee from worldly care and suflering, and at a moment when no one was watching he terminated his unhappy existence. The wealth he had spent his life in acquiring he left for others to enjoy. Notwithstanding the large amount he lost at Toledo, it is said that he was worth $50,- 000 when he became insane.

In the spring of 1838 the citizens of Fremont Township, though few in number, resolved to celebrate in a becoming manner the coming anniversary of American independence. As the glorious day approached they became more and more enthusiastic until finally they decided to erect a liberty pole, and have speeches and toasts and a good time generally. At last the day came, and a half hundred citizens assembled for the celebration. Now in those days there lived west of the village a practical joker named Goodwin, who was the happy possessor of an Indian pony. During the day it occurred to him that he would be doing a brilliant thing if he could devise means whereby he could give the celebrators a good scare. It did not take him long to think of a plan. The thought was father to the deed. He procured an Indian blanket, made his face hideous by applying paints of various colors and took his flint-lock.

The next thing in order was to mount his pony and start for the scene of the celebration. Men women and children were enjoying themselves to the utmost. A strange noise in the forest close at hand caused some of them to look in the direction whence it proceeded. They were horrified to see an Indian in the act of raising his gun to his shoulder to fire. The children screamed and ran crji'Jig to their mothers' arms; the women were on the point of fainting, while the masculine portion of the company started for their firearms. The Indian would disappear, bat ever and anon he would be seen peering from behind a tree. Finally Thomas Knott secured an old work horse and started in pursuit of the red man with a resolve to kill or be killed. More than once the trusty rifle of 'Squire Knott was brought to his shoulder. The Indian would dodge behind a tree and a moment later his gun would be pointed at the 'Squire, when the latter would take a turn at holding up a tree. This was kept up for some time, but the Indian finally made his escape.

While Knott and the redskin had been engaging each other's attention, the male inhabitants had taken the women and children to a place of safety and were preparing for an Indian war. In the course of an hour or so Goodwin came around, having first been home and washed the paint off his face, and confessed that he was the Indian and he did it all for fun. At first the settlers were not disposed to take it in that light and there was talk of hanging, but he was finally allowed to go. Thus ended the Indian scare. Shortly after this the "boys" paid his place a visit. They took his wagon to pieces and scattered the different parts here and there. The ex-Indian was kept busy the remainder of the season hunting for his wagon. Part of it he found in the neighboring tree-tops, and part under the leaves in the forest.

Dr. Stewart was the first physician in the township. He had great faith in the curative power of "roots and yarbs and sich." It is related that he was once called to see a patient suftering with what he called quinzy, but what would now be more readily recoo-- nized under the name of diphtheria. He gave the following prescription, and said the invalid would be all right in the morning. The learned (?) M. D. directed that some one should go to the woods and procure some of the inner bark of the witch-hazel. Another he sent to a spring or pool of water to get a green frog. The witch-hazel bark, the live frog and a quart of water were to be boiled down until the mixture was of the consistency of salve. A quantity of this as large as a pea was to be placed on the end of the patient's tongue. From there it would spread until all the affected parts were healed. This novel remedy had its effect. The patient died.

Dr. Griffin, now of Angola, was the second physician. He achieved success by using quinine for the cure of fever and ague instead of roots and herbs. In a few months after his arrival Dr. Stewart left and settled in Michigan, but owing to his intemperate habits met with little success. Several years after he returned to Fremont and united with the Sons of Temperance, taking a life pledge which he faithfully kept during the remainder of his life. Notwithstanding the excesses he indulged in for many years, he lived to a good old age. The last few years of his life were spent in the West. He died about 1869 or 1870. Dr. Griffin remained until 1851, when he went East and lived in New York nine jears. He then returned to this county, where he has since made his home. He resides now at Angola, but is not practicing.

Dr. Hendricks was the third physician who settled in the township. He is spoken of as a well-educated man and a successful practitioner. Among other doctors who came in early days may be mentioned Fitzgerald, Patterson and Drake. The last-named removed to Detroit, became a homeopathist, and acquired great wealth. He was killed by the cars at Ypsilanti, Mich., a few years since. Dr. Wakefield came in 1853; Dr. Lacey, an eclectic physician, came soon after, and Dr. Moore was the next to settle in the township

Jacob Froat was among the early settlers. In 1840 he became insane. He thuught his family did not want him to live any longer. Early one afternoon he took his rifle and went out. Nothing was thought of it for a time, his relatives supposing that he had gone hunting. When it became dark and he did not return they became worried and commenced searching. About nine o'clock he was discovered leaning over a fence near the house. Upon going to him, he was found to be in a dying condition, a bullet having penetrated the base of the brain. He was taken home and lived until the following day. Before he died he became perfectly sane. He said he had gone a little distance from the house, where he laid down with his back to a tree. Then he had taken his silk handkerchief and tied it to the trigger, after which he placed the muzzle to his head and fired. In two or three hours he regained consciousness and managed to crawl to the place where he was found. He repented of the rash act, his last word being: " I die a fool's death."

the township was erected over his grave. It stood for many years, but was finally broken. When the Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroad was constructed, the road bed was made over his grave, but the bones, if there were any that had not decayed, were left undisturbed. During his lifetime Froat used to take great delight in trapping wolves. He used to catch them in pen traps, and on a certain occasion caught two at one time. He invited C. Havens, now living in the village of Fremont, and some others to go alono- and have some fun. When they arrived at the pens they made a slip noose out of a hickory sapling, thrust it mto the pen where one of the wolves was confined and caught him around the

They then drew him near the edge of the pen and succeeded in pulling one of his hind legs outside. Next they cut through the gambrel cord and put a small hickory sapling through, the pole being about twelve feet long, after which they opened the pen and allowed his wolfship to come out. The dogs, three in number, were set on, but the wolf, notwithstanding the disadvantages he labored under, succeeded in nearly killing the dogs, and would have escaped to the swamp if the mighty hunters had not tomahawked him. The other wolf was served in that way, but the dogs were not allowed to interfere, and it is somewhat doubtful if they had any desires in that direction. If they had any thoughts at all about the matter they probably concluded that one wolf fight in a day was a sufiiciency.

Mrs. Peter Kluck had been bed-ridden for several months before the big Indian scare of July 4, 1838. For some time she had not left the house, and hardly ventured to get ofi" the bed. When news came that the Indians were on the war path she at once forgot her illness and caught up her child and ran to Mr. Goodwin's house, about three-quarters of a mile, distant across the prairie. The excitement cured her - she was never bed-ridden again.

Tlie first Postmaster in the village was A. B. Goodwin, as stated above. He was appointed in 1838. In addition to being a United States oflicer, he engaged in the business of trading with the Indians. His principal wares were such as suited that trade. The Indians came to him one day and borrowed a five-gallon keg, giving a rifle in pledge for it. They then went to Nichols' store, in Jamestown, and had the keg filled with whisky, which took all their money. Soon the noble red men were hilariously drunk.

The Indian who had pledged his gun at Fremont for the keg was finally induced to sell his squaw's pony, which she had paid for herself. This act on the part of her liege lord so aroused her indignation that she felt like killine: some one. Soon her husband came staggering along, and she drew a knife and stabbed him to the heart. According to the rules of the Pottawatomie Nation, where one member of the tribe kills anotlier the murderer is killed in the same manner by the nearest of kin of the murdered brave. The murderess in this case was the daughter of old Baw Beese, chief of the tribe, but he was a firm believer in equal justice to all, so made no effort to save his daughter from her impending fate.

Immediately after the crime was committed a messenger was dispatched to bring a brother of the deceased, who lived at Nottawassippi Prairie. He arrived in a few hours and the squaw was led forth. She stood before him and bared her breast for the fatal blow. For a moment the glittering blade was held aloft, and then it descended with terrible force. Just at that instant, however, the squaw inclined her head forward and the knife struck her on the forehead, passing down through the center of her face, making a frightful wound but not killing her. She was lifted to her feet, and on a second trial the knife pierced her heart. Sheldon Havens and John D. Barnard and wife were returning from Fremont, where they had been visiting Elder Burrows. When a short distance from Jamestown they were stopped by the Indians and Mrs. Barnard was told to get out.

Of course she complied with the modest request. One of the Indians then told Mr. Barnard there was a squaw " much sick." He then led the way to where the dead squaw was lying, and commanded Mr. Barnard and Mr. Havens to help put her in their wagon. They drove on a few rods and were horrified to see her husband lying dead, just where he had fallen. His body was put in the wagon and the Indians guided them to a slight elevation of ground where a grave had been ah-eady dug. The bodies were removed from the waofon and placed on a blanket near the open grave. Nothing was done for a few moments. Barnard and Havens thought as they had assisted thus far they would remain and see the rest of the performance. Finally the Indians became restless and uneasy. Taking the gentlemen by the shoulders they marched them to the wagon and said: " Smokaman marchee, marchee, quick ! " Notliinor was done toward interring the bodies .until the white men were well out of sight. In a few days Dr. B, F. Sheldon resurrected the bodies and used them for dissecting purposes.

About two weeks or so after the murder the Indians returned to Goodwin's at Fremont, taking back the keg he had loaned them, and wanting the gun that had been left in pawn by the Indian who was subsequently killed. Goodwin preferred the gun to the keg, and so he told them he could not deliver the gun unless they brought the Indian who had left it. They endeavored to explain that the warrior was dead, but Goodwin pretended not to understand, and retained the gun for several months. He had to keep it out of sight of the Indians or they would have stolen it.

Forty years ago Goodwin moved into Iowa. The country was new, but German settlements had been formed. He made his home in one of these settlements and a few years later his wife died. He then married a German Catholic girl. Goodwin had a short time before united with that church himself. He was a shrewd man and became quite a leader among the German Catholics in that part of the State where he lived.

In the early days the whites would go out among the Indians for the purpose of trading. Whisky would be traded for ponies, but quite often the Indians would steal them back in a few days. One pleasant night in 1837 three young men left Fremont for the purpose of visiting the Indian camp a few miles out. C. Havens formed one of the party. Before they left the camp in the morning they had agreed to give the Indians ten gallons of whisky and $5 in money for a pony. One of the warriors came into the villao-e with them for the purpose of securing the first five gallons of fire water.

Mr. Havens had been warned that he would have to keep a sharp look-out or his pony would be stolen. He kept it locked up every night for three weeks and then thought it would be safe, so he left it in the lot outside. In the morning it was gone.

The Indians were removed in 1838. They used to have a powwow once every year, at which time they would get beastly drunk. The squaws would take their fire-arms and hide them, so they could not hurt one another. "When the grand jubilee time came in 1838, the Michigan militia were held in readiness, and when the Indians became helpless they formed a hollow square arou;id the red men and in this way they were removed to the West.

Considerable excitement was once occasioned by the finding of a woman's clothing on the bank of Lake James. A note was pinned to one of the garments written by a woman who had lived in Fremont for some time, saying she was going to drown herself. The lake was dragged, bat no body was found. About the same time

The first frame building in Fremont Township was a barn. It was built for Jeremiah Tillitson, by Thomas Knott. The barn afterward came into the possession of John Kaufman, who lives three miles southeast of the village of Fremont. In 1844 the frame of the first church (Methodist) was raised. There was some trouble about the title to the land, so the frame was moved to its present location. The building was not completed until 1851. At the first quarterly meeting the congregation used the sleepers for seats. The foundation was not put under the building until 1859, previous to which time it rested on blocks. The swine found a cool retreat under the building during the hot days of summer. In 1863 the roof was blown off but replaced at once. The Methodists retained possession of the building until about 1872, when they sold it to the Evangelical Association, and commenced their present fine brick structure.

The first frame school-house in Fremont Township was built in 1845. The building was afterward moved to the main street and occupied as a meat market by Stephens & Isenhower. The house was built by subscription. In 1856 a new school-house was built, 30x36 feet in size, two stories high, and cost $1,400. It was destroyed by fire Aug. 16, 1877, and the same year witnessed the erection of the present structure, which, with the grounds, cost $6,000.

The first entry of land was made June 23, 1834; three tracts of eight}'^ acres each, on which the south part of the village is located, being entered by G. D. Palmenter, S. A. Palmenter and John McCume.

Among the first preachers to give gospel words to the pioneers in the place was Elder Burroughs, a Baptist, from Mill Grove Township. Elder John Hall also used to visit them in early years.

Fremont maintains lodges of both the great benevolent secret societies. Northeastern Lodge, No. 210, F. & A. M., was organized at Fremont, Jan. 16, 1856, with nine charter members. The first officers were: Joseph Hutchinson, W. M, ; Hawkins A. King, S. W. ; Silas Darrow, J. W. ; S. W. Corbin, Secretary; John W. Follett, Treasurer; E. F. Jagger, Tyler. The charter was granted May 26, 1857, and under this the first Master was W. H. H. Day. Those who have successively been Master of Northeastern Lodge are Joseph Hutchinson, W. H. H. Day, J. K. Fox, Boy den, S. L. Dunt, B. B. Holcomb, E. G. Melendy, Dr. L. Abbott. The lodge owns its own hall, which was erected at a cost of $1,000. The lot cost $250, and the whole property is valued at $2,000. The present officers are as follows: E. G. Melendy, W. M. ; D. J. Tillitson, S. W.; William McKeehan, J. W. ; D. M. Banm, Secretary; G. A. Dygert, Treasurer.

Judson KilpatrickPost, No. 45, G. A. R., was mustered on Saturday evening, Feb. 11, 1882, with the following charter members: B. J. Gofi;Burt Hnbbell, M. B. Loop, Ira Reed, Charles White, J. L. Hagerty, Peter Rautz, Robert Gunn, Jerome Frost, Moses Fritz, R. H. Dygert, Moses Kinsey and D. Hutchins. The election of officers resulted in the choice of M. B. Loop for First Commander, and Moses Kinsey for First Senior Yice-Commander. The post, though yet young, has been remarkably prosperous, and is in excellent working condition. The present officers are: B. J. Goff, Commander; Curtis Cassel, S. Y. C. ; Joel G. Sbutts, J. Y. C; Andrew Caswell, Q. M. ; Daniel Hiller, O. D.; Charles Allen, O.

The Fremont Congregational church was organized by Rev. E. Aiidrus and Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D., in 1874, The society flourished, especially when under the pastorate of Rev. John Y. Hickmott. After him came Rev. B. W. Andrew, in June, 1883. Their church was built in 1881, at a cost of $1,400. The Sunday-school prospers under charge of Moses Kinsey.

The Fremont society of the Evangelical Association was organized by Rev. M. Alspach in 1856. It was connected with the De Kalb Mission, Indiana Conference, until September, 1864, and was served by Rev. Bartholomew in 1857, Revs. Myers and C. Uda, and some others. Services were generally held in Frederick Straw's house, until 1874, when they purchased the M. E. church, which, with the remodeling, cost $1,300. The present pastor is Rev. D, P. Rumberger. The society has thirty-two members. The Sunday-school, under J. P. Isenhower, has about forty attendants.

Fremont is the largest place in the county outside of Angola, and is the only incorporation besides the county seat. It is well situated, in the midst of a prosperous, intelligent farming community, and has a bright future before it. Among the leading business men of the place should be mentioned Willard L. Scott, general merchandise; George Heller, general merchandise; Chadwick & Dewey, general merchandise; Philip Michael, hardware; Moses Kinsey, hardware; B. J. Goff, groceries; James Milnes, groceries; S. L. Bricker, groceries; Peter Ran tz, groceries; Jacob Isenhower, grocery and meat market; Stevens & Son, meat market; Mrs. S. J. Burdick, millinery; Miss De Lancy, millinery; A. J. Broughton, furniture; J. K. Fox, furniture; A. Caswell, Hilton Hotel; J. Y. Bevier, American Hotel; Warren Wilkinson, postoffice; John Mawhood & Co., saw and grist mill; Farnham estate, flouring mill; James Pettit, blacksmith; Richard Dygert, blacksmith; Kluck & Hollo way, blacksmiths; Fred Pifer, wagon shop; De Forrest Young, wagon shop; Burdick Bros., drugs; A. Paul, drugs; Havens & Son, jewelers; C. H. Dougherty, jeweler; George F. Ball, bank; Sam Wolf, boots and shoes; B. B. Holcomb, harness; J. H. Hall, harness; Daniel Shaeffer, confection- . ery; Henry Trecarten, cooper; Henry Kaler, flouring and sawmill; W. H. Piper, saw-mill; Peter Huston, saw-mill; H. F. Carpenter, saloon; G. T. Johns, saloon; John Hoover, barber shop; Mrs. E. B. Bevier, dressmaker; Mrs. Edna Black, dressmaker; Mrs. Marian Gilbert, dressmaker; Mrs. Milly Eosecrans, dressmaker; Mrs. Roxie Travis, dressmaker.

The village oflBcers are as follows: Trustees, Samuel Straw (President of the board;), J. A. Mclntyre, and Lyman Abbott; Clerk, Daniel Shaeffer; Treasurer, Willard L. Scott; Marshal, C. Lint; President School Board, E. G. Melendy; Secretary, J. B. Holcomb; Treasurer, S. L. Bricker.

The legal profession is i-epresented at Fremont by E. G. Melendy, J? B. Langworthy and W. C. Chadwick. The resident physicians are W. S. Robinson, J. L. Hagerty, L. Abbott, T. B. McNabb, and E. B. Simmons, all of whom are "regular," and Dr. Miller, homeopathic.

The population of the village of Fremont was in 1870, 392; in 1880, 632 - an increase of 240 in ten years. The citizens now claim a population of 1,000. The population of the township, exclusive of the village, was in 1870, 570, and in 1880, 626 - an increase of fifty-six. This is about twenty-eight inhabitants per

The following statistics of leading crops are for the last census year - 1880: Acres of wheat sown, 3,421 average yield per acre, twenty bushels; total crop, 68,420 bushels; acres of corn, 1,151; average yield per acre, fifteen bushels; total crop, 17,265; acres of oats, 447; average yield per acre, forty bushels; total crop, 17,880 bushels; acres of meadow, 665; average yield of hay per acre, one and a half tons; total crop, 982 tons; acres of potatoes, ninetyone; average yield per acre, fifty; total crop, 4,550 bushels.

In 1884 the number of acres of land assessed was 12,722.51; value of same, $219,520; value of improvements, $107,610; value of personal property, $68,710; total valuation, $395,840; number of polls, 249; number of dogs, 109; total taxation, $9,358.24. As property is assessed on a basis of one-third, the wealth of Fremont Township may be estimated at $1,187,520.

Since the organization of the Republican party the township has uniformly given Republican pluralities. Before 1856 it was carried by the Whigs two Presidential years, by the Free-Soilers once, and lastly by the Democrats. The Liberty or Free-Soil * party was for ten years very strong in this township. The smallest plurality ever cast here was in 1852 - three Democratic; and the largest was in 1856 - ninety-seven Republican. The vote at each Presidential election has been:

Following is a list of the names of those elected to fill the various township offices since 1850, with the calendar years in which the same were chosen:

Justices of the Peace. - 1852, Archibald Crawford; 1854, George Sovvle; 1855, Enos Michael; 1856, Jeremiah Tillotson and Eben O. Leach; 1858, Jeremiah G. W, Colbiirn; 1859, Joseph H. Hall and Josiah Sabin; 1860, George S. Havens; 1863, Joseph H. Hall; 1864, Melvin Tillotson and Cyrus Handy; 1865, B. F. Wade; 1868, Joseph H. Hall and Cyrus Handy; 1869, Oliver P. Dodge; 1870, Joseph H. Hall and Cyrus Handy; 1872, Joseph H. Hall and Samuel Wolf; 1874, Jacob K. Fox; 1876, John Y. Bevier and Cyrus Handy; 1880, F. W. Robinson, Elias Straw and J. K. Howell; 1884, E. G. Melendy, Elias Straw and Spencer Handy.

ConstaUes. - l^?>^, Melvin Tillotson and Philip Michael; 1859, Philip Michael, James Petit and Gilbert Dunham; 1860, Charles Cory and Jacob Michael; 1861, Philip Michael and O. N. Caswell; 1862, Melvin Tillotson and Joshua Caswell; 1863, Melvin Tillotson, James Petit and I. W. Badger; 1864, Nathan G. Olmstead, R. J. Duguid and G. W. Critchfield; 1865, R. J. Duguid and Nathan G. Olmstead; 1866, Nathan G. Olmstead, Samuel Wade and John Peters; 1868, Henry E. Whaley, Oliver P. Dodge and G. A. Duguid; 1869, Henry E. Whaley, A. M. Caswell and M. Y. Garn; and Martin Y. Garn; 1874, Morris B. Lemraon, L. Y. Patterson and Alonzo Smiley; 1878, William Yan Alstine, John Gore and George Wharton; 1880, John Gore, Elon Chapin and J. E. Mc- Elhenie; 1882, John Gore; 1884, James Pettit and William Harter.

J. L. Burdick., one of the pioneers of Steuben County, Ind., was born in Windham County, Yt, April 10, 1825, son of Jared and Lurancy (Franklin) Burdick, his father a native of Connectiticnt and his mother of Massachusetts. They were married in

1820 and settled in Yermont. In 1836 they moved to Steuben County, going irom Vermont to Troy, N. Y.; thence to Buffalo, where they took a boat for Detroit. At Detroit they bought an ox team and came across the country to Indiana. They settled in the eastern part of Jamestown Township, in the oak openings, and there they made a home and lived thirty years. They afterward moved to Hillsdale, Mich., where they died. They had a family of twelve children - Charles, of Washington County, Neb.; Jared L., our subject; Amanda, deceased, married Charles T. Dewey; Mary, wife of Asa "Waterhouse, of Coldwater, Mich.; Eunice E., widow of Dr. S. L. Dart, lives in Fremont; Harriet A., wife of Charles D. Chadwick; Melissa, wife of Charles T. Gilbert; Lydia A., wife of Jacob Michael; Frank L. , of Mendou, Mich.; Frederick, of Nebraska, and two who died in infancy. Jared L. Burdick grew to manhood in Steuben County, receiving his education in the common schools. He was married Feb. 29, 1852, to Sarah A. Sowles, a native of Oneida County, N. Y., born April 5, 1831, daughter of A. W. A. Sowles. Soon after their marriage, March 15, 1852, they started for California, crossing the plains and arriving at Placerville the first of August. They remained in California till 1856, when they returned East by water, landing in New York, and thence to Indiana. Since his return to Steuben County he has followed agricultural pursuits, and now has a pleasant home in Fremont Township. Mr. and Mrs. Burdick have three children. Edgar was the first white child born in Placerville, Cal. ; Ida is the wife of William Wells, of Angola; Arta lives with her parents. Mr. Burdick is a member of Northeastern Lodge, No. 210, F. & A. M.

William Callen^ a native of Cumberland County, Pa., born June 21, 1828, is a son of James and Sarah Ann (Sprilman) Callen, natives of Germany, who came to America in their youth and were married in Pennsylvania. They were the parents of twelve children; one died in infancy and eleven lived till maturity - Mary, Jane, George, James, Sarah, Elizabeth, Ellen, Lucinda, Kebecca, William and Agnes. The mother died May 15, 1833, and the father in 1849. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. William Callen was reared in his native county. When twenty years of age he went to Dauphin County, Pa., where he was married Feb. 3, 1849, to Lydia Siiaff'er. In 1851 they moved to Steuben County, Ind., and the following spring settled on the farm where they now live. A few acres were cleared and there was a small lo^ cabin on the land. With this exception all aronnd them was a heavily timbered country. They came to this county in conj])any with Jacob Fux, one of the most prominent men of Fremont. They were possessed of but limited means, but their young hearts were full of enthusiasm and their wills and constitutions strong, and they bravely went to work and made for themselves and children a pleasant home, where true comfort is now found and love reigns supreme. Mr. Callen has been one of the irost enterprising men of the township and has served as Supervisor. In politics he is a Republican. He and. his wife are members of the Evangelical church. To them have been born eight children - Daniel, born Nov. 10, 1849; Peter, Sept. 4, 1852; John, June 7, 1854; Emma, Dec. 4, 1856; Clara, April 3, 1859; Ray, Feb. 2, 1870, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Callen's father, "William Shaffer, died in May, 1831, when she was eleven months old. He was a member of the German Reform church. Her mother, Margaret (Beck) Shaifer, was a member of the Lutheran church. She died Jan. 14, 1875. They had a family of ten children - Barbara, Samuel, Jacob, John, Susannah, Margaret, Daniel, Peter, Mary, and Lydia.

A. M. Caswell, proprietor of the Hilton House, Fremont, Ind., is one of the pioneers of Steuben County. He was born in Geauga County, Ohio, Aug. 25, 1834, a son of Lorenzo D. and Eliza (Holt) Caswell, natives of Massachusetts, and early settlers of Geauga County. In 1836 his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on the State line, on section 15, Fremont Township. They settled on a wild tract of land, and were obliged to live in a tent till a cabin could be built. Being late in the spring they cleared a small patch and put in a crop of corn for the next year's bread. Their meat was procured from the forests, deer, wolves, wild turkeys, bears and hogs being abundant. Their light was made by dipping a piece of cotton cloth into a saucer of coon's oil, and igniting it. To them were born five children - A. M. ; Fatima, wife of M. Follett, died in Fremont; Oliver, died in 1867; Henry, of Quincy, Mich.; Julia. Mrs. Caswell died in 1848. Mr. Caswell is living in Quincy, Mich., aged seventy-four years. They were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal church. A. M. Caswell was reared and educated in the pioneer times of Steuben County. When nine years of age, he began to help his father in the field. In 1856 he embarked in the hotel business and in 1863 went to Quincy, Mich., and for two years was in the grocery business. In 1865 he returned to Fremont and bought the American House, which he exchanged three years later for a liouse in Waterloo, known as the Long House. He carried on this house six months and then sold out and returned to Fremont, and the following fall was employed as traveling salesman. A year later he bought a mill which he ran but a short time when he bought a farm on which he lived six years. Feb. 22, 1883, he again moved to Fremont and rented the Hilton House. He keeps one of the best hotels in Kortheastern Indiana, It is furnished in good style and the table is always supplied with the best the market affords. In connection with his hotel he has a line livery stable where will be found both single and double teams, for either gentlemen or ladies. Mr. Caswell was married March 17, 1859, to Leonia 0. Barker, daughter of Samuel Barker. They have two children - Alice A., and Carrie, wife of J. B. Langworthy. In polities Mr. Caswell is a Republican.

C. H. Dougherty^ jeweler, Fremont, Ind., was born in Hardin County, Ky., July T, 1833, a son of Samuel and Matilda (Brown) Dougherty. In 1850 his parents moved to Henderson County, 111., where they spent the rest of their lives. When sixteen years of age he began to learn the jeweler's trade of C. B. Mathews, of Oquawka, remaining with him till the breaking out of the Rebellion when he enlisted in Company E, Tenth Illinois Infantry, being one of the first to respond to the call for troops. His regiment was assigned to Pope's division, and participated in the engagements at New Madrid, Island No. 10 and Fort Pillow. They were then ordered to the support of Grant, at Corinth, and subsequently camped at Tuscumbia. They crossed the river and joined Negley's command at Nashville, where for several days they foraged for all their food, living part of the time on parched corn and coffee made of acorns gathered in the woods near. by. They were left at Fort Negley on guard duty and from there went to Bridgeport, Ala., the base of supplies for Rosecrans's army. While there an explosion caused the sacrifice of the lives of many of the Tenth Regiment. From there they were sent to relieve the Fifth Regular Infantry, and captured several prisoners and were then sent to Pefry Ford to guard them. They were subsequently at Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, and with Sherman to the sea. Thence by water from Savannah to Fort Buford, and Bentonville, S. C, where they fought their last battle. He was at the grand review at Washington and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865, having served over four years. He then returned to Henderson Count}', IlL, and worked at his trade with Mr. Mathews. In 1866 he went to Aledo, Mercer County, and remained two years, when he went to Keithsburg. In August, 1875, he came to Steuben County, and established his present place of business. He has a fine stock of goods, keeping constantly on hand everytliing in his line. He is honorable in all his dealings, genial and pleasant to customers, and has built up a good business. Mr. Dougherty was married Dec. 7, 1865, to Mattie Owen, of Henderson County, 111. Tliey have one child - Frank. Mr. Dougherty is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Adam Failing, the fourth of a family of live children of Thomas and Catherine (Klock) Failing, was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., and was a child when his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind. He was reared on a frontier farm, receiving his education in the common schools. He was married Nov. 23, 1876, to Susannah Gudey, who was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 25, 1855, a daughter of John and Susannah Gudey, natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Dauphin County and the mother in Huntington County. Her parents came to Steuben County in 1860, and here the mother still lives and tlie father died. Nine of their eleven children lived till maturity. To Mr. and Mrs. Failing have been born two children - Edna Pearl, born Nov. 16, 1878, and Inez J,, born Nov. 11, 1880, died in October, 1881. Mr. Failing has been identified with Steuben County the most of his life, and has assisted materially in advancing all interests of benefit to the community. He owns 801 acres of valuable land in Jamestown Township, 400 acres being under cultivation. He is a man of fine address and good business ability and is one of the leading citizens of the county. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order, and the Grange, at Jamestown.

Almoron R. Follett, one of the enterprising farmers of Steuben County, Ind., was born in Berkshire County, Mass., July 23, 1826, a son of Rensselaer and Eliza (Powell) Follett, natives of Berkshire County, the father born in 1801 and the mother Dec. 3, 1802. Dec. 18, 1823, his parents were married and in 1830 moved to Monroe County, Mich., and a short time after to Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, where they both died in 1838. They were the parents of seven children - Eliza A., born Sept. 25, 1824; Almoron

K., July 23, 1S26; William H., July, 1828; Marcus M., April 28, 1830; Harriet C, February, 1832; James S., 1834; Adelia M., March 6, 1836. Marcus and Almoron are the only ones living. Left an orphan at the age of twelve years, our subject found a home with an uncle in Lake County, remaining with him till sixteen years of age. He then started out to make his own way in the world. He worked for wages several years till he had accumulated enough to buy some land and then began farming for himself. In April, 1855, he came to Steuben County, and purchased a farm two miles east of Fremont, on section 26, where he lived twelve years, and then bought the farm where he now resides. Mr. Follett was married in Perry, Lake Co., Ohio, March 28, 1849, to L >viiia Barker, a daughter of Samuel A. and Rebecca C. (Caldwell) Barker, her father born July 9, 1797, and her mother May 19, 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Follett have had live children - Elmer B., born Jan. 13, 1851 ; Adelia M., April 14, 1853, wife of Albert A. Koons; Harriet L.^ Aug. 16, 1855, wife of Dr. S. H. Fuller; Leonora L., Sept. 1, 1857; Lina, Aug. 20, 1863, died aged thirteen months. Mrs. Follett' s mother died Dec. 20, 1850, and her father in March, 1863. They were married July 4, 1817, and had a family of six daughters - Lorena L., Mary M., Melvina, Lydia L., Rebecca C. and Lovina C. Jacob K. Fox, furniture dealer and undertaker, Fremont, Ind., was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Oct. 2, 1826, a son of Samuel and Margaret Fox, of German descent. His father first married Catherine Eyer, who died leaving two daughters. He then married our subject's mother, and to them were born three sons - Samuel, Joseph (deceased) and Jacob. His father died in Dauphin County in 1845, and his mother in Carroll County, 111. Jacob Fox was reared in his native county and in his youth was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, serving two years and ten months, receivino- as remuneration his board and clothes. In 1851 he came to Indiana, landing in Fremont, Nov. 2. He followed his n-ade twenty years, erecting some of the best dwellings and bus*'jess houses in the town. In 1871 he formed a partnership with Joshua Michael, which continued till October, 1883, when he sold his interest to Mr. Michael. In December, 1884, he bought the undertaking stock of the estate of Joshua Michael, deceased, and formed a partnership with Jacob Michael in the furniture and undertaking business. Mr. Fox has been identified with the business interests of Fremont over thirty-three years, and has assisted largely in sustaining and advancing all her interests. He was married April 18, 1850, to Susan Michael, and to them were born eight children four of whom are living - Clara, wife of Peter "Weaver; Lavina, Sadie and Cora. Mrs. Fox died Jan. 15, 1871, and Mr. Fox subsequently married Lavina Michael. Mr. Fox has been an active member of the Masonic fraternity twenty-nine years, and has been a representative to the grand lodge sixteen times. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was reared in the Dunkard church, his parents being members of that denomination.

'Wakefield Gleason was born in Jackson Township, Steuben Co., Tnd., Nov. 18, 1857, the youngest of nine children of Porter and Amy (Sams) Gleason, his father a native of JN'ew York and his mother of Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1839 his parents moved to Steuben County and settled in Jackson Township, where they entered land and experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. They are members of the Christian church. In early life Mrs. Gleason was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but after her marriage transferred her allegiance to the church of her husband's choice. Their family were - Adam, Amos, Lydia (deceased), Myron, James, Ellen, Philetus, Eoline (deceased), and Wakefield. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, receiving his early education in the district schools, and later attending the Angola High School. He was married Oct. 10, 1880, to Ellen Duke, a native of Jackson Township, born Sept. 8, 1860, a daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte (Culf) Duke, natives of Mansfield, Ohio, and early settlers of Steuben County. Mr. Gleason has always been identified with the agriculturists of Steuben County, and is one of the most promising young men of his township. He has a good farm, well improved, which shows the eifect of a thrifty and enterprising owner.

B. J. Ooff^ grocer, Fremont, Ind., was born in Erie County, Pa., June 29, 1834. His father, Orrin GoflT, was a native of Montpelier, Yt., a son of Bethuel GoflT, a soldier of the Revolutionary war. His mother was Emma Stanclift, a daughter of Lemuel Stanclift, also a Revolutionary hero and an early settler of Erie County. His parents were married in Erie County in 1824. Soon after their marriage they went to Medina County, Ohio, but returned again to Pennsylvania, where the father died in 1842. The mother is still living. To them were born four sons, three of whom were in the service of their country in the war of the Rebellion. Azro resides in New York City. Osman D. served three months in the Nineteenth Ohio Yolunteer Infantry and twelve months in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania as Second Sergeant, and subsequently as Sergeant-Major of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana. Orrin F. was a member of the Twentythird Indiana Battery, and died of fever at East Tazewell^ Tenn. B. J., the subject of our sketch, was reared in his native county, receiving a liberal education. When twenty years of age, in 1854, he enlisted in the naval service of the United States, and served four years. When the war broke out, in 1861, he was one of the first to answer to the call for troops, and enlisted in the three-months' service. After the expiration of his term he re-enlisted, in August, 1861, in the three-years' service, in Company C, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He participated in the engagements at Centerville, Hampton Cross Roads, Big Bethel, Yorktown, White House Landing, Hanover Court House, Cold Harbor, and Gaines's Mills, where he was wounded by a shell in the right side. He was sent to Annapolis Hospital. He was appointed Assistant Provost Marshal, with rank of Captain, and served as such about three months in the city of Baltimore; but not recovering from his wound he resigned Nov. 1, 1862, and wiS discharged, his discharge being signed by General McClcllan. Mr. Goif was married in 1858 to Amy D. Swarthout, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born Sept. 1, 1835. They have had six children; but two sons are living - James O. and Bethuel Arthur, While Mr. Goff was in the army his family moved to Montcalm County, Mich,, and thither he went after his discharge. In the spring of 1863 he moved his family to Fremont, but in 1865 moved again to Micliigan. In April, 1881, he came to Fremont, where he has since been successfully engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Goif is a man of firm, upright business principles, and is a noble accession to any community. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and with another comrade organized the post in Fremont, they paying all the expense of getting the charter. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic orders.

William M. Goodell is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., born Sept. 15, 1822. His father, John Goodell, was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 19, 1799, and was married May 1, 1821, to Elizabeth Mead, a native of the same county, born Feb. 2, 1800. They are living in Oneida County, having had a married life of sixty- four years. They are the parents of nine children - Sarah, Mary, Isabel, Jane, Adeline, Myra, William, Daniel, and Robert (deceased). William M. Goodell is the eldest son. He was reared in his native county on a farm, receiving a limited education. He was married in Water ville, Oneida Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, 1S51, to Fidelia Olmstead, a native of Waterville, born Oct. 31, 1828, a dauijhter of Walter and Mary (Bennett) Olmstead. To them have been born five children, three of whom are living - Ira; Ella, wife of Eh-oy Carpenter, and Ray. Walter died Jan. 14, 1853, and Adelbert April 12, 1857. In March, 1860, Mr. Goodell removed to Camden, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and in the spring of 1865 to Fremont, where they have since resided. Mrs. Goodell's parents were natives of Connecticut, her father born March IT, 1805, and her mother Jan. 2, 1806. They had a family of six children - Caroline, Susan, Edmund, Ellen, Amelia and Fidelia.

Joseph H. Hall, harness-maker, Fremont, Ind., was born in Washington County, N. Y. , Aug, 24, 1824, a son of John and Jane (Allen) Hall, natives of Washington County. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. His mother died in 1832 and his father in 1862. They had a family of five children - Nancy, wife of James Armstrong; John R. ; Jane, wife of David Paul; J. H. ; William, on the old homestead. J. H. Hall was reared and educated in his native county. When twenty years of age he came West to Branch County, Mich., and began to work at the harnessmaker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years. For the first year he received $25, and for the last $100 and his board, clothing himself. In 1853 he came to Fremont and opened a shop, where he continued in business until 1864, when he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry. He was appointed Quartermaster's clerk at Chattanooga, and subsequently was detailed as Sutler. He was mustered out at the close of the war, and again worked at his trade till 1873, when he sold out and moved to a farm. Mr. Hall has been identified with the business interests of Steuben County over thirty years, and has been one of the foremost to advance all her interests. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace eighteen years arid Notary Public four years. He is a member of Greenleaf Lodge, No. 349, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican, in early life affiliating with the Whig party. Mr. Hall was married in Branch County, Mich., in 1848, to Mary Beach, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., and to them were born four children, but two of whom are living - Ida, wife of E. Hilton, and Effie. Mrs. Hall died in 1859, and Mr. Hall subsequently married Adelia S. Beach. They have had four children, three of whom are living - Charles, Earl and Irene.

Willia77i T. Heathy one of the most enterprising farmers of Fremont Township, and an early settler of Steuben County, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., July 27, 1816. His parents, Reuben and Sally (Bishop) Heath, were natives of Berkshire County, Mass., and early settlers of Columbia County. They were the parents of ten children, three of whom are now living. When twenty years of age our subject left his native county and went to Curtisville, Mass., and worked in a chair factory, and at the same time taught music in the surrounding country. He was married April 15, ISIO, to Harriet D., daughter of Zenas and Ruth Wilcox, of Berkshire County, Mass. Soon after their marriage they moved to Geauga County, Ohio, and in 1848 to Steuben County, Ind. In 1849 he settled on his present farm, the only house at the time being a small log cabin. In this the family lived live years. Five acres were cleared and with this exception Mr. Heath has made his beautiful home by his own industry. He is a man of keen perception, liberal education, dignified, yet easy in his manners, and is a general favorite in social circles. Inheriting from his father a talent for music, and having this talent cultivated, he has become one of the most popular and successful teachers of vocal music in Northern Indiana, and has done more to advance and elevate the public in the art than any other teacher in this section. His daughters, Josephine and Belle, are both accomplished musicians and teachers. The latter is the wife of Prof. A. M. Holbrook, a musician of wide reputation. Mr. Heath is not only admired for his superior musical talent but his upright and honorable dealing lias gained him many friends. His readiness to assist all laudable enterprises has often obliged him to devote time to the put)lic at the expense of his personal interests. His obli^iug and generous disposition has made him forgetful of self, and has therefore added to his popularity and made him most hio-hlv esteemed by all who know him.

' Benjamin B. Holconib, harness-maker and saddler, Fremont, Ind., was born in Marcellus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 24, 1819. His parents, James and Hannah (Bentley) Holcomb, were married in Oneida County, N. Y.,and settled in Onondaga County. In 1825 they moved to Monroe County, near Rochester, and in

1836 started for the West via the lakes, on the steamer Dewitt Clinton. They landed at Toledo, at that time only a landing, the only house there being used as a hotel. With teams they proceeded to Jackson County, Mich., and a short time after to Camden, Hillsdale County, where they entered land and made a permanent home. The father died April 9, 1863, and the mother Aug. 7, 1871. They had a family of eight children all of whom lived to have families of their own - Harriet is the wife of A. Purdy, of Branch County, Mich.; Mary Ann, wife of Jesse Doyle, of Buchanan County, Iowa; Benjamin B. ; Charlotte A., wife of Dr. L. M. Jones, died Feb. 4, 1883; Myron C, of Johnson County, Kas., married Susan Phenecie; Susan, wife of William Worden, of Coldwater, Mich.; George W., of Hillsdale County, Mich., married Permelia Hughs; Roxy C, widow of Charles Travis. The mother was a member in early life of the Close Communion Baptist church but later joined the Free- Will Baptist. The father was a member of the Universalist church. Benjamin B. Holcomb was reared on a farm. When a boy he learned the shoemaker's trade of his father and afterward learned the harness -maker's trade. He came to Steuben County and worked with J. H. Hall his brother-in-law, who opened the first shop in Fremont, helpinoto make the first harness in the town. He also made the first Sweeney horse collar and tiie first pair of square lines in Fremont. Nov. 17, 1860, he moved his family to Fremont and formed a partnership with Mr. Hall which continued a few years, when he engaged in farming. In 1873 he returned to Fremont and again opened a harness shop,and has continued the business to the present time. He has been a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders several years and has held many responsible positions in both orders. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, the only time he ever voted against the party being at the second election of President Lincoln. Mr. Holcomb was married in a log cabin in Branch County, Mich, to Sarah L. Beech, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born Mav 1

1819, a daughter of Samuel and Irena (Lawrence) Beech, who settled in Saline, Mich., in 1831. Of their three children but one is living - Jerome B,, who married Hattie IST. Phelps.

1820, a son of William and Polly (Walden) Johnston, his father a native of Schoharie County, N. Y., born in 1784 and his mother of Connecticut, born in 179 L In 1839 his parents moved to Oakland County, Mich., where the father died in April, 1852, and the mother in 1867. Thej had a family of eleven children - Caroline, wife of James llnderhill, of Mill Grove Township, Steuben County; Eraeline, wife of Jesse Underhill, also of Mill Grove Township; Louisa, widow of "William Dillingliam; Mary, wife of Augustus Woodworth; Thomas, Warren, Betsey (deceased), Rachel, widow of George Bruce; Henry (deceased), Theodore L., and Mercy, married Joseph Davids, both deceased. Thomas Johnston came to Steuben County, Ind., Feb. 26, 1840, having when he reached here but 18 cents in money, and went to work as a dav laborer. In 1842 he entered land in Scott Township, where he built a log cabin and began to open up a farm. In 1846 he sold his land and bought a tract in Otsego Township, and in 1864 bought the Merriman homestead where he now resides. He has helped to clear the timber off of three farms in Steuben County. He now owns 138 acres of choice land in Pleasant Township, 100 acres improved and valued at $100 an acre. He also owns 160 acres in Lake County, Mich., valued at $1,500. He has been identified with the county forty-five years, and has witnessed all its varied changes and improvements, assisting materially in the transformation. He was married July 16, 1844, to Roselma Merriman, a native of Ohio. To them were born eight children, six of whom are living - Louisa, William, Emma, Leonora, Charles and Frank. Mrs. Johnston's father, Rufus Merriman, was a native of Connecticut, born Jan. 23, 1794, and her mother, Dolly Merriman, of New York, born Sept. 13, 1803. They were married March 11, 1824, and in early life moved to Ohio, in 1835 to White Pigeon, Mich., and in 1836 to Steuben County, Ind. They died in 1864, the father May 10, and the mother June 10. They had a family of eight children - Lawson, Roselma, Richard, Alvin, Julia. Jerome, Henry and Alvira. Mrs. Johnston and Alvira, now Mrs. Carey, of Angola, are the only ones living.

Robert Mc Cuen^ farmer, Fremont Township, was born in County Entrim, Ireland, June 23, 1824, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Nancy Maxwell. In 1853 he left his native county and came to America, locating in Detroit, Mich., where he was employed as watchman at the freight house of the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1859 he removed to Steuben County, Ind., and bought a farm in Fremont Township. He was in very limited circumstances when he came to the county, but he has been prosperous, and has paid for his farm, and now has a pleasant and comfortable home. He owns eighty acres of land a mile from Fre- mont, valued at $50 an acre. His residence and farm buildings are all in good repair, and his home betokens a thrifty owner. Mr. McCuen enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in the fall of 1864 in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Infantry, and served till the close of the war. His regiment was assii^ned to guard duty at Nashville and participated in the last battle at that pface. While in the army he contracted rheumatism and heart disease, and has never fully recovered from its effects. Mr. and Mrs. McCuen have had six children; five are living - Mary Ann, wife of Henry Grim; Elizabeth, Agnes, Kate and Lucinda. Agnes is attending Hillsdale College, and three of the daughters are successful school-teachers. Mr. Mc Cuen is a member of the Methodist and his wife of the Presbytei'ian church.

J. S. C. Mc Naughton^ one of the pioneers of Steuben County, Ind., was born in Washington County, J^. Y., March 28, 1830, a son of Alexander and Maria (Crawford) Mc Naughton, his father Scotch and his mother of Irish descent. In 1836 his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on section 24, Fremont Township; ten years later they moved to section 13, same township, where the mother died March 30, 1867. The father died Jan. 24, 1884. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church. Four children wer e born to them in New York, and two in Steuben County - Ann Eliza (deceased), J. S. C, Archibald, Robert, Maria (deceased), and Sarah J. J. S. C. McNaughton was reared and educated in Steuben County, completing his education in the High School at Angola. He was married in 1853 to Jannett Dugaid who died Nov. 30, 1866, leaving four children - Theodore, Louisa J., Eleanor M. and Robert. April 17, 1869, he married Mary Jane Mitchell, daughter of James and Sarah J. Mitchell, and to them have been born five children - John French, Leslie E., Nettie B., Ada L. (deceased) and James H. Mr. Mc Naughton was raised in the old pioneer days and has experienced all the varied phases of life in an early day, and since attaining manhood has assisted materially all enterprises of public benefit. Mr. and Mrs. Mc Naughton are members of the Reformed Presbyterian church, at Ray, Ind.

Philip Michael, hardware merchant at Fremont, Ind., was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Feb. 17, 1837. His father, Philip Michael, was also a native of Dauphin County, born in 1801, where he grew to manhood and married Susannah Fitting, a native of the same county, born April 6, 1805. Of this union fourteen children were born - Enos, Mary, Ann, Katlierine, Susan, Joshua, Sarah, Levina, Philip, Jacob, Lydia, David and two died in infancy. Philip Michael,Sr.,wfis a weaver by trade, and in his youth followed that occupation, often working at 50 cents per day and bearding himself. Thus he acquired tiiose habits of economy which helped him to succeed in after years. In 1S50 he and his family, in company with Michael E. Banm, Thomas Fisher, George Ilicker, Samuel Wade and families, left their native State and started across the Alleghany Mountains with teams, for the far West, arriving' at Fremont, Steuben County, May 28. He laid out the northwestern part of Fremoni, known as Michael's First and Second Addition, His wife died Aug. 2, 1864, and he March 20, 1870, leaving their children comfortably settled in life close to the old home. In their youtli they were members of the Lutheran church, but shortly after coming to this county joinei the Grerman Methodist denomination^ in which faith they died. Philip, the ninth of the family, remained with his parents until he was eighteen years of age; then went to Elkhart, Ind., and was apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner's trade with Joshua Stephens, an uncle, remaining with him two years. Soon after Mr. Michael's return to Steuben County, he began farming, which he followed for six years, wlien he embarked in the mercantile business. In 1877 he commenced his present business. Mr. Michael has been enojao^ed in the hardware business eight years. His salesroom is 60 x 24; tin-room 20 x 24. His stock is carefully selected, and by close attention to business he has worked up a good trade. He carries a stock of about $5,000. He is agent for the Champion reaper and mower, which is meeting with good sales tlirough his careful attention. Mr. Michael is an honest, upright business man. A man of keen perceptions, dignified in his bearing, yet polite and courteous toward every one, and has won the confidence and esteem of a large circle of Steuben's most wortliy citizens. In politics he is a staunch Republican. April 26, 1860, he was married in Fremont, Ind., to Miss Martha Tillitson, a daughter of Jeremiah Tillitson, one of the first settlers of Fremont Township, settling in 1835. She was born in Steuben County, Ind., Feb. 27, 1839. By this union there were three children - Clyde U., Leon E. and Ira E.

Daniel Miller was born in Allen Township, Cumberland Co., Pa., Jan. 31, 1825, a son of John and Barbara (May) Miller. In 1854 his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind., where the father died in 1879 and the mother in 1880. But four of their twelve children are livinc^. Tliey were members of the Lutheran church. Daniel Miller was reared a tHriner and when twenty years of age began to work at the cooper's trade, which he followed several years in connection with farming. May 9, 1853, he left his native county and came with a team to the wilds of Indiana, fording streams and crossing mountains, arriving in Steuben County June 5. He settled on what is now John McMahon's farm. In the fall of 1855 he bought and moved to the farm where he now resides, at that time a heavily timbered tract, with not a tree cut. Mr. Miller was married in 1850 to Miss Mary Schaeffer, a native of Dauphin County, Pa., born April 14, 1828, daughter of William and Margaret (Beck) Schaelfer. To them have been born nine childrcT), all save one in Steuben County - Margaret N., born Oct. 20, 1852, died April IT, 1855; Barbara, born July 18, 1853, died April 20, 1855; Mary E., born Dec. 17, 1854; Joshua, Feb. 10, 1857; George, Aug. 30, 1860; Oliver S., Nov. 4, 1864; Daniel, Nov. 19, 1866; Lucetta E., Oct. 16, 1868; Harper T., May 1, 1871.

George A. Mihies, deceased, was born in Lockwood, England, Dec. 16, 1813, and died at Fremont, Ind., Jan. 30, 1877. He removed with his parents to America the lirst of September, 1826, and lived with them in Philadelphia till sixteen years of age, and then went toManayunk and learned the machinist's trade, remaining there till he attained his majority. He was employed as foreman in the shop of Sellar Brothers, machinists of Philadelphia, several years, and ran the first engine on one of the roads running into Baltimore. In April, 1840, he removed to Ohio, and resided in Allen County till 1842 when he came to Steuben County, Ind., and assisted in building the large grist-mill at Jamestown, having supervision of the machinery. He then bought a farm near the village, where he lived till 1862, when he exchanged his farm for village property in Fremont, and for several years was engaged in the dry-goods and hardware business. He was a Justice of the Peace for some time and discharged the duties of his ofiice in an efficient and satisfactory manner. His policy was peace with as little law as possible. Mr. Milnes was purely a self-made man. His education was mainly acquired by persistent and incessant study after his day's work was done. His school days ended with his ninth year. While an apprentice and for two years after his marriage he took lessons from a brother apprentice whose advantages had been better than his own. In 1850 he was admitted to the bar but having no taste for the profession never practiced. He was in early life a member of the Baptist church, and in 1844 transferred his alle^ience to the Christian church, and for a time was a preacher for the latter denomination. He subsequently became a believer in the final restitution of mankind and withdrew from the church. Jan. 5, 1836, he joined Friendship Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F., of Philadelphia, and for this act was censured by his church. They however gave him a letter of recommendation when he left for the West. Sept. 1, 1837, he was transferred to Manayunk Lodge, No. 31, and after his removal to Indiana, Angola Lodge, No. 180. June 23, 1859, Heaton Encampment, No. 60, at Angola, was instituted, and he was initiated into the order and was elected Chief Patriarch, and in May, 1860, was sent to the grand encampment as its first representative. In November, 1876, he was elected Most Eminent Grand High Priest, by the unanimous vote of that body. Sept. 1, 1863, he instituted and became a charter member of Steuben Lodge, No. 231. He loved the order and it was his desire to pass all the chairs of the grand encampment. He was also a member in good standing in Northeastern Lodge, No. 210, F. & A. M. Mr. Milnes was married Nov. 8, 1835, to Miss Eve Ann Blankley. To them were born nine children - Mary A., wife of Thomas Moffett; Joseph, enlisted in the Fortj'-fourth Indiana Infantry and died from effects of exposure while in the service; Emma (deceased) was the wife of Abner Beck; Josephine, wife of George Heller; Antoinette, wife of Moses Kimeey; Arwood E., married Estella Dutcher; James B., Dora, Calvin, and two who died in infancy.

John Wesley JVoyes, one of the early settlers of Steuben County, was born in Grafton County, N. H., June 14, 1802, a son of James and Kebecca (Kussell) Noyes, natives of Massachusetts, where they were married and subsequently moved to Newbury, Yt., and later to Grafton County, N. H. In 1811 they moved to New York, and in 1833 to Kalamazoo County, Mich., where Mr. Noyes bought land and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred two years later, in 1835. The mother died at the home of our subject in 1850. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the father being in his early life a minister in that denomination. They were the parents of twelve children, but six of whom are living - John W., Eunice, Mary, wife of Clark Briggs, of Nebraska; Eliza; Philip Rowe, of Mills County, Iowa; and Chauncey, of Dakota. James, Elizabeth, George, Rebecca, Dan and David are deceased. George was the first white man who died in Ann Arbor, and his wife was the first white woman who lived there. John W. Noyes received a common-school education, attending school in the"^ winter and working on a farm in summer. In 1834 he moved to Michigan and settled near Saline, and the next year went to Kalamazoo County to take charge of his father's estate. In 1846 he came to Fremont and engaged in the mercantile business with Beall. Two years later he bought the

American Hotel and for eight years was engaged in the hotel business, keeping a good house and doing a lucrative business. He then bought the farm where he now lives, located inside the corporation of Fremont. He owns a large amount of property in Fremont and is one of the wealthiest and most influential men of the place. The store of Noyes & Beall was the first in Fremont, at that time known as Willow Prairie. Mr. Noyes was married in 1827 to Dolly Rowe, a native of New York City, born in 1810. To them have been born eleven children, eight of whom are living. In politics Mr. Noyes was originally an old-line Whig, but since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party. He and his wife are members and earnest and liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Noyes is a public-spirited, wholesouled, upright,enterprising citizen. His interests have been with the advancement of the county since his first settlement, and he has always assisted every enterprise of public benefit liberally, both with time and money. He has been the poor man's friend, none worthy ever being repulsed if they went to him for aid.

Daniel Schaeffer,' h?i\ev and confectioner, Fremont, Ind., was born in Dauphin County, Pa., July 7, 1825, the seventh of eleven children of William and Margaret (Beck) Schaeff'er. His parents were prominent citizens of Dauphin County, where they spent their lives. Daniel remained with them on a farm till thirteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the baker's trade, the agreement being that he was to serve six years and to receive his board and clothes and three months' schooling, and at the expiration of his term a suit of clothes valued at $25. After serving his apprenticeship he worked at his trade in Pennsylvania till 1855, when he moved to Steuben County and opened the first bakery in Fremont. He thoroughly understands every detail of his trade and has built up a good business. Mr. Schaeffer was married Feb. 25, 1847, to Sarah Ann Wharen, a native of Dauphin County, born May 14,1825,daughter of John and Susannah (Young) Wharen. Mr. and Mrs. Schaeff'er have had eight children - John T., Will- iam H. (deceased), Annie C, Emma J., Frank W., Benjamin C, Mary A. and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. SchaefFer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has been a zealous worker in the Sabbath-school cause, having been Superintendent continuously for ten years until 1865. In early life Mr. Schaeffer was a Whig,casting his first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, but now affiliates with the Kepublican party. He has held some public po. sition in the town and township the most of the time since his residence here.

John Schaeffer^ farmer and stockraiser, Fremont Township, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., April 10, 1820, a son of William and Margaret (Beck) SchaefFer. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. He was married in his native county in 1847 to Eve Walmer, a native of the same county, born in 1823. In the spring of 1845 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and entered land and returned to Pennsylvania. In 1848 he moved his family to this county and settled on the farm where he now lives, which he has brought from a state of heavy timber to that of cultivation. He now owns 172 acres valued at $75 an acre. To Mr. and Mrs. SchaefFer have been born seven children, five of whom are living - David J., John W., Elinor E. (wife of Henry Dewey, of Reading, Mich.), Daniel A. and Margaret M. (wife of Elwood Ginn). They are members of the Germam Methodist church, and are liberal and earnest supporters of Christianity.

Willard L. Scott, merchant, Fremont, Ind., is a native of Livingston County, N. Y., born March 9, 1830. In 1834 his parents, Charles and Amy (Collar) Scott, immigrated to Michigan, and located near Jonesville, making the journey with teams and being three weeks and three days on the way. Mr. Scott cleared a small patch of ground, but afterward moved to Hillsdale, and later to Fremont, where he lived with his son Willard till his death in April, 1858. His wife died at the residence of her son in May, 1860. They were the parents of three children - Isabella, wife of I. W. Bates, of Hillsdale County; Lucy Ann, widow of J. L. Corning, and Willard L., who was their only son. He received but a common-school education, the only school being a mile and a half distant, and his attendance was limited to the winter months. In 1849 he came to Steuben County, and was employed two years as clerk for Corning & Raymond in a branch of their Hillsdale store. In 1851 he returned to Hillsdale, but the following fall came again to Fremont, and clerked two years and a half for

Arcliibald Crawford, In the spring of 1855 he bought a stock of goods in company with Hon. Enos A. Noyes, and the firm of Noyes & Scott continued till 1858. In February, 1863, he, in company with J. W. Koyes, bought the business of Daniel Phenicie, and continued till 1865, when Mr. Noyes sold his interest, and in 1869 E. B. Noyes bought an interest and they remained together ten years. Since then Mr. Scott has continued, the business alone. Mr. Scott is a genial, liberal-hearted man, and has made a success of his business ventures, readily winning the confidence of all his customers. He was married in 1854 to Hannah B. Noyes, daughter of J. W. Noyes, of Fremont. They have two children - Linnie and Duane. In politics Mr. Scott is a Kepnblican. He tells many interesting anecdotes ofhis life in a new country. Although but four years of age when his parents left New York he remembers many incidents that transpired on the journey and after their settlement. He has experienced all the privations common to boys reared on a pioneer farm, his educational advantages being meager as compared with the children of this day, but he made the best use of the time allowed him and has acquired a good business education. Having an inquiring mind and a retentive memory his knowledge of the world and business is surpassed by few men of the county, and his influence is felt and acknowledged wherever his presence is known.

Jacoh ShenJc, one of the prominent citizens of Steuben County, is a native of Lancaster County, Pa., born July 1, 1807, a son of Rudolph aud Catherine (Smith) Shenk, natives of Pennsylvania, his father born in 1779, and his mother in 1783. Their family consisted of seven children - Christian, Jacob, Anna, Elizabeth, Rudolph, Catherine and Henry. In 1828 they moved to Erie County, Pa., locating in what is now the cit}'^ of Erie, on property that became very valuable, where the mother died in 1846, and the father in 1863. Jacob, the second son and the subject of our sketch, removed with his parents to Erie County and remained there till 1855, when he came to Indiana, and lived in Lagrange County twelve years. Then moved to Williams County, Ohio, and three years later to Steuben County and settled one mile north of Fremont, and subsequently bought the farm which he now owns, consisting of 156 acres of choice land, valued at $50 an acre, with a good residence and farm buildings. In 1881 he moved to Fremont, where he is living retired, having given up the active pursuits of farm life. He was taarried in 1835 to Maria

"Wolf, who died in June, 1S50. Their children were - Elizabeth, Catherine A., Charlotte, Henry, Washington I., Hudolph, Margaret and Maria. In September, 1851, he married Caroline Fissler, a native of Germany, born June 29, 1829, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Fissler, her father born.in 1800, and her mother in 1801. When she was four years of age her parents moved to America and settled in Erie County, Pa., where her father died in 1847, and her mother in 1862. They had a family of eleven children - Jacob, Angelina, Anna, Carrie, William, Catherine, Samuel, Sarah, Martha, and two who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Shenk have been born four children - Sarah C, Charles E., Ella M. and Ada V. Mrs. Shenk is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Shenk in politics is a Democrat.

Joshua Stephens, one of the successful business men of Fremont, Ind., was born in Susquehannah Township, Dauphin Co., Pa., in an old house used as a barracks at the time of the Indian troubles, Oct. 6, 1824, a son of Andrew and Mary (Braden) Stephens, his father of English and his mother of Irish descent. He is the third of eight children, and the eldest of the live living. His only sister, Ann, is the widow of Henry E. Cakes. His brothers, John B., Benjamin F. and Andrew, live in Elkhart, Ind. The father died in 1832. In 1852 the mother came to Indiana with her children and died in Elkhart, but her remains were taken to Dauphin Countj^ and buried by the side of lier husband. Joshua Stephens was thrown on his own resources when iilteen years of age. When nineteen years of age he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade with James Harper, for whom he worked five years, afterward worked two years with Isaac LFptegraph and one year with others. In 1851 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and was twenty-eight days on the road, having to ford streams, there being but few bridges or public roads. He located in Fremont Township, and worked at his trade two years. In 1853 he went to Elkhart and remained eight years. In 1861 he moved to Coldwater, Mich., and in 1863 came again to Fremont and worked at his trade two years. He then engaged in farming eleven years, and in 1876 came to Fremont and embarked in the hardware business, which he sold to his brother-in-law, Philip Michael. In 1878 he embarked in the market business in which he has since been engaged. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife joined the Methodist Episcopal church in 1837, and still remain members, Mr. Stephens was married Jan. 31, 1850, to Sarah E. Michael, a native of Dauphin County, Pa., born in Autrust, 1833, a daughter of Philip Michael. They have had six children; five are living - Andrew, Ai, Benjamin F., Edmund A. and Charles W. Their only daughter died at the age of four years.

Ellas Straw^ farmer, Fremont Township, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Nov. 9, 1884, a son of Frederick and Catherine B. (Wagner) Straw. He was reared in his native county and there married, in 1855, Catherine Baker, a native of the same count}', born in 1839, a daughter of Frederick Baker. In the spring of 1856, full of youthful ambition and with good health and strong wills, they left their native State and moved to Steuben County, Ind., locating first in Fremont, then a hamlet with two general stores. They soon after bought a tract of land on section 28 for which they paid $200. This they improved and lived on till 1864 when they sold it for $950. They then bought the farm where they now reside. They own 120 acres of land, all well improved, valued at $50 an acre. Mr. and Mrs. Straw have had eight children - William, John (deceased), Albert, Granville, George,B[arvey, Augusta Jane (deceased) and Hermie. In politics Mr. Straw is Republican but in local elections casts his suffrage for the man he considers the most worthy. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association.

Frederick Straw is a native of Dauphin County, Pa., born June 9, 1811, a son of George and Elizabeth (Gearhart) Straw. But two of a family of ten children are living - Frederick and Susannah, wife of John Hoover, of Pennsylvania. In the sprinoof 1856 Mr. Straw moved with his wife and children to Steuben County, Ind., and bought land just west of the present site of the depot in Fremont. There were thirty acres cleared and the rest was heavily timbered. He now has 180 aci-es of the best land in the township, well improved with good comfortable buildino-s. At that time there was but one store and a blacksmith shop where now is the thriving village of Fremont. In early life Mr. Straw was a Jackson Democrat, but since its organization has afliliated with the Republican party. He was married in August, 1832, to Catherine Wagner, a native of Cumberland County, Pa., born in 1813. To them were born eight children - Elias; Anna, wife of Rev. Benj. Wade, of Cass City, Mich. ; Eliznbeth, wife of Jacob Isenhour; George W.; Frederick, of Muscatine, Iowa; Amanda; Benjamin, of Osage County, Kas., and Philip A. Mrs. Straw died June 17, 1871. She had been a member of the Evangelical

Association since 1S42 and was one of its most earnest and consistent workers. She was a noble Christian, a devoted wife and mother, a kind friend and neighbor, and her death was a sad blow to many friends and acquaintances, with whom she had labored since her settlement in the county. Mr. Straw is now reaping the reward of years of toil and hardship. He has a pleasant home, kind children, and scores of friends to cheer his pathway. His joungest son, Philip A., is a lecturer of wide repute, at present traveling in Africa. He has had a fine education, and being a fluent speaker and of natural talent he charms his audiences, and his services are in constant demand.