Jackson Township

Jackson Township

Jackson Township is congressional township 37 north, range 12 east, and lies in the western tier of the county. It is bounded on the north by Mill Grove, on the east by Pleasant, on the south by Salem, and on the west by the county of Lagrange. The township is six miles north and south by about six miles east and west, and has nearly thirty-six sections, or 23,000 acres of land, about 1,000 of which are covered by water. Lake Gage, on the northern border, covers part of section 2, and Crooked Lake touches section 1, the main body being in Pleasant Township; Grass Lake, a narrow lake nearly two miles long, extends from section 12, across 13, into 24. On sections 24 and 25 is Howard Lake, connecting with Bass Lake on 25; Hog Back Lake, the largest in the township, lies mostly on 36; Otter Lake is on 20 and 29; Green Lake touches section 19, on the county line; and there are a dozen more smaller lakes in various parts of the township. Pigeon Creek flows irregularly west and north through Jackson, expanding into a pond a mile long east of Flint.

Jackson Township has the honor of being the oldest settled portion of Steuben County, Gideon Langdon having located on the southwest quarter of section 5 in the spring of 1831. On the 16th of May, that year, John and Jacob Stayner, with their families, twelve persons in all, arrived from Ohio, and there is some dispute as to whether they or Gideon Langdon settled first, as they all came in at about the same time. Gideon Langdon made the first entry of land on the ITth of September, 1831, locating the east half of the southwest quarter of section 5. Ten days later John Stayner entered the west half of the southwest quarter of the same section.

Both John and Jacob Stayner served in the war of 1812, and the former lived upon the land entered by him until his death in 1870. He was a great admirer of the old military chieftain, Andrew Jackson, and at Mr. Stayner's suggestion the township was christened "Jackson." Jackson Prairie, which properly includes about 2,000 acres, became well known throughout this region.

The first white child born in the township, as well as the county, was Zephaniah Stayner, whose birth occurred April 27, 1832. He afterward became a resident of Fremont. The wife of Gideon Langdon was the first person who died in the township, her death occurring in 1832. She was buried in the cemetery on the prairie on land which has since passed into the possession of D . H. Roberts. In 1832 James Huntsman and Hannah Davis were married, being the first couple in Steuben County who took upon themselves the responsibilities of that position.

.The first school-house was situated on the north side of Jackson Prairie, being constructed of tarn rack poles at a cost of $50. John Stayner and Adolphus Town were the builders. Hannah Davis, who was the first bride, was also the first teacher. Eliza Eaton was the second teacher, and received $2 for each pupil attending the school.

The first Postmaster was Adolphus Town. The first store was kept by Jacob S. Yan Epps on the banks of the Beaver Dam run. It was built in 1833. The first blacksmith shop in the county was built near the tamarack school-house. Previous to that time the people were obliged to go to Lima to get their work done. The first Justice of the Peace was Israel Stoddard. His opponent at the election was Adolphus Town. John Stayner's door-yard was the polling-place, and David Sams and John Kiles were the Judges. The first saw-mill built in the county was at Fliut, as was also the first grist-mill, which latter was built in connection with the saw-mill. Both were owned by a man named Gillette. The stones of the grist-mill were home-made, and the boltingcloth was run by hand.

Owing to the favorable location of Jackson Township it was settled very rapidly. Besides those already mentioned, a large number settled here before 1840, among whom should be mentioned Levi Mack, John Merrill, Justus Butler, Alonzo P. Clark, George

The pioneers yet surviving are: Jonas Twichell, Lewis E. Carver, William Carver, George Hendry, Mrs. David Sams, Harvey Brown and wife, Mrs. Justus Butler and James M. Rodgers.

Flint

A saw-mill was built at what afterward became the village of Flint, in 1834, by Edward Griswold; this was the first saw-mill erected in Steuben County. Mr. Griswold operated this mill for about four years; when he sold the property to Dr. Alonzo Clark. Mr. Griswold removed to Iowa. Dr. Clark owned the property for about two years, when he sold to John Thompson, who came here from Canada in 1838. Mr. Thompson improved the waterpower, built the present race, removed the old saw-mill and erected a grist-mill. This mill, after changing hands a number of times, was purchased by Spencer I. Cleveland, in the spring of 1856. The mill was burned in December, 1858. Mr. Cleveland, who still owned the mill at the time it was burned, sustained a loss of not less than $6,000 on mill and stock.

In 1861 the mill was rebuilt by Wallace Clark and Philo Clark. Several years later the Clark's sold out to Aaron and George Smith, who, in 1865, sold to Murray Marklie, J. Dover, O. Cleveland and George Cleveland. Wallace Clark, the present owner, became sole proprietor in 1878.

The present business of Flint is represented as follows: W. J. Huffman, general merchant; John B. Richer, general merchant; John Crandall, merchant and Postmaster; George Cleveland, blacksmith; Wallace Clark, grist-mill. Physicians, Fred Sherman and John Lewis.

A lodge of F, &. A. M. was organized by dispensation at Salem Center in 1862 and received the name of Farmers' Lodge, No. 285. This was granted a charter May 26, 1863, under the name of Corinthian Lodge, No. 285. The first officers, which included the most of the charter members, were: A. R. Crandall, W. M. ; E. T. Hammond, S. W. ; C. K. Conger, J. W.; Silas Conger, Sec; AVilliara Meek, S. D. ; J. J. Johnson, J. D. ; David Yan Pelt, Tyler. The lodge was burned Oct. 13, 1871, and the charter destroyed; another was issued and the lodge was continued for awhile longer at Salem Center, and was then removed to Flint, better to accommodate the majority of the members who came from that direction. The officers for 1885 are: Philo Ward, W. M.; Fred Munn, S. W.; William Miller, J. W.; James Mann, Treas. ; John W. Osterhout, Sec; T. F. Miller, S. D.; Stephen Horn, J. D.; J. B. Richner, Tyler. The regular communications of the lodge are on Tuesday preceding the fall moon in each month.

The first services of this denomination were held in May, 1855, at the residence of Levi Doudt, on section 11. Services were conducted by Rev. Fletcher Thomas, at which time a society was organized with five members, namely: Levi Doudt and his wife, Ann Doudt, Levi Bolin and wife, and John Beigh. Services were held each Sunday at the house of Mr. Doudt, till the building of the school-house in District No. 6, on section 13, in 1858.

In the winter of 1873-'4 services began to beheld in the schoolhouse in District No. 10, on section 15, where they were held till the building of the present church on section 11 in 1877. This is a frame church painted white; cost about $2,000. Rev. Fletcher Thomas, who organized the society, continued as Pastor for about three months and was succeeded by Rev. E. Johnson, who remained one year. Then came Rev. H. W. Cherry, for one year, then Rev. M. Morthland for one year. Other Pastors of the church have been: Revs. John Johnson, Richard Martin, J. K. Swiharr, J. K. Alwood, W. O. Dinous, James Martin, J. Brown, Samuel Redmond, Joseph S. Tedrow and A. E. Gafi", who is its present Pastor. There are in 1885 100 members in the society. They have a Sunday-school of about seventy-five members. This church is known a^ Pleasant View church. It was dedicated Dec. 2, 1877, Bishop Milton Wright, of Dayton, Ohio, officiating.

Tlie population of Jackson Township in 1870 was 1,122; and in 1880, 1,167, an increase of 45, indicating a present density of population equal to 33 to the square mile.

The following leading crop statistics are for the last census year - 1880: Acres of wheat sown, 4,517; average yield per acre, 15 bushels; total crop, 67,775 bushels; acres of corn, 2,361; average yield per acre, 40 bushels; total crop, 94,460; acres of oats, 506; average yield per acre, 25 bushels; total crop, 12,550 bushels; acres in meadow, 729; average yield per acre, a ton and a half of hay; total crop, 1,093 tons; acres of potatoes. 65; average yield per acre, 100 bushels; total crop, 6,500 bushels.

In 1884 the number of acres assessed was 22,134.48; value of same, $222,850; value of improvements, $44,800; value of personal property, $47,305; total valuation, $314,955; number of polls, 186; number of dogs, 72; total taxes levied, $6,810.19. As property is assessed on a basis of one-third, the valuation given above indicates a wealth of $944,865.

In politics, Jackson has given Republican majorities since the organization of that party; before 1856, when the two parties before the people were the Democratic and the Whig, the township gave its vote uniformly for the former organization. The smallest plurality ever given was in 1840, seventeen for Yan Buren; the largest was in 1872, 118 for Grant.

The growth of the population, represented by the number of voters, as well as the political complexion of the township at each election, can be seen in the following statement of the Presidential vote since 1840 .

Biographical

Charles L. Alcott resides on section 6, Jackson Township, where his father, Michael Alcott, settled in 1839. Michael Alcott was born in New Jersey about 1795, and removed thence to Marion County, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth Collins, a native of the State of Delaware. In 1837 they moved to Steuben County, and settled in Pleasant Township, about a mile west of Angjola. The following spring they moved to Jackson Township, where the father died in 1845. The mother afterward married Henry Spangle and died in 1873. Charles L. Alcott was an only son. He was born in Ohio Jan. 29, 1833. He was married Jan. 5, 1860, to Ellen Powers, a native of Steuben County, born in 1841, daughter of Stephen A. Powers. They have two children - Frank and Emma. Mr. Alcott is one of the prominent and successful farmers of Jackson Township.

Luke Barr resides on section 16, Jackson Township, where his father, Jared Barr, settled in 1845. Jared Barr was born in Massachusetts in September, 1784, and after attaining manhood went to the State of New York, where he was married to Lucretia Hazen, a native of Connecticut a cousin of the father of General Hazen. After his marriage he settled in Dover, Ohio, and later moved to Elyria, where they lived till 1845, when they came to Steuben County and bought a tract of unimproved land of Lyman Clark. This land he improved and made his home till his death in April, 1869. The mother died in September, 1879. Their twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, were all living at the time of the father's death. Five are now living. Jared Barr was a man of considerable ability, a great reader and possessed of a remarkable memory. He was a member of the Disciples church and for several years was a preacher of that denomination. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, holding a Captain's commission. Luke Barr was born in Elyria, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1830, and has been a resident of Jackson Township since 1845. He married Mary "Williams, who was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1840, a daughter of Carpenter Williams. Her parents moved to Michigan where her father died when she was seven years old. Her mother then returned to New York, where she was educated, graduating from Phipp's Union Seminary at Albion, in 1859. She then engaged in teaching, and in 1S63 returned to Michigan, and subsequently was employed as Principal of Newville Academy two years. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have live f children - Lena, Myrtie, Lillie, Charles F. and Guy K. They are among the progressive residents of Steuben County. Both are well educated and taught school for a number of years before their marriage. Realizing the advantage of mental culture they endeavor to give their children the benefits of the best schools in the country.

Michael Bowerman was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in September, 1823, and when four years of age his parents, Jacob and Mary Bowerman, removed to Seneca County, Ohio, where they made their home till their death. He was married in Seneca County, Ohio, to Jane Gooding, who died in 1869. They were the parents of four children, of whom two only survive - Milo and Mrs. Sarah Doudt. He was again married and has had one child, Ira, by his present wife. Mr. Bowerman settled on the farm on section 14, he now occupies, in 1853. The land was unimproved when he bought it, but he has brought it to its present state of cultivation. He has been successful in his agricultural pursuits and now owns 160 acres of land, 120 of which is improved. His first house was a log cabin, which he occupied till 1869, when he built his present residence. His house is built of cobble stone, 20 x 28 feet with a wing of the same dimensions.

George Brown^ section 12, Jackson Township, was born in Massachusetts, in 1829, a son of Harvey Brown, who was born in Massachusetts in 1804, and in 1846 came to Steuben County, Ind., with his family and settled on section 1, Jackson Township, where he now lives. In early life George Brown worked at woolen manufacturing, and later at the carpenter's and wagon maker's trades. In 1870 he bought the farm where he now lives of Charles Batchelder and has since followed agricultural pursuits. He has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He was married to Ursula Stockton, a native of Jamaica, Yt., born in 1834, a daughter of John and Betsey Stockton, who settled in Orland, Ind., in 1834, where the mother died May 12, 1849, and her father Sept. 21, of the same year. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born four children - Frank, Irving H., Elizabeth H. and Chester. Elizabeth is the wife of Don Carlos Ransburg, of Pleasant Lake.

Morris Brown was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1838, a son of Charles Brown, who died about 1851. When fifteen years of age he began to work for his own livelihood, and when seventeen went to Whitesides County, 111., where he remained two years. In 1857 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and taught two winter terms of school in Flint, 1857-'58 and 1859-'60. The winter of 1860-'61 he taught in District No. 8. In November, 1858, he bought sixty acres of land on the north part of the south half of the northeast quarter of section 28, Jackson Township, which was wholly unimproved and heavily timbered. He cleared and improved his land and subsequently added forty acres of the same section, and twenty acres on section 27, making a tine farm of 120 acres. His residence is on the land first purchased. April 1, 1858, he married Catherine Clink, daughter of Christian Clink, of Salem Township^ After his marriage he went to Michigan, where he lived ten months, and then returned to Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have three children - Carrie A., wife of Asher Preston, of Fremont; Jennie M., wife of Frank Golden, and Homer T. Politically Mr. Brown is a Republican, casting his fir^t vote for President Lincoln. He is one of the representative citizens of Jackson Township, and has held several positions of trust and responsibility.

Justus Butler, one of Steuben County's pioneers, was born in New York State, July 2, 1802. He was reared in his native State and when a young man removed to Lorain County, Ohio, where he was married Nov. 23, 1829, to Anna Clark, a native of the State of Vermont, born Aug. 6, 1812, and removed to Lorain County with her parents when two years of age. In 1836 Mr. Butler, accompanied by his father-in-law, Samuel Clark, came to Steuben County for the purpose of locating land. He entered 313 acres on section 2, Jackson Township, and fifty-four acres on section 35, Mill Grove Township. In the spring of 1837 he moved his family to their new home, locating in Jackson Township, on the south side of Lake Gage. He built a log house and began at once to improve his land. He died March 1, 1853. His wife lived till Feb. 10, 1885. Their family consisted of nine children, three born in Ohio and six in Steuben County. Of those born in Ohio - Jackson W., Sarah Ann and Samuel E. - the former died at the age of eight years, the second Sept. 20, 1847, aged fifteen years, and the last named was killed by lightning in 1854, at the age of nineteen years. But two of the children born in Steuben County lived till maturity - Joseph and Mark Justus, the latter now in Nebraska. Joseph Butler now owns and occupies the old homestead. He was born July 24, 1847, and was reared on the farm. In 1874 he was elected Clerk of the Courts of Steuben County and served four years. At the expiration of his term of service he entered the law ofiice of Woodhull & Croxton, Angola, and in January, 1880, entered the law department of the Illinois Wesleyan University, at Bloomington.

He subsequently resumed his reading in the office of Woodhull & Croxton, and in November, 1881, formed a partnership in the practice of his profession at Angola, the firm being Butler, Walls & Cline. In the spring of 1882 Mr. Walls retired from the firm, and the firm of Butler & Cline continued till July, 1884. In November, 1883, Mr. Butler returned to the homestead, where he has since lived. He served as Trustee of Pleasant Township from April, 1882, till April, 1884. He was married in 1881 to Salena, daughter of Dr. Weicht, of Angola. They have one child - Bessie Nola.

George D. Cleveland is the only living son of David Cleveland, one of the pioneers of Jackson Township. David Cleveland was born in New York State, June 1, 1816. In 1835, with his elder brother, Amasa Maro Cleveland, he came to Steuben County, Ind. He lived with bis brother till his marriage, and then lived on Pretty Prairie, Lagrange County, for a time. Then located on land he purchased when he first came to the county, on section 22, Jackson Township, where he lived till his death, Aug. 23, 1849. He was married in November, 1837, to Eliza Littlefield, a native of New York, born Feb. 9, 1812, daughter of Edmond and Amy Littlefield, who were among the earliest settlers of that section. Mrs. Cleveland is now living at Sturgiss, Mich. Her children were five in number, only two of whom are living - George D. and Emily, wife of Newton Clark, of Nebraska. George D. Cleveland enlisted in August, 1861, in the Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and served three years and nine months, seventeen months of which he was confined in rebel prisons. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Stone Kiver and Chickamauga. He with seventeen others of his company was taken prisoner at the latter battle and taken to Richmond, and confined in Castle Pemberton about two moutlis. Thence to Danville, and April 1, 1864, to Andersonville, where they remained five and a half months, and were then taken to Charleston, S. C, and thence to Florence, and paroled from there March 1, 1865, and sent to Wilmington, N. C. His long exptrience in rebel prisons so shattered his constitution that he has never recovered from its effects. Mr. Cleveland married Nancy Kirkland, daughter of James Kirkland, who came to Steuben County from Richland County, Ohio, in 1864, and died in February, 1876. He was married four times. His second wife was a sister of Dr. McConnell, of Angola. Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland have five children - Zula M., John M., lona M., Andrew C. and Ina D. They lost one daughter - Kittie M. Mr. Cleveland is by trade a blacksmith, and is now engaged in that occupation in Flint. He is serving his first term or fourth year as Assessor of Jackson Township. An elder brother of Mr. Cleveland, Osmer W., was a member of the Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and was captured at Macon, Ga., and was taken to Andersonville Prison and thence to Florence, S. C. There he escaped but was again captured after three or four days and was confined at Florence till paroled, March 1, 1865. Was then transferred to the general hospital in New York City. His sufferings while a prisoner were intense, and his feet were so bruised and lacerated in endeavoring to escape from Florence that after his exchange it was found to be necessary to amputate all his toes. He came home in August, 1865, and died of consumption, induced by his exposure and suflPerings, Jan. 31, 1866, aged twenty-seven years.

John Coleman was born in Pennslyvania in 1822 and removed when a child with his parents to Ohio. He made his uncle's house his home for several years and when eighteen years of age be^an working for farmers by the month. Subsequently was employed in various capacities till he had earned enough to buy foitv acres of land. In 1852 he moved to St. Joseph County, Ind., and bought 100 acres of land which was partially improved. He made an addition of twenty acres to this farm but in August, 1863, sold it and moved to Steuben County, Ind., and bought 120 acres on the northwest quarter of section 15, Jackson Township, where he has since lived. About fifty acres had been cleared and a small frame house had been built. He now has 100 acres improved and in 1876 erected a fine two-story frame house at a cost of $1,500. He was married in Ohio to Sarah Whiteman, who died Aug. 11, 1868, leaving five children - Ellen, Jane, Ida, Theadore and Evalena. Jan. 1, 1870, Mr. Coleman married Mrs. Euth Maritte, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born in 1844, a daughter of Richard and Harriet Shields and widow of Lutelious Maritte. To them have been born four children - Lettie, Eliza, Maud and Elo-a. Mrs. Coleman has two sons by her former marriage - Alfred and Lutelious. Her father was born in England in 1795 and was there reared and married. Emigrated to America with his family and settled in Richland County, and in 1849 came to Steuben County and settled in Salem Township, wliere he died in 1858. His wife died in May, 1884.

History Of Steuben Countv

the farm where his father, Abner Davis, settled in 1836. Abner Davis was burn in New York, December, 1795. His wife, Polly Bardsley, was born in Fairfield, Conn., in 1798, and came to Steuben County in company with Jonas and Benjamin Twichell and their families. They settled on the land which is now in possession of their children. The father died March 20, 1843, and the mother Feb. 28, 1881, aged eighty-three years. David Davis was was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1830, and was six years of age when his parents moved to Steuben County. He has made agriculture his life-work and has been successful, owning now one of the finest farms in the township. He was married Dec. 25, 1866, to Frances Morse, a native of Geneva, N. Y., daughter of John and Susan Morse, who moved to Steuben County in 1862, and still reside in Jackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have three children - Horace, Lola and Susie.

Levi Doudt \va.s horn m Lehigh County, Pa., in 1828, and when five years old he came with his parents, Elias and Mary (Peter) Doudt, to Seneca County, Ohio, where he was reared to the occupation of farming, and where his father died in 1847. His mother died in Branch County, Mich., in 1877, and was buried in Jackson Township. He was married in 1852 to Anna Metzger, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, born in 1835, a daugliter of Adam and Mary Metzger, who came to Steuben County, Ind., in 1868 and settled on section 11. Her mother died June 1, 1877. Her father is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Doudt have been born three children - Miirtha, wife ot Peter Wireck, of Lagrange County, Ind.; Elias J., and Melissa, wife of Franklin P. Johnson, of Jackson Township. Mr. Doudt settled in Jackson Township, April 16, 1855, locating where he now lives on section 11, which he purchased from Cornelius Shank. Not much had been done to the land before our subject became the owner, ten acres having been partially cleared and a smiiU frame house built. He at first purchased eighty acres on section 11 to which he added, later, forty acres adjoining on the south, on section 14, which he bought of Elias Coleman.

George Golden^ one of the successful farmers of Jackson Township, resides on section 22, where he settled in November, 1864. He owns 302| acres of land, entered and partially improved by Maro Cleveland. Mr. Golden has made many improvements which have greatly advanced its value since he owned the farm. In 1876 he built his residence, which is one of the finest in the township, at a cost of $3,000, and in 1883 built his barn at a cost of $1,200. He is a son of Nathaniel Golden who was born in Nova Scotia about 1795, and removed with his parents to Seneca County, N. Y., where he married Elizabeth Arey. In 1839 he moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Steuben Township, now owned by Henry Ritter, where he died in 1848; his wife's death preceded his. They had a family of nine children. One daughter died in New York, and eight children accompanied their parents to Indiana, viz.: Amy, wife of Ever Thayer; Thomas was killed by the caving in of a well, when twenty-two years of age; Louisa married Eli Frink; Ann, wife of Zephaniah Carr; Horace, Nathan and George. The latter is the youngest, and the only surviving member of his father's family. He was born in New York in October, 1835, and has lived in Steuben County, Ind., since 1839. He married Adelpha Cleveland, daughter of Amasa Maro Cleveland, who settled in Steuben County in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Golden have three children - Frank, Edd and Judd, all natives of Jackson Township. Mrs. Golden's fathe rwas one of the prominent early settlers of the county. He entered the farm where Mr. Golden now lives and lived there till his death in 1863. His wife died in 1852. They had three daughters - Mrs. Golden, Louisa, now in California, and Mary, widow of Dr. John B. Blue, of Jackson Township.

Thomas W. Haines^ farmer, section 32, Jackson Township, is one of the most enterprising citizens of Steuben County. He is a son of William Haines and came with him to this county in October, 1853. He was born in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1840, and there received his education, his time after coming to Indiana being required on the farm helping to clear the land of trees and stumps and prepare it for cultivation. He remained with his parents till the breaking out of the Rebellion, and in 1861 enlisted in the Twenty-third Indiana Light Artillery, and served three years and nine months. He was married after his return home to Nancy Ryan, a native of the State of New York. They have a family of three children - Adelbert, Addie and Robert.

John Huffman^ deceased, was born in Armstrong County, Pa., in 1808, and lived in his native county till eighteen years of age when he was married to Mary Rifenberrick, a native of New Jersey, born in 1811. Soon after his marriage he removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, and two years later moved to Portage County. In the fall of 1844 he moved to Crawford County, and the following spring to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on a farm on section 26,

Jackson Township, for which he had exchanged his farm in Ohio. The land was wholly unimproved, consisting of what is known as openings. His first residence was a board shanty and his second a hewed-log house. With the assistance of his sons he cleared ten acres of land the same spring and planted it to corn, from which he realized a fair crop. Mr. Huffman made of this land a fine farm, residing here till his death, March 17, 1872. His wife, Mary, died March 29, 1863. They had a family of thirteen children - Jane, Kichard W., Lucinda H., Catherine, Samuel, William J., Joseph, John W., Melissa, Anna, Benajah, Rachel A. and Mary. Five sons and two sons-in-law served in the defense of the Union in the war of the Rebellion. Richard was a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Infantry. Samuel enlisted in the Fourth Michigan Infantrj' and later in the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry. William J. enlisted in Chicago in Company A, McClellan Dragoons, April 21, 1862, and served four months. May 16, 1863, he enlisted in the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, and served till July 21, 1865. He participated in many severe engagements, serving in the raid after Morgan, the Atlanta campaign, and Sherman's march to the sea. Joseph was a member of the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, and John W, of Company A, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry. Jane married Franklin Alexander and died many years ago. Ri( hard W. is supposed to be living in Missouri. Lucinda is the wife of Albert Markle, of Michigan. Catherine died at the age of thirteen years. Samuel is living in Idaho. Joseph is living in Flint. John W. died Aug. 2, 1864. Melissa, Anna, Benajah and Mary died in childhood. Rachel is the wife of James Miller, of Waterloo. William J. was born in Portage County, Ohio, April 13, 1835. He was married Aug. 20, 1865, to Martha J. Stiles, daughter of Rud Stiles. In 1866 he moved to Rome City, Noble County, but the following spring returned to Steuben County. He is by trade a blacksmith, but his health failing he ran a produce wagon ten years, and then worked at the shoemaker's trade. Since December, 1881, he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Flint. Guernsey Hults (deceased) was born in the town of Halfmoon, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1806, and died in Jackson Township, Steuben Co., Ind,, Feb. 6, 188-3. When eleven years of age he accompanied his parents to Huron County, Ohio, and thence to Richland County. In the fall of 1846 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of unimproved land, comprising the south half of the southwest quarter of section 26, Jackson Town- ship, giving as part payment his horses and wagon. After purchasing his land he returned to Ohio and remained till the following spring, when he came again to Steuben County. He built a log cabin and began to improve his land. In 1850 he went to Ohio and was married to Fanny Maria Darby, a native of Allegany County, N. Y,, born in 1829, a daughter of Samuel B. and Sepharna (Guilford) Darby, the former a native of Vermont, born in 1807, and the latter a native of Massachusetts. In 1838 her parents moved to Fulton County, Ohio, where iier father died July 15, 1884. Her mother is living in Wauseon, Fulton Co., Ohio. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hults removed to their new hotne, and together labored to surround themselves and the family with first the necessaries and then the comforts of life. They had a family of two daughters - Sepharna. T. and Sarah E. Mrs. Hults is a lady of culture and refinement, possessing a fund of general information, acquired by both reading and observation.

Is7'aelJarvis w&s born in Canada in 1844, and when he was three years of age his parents moved to Yermont, and from there in the fall of 1859 to Steuben County, Ind., and located in Salem Township. In the fall of 1867 his parents moved to Kansas where they have since lived. Israel Jarvis received the greater part of his education in Yermont. He was reared on a farm and after coming to Indiana assisted his father in clearing and improving a pioneer farm. In 1875 he came to Jackson Township and bought the farm where he now lives, of Harvey Leeves, on section 33. It contains 210 acres of choice land, and his residence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious. He was married to Eunice Wiggins, a native of Pleasant Township, Steuben County, born in July, 1852, a daughter of John Wiggins, an early settler of

Pleasant Township. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis have four children Luella, Ada, Essie E. and Judson. Mrs. Jarvis had two brothers Nathan and Endress, who were soldiers in the war of the Eebellion. Both lived to return, but the former was accidentally killed in Lagrange County, Ind., in February, 1876. The latter lives on the old homestead in Pleasant Township. A brother of Mr. Jarvis Clement, was a member of the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry in the war of the Rebellion.

Hiram S. Jones (deceased) settled in Jackson Township on the farm now owned by his heirs, in May, 1864. It contains 160 acres, 120 on the southwest quarter of section 10 and forty acres on the northwest quarter of section 15. This farm has long be. n noted for its fine fruit. It was formerly owned by Dr. Madison Marsh, who set out thirty acres of apple-trees, 300 peach-trees, and a variety of pear and cherry trees. It was the first fruit farm on so extensive a scale in Northern Indiana. The apples alone have yielded a revenue of $1,300 in a single year. Hiram S. Jones was born in Vermont in January, 1834, and when nine years old removed with his parents, Samuel and Jerusha Jones, to De Kalb County, Ind. When a young man he went to California, remaining there six years. He was married Oct. 21, 1860, to Nancy J. Clark, a native of Lockport, N. Y., born in 1836, daughter of Isaac and Jane M. Clark, natives of New York, who moved to Spring Hill, near Wauseon, Fulton Co., 'Ohio, in 1857, and in 1860 to Waterloo, De Kalb Co., Ind., and two years later to Kalamazoo County, Mich., where they still live. Mr. Jones lived on his farm in Steuben County a number of years, and then exchanged it for his father-in-law's farm in Michigan, but bought it a.^ain April 15, 1872. He died at Waterloo, Ind., while there attending the county fair, Oct. 18, 1877. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born five children, four of whom are living - Charles O., Frank B., Fred A. and Lilly A. Rose L., a twin sister of Lilly, died at the age of nine years. May 6, 1884, Mrs. Jones married Almon W. Thorpe, who was born in Portage County, Ohio, in 1836. When twenty-seven years of age he went to Yiueland, N. J., where he worked at his trade (painter) and engaged in fruit-oTowing. He subsequently moved to Algansee, Mich., where lie was Postmaster ten years. He was first married in 1 857 to Mrs. Elvira M. (King) Allen, and has four children - Morris N., Minnie M., Eli and Lavern. Mr. Thorpe has a tine collection of prehistoric relics, which he has accumulated by extended research and at great expense, many of them curiosities as examples of the skill and ingenuity of the early ages. He also has a number of Indian relics and a fine collection of geological specimens.

Daniel Mariette, section 26, Jackson Township, settled on his present farm in 1874, coining to Jackson from Otsego Township, where he settled in 1846. He was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1815. He was reared and educated in his native county, remaining there till manhood. He was married in Washington County, Ohio, to Nancy Trowbridge, a native of Morgan County, born in 1820. In 1844 they came to Indiana and lived two years in Lagrange County; dience to Steuben County, and lived in Otseo-o Township till 1874. He has been prominently identified with all public enterprises, assisting liberally with both time and money. Mr. and Mrs. Mariette have had eight children, but three of whom are living - Elisha M., Polly and Angenora. Four sons and one daughter are deceased. Their eldest son, Francis, was a member of the Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry in the war of the Rebellion, and died at Nashville, Tenn., in August, 1863.

George Mundy (deceased) was born in New Jersey in 1817, and when a boy removed with his parents to Steuben County, N. Y. At the age of nineteen years he came with his parents to Seneca County, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Margaret Kimbel, a daughter of Francis and Catherine Kimbel, natives of New Jersey, who removed to Jeiferson County, Ohio, the year of Mrs. Mundy's birth - 1817. To Mr. and Mrs. Mundy were born four sons and one daughter, of whom the latter, Mrs. Martha J. Snowberger, is the only one living. She and her husband reside on the old homestead with her mother. The sons were - David, who died in his sixth year; Daniel, at the age of live years; Louis, in his twenty-sixth year, and Francis in his fourteenth year. Mr. and Mrs. Mundy came to De Kalb County, Ind., in 1840, where they lived till 1844, when they came to this county and settled on the farm now owned by his family on sections 19 and 20. Mr. - Mundy built the first house - a log cabin - on the place, which he occupied till he built the present residence in 1863. Mr. Mundy's death occurred May 28, 1882.

Lewis Mundy, son of David and Sarah Mundy, was born in 1815, a native of New Jersey. When fourteen years old he removed with his parents to Steuben County, N. Y., and thence to Seneca County, Ohio. Later they came to Steuben County, but finally settled in Branch County, Mich., where they spent the rest of their lives. Lewis Mundy came to Steuben County in 1852 and settled on section 28 on eighty acres of land. He has since added to his first purchase and now possesses 120 acres, having sold forty acres. He has about 110 acres well improved, and has a fine residence, built in 1877. His barn was built in 1863. He was first married in Ohio in 1839 to Folly Stevenson, a native of Essex County, N. Y., who died in 1849, leaving two children, yet living, Jaspar and Alanson, both of whom served in the late war. Mr. Mundj' was married again in 1850 to Mrs. Mercy B. (King) Puree, whose death occurred in 1863. He has two children by this marriage, Otis and Julia, wife of Franklin Castner, of Kansas. Mr. Mundy's present wife was Mrs. Mary (Doudt) Bolin, born in Seneca

County, Ohio, in December, 1834, and to this union .liave been born three children - Lewis, Hattie and Nellie. Mrs. Mundy was first married to Levi Bolin, who died in Jackson Township in March, 1863, and to them were born three children - George, James and Milton. Politically Mr. Mundy is a Republican, but in early life he was an Abolitionist.

John N. Ousterhout was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1825. His father, John Ousterhout, was a native of the State of New York, and when a young man went to Richland County, Ohio, where he died in 1825. John N. lived with his maternal grandfather, Levi Bodley, in Plymouth, till sixteen years of age when his grandfather died. He then began working for farmers by the month. In 1843 he and an elder brother, James C, came to Steuben County, Ind., and bought 160 acres of land on section 9, Salem Township, now owned by John Beigh and Abram Chenoworth. They came from Ohio with an ox team which proved of great assistance in improving their land. In the fall of 1849 John N. bought 120 acres on sections 4 and 8. In the spring of 1851 he went to Jasper County, Iowa, where he bought eighty acres of land and lived two years, working at his trade, carpenter, the most of the time. In 1853 he returned to Steuben County, and the fol- lowing year sold his land in Salem Township, and engaged in sawmilling on section 14. He sold his mill in 1857 and bought sixty acres of land on section 14, Salem Township, where he lived till 1859. In December, 1859, he bought the farm where he now lives and settled on it the following June. It was then a wild tract of land but Mr. Ousterhout has brought it under a good state of cultivation and it is now one of the finest farms in the township, located on the southeast quarter of section 34, Jackson TownshiiJ. Mr. Ousterhout has been twice married. His first wife was Nancy Hammond, a native of Ohio, daughter of Samuel Hannnond. She died in 1853 having two children - Mary A., wife of John Slick, and Samuel E. He afterward married Sarah Haines, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1829, daughter of Thomas Haines, who came to Steuben County in 1853. They have six children - Yiola, wife of Adelbert R. Wood; Ralph; CoraE.; Sarah V., wife of George L. Delong; Lillie M. and Alta G. Politically Mr. Ousterhout is a Republican. He was elected Justice of the Peace of Jackson Township in 1860 and served four years; was elected to the same ofilce in 1878 and is now serving his third term. During the late war he was an active member of the Flint

Legion, an organization whose object was to defend the State from raiders. He was First Lieutenant of tliis company. It was organized March 31, 1863, and was not disbanded till after the close of the war. Mr. Ousterhout's residence is what was for many years known as the block church, built by the Methodists on section 3, and used by them and the Presbyterians many years as a house of worship. Mr. Ousterhout bought the building in 1860 and removed it to its present location. This is one of the most interesting relics of pioneer days.

Ahijah D. Farsell^ deceased, was born Oct. 25, 1827, in New Jersey. His father, Moses S. Parsell, was born Feb. 12, 1797, and Dec. 17, 1817, married Mary Campbell, who was born Sept. 10, 1795. She died in August, 1824, and March 17, 1825, he married Hannah Crilley, who died Aug. 6, 1846. In 1838 the family came to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Jackson Township. Abijah grew to manhood on his father's farm and after his marriage, in 1851, bought the farm on section 35, where his family now live. For many years he devoted his entire attention to farming, and then engaged in buying produce. In April, 1872, he moved to Angola and engaged in the produce business a year. Then returned to the farm, and in April, 1878, again rented his farm and moved to Angola and engaged in the grocery business till his death Nov. 11, 1882. He was married Dec. 4, 1851, to Jane T. Alcott, a native of Marion County, Ohio, born Sept. 24, 1829, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Alcott, the former a native of New Jersey, born in 1802, and the latter ol Delaware. They moved to Marion County, Ohio, about 1837, and later to Lagrange County, where Mr. Alcott died April 24, 1861. The mother is still living with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Parcell had a family of seven children; but three are living - Austin M., born Nov. 1, 1855, and married Adeline M. Weight, daughter of Frederick Weight, of Salem Township. They have two children - Leona E. and Abijah D. Ichabod S. was born March 10, 1864, and Michael A., Jan. 18, 1870.

John B. Richner was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1850. In the fall of 1854 his father, Andrew Richner, moved to Steuben County, and located on a farm in Jackson Township where he still lives. John B. was reared and educated in this township remaining here till twenty-two years of age when he went to Michigan and engaged in farming near Cold water four years. He then bought a farm and remained there another four years, when he returned to Jackson Township. In 1881 he embarked in the general mercantile business at Flint but the next year sold out to H. B. Rickerd. In 1883 he again opened a store and is now doing a good business. He is a genial, social gentleman, and readily wins the esteem of his customers. July 8, 1885, he was appointed Postmaster at Flint and assumed the duties of his office July 25. He married Viola Davis, daughter of G. W. Davis, of Jackson Township. They have three children - Arthur, Alice and Ethel. Robert Ryan^ section 31, Jackson Township, was born in the town of Niles, now fSemphronius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in November, 1814, a son of Robert and grandson of Robert Ryan, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, enlisting when thirteen years of age and serving six years. Our subject's father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He settled in Cayuga County, N. Y., in an early day, and lived there till his death. His widow is still living, aged ninety years. In 1836 Mr, Ryan came to Indiana in company with a family by the name of Jones, and settled in Lagrange County. He worked by the month from November of that year till the following spring for Russell Brown, of Lagrange County, and later of Jackson Township, Steuben County. The next summer he worked for several of the early settlers and in the meantime entered 280 acres of land in De Kalb County, eighty acres in Fairfield and 200 acres in Sraithfield Township. In the fall of 1837 he returned to New York and remained five years and in 1842 came again to Indiana. He exchanged his eighty acres in Fairfield Township, for eighty acres in Jackson Township, Steuben County, which is a part of his present farm. He afterward exchanged his 200 acres in Smithfield Township, receiving as part payment a horse and buggy. His interests from that time were entirely in Steuben County. He afterward bought 160 acres joining his first purchase on the east, and still later another eighty acres making 320 acres in all. He has since sold seventy acres and now owns one of the best farms in the township, of 250 acres, with a good residence and farm buildings. Mr. Ryan was married in May, 1850, to Catherine Bebee, a daughter of David Bebee, who settled in Jackson Township in 1846. They have five children - Ann Eliza, wife of Dennis Ryan; Viola, wife of Squire Appleman; Janet, wife of David Haskins; Harvey, and Minerva, wife of James Bolin. Mrs. Ryan's father, David Bebee, was a native of Chenango County, N. Y., where he was reared and married Polly Mead. He moved to Steuben County in 1846, and lived in Jackson Township till his death in 1871, aged seventy-eight years. His wife died in 1868. A brother of Mr. Kyan came to Steuben County about 1845 and lived on one of the farms of his brother, but in 1850 returned to New York and now lives in Kelloggsville, Cayuga County. Mr. Ryan in politics has been a Republican since the formation of the party.

David Sams, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 6, 1801, and removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he was married April 10, 1822, to Elizabeth Baker, a native of Baltimore County, Md., born June 20, 1800. In June, 1835, Mr. Sams with his brother-in-law, Andrew Welch, started for the State of Illinois, for the purpose of locating land. On reaching Jackson Prairie they were so well pleased with the country that they decided to remain and therefore Mr, Sams bought forty acres on section 8, and entered 120 acres adjoining. They returned to Ohio and the following August brought their families to their home in the wilderness. They built a cabin in which three families lived till they could clear some land and sow some wheat. Mr. Sams then built another house, Mr. "Welch remaining in the first one. For a year or more the settlers found a market for their grain at home, the incoming settlers being obliged to purchase till they could raise crops of their own. Then for ten or twelve years their market was Fort Wayne. Mr. Sams lived where he first settled till his death April 16, 1874. He was a prominent citizen and was the first Assessor of Steuben County. Mrs. Sams still lives on the homestead. Their family consisted of eight children, but six of whom are living - Mary Jane, wife of Charles Trux, of Williams County, Ohio; Darius; Sarah Ann, widow of Alexander Carpenter; Abdella, of Salem Township; Amasa, of Jackson Prairie; and Henry, of Pleasant Township. Darius, the eldest son, was born in Richland County, Ohio, June 1, 1829. He was married in 1853 to Mrs. Phoebe Sams, widow of his brother Daniel, and daughter of Nehemiah Lounsbury, who settled in Jackson Township in 1845. Mrs. Lounsbury died Jan. 16, 1850, and Mr. Lounsbury, Jan.. 16, 1871. Mrs. Sams was born in New York in 1832.

Nathaniel Shaffstall, son of Christian Shaffstall, was born on the old homestead in Salem Township, Steuben County, in 1847. He remained at home till his enlistment in the war of the Rebellion, in the spring of 1865. He served as Fife-Major of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana Infantry till the close of the war. After his return home he engaged in agricultural pursuits and now has a good farm on section 10, Jackson Township. He is the inventor of the Champion sulky plow attachment, which possesses what is known as the wonderful vibrating bail, and an improved mechanism for grinding the plow. It has proved a very important invention and is meeting with great favor wherever introduced. The patent was issued on the improvement, Feb. 28, 1882. Mr. Shaffstall married Mary C, daughter of C. C. Bodley, one of the early settlers of Steuben County. They have three children - Hattie E., Chauncey N. and Leruah B.

Norman C. Shank is a son of Cornelius Shank, who settled in Jackson Township in 50, a native of Maryland, and removed to Seneca County, Ohio, with his parents and thence to Steuben County. Norman was born in Seneca County in 1846. He enlisted in 1861, when but fifteen years of age, in the Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickaraauga, Mission Ridge, and was a witness of the battle of Lookout Mountain. He was injured at Pittsburg Landing while assisting in unloading a boat and was unfit for duty at the time of the battle but at his own request was permitted to accompany his regiment to the field and was wounded twice, in the left arm and in the left hip. He has recovered from his wounds but still sufiers from his injury and receives a pension. After the battle uf Mission Ridge his regiment was stationed at Chattanooga where they were on provost duty till the close of the war. Since the war he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm is located on section 10, Jackson Township, and contains 270 acres. He has been twice married. His first wife was Emaline Bowerman, daughter of Michael Bowerman, and to them were born three children. His present wife was Emma Davis, daughter of Horace E. Davis. They have three children.

Uenry Spangle was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1821, a son of Henrj and Mary S))angle, and when five years old accompanied his parents to Seneca County, where he lived till twentythree years old, when he came to Indiana and has since lived in this township. He bought 160 acres of William Hendrickson, only six acres of which at that time were cleared. He has cleared and now has under cultivation 120 acres, and in addition to the homestead bought in 1882 140 acres. He is one of the most prominent farmers of the township. He has three and a half miles of hedge on his original farm and a mile and a half on the addition. Mr. Spangle married Sarah Metzger, who was born in Seneca

County, Ohio, in 1841 and came to Steuben County with her parents in 1868. Thev have two children - Carrie and Clyde. Mr. Spangle's mother died when he was a child. His father followed him to Steuben County and died in this township in 1862. Mrs. Spangle's parents, Adam and Mary Metzger, settled in Jackson Township, where the mother died June 1, 1877. The father makes his home with Mrs. Spangle. They have had a family of nine children, eight of whom are living - Amos, of Montgomery County, Kas. ; Elias, of Branch County, Mich, ; Mrs. Catherine Decker, of Newaygo County, Mich.; Mrs. Elizabeth Hetler, of Berrien County, Mich.; Mrs. Mary Downs, of St. Joseph County, Mich.; Mrs. Anna Doudt, Mrs. Susan Benninghoff and Mrs, Spangle, of Jackson Township.

Charles S. Squiers, residing on section 2, Jackson Township, was born in this township in 1842. He was married to Hortense Morse, a native of Seneca County, N. Y,, who removed with her parents to Michigan and thence to Indiana, in 1859. To this union has been born one son - Deliner, born in Jackson Township, July 5, 1865. Mr. Squiers has a well-cultivated farm of 123 acres with fine buildings upon it. His father, Charles P, Squiers, was a native of Seneca County, N. Y., where he grew to manhood. He followed the tanner and currier's trade before comino- to Steuben County in 1838, after which he followed farming till his death, having entered about 400 acres in Jackson Township, He died on Jackson Prairie in July, 1850, leaving a wife and five children. His wife, who still survives him, was formerly Irene Sanders, a native of Huron County, now a resident of Iowa. The children are - Rhoda M., wife of "William Downs, and Charles S. (twins); Samuel M., of Iowa; Olive, wife of Dr. Jerome Holinger, living in Nebraska, and Narcissa, wife of John Davis, of Jasper County, Iowa.

Perry Stayner was born in Hichland County, Ohio, in February, 1829. May 16, 1831, his father, John, and his uncle, Jacob Stayner, came to Steuben County with their families. They were strong, hearty men. Both hal been soldiers in the war of 1812 under General Jackson. They came to this county with ox teams and lived in their wagons till they had got enough ground broken to put in their crops. They then built their cabins, John on the north side of Jackson Prairie and Jacob on the south. Jacob Stayner died Jan. 7, 1843, and his three sons, imbued with the same spirit that induced their father to undergo the hardships of pioneer life, ( subsequently settled in the West, Jacob, Jr., and William in California, and Jesse in Utah. John Stayner reared a large family, and lived to see theme omfortably settled around him. He died Sept 5, 1870, and his wife two years later. He was a Jackson Democrat and at one time represented his district in the Indiana Legislatnre. He named his township in honor of General Jackson. He and Adolphus Town built the first school-house in the township, on the north side of the prairie, of tamarack poles; cost about $50. The first County Clerk's office was in his house and the first election was held in his dooryard, he being one of the Judges of Election. Ferry Stayner now owns and occupies the homestead. The house, which is one of the oldest frames in the township, and probably the oldest occupied by a family, was built in 1841. He married Jane Powers, a native of Allegany County, N. Y., born in 1835, daughter of Stephen Powers, who came to Steuben County in 1837, and was among the early settlers of York Township. Mr. and Mrs. Stayner have had six children, but two of whom are living - Oliver, born Oct. 29, 1862, and Lydia, born Aug. 28, 1866. The three eldest and the youngest are deceased - Mary, died aged a year and a half; Martha, aged six and a half years; Cordelia, aged three years and Jennette in infancy.

Jonas Twichell, Jr., resides on the northwest quarter of section 9, Jackson Township, where his father, Jonas Twichell, settled in 1836. The latter was born in Oxford, Salem Co., Conn., in 1800; his wife, whose maiden name was Maliuda Scott, was born in Simsbury, Conn., March 12, 1802. They moved when children with their parents to Chenango County, N. Y., and were there married. Mr. Twichell was reared a farmer but learned the stone-engraver 'g trade at which he worked a number of years. In 1833 he moved to Catskill, N. Y., and in 1835 came to Steuben County and located land and the following year moved his family to their new home- A log cabin had been built and a few acres were ready for the plow ; with this exception no improvements had been made on the land. In their rude log cabin Mr. and Mrs. Twichell contributed as best they could to the comfort of strangers who came to the county seeking anew home. Thev made the farm in Jackson Township their home till 1866 when they moved to Orland where they still live, the oldest couple living who came to the county in or prior to 1S36. Their family consisted of nine children, six sons and three daughters; three were born in Steuben County, and six are still living - Harriet, wife of John Thompson, of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Clarissa, wife of D. H. Roberts, of Orland; Jonas, Jr.; Marcus, of California; Sterling, of Orland, and Bliss, of Mill Grove Township. Jonas Twichell, Jr., has owned and occupied the homestead since March 17, 1858. He married Catherine Johnson, daughter of Harvey Johnson. She died May .5, 1866, leaving three children - Augusta wife of William Craig; Eugene, in Minneapolis, Kan., and Harvey, deceased. Mr. Twichell's present wife was Ann Milner, a native of Scotland, daughter of Ebenezer Milner. To them have been born four children - Victor, Bertice, Benjamin and Charles. Jonas Twichell, Sr., was a member of the first Board of Commissioners of Steuben County.