Locke Township (part 2 of 2)

like Job, lived in this age of 19th-century progress, and undertaken to conduct an eight-column newspaper through an exciting political campaign, or catered nimbi)' to the moods of a newspaperreading public, he would in short meter have been shorn of his proverbial patience, while the wailing winds of heaven, catching at his idiotic form, would have driven the now celebrated divine to the obscurity of an untimely and unknown grave. In the little village of Middlebury, unusually progressive, however, for an inland town of 800 inhabitants, in May, 1378, Mr. Heatwole, began the publication of an eight-column sheet known as the Middlebury Record. He brought to his aid little save the capital of education, practical knowledge and literary ability above the average, and as week after week fled by, the subscription list loomed up in the hundreds and the ringing editorials were favorably commented upon, and the spicy locals read with pleasure and profit, until at last it became a fixture in the homes of the moi-e intelligent people of Middlebury and surrounding country.

Mr. Heatwole was born Aug. 22, 1856, in this county, son of Dr. and Barbara Heatwole {nee Gulp), of Goshen. lu common with many of the youth of Elkhart county, young Joel first attended the common schools, afterward receiving an academic education; taught school, on leaving the farm, and was elected principal of the Middlebury schools on attaining his 18th year; his position was a difficult and trying one, but he filled it so satisfactorily that he gained a warm place in the affections of the public. In August,

1876, he began the publication of the Middlebury Enterprise, which he continued until May, 1878, the date previously alluded to as the birth of tlie Record. During the spring of 1880 Mr. H. was elected Secretary of the Northern Indiana Editorial Association. He has always taken an active interest in politics, and presumably will always be found promulgating the doctrines of Republicanism.

Joseph H. Heatwole. M. D., is a son of Henry and Barbara (Gulp) Heatwole, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent; they located in Elkhart county in 1853, where Joseph subsequently taught school; in 1873 he entered Mount Union College, Ohio, remaining two years, and in the spring of 1875 began the study of medicine; in 1876 he attended Miami Medical College, pursuing a course of lectures, entering the Ohio Medical College in the fall of

1877, at which institute he graduated in the spring of 1878; he then located at Middlebury, where he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice. March 2, 1879, he was married to Miss Ella L. Lemon, a daughter of Rev. O. Y. Lemon, of Winchester, Indiana, a well-known clergyman.

Soloinon L. Hlxon is a native of Union county, Penn., where he was born Dec. 13, 1805; his father, John Hixon, was of English origin, his mother, Mary, nee Landes, of German; both were natives of Pennsylvania. Solomon was educated in the common schools of that early period of national existence in which his boyhood was passed. Scholars of Union county. Pa., at that time were instructed in the most common rudiments of German and English studies, and the boy of more than average intelligence was looked upon with the same degree of awe thai surrounds the college professor of to-day. His school days were limited in number, as he was needed at home, and early became instructed in the rudiments of hard work upon the Western homestead, but little improved. In his 2J:th year occurred the death of his father, and he then moved to Ohio Sept. 11, 1S29, partly on foot and partly by stage, then in universal use. A faithful dog was his only companion. Many amusing incidents occurred on the trip. He located in what was then Portage county, and purchased property near what is now the city of Akron, Ohio. A carpenter by trade, he found the pay of a mechanic more than the emoluments of farming at that stage of the country's career, and after remaining four j'ears and hearing glowing accounts of the ''St. Jo. countrj'," he made a prospecting tour of the Hoosier State in 1S33, and was especially pleased with the productive farming land now comprised within the limits of Elkhart tp.

Two years previous to the date we have mentioned Mr. H. was married to Miss JSTancy Ann Remile, a native of Portage county. The parents of this lady were from Middelbury, Vermont, and among the first settlers of this tp., and gave it its present name, after his native town in the Green Mountain State. Five children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hi.Kon, 2 of whom are living, viz. : Henry, a prominent citizen of Middleburj', born March 22, 1832; Elizabeth, deceased; Stephen and Charles R., who died in infancy; Livonia, wife of Charles S. Mather, a leading merchant of Middlebury. Mrs. Hixon, who had shared equally with her husband the trials incident to pioneer life, passed from this earth to a home not made with hands in 1861. Christmas eve of 1865 Mr. H. was again united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mrs. Susan R. Bailey, of Michigan, wlio is still living.

In 1S31 Mr. Ilixon became a permanent resident of this tp., locating on sec. 10, remaining one year, when he moved south and took up his residence in a log cabin which he purchased, and farm property, amounting in all to some 200 acres of land, very little, if any, improved. He resided here, accumulating an abundance of this world's goods, through industry, when he concluded to settle in the prosperous town of Middlebury, - prosperous through the indefatigable efforts of himself and kindred spirits, whose muscular and mental labors carved the way to a more prosperous era. In 1837 this worthy couple became identified with the Baptist Church. Never an office-seeker, Mr. H. was, however, at one time. County and School Commissioner, etc., and has always shown himself to be a warm friend of education and advanced ideas. Thus we have seen he stands to-day a representative of that class who are worthily crowned with the title of self-made men, and when the last chapter shall have been written in his daily career, the ledger of life will have been found equally balanced. Has a portrait in this work.

Abraham Hoover, a prosperous farmer and popular citizen of this tp., was born in York county, Pa., March 9, 1822, and is the 2d son of Abraham and Christina (Martin) Hoover, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction. They removed to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1832, where Abraham, Jr., chiefly obtained a tolerably fair education, and was engaged upon his father's farm until his marriage to Martha Garber in 1845; Mrs. H. is a native of Lancaster county, Pa., and with her husband is a prominent member of the Mennonite Church. They are the parents of 11 children, 10 of whom are living, and several of them are well-known residents of Elkhart count}'. Mr. Hoover remained in Ohio one year after his marriage, and in the spring of 1847 settled on sec. 35, where he has prospered, being the owner of a large farm with fine improvements in the immediate vicinity of Sugar Grove school-house, a handsome structure erected in 1867, chiefly through the efforts of Mr. Hoover. He is a genial, friendly gentleman and esteemed by all who know him.

William Hoover, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Middlebury; was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1831, and is the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Hoover, with whom he moved to Eichland county in an early day, where he passed his boyhood and youth; he received a liberal education, and early turned his attention to railroading, being first employed as a brakeman. His superior judgment soon brought him into notice with the ofiicers of the P., F. W. & C. E. E. Co., and he was accordingly tendered the more lucrative and responsible position of a freight conductor; ultimately he officiated as a passenger conductor, continuing in this capacity for a period of 20 years; and it is entirely safe to assume that no railroad employe ever ran a train on the above road whose popularity was greater among employes, officials and passengers than the courteous gentleman here mentioned. Mr. H. was married in Stark county, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Eufl', by whom he has 3 children: Sonora A., Carrie E. and Eddie. The present farm, comprising 80 acres of well-improved land, was purchased during the present year.

A. H. Hopkins was born in Genesee county, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1835. His father, James M., was a native of New York, and his mother, Sally, nee Chivington, was born in Ohio, and they were both of English descent. They settled in Clinton tp., this county, in 1838, where the subject of this sketch was a pupil at the common, schools; was occupied on his father's farm summers and taught school winters, and by economy and industry was enabled to purchase a farm in Benton tp., and soon afterward, accompanied by a brother and sister, entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in which institution he remained two years. Close confinement compelled a withdrawal from literary pursuits for a time, but he was again soon engaged in teaching, and was Principal of the Middlebury graded-school one year, and also in other places in this county. Mr. H. was married in 1861 to Emily J. Hough, who

History Of Elkhart Countt

T. W. Hutchinson^ carpenter and builder, Middlebury, was born in Clarke county, Ohio, Oct. 4, 1832, and is the son of Mahlou and Eliza (Griffin) Hutchinson, the former a native of Massachusetts; the latter was. born in Vernon county, Ind., in 1813, and is still living, a vigorous and intelligent old lady. Herself and husband , settled in Lagrange county, Ind., about 1840, where T. W. acquired a fair common-school education, and was occupied at working upon his father's farm until he was about 20 years of age, when he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade; followed that occupation about two years in Lagrange county, when he removed to Middlebury, where he has been actively engaged in buildingoperations, having erected many fine residences and nearly all of the school structures in the tp. He was married about 1853 to Frances Keasey, and they have 3 children, viz.: Lafayette, about 25 years of affe, now a resident of Missouri; Frank, about 23, and Frederick, about 21. Mr. H. is a popular and successfnl citizen, and in politics is a Eepublican.

Solomon Kauffman, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 28; P. 0., Middlebury; was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in September, 1837, the 5th son of Moses and Lydia Kauffman, who moved to this county from Pennsylvania at 16 years of age. Young Solomon became a resident of Elkhart county in 1866. He was united in marriage with Miss Kate Spiker, of Ohio, by whom he has 5 children: Charles, Edna, Cora, Frank and Emma. Mr. K. bought his present farm, consisting of 123 acres of valuable land, in 1874. He is a farmer of intelligence and good standing, and a member of the Lutheran Church of this tp.

Andrew Keim, farmer, sec. 19; P. 0., Middlebury; was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1847, and is the 4th son of Emanuel and Magdalena Keim, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Ohio at an early day, locating at Lagrange, Ind., in 1851, in 1864 removing to this county. Andrew was married in Holmes county to Miss Frederika Darr, a daughter of Jacob Darr, of Germany, by whom he has 1 child, Eddie, a promising boy, who will make his mark as a scholar. Mr. K. owns 65 acres of land. He is a member of the Dunkard Church.

Emanuel N. Keim was born Dec. 21, 1816, in Somerset county, Pa. His parents were Nicholas and Fanny (Hocksetler) Keim, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Mr. Keim received an ordinary common-school education, and when 16 years of age learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and graduallj' acquired a knowledge of the carpenter and building business, which was the first occupation that he was engaged in for himself, and which business he conducted with marked success while he remained in Pennsylvania, and subsequently some 14 years in Ohio. He was married in 1836 to Magdalena Garber, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1814. Mr. and Mrs. K. are the parents of 11 children; 9 ot whom are livine, and some of them are well known residents of this county. Mr. Keim removed to Ohio about 1837, and came to Indiana in 1851, locating in Lagrange connty, where he purchased several hundred acres of land and comiaenced the life of a farmer, which property he disposed of in 1864 and immediately removed to Middlebury, settling on the site of his present liome, on which he has made many improvements. He still owns 160 acres of land. Mr. Keim is a warm friend of popular education; has held several offices in Ohio, and himself and family are members of the Araish Church.

Jacob H. Kindig, a native of Pennsylvania, was born Oct. 4, 1852. His parents were Zachariah and Mary (Flory) Kindig, of Pennsylvanian birth and German descent. They removed to Goshen, Ind., in 1855, where Jacob acquired a fair education, and when 15 years of age he went to learn the trade of wagon-maker, which he mastered after several years of apprenticeship. He commenced the business for himself in Middlebury in 1873, where he is doing a prosperous and increasing trade. He was married in 1875 to Elva M. Elliott, and they are the parents of 1 child: Fannie L., born July 4, 1879. Financially, Mr. K. has been quite successful, and is an active Republican.

Squler Lee, farmer, is a native of Essex county, N. Y., where he was born Dec. 4, 1807. His father, John, was born in Vermont; his mother, Ruth Ann Squiers, in New York State. They were of English ancestr}'. The subject of this sketch received an ordinary common-school education, and at the age of 17 learned the carpenter's trade, which business he followed to the time of his marriage, which took place in 1829. Mrs. Lee was, before her marriage. Miss Clarissa Lee. They are the parents of 6 children, all deceased but 2, viz.: Bertha Ann, born Aug. 29, 1835, and Squier John, born Sept. 30, 1837, the latter now residing in Jefferson tp. Mr. Lee moved to Ohio in 1834, remained there five years, and in 1839 came to Middlebury tp., and located on the site of his present home. Carpenters at that time were scarce in Middlebury, and his services were in active demand. He assisted in erecting many of the first frame buildings in the tp., including the M. E. Church in Bristol, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are members of the M. E. Church in Middlebury, of which Mr. L. is Class-leader, Steward and Trustee. Is foremost in aiding all charitable objects, and is financially successful, owning a moderate-sized aud very fertile farm near Middlebury.

Gideon M. Lehman, farmer, was born in Pennsylvania in 1853, of German descent. His parents came to Indiana in 1865. He received an ordinary common-schooleducation, was raised to farming pursuits, and was married in 1879 to Minerva C. VanDorston. They had 1 child, Charlie, born Jan. 14, 1880. Mr. L. owns 80 acres of land where he resides, and for a young man has been quite successful in life.

dlebury, was born in February, 1825, in Union county, Pa. Solomon Ludwig, his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, as also his mother, the former of Grerman ancestry, the latter of Scotch. Young Joseph was educated in the common schools of the day. At 17 he made a trip West as far as Chicago, St. Louis, and Cairo ; was gone two and a half years, in the meantime acquiring a knowledge of millwrighting, when he settled at Lagrange, in this State, where he built a flouring mill. In 1874 he moved to Middlebury and purchased the property known as th'> '"Middlebury grist-mill," since which time he has transacted an extensive business and well deserves all the patronage he receives. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Charles S. Mather, a prominent merchant of Middlebury, was born in Orange county, N. Y., May 13, ISil, and is the son of David B. and Melissa Sayer. Mr. Mather received a liberal education in the Middlebury school, and also attended the high school in Hillsdale, Mich., and engaged in the produce business early in life, on the same premises now occupied by him, but which he has enlarged at various times to enable him to transact his increasing business, which has developed into a general trade in groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, fancy goods, etc. Mr. Mather was married in September, 1863, to Livona Hixon, a native ot* this county, and their 3 children are: Frank D., born in 1865; Edward H., in 186S, and Lewis J., born in January, 1873. Mr. Mather is an active Republican in politics, and has been generally successful in business.

George D. Mather, a popular and well-known resident of Middlebury, is the youngest brother of the next-mentioned; was born in this county .June 21, 1859. Young George was a regular attendant at the Middlebury high school, and was for several years an assistant in the store of Chas. S. Mather, and when about 18 years of age attended for one term the Parsons Commercial College in Kalamazoo, Mich. Mr. Mather was married Sept. 1, 1880, to Minnie B. Burridge, a former well-known school-teacher in this county, and a daughter of old residents of York tp. At this writing Mr. and Mrs. M. have but recently returned from an extended trip to all the large Eastern cities. Mr. M. is the owner of several fine farms in the vicinity of Middlebury, numbering in all 361 acres, and is looked upon as one of the solid men of Middlebury tp.

Jonathan S. Mather, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Middlebury tp., was born in Orange county, JST. Y., Aug. 22, 1836. He is the eldest son of the late David B. and Melissa (Sayer) Mather, natives of New York State, and, on the paternal side, direct descendants of Cotton and Increase Mather. Jonathan's parents emigrated to Indiana in 1837 and settled in Elkhart county; his father at an early day was a leading merchant in Middlebury, and subsequently practiced law; was a most successful collector for Eastern firms, and was also auctioneer. He was Sheriff for one term in 1841. The large property left by him was accumulated wholly during the last 20 years of his life, and in young Jonathan he had an able assistant (and one whose efforts he fully appreciated) in acquiring a large and valuable property. David B. Mather died in 1862, and 10 years later, in 1872, Mrs. David B. Mather departed this life. The subject of this sketch was educated wholly in the common schools, and has always followed the occupation of a farmer. He was united in marriage in 1859 with Fannie Defrees, a daughter of James Defrees, an old settler in this county. This marriage was blessed with 4 children, whose names and ages are as follows: Alice, born in 1860; Joseph, in 1862; Charles, in 1867; and Mary, in 1873. Mr. Mather has occupied his present home since 1865; an active Republican, but has no desire to fill any public oiBce; was elected County Commissioner for one term, but resigned the office after serving nine months; owns 880 acres of valuable land in this tp.

Johti C. Mell, farmer and school-teacher, sec. 33; P. O., Goshen; was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1850, and is the second son of Christian and Anna Mell, natives of Germany; on attaining his 14th year, John moved with his parents to Lagrange county, Ind., where his parents reside at the present writing; be received a liberal education, in his 17th year becoming a teacher in the district schools, ultimately being appointed principal of the Bristol high school, displaying unusual ability. He was married in 1878 to Miss Sadie Conrad, and they have had 1 child, John W. Mr. Mell is highly spoken of in the tp. where he resides; is very comfortably situated in life, and is a member of the Amish Church.

Mrs. Lydia Mell was born Jan. 30, 1810, in Pennsylvania. Her father was Mathias Swarts, and her mother, Elizabeth, 7ieeMulhorn. Mrs. M. received such education as was available in the common schools of that early day, and was united in marriage about 1830, with Jacob Mell, also a native of Pennsylvania, and she has 4 children living, as follows: Azariah, born Dec. 7, 1833, now a resident of Middlebury; Comfort, born Nov. 8, 1835; Lorinda, June 18, 1837, and Harriet, March 4. 1840, who is now the wife of Jacob Swarts, of Middlebury. Mr. Mell departed this life Jan. 4, 1877. Mrs. M. with her husband and family emigrated to Indiana in 1848, settling in Lagrange county, where they remained until some six or seven years since, when they moved to Middlebury. Mrs. Mell is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is in comfortable circumstances - the reward of an industrious and well-spent life.

Wllliavi G. Miller, merchant, was born in Pennsylvania Jul}' 20, 1843. His parents. Christian and Elizabeth (Garrett) Miller, were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. He was, a pupil in the common schools, and followed farming until 20 years of age; the family then removed to Ohio, where Mr. Miller was employed at railroading for some three years, when he went further west, to Kansas, and afterward to Colorado, where he remained one year, engaged in freighting for the Government across the plains during the building of the Uniou Pacific railroad. Mr. Miller located in Middlebury in 1867, and entered into the grocery trade, to which he has gradually added a general stock of dry goods, crockery, hats, caps, etc., and does a business of considerable magnitude. He was married in 1867 to j^ancy Haifeliinger, a native of Ohio. This union was blessed with 2 children: Maudie C, about 11 years of age, and Gracie D., about nine years old. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

G. F. Murken.M.D., a native of the city of Bremen, Germany, was born Oct. 30, 1835, and is the son of H. D. and Wilhelmina, nee Bnrschenk. The subject of this brief sketch received a ' \

Javies G. Myers, Postmaster of Middlebury, was born in July, 1815, in New York State; his father, Eber M., a native of New York; his mother, Narcissa S., of English ancestry, and a native also of New York. James early in life became apprenticed to the trade of a tailor, which business he followed until his emigration West in 1S52. In 1839 he married Mary Doty at Clyde, N. Y., who died in 1854. There are two children living: Stewart and Katy. Mr. Myers was appointed to his present position by President Lincoln in 1861, which place he fills to the satisfaction of the community. Politically, he is a Republican.

to a considerable extent. Mr. M. is a large shipper of flour to New York and other Eastern markets. He was married in 1863 to Elizabeth Neehart, who was born in this county. They are the parents r - of 2 children, whose names and ages are as follows: Nellie, about ; ;!, 15 years of age, and Carrie, about 13 years of age. Mr. M. is finan- " \' cially prosperous, and a Pepublican in politics. ;. ., William H. Myers, farmer; was born in Ohio, Jan. 19, 1S50; he '; is the oldest son of Jesse H. and Mary (Oberlin) Myers, natives of Pennsylvania, who located in Jefferson tp., Elkhart Co.,Ind., in 1854, .' and after a stay there of some two years they removed to Middlebury tp., during which time William was enabled to attend Middlebury graded school. His occupation is that of a farmer, although '\ he engages in grafting each spring, and is absent on that business from one to two months annually. Mr. Myers was united in marriage Dec. 2J:, 1S72, to Anna S. Balliet, and they have 1 child, Daisy May, born April 15, 1877. Mr. M. has occupied his present home since 1S75; owns SO acres ofland, and has been moderately successful in life; is a Republican in politics, and himself and Mrs. M. are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

John J . Naylor, merchant, was born Sept. 23, IS-iS, in Lagrange county, Ind. His parents, Thomas and Margaret B. (iiee Beatty) were of Scotch nativity. His education was principally acquired in the common schools, and his occupations in his youth were similar to those of most young men brought up on a farm, until he commenced traveling through Elkhart and adjoining counties, selling readymade clothing, etc., and in which business he was quite successful, and which he continued until embarking in the ready-made clothing and hat and cap trade, now conducted by him in Middlebury, and which from small beginnings has grown to be quite an extensive concern. Mr. !Naylor is a popular and successful business man and a staunch Republican in politics.

Thomas Naylor was born in Scotland March 20, 1806. His parents were James and Jennie( Allen ) Naylor. Young Thomas attended the Government schools for some time, and when in his tenth year was sent as a herder of cattle in the vicinity of Dumfrees, which vocation he continued for two or three years; he then followed farming until 29 3'ears of age, when he was married to Margaret Beatty. They are the parents of 9 children, 6 of whom are living, viz.: Thomas, born Aug. 29, 1841, now residingin Virginia; David, born March 17, 1846, now living in Sturgis, Mich.; John J., above mentioned; Jemima, born April 9, 1851, also residing in Sturgis; and George, born Sept. 18, 1854. One son, William, born ]Nov'. 22, 1843, died fighting the battles of his country April 22, 1865. Mrs. N., the mother of those children, departed this life Sept. 6, 1866. Mr. jSTaylox emigrated to America in April, 1843, and came to Middlebury in June of the same year; purchased a farm in ^Newberry, Lagrange Co., four miles from Middlebury, where he resided until 1866, when he moved to Middlebury, where he is enjoying the cumpetence secured by a life of industry and frugality. Mr. N". was married July 30, 1868, to Mrs. Catherine Bockus, a native of Renssalaer Co., jST. Y. He was mail-carrier to Vistula for seven years; is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church; in politics a Republican; is a self-made man, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

David B. N ushaum, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 27, P. O., Middlel)ury ; was born in Ashland county, O., in 1842; lived there until his 18th year, then he moved to Elkhart county, Ind., where he received a liberal education, and for a number of years taught school. The estimable wife of Mr. JSTusbaum was Miss Harriet Greiner, daughter of Philip Greiner, by whom he has 3 children viz. : Alice, Cliarles and Emma. Mr. N. purchased his present val-

John Nusbaum, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 22; P. 0., Middlebury; was born in Ashland county, O., in 1832, where he grew to manhood, and married Miss Elizabeth Freed, by whom he had 10 children, 7 of whom are living, namely: Joseph, John, David, Martha, Hannah, Levi and Mary. In ] 860 he located in Elkhart county, where ho met with the sad loss of an affectionate wife and loving mother. In 1872 he was married to Mrs. Charity ISTusbaum, by whom he has 5 children, namely : Emma, Daniel, Viola, Frank and an infant child. Mr. N. is the owner of valnablefarm property consisting of 203 acres. Like many others of the prosperous farmers of Elkhart, he commenced life a poor man, and is now reaping the reward of industry, honesty and perseverance. He takes an interest in educational matters, and is a member of the Mennonite Church.

Christian Piters was born in Berne, Switzerland, Nov. 21, 1841, and is the son of Nicholas and Anna (Grippey) Peters. In company with his father he emigrated to America in 1858, and located in Crawford county, Ohio; received a fair German education before coming to this country, and after his arrival here, made much progress in acquiring an English education; he at first followed farming and later was foreman and engineer in a tannery; was married at Fort Wayne in 1865, to Katie Ann Gilmore, and they have had 6 children, of whom 4 are living, 2 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. P. came to this county in 1872 and conducted a farm for several years; in 1S78 entered the employ of Mr. Ludwig as assistant miller, in which occupation he is still engaged; himself and wifeare members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Jacob Pfeiffer, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1S26; the eldest son of Jacob and Elizabeth Pfeiffer, who eniigrated to this country in 1838, 12 years later locating in this tp., where they passed the remainder of life. Jacob received a moderate education, completing his studies after attaining his 25th year, having attended school at Goshen; he taught school at Warsaw. During the spring of 1855 he was married to Miss Susan Stiver, daughter of Jno. B. Stiver, of Clinton tp., in this county, formerly of Ohio.^ They have 3 children: Ella J., Amanda C. and Wm. H. Mr. Pfeiffer began life poor, with the exception of a small legacy; he is now the owner of 380 acres of productive land in this tp. For eight years he was Assessor of this tp., and is a member of the Reformed Church of America.

John Pichrell, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ohio March 30, 1821, son of Nicholas and Margaret (McCoy) Pickrell, of Scotch-Irish descent; received such education as the common schools of his period afforded, and when abont 14 years of age the family came to Indiana and settled one mile west of his present residence in 1836; was brought up to farming pursuits, which he followed on the old homestead to the time of his marriage with Puth Ann Paxton, which occurred about 1846. Mrs. P.

Soon after his first marriage Mr. Pickrell purchased the premises where he now resides, upon which he has made many fine improvements. For 17 years he was a buyer and shipper of live stock for the Chicago market, but for the past few years has wholly retired from that business. He has been twice elected Justice of the Peace, but declined to qualify. He is an old Whig and at present a Republican, and is a substantial and worthy citizen of this community.

Alfred Prough, farmer and stock-raiser, was born Feb. 27, 1841, in Hocking county, Ohio; his parents were John and Elizabeth (Funk) Prough, of Pennsylvanian birth, and German ancestry. When he was very young the tamily removed to Lagrange county, lud., where they still reside, and are among the early settlers of that county. Alfred received a fair common-school education, and followed farming for an occupation; he was married Jan. 6, 1867, to Arilla Elliott, born in 1850, in Lagrange county; 4 of their 6 children are living, viz.: Thomas Lemmon, born April 7, 1868; Alice Dell, Oct. 5, 1869; Anna E., July 29, 1875; Orange Alfred, Sept. 21, 1880. After marriage Mr. Prough resided in Lagrange county, for one and one-half \'ears, and in Jnne, 1868, removed to his present location, where he owns a fine farm of 153 acres, and is a substantial and well-known citizen. Mrs. Prough is a member of the M. E. Church.

FranMin L. Putt, M. P., of the town of Middlebury, well and favorably known as a man of sterling integrity, was born in Ohio in 1834; his parents, Louis and Susan Putt, nee Buzzard, were of German origin, and became settlers of Ohio in an early day. Franklin attended a select school in his youth, worked upon a farm, and became employed to some extent in hauling clay for potter's use. Aug. 15, 1848, his father died, and on the anniversary of his father's death, 29 years later, occurred the death of his most noble mother. The Doctor enlisted at the breaking out of the war, participating with his regiment in several engagements; the exposure incident to army life caused serious illness, and for months he lay ill in hospital, and when sufficiently recovered, was honorably discharged from service on the 24th of May, 1863; he again enlisted, and found his regiment at Strawberry Plain, Tenn., and before 24 hours had elapsed, was ordered into the line of battle at Eussellville, Tenn.; was transferred to the Army of the Potomac and became one among the numerous body of soldiers who moved onward to Richmond; was transferred to the army then operating in the Shenandoah Valley, where he distinguished himself as a scout; was severely wounded in a dangerous expedition, but recovered from its effects, and was an eye-witness of tlie surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court-house, and ultimately at the grand review held at the city of Washington. He was mustered out of the service Aug. 15, 1S65. After the war he entered the Greenburg Seminary and commenced reading medicine with Dr. W. H. Putt, a physician of Eowville, Ohio, where he remained one year; then went to Ann Arbor, Mich., attending a course of lectures; in 1869 he graduated at Cincinnati, Ohio, then he removed to Millersburg, Clinton tp., Ind., locating at Middlebury March 10, 1870. Aug. 4, 1867, he was married to Rachel L. Wise; their 2 children ai-e Laura and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Putt are meaibers of the Lutheran Church.

Samuel Hafschnyder, blacksmith, Middlebury tp. ; P. 0., Middlebury; was born in Lancaster county, Pa., March 19, 1812, the fourth son of Benjamin and Kate Rafschnyder, nee Lutz, who were natives of Pennsylvania. He passed his youth in the land of his birth, where he learned the above mentioned trade. In 1834 he was married to Anna Shaffer, by whom he had 8 children: Anthony, Mary, John, Ann, Jacob, Samuel, Lucy and Amelia. Mr. R. has gained considerable local reputation as an expert mechanic and inventor.

Henry Risser was born in Germany Nov. 2, 18-40, and is the third son of Henry and Elizabeth Risser, who emigrated to America in 1845, and settled in'Asldand county, O., and in Wood county O., where the family moved to four years later. Henry received an average common-school education, and followed farming until of age; then he learned the carpenter's trade, which occupation he followed while in Ohio, and also in Whitley county, Ind., to which place he removed in 1863; remained there some six or seven months, and came to Elkhart county in 1864. Mr. Risser was married in 1869 to Barbara Nusbaum, born in Ohio; they have 3 children, whose names and ages are as follows: Marv Ada. born Sept. 22, 1869; John Edward, June 21, 1873; William H., Aug. 3, 1875. Mr. R. purchased the farm where he now resides in 1877, and had occupied the same premises for several years previous. Mr. and Mrs. R. received some little inheritance, are prosperous people, and are members of the Mennonite Church.

Lewis B. Root was born in Cayuga county, jST. Y., Jan. 26, 1853. His parents are Samuel L. and Mary (Brown) Root, natives of iSTew York State, and of English ancestry. Mr. Root received quite a liberal education, commencing in his youth in the district schools; he afterward attended the Port Byron (N. Y.) Academy, where he fitted himself for entering Cornell University in 1872, in which institution he remained two years, and after making a trip through the West, decided to settle in Elkhart county. He first located in JefFerson tp., where he taught school two terms, when he removed to Middlebury, and was Superindendent of the Middlebury schools three years. He was married in 1875 to Alida F. Legg. They have i child, Lewis P., born June 21, 1878. Mr. Root is County Surveyor elect, and is personally popular where known, having run largely ahead of his ticket in York and Middlebury tps., where h.e" has at different times resided.

Lazvrence Sherwin, a native of Ireland, was born April 2, 1823; received a fair education in the select schools, and followed the occupation of a farmer on his father's premises until his emigration to America in 181:2. He remained in Albany, N.Y., for about one year. He engaged in building the celebrated looks upon the Erie canal, at Lockport, IST. Y., for some 12 months; came to Bristol in this county in 1841; was in the employ of the railroad company at that station for three years, and clerked for William Probosco, of Bristol, for several years. Mr. S. was married in 1845 to Mary Mead, born June, 1824, in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. S. have had 6 children, whose names and ages are as follows: Francis Henry, born April 2, 1846, and died Dec. 21, 1869; Richard James, born Dec. 25, 1848; Mary Elizabeth, Aug. 24, 1853, and died in infancy; S. N. Sherwin, born Dec. 1, 1853, now a school-teacher in Middlebury tp. ; Arthur L., Dec. 27, 1854; and Julia A., born April 1, 1856, now the wife of Henry Sanger, of York tp. Mr. Sherwin is wholly a self-made man, having no inheritance save that of rare industry and unquestioned honesty. He is the owner of 225 acres of land near his home, upon which are fine improvements, including an elegant family residence erected in 1876. Mr. S. is an old Jackson ian Democrat, and is one of the solid men of the tp.

Abe Schrook, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Wayne county, 0., Aug. 10, 1828. His parents, Peter P. and Fanny (Plank) Sclirock, also natives of Pennsylvania, are still living, at an advanced age. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and was brought up to farming pursuits until some time after the family removed to Indiana in 1842. He then worked two years at the carpenter's trade, and in '49 settled upon his present place. The same year he married Polly Miller, and they are now the parents of 10 children, of whom 5 daughters and 4 sons are living. Several of them are among the best known residents of Elkhart county. Mr. and Mrs. Schrock are prominent members of the high Amish Church. Mr. S. owns 187 acres of valuable land; is a self-made man and is esteemed by all who know him.

Thomas P. Slater, proprietor of the City Hotel, Middlebury, _ was born in Ohio July 14, 1850, and is the eldest son of Joseph and M. B. (Katter) Slater, also natives of Ohio, of Irish-German ancestr}'. Young Thomas received a liberal education, having been a constant attendant at the common schools, and at a later period was a pupil for several years at the Van Wert (O.) high school, at which institution he graduated in 1869. After completing his studies he taught school about three years, and also read law for some time. He afterward entered the employ of the P., F. W. & C. Ry. Co., first as freight conductor, then as passenger conductor, - ' which latter position he continued to fill until June, 1880, to the - satisfaction of the traveling public, being genial in his disposition and accommodating in his manners. Mr. Slater was united in marriage July 14, 1880, with Mrs. S. J. Boggs, a native of Ohio. They removed to Middlebury Aug. 25 of the same year, and immediately assumed the proprietorship of the City Hotel, which they are conducting in the most successful manner, and as a landlord he is a host in himself Mr. Slater is a staunch Republican, and Mrs. Slater is a devout member of the Congregational Church. .

C. B. Smith, an influential farmer and stock- raiser of this tp., was born in Maine in 1810; his parents, John and Sarah, nee Carleton, were natives of the same State, and of English ancestry; they removed to Ontario county, N. Y., in 1811, where Mr. S. received quite a liberal education, and was occupied in farming. ' . In 1835 he was married to Eunice S. Newton, and they were the parents of one son, J. N. Smith, now assistant physician in the insane asylum at Indianapolis. Mrs. S. died in 1810. In 1837 he removed to this tp., and settled on the site of his present attractive home, which during his lifetime has been converted from a wilderness into a fruitful garden of plenty. In 18-12 Mr. Smith was married to Nancy Davis, a native of Ohio; of their 9 children 8 are living, 5 daughters and 3 sons. Mr. Smith has been Justice of the Peace for two terms, and has also served as School Trustee; has always been a staunch supporter of popular education and is decidedly literary in his tastes. Himself and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church; politically, he is a Republican. He inherited no fortune, and his success in life is due wholly to his own industry -;

John H. Snyder was born Feb. 15, 1S36, in Pennsylvania; his parents, George and xVnnie (.Ilill) Snyder, are also natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent; they are now residing in Illinois, where they recently celebrated their golden wedding, which was attended by all of their children and numerous grand-children; a novel feature of the occasion was the presence of the couple who were bridesmaids at the wedding 60 years before. The subject of this sketch was educated in Ohio, where the family had removed in 1810; was brought up to the occupation of a farmer; moved with. : . '''tfel

Feb. 13, 1870. After marriage Mr. Snyder removed to Lagrange county, Ind., where he continued to reside until locating about one mile north of Middlebury in 1880; he owns a moderate-sized farm, with fine improvements; it was the former home of Solomon

Knapp. Mr. Snyder's son, James B., is a school-teacher, having taught constantly since he was 18 years of age; he is fitting himself for the vocation of dentistrv. Mrs. Snyder is a devout member of the M. E. Church.

Samuel J. Stutzmcm, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 33; P. O., Middlebury ; was born in Somerset county. Pa, January, 1838, son of Jacob S. and Sophronia Stutzman; passing his boyhood and youth in his native State, he received a liberal education. He was married in 1860 to Miss Elizabeth Hostetler. In 1865 he settled in this tp., where he bought 100 acres of valuable land. He now has a substantial farm residence, and ranks among the reliable citizens of this tp. He is a member of the Amish Church.

Mrs. Angellne Sutton is a native of the State of N^ew York, and was born Aug. 4, 1813. Her father, Nathan Frink, was born' in Vermont, and her mother, Clarissa Tupper, in Connecticut, both of English ancestry. Mrs. S. received the usual education afforded by the common schools of that period, and passed an uneventful life prior to her marriage to William Evans, which took place in 1831. They had 4 children, 2 of wliom died in infancy. Charles M. was born in 1832, and came with his mother to Indiana in 1842, and died in the service of his country at Andersonville", Ga., in 1863. GTeorge M. was born in 1836, and died in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1858. Mr. Evans died in 1840, and in 1843 Mrs. E. was married to Dr. R. D. Sutton, an old and well-known physician of Noble county, Ind. Some four years after their marriage they removed to Middlebury, the Doctor, in connection with an extensive practice, carried on the drug business to the time of his death, which took place Aug. 16, 1863, in the 56th year of his age, and is still remembered by many for his great benevolence of character. Mrs. Sutton, in her declining years, is in possession of a comfortable home and surroundings, and is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. She has two grandsons, George and Horace Evans, now living in Iowa.

Mrs. Martha Thayer is a native of Vermont, and was born Oct. 15,1824. She is the daughter of Peter Thomas, who at the time of his death was 8.9^ years of age; her mother was Polly, nee Peid, who died in Pittsford, Vt.. in 1873, at the age of 96. Mrs. Thayer received a common-school education, and was married in 1851 to Geo. "W. Thayer, who at that time was a boot and shoe dealer in Boston, Mass., where they resided some four years after marriage. They had 2 children: Fremont D., born Oct. 2, 1856, who is now residing in Mishawaka. Ind.. and Cora M., born Oct. 1, 1859. Mrs. Thayer removed to Middlebury in 1854, and at one time kept the City Hotel, and for the past 14 years has conducted that popular boarding house, which is still under her management.

Harrison Truesdell, an old and well-known resident of this tp., was born Jan. 3, 1814, in Genesee county, ]S". Y., son of Jeremiah and Eunice (^Williams) Truesdell, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Vermont ; brought up on a farm and received a limited education ; was moved with his father's family to this tp.

in 1836, settling on sec. 11, where the father died in 1837; the mother died in 1849. About 1850 Harrison married Julia Ann Osborn, who died seven years afterward. Sept. 28, 1866, Mr. T. married Lucena Brown, a native of Jefferson county, JST. Y., and a daughter of Loring and Delinda (Burbee) Brown, the former also a native of the Empire State, who died i^pril 23, 1867, and the latter, a native of Vermont, died July 26, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. T. have 1 son, Zinah L., born May 29, 1868, now attending the Middlebury graded school. After the death of his father Mr. T., being placed at the head of the family, reared and educated the younger members fur his mother during her declining years, and at her death he became heir of the old homestead, which is pleasantly located a short distance east of Middlebury, with many fine improvements upon it. Conspicuous among these is the spacious family mansion which was erected about two years ago, - a monument to the indefatigable energy of Mrs. H. Truesdell. Mr. T. is a Eepublican.

i^nistus Virgil was boru in New York State July 10, 1793, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Southworth) Virgil, of English ancestry ; received the common education of the time ; came to Indiana Territory in 1813, settling in Wayne county, which was then a dense wilderness, inhabited by Indians, wolves and deer; eight years afterward he came to Bristol, this county, where be followed the breaking of wild land for himself and others. In 1816 he married Miss Sophia, daughter of Joseph Hancock, a native of Massachusetts, who served in the Revolutionary war under General Washington; was a ranger at one time, and a scout, and was wounded by an Indian. Mrs. V.'s mother was Katie, nee Baltimore, who was born in Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. V. were the parents ot 9 children, 7 of whom are living: Oliver Hazzard Perry, John S., Elizabeth, Carrie, Addie, Mary C. and Mark. Mrs. V. died in 1871, at the age of 71. This year Mr. V. moved to Middlebury, where he still resides, a hale and hearty old gentleman. Himself and and family are members of the Disciple Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

Charles E. Walter^ farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 15; P. O., Middlebury; was born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1838, and is the eldest son of Gideon Walter, who emigrated from Ohio when the subject of this sketch had attained his fifth year, locating in the tp. of Middlebury. Gideon Walter is now a resident of Michigan. Mrs. Walter, who merited the respect and confidence of all who knew her, has long since crossed the dark river that ceaselessly flows to the shores of eternity. Charles grew to manhood in this county, where he received a liberal education. He enlisted in the war for the Union in 1862; through physical disability he was honorably discharged the same year. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Miss E. J. Mead, a daughter of Albert and Eliza J. Mead, of this county, old setllers in JSIorthern Indiana, and natives of the State of New Tork. Their 3 children are Josie, Joshua H. and Julia.

Joseph Walter, a well-known business man of Middlebnry, was born in Baden, Germany, Feb. 26, 1819, and is the son of Matthias and Francisca (Loesch) Walter. Having acquired a fair education, he learned the trade of cai-penter and joiner, and continued to follow that occupation prior to emigrating to America in 181:9. His first location in this country was New York city, where he was married in 1850 to Catherine Burk, a native of Bavaria, and they have had 6 children, of whom 1 are living, viz.: Mary, born June, 1851; Joseph A., in 1S55; Catherina, in 1857, and Stafen in 1858. 'Mr. Walter became a resident of Indiana in 1855, first locating in Lagrange county, where he purchased a farm, which he successfully conducted for some 20 years. This property he disposed of in 1874, and resumed his former calling of carpenter and joiner for about two years. In 1876 he purchased the grocery, provision and liquor business in Middleburj, which he still continues in a very successful manner.

John Wert, a popular, well-known farmer and stock-raiser of Middlebury tp.. was born March 2, 1815, in Stark county, 0., and is the son of George and Catherine (May) Wert, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and of German descent. Mr. W. received a fair education in the district schools, and at the age of 17 learned the trade of blacksmith, which occupation he followed with considerable success during the time he lived in Ohio; he was married in 1837 to Catherine Jaeoby, a native of Ohio; their 14 children are all living, several of them well-known residents of Middlebury tp. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Wert has always interested himself in aiding popular education, is a self-made man, and is financially successful, owning where he lives a fine farm of 220 acres, from which the yield of wheat alone in 1S79 was 2,120 bushels.

T. C. Whitcomh, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ohio July 8, 1838, and is the son of Martin and Mary (Shumaker) Whitcomb, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent; he received a fair education, and, until almost IS years of age, was engaged in farming; he then served an apprenticeship to the carpenter and builder's trade, which he followed quite successfully in Ligonier and elsewhere, as contractor and builder. Mr. Whitcomh was married May 3, 1860, to J. E. Carr, who was born in 1840, in Stark county, Ohio; their 2 children are A. E. Whitcomh, born in Illinois, Jan. 7, 1861, and Myron E., born in Indiana, Oct. 4, 1863. After his^ marriage Mr. and Mrs. W. removed to Illinois, where they resided some two years, then returned to Lagrange county, and remained for a number of years; lived two and one-half miles west of Middlebury until the fall of 1880; then to his present home, formerly the residence of A. P. Wright, where he has a productive farm of 160 acres, which is pleasantly situated about three-fourths of a mile north of Middlebury. Mr. W. is a Republican, and Mrs. Whitcomb is a consistent member of the M. E. Church.

Hon. David H. White, Senator elect for this Senatorial district on the Republican ticket, is a representative citizen of this county, of rare modesty and unassuming manners, who by nature and education will be peculiarly fitted for the duties incumbent upon him in this capacity. He was born in Ohio in 1834, of English-Scotch ancestry; his father, James J. White, was a native of New Jersey, and also his mother, whose maiden name was Hoffman. The family emigrated to Indiana in 1835 and settled in this county, at Middlebury, in 1836. David White received his preliminary education at the common schools, graduating at tlie Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in 1860. He engaged in mercantile business in 1865 in Middlebnry, continuing a successful business without change, the firm name being then as now, " Foster & White," widely known throughoat Elkhart county. In 1861 Mr. White enlisted in the llrth Ind. Vol., Co. E, as a private soldier, participating in numerous battles, as Perryville, Stone River, and all tlie engagements of the Cumberland, and for meritorious service he was promoted to a Captaincy. He is active in business and liberal in all things worthy, and receives the almost unanimous support of the people in his Senatorial canvass.

Ira B. Woodworth, in connection with Solomon L. Hixon and many others whose names will be found elsewhere in this volume, takes a front ranli among the pioneers of this county. He was born on May 10, 1810, in Cayuga county, IST. Y. ; receiving a common school education in his youth, lie followed agricultural pursuits, and in 183-1 settled with his parents in Jackson county, Mich., shortly thereafter locating in this tp., one-half mile north of the present town of Middlebnry, where he continued to reside until some 15 years since, when, disposing of his tarm property, he located in the fiourishing town above mentioned. He was married in 1832 to Eliza Murdock, a native of New York., who died in Indiana in 1837. Two years later he was married to Nancy Ann Truesdell, of Geneseo county, N. Y., who died in 1865, leaving 3 children: Donis A., Ira J. and Caroline A. Mr. W.'s fourth wife was Lavina Hurlbut, of Massachusetts.

Ahel E. Work, an old and well-known resident of this tp., was born June 29, 1815, in Ohio, the eldest son of Aaron and Millicent (Eavart) Work, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. Abel E. received as good an education as could be aflforded by the rude common schools of his younger days; at the age of 19 he commenced to learn blacksmithing, which business he followed near his father's home for about six years. Sept. 15, 1836, he married Cynthia Larimer, and they have had 8 sons, namely: Aaron, born May 26, 1837; Isaac L.', Dec. 16,1838; John W., Jan. 11, 1841; Samuel A., Feb. 26, 1843; James A., Feb. 15, 1845, a wellknown physician of Elkhart; William C, June 19, 1847; Robert W., June"20, 1849; and Abel M., Sept. 13, 1851, now Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Rochester, Ind. Isaac L. and John W. died of lung disease in Gallatin, the former Dec. 29, 1862, and the latter Jan. 15, 1863; they were members of Co. I, 74th Ind. Vol. Inf., having enlisted under Capt. Howell Aug. 11, 1862. Mr. Work became a resident of Indiana in 1843, and for 38 years carried on blacksmithing in connection with farming, and has accumulated a respectable amount of property, wholly by his own industry and perseverance. In politics he is an old jacksonian Democrat and he and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Henry I. Yoder was born in Holmes county, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1836, and is the son of Jacob M. and Magdelena (Miller) Yoder, who were of Pennsylvania and Ohio nativity respectively. Henry acquired a liberal common-school education; was brought up on a farm ; was married in 1857 to Mrs. Mary Kauffman Miller, who was the mother of 1 son, Samuel Miller, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder are the parents of 3 sons and 3 daughters, as follows: Jonas, born in 1S5S; Saloma, in 1859, now the wife of Wm. Nnsbaum; Anna Mary, born 1860; Frederick, August, 1862; Fannie, in 1861; Jacob H., Feb. 6, 1871. After marriage Mr. Y. returned to Ohio, and followed agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, where he remained until 1862, in which year he settled in this tp., about two miles west of his present home; resided there some four years; sold out and moved to Missouri, where he remained seven years; disposed of his property in Missouri and returned to Indiana, purchasing the property at Sugar Grove, where he now resides, and on which he has made improvements, including the building in which the " Charm " P. O. is located, and of which he is Postmaster, having been appointed to that position October, 1880. Mr. Yoder is a popular citizen in his neighborhood, and has been quite successful in life; himself and Mrs. Y. are prominent members of the Amish Church.