Madison Township

Madison Township

Madison township is situated iu the southwestern part of St. Joseph county, and is bounded on the north by Penn townsliip, on the east b^' Elkhart county, on the soutli by Marshall county, and on the west by Union and Centre townships.

This was one of the latest settled townships of St. Joseph count}-, the settlinent of which did not begin until about 1840; and it is probable that to-day there are fewer old settlers living in the township from whom a complete historj- of its early settlement ought to be obtained than in any other township in the county. And it is likewise probable that at the time of its early settlement it was the poorest township of farming land in the county, and this accounts for the fact that it was not settled simultaneously with the surrounding townships.

To-day the greater part of the land is marsh and covered with heavy timber; however, by means of ditches, and clearing off the timbered land and making use of the logs at the numerous sawmills, great improvements and progress have been made within the last 20 yeai's by the industrious class of citizens who are now residents. And one would naturally suppose from first glance, did he not take cognizance of the fact that he was in Northern Indiana, surrounded by the oldest settled and most beautiful tract of country in the whole State, that he was in tlie midst of some Western country where the process of "clearing up" had just begun, or that he had been transported back a half century when the work of settlement had just commenced by our forefathers of old. As indicative of this fact, numerous saw-mills which maintain many families are foimd'here and there in the midst of the tall timber throughout tliis township and county.

Probably the earliest settlers of this township were Mr. Cline, who settled on section 19, and Mr. Bennett, who settled on section 18. About the same time, during the year 1840, came Christian Helminger; in the year 1841 came Godfried Enders; in 1842 came Mr. Palmer; Peter Kline, in 1846; Adam Kieffer, in 1847; William Border, Thomas Crakes and Jonathan Gilman, in 1848; in 1850 the following, besides many others, made this township their home: Christian Grose, John Schaffer, Philip Berger, Adam |Eader, and Michael Kettring. From this time on the township settled very rapidly. In 1852 came Amos and D. B. Jewell; in 1853 came Hiram Locker, Jacob Hetzel, John Kelley and Jacob Marker. During the year 1854 a number of others settled here; the following are a few: Jacob Conrad, David Newcomer, A. J. Strope, Daniel Homes, Adam Mochel, John and Charles Kelley, Henry Flory, Harrison

Pentecost and John Hawkins. In 1855 Samuel Shearer removed to this township; in 1856 the following: Jacob Loucks, A. 0. Hiner and John Shenetield; John Barkey, in 1858; George Friedman, in 1859; Jacob Birk, Jacob Futler and Henrj' Fox, in 1860.

A considerable portion of the southern part of the township is known as the " Yellow river country," from the fact that the Yellow river flows through it. Some of the early settlers of this region, whose names have not yet been mentioned, are the following: George Zimmer, Jacob Helminger, Nicholas Hummel, John Zigler, Joseph Zeiger, Christian Eslinger, Philip Manges, Michael Smith, Jacob, George and Philip Kline, John Me^'ers, Philip Berger, Michael Fagler and Mr. Sweisberger. And besides the many alread}' mentioned, there are still a few more who came some time prior to 1851: Hugh McLoughlin, James Belford, Joseph Jewell, Amos Wilson, J. Pittman, Edward and Jonatiian Buck, Philip Fries, T. Longley, Henry AUwood, Mr. Clugston and Mr. Crow.

It is said that during the early settlement of this township men came and made it their home and set out fruit trees, making some improvements; but afterward becoming sick, gave up their land, abandoned their scanty improvements and left the township; and what was the most remarkable, in the course of a few j'ears fruit trees were found growing in the midst of the forest trees and weeds.

The iirst justices of the peace were Allen Mead and Mr. Bennett; the Iirst law-suit in the township, was before 'Squire Mead, at his house on section 15; the suit M-as between John Zeigler and John Newberry, concerning the shooting of a deer; however, the case was settled 'before entering into litigation.

In 1871 a fire broke out in some parts of the township, starting from fires which men had built and then gone away and left them to do the work of destruction. These fires did immense damage to some residents of the township, especially in the eastern part, by way of burning their timber and fences.

There are two cemeteries in the township; one on section 18 near the Evangelical Church, and one on section 22, near the German Lutheran Church.

Churches And Schools

Madison township is well supplied with churches, there being five in it; a full and extended history of some of them it has been impossible to obtain.

German Lutheran. - This church, situated at Woodland, on section 15, was built in 1868. The first regular pastor was Pev. Conrad Schuster, of Bremen. Some of the first members of the Church were these: Adam Eader and wife, Adam Kiefter and wife, Leonard Jordan and wife, Joseph Meyer and wife, John Kelley and wife, Martin Slough and wife, John G. Kling and wife, Martin Saner and wife, George Kelley and wife, Mr. AVahl and wife, Michael Andrew and wife, and Mrs. Mary Fulmer. The present pastor is

Rev. George Rosenwinkle, of Mishawaka, who holds services every Sunday. The congreo^ation at present is ordinarily large, and includes some of the best citizens of the township.

Evangelical Vhurehes. - There are two Evangelical churches in the township, one situated on section 15, at Woodland, built by the Methodists, who held services there for a number of years, after which it was purchased by Fred Weber, Christopher Weigel and Fred Fassnacht, then members of the Evangelical Church. Since then that denomination has held services in it. Prior to the erection of the present church edifice, there was a log house on the same site, which was used for religious purposes. This building was the first church built in the township. The present pastor is Eev. F. Bolz, who is a resident of the township, and holds services there every other Sabbath. The congregation is small, numbering only about 16 members.

The other Evangelical church, situated on section 19, was built in 1S6S, and supplied the place of an old log house which stood just across the road on section IS. Some of the charter members of the Church were: Philip Marker and wife, Matthew Klein and wife, Peter and Philip Bollenbacher and their wives, Nicholas, Philip and Jacob Schlarb and their wives, and Peter Bechler. The congregation now numbers about 45 members. The first pastor was Philip Wagner; the second was Nicholas Biirghart; the third, Charles Ritzman; and the fourth, Fredrich Bolz, who is the present incumbent.

Evangelical Association. - The church known by this name, is situated on section 10, and vvas built in lsC4. A few of the first members of the Church were: Jacob Zimmer and wife, Philip Berger and wife, Michael Zimmer and wife, Michael Smith and wife. Christian Eslinger and wife, George Wise, Sr., and wife, George Frei and wife. The first pastor of the Church was Rev. George Platz; the present one is Rev. E. Treyer. The congregation is quite respectable in number, being about 55 or 60, and including many of the best citizens of Madison township.

United Brethren. - This church is located on section 17, and was built in 1878. The congregation is small. The Kidders and A. Hummel were among the earliest members of the Church. The first minister of the Church was Rev. Mr. Simons, who helped to put up the church building. The present pastor of the denomination is Rev. Mr. Beghtel, of Elkhart county.

The present School Trustee is Amos Snyder, who was elected to that office in the fall of 1877, and was re-elected in the spring of 1880. There are 12 school buildings in the township, conveniently located, in which about seven months' school are kept annually. The educational interests of the township are well attended to by the citizens in every particular.

There is a small collection of houses in Madison .township on sees. 16, 16, 21 and 22, which is called Woodland. This little rural place was never laid out as a town, but a store was started here about 25 years ago by Martin Fink and Wm. Shenefleld, who continued running a sniail grocery store and keeping a little whisky - which was very common in those days - for about two years. At the end of that time they abandoned the business and a store was never opened until 1S77, by Mr. Maiming; this was run by Dr. Bishop, a practicing physician at the place. After a short time the store went into the hands of Adam Mochel and Fred Weber, who still have the place. A short time after the first store was opened, Conrad Kelley started a saloon, but continued only about three years; the same institution was then conducted by Michael Kettring for three or four years, until about the close of the war.

In 1872 Philip Buhler started a blacksmith shop, and still continues; about the same time, or a little prior to this, Fred Weber started a wagon shop; he also still continues in the situation.

There is a good school-house in the place, built in 1874 or '75, which does honor to the citizens of the immediate neighborhood. The first and only postoffice ever established in the township, is at this place, and Fred Weber is now postmaster; however the office at first was a short distance south of Woodland.

So that at present the place consi-sts of a small grocery store, which does a small business, a postoflice, wagon-shop, blacksmith shop, one doctor, a school-house and two churches. Butjust half a mile south of Woodland is a large saw-mill, which tends to add somewhat to the business interests of the township. This mill is situated on section 22, and was built in 1864 by Lang, Smith & Co. It next passed into the hands of Lang, Frank & Co.; at present the firm name is Lang & Frank, but the mill is run by Charles Frank. They are doing a good business, einploj'ing from four to twenty hands. In 187,5 they put in machinery for making staves, which they continue to manufacture.

There is also another large saw-mill on section 27, run by Scott Shenefield and his cousin. The mill was built in 1864 or '65, by the following men, as a kind of joint- stock company: F. Shearer, Lewis Wedling, Peter Coler and another man. The present proprietors purchased it in February, 1879, and are doing a good business, hauling considerable lumber to Mishawaka. They run the mill four or five days in the week. And there is still another large saw-mill on section 13, owned and run by Thomas and L. W. Crakes. The first mill on this site was built several years ago, but two or three have been burned down on the same location. Mr. Crakes and son, the present proprietors, have owned it but a

But even this one does not complete the number of saw-mills, for they seem to be more numerous in Madison township than anytliinw else. There is one on section 24-, owned and run by Adam and Peter Buhler. This mill was built about four years ago. The one on section 33 is owned by William Uline; the one on section eight, by Mr. Iluntberger; and the one on section ten, by Mr. Miller; and just across the road from the saw-mill, on section eight, is a small grocery store, owned by Jacob Pittman.

Madison township has not the advantages of a railroad town. At one time the Canada Southern was proposed tlirough the southern part, but the track was never laid: neither are the waterino; facilities of the township numerous. There is a branch of a stream in the northeastern part, which waters that portion ; and in the southern part the Yellow river passes ; but this is a small stream, being of little or no benefit to the township, as it is almost entirely dry.

But everything in connection with Madison township seems to presage that its day of rank in the county hns not yet come, for there is certainly something better in store for the citizens here; and we venture to say that Madison township will some day be one of the finest townships of farming land in St. Joseph county.

Personal

The following sketches are short biographies of many of the pioneers and leading citizens of Madison township, which will be found equall}' interesting to the residents of the community.

John Barkey, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Mishawaka; son of John and Susan (Buzzert) Barkey, was born in Holmes county, O., in 1828, and is of German descent. His parents, who are now deceased, were natives of Pennsylvania. He came to this county in 1858, and settled in this tp., where he still resides, as a successful farmer; politically, he is a Democrat. When commencing in life he was limited both as to his education and finance ; but he has been an industrious tiller of the soil, a prudent manager and an upright man; he now owns 240 acres of land in Madison and 20 acres in Penn tps., all of which is worth about $60 per acre. In 1855 he was married to Elizabeth Weldy, who was born in Ohio in 1828, and they have had 3 children, of whom only one, Levi, still survives, Susan and an infant child being dead. Mrs. B. is a member of the Mennonite Church.

Peter Behler, son of George and Catharine (Shearer) Behler, both of whom died in New York, was born in Germany in 1817, came to America in 1848, and to this tp. in 1854; he was married during the same year to Mary Webla, a native of Germany, and they have had 9 children, of Whom 8 are living: Philip, Peter, Sarah, Fredrick, Adam, Charles, Jacob and Joseph. Mr. B. and

Philip Berger, son of Michael and Fredrica (Matz) Berger, deceased, was born in Germany in 1821, and came to this country with his parents in 1832, and to this State in 183S, settling in Marshall count}', where he resided until IS.JO, when he came to this tp. lie was married during the same year to Elizabeth Walmer, who was born in Germany in 1826; they have 10 children: Peter, Mary, Michael, Elizabeth, "William, Katie, Edward, Caroline, Sarah and Ellen. Mr. B. and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association; political)}', he is a believer in the doctrines of the Republican party. His educational advantages were rather limited; be has worked hard all his life, being poor when he began for himself; he now owns 280 acres of land, which he values at about $30 per acre; he is a successful tiller of the soil on sec. 15. P. O., Bremen.

Jacoi Birk, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Mishawaka; was born in Germany in 1836, and came to this country in 1852, and to this county in 1860. He is a son of George and Elizabeth (Feerer) Birk, now deceased, and were natives of Germany. In 1857 Mr.

B. was married to Regne Hoss, who was born in Germany in 1833; they have 6 children, all of whom are living: Christina, Henry, Elizabeth, Catharine, Susan and Lewis. They are members of the Evangelical Church. He owns 140 acres of land, worth about $35 per acre.

Peter Bollcnhacher, son of Michael and Elizabeth Bollenbacherj was born in Prussia in 1823, and came to this country in about 1848, and to this tp. in 1855. He had nothing when he first began in life and has worked hard during the whole time. He now owns 80 acres of land, worth about $45 per acre. He was educated in Germany; is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. In 1849 he married Miss Margaret Schlarb, who was born in Germany in 1821; they have had 6 children, of whom only 2 are now living: Margaret, who is the wife of Jacob Topper, a farmer in this tp., and William, who is still at home.

Jacob Conrad., son of Jacob and Mary (Stilengerbouer) Conrad, was born in Prussia in 1847, and came to this "tp. in 1854. He was married in 1873 to Mary E. Marker, who was born in this tp. in 1856, and they have 2 children: John P. and Charles J. Mr.

C. and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. Politically, he is a Democrat; his educational advantages were only ordinary. He owns 40 acres of land; has worked hard all his life.

Thomas Crakes, son of Francis and Martha (Marshall) Crakes, was born in England in 1827, and was brought to America by his parents when quite young. They first settled in New York, and are now deceased. Mr. C. came to this tp. in 1848; he was married in 1849 to the widow HoUingshed. whose maiden name was Mary Moon; she was a native of New York, and died in 1868, leaving 6 children : Francis M., Lawrence W., Martha A., Mary J., George

History Of St. Joseph County

O. and Hattie H. In 1868 he was married to Elizabeth (Moon) Pickerd, a sister to his former wife, who had 3 children: Catholine, Alonzo and Martha. Politicall}', Mr. C. is a believer in the principles of the Republican party; he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. owns 125 acres of land, worth about $6,000; also a saw-mill and eight acres on which it is located, worth about $1,400. Mention of this mill has already been made elsewhere. He has always been an industrious farmer, and is now on sec. 7. In 1801 he enlisted in the army, in company F., 48th Ind. Inf. Vol., at Mishawaka, under the command of Captain Burket; was in the service untilJan. 16, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He enoaged in the battles of luka, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Champion Hills, together with a number of other battles, entering as a private, but was soon promoted to Corporal, and afterward to Sergeant, which position he occupied during the whole war. P. O., Mishawaka.

Traugott Enders, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Bremen; sonofGotfred and Fredrica Enders, natives of Germany; was born in this tp. in 1842; he came with his parents to this county about 1841. In 1864 he was married to Catharine Rader, who was born in 1836, and they have 6 children, 2 boys and 4 girls. Politically, Mr. E. is a Republican. He and wife are members of the Albright Church. He owns 80 acres of land, worth about $50 per acre.

Henry Fox, son of Jolm and Mary (Shier) Fox, was born in Ashland county, O., in 1842, and came to this county in 1860. His father and mother were natives of Germany; the former is living in this tp., and the latter died in 1875. Mr. F. was married in 1872 to Philbena Schlarb, a native of Indiana; they have had 4 children, of whom 2 are now living: George and Frida. He and wife are members of the Evangelical Church; politically, he is a Democrat; he owns 120 acres of land worth about $4,000.

Charles Frank, son of George F. and Catharine (Roup) Frank, natives of Germany, was born in Pennsylvania in 1842, and came to this county in 1864. His mother is now living in Pennsylvania, and his father died there in 1872. Mr. F. is prominently connected with tile history of Madison tp., and is one of its most enterprising citizens; he is now Justice of the Peace; is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Bremen, number 427, and a Repni)lican. In 1868 he was married to Mary A. Buhheit, who was born iii'iPennsylvania in 1844, and their 3 children are: George F., Norman J. and Estella M.

Mr. F's educational advantages when young were good; he reads a good deal, both in German and English. At present he is in partnership with Fred F. Lang, of Mishawaka, and is running a steam saw-mill on sec. 23, mention of which has already been made. He is an equal partner in the mill, which he values at about $6,000, and also in 160 acres of land, worth about $4,000.

in Germany in 1822; he came to America in 1851, and to this county in 1859; he was married in Ohio in 1851, to Margaret Bols, who was born in Germany in 1825, and they liave 5 children living, 3 boys and 2 girls. Mr. F. and family are members of the Catholic Church; his educational advantages in Germany were good. He owns StO acres of good land on sec. 9, worth about $60 per acre, and is a hard-working man.

Isaac 11. Oiliiwn, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Mishawaka; son of Jonathan and Berintha (Ferris) Gilman, natives of New York; was born in Indiana in 18-40, and is of English descent. His parents emigrated to this county in Is-is, and settled in this tp. In 1866 he was married to Lizzie A. Bartlett, who was born in New Hampshire in 1844, daugliter of Josiah and Hannah (Clark) Bartlett; her great grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence. They have had 4 children, of whom 3 are now living: Mary L., Abbie F. and Charles E. Mr. G. and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli; politically, he is a Repuplicau. They ownJlSO acres of good land, which they value at $75 per acre. In 18G1 Mr. G. enlisted in the army at Goshen, under Col. Eddy, of South Bend ; he was in the service three years, and eight months; was in the battles at luka, Florence, the siege of Vicksburg, and was discharged at the close of the war.

Christian Grose, \sirmer, sec %l\Y. O., Woodland; is a son of Jacob and Elizabetli (Helminger) Grose, and was born in France in 1822; became to this country with his parents in 1827, and to this county in 1850. He was married in 1848 to Sophia Shearer, who was born in France in 1829; they have had 12 children, of whom 9 are living, namely: William, Margaret, Sadie, Katie, Abram, Christian, Philip, Ellen and George. Mr. G. and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. He owns 200 acres of land on sees. 21 and 22, and is a careful, industrious farmer.

John Hahn, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Mishawaka; son of Henry and Barbara Halin; was born in Germany in 1822, and came to America in 1831. Ho was married in 1844, and has 5 children, all living. Politicall}', Mr. H. is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church; he owns 80 acres of land and is an industrious farmer.

Jacoh Hetzel, son of Gottlieb and Katie (Rinehart) Hetzel, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, in 1827, and came to America in 1851. His parents were also natives of Germany and are both deceased. He came to this county Nov. 1, 1853, and settled in this tp. He was married in Germany in 1849, to Fredrica Wagner, who was born in Germany in 1827, and they have had 11 children, of whom 9 are now living: John, Fredrioa, Katie, Mary. Caroline, Sarah, Paulina, Ernest and Matilda. He owns 96 acres of land; he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association.

D. B. Jewell, a prominent farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Mishawaka; is the Bon of Amos and Lorinda (Brown) Jewell, and is the oldest of a family of 6 children, of whom 4 are now living. His parents were natives of New York; they came to this tp. in 1852, and settled on sec. Si, where they both died. D. B. was born in Portage county, O., in 1822, and is of English descent. He was married, first, in 1S48 to Nancy Crocker, a native of Connecticnt, who died in 1S.52 at tlie age of 26 years; and, secondly, in 1853, to Eleanor Galor, a native of Indiana, who died in 1862, leaving 3 children: Cynthia D., Lusetta L. and "William M.; two others died when qiiite young. lie was married again in 1863 to Mary (Avery) Allen, who had 2 children, George B. and Milan W. Mr. and Mrs. J. have one child. May F.

Mr. J. has been Trustee of the tp. and was Enrolling Commissioner for the tp. during the war; he is a Republican, and a member of the Baptist Church ; his wife is a Methodist. His educational advantages were quite limited, being compelled to attend subscription schools in log houses. He owns 150 acres of good land, worth about $45 per acre.

Charles Kelley, son of John and Anna (Fulmer) Kelley, deceased, was born in Germany in 1829, and was brought to America by liis parents when only two years old and to this county about 1854. In 1855 he was married to Fredrica Lang, a native of Germany, and they have 5 children: Peter, Fredrick, Emily, Bertha and Ida. Mr. K. owns liO acres of land which he values at $40 per acre. He is a hard-working man, and a good citizen; has been a farmer all his life, and is now on sec. 21; P. O., Woodland.

Z. T.Long 671 ecker^ farmer on sec. 18; P. O., Mishawaka; was born in Ohio in 181:9, and is the son ot Levi and Elizabeth (Welty) Longenecker, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. They came to this county in 1864, where they both died. Mr. L. and his two maiden sisters own 186 acres of land, worth about $60 per acre. Politically, he is aEepublican; his education, when young, was only such as was afforded by common schools.

Adam Mochel, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Woodland; was born in Germany in 1822, and came to this country in 1850. His parents, John and Margaret (Mornawick), natives of Germany, are deceased. Mr. M. came to this tp. in 1S54, and was married in 1853, to Agnes Kelley, who was born in Germany in 1825; and their 8 living children are: Rosa, John. Mary, Katie, Ernest, Martin, Charles and Edward. Mr. M. and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. He owns 80 acres of land, worth about $3,000, and is a partner in the store at Woodland, ot which mention lias been made.

Harrison Pentecost, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Woodland; was born in Ohio, in 1812. His parents, Joseph and Mary (Worrell) Pentecost, now deceased, were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. P. came to this county in August, 1854, and settled in this tp., where he has been a resident and successful farmer ever since. He was married in 1840 to Susanna Bolinger, who was born in Ohio in 1819, and they have 2 children: Adaline, wife of Jacob Kelley, a farmer ot this tp., and Lavina, wife of Jonas Williams, a resident of Michigan. Politicalh', Mr. P. is a Democrat; his education was limited.

but he reads a great deal. He owns 220 acres of land, whic'i he values at $4rO per acre. He had no start in life when he began for himself, and has worked hard all his life, being a careful manager, an industrious citizen, and an obliging neighbor. Mrs. Pentecost, who is still living, has been quite unfortunate in suffering from insanity.

John Schaffm; farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Mishawaka; son of Adam and Margaret Schaffer, deceased; was born in Germany in 1822; he came to America in 1850, and was married in 1855 and has 8 children : John, Jacob, Peter, Tadnah, Philip, Frederick, Maggie and Mary. Mr. S. owns 1(50 acres of land which is worth about $40 per acre; he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Evangelical Church.

Jacob Schlarh was born in Germany in 1829, and came to America in 181:8. He is a son of Philip and Margaret Schlarb. In Ohio, in 1857, lie was married to Mary Kleinschroth, who was born in Germany in 1839; tliev have 0 children, all of whom are living: William, Mary, Sophia, Katie, Charles and George. Mr. S. owns 90 acres of land, which he values at about $50 per acre; he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Olnirch. Mr. S. has been an industrious farmer all his life and is now situated on sec. 13; P. O., Woodland.

Nicholna Schlarh, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Mishawaka; son of Philip and Margaret Schlarb; was born in Germany in 1827, and came to this country in 1817, and settled in Ohio, where he remained until 1855, then caine to tjiis tp. He was married in 1854, to Margaret Bicker, who was born in Germany in 1832, and they have 5 children: Bena, Philip, Catharine, Margaret and Jacob. Mr. S. owns 80 acres of good land. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church; Mr. S. is a Democrat.

Eli Shearer, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Woodland; was born in Carroll county, O., in 1853, and is of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. His father, Samuel Shearer, was born in Pennsylvania in 1807, and died in this tp. in 1877; his mother, whose maiden name was Mary E. Fleck, was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and is now living in this tp. Mr. S. came to this tp. with his parents in 1855. Politically, he is a Republican; his educational advantages were not the best, but he is a great reader.

Scott Shenejield, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Woodland; son of Daniel and Mary (Slough) Shenetield; was born in Ohio in 1844, and is of Pennsylvania Dutch descent; his parents, natives of Pennsylvania, are now dead. Mr. S. came to this tp. in 1863; he was married in 1867 to Elizabeth Mornawick, who was born in Oliio in 1847, and they have 3 children: Cora, Minerva and Berton. Politically, Mr. S. is a Democrat. He owns 70 acres of land, worth about $50 per acre. He and his cousin also own and run a saw-mill on sec. 27.

Amos Snyder, farmer, sec. 28, and School Trustee of the tp., was born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1837, and is of German descent. His parents, Samuel and Sarah (Birch) Sny'der, natives of

Penusylvania, are now living in Ohio. Mr. S. came to this county in 1862, and settled in Penn tp. in 1865, where he lived until 1870, when he came to this tp. He was married in 1865 to Catharine Kettring, who was born in Ohio in 184:8; they have 6 childrea, all living: Sarah £., Emery, Franklin, Matilda, Norman and Cilia. In 1877 Mr. S. was appointed School Trustee; in 1878 he was elected to that otfice, and in 1880, as an appreciation of his services, he was re-elected; he has also held the otfice of Assessor two terms. Politically, he is a Democrat; his education was quite limited, being confined to a few months school in the winter time. He owns 40 acres of land, and is an honest and industrious man. In 1864 he enlisted in the army at Appleton, Wisconsin, in the 40th Wis. Ilegt., under the command of Captain J. H. Hauser. He enlisted for one hundred days, and at the expiration of his term, discharged. P. O., Woodland.

Frederick Stuher, son of Frederick and Catharine (Collinbarger) Stuber, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1847, and came with his parents to America in 1868; he was married in 1878 to Mary Mochel, who was born in this tp. in 1854:; and their children are William and Catharine. Mr. S. and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. He owns 100 acres of laud, on sec. 9, which he values at about 850 per acre; he had very little start when he commenced life for himself, and has secured all he has by hard work.