Millgrove Township

Mill Grove 'Township

Situated in the northwestern corner of the county is Mill Grove Township, which is bounded on the north by Branch County, Mich., on the east by Jamestown Township, on the south by Jackson Township, and on the west by La2;range County. It contains nearly twenty-four sections of land, being nearly six miles east and west, and a trifle over four north and south, and therefore contains more than 15,000 acres of land, including the lakes, of which there are a number. The largest are Lake Gage, a part of which is on section 35, on the south line of the township, and Lake Pleasant, which covers a part of section 13. The northeastern corner of the township is in this lake, a part of which is in the State of Michigan. Belle Lake is on sections 25 and 36 ; Tamarack Lake is on sections 22 and 27, and there are several smaller bodies of water, many of which are connected with Crooked Creek, flowing westward through the middle of the township.

it would be easier to obtain a home and attain comfortable circumstances here than it would be in the unbroken forests in other portions of the country. The highly cultivated farms in the township at the present time show what has been done in the way of improvements duriug the last fifty years. Fine farm mansions and barns replace the log cabins and stables of the early days. Peace and plenty reign on every hand and everything shows the inhabitants to be in comfortable circumstances and contented. They have no desire to go West in search of new homes, for they well know that it would be impossible to find a place with fewer drawbacks than this section of Steuben County.

The first settlement was made on the site of the village of Orland. This village is situated in the western part of Mill Grove Township, on sections 20 and 29, about a mile and a half south of the boundary line between the States of Michigan and Indiana, and the same distance east of the Lagrange County line. Its distance from Angola is about thirteen miles in a northwesterly direction. It is near the little stream of water called in Michigan Fawn River, more commonly known in this county as Crooked Creek. The immediate location of the village is on a level plateau of what was called burr-oak openings in early times, there being also on the southern border of the town a little scope of prairie land. The land in the whole region about Orland, for miles each way, was and is the richest and most fertile of any lands that attracted the attention of the pioneers of the country. It is not surpassed in value, all natural qualities considered, by any land elsewhere in the West.

In the spring of 1834 John Stocker, father of L. H. Stocker, Esq., prospected for a Western home for himself and family and for a number of others who wished to " locate" out West. Mr. Stocker and the families who were interested in the prospecting tour were from Windham County, Vt. They forthwith, upon the representation of Mr. Stocker in regard to the country, started with their households, and in the summer and fall of 1834 settled on the very inviting tracts comprising what is now Orland and vicinity. It was in June or July of that year that Benjamin Pierce and wife, Abel Blanchard and family of five children, including his son who became afterward the well-known Elder Blanchard, of Wolcottville, accompanied by John Stocker and wife and four children, George D. Palmenter,wife and onechild,and S. A. Palmenter, came from Vermont and " located."

The Falmenters built a log cabin on the prairie at a point some sixty rods south and thirty rods east of what is now the center of the village. Mr. Stocker built his cabin directly south about the same distance, and on the west side of what is now South or Wayne street. At the time the first cabins were built there was not another white man's residence within the limits of Mill Grove Township, although there were a few settlers in Jackson Township, to the south of Yermont settlement.

During the following year, 1835, other settlers came from the same section in Yermont and joined their fortunes with the pioneers. Among those who came in that year were Chester Stocker, wife and two children, Nelson Newton, wife and two children, S. C. Sabin, Elisha Sabin, wife and one child, Miles Coe, wife and three children, and Alexander Ward, wife and three children, from Vermont; Eliza Eaton, from Massachusetts; Henry Depue, wife and nine children, from Ohio; and J. C. Cutler, from New York City. About the same time Levi Depue settled on a homestead four miles east of the new settlement. None of the heads of families who came in 1834 are still living. The first white child born was a daughter of Benjamin Pierce; she afterward became Mrs. Sarah Townsend. The first death of an adult among these settlers was that of Mrs. Abel Blanchard, who died early in 1835. The first deaths among the children occurred also in 1835, and were the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Newton. They died of scarlet fever, within a few days of each other. Of those who came to Orland in 1835 only one. Nelson Newton, yet survives here. Stephen C. Sabin went to Oregon a few years ago.

''Yermont settlement " grew rapidly in 1836. Timothy Kimball, wife and seven children came from Michigan; Alexander Chapin, wile and three children from Yermont; Josiah Chapin and wife, Cyrus Choate, wife and four children, S. U. Clark, Polly Choate. from Yermont; Lewis Barnard, wife and four children, Eliphalet Warner, wife and two children, from Ohio; all these came early in the season and swelled the population of the settlement, whose enterprise and importance thereupon became widely noted. It was during that year, also, that Walter Luce, wife and six children came from Ohio; Samuel Cutler and wife, from Massachusetts; John Cutler, wife and five children, also from the Bay State; Josiah Chapin and wife, from Yermont; William Wilder, wife and six children, from New York; George Gray, wife and three children, A^braham Gray, wife and five children, and Cyrus Gray, from Ohio; all of whom settled on the other side of the river, to the eastward of the ^'settlement" about a mile and a half.

Their section of country was equally as good as that on the west, and it was only because the postoffice, which was established this year, happened to be at the Vermont settlement, that the town did not become located on the east side. Colonel Alexander Chapin was appointed Postmaster. He was a stanch Whig, but was appointed under a zealous Democratic administration. The name proposed for the new postoffice was Mill Grove, which was the name given to the township, but it was found that there was already a postoffice by that name in the State, so they had to select another name.

Now these Vermont people, being of the Puritanic stock of old New England, were considerably given to the use of congregational singing in their worship; and being fond of vocal music they were in the habit of meeting at social singing schools, having of course brought their singing books as well as their Bibles with them to their new homes. At one of these singing meetings they agreed that Colonel Chapin should open his note book at a venture and they would sing the iirst tune presented and name the postoffice from the name of that tune, if the department would accept of it. Orland was the tune, and Orland became the name of the postoffice, this being the first office of that name in the United States. The name being a very pretty one, a number of offices have since adopted it.

About this time Deacon Timothy Kimball built the first gristmill, on the river just north of the settlement. The building of this mill was a great desideratum to the community of settlers in that region of this new country, and was duly appreciated.

The first frame house in Orland was built by Mr. Chapin, and gave way many years ago to the more stately mansion of Mr. Jonas Twichell. Nearly at the same time John Anderson built a small house, the frame of which is now included in the dwelling of William Van Husan, on West street. Mr. Anderson was drowned a few years after in Lake Jimmerson, while hunting deer with Clayton Mallory. Cyrus Choate shortly after built a small frame dwelling on the south side of Vistula street, but this structure has also long since gone to the shades. It was, however, the building in which more of the business of the early times was transacted than in any other place of that date in the history of the village.

The first store, or stock of goods, was brought here and opened for sale by Captain Samuel Barry, in the winter of 1836. A small stock of goods was also brought in by the Carletons on the east side of the river. The first general store, however, was opened in February, 1837, by Dr. James McConnell and G. D. Palmenter.

The first marriage was solemnized Oct. 12, 1836, Augustus Kimball and Eliza Eaton being the contracting parties, and Elder Hall the ofiiciating clergyman. The first child born was Sarah L. daughter of Benjamin Pierce. She was born Nov. 10, 1834, and afterward became the wife of Alsinus Townsend. The first death was that of Polly, wife of Abel Blanchard, who died Aug. 2, 1835 aged thirty-nine. Her husband died April 7, 1852, aged fiftynine. Benjamin Pierce died in 1842, in the fortieth year of his age. In October, 1849, John Stocker died, Betsy Stocker having passed away the May previous. Elihu Sabin died in 1842, and his wife Lucy followed him in May, 1845. Eliza, wife of Augustus Kimball, died in March, 1873, aged sixty-five. Chester Stocker closed his eyes on the scenes of this world in January, 1853, his wife having died the April before.

The wife of Nelson Newton died in Jaimary, 1842, aged thirtyone years. John B. Barnard died July 9, 1873. Henry Depue lived to be sixty-one years old, and died in 1842. Sarah Depue died in March, 1S51; Levi Depue, in April, 1852, aged forty-one and his wife survived until 1876. S. C. Cutler died in 1845, and Samuel in 1847, aged sixty-nine years. S. G. Cutler died in 1860, and Alexander Ward in September, 1841. Mrs. W,illiani Wilder died at the age of fifty-seven, her death taking place in March, 1852. Her husband followed her in November, 1862, at the age of seventy-six. Luman Humphrey died at the age of fifty, four, in 1841. Philena Humphrey died in September, 1856, aged sixty-seven. The death of Charles Carleton took place in 1859.

died in 1872. Abraham Gray died in 1839, aged forty-three, and his wife followed in 1871, aged seventy-six years. Cyrus Gray lived just fourscore years and died in 1846. Miles Hudson and wife were among the early settlers, but the dates of their death cannot be ascertained. Mr. Hudson surveyed the town when it was first laid out. Mrs. Lewis Barnard died in 1863, and Miles Coe in 1868. Timothy Kimball died in May, 1851, having lived to the allotted age of threescore years and ten. His wife died two years before, aged sixty-four. Elder Freeman Burrows was a prominent Baptist minister in early days, but he and wife died at unknown dates.

Alexander Chapin died in March, 1849, aged forty-four. Josiah Chapiu, his father lived to be eighty-four years old, and died during the war, in May, 1864. His wife died four years before, aged eighty. Cyrus Choate died at an early day in the history of the township, in 1843, at the age of forty-two. His wife was fortynine years old when she joined him. Folly Choate died in 1852, at the age of seventy-seven. Eliphalet Warner died in 1865, and Mrs. Warner lived five years longer, dying at the age of sixty. She was living alone when she died. Mrs. Kidder died in 1851; Samuel Barry died in 1855, in Illinois, aged sixty-seven, and in the same year his wife passed away at the age of seventy-one.

Captain Samuel Barry was a very prominent man in the early days, and was a devoted friend of churches aad schools. One of the old settlers aptly refers to him as an ''extraordinary man.'' His opportunities when a boy were very limited. He often said he obtained what little education he had from Dilworth's old spelling book by the light of a pine knot. In nearly everything he was ten to twenty-five years ahead of most people. In 1833 Captain Barry, with two or three others, left the Green Mountains of Vermont and looked through this country. They finally decided to buy land in the vicinity of where Orland is at present located, and made this a point to immigrate to.

He was very active in the building of the Baptist church, and paid more tJian one-third of the cost of the structure. He took a great interest in the building of the seminary at Orland, and every one concedes that if it had not been for him it would never have been built. He circulated subscription papers and headed them with large amounts. Captain Barry was indeed very charitable, and always took the lead in every good cause.

Orland was a station of importance on one of the " underground railways." Captain Barry was an active agent on that route of travel, and helped many a poor slave to the land of freedom beyond the Detroit Eiver. He was arrested once under the Fugitive Slave Law and taken to Indianapolis. There was a Deputy United States Marshal at Orland then, and the anti-slavery men had irritated him so that he commenced prosecution against some of them. Mass meetings were held for the purpose of taking things into consideration. Foster, the noted anti-slavery speaker, and his wife were present and lectured.

Slaves very often stopped with S. U. Clark, who at that time kept the hotel. Dr. Madison Marsh was the Deputy United States Marshal. They paraded the slaves in front of his house for the purpose of irritating him. After the meeting, when Foster and his wife spoke, Marsh was burned in effigy. Captain Barry not only took an active part in freeing the slaves, but in many other projects he was always at the head. He did not accumulate much property, for as soon as he had saved a little he gave it away for charitable purposes. Though he did not leave money behind him, he left that which is rather to be chosen - agood name, which will always be revered. His monument is the educational edifice he built, almost entirely alone. His life is one that can be studied with profit by every youth. If he had any faults they are forgotten when we think of the great amount of good he accomplished.

The first house in the township was built in 1834 by G. D. Palmenter. It was constructed of logs, and was built on the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 29. The first frame house was built by S. A. Palmenter. The timber was hewed by Leland H. Stocker, and the master builder was S. C. Sabin. The wages were $1.25 per day. It was built in 1836, just east of where the stone house of Peter Lindquist now stands.

The first school-house was a frame structure erected in 1837, 24 X 40 feet, in what is now Orland. It stood on the west side of the north or mill road, and is now occupied as a blacksmith shop. This school-house was for the times a large and commodious one, and for years was used not only for school purposes, but for religious meetings. Here the worshipers, which class, generally speaking, included the entire community, congregated regularly every Sabbath day to listen to the preached word, irrespective of denominational views.

first school-teacher. She was engaged to teach what children there were in the community who could attend, at $2 per scholar. Her school was opened in a log house on the east side of the north road, about half way to the river from the " corners, " at the'place long afterward and still known as the Elder Patch place. This was then the residence of Elihu Sabin, whose wife's sister Miss Eaton was. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sabin, who were good instructors, afterward taught the settlement schools. Mrs. Sabin had charge of a school in her own house in 1836, at a compensation of $1. 25 per week- These teachers, after raising families, children and grandchildren, have passed away.

The first church in Orland was of the Baptist denomination, and its organization was effected Aug. 7, 1835, by Rev. H. T. Hall, who came to the county a year before. Under his ministry was also instituted the first class of children for Bible instruction, which was in charge of Mrs. Currier, who also taught the district school about this time, 1837. The Baptist church vvas dedicated in 1848, having been built at a cost of $1,800. The Presbyterian church was organized in 1836, and the first Methodist class in 1837. In 1851 the Methodists, Congregationalists and Presbyterians united in building the Union church,on which they expended $2,100. The Orland mills ground the first grist in 1838. They bolted by hand for three weeks.

The first tavern, or hotel, as the more fashionable name now is, was built by S. U. Clark, in 1838, on the subsequent site of the Burnham House. It was for the times and surroundings a large and imposing structure, and was an elegant and very notable addition to the village buildings. It was a two-story frame building, handsomely finished on the outside, and was nearly finished on the inside, when, only a few years after its construction, it was burned to the ground. This was the first blaze, and a big one it was, which the little village experienced. Mr. Clark, however, with indomitable energy and with the assistance and good will of the citizens, proceeded immediately to the construction of another building on the old site, which building has since become a portion of the Burnham House.

The first practicing physicians to locate in the township were Drs. James McConnelland P. C. Carleton; the latter's residence was on the east side of the river, near the present home of Adam Patterson. It was a little while after this, however, that Dr. Madison Marsh located in Jackson Township, from whence he shortly afterward moved to Orland. Drs. Carleton and Marsh were for many years the leading physicians in this part of the country. Dr. S. D. Kichardson came in 1840, and soon took a large practice.

The first graveyard was located and established just north of and adjacent to the school-house site. In the onward march and progress of the village limits, it was found that this old cemetery was right in the way. So the good people thought they would have it moved and located somewhere out of the way of the village expansion. Accordingly, new grounds were surveyed and platted for burial purposes; but this location, too, has proved to be right in the direction the village shows an inclination to extend.

S. U. Clark was the first tailor in Orland. His shop was one ot the rooms of the new tavern building erected by him, and which was destroyed by fire. The first cabinet or furniture establishment in the village was started by Roswell Farwell, a deaf mute, who died many years ago. Nelson N^ewton and Chester Stocker were the first to make pumps for the wells in the neighborhood, and they soon acquired an extended trade in their pumps. These were usually made from tamarack logs, and were unblessed with paint or other ornamentat.

The people of Orland, or Vermont settlement, of course were imbued with the spirit of free schools, and the place has always been an educational center. The Northeastern Indiana Literary Institute, which name was given to the Orland Academy when it was first established, began its career in 1850. It was first started under the more direct auspices of the Baptist church of Orland, and the association with which that church was connected. But the matter soon received the attention of progressive men of all denominations, and was pushed to success. Tttie history of this school, which endured from 1850 to 1878, is given in the educational chapter of this work. In the last mentioned year it was merged with the common-school system of the township.

Following are the principal business firms of Orland : J. G. Parker, general store; Fox & Yanetta, drug store ; D. H. Roberts drj'-goods; Taylor, Wilder & Co., hardware; Canst & Bro., grocery and meat market; Oscar Underbill, shoe shop, grocery and billiard hall; Fred Schneider, grocery; Miles Kimball, hardware; Helrae, shoe shop; David Schneider, shoe shop; Frank Bnrnham, Burnham Hotel; Henrv Carver, boarding house; J. W. Hehne, wagon shop; James Lyte, blacksmith shop; Joseph Reeves, blacksmith shop; W. W. Thompson, furniture; Stephen Sabin, furniture; John Roberts, flour and meat market.

There are three church organizations: The Congregational, under charge of Rev. Mr. Preston; the Methodist Episcopal, under Rev. Mr. Marble; and the Baptist, with Rev. Mr. Shepherd in the

The population of Mill Grove Township was in 1870, 975; and in 1880 1,021 - an increase of fortj'-six. This is a population of forty to the square mile.

Following are staple crop statistics for the last census year, 1880: Acres of wheat sown, 3,115; average product per acre, fifteen and one-third bushels; total crop, 46,725 bushels; acres of corn, 2,- 372; average yield, thirty -three bushels per acre; total crop, 78,- 276 bushels; acres of oats, 222; average yield, twenty-five bushels per acre; total crop, 5,550 bushels; acres of meadow, 261; average yield of hay, one and one-third tons per acre; total crop, 348 tons; acres of potatoes, fifteen; average yield, eighty bushels per acre; total crop, 1,200 bushels.

In 1884 the number of acres of land assessed was 14,328.62; value of same, $156,825; value of improvements, $87,890; value of personal property, $87,585; total valuation, $332,390; number of polls, 148; number of dogs, forty-nine ; total taxes levied, $6,- 853.42. As property is assessed on a basis of one-third its actual value, the wealth of the township may be estimated at $997,170.

In politics the township was a stronghold of AVhigism until 1856, since when it has given heavy Republican majorities. This is the natural result of the New England traditions brought into " Yermont settlement" by Captain Barry and the other first immigrants.

History

Constahles. - 1858, Elisha Fuller and Lyman W. Lyons; 1859, Elisha Fuller and W. G. Rathbun; 1860, Elisha Fuller and Oliver Miller; 1861, Douglas Bennett and Oliver Miller; 1862, W. S. McGowan and George Ruby; 1863, James Loghry and Alonzo Smith; 1864, James Loghry and Alonzo Burlingame; 1865, R. Y. Shumway and F. Y. Sliumway; 1866, R. Y. Shumway and James Loghry; 1868, Oliver Ellston and Elisha Fuller; 1869, Samuel McCagg and J. C. Bisbee; 1870, Charles Brunes and William Yanlinsan; 1872, A. H. Finch and J. Lyman Heath; 1874, William H. Green and Ezra Smith; 1878, William H. Green and Frank D. Parker; 1880, C. H. Wilder and D. Schneider; 1882, Charles Rowley and Charles H. Wilder; 1884, Oscar F, Underhill and David Schneider.

Biographical

James TJ. Bennett., son of Wildman and Anna (Nichols) Bennett, was born near Bridgeport, Conn., in 1831. His parents moved to Lagrange County, Ind., about 1851, and subsequently to Bronson, Mich., where they passed the remainder of their lives. About 1858 James U. came to Steuben County, purchased property in Orland, where he established a permanent home. Seeing the need of improving the stock of the country he turned his attention to this industry, and was gaining a national reputation for his fine cattle when he was stricken with disease and died March 13, 1881. He was an enterprising, public-spirited citizen, and gave his sup- port to all movements that tended toward the advancement of the community. Unselfish ^d benevolent, all objects of charity found in him a benefactor, and all in need of assistance or advice a true friend and counselor. He v?as married in 1849 to Sylvia M. Hurd who died Dec. 7, 1858, leaving one daughter, Sylvia E.. now Mrs. John Dickinson, of Maywood, 111. In 1869 he married Eunice C. Hurd, who died Nov. 24, 1863. March 27, 1864, he married Emma C. Kimball, a daughter of one of Mill Grove Township's oldest and most influential citizens. To them were born four children - James A., Ora P., Arthur N. and EmmaE. After the death of J. U. Bennett, Mrs. Bennett settled the estate, and her son James, though but sixteen years of age, assumed the management of the farm, carrying on the stock business in a manner that would be creditable to a man of thorough experience. He is a young man of unexceptional character, of fine business qualities, and has been a careful and successful manager of his mother's business.

John Hackett is a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., born in 1821, a son of Miner and Electa (Chase) Hackett, natives of Vermont, who moved to Albany and thence to Cato, where the father died. When a mere lad John left home and came West to Oakland, Mich., where he worked three years, thence to Teconsha, and two years later to eight miles south of Adrian. At that time the country south of Adrian was a dense forest. Subsequently he went to Burr Oak, and in 1844 to California, making the journey by water. In addition to a lack of provisions and water the yellow fever broke out on shipboard and the suffering was intense. He remained in the West thirteen months, and on his return to Burr Oak had $1,300. He began in earnest to develop his farm, and had just got fairly started when the small-pox swept over the land, and he was again reduced to a lack of means sufficient to enable him to live in comfort. He remained there three years when his wife died. She was Ellen Richardson, daughter of Eleazar and Elizabeth Richardson, of Oswego, N. Y. They had four children - George and Elizabeth deceased; John, of Sand Lake, Mich.; and Josephine, widow of David McCord. He afterward married A.nna Hause, daughter of George and Elizabeth Hause, early settlers of Bronson, Mich. They had two children - one who died in infancy, and Frank. Mrs. Hackett died, and in 1856 Mr. Hackett married Caroline Hoyt, of Canada. They have had six children - Edwin; Gertrude, now Mrs. Rome Rogers; Lillie, deceased, married Andrew Lull; Carrie, deceased; Maud and Fred. Mr. Hackett is purely a self-made man. Thrown on his own resources at an early age, he had no chance to obtain an education. Of an ambitious disposition that would take no denial he struggled on, and by observation acquired a knowledge of the world that has stood him instead of an attendance at the schools and academies of the country. He spent several years in Kansas; returning in 1875 to Steuben County, he located on his present farm, buying 200 acres of land. He has been successful and has surrounded his family with all needed comforts, and as each child left the paternal roof gave them ninety acres of land. Mr. Hackett is gifted with remarkable perceptive faculties, quickly discerning character, courteous and affable in his manners, and is a popular and influential man in his township.

John A' Hunter is a native of Lafayette, Ind., a son of Robert and Abigail (England) Hunter, natives of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. Soon after his birth his parents moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, afterward to Gary, and thence to Clyde. When he was two years of age his father died, and his mother subsequently married John Keinneth, who died in 1844, when the care of the farm devolved on him. He was married in 1847 to Eliza C. Rathburn, and settled on a tract of forty acres of wild land, which he cleared and improved, residing there till 1863, when he moved to Steuben County, Ind. In 1875 he bought the farm where he now lives, on which he has erected a residence and farm buildings second to none in the county. He has given special attention to stock-raising, and has some of the finest horses in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have three children - Calista, wife of William Cleaveland ; Belle, wife of Frank Parker, and Frank P., married Eva Beach.

Peter Johnson was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1804, a son of Luther and Dolly A. Johnson, natives of Connecticut, He was reared in the State of his nativity, and about 1837 came West to Michigan, and located in Adrian with his brother. In 1841 he bought what is now known as the Glasgow farm, on Turkey Creek, in Salem Township, Steuben County. At that time it was uncultivated, but he cleared it of timber and improved it, making it one of the best farms in the township. In 1847 he was married at Coldwater, Mich., to Miss Jenette Ruthven, a native of the Highlands of Scotland, a daughter of James and Catherine (McKay) Ruthven, who emigrated to Canada, where the father was drowned. The mother soon after moved to Livingston, N. Y., and there reared her family. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born three children - Mary, now Mrs. Warren Whitman, of St. Joseph County, Mich. ; Cornelia, wife of A. H. Stratton, of Ontario, Canada; James L., a young man of fine business ability and unexceptional character, who has charge of the farm. Mr. Johnson was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. His uprightness and high sense of morals, his genial, courteous manners, and rare conversational powers made him a favorite in both business and social circles. He filled difierent positions of trust in the township in a creditable and satisfactory manner, and for twelve years was Postmaster at Turkey Creek. He died in 1865, after an illness of several years. In 186-i he sold his farm in Salem Township and bought the home a mile south of Orland, where Mrs. Johnson and her son now live. In the early days of his settlement in the county Mr. Johnson engaged extensively in horticulture, establishing a nursery, from which many of the orchards of Steuben County were started.

Nelson Linquist was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1826, a son of Peter and Ingra (Lumstrum) Linquist. In 1850 he came to the United States and located in Steuben County, where he worked three years at the blacksmith's trade. He bought 150 acres of land, paying for it in installments. When he had finished paying for his land he was entirely without money, but he went to work with a determined will, and although the future was not bright, he overcame all obstacles and has accumulated a good property. He has cleared and cultivated his land and erected a good residence and substantial farm buildings. When he left the old country he had to borrow the money to pay his passage, but this indebtedness was soon paid, and a commencement of future prosperity and a home made. Mr. Linquist was married in 1859 to Mary A. Kale, only daughter of James and Bridget (Flynn) Kale, her father a native of Canada, and her mother of Ireland. They have one daughter - Ella. Mr. Linquist is one of a family of seven children - Peter, of this county; Andrew, of Nebraska; Laas, a soldier in the old country; Nelson, Eleanor, Hannah and Bertha in Sweden, Mrs. Linquist's two brothers died in the war of the Rebellion. James was a member of the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and died in the hospital at Memphis. John enlisted from Burr Oak, Iowa, and died in one of the hospitals of the Western army.

ents moved toGilead, Mich., and about 1850 to Steuben County, Ind., locating in the eastern part of Mill Grove Township, on a tract of heavily timbered land, their nearest neighbor being a mile distant. After thirteen years of arduous toil and hardship in making a home for his family, the father died in 1863. Mr. Lyons' mother was a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Wallace) Marsh, early settlers of Erie County, Pa. Of their family of eight children five are living. Permelia, the first white child born in Erie County, is the wife of Isaac Freeman; Harriet, now Mrs. Joseph Lyons; Sarah, now Mrs. Lyma n yon s; Daniel, of Eaton Kapids, Mich. ; Polly, now Mrs. Mortimer Leberidge; Wallace, Ebenezer and John are deceased. Charles E. Lyons was married in 1859 to Martha H. Drake, of Branch County, Mich., whose parents died in her childhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born seven children - Blanche, Maud, Ernest, Edith, Oberi, Opher, and Florence. Blanche is the wife of Irving Lyke; Ernest and Opher are deceased; the others are with their parents. Mr. Lyons is one of the representative farmers of Mill Grove Township. He has a pleasant home and finds his greatest happiness in ministering to the comforts of those he loves. Mrs. Lyon's only brother, Nathaniel Drake, was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and died in one of the Southern prison. Her only sister, Mary, is the wife of George Douglas, of New York City.

Jacoi McNett (deceased) was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 21, 1824, and moved from there with his parents to Logan County, Ohio, in 1827. The family came from there to this county in 1846, and settled on Jackson Prairie, where he remained three years. He then removed to Lake Gage and remained a resident of the neighborhood until his death. At the age of twenty he experienced religion and united with the M. E. church. In it he found a genial home, and labored actively and contributed largely to build it up. For twenty years he was one of its leaders and oflBcers. His testimony to the goodness of God in his salvation was clear, earnest and free. At the age of twenty-one years he was married to Miss Mary Jane Rock, by Rev. Joseph Lynch. They were favored with seven children, two of whom died before him. Mr. Mc Nett was noted for his frank, outspoken honesty of heart. He was a kind neighbor and a reliable friend. He was naturally possessed of a strong will and of great physical power and energy, and being abundantly aided by his excellent wife in life's physical battle, he was conqueror. A good farm, with plentiful fields and fruitful orchards, crowned the labor of his hands. The pleasant and hopeful condition of his children, three of whom were married and settled in the neighborhood, greatly cheered his declining days.

Alvin Partridge was born in Gustavus, Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1820, a son of George W. and Mary E. (Horn) Partridge, his father a native of Ballston, N. Y., and his mother of Little Fork, Pa. His paternal grandfather lived to an advanced age, and his last days were spent in blindness. His maternal grandfather was of German descent, the family having been banished from that country for marrying into a titled family. George W. Partridge was a strong abolitionist, and sacrificed his property to assist Kansas in becoming a free State. He lived in various States of the Union, but finally returned to his son's house where he died at the age of eighty years. His wife lived to be ninety-three years of age. They had a family of ten children - Emily, now Mrs. Elijah Townsend, of Minnesota; Thomas, of Fair Haven, Minn.; Sarah, widow of Philip Huber; John, of Allegan County, Mich.; Alvin; Frederick; Maria, widow ot Bough ton; William, of North Carolina; George was killed in the John Brown conflict, in Kansas; Mary E., wife of Christian Otto, of Steuben County. Alvin Partridge remained with his parents till manhood. Being the most willing to work of any of the boys, his services were required on the farm while the others were at school, and hence his education was limited. He was married when twenty-two years of age, to Lucia Thompson, a daughter of Apollos and Lucinda (Dexter) Thompson, one of the early settlers of Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. When he commenced life for himself, he was entirely without means, but by a life of strict integrity and close adherence to business principles he has succeeded in surrounding himself and family with all that makes it a pleasure to live. Conscientious in all his acts, he has won the esteem of all who know him, and is regarded as one of the most influential and honorable citizens of the county. He lived in Geauga County, Ohio, a short time after his marriage; then in Mc Henry County, 111.; thence to Wisconsin, and in 1855 moved to Steuben County and settled on the farm where he now lives. To Mr- and Mrs. Partridge have been born four children - Eliza L., wife of Lorenzo Yan Slyke, of Nebraska; Joseph W., married Carrie Huxter; Amelia L., wife of William Richards, of Nebraska, and Caroline (deceased). They have an adopted daughter - Mary B. Mrs. Partridge's parents had a family of six children - Abigail, wife of Reuben Hurd, of Illinois; Erastus G., deceased, was living in Tennessee at the outbreak of the Rebellion, and was relentlessly pursued for three days, but finally escaped; Asahel C, a leading citizen of Mc Henry County, 111.; Lucia, now Mrs. Partridge; Mark, a member of a Minnesota regiment in the war of the Rebellion, died in the hospital at St. Louis; Lucinda is the wife of William Luikleiter, of Tippecanoe County, Iowa.

Adam Patterson was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1816, a son of William and Catherine (Snyder) Patterson, his father a native of New Jersey and his mother of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His parents settled in Tuscarawas County about 1790. They had a family of eleven children - Adam; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Haswell; John, of Kansas; David, of Coshocton County, Ohio; Aaron, of Knox County, Ohio; Edward, of Steuben County, Ohio; Benjamin, Joseph and Elias, of Tuscarawas County; Lavinia, wife of Elias King; Mary, deceased. Adam Patterson was married in 1841 to Catherine Gabriel, daughter of Daniel and Catherine Gabriel, of Wayne County, Ohio. After his marriage he lived three and a half years in Coshocton County, and then moved to Steuben County, Ind., and located four miles South of Metz, where he bought forty acres of land for $100, and went to work to clear it of timber and build a cabin. His spare time was spent in forging cow-bells, which he took to the prairies and exchanged for wheat and other necessaries. In 1870 he sold his property in Richland Township and bought the old Carrollton property in Mill Grove Township where he has since lived. He owns seventy-nine acres of choice land, all under cultivation, and his residence and farm buildings are among the best in the township.

Levi Pocock-vjSi,^ born in Baltimore County, Md., in 1817, a son of Elisha and Christena (Foust) Pocock, natives of Maryland, his father of English and his mother of German descent. His parents moved to Ohio in 1819, and there the father died about 1825, leaving a widow with eight children to care for, viz. : Catherine, married Solomon Jennings (deceased); is now the widow of Mr. Haughn; Jessie, deceased; Daniel, of Sandusky County, Ohio; Eve, widow of John Steffey, of Sandusky County, Ohio; Levi; Julia A., deceased, was the wife of William Malone, of Steuben County; Pollie, deceased, was the wife of George Malone; Elisha, of New Comerstown, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. Levi passed his early days in Tuscarawas County, and in his youth learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked till 1858, when he moved to

Sandusky County, where he followed agricultural pursuits till 1866. He then moved to Lagrange County, Ind., and remained two years, and in 186S moved to Steuben County, to the farm where he now lives, in Mill Grove Township. He was married in 1852 to Barbara Ganney, who was a daughter of Benjamin Ganney, a native of Switzerland. Their family consisted of six children - Andrew married Allie Burlingame, a daughter of a wellknown citizen of Steuben County; Edward resides in Lagrano-e County; Barbara A. is the wife of Frank Salisbury, son of one ot Steuben's pioneers; Daniel lives with his father; Emma J. is with her brother in Lagrange County ; Lizzie is deceased. Mrs. Pocock died in 1864 and is buried in one of the cemeteries of Sandusky County, Ohio.

Chester D. Salisbury was born in Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y. in 1817, a son of Edgar and Susannah (Gore) Salisbury, natives ot Vermont. His grandfather, Hezekiah Salisbury, was a large landowner in Vermont, owning at one time the present site of the city of Brattleboro. Edgar Salisbury was a minute-man in the war of 1812. He was one of the pioneers of the town of Adams and lived there till his death. His family consisted of four sons and four dauo-hters - Elijah G., married Abigail Terry; he died in Oakland, Cal., in 1877; Susan E. married Daniel E. Rood, and lives in Pulaski, Oswego Co., N. Y; Chester D. is the subject of our sketch; Harriet G., is the widow of J. G. Kibling, and lives in Bellville, Jefferson Co., N. Y. The other children died in childhood. The father died when Chester D. was eight years of age, and the mother and older children were each obliged to contribute toward the support of the family. "When eleven years of age he was sent into the cedar swamps to assist in making rails. School was a dream that was not realized till he attained manhood, when he attended a select school a few terras. He was apprenticed to learn the tanner and currier's trade and served till 1836, when he left his master and came to Indiana. He is purely a self-made man. Startinofor himself before reaching his majority lie stole away from his employer and working nights obtained enough money to defray his expenses to the West. He arrived in Coldwater, Mich., just as they were firing their sunrise salute on the Fourth of July. He proceeded to Steuben County and located on what is now known as section 23 Jamestown Township, where he burned lime two years. He then moved to Worlton, now known as Nevada, and opened up and improved a farm living there four years, when he moved to Mill Grove

Township and settled on his present farm. When he arrived in Steuben County he had 12^ cents. To this small beginning he has added till he now owns 208 acres of the finest land in the county, with improvements second to none. His home is a model of all that makes comfort and happiness in this life, and is presided over by a host and hostess whose greatest enjoyment is found when ministering to others' pleasure and comfort. Mr. Salisbury was married in 1838 to Julia Collins, daughter of Barton and Anna Rita Collins, the first settlers in Jamestown Township. To them have been born six children - Susan E., Sarah A., Emily A. (deceased), Merritt B., Frank G. and Dewitt C. Susan is the wife of W. W. Turner, of Steuben County. Sarah A. married Charles Ellis,a member of Company B., One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, who was captured and killed by guerrillas while with Sherman on his march to the sea. She is now the wife of J. P. Whitney. Frank G. married Barbara E. Pocock. Dewitt C. married Ella, daughter of William Reed.

Christian F. Schneider was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, Nov. 17, 1818, a son of George Frederick and Christena (Ekkard) Schneider. His maternal grandfather was a wealthy citizen of Emmendingen, Germany. In 1846 Christian and his brother Eduard sailed for the United States, landing in New York. They proceeded to Albany where they embarked on a c«nal-boat and went to BuflFalo, thence per steamer to Toledo, Ohio, and from there to Angola, Ind. He soon found employment at his trade, a tailor, and remained in Angola a year, when his employer moved to Orland and he soon followed him. He worked as a journeyman a year, and then opened a shop of his own . In 1856 he was appointed Postmaster by James Campbell, Postmaster-General, and held the position till 1861. Retaining the office in the same location in the building occupied by him, he served as Deputy till 1865, when he was again commissioned Postmaster by William Dennison, and has since filled the position to the satisfaction of the entire community. He is a genial, courteous gentleman and esteemed by all who know him. He was married Nov. 27, 1847, to Susan Noll, daughter of George Noll, one of the pioneers of Salem Township. She died March 20, 1849, leaving one daughter - Susanna M., now Mrs. William Meek. In 1849 he was married to Melissa Tuttle. To them were born four children, three of whom are living - Frederick, David and Adelia, wife of Arthur Norton. After a year of sufifering Mrs. Schneider died

Elias Sillahaugh was born in Somerset County, Pa., in 1831, a son of James and Jane (McClintock) Sillahaugh, natives of Pennsylvania. But three of a family of six children are living, viz.: Elias, Hiram and Melinda, now Mrs. Joseph Landers, all residents of Steuben County. His parents were early settlers of Noble County, Ind., and there the mother died. The father died in Steuben County in 1876. Elias Sillahaugh was reared in Noble County, Ind. In 1873 he came to Steuben County and bought the farm where he now lives. He has seventy-nine acres of choice land, well cultivated and with fine improvements. He was married in 1863 to Mary A. Landers, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Fredricks) Landers, her father a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Ohio, early settlers of Noble County, and among its most prominent citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Sillahaugh have two children - Howard L. and Catherine E., now Mrs. Sylvester Davis.

Hezekiah Smith was born in Connecticut in 1801, a son of Hezekiah and Rebecca (Miner) Smith, also natives of Connecticut. They had a family of eleven children - Paul G., died in Ncrwalk; Theode, wife of B. P. Smith; Nancy, wife of Z. W. Darrow; Rebecca, wife of Daniel Benscotter; Turner M., of Erie County, Ohio; Nehemiah D., died in Iowa; Pattie, deceased, was the wife of "William Hurlburt, of Connecticut; Hezekiah, Ann M., Henry K. and Emeline are deceased. Hezekiah Smith remained in his native State till 1844, and then came West and bought eighty acres of wild land in Steuben County. He cleared his land of grubs and cultivated it, and now has one of the best farms in the county. His residence and farm buildings are unsurpassed, and his home is the embodiment of comfort and good cheer. Mr. Smith was married in 1824 to Mary Calkins, daughter of Richard and Eunice Smith Calkins. To them were born five children - Ezra A.; Mathew K., deceased; Mark, deceased; Betsey J., widow of Charles Wilder, and Jerome H., deceased. Mrs. Smith died, and in 1837 Mr. Smith married Marilla Allen, daughter of William and Phoebe (Graves) Allen, her father a native of Connecticut and her mother of Vermont. Mrs. Smith was born in Portage County, Ohio. She is one of a family often children, viz.: Ira, Clarissa, Hannah, Lydia, Ethan, Phoebe, Daniel, Marilla, Ruthanna and Wiliiarn. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had five children - Asa, deceased; Alonzo, living on the old homestead, was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion ; he

Hev. E. R. Sjpear (deceased) was born near Palmyra, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1801, and at the prime of life he removed to Steuben County, this State, where he resided most of the time until April, 1871. He then removed to Fillmore County, Neb., to live the remainder of his life. He died at Geneva, Neb., Dec. 25 (Christmas day), 1879, and was buried two days later at Geneva. He preached twenty-nine years at the Lake Gage school-house, where he had many warm friends, and he was also well known throughout the county.

William TF. Thomson is a native of Vermont, born in Jericho, twelve miles from Burlington, in 1820. His parents, Orpheus and Rebecca (Eaton) Thomson, and his grandfather, John Thomson were natives of Vermont. His great-grandfather, John Thomson, was a native of Scotland, an early settler of the New World. His maternal grandfather, Samuel Eaton, was a native of New Hampshire, and a descendant of one of the Pilgrim fathers. Sept. 26, 1833, his parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Boston, Summit (then Portage) County, where his father was engaged in building canal boats. In 1840 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and helped build the flouring mill at Orland, and also bought 200 acres of land, and the following year the family moved to the county. In 1846 Mr. Thomson was married to Sylvia A. Dunham, daughter of William and Ann (Skinner) Dunham, of Chautauqua County, N. Y., formerly of Connecticut. Her father and his brother Charles were soldiers in the war of 1812. Mr. Thomson is a man of wide experience, and has an extensive knowledge of his native land, having visited every State and Territory in the Union, except Washington. His descriptive powers and genial, courteous manners make him a general favorite in all social circles. His upright integrity and fine business qualities have won him many friends.

George K. Wilder was born in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1828, a son of William and Mary (Breed) Wilder, natives of Connecticut and New Hampshire, who came to Steuben County, Ind., in 1836 and located on land now owned by their son Orlando. In early life George K. attended school in the winter and assisted in the work on the farm in the summer. When twenty-one years of age he went to California, and was ninety days in making the lourney from the bluffs of the Missouri to Hangtown, Cal. He remained six years, working in the mines the first eighteen months and tlie rest of the time engaged in farming. He then returned to Indiana and bought a farm two miles northeast of Orland, In 1862 he enlisted in the JM^inth Michigan Infantry, and participated in all the varied fortunes of the regiment till it reached Murfreesboro, when he was discharged on account of ill health. His regiment was soon after captured. As soon as he regained his health he turned his attention to improving and cultivating his farm. In 1877 he retired from the active life of an agriculturist and purchased property in Orland where he has since lived, enjoying the fruits of many years of toil and privation. Mr. Wilder was married inl862 to Miss Hattie N. Luce, the only daughter of "Walter and Mary (Gray) Luce. They have a family of eight children.

Orlando Wilder ^2&\)Qxm in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1815, the eldest son of William and Mary (Breed) Wilder, his father a native of North Adams, Mass., and his mother of Keene, K. H. William Wilder was a pioneer of Oswego County, settling there when it was an unbroken wilderness, and was one of the most prominent citizens in promoting the growth of the county. Orlando Wilder's youth was spent in assisting his father and attending the district school three months in the year. In 1835 the family moved overland to Portage County, Ohio, remaining there one summer when in February, 1836, they moved overland to Steuben County and settled on land the father had entered the year before. Orlando did not reach the new home till the first of March, as a cow and two yoke of cattle and goods were entrusted to his care. 'Diey lived in a cabin belonging to J. C. Cutler till one of their own could be completed. Then all turned their energies to changing the oak openings into fields of waving grain which was accomplished by the hardest labor under the most adverse circumstances. Their milling was done at Constantine, Mich., thirth-three miles distant, taking two days to make the journey. In the fall of 1836 O. Wilder went to Toledo for goods shipped. Not finding them he bought a load of salt which he sold before reaching home at $12 a barrel. His father's first entry in the county was 240 acres and to this has been added 520 acres. He owns the original homestead which is now one of the finest farms in Steuben County. He was married in 1844 to Ursula Humphrey, daughter of Luman and Philena (Dryer) Humphrey, natives of Vermont, who came to Steuben County in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder have three chil- dren - Edson A., of the firm Taylor & "Wilder, hardware merchants, Orland, who married Julia Edgar, daughter of one of Michigan's early settlers; Eva A., wife of M. T. Rose, who now has charge of the old homestead; H\e youngest, a son, died aged two years. Mr. Wilder is a man whose good judgment and honorable dealing has placed him among the county's best business men and most honored citizens. Commencing life with limited capital he has accumulated a good property by strict attention to his business and keeping at all times free from debt. Mr. Wilder is the eldest of five children, the others being William, Jr., deceased, who was the third sheriff of the county; Sarah A., now Mrs. Henry Fox, of Topeka, Kas. ; George K., living in Orland, and Charles H., deceased, a brave soldier of the One Hundredth Indiana. Mrs. Wilder's parents had a family of five children - Charlotte, now Mrs. Dickinson, of Salem, Ore. ; Elmore, of Ontario County, N. Y. ; Otis M., a physician of Minneapolis, Minn., Mrs. Wilder and Kesiah, deceased.