Pleasant Township

Pleasant Township

WILLIAM J. BAUM, grain dealer at Sweetser, with two brothers and three sisters, Gilbert, Calman, Caroline, Nora and Hallie, were born to Henry and Elizabeth A. (J ohnson) Baum, the former a native of Germany, born in 1814, and the latter a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born in 1822, and at present citizens of Herbst, this county. William J. was born in Clinton County, Ohio, May 21, 1855. He received a common school education and later worked on his father's farm and in his store and warehouse. In 1879 he came to Grant County and with William H. Brown embarked in the grain business at Sweetser. This partnership existed one year. He then formed a partnership with his brother Gilbert, with whom, in connection with Oliver P. Overman, he is at present associated, which firm do a' good business in the purchase and shipment of grain. May 7, 1880, he was married to Roxie Riggs, who with one brother and one sister, Arthur and Emma, was born to Charles E. and N ancy E. (Campbell) Riggs, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Baum is a native of Virginia, born December 23, 1857. Two children are the fruit of this marriage: Carrie, born August 3, 1881, and George C., born August 14, 1884. Mr. Baum is an Odd Fellow and a Republican.

SAMUEL BECHTEL was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Oc. tober 20, 1837, being the eldest son of Jacob L. and Rebecca (Stepleton) Bechtel, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Receiving a common school education in youth Samuel removed with his parents to this county in 1849, and they located in Pleas-. ant Township, where he assisted them on the farm until the attainment of his majority. In 1861 he joined Company H, Eighth Indiana Regiment, with which he served until after the siege of Vicksburg, when he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He remained with this until the time of his discharge in September, 1864. He was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Magnolia Hill and the siege of Vicksburg. At Raymond, Miss., he was captured but, was immediately paroled. On receiving his discharge ke returned home and located upon a farm of his own in Section 21, Pleasant

Township, where he lived until 1870, when he purchased a farm in Section 31, same township, where he now has a good home. In November, 1864, his marriage with Julia E. York was solemnized, and to their union were born eight children: Ida V., Dora L., Nellie (deceased ), Frank E., Charles W., John R., one dying in infancy and Sarah A. Mr. Bechtel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the G. A. R. A stanch Republican in politics, he manifests an active interest in the welfare and prosperity of his township, county and State.

ELIJAH O. BLOOMER is a native of Fayette County, Ohio, where he was born March 20, 1845, being one of a family of nine, viz.: Benjamin V., John F., George E., Mary C., Francind J., Abbie A. (deceased), Ellen, Clara and Elijah O., born to Joseph and Phebe (Van Dyke) Bloomer, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Maryland. In 1845 the parents removed to Grant County,. thence to Wabash, where they lived until 1868, when they returned to Grant County. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. February, 1884, he located on a farm in Centre Township, where he lived nearly two years, when he came to his present home, where he has ever since resided, farming dlways being his occupation. February 29, 1868, he married Lucy C. Hackney, a native of Jessamine County, Ky., and a daughter of William ©. and Mary (Carothers) Hackney. Mr. and Mrs. Bloomer are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and a member of the G. A. R.

JOHN A. CAIN, a citizen of Pleasant Township, and a native of the same, was born April 10, 1839, being a son of John Cain, Sr., now a resident of Pleasant Township. John A. was reared a farmer, receiving an ordinary education in youth. In 1864 he entered the army, participating in the engagements of Savannah, Bentonville, Raleigh, and was with Sherman in the march to the sea, He received his discharge in June, 1865, and returned to Grant County. August 15, 1863, he married Mary Marshall, a native of Shelby County, Ohio, and a daughter of Jesse and Eva Marshall. Mrs. Marshall died in 1873, leaving a family of three children: Harvey, Sophia and Minnie May. August 15, 1873, Mr. Cain married Margaret Marshall, a sister of his former wife, and to them have been born the following children: Homer, Tilden, Lu- ella, Ama and Ettie, the last of whom and two infants are dead. Their births occurred, December 8, 1874; April 9, 1876; August 1, 1877; January 26, 1879; August 18, 1880; September 1, 1881, and February 19, 1883, respectively. Mr. Cain has always followed farming, and in March, 1882, located on the farm where he now resides. Politically he is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

NELSON CONNOR, an old and highly respected citizen of Pleasant Township, who came to Grant County before its organization, was born in Marlborough County, S. C., March 14,1811. His father, Lewis Connor, also a native of South Carolina, was born of Irish and English extraction September 15, 1781. He married Margaret McClaren, a natiye of Glasgow, Scotland, born October 22, 1786, and who came with her parents to this country when eight years old. The parents came to Wayne County in about 1819,. where they éngaged in farming for a number of years, then removed to Grant County, where they lived until their death. The father died in Pleasant Township July 5, 1869, and the mother in Franklin Township, October 14, 1835. Of the following children: Warren, Lewis, John T., Trustom H., James, Nancy, Mary, Catherine and Nelson, born to them, Warren, Trustom H., James, Catherine and Nelson are still living. Our subject was reared in the midst of pioneer struggles, his chances were not equal to those of the present day, but he grew up gifted with an hereditary force of character, and a native intelligence well displayed throughout his early and later manhood. August, 1829, he came to Grant County and settled upon a forty-acre tract of land which he had entered in' Franklin Township. About 1835 he exchanged this place for another in the same township, upon which he lived until 1837. He then moved to Marion, which at this time was a village of perhaps less than a dozen houses, he having some years previous to this, with George Brodrick, built out of poles the first business house in Marion, in which John B. Chapman opened up a store. Having located in the village he engaged in the grocery business, which he followed about two years, and then took charge of a mill owned by his father-in-law, which he operated some two or three years. He then engaged in farming for a time until he again moved to the town of Marion and engaged in the carding business for four years, at the expiration of which time he moved above the town and built a grist-mill near the present site of the McFeeley Mill. Here he lived for five years, when he exchanged this property for a farm three miles east of Marion. After farming and milling in different localities in the county for a number of years he purchased, in the fall of 1885, his present home, which is located on Section 16, Pleasant Township. Sarah Boots, a native of Ross County, Ohio, born of Dutch and English extraction March 27, 1813, became his wife April 15, 1831. Her parents were Martin and Mary (Odel) Boots, the former a native of Virginia, born in 1779, and the latter a native of Maryland, born in 1789, their respective deaths occurring in Grant County, September, 1842, and April, 1830. To Mr. and Mrs. Connor have been born nine children, viz.: Lewis S%., born March 19, 1833; Isaiah, born August 4, 1835; Martin B., born October 31, 1837; Mary J., born March 27, 1840; Nancy, born December 22, 1842, died December 3, 1846; Amanda, born February 28, 1845; Asenath, born December 29, 1849; Lucinda A., born December 27, 1852, and one dying in infancy. Isaiah, the second son, is a lawyer of considerable ability, and at present is judge of the Forty-second Judicial District of Indiana, composed of Fulton and Marshall Counties. Mr. and Mrs. Connor have been married over fifty-five years, and at their fiftieth anniversary a large number of their friends united in a golden tribute to them as a mark of the esteem in which they are held by those who know them. Mr. Connor has always advocated the cause of the Democratic party, having cast his first ballot for Andrew Jackson in 1832.

WILLIAM J. CONNOR, a prominent citizen of Pleasant Township, was born in Grant County, Ind., May 3, 1841. His parents, Louis and Mary (Jennings) Connor, were natives of North Carolina, both being of Scotch-Irish extraction, and the parents of the following children: Nathan M., LaFayette, John C., Leander, William J., Margaret, Mary E., Lucinda, Emma and Annetta. William J. received a good practical education in youth. At the age of twelve years he went to live with his uncle, Nelson Connor, of Grant County, with whom he remained until September, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Highth Indiana Regiment, and served his country till the close of the war. He was in the battles of Magnolia Hill, Black River Bridge, Champion Hill, the seige of Vicksburg, Fort Esperenza, Tex., and with Sherman at Cedar Creek. He received his final discharge August 28,1865. Return- ing to Grant County he again located with his uncle, who had previously removed to Jalapa, Granty County, with whom he engaged in operating a grist-mill for a period of ten years. October, 1881, he purchased the farm he now lives upon, and is among the thriving and prosperous farmers in his township. On February 11, 1873, he was married to Matilda Frazier, a native of Grant County, born May 14, 1850, and a daughter of Nathan M. and Martha (Boots) Frazier. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Connor: Jessie, born July 15, 1875, died September 9, 1876; Elnora, born April 12, 1877; Fred, born July 19, 1879; Virgie E., born May 15, 1882, died March, 9, 1883; Ethel, born July 2, 1884, and Lester, born December 17, 1885. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Connor has held the office of steward for four years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the G. A. R., and a Democrat in politics. He is held in high esteem as a worthy citizen, and is the present nominee of his party for the office of sheriff.

JAMES V. CONOVER, M. D., of Jalapa, is a native of New Jersey, born July 12, 1855. He is the third son of Elisha and Eliza (Vanmeter) Conover, both of whom are natives of New Jersey, the father born of Dutch descent, June 2, 1814, and the mother born March, 1824. They are the parents of the following children: Howard J., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Samuel; Elisha, professor of languages in the academy at Frankfort, Delaware; Louisa; Anna and Matilda, all of whom are living. James V. worked on his father's farm in the summer, and attended the common schools during the winter. At the age of eighteen he entered the seminary at Pennington, N. J., where he completed a three years' course, preparatory to commencing the study of medicine. On leaving this institution he went to Harrisonville, N. J., where his parents resided, and began the study of medicine with Dr. S. F. Stranger. After reading one year he entered the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, where he took one course of lectures. He then entered the Helectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he took two courses of lectures, graduating in June, 1880. Returning to his native State he entered upon his professional labors at Elmer. Two years later he immigrated to Grant County, locating at Mier. In March, 1883, he removed to Jalapa, where he has won a large and successful practice. In addition to his practice he owns a drug and grocery store, in which he controls a good trade. Hattie Dittenhaver, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born of German descent, December 6, 1857, became his wife June 9, 1881. She is the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Broom) Dittenhaver, natives of Ohio and New Jersey, respectively. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Conover: Howard J., born October 11, 1882, and Anna, born June 25, 1884. Dr. Conover is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.

NICHOLAS ELTZROTH, an old and respected citizen of Pleasant Township, was born in Randolph County, Ind., April 4, 1818. Heis the third son of a family of eleven children born to John and Elizabeth (Weaver) Eltzroth, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, their respective births occurring November 15, 1758, 'and May, 1792. They came to Grant County in 1837, in primitive days, and their children therefore grew up with but little educational advantages. They later removed to Wabash County, Ind., where the mother died June 30, 1863, and the father died in Miami County, Ind., June 2, 1881. Our subject came with his parents to Grant County, thence removing to Wabash County, where he voted the second ticket ever voted in Waltz Township, of that county. In 1845 he returned to Grant County and located on Section 22, Pleasant Township, where he has ever since resided. This he cleared and improved, and now owns a good farm consisting of 267 acres. He commenced in Grant County with but little, and he and his wife, by diligence and economy, have acquired a good home and pleasant surroundings. October 8, 1843, Lucinda, daughter of William and Lucy (Rice) Prickett, became his wife. Mrs. Eltzroth was. born in Brown County, Ohio, December 13, 1820, and came to Grant County about the year 1834. To Mr. and Mrs. Eltzroth have been born ten children, the first and last of whom died in infancy; the second, William J., was born September 25, 1846; Elizabeth A., born January 28, 1849; George W., born March 4, 1851; Melissa C., born February 19, 1853 (died in infancy) ; Nicholas B., born October 3, 1854; James B., born October 6, 1857; Henry P., born August 8, 1860 (died March 31, 1872); Talitha F., born April 15, 1863. Mr. Eltzroth is a stanch Democrat in politics. He has never identified himself with any church, but is a firm believer in Christianity. '

Biographical Sketches

EDWARD FOX, deceased, whose portrait appears in this volume, was one of the oldest and most esteemed of Grant County's farmers. He was a native of Bucks County, Penn:, born August 6, 1806, and was of Irish ancestry, being the eldest of six children born to Thomas and Mary (Beatty) Fox, who were early settlers of Miami County, Ohio. Our subject came to Grant County in 1835, and entered forty acres; also purchased eighty acres in Pleasant Township, where Fox Station is now located. J anuary 7, 1836, he was united in marriage with Miss Juliet A. Hummel, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, born June 10, 1810. She came with her father to Grant County in 1831, when it was an - almost unbroken forest, and still inhabited by the Indians. Shortly after their marriage they located on the home farm, where hard work, frugality and enterprise formed important factors. Being possessed of sterling integrity and industry Mr. Fox soon accumulated valuable property, and at the time of his death, which event occurred February 13, 1885, owned 620 acres of excellent land. He possessed the warmest friendship of the entire neighbor- ' hood, and his death was a source of universal sorrow and regret. In politics he had been a life-long Democrat. Having no children of their own they adopted three, whose names are Edward, born August 8, 1869; Juliet A., born November 29, 1871, and Laura, born August 29, 1873. Mrs. Fox resides on the old homestead, and is respected and esteemed by all who know her.

FRANCIS M. FRAZIER, a native of Grant County, was born May 4, 1846. His parents were Nathan and Martha (Boots) Frazier, the former a native of North Carolina, born of Scotch descent October 1, 1808, and the latter a native of Ohio, of Dutch descent in the year 1819. They were the parents of the following children: Sarah, Lydia, Matilda and Francis M., and came to Grant County where the father died January 12, 1875, and the mother October 14, 1864. Francis M. assisted his parents on the home farm during his boyhood and secured 'only such education as was afforded by the commonschools. July 21, 1878, he was united in matrimony with Maria Stevens, a native of Grant County, born January 2, 1858. Mrs. Frazier is a daughter of Nathan and Cynthia (Bish) Stevens, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Grant County jand were the parents of Emanuel, Catherine, Clarissa, Viola Calista, Anna, Laura, Martha and an infant which died unnamed.

Mr. and Mrs. Frazier are the parents of two children, Nona M. born May 11, 1881, and Cynthia G. born October 10, 1884. December, 1878, Mr. Frazier located upon the place where he now lives, and is engaged in farming. He is a Republican and an industrious and good citizen. They are members of the Christian Church. CHARLES M. GRINDLE, a farmer of Pleasant Township, where he was born October 28, 1849, is the second son in a family of six children born to George W. and Sarah J. (Waller) Grindle, both natives of Ohio. Charles M. spent his early life and boyhood on his father's farm and attended the common schools. Bred to farming he has followed that occupation through life, having located on his present farm in the spring of 1881. Missouri White, a native of Pleasant Township,Grant County,born February 11,1852,and a daughter of George W. and Hannah (Green) White, became his wife February 9, 1873. One child was born to their union, Bertna L., born December 9, 1875. Mrs. Grindle's father was a native of Hawkins County, Tenn., and her mother a native of Randolph County, Ind. Mr. Grindle and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Grindle is a Democrat and a good citizen. MOSES HARTER, one of the leading farmers of Pleasant Township, with five brothers and nine sisters, viz.: Philip, Henry R., Thomas, William, John, Rebecca, Jeanette, Sarah, Elizabeth, Eliza, Mary, Alice, Melissa and Susana, was born to Solomon and Celia (Baldwin) Harter; the father, a native of Kentucky, born of Dutch descent in about the year 1800, died in Grant County in April, 1868; the mother, a native of Wayne County, Ind., born of English descent, about the year 1813, at present resides in this county. Our subject is a native of Darke County, Ohio, born January 20, 1833. He received an ordinary education and his boyhood days were passed on his father's farm in his native county. On attaining his majority he came to Grant County with his parents, who settled on a farm in Pleasant Township. On coming to this county he worked on a farm by the month for a number of years. In 1860 he rented a place on which he farmed one year, after which he purchased forty acres of land where he now lives; since which time he has added to the forty until he now owns 120 acres of prime land with good improvements, devoting himself to agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He was married, October 18, 1860, to Selinda Massey, a native of Grant County, born of English descent Sep- tember 6, 1840, she being a daughter of William and Bethias (Cravens) Massey, the former a native of North Carolina, born J uly 20, 1799, and died in Grant County in September, 1862; the latter a native of Pennsylvania, born August 13, 1801, and died in Grant County in about 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Harter are the parents of five children: Lenna, born September 5, 1863; Rolla, born March 5, 1867; Evin, born March 17, 1869; Verty, born October 10, 1876, and one born in 1878 which died in infancy. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Harter is also a member of the G. A. R., anda Republican in politics.

ABRAHAM HEDRICK is a native of Virginia, born in 1804, being a son of Jacob and Catherine (Meese) Hedrick. Abraham Hedrick is one of the oldest and most favorably known of the old pioneers of Grant County now living here. He was reared on a farm by his parents, receiving an ordinary education for the times- In 1833 he started out for Indiana where he expected to establish for himself a home in the new country, and located in Pleasant Township, where he entered a tract of land and on which he has since resided. He married, in 1834, Sarah Cramer, a daughter of William and Julia A. (Rider) Cramer, who were of German extraction. To their union these five children have been born: Julia A., born in 1835; Catherine §., born in 1837; Mary J., born in 1839; Rosa, in 1841; and Sarah F., in 1843. September 23, 1885, the wife and mother died. For some years previous to her death she was blind, which affliction she bore with fortitude and patience. Mr. Hedrick has followed farming throughout his career, and now owns a fine farm of 280 acres, upon which, with two of his children, he is living a quiet and retired life. His genial manners and squaré dealing have won for him the high regard of his neighbors and made for him a large circle of friends. He cast his first presidential ballot for Gen. Jackson, and believing good, old-fashioned Democracy good enough for him, has steadily and faithfully been an advocate of the best principles of that party.

WILLIAM V. HOLMAN, one of the enterprising citizens of Pleasant Township, was born April, 1833, in Preble County, Ohio, and is the fourth son of G. F. and Leatha (Druley) Holman, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of North Carolina. Subject's paternal grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revoolution, and was captured by the Indians at some period during that struggle. He was for a number of years an Indian trader, and met with many thrilling adventures during his early life among the savages. G. F. Holman moved to Grant County in 1839, and settled in Franklin Township, where he engaged in farming, and where his death oceurred in 1845.' He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and in an early day filled the office of county commissioner. The immediate subject of this sketch was but six years of age when his parents moved to their new home in Grant County, and from that time to the present he has been an honored resident of same, assisting in the growth and taking an active part in its development. He was raised on a farm and early determined to be a tiller of the soil, a resolution he put into effect, and as a farmer he has been more than ordinarily successful. He received the benefits of the common schools, supplemented by a course of home study, thereby obtaining a good English education, which served well as a foundation for a more practical knowledge of men .and things acquired in the school of experience. Mr. Holman was married, March 22, 1855, to Miss Matilda Stevens, daughter of Rev. John Stevens, one of the earliest Methodist ministers of northern Indiana. Mr. Stevens came to Grant County when there were but few sparse settlements within its borders, and for a number of years was actively engaged in preaching the gospel in the cabins of the pioneer residents. He cleared the farm upon which Mr. Holman now lives, and his cabin was the meeting place for the neighborhood for miles around, and at some of these gatherings from forty to fifty guests would be entertained, all eating the meals cooked at the old-fashioned fireplace, and sleeping under the same clapboard roof. Mr. Stevens died March, 1856, beloved and lamented by all. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Holman have been born the following children, namely: Orange R., Della A., Lou, Eva A., Emma and Gertie. Mr. Holman owns a beautiful. farm of 100 acres of well improved land, and is one of the progressive citizens of the county. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM G. HOLMAN was born in Pleasant Township, Grant Co., Ind:, May 22, 1859. He is the only son of Nicholas D. and Minerva (Massey) Holman, of Grant County. William G. was reared on a farm, and his education was obtained from the common schools. September 24, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Edith Fankboner, a native of Grant County, born J anuary 18, 1862. One child was born to them - Edna Pearl - J uly 23, 1883. Mr. Holman has always followed farming, in which he has been quite successful. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican in politics, and one of the industrious men of his community.

CONSTANTINE L. HUMMEL, a native of Washington Township, Grant County, was born September 16, 1846. He is the fourth son in a family of seven children born to Charles and Zenobia ( Lobdell) Hummel, natives of Ohio, the former of Irish and the latter of German extraction. The father was born in Zanesville, Ohio, September 22, 1804; he spent his early life in his native town,. with his father, who was engaged in keeping hotel. In 1831 he came with his father to Grant County, and entered 160 acres of land in Washington Township, where he lived until his death. He was engaged in farming, rafting on the Mississinewa River, also in trading with the Indians. He married Zenobia Lobdell, April 3, 1831, who died October 18, 1874, after bearing the following children: Henry, born January 25, 1833, died October 6, 1837; Leander, born October 21, 1836, died (while serving in the late war) September 21, 1861; John hits born April 20, 1839; Charles, born August 31, 1842, died in the Union Army June 28, 1865; Constantine L., the subject of this sketch; Ellen J., born September 16, 1848, and Sylvester C., born March 22, 1850. Our subject received a good common school education. .At the age of twenty-five years his marriage with Sena Wagoner occurred. She was born in Fayette County, Ind., July 21, 1852. This union was blessed with four children: Zennia M., born November 25, 1872; Charles L., born August 18, 1874; Dolly E., born November 15, 1876, died February 17, 1877, and Henry O., born February 1, 1879. Mrs. Hummel died February 23, 1879. Mr. Hummel again married, May 16, 1880, Clarissa Davis, who died April 17, 1881. One child was born to this union - Minnie E. - born March 16, 1881, and died the following September. April 2, 1882, he married Nancy J. Dicken, daughter of Richard H. Dicken. To them two children have been born: Homer M., December 11, 1882, and Jesse W., February 26, 1886. Mr. Hummel has passed his life engaged in agricultural pursuits, and by his own industry and frugality has secured a pleasant home and a good farm

JAMES E. LEMING, one brother and one sister, Stephen and Sarah, were born to Charles and Mary (Patrick) Leming. The father was a native of Ohio, born March 22, 1799, and died in Grant County in 1857; the mother was a native of Ireland, born March 15, 1816, and came to this country when a child, and at present makes her home with her son, James E. Our subject was born in Shelby County, Ohio, July 23, 1852, and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. When a year anda half old he came with his parents to Grant County and settled upon the farm where he now lives. His education was acquired in the common schools of Grant County. April 22, 1877, he married Angeline Bragg, a native of Randolph County, Ind., born of English descent December 13, 1856. Mr. Leming has always devoted his attention to farming, and his efforts have been more than usually successful. He is now one of the promising young farmers of the township. Politically he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILTON MALOTT was born of French descent in Clermont County, Ohio, in the year 1816. He passed his youth in his native county, receiving a. limited education, owing to the meager educational facilities. At the age of sixteen he began working at the stone and brick mason's trade at Batavia, Ohio, where he continued until nineteen years old. In 1836, with nothing but his trade and his youthful ambition to help him in the world, he came to Marion, which at this time consisted of only a fewcabins. Here he secured work, and thus labored at his trade for a number of years. Mr. Malott was first married to Lovina Crannel, who died in 1839. He married again in 1843, choosing for his second 'wife Elizabeth Piatt, a daughter of John and Catherine Piatt. Mrs. Malott departed this life in 1882. Since 1863 Mr. Malott has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, having at that date located upon his present farm in Pleasant Township, and which consists of seventy-five acres of good Jand, fairly well stocked and under a good state of cultivation. He is the father of the following children: Mary, Margarette, Benjamin, Catherine, Lauretta, Lucy, Edson H., Milton B., Alice, John and George B., five of whom are now living. He is a Republican in politics,

Biographical Sketches, 855

March 7, 1843. His parents, Joel and Hannah (Norman) -Martin, were natives of Ohio, and of German and English extraction. They were among the early pioneers of Grant County, having located in Pleasant Township in 1830, where the father followed farming until his death, which occurred August 28, 1879. Ten children were born to them, namely: Sarah A., born September 16, 1826; Elizabeth, born November 20, 1827 ; John W., born March 27, 1829; Nancy J., born August 18, 1830; Philip, born May 20, 1832; Martha A., born September 19, 1835; Perry L., born March 23, 1837; Warren, born November 16, 1838; Matilda, born June 25, 1841, and our subject, eight of whom are now living. Lewellin received a good common school education, and remained at home working on the farm until nineteen years old, at which time he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, with which he remained until the close of the war. After returning from the service he engaged in farming, which occupation he has steadily followed, and to-day is the owner of a good farm comprising 137 acres. September 17, 1866, he was united in marriage with N ancy Martin, daughter of Philip Martin, a native of Ohio. To them five children have been born, whose names are Perry L., born October 12, 1867; Martha J., born September 21, 1868; Jerome B., born March 17, 1871; John L., born October 19, 1872, and Joel S., born December 21, 1876, all of whom are now living. Mr. Martin is a member of the Christian Church, a Republican in politics, firmly believing in the principles of his party.

JOHN J. MILLER, a citizen of Pleasant Township, was born in Bedford County, Penn., February 20, 1820. His parents were Michael and Susan (Newcomer) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch and Irish ancestry. In 1825 they removed to Richland County, Ohio, and seven years later to Hancock County, Ohio, thence to Putnam County, where they lived five years, and then migrated to Grant County, Ind. They located in the Indian Reserve, Pleasant Township, and here the mother died. John J. grew up on a farm, received a common school education and at an early age went to work as a man, working by the month on a farm and also. in a brick-yard. February, 1865, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Regiment, with which he remained until the close of the war. In 1871 he removed to Jewell County, Kas., where he took a homestead, which he improved and lived upon eight years. Then he returned to Grant County, since which time he has made his home with his son, James A. May 4, 1848, he married Virginia Cain, and to them eight children have been born: Mary E., born March 2, 1849, died when an infant; Susan, born August 14, 1850, died February 22, 1869; James A., born December 28, 1852; David, born March 26, 1855; Abram A., born May 15, 1857; John N., born July 18, 1859; Ammazetta, born November 13, 1861, died October 2, 1862; and Joseph M., born September 7, 1863. Mr. Miller is a consistent supporter of the Democracy and a member of the G. A. R.

WILLIAM PECONGA, a descendant of the chiefs of the Miami tribe, was born in Pleasant Township, Grant Co., Ind., March 15, 1844. He is the eldest son born to Charles and Mary (Robertson) Peconga, the former a native of Grant County, born of American descent about the year 1818, the latter a native of Howard County, Ind., born of American and English descent about the year 1827, and the eldest daughter of Sarah and Moses Robertson. Charles, the father, was the eldest son born to Me-shin-gome-sia and Metackequah, who also had one other son, whose name was Taw-a-taw. The father died in Grant County September 16, 1879, and the mother is still living, a resident of Pleasant Township. Me-shin-go-me-sia, the grandfather of William, died in Grant County in December, 1879, and Metackequah, the grandmother, died September 15, 1879. Our subject has four brothers, Robert, Jacob, Thomas and Peter, and one sister, Mary, all of whom are still living. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood, after which he attended the Baptist Seminary at Ladoga, Ind., for one term, also one term in Marion. By these advantages he secured a fair education. September 2, 1868, he married Frances Godfroy, a native of Wabash County, Ind., born February 29, 1833, and a daughter of Lewis and Jane Godfroy, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Peconga are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Peconga is also a member of the F. & A. M. lodge of La Fontaine and a member of the Marion Chapter and Commandery. Politically he is a Republican, and is an enterprising farmer and an influential citizen.

PETER PECONGA was born in Pleasant Township, Grant County, in about the year 1862, being the fifth son born to Charles and Mary Peconga. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in his native county and attended the district school, from which he obtained a good education. On May 19, 1885, he was married to Sarah Levoncher, a native of Miami County, Ind., and to their union one child has been born, a daughter, named Inis. Mr. Peconga has always followed farming as an occupation, in which he has been quite successful. Politically he is a Republican, and a member of the Baptist Church.

JOHN W. ROGERS, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of Pleasant Township, was born in Huntington County, N. J., November 20, 1819. He is the eldest son born to Aaron and Abigail (Rossel) Rogers, both natives of New Jersey. The father was of English descent, born January 6, 1798, and died from an attack of hydrophobia in Warren County, Ohio, at about the age of fifty-five years. The mother was born in August, 1797, also died in Warren County, Ohio, in 1844. John W., at sixteen years of age, came with his parents to Warren County, Ohio, where he, in 1841, began farming for himself. A year later he removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, and farmed two years, then removed to Preble County where he remained until the spring of 1852. At the latter date he came to Grant County, locating on Section 6, Pleasant Township, where he has ever since lived. January 26, 1841, he was married to Sarah Gillespie, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born October 11, 1816, and a daughter of John and Sarah (McClellan) Gillespie. To this union have been born 'seven children; their names are James, born December 4, 1841, died July 4, 1842; Mary, born September 17, 1843, died January 5, 1845; William H., born September 11, 1845; Sarah A., born October 16, 1848, died September 4, 1860; Martha, born July 12, 1850; John, born December 10, 1852, died November 11, 1854, and George W., born December 27, 1855. Mr. Rogers owns a goodfarm, well improved, and is known as an honest and upright citizen. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and a Prohibitionist in politics, and is one of the warmest advocates of its principles.

STEPHEN M. SHERMAN, a citizen of Jalapa, was born in Rockingham County, Va., February 20, 1829; he is the youngest child born to Jacob and Christina (Sivey) Sherman, both natives of Virginia and of German descent. The parents immigrated to remainder of their lives. Stephen M. was left fatherless when ten years old, and at the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Reuben B. Arnold for three years, with whom he learned the carpenter's trade. He received as wages during this time, $40, Suv and $100 for the three years, respectively. By the time his apprenticeship was finished, his health had become so impaired that he was unable to work at his trade. He took the money thus earned and entered school with a view to fit himself for teaching. During the winter of 1847-48 he taught his first term of school in Logan County, Ohio; since which time he has taught for thirty-eight years, consecutively. After teaching three terms in Ohio he came to Grant County, where he has continuously kept up the work until the winter of 1885 and now ranks among the best educators of the county. October, 1885, he opened up a dry goods and grocery store in Jalapa, which has since received his entire attention. Lucinda Lawson, a native of Grant County, born of English descent June 2, 1837, became his wife March 30, 1856. Mrs. Sherman is the daughter of Shedrick and Phebe (Prickett) Lawson. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman; their names are Mary Catherine, born March 20, 1857, married to M. O. Bish, September 7, 1876, and at present resides at Jalapa; Leona E., born 'October 25, 1858, died May 25, 1860; William M., born April 3, 1862, died August 25, 1879, and Phebe A., born January,20, 1865, died September 23, 1865. Mrs. Sherman is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Sherman is a Democrat in politics, and was the first assessor ever elected in Pleasant Township. He also has held the office of township trustee for eight years. The county has no citizen of greater public spirit and usefulness.

MRS. ELIZA J. SIMMONS whose maiden name was Simmonds, was born in Franklin County, Ind., July 1, 1828; she is the fifth daughter of James and Ann (Frost) Simmonds, natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio, and were of English descent. The father was born October 17, 1797, and died in Rush County, Ind., in October, 1874. The mother was born December 28, 1799, also died in Rush County, February 24, 1855. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom were girls: Mary, Elizabeth, Penthesilea, Ann, Eliza J.. Huldah, Hannah, Louisa, Emeline and Susan. Our subject remained at home with her parents until the age of twenty. On April 19, 1849, she was married to Joel W. Sim- mons, a native of Franklin County, Ind., born September 24, 1823. He was a son of Joab and Sarah (Miller) Simmons, natives of Virginia, and the parents of Augustus, Joseph, Rhoda, Catherine, Elizabeth, Martha and Joel W. in September, 1849, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons removed to Grant County and settled on a farm near Jalapa, where he lived until November 28, 1881. On account of poor health he in company with his wife and daughter Lauretta, went to Eureka Springs, Ark., where his death occurred March 22, 1882. His body was brought back and interred in La Fontaine Cemetery, in Wabash County. Mrs. Simmons is the mother of eight children, seven of whom are living. Their names are James E., born February 21, 1850; Sarah E., born August 3, 1851; Mary A., born March 30, 1853, died February 20, 1855; Charles W., born February 26, 1855; Frank W., born July 17, 1857, Lauretta, born March 8, 1860; Roberta, born March 12, 1862, and Oren J., born February 26, 1564, the latter of whom is at present a student in the Normal College, at Valparaiso, Ind. Mrs. Simmons, with three children, is now comfortably located near Jalapa. She isa faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHARLES W. SIMMONS was born upon the farm where he now resides February 26, 1855, being the second son born to Joel W. and Eliza J. (Simmonds) Simmons. Charles W. was reared by his parents and received a fair education. At twenty-two years of age he began farming on rented land, at which he continued four years, after which he returned to the old home where he has ever since resided. A part of the farm he inherited at his father's death, since which time he has purchased the interests of the other heirs and thus become the sole owner. He now owns a good farm of 144 acres and is a thorough-going, respected citizen and a Republican in politics. Mary J. Renbarger, a native of Pleasant Township, Grant County, born May 9, 1856, became his wife November 5, 1876. To their union have been born five children: Frank, born September 4, 1877; Della, born December 19, 1878; Orren, born November 15, 1880 ; Homer, born February 15, 1882, and Leoti, born April 15, 1885, all of whom are living. Mrs. Simmons is a daughter of Tse and Nancy (Lugar) Renbarger, the former a native of Grant County, of Dutch descent, born December 4,1820, and ason of Henry and Elizabeth (Hatfield ) Renbarger, natives of Kentucky. The mother is a native of Virginia, born February 26, 1822, and is the daughter of George and Margaret Lugar, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Virginia. They were married December 4, 1820. This marriage resulted in the birth of thirteen children as follows: Henry ©., born April 12, 1843; Annie E., born April 3, 1844; Jemima C., born February 22, 1846; George W. T., born April 3, 1847; Susanna, born June 3, 1849; Constantine L., born May 8, 1851; John E., born July 30, 1853; Mary J. (Mrs. Simmons), born May 9, 1856; James B., born June 15, 1857, died February 18, 1863; Isaac H., born May 4, 1858, died July 1, 1864; Alnorie A., born December 4, 1860, and Philip and Phidellas (twins), born May 18, 1863; Phidellas died May 18, 1863. Mr. Renbarger departed this life July 1, 1865, since which time Mrs. Renbarger has been a widow and is at present comfortably located upon a farm of eighty acres one and a fourth miles west of Jalapa. Philip, her youngest son, was married to Mary Jane Stair, a native of Richland Township, Grant County, born September 7, 1865, of Dutch extraction, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (Pearson) Stair. One child has blessed this union.

PERRY SIRK, farmer, of Pleasant Township, is the only child of Jacob and Mary (Rose) Sirk, both of whom were natives of Virginia and of Dutch descent. Our subject was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 3, 1826, and received but a limited education in youth. His father dying when he was but sixteen months old, at an early age the circumstances of his mother's family necessitated his going out and working for himself. He worked for $6 per month, and in this way saved enough in his younger days to purchase the farm he now lives upon. In 1840 he went to Clinton County, Ohio, where he was engaged in merchandising, in New Burlington, for six years, and in 1852 came to Grant County and located where he now lives. May 9, 1852, he was married to Drusilla J. Hurley, who, with four brothers and six sisters, namely: Hiram, William, Harvey, Joseph, Mary E., Susan, Euncie, Lavina, Rachel and Amanda, were born to John and Mary M. (Haines ) Hurley, natives of Ohio and Connecticut, respectively. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sirk: Joseph, born February 8, 1853; Rachel, born August 9, 1857; Emily, born January 1, 1862; Luella, born December 26, 1866; John F., born December 20, 1869; Laura M., born May 17, 1872; Myrtle, born October 15, 1877, and two children who died unnamed. Mr.

Sirk owns 110 acres of good land, is an industrious citizen, and strictly temperate in every respect. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MRS. MELVINA TAWATAW was born in Miami County, Ind., in 1840, Her early life was spent at home with her parents in her native county. March 27, 1864, she was married to Nelson Tawataw, a native of Grant County, Ind. He was reared in his native county, and during the most of his life was engaged in agricultural pursuits. His death occurred October 9, 1879. He was an unassuming citizen, a good husband and father. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tawataw. Their names are Emma, born February 27, 1867; Frances, born July 5, 1868; Ellen, born February 3, 1870; Kimilus, born June 25, 1871; Rosa, born J uly 4, 1873, and Dulcena, born July 19, 1875. Mrs. Tawataw, with her children, own about 500 acres of good land, most of which is in a good state of cultivation. Herself and three daughters, Emma, Frances and Ellen, are faithful members of the Baptist Church.

JOSEPH WINGER, one of the substantial citizens and farmers of Pleasant Township, was born in Roanoke County, Va., April 23, 1825. His parents, Martin and Elizabeth (Frantz) Winger, were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively, and of German descent, both born about the year of 1792 and died in the fall of 1864, near Roann, Wabash Co., Ind., and were interred in Reed's Cemetery near the same place. Our subject spent his early life upon his father's farm in his native county. In the fall of 1847 he immigrated to Grant County, where he remained until the following June, when he removed to Elkhart County, Ind. Here he remained until the following September, when he returned to Virginia. In the fall of 1849 he returned to Indiana, locating upon a farm in Wabash County, upon which he lived six years. December, 1856, he returned to Grant County and located upon a farm which he had previously purchased on Section 18, Pleasant Township. Here he lived until the spring of 1867, when he removed to his present home on Section 19, the same township. August 23, 1849, he was married to Mary M. Dermond, a native of Roanoke County, Va., born of Irish descent August 18, 1829. She bore him three children: John M., born June 16, 1850; Sarah E., born June 25, 1852, died June 21, 1884, and Madison D., born August 27, 1855, died August 11,1870. The wife and mother died January 8, 1856. Mr.

Winger, on December 14, 1856, married Elizabeth Showalter, a native of Preble County, Ohio, born February 7, 1837, and a daughter of Daniel H. and Anna (Brower) Showalter, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. The issue of this union has been eight children: Samuel E., born February 12, 1858, died January 20, 1860; Daniel O., born February 28, 1860; Orlando C., born February 26, 1862; Joseph P., born June 30, 1864; Abigail A., born August 29, 1867; Ida F., born February 3, 1870; Mahlon D. S., born October 2, 1877, and one dying in infancy. Mr. Winger owns a good farm, on which he resides in comfort and happiness. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and a man respected and esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.

JOHN H. WOLF, a native of Ohio, was born July 7, 1843, being the third son in a family of seven children born to Conrad and Hannah (Williams) Wolf, natives of Ohio, the former born March, 1812, and the latter May 14, 1814. They removed to Grant County in 1853, where they resided until their deaths, which occurred March 25, 1883, and March 7, 1883, respectively. John H. received an ordinary education and came with his parents to Grant County. February, 1864, he enlisted in his country's cause in the Twelfth Indiana Battery; with this he served in the battle of Nashville and other minor engagements, receiving his discharge July 7, 1865. He returned to Grant County and the following year began working at the carpenter's trade, at which he continued about twelve years. He then engaged in farming for a time and in connection with which he worked at his trade one year, when he formed a partnership with his brother George and engaged in the manufacture of tile, and in this enterprise has been quite successful, now owning property to the value of $5,000. On April 14, 1875, he married Catherine Ayers, a native of Tipton County, Ind., born December 8, 1854. Three children were born to this union: Charles M., born November 20, 1875; Lizzie B., born March 6, 1881, and one dying in infancy. Mr. Wolf is a member of the Christian Church and the G. A. R.; he has also attained the degree of Knight Templar in Masonry. He isa Republican in politics and a good citizen.

ALFRED Y. YORK, a prominent farmer of the county, was born in Rockingham County, N. C., June 18, 1810. His boyhood days were spent on a farm in his native county. At the age of twenty-three he with his mother, Margaret York, came to Indiana and located on a farm in Randolph County. He afterward went to Wayne County where he worked by the month, and also rented land for one or two seasons. He then returned to Randolph County where he purchased a farm and lived upon it about three years; after which he returned to Wayne County, where he remained until October, 1846, when he came to Grant County and located upon a farm in Pleasant Township. Here he lived over a year, when he removed to an eighty-acre tract, which he had entered on Section 17, the same township. In about 1878 he removed from this to his present home in the south part of the same section. January 7, 1840, he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Brown a native of Monmouth County, N. J., born August 19, 1815, and a daughter of Ezekiel and Sarah (Buckalew) Brown To this union ten children have been born as follows: Margaret J., born November 20, 1840, died in infancy; Rebecca J., born August 8, 1842; Julia E., born May 15, 1844; William B., born November 10, 1845; Allen L., born September 7, 1847; James C., born June 11, 1849, died in infancy; Aaron F., born September 28, 1850; John S., born August 28, 1853; Maribee E., born February 16, 1857, died in about her twentieth year, and Alfred W., born February 10, 1859. Mr. York now resides upon a farm comprising 195 acres of good land; he also owns eighty acres in Richland Township. He and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both are highly esteemed by their neighbors and all who know them.