Salem Township (part 1 of 2)

Salem Township

The township of Salem is situated in the southwest corner of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Jackson, on the east by Steuben, on the south by the county of De Kalb, and on the west by the county of Las^range. It is drained by Turkey and Mud creeks, and contains three ^ood-sized lakes: Turkey, on sections 7 and 18, on the county line; Lime Kiln, on 28 and 29, and Little Turkey, on 35. Then there is Mud Lake, on section 17, and Henry Lake, on the corner of sections 17, 18, 19 and 20. Lake of the Woods extends from Lagrange County, on section 30, and McLish Lake, on section 31. The land of the township was originally covered with a heavy forest of hard-wood timber. Salem is six miles north and south, and nearly six miles east and west, thus containing a little less than thirty-six sections, or nearly 23,000

The first entry of land in Salem Township was made Aug. 26, 1835, by Caleb Hopkins, who entered the west half of the southeast quarter of section 3. A few months after, Kichard Knott entered land and remaine d, leing the first peimauent settler in the town ship. During the next three years a number of settlers came in, among whom were Edward T. Hammond, John Wilson, John Bodley, Benjamin Murphy, C. Lobdell, George Browi), Peter and Angus McKinlay, E. Griswold, B. Sherwin, G. Griswold, E. Teal, Isaac and P. Murphy, D. Wisel, A. Hollister, P.Bundy, C. C. Bodley, David Butler, Ellas Hughes, E. Crusan, Daniel Butler, Jesse Butler, Loren Butler, Avery Emerson, M. Henry, J. Stone^

Eli Teal entered land May 3, 1836, and brought his family into the wilderness on the last day of September in the same year. He drove the team that brought through the first load of goods from Fort Wayne, and he also, in the fall of 1837, built the first frame house in the township. Edward Teal came in at the same time as Eli.

The first church was built in 1841, where the North Church is now situated. The building was begun on a Monday morning, and the work was not stopped until the house was ready for dedication, the following Saturday. This structure was known as the Block Church. The first minister was Elder Stealy, though Elder Locke preached quite frequently. The first school-house was built in 1837, of a very primitive design. The first teacher was Laura Dryer.

Chhrles Bodley (deceased) was born in Onondaga County, N". Y. June 25, 1807, and died Feb. 3, 1881, at Hillsdale, Mich., while on a visit. He came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio early in life. There he was married, and he came to this State and county in 1836, settling in Salem Township. He was a mechanic and assisted in the building of Thompson's mill and other buildings of that early day. Uncle Charles, as he was generally called was the father often children, seven of whom survived him.

George Brown (deceased) was born in Olford, Mass., Feb. 8 1786. March 27, 1808, in Columbia County, K Y., he was married to Miss Betsy Wright, with whom he lived happily more than a quarter of a century, until his death, Dec. 23, 1844. He removed to Lagrange County, this State, in October, 1835, and subsequently settled in Salem Township, this county. Mr. Brown had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and built the first frame house in Angola, for a man named Thomas Gale, in 1836. Although an old man at the time of his death, his widow, nearly as old, survived him more than a third of a century - longer than the average life of man. She died in Salem Township, Oct. 28, 3880 at the age of ninety years and four days. She was at that date mother of eleven children (nine of whom survived her), grandmother of sixty-three, and great-grandmother of sixty-seven. She had been a member of the Presbyterian church for more than seventy-five years.

Franklin Co., Mass., April 7, 1797. He removed with his parents to Bethany Township, Genesee Co., IS. Y., in 1815, and was married in 1820. In 1844 he removed to Michigan, and in 1845 he came with his family to Salem Township, this county, where he lived until his death, Feb. 15, 1879, aged nearly eighty-one years. He was not among the first settlers, but he experienced the privations and hardships of a pioneer life in clearing up a new farm. Possessing a vigorous constitution and a will to do, his new home soon presented the appearance of belonging lo the group of pioneer homes. Although prosperous in gaining a competency, he was many times forced to drink deep of sorrow's bitter cup. One after another his children passed the dark river. During the gold excitement his only son went to California, which cast a deep shadow over the household, and while the parents' hearts were made light with the news that their son was coming home, tidings came that he was drovvned. A few years later his youngest daughter was stricken down. One child was left to comfort his widow. Mr. Holden was a good neighbor, a loyal citizen and an upright man.

Abijah D. Parsell (deceased) was born in Essex County, N. J., Oct. 25, 1827, and was brought by his parents in 1836 to this State and county, where they settled on a farm in Salem Township. Dec. 4, 1851, Mr. Parsell was married to Jane T. Alcott. They resided on a farm in Salem Township until the spring of 1878, when they removed to Angola. Here Mr. Parsell engaged in the grocery trade, which was his business when he died, Nov. 11, 1882, aged fifty-five years and sixteen days. He left a wife and three children, and manv friends.

Abraham Shaffstall (deceased) was born Feb. 8, 1809, and came to Steuben County in 1854. He resided in Salem Township, this county, nearly a quarter of a century, and in April, 1879, removed to Kansas and purchased a farm. He died in Lincoln County, Kas., July 10, 1880, the cause of his death being concussion of the brain, resulting from his being thrown down by a calf he was leading. As he fell the back of his head came in contact with the hard ground. He lived forty-eight hours after the accident. His age at death was seventy-one years, five months and two days.

Christian Shaff'stall (deceased) was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Aug. 23, 1807, and was married to Christina Rowe Furney, Nov. 28, 1830. In the spring following his marriage he emigrated to Crawford County, Ohio, settling upon and opening up a new farm, on which he lived until 1845. He then removed to Salem

Township, this county, and commenced work upon a tract of 160 acres. Mr. Shaffstall died at the family residence Nov. 15, 1880, aged seventy-three years, two months and twenty-three days, and left the companion of his life, as well as eight sons and daughters (all married) to mourn the loss of a kind husband and loving father. He was a constant member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty-six years.

John Slick (deceased), long known as the oldest inhabitant of Salem Township, was born in Prussia, Dec. 18, 1785, and lived in that country with his parents until he arrived at his twentieth year. He was then pressed into the military service of Napoleon Bonaparte, in which he remained under the immediate command of Marshal Ney about four years, during Napoleon's war with Spain. He finally deserted and went to Lisbon, where, finding an English ship bound tor Liverpool, he took passage for England . Soon after arriving in the British realm, he was again pressed into the naval service, at the beginning of the war of 1812. He remained with the British army three and a half years, during vvhicli time he was in the principal engagements between the British and the United States. But English service suited him no better than French, and being one night placed on picket near the American forces, he quietly left his post and crossed the river; finding our sentinel asleep on his post he waked him and expressed a desire to go into camp. This ended his service as a soldier. He soon after settled in the village of Rush, near Rochester, N. Y., where, in the year 1815 he married Mary Hempstead, who remained a faithful companion to him during the remainder of his long life. Early in the history of Steuben County he left Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and settled in Salem Township, this county, where he resided for forty years, half a mile south of Salem Center. During his latter years Mr. Slick's advanced age and eventful life made him an interesting conversationalist. It was really entertaininoto hear him narrate his narrow escapes from prison and death, and he took great delight in relating them and exhibiting his scars to verify the truth of his statements. He died at his home in Salem Township, Thursday, July 31, 1879, aged ninety-three years and seven months. He left a wife, aged seventy-eight, two sons, three daughters, thirty -six grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren. The wife has since died, at the age of eighty-five years.

Fairfield County. Sept. 1, 1836, be left the Buckeye State, and emigrated with his family to Indiana, settling in Steuben County. About 1865 he moved to Lagrange County, in which he resided over fifteen years. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church when twenty years old. Before Steuben County was organized he started a class at Cruson's Corners, Salem Township. In 1854 he lost his first wife, and five months afterward he was married to a Mrs. Myers. He died at home June 29, 1880, being seventy-two years, five months and nine days old.

John Wilson (deceased) was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Feb. 6, 1800, and when quite young removed with his father's family to the State of New York. At or about the time of his majority he went to Kichland County, Ohio, where he wis married to Miss Dinah Bodley, Jan. 18, 1821. He settled in Salem Township, Oct. 1, 1836, on the land since known as the Loughrey farm, and here he and his most estimable wife commenced a new home in the wilderness. He was the father of nine children, six girls and three boys, seven of whom survived him, and six of whom were present at his funeral, which took place at the Presbyterian church in Salem, Nov. 5, 1880. His death occurred at the residence of Samuel W. Brown, in Salem Township, Nov. 3, 1880, when he was eighty years, eight months and twentj'-seven days old. He united with the Presbyterian church at the age of twenty, and when he came to Steuben County brought his religion with him, and after building a cabin invited his neighbors in to hold reli'»-ious meetings. These consisted of reading of sermons, prayer and conference. He also organized a Sabbath-school, the first one in Salem Township, in connection with the other religious services. In 1839 the Presbyterian church of Salem was organized at his house, with him as Ruling Elder. In 181:0 his wife died, and, after about ten years, his children being scattered by marriage, he sold his farm, and soon after went to live with his third daughter, Mrs. S, W. Brown, with whom he continued to reside up to the time of his death. He was an affectionate and tender husband and father, a warm and congenial friend, and a true and consistent Christian. After the death of his wife he appeared to be only waiting for the summons to call him to unite with her in the better land where there will be no parting. There was a good old man who passed away at a mature age, as a candle that has burned out; and he was missed by his relatives, his friends and neighbors, and not least by his church and Sunday-school.

History Of Steuben Countt

Orson Woodtbrd (deceased), son of James and Urania Woodford, was born in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and died at Salem Oentery this county, July 14, 1882, aged seventy-seven years, six months and eight days. He was married to Jane L. North, in Cayuga County, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1832, and moved to Plymouth, Kichland Co., Ohio, in 1839 or 1840. His wife died Sept. 30, 1849, having been the mother of five children. Mr. "Woodford was a second time married, April 29, 1850, at Plymouth, Ohio, to Martha C. Bodley, and three years later he and family removed to this State and county, settling in Salem Township.

Salem Township now contains many highly cultivated farms, which indicate the tirelpss energy of the early settlers, who cleared away the mighty forests, and they and their descendants have made the waste places "bud and blossom as the rose." There are three postoffices in the township - Hudson, Salem Center and Turkey Creek. The first named is in the southeast corner, on the line between Salem and Steuben townships. Salem Center is a mile north of the center of the township, while Turkey Creek is situated on the creek of the same name in the southwestern part of the township.

Salem Centee

Salem Center was never platted as a village, but has for many years supported two mercantile establishments doing a very respectable business, beside considerable other trade. The history of the village began in 1843, when W. H. Austin and Edward Wright opened the first store, a block structure erected by Mr. Austin on the present site of Hammond, Dole & Co.'s store. Two years later Wright bought the interest of his partner, and after a time was succeeded by Adolphus Gale, who, in turn, sold to W. W. Braden. Dr. Joseph C. Kimsey bought this building and converted the timbers into fuel, the lot having been purchased by James Richards, who erected thereon a frame building, the first story of which he used for a time as a work shop, and the upper story was used as a lodge-room by the Masonic fraternity. About 1862 E. T, Hammond and Casper Conger bought this building a- d fitted it up for a store, into which they put a stock of goods in 1864. The following year Mr. Hammond became sole proprietor, and after a time he sold to John Carey, who carried on the business for several years, and was burned out in the autumn of 1871. He soon after rebuilt on the same lot, and sold to T. J. Warner.

Among the well-remembered business men of Salem Center was Elder Ball, who opened a store about 1858, and sold to Dr. Kimsey in 1866. Hogan & Van Pelt engaged in business on tlie southwest corner a number of years ago, but this store had a short ex- . istence, and was succeeded by a harness shop, which was also short lived. A wagon shop was built by Amos Kirkwodd, who ran the same for a number of years. The Masonic fraternity bouglit this building, and used the upper floor as a lodge-room. The Masons sold the building to Richardson & Teal, who opened therein a hardware store, the first in the village. In February, 1882, the property was bought by David Haskins, the present hardware

One of the early business enterprises of Salem Center was an asherv built by the first merchants above mentioned, Austin & A pottery also flourished for a time here.

In the winter of 1848-9 a mail-route was established between Auhnrn and Orland, and Salem Center became a postoflice on this - route. David Wisel was the first Postmaster, and served till 1853, when he removed to Fillmore County, Minn., and the oflSce passed into the hands of Walter Braden, who was succei^ded three years later by Orson Woodford. In 1856 Silas Conger was appointed, and after Buchanan's administration Orson Woodford came in ao-ain though during his second term the office was generally in ciiaro-e of W. E. Kimsey, his assistant. Then came John Carey,

An organization in which the people of the village and township feel a just pride is the Salem Center Cornet Band, which was organized in the spring of 1874. The first members were Ira E. Woodfoni, William E. Kimsey, Frank Dewitt, Fred Sanxter, S. W. Mc Henry, E. C. Herrick, A.. K. Hammond, George Mc Henry and Irvin Loughrey. Their first instructor was Joseph McCabe; their second, P. Y. P. Smith, a superior teacher and composer, under whose instruction the band attained to great proficiency. They won the first prize at a band tournament of Steuben County bands, held at Angola, July 4, 1883, and has always sustained a high reputation for excellence. The members in 1885 are: Prof. Gny C. Bodley and Frank R. Tubbs, E flat cornet; A. D. Stephenson, 1st B flat; A. K. Hammond, 2d B flat; Charles Bruwn, 3d B flat; George Packer, solo alto; Guy Conklin, 1st alto; William E. Gillespie, 2d alto;F. Dole, 1st tenor; G. Elliott, 2d tenor; W. E. Kimsey, baritone; G. F. Amerman, B flat base; Frank Woodford, tuba; P. H. Gunsaullus, drummer. The officers are: Prof. G. C. Bodley, Director; Frank R. Tubbs, Leader; G. F. Amerman, Military Commander; W. E. Kimsey, Secretary and Treasurer.

McLane Post, No. 342, G. A. R., was mustered May 3, 1884, with the following sixteen charter members: Samuel Parker, D. R. Wisel, Peter Putter, John D. Dewitt, Samuel Yan Pelt, J. C. Kimsey, Thomas Havens, M. B. Butler, Andrew Wolf, Hugh Menagh, L. N. McLain, G. W. Strauser, William Dewitt, John Haines, D. S. Gillespie and A. Sams, The post was organized with Samuel Parker as Com.; M. B. Butler, Adj.; and Thomas Haines, Q. M. There are at present twenty menjbers. D. R. Wisel is Com. ; C. Brown, Adj.; E. D. Gunsaullus, Q. M.

Huds )n was first platted in August, 1869, by Elizabeth Clark and others. Ferguson, FuUerton and Rapp made additions to the original plat. These were all on secti on 31, township 36, range 13. Leauder Brugh and Joseph Zongkers have each made additions on section 36, township 36, range 12. Hudson was intended for a large town, being situated on the line of the prospective Canada

Southern Railroad. But this village did not feel the collapse of that railroad scheme as did some of the neighboring towns. It is surrounded by a very fertile country, and is doing a thriving business. Its population is about 400.

In ISSSJosephandJolin Miller erected the saw-mill, now (1885) owned by John Ritter. This mill was not on the village plat, but just south of Brugh's addition. In about 1865 a small store was opened near the mill, by Michael Miller; Miller sold out to Ira AUerton, who increased the stock of goods, and in 1867 sold to Keller & Son. These were the tirst bushiess enterprises of what is n..w known as Hudson. In 1867 Mrs. Elizabeth Clark caused to be laid out nine half-acre lots on the southwest quarter of section 31, in Steuben Township. These lots were platted and placed on record and called the village of North Benton, which is still the proper name for the town, though it is generally known as Hudson, the name of the postoffice.

Ira Allerton erected the first house on the plat, which he sold to a man named Davis, who opened a small store in a part of the house; at about the same time Mr. Keller, before referred to, opjiied a store on the plat, he liaving purchased a lot of Mrs.Clark, and erected thereon a store building.

The most important part of the village of Hudson, and the part on which are all business houses of the town, is Brugh's addition the history of which is as follows:

In the spring of 1873, when work was in progress on the proposed Chicago & Canada Railroad, Leander Brugh engaged E. N. Woodford, of Motz, then Surveyor of Steuben County, to survey into village lots twenty-two acres of the southeast quarter of section 36, extending on the east to the township line, between Salem and Steuben Townships. This plat was on the farm of Mr. Brugh, who was the proprietor of the plat. The only buildings on the plat at the time of the survey were the dwelling and barn of Mr. Brugh. The prospect of an early completion of the railroad, was then quite favorable, and lots were at once in great demand.

The first business lot was sold by Mr. Brugh to Ira Allertcn, who immediately began the erection thereon of a two-story store building; and Mr. Allerton opened the tirst store in the early fall of 1873. The second lot was sold immediately after, to J. S. Moore, of Auburn, who immediately began the erection of a hotel, which \\ as completed and occupied in 1874.

the same time. Dwellings were erected in that summer by Dr. E. Baker, David Ferrier, Ira Allerton, Daniel Dole and a few others. The first wagon-maker was Nelson H. Way, who in 1874 erected a shop on lot No. 2. The first blacksmith was Jacob Slaybaugh, The first cabinet shop was opened by J. Pensinger. Not long after another cabinet shop was opened by John Shaffstall, who is still in the business. The first drug store was opened by Dr. Miller in 1874, who continued in the drug and grocery business for several years, and then removed to Farmer's Center, Ohio. William Hibbards was the first harness-maker. The first hardware store was opened in 1880 by Henry Sanders, who continued for several years, and sold out to Harry Difiinbaugh, the present hardware dealer. The first practicing physician was Dr. T. G. Matheny.

The only church on the village plat is a Methodist Episcopal church, built in 1874. This is a frame, costing about $3,700. The building is 34 x 56 feet, with a seating capacity of about 400. A Methodist class was formed in 1854 by Joseph Miller, a local minister of the church, who still resides here. The first members of the class were Joseph Miller and wife, Samuel Greenamyer and wife, David Frederick and wife, John Ritter and wife, James Geper and wife, Jesse Rutan and wife and a few others. The first meetings were held at private residences. A class had previously been organized but was for various reasons discontinued. The present society has had regular preaching since its organization in 1854. It has a membership of about sixty with about the same number of pupils in the Sunday-school.

The Hudson Holler Mills are owned and operated by Alexander Fullerton and his son-in-law, Samuel Ferguson. The mill is operat( d by steam-power, and was started in December, 1866. In the summer of that year Mr. Fullerton came here from Seneca County, Ohio, town of Fostoria, and brought with him the entire machinery for a grist-mill, including engines, boiler, burrs, etc. The entire machinery had been owned by Messrs. Fullerton and Ferguson in Ohio. Mr, Ferguson sold his interest before the mill was removed here, to Ananias Rapp and Ira Allerton. each of the gentlemen, Fullerton, Rapp and Allerton, possessing a third interest in the mill. The machinery was put up in the present mill building, and grinding began as stated in December following. The mill then contained three run of burrs. About the time the mill started

Messrs. Fullerton and Rapp bought the interest of Mr. Allerton. Mr. Ferguson bought a third interest in 1868. Mr. Rapp sold his interest to the other owners in 1870. Mr, Ferguson has owned a half interest in the mill since he bought it in 1868. Mr. FuUerton's interest has changed hands a few times, but the present firm of Ferguson & Fullerton has existed since August, 1884. In the fall of 1884 very important additions were made to the mill. Three full sets of Nordyke & Marmon rollers were substituted for the burrs, and all other machinery necessary for a first-class flouring mill, including purifiers and centrifugal reel; also u cornsheller, with a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day. This mill does first-class work. The mill has a flouring capacity of sixty barrels per day. It does a large and increasing business, and is not excelled in the quality of its work by any mill in Northern Indiana. The mill is in charge of Mr. Ferguson, who is a practical miller of more than twenty years experience.

David Ferrier was the first Postmaster of Hudson, and was succeeded by H. K. Leas. Then came Frank Zimmerman, who was succeeded by John Wagner, the present incumbent, in October, 1883.

By authority of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, Hiawatha Lodge, No. 528, F. & A. M., was organized May 23, 1876, by the officers of Corinthian Lodge, at Flint, Steuben County. The first officers elected were: Seaman L. Dart, W. M. ; Eli D. Cox, S. W. ; John C. Heny, J. W. ; Charles Schimpfi', Treas. ; John H. Gray, Sec; William Wilsey, S. D. ; Martin V. Leas, J. D.; Peter Miller, Tyler. This lodge has been quite successful. It has a pleasant lodge room, which was purchased in 1882. The lodge numbers about thirty members. The officers of 1885 are: John

D. Cox, Chaplain. S. D. Aldrich Post, No. 138, G. A. R., was organized at Hudson, March 3, 1883. The first officers were: Wm. A. Greenamyer, Commander; J. C. Whysong, Sr. Vice-Corn.; Charles Brown, Jr. Yice-Com. ; T. Ray Morrison, Adjutant; Ananias Rapp, Quartermaster; Thomas Kannouse, Surgeon; J. C. Mead, Chaplain; Thomas Green, Officer of the Day; D. B. Chilcoat, Officer of the Guard ; A. B. Mathews, Sergt. Major. The charter members besides those already mentioned as first officers were: Orin Campk.

bell, David S. Irish, Henry Harbaugh, Charles Clink, Simon Dahuff and John Will. The post is in a prosperous condition and is now composed of about thirty wide-awake working members. The officers for 1885 are: Wra. A. Greenamyer, Commander; Henry Heckathorn, Sr. Yice-Com. ; Jerry Miller, Jr. Vice-Com ; Peter Snowbarger, Officer of the Day; J. Anderson, Officer of the Guard ;T. Ray Morrison, Adj; John C. "Whysong, Quartermaster; A. Diffinbangh, Snrg-eon; David Frederick, Chaplain; Oscar Thrasher Sergr.-Major; Orin Campbell, Quartermaster-Sergeant.

Fires At Hudson

In December, 1882, the general store of Ira Allerton was burned, involving a loss to Mr. Allerton of about $2,000 on goods. This fire was a<tcidental. The building was owned by William Getz, and was insured for $1,000, of which $800 was paid. By far the most destructive fire that has visited Hudson occurred in December, 1884. Dr. Hamilton, in whose house the fire originated, sustained the heaviest loss. The Doctor occupied the second story of the building as a dwelling and offi-je. The lower story was used by William Ferrier as a drug store. The Doctor lost all his household goods, surgical instruments, etc.; in fact, saved nothing but an organ. A portion of the goods of Mr. Ferrier were burned. Dr. A. G. Parsell & Son, general merchants, lost their store building, worth $1,000, and sustained a loss on goods of about the same amount. David Heckathorn lost a store building of the same size as Dr. Parsell's, occupied by William Day as a saloon. Fred Harris had three billiard tables in this building, which were burned, involving quite a heavy loss to Mr. Howard.

Present Business Firms

Those now in business at North Benton, or Hudson, are: Parsell & Son, general merchants; Wm. H. Marble, general merchant; Abraham Diffenbaugh, general merchant; Harry D. Diffenbaugh, hardware; John H. Wagner, druggist; Joseph Ketchum, druggist; Scott Lotzenheiser, tin-shop; John Shaffstall, furniture and undertaking; John S. Moore, Benton House; Mrs. Daniel shop; A. McDowell, blacksmith; Peter Miller, blacksmith; Isaac Keller, shoe and harness maker; Henry Meese, harness-maker; Day & Kistler, house, carriage and sign painters; Ferguson & Fuller'on, fiouring-mill; Frederick Ritter, saw-mill; Miller Bros., chair factury; Francis A. Johnson, caiie-inill; George Simons, meat-market; J- H. Hathaway, barber; T. Raj Morrison, plijsician; F. C. Hamilton, physician; Alonzo Teeters, Justice of the Peace; Joseph Ketchnm, Justice of tlie Peace (for Steuben Township); J. S. Moore, Constable; Ira AUerton, Notary Public; Leander Briigh, School Director; T. Ray Morrison, School Director; Aijuanias Rapp, carpenter and machinist; Alonzo Teeters, carpenter; Daniel Dole, carpenter; John Dole, carpenter; Allen Brugh, plasterer and stone mason ; Joseph Greenough, mason and plasterer; Michael Frederick and Adam Weeks, auctioneers.

Turkey Creek

Turkey Creek was platted by Porter Johnson, in March, 1857, on section 29. It has never attained much importance as a village, but its convenient country store has saved the people of the surrounding country many miles of travel in obtaining necessary supplies.

There are five religious organizations in Salem Township. A Presbyterian society, whose church buildmg is on section 4; two organizations of the M. E. church, one at Hudson and the other at Salem Center; a ''Reformed church" organization, with church building on section 11; and a '"Church of God," or Winebrennerian church, on section 32. The first to organize in Salem Township were the Presbyterians and the Methodists.

Salem First Presbyterian Church is located on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 4. It is a frame structure, 40 X 60 feet, and was built in 1868 at a cost of about $3,000, by the Presbyterian and United Brethren societies, and was used fur a number of years by both these denominations, and was known as the Union Church of Salem Township. It is now owned entirely by the Presbyterian society. Presbyterian services were held in the spring of 183S at the house of John Wilson, on section 3. A minister by the name of Parmelee conducted the services. The society was organized at the log cabin of Mr. Wilson in the fall of the same year, services being conducted on the occasion by Re\. Royal Littlefield. The members who composed the society as organized at that time were: John Wilson and wife, George Brown and wife and son, George Brown, Jr., Mrs. Fanny Butler, Mrs.Meleta Butler, Sarah and Catherine McKinlay and Moses S. Parsell and wife, with perhaps a few others whose names are not recalled. The only ruling member elected at the time of organization was John Wilson. Moses S. Parsell and George Brown were elected as officers of the church the following year, but the former died soon sfter and George Brown, Sr., and John Wilson served for several years. Services were held at the house of Mr. Wilson till the fall of 1839. Mr. Wilson, who was a zealous worker in the cause, organized a Sunday-school at his house in the spring previous to the organization of the church. This was the first Sunda\-8chool in the township and Mr. Wilson was the first Sabbath-school Superintendent. In the fall of 1839 a log school-house was erected on the site of the present church which was used till the building of the " Block Church" by the Methodists, near the present Presbyterian church, which was the first built in the county. The Presbyterians also held services in this church till the building of what was known as the " Singing house," which was partially built by public contribution and intended as a place of general public entertainment; it was finished by the Presbyterians and Methodists with the understanding that they were to use the building for religious purposes. This building was then used for religious purposes by both the Presbyterians and Methodists till the building of their respective churches in 1868. Among the early ministers of this denomination, besides those mentioned were: Rev. Christopher Corey, who succeeded Rev. Littlefield, and then came a young man whose name is not remembered, but who remained for a short time; then came Rev. Mr. Chapin, who preached several years. The church was next several years without regular preaching. Then came Rev. Jacob Patch, who reorganized the church and was its pastor for ten or twelve years. Then came Rev, Mr. Kidder, who remained two or three years. The next regular mini,ster was Rev. Robert D. McCarthy, who was the first Pastor after the church was built, and he was followed by Rev. Haliday. Several others preached for a short time and then came Rev. Mr. Christine, who was the last pastor. A Sunday-school has always been supported, which was union in its character and not denominational.

A class of the M. E. church was organized at the house of Robert Bell, on section 4, in 1838, The first members of that class, so far as remembered, were: Robert Bell and wife, Edward T. Hammond and wife, Mrs. Mary Butler, and probably a few others whose names are not remembered. Services were held at private houses for some time, and later at the log school-house on section 4. The first Methodist church was known as the Block Church on section 3. Later, services were held at the Singing house, on section 3. The present M. E. church building at Salem Center was built in 1868, cost about $3,000 and was dedicated Jan. 8, 1869, by Eev. Mr. Gray, of Chicago. Rev. Joseph Sellers was the preacher in charge at that time. The succeeding pastors were: Revs. Geo. W. Howe, Brawn, Curtis, Mott, Bacon, Pedacord, Johnson, Pascal and Ramsy. The church has always sustained a Sunday-school. The present membership of the church is thirty-three.

The population of the township in 1870 was 1,385; in 1880, 1,- 560 - an increase of 175. The present density of population is 44 per square mile.

The following leading crop statistics are for the last census year - 1880: Acres of wheat sown, 3,713; average yield per acre, 18 bushels; total crop, 66,834 bushels; acres of corn, 2,076; average yield per acre, 20 bushels; total crop, 41,520 bushels; acres of oats, 587; average yield per acre, 25 bushels; total crop, 14,675 bushels: acres of meadow, 584; average yield per acre, 2 tons; total crop, 1, 168 tons of hay; acres of potatoes, 103; average yield per acre, 40; total crop, 4,120 bushels.

In politics, Salem Township has been Republican since the organization of the party, before which time it was Democratic except in 1840, when it gave a Whig majority of 12. The smallest plurality the township ever gave was 10 Democratic, in 1844; the largest was 96 Republican, in 1856. The following statement of the presidential vote since 1840 shows the political complexion of the township in the different presidential years, and also indicates the growth in population:

Biographical

Levi N. Bodley, section 8, Salem Township, was born in Plymouth, Richland Co., Ohio, in 1830, a son of William and' Sally Bodlej. His rather died in Eichland County, March 8, 1861, and his mother in Anojola, March 2, 1879. Their family consisted of thirteen children; all but four of thechil.iren have lived in Steuben County, lud. But three now live in the county. Father and sons politically were Republicans. In 1860 the father and four sons voted for Abraham Lincoln and four days alter his inauguration the father died. Three of the sons served in the war of the Rebellion. Levi N. was a member uf Company K, Twenty-ninth Lidiana Infantry, from October, 1864, till the close of the war. Thomas, a yuunger brother, was Lieutenant of Company D, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, and was killed at Chickamauga in September, 1863. Levi N. Bodley came to Steuben County, Ind., in the fall of 1851, and with the exception of two years in De Kalb County has since made tiiis his home. He married Mary J. Butler, who came with her father, Jesse Butler, to Steuben County in 1838. They have six children - Jesse W., Guy C, Nora G. (wife of G. Elliott), Susan E., Fiemming W. and Isaac D. Their eldest son - Warren V. died in infancy.

Charles Brown is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born in 181:3. He came from Fulton County, Ohio, to Steuben County, Ind., in November, 1869, and settled on section 14, Salem Township. In the fall of 1877 he bought what is known as the Dutch mill, a saw-mill on section 13. It is run by steam-power, and has a capacity for cutting 4,000 feet of lumber per day. Sept. 7, 1861, Mr. Brown enlisted in the Fifteenth Ohio Infantry and served three years. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River and Chickamauga. At the latter place, Sept. 19, 1863, he was wounded and taken prisoner. He was confined in Libby Prison a few days and then taken to the xllabama hospital where he remained till Nov. 18, following, when he was paroled and was exchanged at Camp Chase the following June. He has never fully recovered from the eflects of his wounds and the subsequent exposure and hardships. He married Harriet Sophia Amerman, daughter of

Samuel W. Brown, section 2, Salem Township, is a son of George Brown, one of the first settlers of the township. George Brown was born in Oxford, Mass., Feb. 8, 1786. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and subsequently went to Columbia County, N. Y. He married Betsey "Wright, a native of Massachusetts, born Oct. .21, 1790. In 1837 they came to Indiana and settled on section 2, Salem Township, Steuben County, \^here he died Dec. 23, 1844. His wife died in 1880. They had a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, nine of whom are living. Samuel W. Brown was born in the State of New York, March 18, 1823. He married Elizabeth C. Wilson, a native of Kichland County, Ohio, born in 1826, a daughter of John Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Brown jiave had six children, only one of whom is living - Estella D., widow of Ira Woodford. Mr. Woodford died in October, 1884, leaving one child - Kuth Estella.

Leander Brugh is the eldest of twelve children of George Brugh, who with his family settled in Steuben County in 1847. George Brugh was born in Pennsylvania in 1814 and when a boy moved to Columbiana County, and thence to Seneca County, where he married Catherine Clemens, also a native of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1847 he came to Steuben County with a brother-in-law, William Clemens, who returned to Ohio. He was killed in the Ashtabula bridge disaster, on the Lake Shore Railroad, in December, 1877. Mr. Brugh bought eighty acres of land on section 16, Pleasant Township. He returned to Ohio and the following spring moved with his family to this county and located on his land. They came with teams and were accompanied by several other families, none of whom settled in Steuben County except his younger brother, Williaiu, who settled in Angola, where he lived a number of years, then moved to Salem Township and thence ten years later to Fulton County, Ind. Mr. Brugh erected a log house on his land and remained in Pleasant Township till 1852, when he moved to Salem Township and settled on section 2, where he remained till his death in 1856. His wife is living in Hudson. Leander Brugh was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1839, and has been a resident of Steuben County since 1848. He iias always engaged in agricultural pursuits and has lived on his present farm since 1865. The part of Hudson that is in Salem Township is a part of his original farm. He platted and was the proprietor of that part of the village. He is one of the well-known, public-spirited citizens of Steuben County, and the success of Hudson is due, to a large extent, to his enterprise. In the summer of 1878 he built his fine brick residence, which is a model of neatness and architectural beauty. Mr. Bnigh was married in 1862 to Susan Smithy a daughter of Daniel Smith. They have had five children - Ginevra, Ortha, Byron (deceased), Avery and Hurma, the eldest of whom is married to Sumner Bixler, a practical druggist of Angola.

Henry P. and Marvin B. Butler are sons of Daniel Butler, one of the first settlers of Salem Township. Daniel Butler was born in Grand Isle County, Yt., Nov. 28, 1793. He married Mary Prentice, a native of the same section of country. A friend, Adolphus Town, had settled in Jackson Township, Steuben Co., Ind., and sending back favorable reports of the country, Mr. Butler determined to move West and make a home for his family. In the early part of June, 1838, he left Yermont in company with his brothers, Loren and Jesse, and their families, and was four weeks on the route, going to Albany, N. 7., thence to Buflfalo by the Erie Canal and by the lake to Toledo. He left his family at Toledo while he went into the interior and purchased ox-teams with which he conveyed his family to Steuben County, arriving in July. The three brothers purchased 500 acres on sections 5 and 8, Salem Township, on which they located and improved farms. Daniel's farm consisted of the east half of the southwest quarter of section 5, and the east half of the northwest quarter of section 8, and the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 8, containing 200 acres, where he lived till his death in 1847. His wife died in 1879. They had a family of five children - Susan, of Angola; Harriet, deceased; Henry P., Marvin B., and Helen M., wife of David Gillespie. Henry P. was born in Yermont, March 16, 1831. He married Phoebe Clark, daughter of Matthew Clark. They have three children - Melvin C, Wallace J. and Alberta M. In the fall of 1877 he was elected to the State Legislature and served one term. Marvin B. was born Feb. 15, 1834. He married Harriet M. Fuller, daughter of Elsley Fuller. They have two children - Benjamin M. and Harry M. The Butler brothers are among the prominent citizens of Steuben County. Politically they are Republicans, and both earnest and practical temperance men. In ante-bellum days their home was on the line of the underground railroad, and was often the refuge of runaway slaves, many of whom were sheltered and assisted on their way to freedom. Marvin B.

enlisted Aug. 25, 1861, in Company A, Forty-fourth Regiment ludiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private; was soon after appointed Orderly Sergeant. Sept. 25, 1862, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and November of the same year to First Lieutenant. He participated in the siege and capture of Fort Donelson, where his health was injured by exposure and he was sent home on sick leave. He joined his regiment in July, 1862, at Battle Creek. He afterward took part in the battles of Perryville and Stone River, but owing to continued ill-health he resigned in May, 1863. The following fall he was elected Recorder and served two terms. In the fall of 1872 he was elected County Auditor and served four years. He then engaged in the mercantile business in Angola, the firm being Lewis & Butler. Retiring from the firm he returned to the old homestead and is now engaged with his brother, Henry P., in general farming and milling.

Seymour S. Butler, deceased, was born in Grand Isle, Vt., Jan. 24, 1832, a son of Jesse Butler, one of the three brothers who settled in Salem Township in 1838. He remained on his father's farm till after his marriage and then bought the farm on section 9, where his family now live, and where he died April 20, 1882. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving nine months in the Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry. He married Albina L. Conger, daughter of Silas and Hannah (Titus) Conger, natives of New York, the father of Albany County, born Jan. 7, 1800, and the mother of Delaware County, born Oct. 30, 1803. To Mr. and Mrs. Butler were born eight children, four of whom are living - Roelif E., Loren W., Ora S. and Fred H. Their eldest, a daughter, died in early infancy. Selwyn L., Omer C. and Sidney M. all died in childhood. In 1834 Mrs. Butler's parents moved to Huron County, and in 1843 to Richland County, Ohio, where her mother died the 30th of the following September. In 1849 the father and all his children, save the eldest son, came to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on the farm now owned by Benjamin Silva. He subsequently moved to South Bend, where he died Nov. 25, 1869. He was married again after coming to Steuben County, and his wife died in Salem Township. His family consisted of six children, all of whom are living - Nancy O., widow of J. C. Bodley ; Casper K., of Nebraska; Morrissa, wife of M. C. Markle; Albina, widow of S. S. Butler; Pembroke S., of Missouri; Selwyn, of Nebraska; Delmar, of Chicago. Two sons, Pembroke and Selwyn, were members of the Twenty-first Indiana Infantry, afterward the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, in the war of the Rebellion.

History Of Steuben Counts'

Charles Clink was born iu Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1838, a son of George and Catherine Clink. He was reared and educated in his native county, remaining there till twenty years of age when he came to Steuben County, Ind. He lived in Steuben Township about three years, and then returned to Ohio. In the spring of 1861 he came again to Steuben County, and Aug. 25, enlisted in Company A, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. After serving two years he was discharged with his regiment at Chattanooga, for the purpose of re-enlisting, and then served till Sept. 14, 1865. He served in the ranks about three years and then was promoted to Sergeant. He participated in all the battles of his regiment except Shiloh, when he was on the sick list, although he was on the field part of the time. Among the more important of the battles of the regiment were Fort Dorielson, Stone River, and Chickamauga. After his return to Steuben County he married Catherine Bitter, daughter of Henry Ritter, of Steuben Township. They have five children - Mary C, Jennie E., Carrie M., Mattie L. and Nellie. One daughter, Laura E., died in her seventh year. In April, 1869, Mr. Clink bought a farm of 120 acres, eighty acres on section 14 and forty acres on section 23, Salem Township, where he has since lived. His residence is located on section 14. He learned the carpenter's trade in his youth, and has always given his attention to it in a greater or less degree. His farm is one of the best in the township, and his improvements are neat and substantial.

Calvin Conklin, section 10, Salem Township, is a son of David and grandson of Isaac Conklin, early settlers of Salem Township. His uncle, James Conklin, was the first of the family to settle in Steuben County. The family was originally from Dutchess County, N. Y., Isaac moving from that county to Cayuga County, and thence with his family to Richland County Ohio, where he was one of the first settlers. Isaac Conklin reared a family of seven children, the most of whom grew to man and womanhood in Ohio. His wife died there and he subsequently made his home with his sons. About 1842 he came to Steuben County with his youngest son, James, who settled on section 10, Salem Township, which is now a part of Calvin's farm. In 1860 he moved to Kansas where he died a few vears later, David Conklin came to Steuben County in September 1844, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 15, Salem Township, eighty acres of which is owned by his son Calvin, and eiii;lity acres bj bis son Ensign, and Jobn Gary. David Conklin was born in Cayuga Connty, N. Y., in 1803. He married Polly Yan Yleet, wbo died in Ohio. Their children were seven in number, five of whom are living - Ensign, of Salem Township; Elizabeth, in Kansas; Calvin; William, of Wauseon, Fulton Co., Ohio; Cyntbia, wife of Michael Clink, of Salem Township. In 1874 Mr. Conklin went to Fnlton County, Ohio, where he died in 1881. Calvin Conklin was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1832, and was twelve years of age when he came with his father to Indiana. He married Lydia Ann, daughter of Dr. Jacob Boss, of Warsaw, Kosciusko Co., Ind. They have one son - Roscoe, born Sept. 9, 1864; married Eva Davis, a native of Mill Grove Township, born in 1866, daughter of James Davis. Mr. Conklin owns 160 acres of land, eighty acres on section 10, and eighty on section 15. He is one of the enterprising farmers of the township, and a representative and influential citizen.

Ahraham Diffinhaugh^ general merchant, Hudson, Ind., was born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1817. He served an apprenticeship at the miller's trade in his native county, at which he has worked the greater part of his life. When twenty-one years of age he moved to Dayton, Ohio, and in 1858 came to Indiana and located in Wabash County, where he superintended the flouring mill of E. N. Marvin, and from there went to Kosciusko County, where he enlisted in the spring of 1862, in the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, and served three years as wagon-master. After the war he returned to Kosciusko County, and was employed in the mill of J. D. Thayer & Co. He subsequently went to Wabash County and again took charge of the mill of E. N. Marvin; thence to Roanoke, Huntington County, where he superintended the mill of William W. Meach, and from there to Fort Wayne, where he remained several years. He subsequently went to Hutchinson, Reno Co., Kas., where ho engaged in milling and farming. In 1881 he returned to Huntington County, and in February, 1883, came to Hudson and rented the Hudson flouring mill, which he ran till May, 1884, when he embarked in the general mercantile business. Mr. Difiinbaugh has been twice married - first in Delphos, Ohio, to L. Stephens, who died in Kansas in 1881, leaving six children - Mary Ann, Henry T. , Frances Cordelia, Edmund, Charles and Mina. His present wife was Miss Alice C. Christie, of Huntington County.

Ohio, in 1827. His father, Averj Emerson, Sr., was born in New- Hampshire, Sept. 22, 1788, where he was reared on a farm. When a young man he went to Auburn, N. Y., where he married Sophronia Allen, a native of Massachusetts, born in February, 1799. In 1820 he moved to Richland County, Ohio. In June, 1836, he came to Steuben County, Ind., and selected a location, then returned to Ohio and the following^ November came again with hi« family. He settled on section 2, Salem Township, on what was known as the "Indian Fields," from the fact that the land had been cultivated by the Indians. The corn hills could be plainly seen although it had probably been many years since their cultivation. There were but three or four families in Salem Township at that time and the county seat had not been located. A warm contest was then existing between Judge Gale in behalf of Angola and Glover and Seth Murray in behalf of Stenbenville. He was the first Justice of the Peace for Salem Township, and in this capacity married the first couple, walking six miles to the house of Mr. Wright whose daughter was the bride. He was Probate Judge of Steuben County, from 1841 till 1849. In 1857 he sold his farm to his son Luke A. Emerson and removed to Angola. In the spring of 1864, he removed to Kendallville, where he died the following October, aged seventy-six years. His wife died March 17, 1877. Judge Emerson was a man of much prominence, and was closely identified with the early history of Steuben County. Politically he in early life was a Whig and later a Republican. He was a man of much general information, a great reader and especially interested in the cause of education. Ten children were born to Judge Emerson, eight in Ohio and two in Steuben County. Eight are living - George, a resident of Toledo, engaged in the wholesale grocery business; John, of Kendallville; David, of California; Avery, Jr.; Emily, wife of Dr. Parsell, of Hudson; Mary, wife of William M. Kendall, of Humboldt, Kas. ; Almira, wife of A. A. Cliapin, of Fort Wayne, and Sophronia, of Kendallville. Luke Allen died at the age of forty years, and Albert aged five years. Avery Emerson, Jr., has lived in Steuben County since 1836, with the exception of three years, several years ago, spent in the lumber regions of Wisconsin. He married Elizabeth S. Parsell, dauo-hter of Mose- S. Parsell, who came to Steuben County in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have nine children, seven sons and two daughters. He owns 327 acres of land and is one of the most successful and prosperous farmers of the township.

Samuel Ferguson^ of the milling firm Ferguson & FuUerton Hudson, Ind, was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1842. When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Milwaukee, Wis., and a year later to Hockton, 111. In 1855 they returned to Ohio, and settled in Seneca County. \\\ the spring of 1859 he began working in a mill and followed that vocation till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. Aug. 15, 1861, he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Infantry, and in 1863 he re-enlisted as a veteran. June 14, 1864, he was wounded at the battle of Resaca, and the following December was discharged. He has never fully recovered from its effects. He participated in the last day's fight at Corinth, at Murfreesboro, Stone River, Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Soon after the latter battle he re-enlisted and returned home on a furlough, joining the regiment at Tunnel Hill. After his return home, and as soon as he was able, he engaged in farming a short time, and then began work at his trade. Mr. Ferguson was married in Ohio, to Agnes Fullerton, daughter of Alexander Fullerton. They have four children - Alexander, Mary, William and Eva.

David Fisher was born in Mifiiin County, Pa., in 1817, and when two years of age his parents moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, and several years later to Stark County, where he grew to manhood. In 1842 he came to Indiana and located in DeKalb County, where he was married the following year to Mary M. Martin, a native of York County, Fa., born in 1818. Her father died when she was a child and her mother afterward moved to Stark County, Ohio, and in 1841, to De Kalb County, Ind. Mr. Fisher bought an unimproved farm of eighty acres in Smithtield Township. He had but $80, and $50 of this he paid on his land. He was by trade a wheelwright, and worked" at his trade to obtain money to pay for his laud. Pie subsequently sold his De Kalb County farm and bought eighty acres of land on the southeast quarter of section 34, Salem Township, where he has since lived. Tliis land was entered from the Government by Robert Meeks, but no improvements had been made when Mr. Fisher bought it. In 1863 he bought the rest of the quarter-section. He also owns eighty acres of improved and forty acres of pasture land on section 27. He has made his farm one of the most valuable in the township. His buildings are all comfortable and of a convenient design. He now devotes the most of his time to agriculture and is one of the most successful in Steuben County. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have had ten children, seven of whom are living - John, Leonard, Effie M., Elc> - mira, Julia A., Agnes and Alfred. Louis died in the fourth year of his age, Jefferson in early infancy, and Edward at the age of fourteen years.

Alexander Fullerton^ of the firm of Ferguson & Fullerton, proprietors of the flour-mill, Hudson, Ind., was born in Washington Countj^ Pa., in 1817. He was left fatherless in his childhood and made his home with strangers till manhood. In 1831 he went to Seneca County, Ohio, with the family in which he lived. He early in life began to work in a mill, and upon reaching manhood chose that occupation as a means of gaining a livelihood. He thoroughly understands every detail of the business, and tlie mill with which he is connected manufactures a fine grade of flour, having a good custom trade. Mr. Fullerton was married in Ohio, to Mary Adams, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, where she was reared. Mr. and Mrs. Fullerton have had seven children, but three of whom are living - Agnes, wife of Samuel Ferguson; Mary, wife of Luther B. Camp, and Sarah, wife of Orlando Kimmel, of Lagrange County. Four children died in early childhood.

David 8. Gillespie^ section 5, Salem Township, was born in Lorain County, Ohio, April 14-, 1834, a son of James and Eve (Worman) Gillespie. James Gillespie was born in Ireland, and when a child his parents came to the United States and located in the State of New York. Later the family moved to Erie County, Pa. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. "When a young man he emigrated to Ohio and lived several years in Stark County, where he was married. In October, 1844, he moved with his family to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Jackson Township, where he died in 1852. His wife is living in Alliance, Ohio. They had a family of seven children, all save one daughter living till maturity. David S. is the only resident of Steuben County, and has made this his home since coming with his father. He remained on the homestead till 1860, when he bought the farm on section 5, Salem Township, where he now lives. Mr. Gillespie owns forty acres of valuable land with good improvements, all made by his own industry and good management. He enlisted in 1862 in the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry and served fifteen months when he was discharged on account of ill-health. He participated in the siege of Yicksburg, and also of Jackson, Miss. He married Helen Butler, a native of Yermont, born in 1837, a daughter of Daniel Butler. They have five children - Lester J., William E., Orla F., Nellie and Maud.

Moses Qonser was born in Whiteeyes Township, Coshocton Co., Ohio, Jan. 14, 1829, a son of David and Catherine (Miller) Gonser, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. After their marriage his parents moved to Ohio and settled on a new farm in Holmes County, and subsequently moved to Coshocton County, where they improved another farm. In the spring of 1848 they moved to Fairfield Township, De Kalb Co., Ind., where the father died April 17, 1856. The mother died at the house of our subject Jan. 17, 1879. They had a family of ten children eii^ht of whom are living - Jacob, of Kansas; Elizabeth, of De Kalb County; David, of St. Joe County, Ind.; Daniel of De Kalb County; Moses; Elias, of Lagrange County, Ind.; Susan, wife of John J. Ling, and Mary, in De Kalb County. John, the eldest son, died in Iowa, aged sixty-two years, and Sarah died in Fairfield Township, De Kalb County, in the fall of 1848, aged twenty-four years. Moses Gonser was nineteen years of age when he came to Indiana. He lived in De Kalb County till 1869 when he came to Steuben County. His homestead contains 250 acres of land 180 acres located on sections 35 and 36, Salem Township, and seventy acres across the county line in Fairfield Township, De Kalb County. His residence, on section 36, Salem Township, is a fine two story brick built in 1880 at a cost of $2,500. He also owns a farm of 200 acres on sections 18 and 19, Salem Township, which is carried on by his son Albert. Mr. Gonser is a successful farmer. He has? cleared over 200 acres of land, seventy-five of which are in his homestead farm, which is one of the best farms in Northeastern Inuiana. He is an enterprising, progressive citizen, and although not a politician never refuses to perform any duty which his fellow-citizens assign to him. He served as Land Appraiser of De Kalb County a year, and Trustee and Clerk of Fairfield Township. He has been a Justice of the Peace of Salem Township, and for three years was a Commissioner of Steuben County. In politics he was originally a Whig casting his first vote for General Scott in 1852. Since its organization has afiiliated with the Republican party. Mr. Gonser was married Feb. 22, 1852, to Louisa Wright, a native of Orleans County, N. Y., daughter of Edward Wright, of De Kalb County. They have five children - Albert, Flora A., Marietta, Robert M. and Martiia L. Their eldest child, Amanda, died at the age of seventeen years, in Salem Township.

1833, a son of Levi Gunsaullus, a native of New York and an earl}' settler 6f Eicliland Township. In March, 1860, Mr. Gunsaullus came to Steuben County, Ind., three brothers having previously settled here. His brother Henry came many years before and settled on section 14, Salem Township; later moved to section 15. He afterward sold his farm and with his brothers Levi B. and William A. built a saw-mill on the southwest quarter of section 14. The brothers ran the mill several years, when they sold out and Henry moved to Kansas, where he died. Levi and William returned to Richland County, Ohio, where the latter died and the former still lives. Elijah D. Gunsaullus bought his farm of George Davis. It is located on the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 21. The improvements have been made mostly by Mr. Gunsaullus. He was married in Richland County, to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Maria Conklin, natives of Cayuga County, N. Y., who moved after their marriage to Richland County. They have three children all born in Steuben County - Pyrl H., born May 16, 1860; Ella B., born May 19, 1866, and William A., born June 12, 1873. They lost three children in infancy. Mr. Gunsaullus enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in September, 1864, and served till its close. He has always been an influential, enterprising citizen, and is now Trustee of Salem Township, A sister of Mrs. Guhsaullns, Mariette, wife of Casper Conger, came to Salem Township about 1850, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 22, where they lived about ten years, and then moved to section 15. In the winter of 1864 they moved to South Bend, and thence to Nebraska where Mrs. Conger died Sept. 2, 1880.

£Jli R. Haines^ section 8, Salem Township, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1851. His father, William Haines, was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and was mai-ried in his native State to Rebecca Smith. They moved to Carroll County, Ohio, where they lived a number of years, and in October, 1853, moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Salem Township, on a tract of unimproved land. They improved and cultivated their farm and lived here till death. The father died Jan. 14, 1879, and the mother in May, 1884. They had a family of eleven children, nine of wljom are living, five in Steuben County. Two of the sons, Thomas and William, were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Eli R. resides on the old homestead where he has lived since 1853. He was reared and educated in Steuben County, and is now one of the promising farmers of Salem Township. His farm contains sixty acres of land all well improved. He married Mary A. Summers, a native of Williams County, Ohio, daughter mother in 1833. They moved to Noble County, Ind., where the father died Dec. 23, 1859, and the mother March 25, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Haines have two daughters - Avilla and Luella.

Arthur K. Hammond^ section 4, Salem Township, is the adopted son of Edward H. Hammond, a pioneer of 1836. Edward H. Hammond was born in Pennsylvania, March 21, 1805. He learned the trade of a blacksmith in the town of Barnsville, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In the spring of 1836 he came to Steuben County with Eli Teal and an elder brother of the latter, and entered land on section 4, Salem Township. They then returned to Ohio, and the following fall moved their families to the township. Mr. Hammond improved his land and at the same time worked at his trade in partnership with Mr. Teal. They were the first blacksmiths in Salem Township. Mr. Hammond made of his land one of the finest farms in the county, residing on it till his death, Feb. 3, 1875. He was twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Teal, mother of Eli M. Teal. His second wife, who survives him, was Mrs. Frances (Teal) Kaufman, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born in 1810. He had no children, but adopted a nephew, Arthur Kirlin. The subject of our sketch, Arthur K. Hammond, was born in Perry County, Ohio, May 30, 1851, and in 1855"^accompanied his father, John Kirlin, to Steuben County. His father is still a resident of Salem Township. He was adopted by Mr. Hammond in 1861. He has had good educational advantages, attending the public schools of Steuben County. He nowf has charge of the homestead of Mr. Hammond, and is one of the most successful young farmers of the township. He was marriedjto Nancy Morrison, a native of Wabash County, Ind., born March 27, 1853, a daughter of John Morrison. They have three children - Clyde, Schuyler and Edith.

John Harpster was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1828. When seventeen years of age he began to work at the blacksmith's trade, and served an apprenticeship of two years. He worked at his trade till 1852, when he came to Steuben County, Ind,, and entered land in Salem Township. Since then he has worked on his farm in connection with blacksmithing. He has a pleasant home, which he has made from a tract of unimproved land. His parents,

David and Catherine Harpster, were natives of Pennsylvania, and in 1829 moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where they died. Mr. Harpster was married in Ohio to Mary M. Sunday, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1829, who moved with his parents to Seneca County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Harpster have five children - Lucinda, wife of Ira Tubbs; John A. married Olive Jackson; Mary^ wife of George Conklin; Emma D., wife of Thompson Deller; Amanda J., a successful teacher of Steuben County. Mr. and Mrs. Haroster are members of the United Brethren church, in which they are active and zealous workers. They were among the first of that denomination to locate in Salem Township.

Frajicis Hayward was born in Marion County, Ohio, in June, 1835. "When fourteen years of age he moved with his parents to Lagrange County, Ind., where his father, Isaac Hayward, died in February, 1883. In 1879 he came to Steuben County and bought a farm on the east half of the southwest quarter of section 23, Salem Township. The first improvements were made by Abram Davis. Mr. Hayward was married in Lagrange County to Nancy Staner, daughter of Jacob Staner, who died July 4, 1874, leaving one son - Robert. After coming to Steuben County Mr. Hayward married Mrs. Emeline (Rodabaugh) Sloat, daughter of Adam Rodabaugh and widow of David Sloat. She was born in Portage County, Ohio, and removed with her parents to Stark County, Ohio, where she married Mr. Sloat. In 1872 she came to Steuben County. She has three children by her first marriage - Edward, Henry and Rosa.

Joseph Ketchum^ dealer in drugs, tobaccos, stationery, etc., Hudson, Ind., was born in Hnntertown, Allen Co., Ind., in 1854. He was reared and educated in his native town, and when nineteen years of age began teaching, and has taught nine years in Allen, Noble and Steuben counties. He learned the trade of a shoemaker of his father in his youth and plied that vocation during his vacations, and after abandoning the school-room devoted his attention to it till October, 1884. He moved to Hudson in June, 1877, and has since made this his home. In October, 1884, he embarked in his present business on North Main street, where he keeps a complete stock of everything in his line. He is an obliging, courteous gentleman, and is building up a good trade. He was married in 1876 to Francis Grieves, daughter of Thomas Grieves, of Steuben Township. They have had four children; but two are living - Bertha and Ada. Two children died in infancy.

J. R. Kimmel was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 15, 1837. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in his youth learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed for twenty years. In 1863 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and bought twenty acres of land of John Boon on section 30, and in the year of 1876 he purchased forty acres more of Samuel Bair on section 31, all of which is in Salem Township. About eighteen acres had been cleared and a log cabin built, which is still standing. Mr. Kimmel now has fifty acres improved. In 1880 he built a pleasant frame residence and a good barn, and in many other ways has improved the place. Sept. 20, 1864, he enlisted for one year in his country's service and remained until the close of the war, being discharged June 26, 1865. He was married in DeKalb County, Ind., Feb. 17, 1861, to Rebecca Helwig. They have three children - Jacob and Emanuel (twins) and George H.

William E. Kimsey, merchant, Salem Center, is a son of Dr. Joseph C. Kimsey. He is a native of the State of Indiana, born in Allen County, Oct. 12, 1851. Soon after his birth his parents moved to Fairfield Center, DeKalb County, and in 1855 to Salem Center. Mr. Kimsey's first business enterprise was running a produce wagon, which he continued a 3'ear. In 1872 Dr. Kimsey erected a business house in Salem Center, and father and son became partners in the general mercantile business. In 1877 William E. sold his interest to his cousin, "William T. Kimsey, and engaged as a commercial traveler for the firm Taj'lor, Rodgers & Co., boot and shoe dealers, Toledo, Ohio. He proved a successful salesman, but the active and laborious life incident to that branch of business was too severe for his health, and in January, 1879, he returned to Salem Center and the next month bought the store of his father and cousin and has since conducted the business alone. Since Jan. 1, 1880, he has been Postmaster and is an efficient officer. He has been a Notary Public since Aug. 4, 1875. He was married April 11, 1872, to Elizabeth Dole, a native of Huron County, Ohio, born March 19, 1851, a daughter of John Dole, of Salem Township. They have two children - Lois I. and Wallace D.

John Kirlin was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1816. His father, John Kirlin, was a native of Virginia. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania, but was married in Yirginia and in 1806 moved with her husband to Fairfield Count}^ Ohio. John Kirlin, Jr., was reared on a farm and when seventeen years of age began to work at the gunsmith's trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years. May 25, 1855, he came to Steuben County, Ind., and lived seven 3'ears on the farm of Edward Hammond. In January, 1863, he bought the farm where he has since lived. It contains 110 acres of choice land, eighty acres on the east half of section 16, twenty acres on the west half of the same section, and ten acres on section 15. His residence is on section 16. His improvements are all good and his land is under a high state of cultivation, Mr. Kirlin has been twice married. His first wife was Rebecca Teal, who died in Ohio, leaving one son - Arthur, the adopted son of Edward Hammond. He afterward married Catherine Suitterlin, a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born in 1840, a daughter of Frederick Suitterlin, who settled in Salem Township in 1851, and now lives in Kendallville. Mr. and Mrs. Kirlin have seven children - George, born in 1862; Delmar, in 1863; Mary, in 1865; Edmund S., in 1869; Fletcher, in 1871; Aurette, in 1873, and Frederick, in 1878. Mrs. Kirlin had two brothers who served in the war of the Rebellion, and died while in the service - Frederick and Abraham. Frederick was a member of the Twenty-first Indiana Infantry, and died in the hospital at New Orleans from the efiects of a wound received at the battle of Baton Rouge, La.

Harvey Lewis was born in Wolcott, near New Haven, Conn., in October, 1812. When fifteen years of age he went to Chenango County, N. Y., where he married Elizabeth Bassett in 1833, a native of North Haven, Conn., born in 1815. In 1844 he came to Indiana, and bought a tract of land on section 5, of Mrs. Hill, the only improvement being a log cabin. He lived here three years, clearing and improving his land, when on account of the sickness of his family he returned to the State of New York, remaining there till 1854. By this time the country had become more settled and consequently more healthy, and they decided to return to their pioneer home. They settled on the farm in Salem Township, where they have since lived. The family consists of five children, four of whom are living - Laura, now Mrs. Ira Scott, of Norwich*, Chenango Co., N. Y., has two children - Odell and Alice; Newell P., of Angola, married Orsavella Gale; Dwight B., who lives on the homestead, married Sarah A. Newman, and has two sons - Benson and Harvey; Frank B., married Samantha Newman, lives in Lagrange County, Ind. Their eldest son, Hiram, married Nettie Fuller, of Branch County, Mich. He died at Gilead, that county, Sept. 29, 1873, leaving a widow and one son - Frank. When

John Loughrey, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in March, 1804, and when eleven years of age moved with his parents to Muskingum County, Ohio, and thence to Richland County, and Seneca County, where he was married in April, 1834, to Charity Young, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1814. In 1850 Mr. Loughrey came to Steuben County, and settled on section 3, Salem Township, where his family still reside and where he died March 4, 1865. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Loughrey, eight of whom are living - Nancy R., Emily, Andrew, Mary, George, Elmer, Irving and Catherine J. William Henry died in 1863, aged twenty years. James died in Ohio at the age of four years. Andrew and George live in Missouri, and Elmer and Irvin on the old homestead. Nancy and Catherine also I'eside at home. Emily is the wife of Hiram Colwell, of Lagrange County. Mary is the wife of William Yan Wagner, of Pleasant Township.

Leonard N. McLain resides on section 1, Salem Township, where his father, John McLain, settled with his family July 11, 1844. John McLain was born in the State of New York, Dec. 25, 1792. He was reared in Cayuga County where lie married Eunice Nelson, a native of that county, born Feb. 16, 1803. In 1836 they moved to Monroe County, Mich., where they lived till 1844, and then moved to Steuben County. Mr. McLain bought a tract of unimproved land of John Candy. His first house, a log cabin, is still standing. While this house was being built the family lived in a log house on the farm now owned by Abner Sams, moving into their own house in April, 1845. After getting his farm under a good state of cultivation, the father died Sept. 2, 1855. The mother died Aug, 11, 1876. There was a family of thirteen children, ten of whom came with their parents to Steuben County. One was born here. Five of the children are living - Nancy, Mercy, Leonard N. , Eliza P. and Mary Ellen. Leonard N., who owns and occupies the homestead, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., April 11, 1834. He enlisted July 24, 1861, in the Twenty -first Indiana Infantry and served eighteen months, when the regiment was converted into the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served till Jan. 10, 1866, when they were discharged at Baton Rouge, La. His entire term of service was four and a half years' longer than any other soldier from Salem Township. Soon after his return from the war be bought the old homestead. He married Mary

Fast, daughter of Reuben Fast, formerly of Salem Township, and now of Michigan. They have two children - Erdley L., born April 26, 1868, and Ray, born Feb. 24, 1884. Mr. McLain's farm contains eighty acres, sixty-five acres under cultivation. His residence and farm buildings are commodious and substantial. His health was undermined by his prolonged army experience, and he has never fully recovered his former vigor. He had four brothers in the service - Sylvester served two years in the Second Michigan Infantry, when he was discharged for disability. He died at Burlington, Mich., Dec. 10, 1867. Ambrose enlisted in the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and was discharged for disability. He died July 23, 1863, four weeks after reaching home. Charles enlisted in the Seventy fifth Illinois, in the fall of 1862; came home on a sick furlough and died March 18, 1864. John W., the youngest son, was in the same company with Charles, and died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 22, 1863. Two brothers-in-law, Martin Haines and Orlando Dennison, were in the service. The former died in the army and the latter is living in Kansas, Probably no other family in Steuben County can show an equal army record with that of John McLain's.

Samuel Noll, section 11, Salem Township, is one of the prominent pioneers of Steuben County. His father, George Noll, was born in Union County, Pa., in 1796. He was reared in his native county and there married Nancy Hall. They moved to Stark County, Ohio, where nine children were born to them and where the mother died. He afterward married again and with his family, in 1839, came to Steuben County and bought the farm where Samnel now lives, living there till his death in 1862. No improvements had been made on the land, and in the spring following their arrival he built a log cabin in which he lived till his death. Of his nine children by his first wife, only Samuel is living. Three children were born to his second wife, two of whom are living - Polly, widow of Edward Snyder, and Sally, widow of Charles Ansteet. Samuel Noll was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1817, and was there married to Christina Feghtling, a native of Alsace, Germany, born in 1819, who came with her parents to America when eight years of age. Mr. Noll learned the cabinet maker's trade in his youth and has worked at it in connection with farming the greater part of his life. His father being well advanced in life when they came to Indiana, the work of clearing the farm and getting it under cultivation devolved on him. He now owns the homestead which contains eighty acres of choice land, on which he has erected a good residence and farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Noll have had eight children, seven of whom are living - John, born in Ohio, in May, 1837; Elizabeth, also born in Ohio; George W,, William Frederick, Edward and Caroline (twins), and Mary, Samuel died at the a^je of six years. Mr. and Mrs. Noll are members of the Reformed church, and in 1882 Mr. Noll was largely instrumental in the building of the new Trinity Reformed Church in Salem Township.

Samuel Parker was born in Armstrong Co., Pa., March 6, 1841, a son of Isaac and Margaret A. (Sanderson) Parker. Isaac Parker was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and was there reared and married. He was reared on a farm but subsequently was employed several years on the public works and later in the salt works and coal mines of his native State. In April, 1845, he moved to Steuben County, Ind., and located on section 32, Jackson Township. In 1849 he rented the farm of Charles Squiers, where he lived three years, and then bought eighty acres of land lying north of his first location, on section 32. He made the first improvements on his land, clearing with the assistance of his sons fifty acres, and erected a log house in which he lived till his death, Sept. 7, 1871. His wife died in May of the same year. They had a family of eight children, six born in Pennsylvania and two in Steuben County. Of the latter the eldest died in infancy and the other at the age of twelve years. The six surviving are - Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Frederick Komp, of Lagrange County; William, of Branch County, Mich.; Mary A., wife of John Groesbeck, of Lagrange County; Daniel, Samuel, and Nancy, wife of Henry Simmons, of Jackson Township. The sons were all soldiers in the war o f the Rebellion. William served three years in the Seventy -fourth Indiana Infantry. Daniel enlisted in the spring of 1864 in Company A, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served till the close of the war. Samuel enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in Company B, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and served three years. He participated in some of the most important campaigns and battles of the war. His company was the leading one of the regiment the most of their term of service. Twenty-seven battles were inscribed on their flag, among them the siege of Yicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Atlanta campaign, Resaca and Kingston. Their last battle was Bentonville. Tliey then went to Washington, D. C, and took part in the grand review of the army. After the war Samuel

Parker returned home. After the death of his father he bough the homestead, where he lived till 1881, when he bought his present home on section 4, Salem Township. He owns 100 acres of land, which is well improved. He married Melinda Haines, daughter of William Haines. They have five sons - George, William T., Earl, Orla J. and Logan E.

Ahdalla Sams was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1833. In 1835 his father, David Sams, moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Jackson Township, where he was reared and educated. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the Fifty-second Indiana Infantry and served till after the close of the war, a period of about eight months. He was married to Mary Simmons, a native of Jackson Township, Steuben County, born in 1837, a daughter of Cephas Simmons, an early settler of that township, a native of Vermont, coming to this county from his native State. Mr. and Mrs. Sams have five children - Albert, Lafayette, Lewis Josephine and Eflie. They have lost three children - Eddie, died August, 1872, aged twelve years, and two died in infancy. Mr. Sams has always followed agricultural pursuits. He bought the farm where he now lives in 1863. It contains 139 acres of choice land, and is located in the northwest quarter of section 4, Salem Township. His residence and farm buildings are among the best in the township.

CJiristojpher Shadevja.^ born in Perry County, Pa., in 1828, and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Ohio, where he was reared and educated. He learned the carpenter's trade in his youth and worked at it about twenty years. He was married in Ohio to Tirzah Ann Pease, daughter of Luraan and Gratia (Hawks) Pease. Her mother died many years ago and her father married again and lives in Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Shade have been born three children - Judson, Zoe Gratia and Sarah Sophia. In the spring of 1858 Mr. Shade moved to Steuben County, Ind. and settled in Salem Township. In the fall of 1859 he bought the farm where he now lives on section 31. There were no improvements on his land at that time, but it is now one of the finest farms in the township. His father, Christopher Shade, Sr., came to this county the same year with his family and settled on section 32 Salem Township, where he died Sept. 25, 1859. His wife survived till May 28, 1879. They had a family of five children, three of whom are living - Christopher and David, of Salem Township, and Abraham, of Paulding County, Ohio. Ann died Jan. 20, 1861, and Richard, Feb. 15, 1879. The latter served two years and three months in the war of the Rebellion. Christopher Shade, Jr., was a soldier in the same war nine months, and was discharged in Nashville, Tenn., at the close of the war, arriving home July 4, 1865.

Marion Shade, the eldest son of Richard and Sarah E. (Chasey) Shade, resides on section 31, Salem Township, on part of the homestead of his father. Richard Shade was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1833, and was there reared to manhood, and married Sarah E. Chasey, a native of Ohio, born in 1835. In 1858 they moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on section 32, Salem Township. In September, 1864-, Mr. Shade enlisted in the Twentyninth Indiana Infantry, and s erved till the close of the war. He died on the old homestead Feb. 15, 1878, leaving a widow and ten children. Marion, the eldest son, was reared in Salem Township, receiving a common-school education. Since reaching manhood he has given his attention to agriculture and is now one of the rising young farmers of the township. He married Ella B. Parsons, daughter of George W. Parsons, of Crawford County Ohio.

Adam Shaffstall was born in Crawford County, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1836, a son of Christian and Christina (Rowe) Shaffstall, natives of Dauphin County, Pa., his father born Aug. 23, 1807, and his mother in 1809. After his marriage Christian Shaffstall moved to Crawford County, Ohio, where he followed the occupations of farming and shoemaking till the fall of 1846, when he came to Steuben County, and settled on section 21, Salem Township, exchanging his farm in Ohio for land here, which he improved, living on it till his death, Nov. 15, 1880. His family consisted of ten children, the youngest three born in Steuben County. Eight are living - Lovina, wife of Hollister Slick; Susan, widow of William Lease; Adam; Franklin; Amanda, of Kendallville; Nathaniel; Elmira, wife of George Carey; Cornelia, wife of H. J. Zimmerman, of Altamont, Labette Co., Kas. Adam owns and occupies forty acres of the original homestead, which is the south half of the northwest quarter of section 21. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion June 27, 1861, in Company A, Twenty -first Indiana Infantry. Eighteen months later the regiment was converted into the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served as such the remainder of their term of service. They were in Maryland and Virginia some time, thence to Ship Island, where they remained six weeks; thence to the mouth of the Mississippi River, immediately after the surrender of Forts Jackson and Phillips, and from there to JSTew Orleans. They participated in the battle of Baton Rouge, Banks's Red River Expedition, and many other memorable battles. Mr. Shaffstall was never in the hospital while in the service. Ho was discharged July 31, 1864. Since the war he has given his attention exclusively to agriculture. He married Hannah Hogeboom, a native of Medina County, Ohio, born Feb. 6, 1846, daughter of Bartholomew and Maria (Hill) Hogeboom, natives of New York, Mr. Hogeboom moved to Ohio after his marriage, and in the fall of 1865 came to Steuben County. Subsequently moved to Fulton County, Ohio, where his wife died and he still lives. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffstall have one daughter - Carrie M., born Nov. 13, 1868.

FranMin Shaffstall^ a son of Christian and Christina Shaffstall, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1842, and came with his parents to Steuben County, Ind., in 1846. He was reared and educated in this county, remaining at home till the breaking out of the Rebellion. He enlisted in October, 1862, in the Twenty -first Indiana Infantry, which was afterward converted into the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served three years. He participated in all the engagements of the regiment, never being absent on account of sickness or wounds. He took part in the siege of Port Huron, and Banks's Red River expedition. He was discharged at Baton Rouge, Oct. 24, 1865. After his return from the war he turned his attention to agriculture. He was married Feb. 28, 1868, to Annie Day, a native of Fremont, Ind., born March 16, 1849, a daughter of W. H. H. and Louisa Day. They have three children - Lura, Libbie and Nellie. In December, 1870, Mr. Shaffstall bought his farm on the southeast quarter of section 16 of L. N. Bodley. The land was originally school land and was bought of the State by James Groesbeck, who cleared ten acres and built a log cabin in which he lived till his death. The farm contains sixty-eight acres, sixty acres of which are improved. The improvements with the exception of those made by Mr. Groesbeck have all been made by Mr. Shaffstall. The log cabin has been converted into a stable and he has erected a substantial frame residence. Mrs. Shaffstall's parents settled in Fremont, in 1847. Her father having been elected County Treasurer, in December, 1857, they moved to Angola, where her mother died July 26, 1876. In

They had a family of five cliildren - Adelbert F., foreman of the JRepuhlican office, Angola; Augusta A., wife of James Cappes, of Moberly, Mo.; Annie L. ; Alfred H., of California, and Clara, wife of J. P. Sommers, of Colorado. Mr. Day enlisted as private in 1862 in the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, and was subsequently promoted to Second Lieutenant. He served two and a half years, when he resigned on account of ill health.

John A. Shajfstall, furniture dealer, Hudson, Ind., is a son of Abraham Shaifstall, who, with his family, settled in Salem Township in October, 1854, on a tract of land he had purchased the preceding year, located on the west half of the southeast quarter of section 22. A log house had been built and about thirty acres had been partially cleared. Mr. Shafifstall improved his land, residing there about ten years, when he sold it to Philip H. Meas, and bought 160 acres on section 26, where he lived till 1876. A year or two later he went to Kansas, where he died June 20, 1882. He was twice married. His first wife, Louisa Cobb, died Aug. 8, 1847, leaving four children, two of whom are living - John A. and Catherine, wife of Charles Boyce, of Door County, "Wis. In 1849 he married Susan Coverly , a native of Virginia, now living in Lincoln County, Kas. To them were born three sons and three daughters. John A. is the only representative of his father's family in Steuben County. He was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1837. In the spring of 1862 he went to Door County, Wis., where he lived ten years. June 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Nineteenth Indiana Infantry, but was discharged a few weeks later on account of ill health. In October of the same year he again enlisted in Company H, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry and served about two months when he was again discharged. In 1872 he returned to Indiana and in 1877 engaged in his present business. He was married Jan. 1, 1863, to Hannah Peterson, a native of Norway. They have one son - Albert H., born in Wisconsin, Feb. 28, 1865.

Jesse Shields resides on the southwest quarter of section 30, where his father, Richard Shields, settled in the spring of 1851. Richard Shields was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., in 1796, and was there married to Harriet Brooks. They came to the United States and settled in Richland County, Ohio, where they lived till the spring of 1851, and then moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Salem Township, where Mr. Shields died in 1857, and Mrs. Shields in May, 1884, in the seventy-fifth year of her age. Jesse

Shields was born in Kichland County, Ohio, in October, 1848. He married Florence Ellen Crossley, daughter of Nathan and Elmira (Sanders) Crossley, of Fairfield Township, De Kalb Co., Ind. They have two children - Esther and Albert. Mr. Shields' farm contains eighty acres of valuable laud and his improvements are among the best in the county. He is an influential citizen and one of the representative fanners of Salem Township.

George Stover, section 12, Salem Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1838. His father, Ephraim Stover, was born in Chester County, Pa., April 12, 1790, and was reared among strangers, his mother dying when he was a child. He went to Stark County, Ohio, where he married Margaret Noll. In October, 1834, they moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on section 12, Salem Township, where they improved a farm. The mother died March 1, 1854, and the father April 17, 1878. They had a family of seven children, three born in Ohio and four in Steuben County - James, Samuel, George, Nancy (now of Lagrange County, Ind.), Isaac (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Rachel C. (of Lagrange County). George Stover was reared and educated in Steuben County. He has always lived on the homestead which he bought in 1872. He was married Jan. 1, 1868, to Sarah Fackler, daughter of Jacob and Isabell Fackler, who came to Steuben County from Huron County, Ohio, April, 1865, and settled on section 10, Salem Township, where Mrs. Fackler now lives and where Mr. Fackler died in June, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Stover have three children - Yernon G., Edith M. and Walter C.

Samuel Stover, the second son of Ephraim and Margaret (Noll) Stover, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Aug. 26, 1836, and was brought by his parents to Steuben County in 1838. His education was obtained in the district school, but his father being in limited circumstances his services were early required on the farm and his school-days were of short duration. His first farm was on section 12, and after getting it partially improved he sold it to his brother George. In February, 1872, he bought the farm on the northwest quarter of section 13, where he now lives, of Christopher Rhinehart. This land was entered from the Government by a Mr. Finch, and the first improvements were made by William Meek. It contains 160 acres of land, 140 acres being improved. The residence was built by Mr. Meek. Mr. Stover built the barn, which is large and commodious, and has made other valuable improvements. He is a thrifty, energetic farmer, and one of the representative citizens of