Union Township (part 1 of 2)

Union Township

is a beautiful and rich tract of farming country, situated in the Southwest part of Elkhart county. On the north lies Harrison township; on the east, Jackson; on the south, Kosciusko county, and on the west, Locke township. The B. & O. railroad passes through the south tier of sections. The township consists of a mixture of black sand and loam, making a good and rich soil. The surface of the township is level, and at an early time no doubt appeared to be low and marshy, but with some very fine ridges passing through it. Formerly the township contained many small swamps, particularly in the eastern part, but nearly all these have been drained, and now form a part of the fine farms that abound through this section.

At one time it was a finely timbered country, but most of the valuable timber has been removed. When the settlers first began to clear their farms there was no market for lumber, and there were no saw-mills to saw it if there had been a market; and many a fine walnut and poplar, and specimens of other kinds of valuable timber were consigned to the log-heap and burned in order to get them out of the way. In the southeast part of the township is a tamarack swamp consisting of six or eight squai-e miles, and is at present the only waste land of any extent in the township; but the inroads of civilization are fast breaking in upon this barrier to progress, and it will soon have to yield to the fate of its kindred. Many of the farmers have long since seen the benefit of underdraining their farms, and for their forethought and enterprise are now reaping bountiful harvests as a rewai-d. The soil when properly tilled is rich and loose, and yields largely any of the roots or cereals. Since the completion of the B. & O. railroad through this section they have a good market for any of the products raised here, at Nap. panee, a beautiful little town partly in Union and partly in Locke townships.

of bullets of a large size in piles, buried in the ground aboutthe depth that they plowed. They were in a marshy piece of ground, which at one time formed a pond of several acres. They picked up seven or eight hundred, which seemed to have been in several piles near together.

Hunting was at one time quite a source of wealth to the people here. Game of all kinds was plenty in the woods. The meat of the animals furnished the hunter's family with food, while the skins and furs always found a good market at Goshsn. The pioneers all knew how to use their trusty rifles, and all were hunters; yet some took a preeminent rank in that profession, and among that class Daniel Ulery seems to stand foremost. He says that he has killed over 500 deer in Elkhart countj'. He has at different times, by four shots only, killed eight deer. He thinks that the best time for hunting deer was about 15 or 20 years ago. The most that he ever killed in one day was four. He always hunted on horse-back. He had a fine bay animal, which he had trained for hunting.

After he had moved to this township, about the winter of 184T, iie was visiting his sick father, who lived about a mile from Goshen. During the day his father asked him if he thought it possible that be could get a deer for him, as he thought that he should like some venison. Mr. Ulery replied, " Yes, father, I can kill you a deer, but the weather is very bad for hunting." In the afternoon he returned home, accompanied by one of his younger brothers, who was to take the venison to his father. The next morning, they started for the woods. It was a very cold, stormy morning, about the middle of December. They had traveled about a half mile when they started up three deer. They seemed to be quite wild. After following them about two miles they saw them standing at some distance from them . Mr. Ulery thought it would be a long shot, but still he thought that he could secure one. So, riding up by a large tree, he dismounted and stepped on the opposite side of the tree fi-om his horse. He raised his gun, took aim at a deer, and, just as he pulled the trigger, something scared his horse, which made a jump in front and received in his head the contents of the gun, intended for the deer. He was killed. Mr. Ulery took the bridle and bell from the dead horse, and went home, vowing that he would never hunt any more. After remaining at home for a few days he began to be in better spirits and thought he must do something to make up the loss of his horse. So he cleaned up his gun and again commenced hunting, and by the 15th of January he had killed 27 deer. He then took his hides and venison saddles to Goshen and sold them, receiving $86 in cash, twice the value of the liorse.

Daniel Bainter was the first to settle in Union township. He came in April, 1834, and built the first cabin in the township. It was 16 feet square and of split logs; no lumber was used. The floor was made of puncheons. It had but one door and window. Mr. B. split the board out for the door and had sufficient nails with him to nail it together. It was then hung on wooden hinges. This cabin stood near where his home now stands, on his farm in section 15. Mr. Bainter is still living on the farm which he entered. He was one of the first men in Elkhart county, having passed throngh here as early as 1827, going with his father to where South Bend now stands.

A few years after Mr. Bainter settled here John Walburn moved into the township. He had come with a wagon from Ohio, driving his stock with him. He had to cut his road for some miles to get to his land. He reached his destination on the corner near where the school-house now stands, about sundown. He had hired his brother-in-law, William Albin, who lived at Waterford, to haul a load of lumber from that place for him. He cut a couple of forks and a pole, and setting- them up by some trees, made a shed which served for a house until he got his cabin up.

The settlers now began to come in fast, and among the first we mention Daniel Landers, John Fippinger, Christ Louder, Mr. Sheline, Cotner Strycker and the Stumps.

The township was organized in the spring of 1837. The first election was held in Daniel Bainter's cabin. The men officiating were Josiah Elston, Daniel Bainter and Daniel Landers. Daniel Bainter and John and Samuel Brown were elected trustees. The following summer the first school-house that was put up by the township was built at Union center. It was a log building. Previous to this there had been several buildings put up in different parts of the township, the people clubbing together for the purpose. The schools at present are in a good condition, and the citizens have a bright hope for the intelligence of the future generations. The school-houses are now mostly of brick and furnished with the latest improvements.

The first death in the township was an infant child of Daniel Bainter. It was born July 8, 1839, and died when nine mouths old. The second case of death was an infant of Daniel Landers. The first burying ground was on section 10, on the farm now owned by- Mr. Ippert. It has since been removed. Only about 15 persons were interred there. The cemetery at Union Center was the next public burying ground. They began to use this place about 1863. The ground is deeded to the G. B. Church.

The first ministers who preached through this section were the German Baptist, the Methodist, United Brethren, Mennonites and Regular Baptist. At present there are but three Church organizations in the township outside of the village of Nappanee. The first church was built by the Keformed a little east of Union Center, and was called "The Temple." The members have all left or died, and the building is long since gone. Tlie Regular Baptists were the next to erect a building. They have a very good house, on section 17. They have a good society here at present. The Mennonites have one church in the township, on section 19. Mr. Wisler is the pastor.

The first man that preached in the township was Daniel Cripe, of Elkhart Prairie. The sermon was delivered iu Stouder's cabin on the farm now owned by J. M. Ippert. He was a German Baptist. That society continued to meet in private and scliool houses until in 1866, when they erected their church at Union Center. It is a brick building, 75 feet long and 45 feet wide, with a basement. Among some of the most prominent ministers who have ofiiciated here are Henry NefF, John Burkholder, and John Amglemire. The society at present is in a very flourishing condition.

Personal Sketches

We proceed now to give personal sketches of a number of citizens of Union township, who have been more or less prominently identified with its history.

David M. Best was born in Ohio March 1, 1856, and is of Eng-- lish descent; he is the son of William W. and !N"ancy J. (Wagner) Best, both of whom are natives of Ohio, and are now living in Kosciusko county. Mr. B. is the oldest in a family of 10 children ; he came to this county in 1876, and since that time has been engaged in teaching throughout the county; he taught the first school in the party. His educational advantages were far from being good, as -';.',;- he lived most of the time during his boyhood days in a new conn- ._ .L'-- "^'^

Charles Blehl, harness-maker at N^appanee, is the son of Joseph . .-,- -->';<,,-,,. and Mary (Mouer) Biehl, both of whom are living in Bremen, and , "j";^;-; are natives of Germany; he was born in Indiana in 1855; came to this county in 1879 and engaged in business at ISTappanee. He was married in 1880 to Rosanna Menges, who was born in St. Joseph county, Ind., in 1859. Mr. B.'s education when young was quite limited; he is a Democrat; was brought up in the Presbyterian Church. He now owns a harness shop, doing a good business, especially custom work.

Amos P. Blosser was born in this county June 7, 1854. His father, Peter Blosser, was born in Rockingham county, Va.. Aug. 3, 1S16. and removed with his parents, John and Barbara Blosser, to Mahoning county, 0., when he was about 10 years of age; he was married in that county Jan. 25, 1850, to Mary Ann, daughter of " -

William Reed, of the same county. She was born Dec. 15, 1821. They removed to this county in June, 1851, settling on the farm on which the family now resides. They have 3 children: Barbara, born Oct. 29, 1851; Susanna, Nov. 10, 1860, and Amos P. Mrs. Blosser died May 20, 1861, and is buried at the Yellow Creek cemetery, in Harrison tp. He and his family are worthy members of the Mennonite Church. Amos, the subject of tliis sketch, has been raised and educated in this county; since attaining the age of manhood he has traveled considerably both in the East and West. He has a good farm of 160 acres in sec. 2. He takes great delight in raising tine stock, which he has been carrying on to a considerable extent. At present his time is occupied with his bees, of which he has a large number of stands, and under his skillful management they promise a source of gi-eat profit. P. O., Goshen.

Edward Brown, of the firm of Brown & McLaughlin, saloonkeepers at Nappanee, was born in Pennsylvania in 1854 and is of German descent ; he is the son of George N. and Mary (Woodcock) - .1: ..-<;^ of George W. and Elizabeth A. (Eberhart) Bryson, both of whom are living in this county ; the former is a native of New York and the latter of Indiana; they came to this county about 1841. In 18T6 Mr. B. was married to Emma Hoverstiek, a native of Ohio; she is the mother of 1 child, Nellie. Mr. B. is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Nappanee, No. 575; he is a Republican. His early education was somewhat neglected but he reads a great deal now. He has been a blacksmith 16 years and engaged in the same business at Nappanee in 1S75. He is now doing a good business, both in blacksmithing and wagon-making; he makes wagons, buggies and carriages, and does a great deal of custom work. His annual work amounts to about $2,600.

John BurMwlder . - Among the early pioneers that came to Union tp. none stands higher in the estimation of the people, or deserves a more prominent position in the history of Elkhart county than John Burkholder. Although he passed away some years ago, his name is fresh in the memory of every resident of the county, as a man generous, courteous and kind, one who was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those who stood in need of his aid. He and his wife, Catharine, commenced in the world poor, but by living a quiet, industrious life, they succeeded in amassing together enough of this world's goods to give them and their children a good home. For many years he had been a minister in the German Baptist Church, and in the discharge of his duties in this noble calling, be won the respect and love of all. He was born in Mahon tp., Upper Canada, Nov. 15, 1814, and was married Feb. 11, 1S40 in this county, to Miss Catharine Stump, who was born in Mahon tp.. Upper Canada, May 18, 1820. They have raised a large family, most of whom are now mai-ried and have families. William is farming the old farm. Mr. Burkholder entered his land in sec. 18 in 1836, and in 1837 began to improve it; he continued to live on it until his death, which occurred Nov. 26, 1877. Mrs. Burkholder still lives on the farm, on which she came a happy young bride.

JFranh Coppes, of the firm of Mellinger & Co., was born in this county in 15^58, and is of German extraction; he is a brother of John D. Coppes, next mentioned. He was married in 1878 to Katie Felt}', who was born in Pennsylvania in 1858; she is the daughter of John and Maria Felty. Mr. C. is a wide-awake, active, energetic business man of Nappanee, in which town he resides. Politically, be is a Republican. His education, when young, was somewhat limited, but he reads a great deal now. He owns onefourth share in the business interests of Mellinger & Co.

John D. Coppes. of the firm of Mellinger & Co., was born in this county in 1856, of German descent; he is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Fravel) Coppes; his mother is living in this tp., and father died Aug. 4, 1874; both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to this county about 30 years ago and settled in Harrison tp., but afterward removed to Jackson tp. In 1878 Mr. C. was united in marriage with Miss Malinda Strohm, who was born in this county in 1859. Politically, he is a Kepublican; his educational advantages were limited, but lie keeps up with the times. He owns town property and has a fourth interest in all the property owned by Mellinger & Co., which includes their large saw-mill, manufacturing mill, and also ISO acres of land in Locke tp. Mr. C; is one of the most enterprising young business men which the town of ISTappanee affords.

David D. Croop, Sr., was born in Seneca county, N. T., March 2, 1814; when he was quite young his parents removed near Buffalo,' where he grew to manhood. He was married here in July, 1838, to Catharine Heiser, daughter of John F. and Eva (Sutter) Heiser, of the same place. She was born in New York March 22, 1815. After their marriage they lived in Clarence, near Buffalo, for a few years, when they joined the tide of emigration flowing to Indiana at that time. They stopped in Elkhart county, and in the spring of 1818 settled on their I'arm in this tp., where the family still continues to reside. They purchased their lot of 80 acres of a man who had entered it and cut some timber on it. They paid $500 for the land. Mrs. Croop says they built a small cabin in the wood, and as they had no lumber to make a door with, they hung a blanket np for one. The cabin stood on about the same ground where their house now stands. They had 6 children: Daniel, born March 11, 1839; Levi, Jan. 13, 1812; Andrew, Dec' 6, 1844; David E., Jan. 10, 1848; Samuel, Feb. 12, 1850; and Sarah, Nov. 16, 1853. Mr. Croop died Feb. 9, 1862. They had both long been worthy members of the Evangelical Church at New Paris. P. 0., Goshen.

Henry Gulp was born in Mahoning county, 0., Oct. 8, 1846. His father, Henry Culp, was born in Columbiana county, O., June 23,1820, and was married July 1, 1841, to Sarah Wanseller, who was born April 26, 1822, in Mahoning county. They had a family of 10 children, Liddie, Samuel (dec), George, Henry, Jacob (dec), John, Eli, Elizabeth, Sarah and Malinda. They left Ohio in 1857, coming to this tp. He had bought his land in November, 1851, buying 240 acres, and paying $750 for the lot. Previous to his moving here he had made several visits to this county, and had made some improvements on his land. He died on that farm- a few years ago. Had been a member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years. Henry, the subject of this sketch, is now living on the old homestead. He was married to Catharine Webber Aug. 7, 1873, who was born in Tuscarawas county, 0., Nov. 29, 1853, the daughter of Jacob and Catharine Webber, of Locke tp., and natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Gulp's children are: Irene Bell, born June 5, 1874; Charles W., Oct. 12, 1875; Henry A., .July 19,1878; Eufns E., May 27, 1880. July 13,1880, Henry A. had three fingers on his right hand cut off with a rope and pulley while unloading haj^ in the barn. Mr. Culp has a good education, and for a number of years has followed teaching. At present he is farming. P. O., Nappanee.

George W. Ernest, son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Ross) Ernest, jatives of Perry county, Pa., was born in Cumberland county, Pa., April 10, 1822; he left therein the fall of 18-17, going to Morrow county, 0., and coming to this county in the fall of 1850. He came to his farm in Union tp. in February, 1852, and has been living here since. He was married xiug. 9, 1813, in Cumbei-land county, Pa., to Rachel ISToggle, of the same county. They have 3 children: Susan, married George Walter, of Union tp. ; ilary E., married David Ewing, of Kosciusko county, Ind.; and Levi, married Catharine Culp, and lives in Harrison tp. Mrs. Ernest died in the spring of 181:8, and is buried in Mount Gilead cemetery, in Morrow county, Ohio. Mr. Ernest was married a second time, to Maria Truex, daughter of Obadiah and Jennie Truex, of Morrow county, O. Her parents are natives of Bedford county. Pa., but lived for a number of years in this conn ty. Her father died here in the spring of 1 878, and is buried in the Pippinger cemetery of Union tp.; her mother lives with Mrs. Ernest. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest have had 7 children, 3 of whom are living, viz.: Alfred, John and James L. Mr. Ernest and his family are members of the U. B. Church. He has been connected with the Church for 37 years. He says that when he first came to the county he had about %1 in mouey and a horse; he sold his horse and bought the land where he now lives; he owns 120 acres of well-improved laud in this tp, , sec. 19. P, .0., Locke.

Jacob Hartman, of the firm of Hartman & Bro., is the son of Adam and Elizabeth (Ramer) Hartman, and was born in Elkhart county, Ind., Sept. 6, 1849, and is of German descent. He was married in this county in 1876, to Miss Alwelda J. Farrington, who was born in Indiana in ISoO, and they have 2 children: Arthur F. and Melvin F. Politically, Mr. H. is a Democrat; his educational advantages were poor. He came to Nappanee in 1877, and assumed cliarge of his business here. A complete history of his business interests has been given in the history of the town of Nappanee.

Tobias Hartman was born Sept. 7, 1842, in Ohio, and is of German descent. He is the son of Adam and Elizabeth (Ramer)- Hartman, both of whom are living in Union tp., the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Lancaster county, Pa. They came t& this county about 1818 and settled in Harrison tp., where they^ resided four years and then removed to this tp. In 1864 Mr. H^ was married in this county, to Elizabeth Brundage, who was born in Canada in 1842; she is the mother of 4 children, all of whom are now living: Daniel, Mary A., Sarah J. and Henry. She is a member of the Mennonite Church. "When young, Mr. H. did not have the advantages aiforded him for securing an education that a great many children had. He is a Democrat; owns town property in i^Tappanee, where he resides, worth about $2,800. He has been a farmer and lumber-dealer for a number of years; moved to JSTappanee in 1877, where he is now assisting, as salesman, the firm of Hartman & Bro., dry-goods merchants at that place.

1843; is of German descent. His mother and father were natives of Ohio, and both died in Marshall county, Ind. Mr. H. came to this county in 1868 and first settled in the village of Locke, where ; j

Nappanee. He was married in 1869 to Hattie Kleindinst, who was born in Germany in 1S46. She is the mother of 3 children, 2 living: Emma E. and Harvey H. Mr. H. was Postmaster at Locke about 17 months. He is now living in IS^appanee and is doing a good business in his line of custom work.

John J. Huffman, son of Jacob and Eebecca (Sheets) Huffman, of Jackson tp., natives of Columbiana county, O., was born in Seneca county, Ohio, April 26, 1844. In the spring of 1865, he came with his parents to Kosciusko couutj, Ind., and lived there till 1870, when he removed to Union tp. of this county. During the late civil war Mr. H. was a member of the 49th Reg. Ohio Vol., Co. C. In the spring of 1869 he was married to Catharine "VValburn, daugh- ,": ter of John Walburn, who was among the first settlers in this tp., coming on his present farm in 1838; he endured all the hardships of a pioneer life with a resolute will to come off victorious in the end; he now has a pleasant home on his fine farm of 160 acres. !

When he first came to his farm he had to cut his own road through the wood from Waterford. He was married in 1838 to Charity Albiii, daughter of John and Catharine (Moreland) Albin, and they had 3 children, all of whom are married, viz.: Eliza Jane, Robert and Catharine. Mr. W. was born in Clarke county, Ohio, in September 1812, and is the son of Robert and Catharine (Thomas) "Walburn. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of North .^ Carolina. He now lives on his farm in a retired manner, and Mr. Huifman attends to his farm on sec. 20. P. 0., Locke.

Dr. J. K. Julian, practicing physician and surgeon at Nappanee, son of John and Juditli (Winder) Julian, was born in this county in 1847, of French-Scotch descent. His parents both died in this county; his father in 1879, and his mother in 1855; the former was a native of South Carolina, and tho latter of Pennsylvania. In 1878 Dr. Julian came to Nappanee and settled permanently, although this place had been his home for a number of years, and he is in reality one of the pioneers of tiie town. He was married in 1874 to Louisa Engle, who was born in Ohio in 1853; she is the mother of 3 children, of whom 1 is now living, namely, William. Politically the Doctor is a Republican. His educational advantages were such as were aflx)rded by common schools; his parents came to this county about 1835, but had been through the county a number of years before. The subject of this sketch went into the army when only 16 years of age, enlisting at Kendallville, Ind., in the 142d Regiment, Co. D, nnder the command of Capt. Thomas Chance; was in the service about one year, and during that time was in the battle at Nashville. He began the study of medicine in 1868; is a graduate of the Indianapolis Medical College; he began to practice in 1872, at the village of Locke. He remained about six years and then came to JN^appanee, where he now resides; is now in partnership with Dr. J. M. Bowser; both are enterprising young doctors, well skilled in the medical art and are well liked by those who employ them. They enjoy an excellent practice, of about $6,000 annually.

John J. McDonald^ farmer, sec. 19; P.O., Locke; was born in Berkeley county, W. Va.,in February, 1S26. In the fall of 1837, in company with his parents, Charles and Kebecca McDonald, who were natives of Berkeley county, W. Va., he removed to Clarke county, Ohio; here he lived 20 years; in the spring of 1857 he came to this county and settled in Harrison tp., near Southwest P. O., and moved on his farm in this tp. in the spring of 1877. In the spring of 1850 he was married to Miss Sarah Maxwell, a very estimable young lady, and the daughter of Guion and Sarah Maxwell, of Clarke county, O., formerly of Berkeley county, "West Va.; she was born in Clarke county, 0., January, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have 10 children, viz.: William, John E., Martin L., Mary E., Thomas, Charley, Amy, Eliza, Frankie and Belle. Emma E. married David Rohrer and lives in Nappanee; they have had 1 child, "William H. ; John E. married Harriet Moyer, and they live in Kent county,Mich. Mr. McDonald has always been engaged in farming; his farm consists of 80 acres of well-improved laud, on which he has good buildings.

John C. Melliuger was born in Ohio in 1849, and is of German extraction; he is the son of Melchor and Elizabeth (Culp) Mellinger, natives of Ohio, now living in that State. Mr. M. came to this county in 1873, and located in this tp. In 1870 he was married to Miss Lucinda Coppes, who was born in this county, in 1S52; they have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living, namely: Ella I., Emma A. and Genetta. Mrs. M. is a member of the Mennonite Church; Mr. M's educational advantages when young, were fair; reads and writes both German and English. He engaged in the saw-milling business in Nappanee, in which town he now resides, in 1873, in partnership with Frank Meyers; they continued the same business, as equal partners, until 1876, when Mr. M. bought out his partner and continued alone until 1877, when John and Frank Coppes formed a partnership with him, both together buying a half interest; they still continue under the firm name of Mellinger & Co. To-day they are the proprietors of a large saw-mill in jSTappanee, doing an extensive business. They ship lumber in large quantities to Goshen, Chicago and other Western points. They also run a manufacturing establishment in which they make all kinds of building material, but make the manufacture of starchboxes, for the Excelsior Starch Factory, of Elkhart, a specialty. They ship, on an average, about 8,000 boxes monthly, and their monthly sales for this one department of their business amount to about $1,000. Their property is worth about $10,000, and they employ IS hands, more or less. And in doing justice to the sub- ject of this sketch, it is neeessary to say that he is one of the most prominent, enterprising business men in the town of Nappanee, and to-day is probably doing more for the benefit of the town than any other individual in it. He is a firm believer in the doctrines of the Republican party, and is prominently connected with its interests in his community.

John B. Pecldyoord, Postmaster at iSTappanee, was born in Falton county, Ohio, in 1848, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Graham) Peddycord, both of whom are now deceased. He came to this county in 1875, and located in Nappanee; he was appointed Postmaster during the same year. He was married in October, 187S, to Xancy F. Zimmerman, who was born in DeKalb county, Ind., in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Methodist Church; his educational advantages were fair. Is Notary Public, and in the postofiice room he has a small stock of candies, cigars, stationery, etc. ; sells a good deal.

Solomon Sheets, one of the prominent farmers of this tp., was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, May 24, 1S24. His parents, John and Catharine Sheets, were natives of Ohio, and died in Van Wert county, Ohio, the former in 1863 and the latter in 1876. The family is of German descent, and were among the first to settle in Ohio. Mr. Sheets left Columbiana county when a young man, going to Van Wert county ; here he was married in November, 1852, to Elizabeth Hummel, daughter of (.Tuion and Susanna Rummel, of Van Wert county, Ohio, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1830. They have had 9 children, of whom 4 are living: Amos, Emma J., George and John. Amos married Maria Grove, and lives in this tp.; Emma J. married A. "W. Beed; they have 1 child, Ira C, also living in this tp. Mr. Sheets left Van "Wert county, Ohio, in 1862, coming to this tp., where he has been living since. He was educated in the public schools of Ohio. Since coming to this tp.he held the office of Tp. Trustee eight years and discharged its duties to the satisfaction of all. He now owns 160 acres of good land in sec. 17 of this tp. ; his farm is well improved with a fine residence, bespeaking for him a pleasant home. P. 0. Locke.

Samuel J. Shrock, of the firm of Good & Shrock, was born in Ohio in 1843, and is of Pennsylvania Dutch descent; he is a son of Jonas and Barbara Slirock, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. They came to this county about 1844, and settled in Locke tp., where they resided until 1864, when they removed to Lagrange county; there they both died, the father in 1865 and mother in 1878. Mr. S. was married in 1864 to Catharine Kupert, who was born in Ohio in 1846, and they have had 6 children, of whom 4 are living: Amanda, Adam, Barbara and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Amish Mennonite Church; politically, he is a Republican. His educational advantages were limited; attended school in log houses, the first being subscription schools. He came to Nappanee in 1875, and in 1876 engaged in the saw-milling business with Mr. Good; they still continue as equal partners, doing a good business; the mill which they are running, they built in J876, and began operations immediately; the greater part of their work, at present, is for Zook & Heefner, of Goshen, although they do a great deal of custom work, and ship some; the same firm also owns a half interest in a saw-mill in Kosciusko county.

Christian. E . Slahaugh,i-A.T:\TiG.v. sec. IS; P. O., Locke; was born in Lancaster county. Pa., in November, 1620. When he was five years of age his parents. Christian and Annie Slabaugh, left their native State and removed to Clarke county, Ohio. Here Christian E. was reared until 13 years old, when they again removed to Portage county, Ohio; here he grew from boyhood to the riper years of manhood, and in October, 1S52, he was married to Miss So])hia Walters, daughter of Henry Walters, of the above county, who was born Oct. 7, 1S2S: they have 2 children: Wilson, born Sept. 2, 1853, and Lydia, born Aug. 5, 1855, and married John Albin; they live in this tp. In politics Mr. Slabaugh is a Democrat; for 40 years he has been a member of the German Eeformed Church. He has a good farm in this tp. with a pleasant home.

George IF. Slabaugh vvas born in Portage county, Ohio, Dec. 20. 1S36. His parents were Christian and ISTaucy (Rhodes) Slabaugh, natives of Lancaster county, Pa,; his father died in Ohio; bis mother removed to Harrison tp., this county, and remained some years; then went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Berlin, in Locke tp., and died there in 1865. The paternal gi'audfather of Mr. S. came from Switzerland. George W. lived in Ohio until he was 17 years of age, then removed with the family to this county, settling in Harrison tp. He was married in Harrison tp. Nov. 17, 1859, to Pebecca Nease, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Walmer) Nease, who was born in Lancaster county. Pa., July 7, 1840. Her parents removed to Dauphin county, Pa., while she was an infant, where they resided until she was 10 years of age; they then removed to Dayton, Ohio; stopped here onl}' a short time, and then came to this county, settling in Harrison tp. in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. S. have 7 children, 3 of whom died while quite young: Alvaretta E., Jacob LI. and Jennie M.; the names of those living are Annetta, born Feb. 6, 1862; Miron Milton and Byron Berlin, twins, born Oct. 11,1867; andlMinola E.. born Feb. 1,1872; the twins are finelooking boys and resemble each other so much that they can scarcely be told apart by their most intimate friends. Mr. Slabaugh moved to Locke tp. in 1S60, where he lived a few years; then returned to Harrison tp., and to his farm in this tp. in the fall of 1869. He has a fine farm in see. 32, worth $S,000 or $9,000. It is all well under-drained and in good condition; he has good buildings and pleasant surroundings. Both Mr. and Mrs. S. received " their education in the rude school buildings characteristic of that day; they commenced in the world poor, but by careful and honest frugality have obtained for themselves and their children a pleasant home. P. O., Nappanee.

Samuel H. Smith, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Smith, who were among the first to settle in this tp., was born May 11, 1846, in this tp., and here he has always lived. He received his education in the schools of his native tp., and the hio;h school of Goshen. He is one of the most energetic and prominent men of his tp. Feb. 18, 1864, he had the misfortune to lose his left hand while feeding a clover mill on the farm of one of his neighbors. He was Deputy Assessor of this tp. four years, commencing in 1865, and Assessor 8 years; he has also twice appraised the real estate of this tp.; in the spring of '78 he was elected Tp. Trustee, and was again elected to that office in the spring of 1880, which office he still fills to the satisfaction of all. September, '69, Mr. S. was married to Rigena Ippert, of this tp.; their 4 children are: Milton, Minnie, Delena and Irvin. Mr. S. is engaged in farming and teaching; has taught IS terms of school in his tp. He now has a farm of 50 acres on sec. 23, with a pleasant home. P. O., N"ew Paris.

Christian Stahly was born in Rhinebron, Germany, July 27, 1820. His parents were Henry and Barbara Stahly, natives of the same town. In November, 1835, they left Germany, landing in New York, and came to Starke county, Ohio, where they spent the winter, and in the spring removed to Wayne county, Ohio; here Christian lived eight years, then came to this county. He was married inWayne county, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1842, to Miss Fannie Haussauer, daughter of Peter and Mary Haussauer, of Wayne county, O., who was born Aug. 27, 1822; her father came from Germany and was among the first to settle in Eastern Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. S. have a family of 7 children: Peter, born Oct. 2, 1842; Barbara, Feb. 25, 1844; John, Sept. 23,1846; Moses, July 27, 1849; Magdalena, Nov. 10, 1851; Solomon, July 19, 1853; and Samuel, July 28, 1858. Mr. Stahly entered his farm in this tp. in October, 1840, and moved on it in July, 1842; since that time this farm has been his home; here his children were born, and lived until they married and found homes for themselves. In his financial affairs Mr. S. has been quite successful; he has a pleasant home and a good farm of 157 acres, besides helping his children to secure homes. He first entered 80 acres, and when he settled on it there were but two settlers within a mile. The roads at this time were not cut out, and he was forced to cut his own road ibr two miles in order to reach his land. Fie has long been a member of the Amish Church. P. O., Nappanee.

Peter C. Stahly, furniture dealer in Nappanee, is a brother of the preceding, and was born in this tp. in 1842, and is of German extraction. He was married in 1865 to Elizabeth Smucker, born in Ohio in 1846, and they have had 6 children, of whom 4 are living: Barbara, Manasseh, Fannie and Adam. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Amish Church. Politically, he is a Democrat; has been a farmer all his life and now owns 45 acres in this tp., worth about $4,000; was also a cabinet-maker for 15 years, working in Locke tp. He engaged in business at Nappanee in 1878; carries a complete stock of furniture, amounting to $1,200, and is doing a good iSusiness. He has now in process of erection a factory, by wliicli he proposes to manufacture his own furniture. This will, no doubt, be a great help to N"appanee, and will be characteristic of the business and enterprise of the proprietor.

John Stauffer was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in December, 182S. When he was about 10 years of age his family removed from his native State, living in Portage county, Ohio, about 10 years, and then removed to Starke county, of the same State, where they lived five years; then came to this county in 1852. Mr. Staniier was married Oct. 29, 1S51:, to Miss Abigail Winder, daughter of Joseph and Amy Winder, of this county, who was born in Portage county, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1833; they have 5 children: Florence E., "born July 6, 1855; Wallace W., Sept. 3, 1861; Horace E., March 8, 1858; Cora A., April 4, 1868, and Nellie I., Dec. 22, 1871. They are all well educated; Florence and Horace have been attending the Valparaiso Normal School. Horace married Bell Jones, and is at present attending medical college in Chicago. Mr. Stauffer was reared on a farm and received his education in the schools of Ohio. His parents are Jacob and Elizabeth (Huffman) Stauffer, both of whom are now living in this tp. ; his father was born in Fayette county. Pa., May 18, 1804. When 11 years of age he was taken to Columbiana county, Ohio. This part of Ohio was then a wilderness; he says that he can still remember when there were but two families living within four miles of their home. Here he grew to manhood and was married April 16, 1825, to Elizabeth Huffman, who was born Oct. 6, 1805. Thejr have now been living together 55 years, and both are yet hale and hearty. They have 2 sons, Henry and John, both residents of this county.

Joseph Sti'ohm, dealer in agriciiltural implements at Nappanee;- was born in Canada in 1836, and is of Swedish descent; he is the oldest of 2 children, whose parents were Jacob and Barbara (Lehman) Strohm, who settled in Union tp. in 1849; his father, who is a native of Pennsylvania, is now living in Nebraska; his mother, also a native of Pennsylvania, died in this tp. in 1842. In 1857 Mr. S. was married to Mary Hare, who was born in Ohio in 1839, and they have had 12 children, of wl^om 4 are living: Henry, Malinda, Anson and Clayton; Malinda is the wife of John Coppes, of the lirni of Mellinger & Co., of Nappanee. Politically Mr. S. is a Republican; he is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 448, at Wakarusa; his educational advantages were limited, being compelled to attend school in log houses; he owns property in Nappaiiee, where he lives, worth about $1,500; he has been a farmer and carpenter a number of years, also ran a saw-mill and planingmill in this tp., and one in Nappanee; he engaged in the agricultural business in 1879, and keeps a full stock of all kinds of farming implements; is doing a good business and is one of the prominent men of the town.

Solomon J. Strycker was born on the farm on which he now resides in this tp. in May, 184r7. He was married Maj^ 5, 1870, to Miss Isabella Skinner, daughter of Abraham and Mary A. Skinner, of JSToble county, Ind., who was born in that county in JSTovember, 1853; they have 3 children, Ephraim, Mary Ann and William H. Mr. S. was educated in the schools of this tp., and is a member of the German Baptist Church at Union Center. His father, Christopher Strycker, was among the first settlers in the tp.; he was born in Lincollen county, West Canada; his parents were Henry and Mary (AVanner) Strycker, natives of Pennsylvania; they left that State while they were yet young, going to Canada. His father died there. His mother died in this county, and was the second person that was buried in the old cemetery in sec. 23. Mr. Strj'cker, Sr., was born Sept. 1.5, 1815; he came to this county and bought his present farm of 160 acres in this tp. of William Bradford, formerly of New Paris, in June, 1836, paying for it $400. Mr. S. did not commence improving his land till several years later, when he moved on the place with his wife. He says that when he first came here he had but 25 cents to his name, with the exception of what was invested in his land, and it was all woods, without even a cabin. Ho was married in this county March 31, 1842, to ^

Martha Stump, daughter of Solomon and Anna (Burkholder) Stump, who came to this tp. at an early date. They have a family as follows: Solomon, Maria, Elizabeth and Sarah. He is a member of the German Baptist Church and has a pleasant home.

after. His father lived till about eight years ago, and is buried in he same place. Mr. Truex, the subject of this sketch, left Ohio in 1851, and settled on his farm in this tp. When he came, his farm was all in the woods. It was first entered on Aug. 20, 1838, by Samuel Sills; he sold it to Jonas Kauffman for $200 in 1848. Mr. Truex next bought it in 1853 for the sum of $280. He has improved the place and now has a good farm with good buildings. Mr. Truex has been twice married. First in May, 1S39, to Mary ISTellon, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth jSTellon, of Morrow county, Ohio; thej' have 3 children; Melissa, married Cornelius Mesmer, and lives in Morrow county, Ohio; Clark, married Jerasa Iber, and lives in Locke tp; Elizabeth is at home. Mrs. Truex died in 1847, and Mr. T. married Emily Fisher, daughter of Absalom and Jemimah Fisher. Her father was a native of Virginia, but died in this county; her mother was born in Morrow county, Oliio. Mrs. Truex was born Aug. 26, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. T. were married in December, 1849, and have 7 children, 5 of whom are living: George, born Aug. 29, 1853; Hiram, Feb. 6, 1855; Joseph, Oct. 2, 1847; Absalom B., April 5, 1860; Lonza W., May 28, 1862, Mr. T. says he has always lived like a fox in the woods.

Daniel Tilery, son of John and Elizabeth Ulery, was born in Cambria county, Pa., July 28, 1814; lie removed with his parents to Montgouiery county, Ohio, when he was four years of age. They lived here until Daniel was 20 years of age, when the family removed to this county, settling in Elkiiart tp. in the fall of 1834. Mr. U. was married April 15, 1841, to Miss Mary Davenport, daughter of Noah and Catharine Davenport, natives of Ohio. She was born in Miami county, Ohio, April 30, 1821, and they have 8 children, all of whom are married and have families. Their names in the order of their ages are Levi, Liddie, John, Catharine, Elizabeth, Samuel, Sarah, David and Aaron; the latter died when an infant. Mr. Ulery has been engaged in hunting and farming since he came to this county. He entered the farm on which he now lives in 1835, at the Land Office in La Forte. He and his wife have been members of the German Baptist Church for about 20 years. He has been Tp. Trustee for three years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ulery received their education in the subscription schools of Ohio.

George S. Walter was born in Hessian, Germany, April 14, 1844. His parents are Gustavus and Elizabeth Walter, of this tp. They - left Germany when the subject of this sketch was about four years of age, stopping first at Pittsburg about four weeks, then going to Columbiana county, Ohio; here they lived about four years, then removed to Harrison tp., this county. They staid here but a short time and removed to this tp., where the family has since resided. Mr. Walter was married Oct. 8, 1865, to Miss Susanna Ernest, daughter of G. W. Ernest, of this tp. ; they have 6 children: Frank, Alziua, Ida, Jessie, Milo and Ira. Mr. W. was educated in the public schools of the county. He has a good farm of 80 acres, worth

Dr. A. A. Ward, practicing physician and snre;eon, in the town of Nappanee, is the son of Abram and Anna (Hammond) Ward, and was born in Ohio in 1843, and is of Scotch-Irish descent; his father is living in Hohnes county, O., and was born in 179S; his mother died Feb. 11, 1S80, aged 77 years; both natives of Pennsylvania. In 1864 the Doctor was married to Anna Seiler, who was born in Switzerland in 1844; they have 2 children, both living: Celia and Marretta. Politically, the Doctor is a Democrat; his educational advantages, when young, were good; he attended high school at Berlin, Ohio, and the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in the medical department of which he graduated in 1867. He first began the practice of his profession in Ohio, in 1866, under his instructor, where he remained one .year, and then went to Bremen, Indiana, where he practiced about one year; he ne.Kt went to Milford, and after remaining there about a year he removed to Rochester, Missouri, where he lived three years; thence to Denver, Illinois, remaiiiing there eighteen months; then he lived in Michigan two years and a half, thence in Pochester, Indiana, where he remained until ISSO; then came to Xappanee, where he has been only a short time, but is building up a practice that will amount to about . $2,500 annually. He is an excellent physician, is well liked by those who have employed him, and is forming a large circle of friends. He says he has always had a natural inclination to travel, around from one place to another, but expresses his intention now to remain permanentl}' in Nappanee.

Samuel J. Winder was born in Portage county, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1848. He is the son of Jesse and Amy (Taylor) Winder; natives of Erie county, Pa.; they came to this county, settling in Harrison tp. in 1866. He was married May 4, 1873, to Caroline Hoverstick, daughter of George Hoverstick, of this tp.,who was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 6, 1854, and came to this county about 28 years ago. They have 2 children: Frank A., born Nov. 23,1874; Harry S., born Aug. 26, 1877. Mr. Winder is a carpenter. He moved to Elkhart in lS71,and in 1876 he left that place, going to Nappanee, where he continued to work at his trade until the last year, when he removed to Hoverstick's farm, where he now resides. He received his education in the public schools of Ohio, and is an advocate of thePepublican party; P. O., Nappanee.

Andrew Wise was born in Morrow county, 0., Nov. 8, 1838. He is the son of Samuel and Barbara (Shofe) Wise, natives of Pennsylvania. He came to this county and settled in Harrison tp. in 1859, and to this tp. in the fall of 1876. He was married March 20, 1864, to Pogina Eyer, daughter of John and Barbara Eyer, of Olive tp., who was born Dec. 19, 1842. Their children are: Samuel, born March 19, 1866; Emma M., Nov. 23, 1869; Mary A., Sept. 20, 1873; George E., Aug. 29, 1876; Liddie E., Sept. 27, 1878. Mr. Wise is engaged in farming; was Township

Trustee for two terms, commencing in 1864; was Postmaster at "Wakarusa four years. He now lias a small piece of land and a pleasant home in this tp.

Jaooh H. Wisher^ farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Locke; was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1833. He came from Ohio with his parents in 1849, to this county and settled on the farm on which be now resides in this tp. ; he has lived in the county ever since, and most of the time on his present farm. He was married May 13, 1858, in this county, to Annie Troxel, daughter of Peter and Annie Troxel, of Wayne county, Ohio; their children ai-e, William H., born March, 1S59; and Louisa A., Jan. 13, 1863. Mrs. Wisler died April 27, 1866, and is buried in the cemetery four miles north of Wakarusa. Mr. Wisler was married a second time Jan. 26, 1868, to Sarah Kilmer, daughter of Isaac and Annie Kilmer, of this tp. Their 3 children are, Isaac S., born Jan. 23, 1869, and Fanny P., born Aug. 19, 1870, and died Aug. 23, 1877; Anna S., born ISfov. 24, 1873. Mr. Wisler is now engaged in farming. He and one of his brothers built the grist-mill at Locke, and ran it for several years. He has been a Deacon in the Mennonite Chnrch for 15 years; has a good farm and a pleasant home.

Benjamin Witham, blacksmith at Nappanee, was born in Allen county, Ind., in 1S43, and is of Irish descent; he is the son of Heni-y and Permelia (Gates) Withara, both of whom died in this county, and were natives of Ohio; they came to this county at an early date. Mr. W. was married in 1871, to Sarah Auglin, born in Indiana; they have had 3 children, 2 of whom are living: Permelia E. and Mary A. He and wife are members of the Church of God. Politically, he is a Democrat; he engaged in business atNappanee, in 1879, and is doing a good business; he has recently formed a partnership with Benjamin Frazier; they also make wagons and buggies.

Henry TFyso;!^, son of Robert Wysong, of this tp., was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, October, 1819, and was married Dec. 12, 1841, to Annie Miller, who was born in ITovember, 1822. They removed to this county from Preble county, Ohio, in 1845, coming to their present farm on Sept. 22 of that year. They have 3 children: Daniel, Josiah and Henry. The latter was born in February, 1853, on the old home farm which he now owns. Here he grew to manhood, and while a boy attended the district school near his home, and in later years the high school at Goshen, and the State Normal at Terre Haute. After leaving school he was engaged in teaching for several years, but is now farming. He was married in September, 1875, to Lovina Miller, daughter of David C. and Rachel - Miller, of this tp., who was born Nov. 5, 1857; they have 1 child, Charles E., born in February, 1878. Mr. Wysong has a good farm on see. 33, with pleasant surroundings. P. O., Nappanee.

Eli Yarian was born May 25, 1839, in Portage county, Ohio, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Yarian; he married Louisa Beliu Sept. 22, 1866, daughter of John and Susanna Belin, of Locke tp. ; she

L., Jan. 5, 1872; Liddie B., Sept. 17, 1878; and an infant, deceased. Mr. Yarian came to Locke tp. in February, 1866; bought the land on which the village of Locke now stands. He and his family are members of the U. B. Chnroh. June 28, 1861, when the flag of our nation was being assaulted, among the brave and patriotic boys ' . this sketch. He was with his Co. three years and eight months, participating in 23 regular engagements with the enemy, besides numerous skirmishes. Among some of the prominent battles in which he took a part were Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, luka and Stone Eiver. After the l^attle of Nashville, Mr. Y. was transferred to the Eastern army at Fort Fisher; the last battle in which he took I

Yarian died April 30, 1869, and is buried in Snow tp., JSToble county, Ind., where Mr. Yarian had moved in September, 1860. After the death of his wii'e, he again returned to Ohio and was married in February, 1870, to Rebecca A. Markley, daughter of Martin and Hannah Markley, formerly of Portage county, Ohio, but now living in Kosciusko county; she was born May 17, 1845; they had - / K\ land Hospital, where he staid until Feb. 14, 1865, when he started for home, but missed the train and staid over night at the Soldiers' '; 'I the road, aud had been at home at his father's, in Portage county, Ohio, about seven days, when he was taken with the small- pox, and was not able to return for 47 days. He then reported for duty at Indianapolis, and was sent to the soldiers' home in that city; here he soon came down with diphtheria, and lay in the hospital four weeks, very sick. When he again recovered he was detailed as clerk of the ward of the hospital, which position he kept until he received his discharge May 25, 1865; with his discharge he received a certificate entitling him to a pension of $8 per month; this was increased in 1870 to $15 per month, and in 1872 to $18 per month. Mr. Yarian came to his farm in this tp. in 1870; he has 80 acres of well-improved land, mostly underdrained, and with good buildings. He has been a worthy member of the U. B. Church 20 years. P. 0., Kappanee.

Daniel A. Young was born Dec. 11, 1853, in Ashland county, 0., son of Samuel and Mary Young, of this county. They left Ashland county when Daniel was about two years o'f age, going to Miami county, 0., and a few years later they removed to this county, settling near Goshen. They have been living in the county since then. The subject of this sketch was married May 22, 1873, to Miss Lucy Landers, of this tp., who was born in July, 1862. They have 2 children: Eva A., born Aug. 16, 1875, and Laura Viola, May 1, 1879. Mr. Young is engaged in farming. P. O., Locke .

struggle for independence; him whose great and magnanimoas heart ever beat in sympathy with those who sought their liberty from the tyranny and dominance of the old world, and who, as ' " igan. In its original or primeval life, before the hand of art had touched it with her charms and to it added wealth and beauty, it even then was beautiful. The forest and prairie and marsh and ' ' here, stopped to make a home. The members of that family were: James, the father, and his sons Samuel V., David T. and George. About the same time came also Peter Marmen and Aaron Brown, relatives of Mr. Nickolson. All these now made pre-emption claims of land which had as yet belonged to Uncle Sara, and thus the actual settlement began. In 1830 came Reuben Bronson and his brother-in-law, James Cathcart. Mr. Bronson purchased some of the claims made by those who first came, and shortly afterward -- practicing physician, was the first postmaster. A weekly mail was the height of their ambition then for news, and was brought to Bristol in the coat-pockets of Jacob Evans, the first mail-carrier.

The first religious meetings were held in 1837, by three Baptist preachers, who held a protracted meeting in the parlor of the hotel, before its completion, having a ground floor and rude plank seats. The first Methodist minister was Rev. Mr. Griffith, who in 1837 preached at the different points of his circuit, but it required about three months to " make the circuit." One of the very first circuit ministers was Eev. Solomon Knapp.

The first church building was erected in 1849, by the Episcopal denomination, thongh principally through the energetic and untiring labors of Mrs. Jannette Judson. The following year the Methodist Episcopal church was completed and dedicated, largely through the efforts of John Maffit, the local minister at that time, and at this date the present postmaster at Bristol. The first minister duly appointed in charge here was E,ev. Herman B. Ball. The Presbyterian church was in course of construction in 1850, under the management of Kev. Theron C. Depew, who died before the church was completed. The first regular minister after its completion was Jlev. Mr. Williams. The first hotel was built in 1836 by Delos Gannett, and the first landlord was Joseph Wheeler. The house has ever since been under the control of some member of the Wheeler family, being now owned and occupied by Joseph Wheeler, Sr., son of the original proprietor.

After the departure of the Indians, Dr. II. H. Fowler was the first physician. William Cowan was the first attorney at law. Alexander Bassett was appointed first justice of the peace.

The first dam was built across the St. Joseph river at Bristol in 18-il, and mills erected thereon by Thomas Wheeler, the Hanchels, S. P. Judson and Sewell Thompson, the latter named being the proprietor of the first woolen mill erected here. In 1861 John Boyer and Simon Bickell improved water-power at the mouth of the Little Elkhart by erecting thereon flouring and saw-mills, of which Mr. Boyer is now sole owner. In 1868 "The Bristol Hydraulic Company" was organized for the purpose of constructing a dam across the St. Joseph river; a flouring mill was erected thereon, and a furniture factory built by the " Bristol Manufacturing Company." Both buildings were soon after destroyed by fire, but prior to this a litigation had grown out of the fact of the dam backing water on the mill property owned by Mr. Boyer, at the mouth of the Little Elkhart, and who had obtained judgment for damages against the Hydraulic Company; and, pending the result of an appeal to the Supreme Court of the State, all further improvements on the part of the Hydraulic Company's works were suspended.

The soil of this township is, in the main, of a very sandy nature, yet generally quite productive, producing good crops of all kinds of grain and vegetables, and is easy of cultivation. A range of hills extends through the township, upon which are to be found the finest nurseries and the most extensive vineyards in the State. A number of individuals here are engaged largely in fruit culture, prominent among whom are Hanford & Co., nurserymen, B. F. Cathca.rt, Samuel Pease, Dr. J. K. Congdon, Samuel Jarvis & Son, H. Hildreth, J". K. Lutherman, Mr. Krider, Nicholas Fisher & Son, and a number of others, whose lands in nursery and vineyard comprise several hundred acres, and the estimate of fruit raised and shipped from here by these parties is immense. One firm has shipped as high as 1,000 bushels of plums alone in a single season. Strawberries are reckoned by thousands of crates, and grapes by hundreds of tons. This enterprise gives employment throughout a goodly part of the summer and fall seasons to a large number of women and children, to whom this kind of labor is peculiarly fitted.

Modern Bristol

the only town in Washington township, has a population of about 700, and is situated near the center of the township, on the south shore of the Elkhart river. Being a goodly distance from other business points, and situated in a well-settled and productive country, it is a town of more than ordinary business capacity. Dry goods and stores of general merchandise are five in number, kept by Wm. R. Merritt & Son, Nickolson & Chess, Wm. Goss, Thomas Hilbish and W. H. Lee. There are three grocery stores, kept by J. F. Cathcart, F. G. Romaine and Joseph Wheeler; two hardware stores, kept by C. E. Bickell and Cyrus Bertch; three drug stores, kept by Drs. L. A. Congdon, G. W. Seeley and G. J. B. Floyd. The boot and shoe trade is represented by B. F. Hattel, Samuel Sanders and J. H. Miller; two hotels, kept by Phinneas Clark and Joseph Wheeler; furniture manufacturing and sale is carried on by Dennis Sullivan; a jewelry and clothing store is nicely kept by

Mrs. R. Kruff, who for her energy in seeking to maintain such a worthy occupation is entitled to the patronage of the good people of Bristol and community; harnesses are fitted to the horses of this section by Mr. John Trager; the meat market is kept by Frank Anderson ; two restaurants, kept in good style by Mrs. W. B. Wise and Mr. S. B. Carpenter; billiard halls kept by Mr. Stone and Thomas T. Ward; also one saloon and billiard hall, kept by Isaac F. Alverson. Charles F. Siebert is a contractor and builder, and also proprietor of a lumber yard. Blacksmithing is well represented by W. M. Sanders, Darwin H. Johnson, Simon Haines and Mr. Paulus; wagons are made and repaired by Homer Adams, Daniel C. Bishop, George H. Warren and Hiram Congdon. The two cooper shops are kept by Messrs. Cone and the " Hoop-pole Brothers;" millinery stores are kept by Miss Eliza Hill, Mrs. Baird and Mrs. Childs, the latter a daughter of that early settler, Mr. Bronson ; dressmaking is carried on by Mrs. Mary A. Congdon and Mrs. Sarah Bassett, granddaughter of the first justice of the peace of Washington township. John Boyer is the miller.

Three religious denominations have each good and commodious church buildings. Rev. Mr. Lamport is the present minister of the Methodist Church, Rev. Mr. Stanley of St. John's Episcopal, and Rev. Mr. Fisher for the Presbyterian Church. The schools of the town are in a flourishing condition. A fair school building and an average attendance of from 150 to 200 pupils, with carefully conducted grading, gives Bristol good educational facilities.

The Lake Shore & Michigan Southern R. R. passes through Bristol, which aids in giving life and animus to the place and rendering it quite a shipping point.

Biographical

Aaron E. Adams, farmer, sec. 29 ; P. 0., Bristol ; was bora iu Jefferson tp., this county, Feb. 20, 1848. His parents, early settlers of the county, are still living. He received his education in the common schools; taught school some years previous to his marriage in 1866; was married to Ella J. Paxson, who was born in this county. They have 3 children: Arther E., Frank P. and Clarrie E. He owns 198 acres of land, well cultivated, and worth $60 per acre; they are both members of the M. E. Church. Politically, he is Republican.

Elijah Adams, farmer, sec. 19; P. 0. , Bristol; is a native of Indiana county. Pa., and was born Jan. 13, 1815. His parents were also natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Wayne county. Congress tp., O., when the subject of this sketch was only five years old, Mr. Adams being the ninth voter in that tp. at that time. His mother died in Ohio in 1837, in her 45th year, and his father in Indiana in 1843 in bis 65th year. The subject of this sketch received his education in an early day by his mother's assistance, which in those days, was somewhat of an undertaking, to study and work at the same time, but he had a determination to have an education, as well as a farm, which kept his mind busy as well as his hands. At the age of 20 years his father gave him $200 and with the $100 that he had saved, he came to this county and entered three SO's of land in Jefferson tp. in 1835. He then returned to Ohio, and engaged in teaching school and going to school until 1830. He was married to Susan Herr. She was born in Penus3'lvania in 1819. He continued to teach school until 1840. He came to Indiana and commenced to farm on his own land, teaching school during the winter months, until the fall of 1855. He sold his farm and moved over into Washington tp., where he now resides on 176 acres of land, well cultivated and worth $60 per acre. Their family consisted of 6 children. The living are: Aaron E., Ambrose I. and Martha A. (now Mrs. Henry Menges); the deceased are: Eva P. and one in infancy, and Arthur A., in his 2l3t year. Arthur was a bright and good boy, and bid faij- to make a man of good and useful habits. He had taught school and was educating himself when taken sick and thus all was ended. Mr. A. had done well by all his children, giving each a good start, in which they might make homes for themselves. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace 12 years, and Peal Estate Appraiser one term in Jefferson, and appointed Real Estate Appraiser in Washington, which he held three years. They are now living, both well along in years; they are members of the M. E. Church and politically he is a Republican.

Frederick M. Aitken, M. D., of Bristol, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1846, the son of Andrew and Sarah E. Aitken. His father removed from Buffalo to Bristol April 20, 1850, by railroad and stage to Detroit, from Detroit to I^iles by water route, and from there to Bristol by stage. His father was a merchant in Bristol. His mother died April 3, 1864, and his father Aug. 12, 1869.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools in Eristol. At the age of IS he began the study of medicine under Drs. Congdon & Ech]eman, of Bristol, and continued with them three years. He then attended a medical college in New York citv. In 1S6S he began the practice of medicine in the town of Bristol, where he soon attained a good practice and took a front rank in the profession. He was married Sept. 8, 1874, to Margaret Marth Rough, who was born Sept. 4, 1853, in Snyder county, Pa. Their family consisted of 1 son, Charles Andrew. He has now established a good and lucrative practice, in the town of Bristol and surrounding country. At the present time Dr. Aitken holds the office of School Trustee. He is a Democrat, and himself and wife are members of the P. E. Church.

Isaac N. Alverson, proprietor of billiard hall and saloon, Bristol, was born in Utica, N. Y., Jan. 2, 1825, son of William and Ellen Alverson. His father came to this county in 1836, and was one among the few to help make the town of Bristol. He engaged in farming, which occupation he continued until his death, April 27, 1878, in his SOth year. His mother is still living with him. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed a few years. In 1850 he went to the gold regions of California, and was there 21 years. He then came back to Bristol and engaged in his present occupation. He was married in 1873 to Catharine Fulk, a native of Pennsylvania. They have 2 children, Irene and May. He owns property in the town of Bristol to the value of $2,500. Politically, he is an advocate of the Greenback Labor Reform.

J. E. Barbour^ M. D., was born in Romeo, Macomb county, Mich., in 1848; his father died at this place seven years later; after his father's death he went to Pontiac, Mich., living with his grandparents until 1862, when he enlisted in the 9th Mich. Vol. Inf, which regiment then proceeded to Nashville, Tenn., and joined the command of Gen. Geo. H. Thomas. The command marched from Murfreesboro, Tenn., to Chattanooga, and from there to Atlanta. Georgia, being engaged in the battles of Murfreesboro, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost and the siege of Atlanta, at which place the enemy separated their command. Gen. Thomas pursued Gen. Hood in his movement upon Nashville, where the last great battle of Nashville was fought, resulting in the annihilation of Hood's army. A few months after this, at the close of the war. Dr. Barbour was mustered out of the service and returned home, where he remained; he attended school during the winter, until he was 20 years of age; at this time he determined to study medicine, and, to prepare himself more fully, attended the Pontiac high school for two years, and attended a course of lectures at the Detroit College of Medicine the following year; was passed under the instruction of Dr. Arnold, of Detroit; the next winter he attended a course of lectures at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and graduated at the Homeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland, Ohio, in the spring of 1877; then returned to Bristol, Ind., where he is associated with his brother-in-law, Dr. Erazie, in practice, where for four years they have prospered, diligent in business, devoting their energies to the great aim of making life a success. Dr. Barbour was married to Emma A., daughter of Samuel Rhinehart, Esq., of Cass county, Mich., Jan. 1, 1879; they have 1 child, Harry Arnold. The Doctor has always been a Republican.

Peter 8. Bardo^ farmer, sec. 24; P. 0., Bristol; was born in Northumberland county, Penn., Oct. 13, 1837 ; his father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania and both deceased. He was raised on a farm and received what education he has in the common schools. He was married in 1856 to Rebecca Gortner, who was born in Lycoming county, Penn., and they have had 9 children; the living are Anna C, Guy, John M. and William A. The family came to Indiana in 1865, locating in Washington tp. JVEr. B. now owns 120 acres of land, which he lias under a fair state of cultivation, and worth $50 per acre. They are members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

C. H. Bertch, hardware merchant and express agent. Bristol; born in Snyder Co., Pa., Apr. 18, 1852; mother died in 1871; father living; they came to Indiana in 1865, wlien C. H. commenced to work for S. B. Romaiue, clerking in store until Mr. R.'s death, and after that for the estate, until July, 1879; then commenced business for himself; after the death of Mr. R. he received the appointment of express agent. He was married in 1872 to Patience Heudershott, born in Warner county, Ohio, in 1844; they have 3 children: William H., Cliarles C. and Julia O. Mr. Bertch is a Democrat.

Charles E. Biokel, deoXeT in stoves and tinware, Bristol; was horn in this tp. Dec. 16, 1844; his father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to this county in 1843. In 1872 his mother died; father is still living in Bristol; in 1869 he lost his sight by sun-stroke and heat; although completely blind, he can walk the streets by the assistance of his cane, day or night, and enjoys the social gatherings of his family. At the age of 17 he commenced to learn his trade, and continued it up to 1878; he then commenced business in this tp. for himself; he now keeps a full supply of all kinds of goods in his line of trade, and does all kinds of work in the line of tinware and stoves, supplied on short notice. He was married in 1877 to Harriet Wirebaugh, born in Ohio Dec. 26, 1848; they have 4 children: Jennie, "Cliarles E., Nellie and William W. Mr. B. is a member of the Bristol Silver Cornet Band, and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church; politically, he is a Republican.

Jacob Blckel, farmer, sec. 29 ; P. O., Bristol ; was born in Union county, Penn., May 17, 1817; father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania; father died in 1824, mother in 1823. He was raised on a farm and received what education he has by attending the common schools of Pennsylvania. He started in life without any assistance. In 1840 he married Louisa Ortz, born in Union county,

Penn., Oct. 2-1, 1818; they have had 7 children; the living are: Thomas J., John P., Mary C, Sarah J.; the dead are: Margaret L., William H. and Andrew J. Mr. B. came to this county in 1861, and rented for a few years; he located on the present farm in 1865, which consists of 159 acres nnder a good state of cultivation, and worth $75 per acre, all of which he made by his own hard work and close attention to business. He and his family are all members of the German Lutheran Church; politically, he is a Democrat.

C. C. Bower, M. D., Bristol, was born in Middlebury, Snyder Co., Penn., JSTov. 37, 1850; he is the son of Hon. Thomas and Catherine Bower, nee Kreemer. His parents also were natives of Pennsylvania and are living in Middlebury; his father was formerly a merchant. He attended the common schools of his native town during his boyhood days, and as he began to reach the years of maturity, sought better to educate himself. At the age of 15 he attended school one year at Thompsontown, living with his uncle; after which he attended the Union Seminary one year in New Berlin, formerly the county-seat of Union county. He then attended the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster Co., Penn., for a term of three years, receiving his diploma from said institution with high honors. He then filled his brother's chair as teacher of natural science in the Keystone Academy of Pennsylvania one year, then took charge of the public schools, as principal, in Middlebury one year. He ne.xt taught the unexpired term of the grammar department in the Milroy graded schools in Mitflin county, Penn., and at the e.xpiration of the terra, started a teachers' Normal school in the same town during the summer months. In the following winter he became principal of the schools one year, then attended medical college, having previously studied under Drs. Harshberger & Son. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, two years, graduating March 17, 1877. He then took charge of the practice of the Palmer (N. Y.) Lead- Mining Company, situated at Palmer, Washington county, Mo. Many and long were the rides he had while in that place. He then settled in this tp., where he continued the practice of medicine. Dec. 12, 1878, he was married to Ella Wilson, daughter of Elizabeth McManigal, of Logan, Hocking Co., O., who was born in Milroy, Mifflin county, Penn., Dec. 12, 1856, and died at their home in Bristol, July 12, 1879. He now has attained a lucrative practice in the town and surrounding country.

Joseph Bowers, farmer, Bristol, was born in Windham, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1806. His parents died while he was a child, and he was left to shift for himself At the age of seven years he was bound out and he learned the wagon-making trade; after remaining 11 years he ran away and went to sea, which he followed for two years and received what education he got in life. We again find him in New York, where he engaged as a farm hand, wording by the day and month for four years. In 1828 he was married to Sarah Ans- tin, who was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1S08, and died, in 1871. They had 8 children; the living are Hoyt, Adaline (now Mrs. Sample), Joseph F. and Harriet A. (now Mrs. Russell). Tbose deceased are Jane, Susan Emily, Clarissa and Henry H. After his marriage he and his brother started a cabinet-making shop and engaged in that trade two years, when their building was burned. The subject of this sketch then went to work at his first trade and continued until 1836. He came to Detroit, Mich., where he engaged in the mechanical and land-ofiice business. He next engaged in chopping and closing up a new farm. In 1861 he came to Bristol and lived two years, returning to Michigan upon his farm, remaining until 1867. He then came back to Bristol to stay. He lost his wife in 1871, who had helped to make and share the toil of the labors on the farm. In 1872 he married Ellen Goodspeed, who was bora in Nantucket, Conn., in 1837. Mr. Bowers is one of those who commenced in life without a dollar or a friend, and, assisted by his first wife, he had obtained and owned over 700 acres of land in Michigan. He sold and gave to his children 400 acres and now owns 300, which is well cultivated. His property in Bristol and Michigan is worth at a fair valuation $30,000. Politically, he is a Greenbacker.

John Boyer, miller and farmer, Bristol, was born in Union, now Snyder county, Penn., Feb. 6, 1823. His father died in Freesburg, Penn., his native town, being the first child horn in that town. He was consumptive and died in his 48th year. He was a tinner by trade, as was also the subject of this sketch. He moved to Northumberland county, McEwensville, where he continued to carry on his trade part of the time. He was also connected with a foundry. He was married in Snyder county, Penn., to Hannah Rantz, who was born in the same county in 1820. They had 4 children: Mary J., now Mrs. Culbertson; Emma Louisa, now Mrs. Seiler; Florence A., now Mrs. Cathcart, and John C. Boyer, who lost his life in the explosion of the Minneapolis mills. He was born Sept. 18, 1853, at McEwensville, Northumberland Co., Penn. In 1861 he moved with his parents to Bristol, Ind. Here he early acquii'ed a thorough knowledge of the "milling business " in his father's mill. He received a good common-school education in Bristol, and afterward attended the Commercial College at Kalamazoo, Mich. In May, 1876, he was married to Miss Annabell E. Robinson, a very respectable young lady of Mishawaka, Ind. Being desirous to acquire a more thorough knowledge in the art of milling he went to Minneapolis, and on account of his reputation and excellent skill, he soon obtained a situation in the Minneapolis mills, where he labored until his tragical death. He seemed to have had apresentment of this calamity; for he had his life insured for $1,000 for his wife's benefit, and he often spoke to his intimate friends in regard to some gloomy presentiments that seemed to be oppressing his mind.

The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1861, where he built the present mill and began his improving. He now has his mill in good running order and prepared to furnish as good flour as can be made. He owns 270 acres of land besides his mill and town property. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

H. W. Brazie, M. D., was born in Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1845. At the age of three years his parents moved to Ashtabula, Ohio, where they resided until 1854. It was during this time that the Doctor received the benelit of the common schools. In 1854 his parents moved to Lapeer county, Mich., and settled on an undeveloped farm. While living in this backwoods place he attended school during the winter and worked in his father's sawmill during the rest of the year.

In August, 1861, at the age of 16, he enlisted in the 7th Michigan Inf., and left immediately for Washington. The winter of 1861-'62 his regiment was doing picket duty at Edwards' Ferry, 30 miles above Wasiiington, on the Potomac; he was engaged in the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff while here. In the spring of 1862 his regiment was ordered to the support of Gen. Banks in the Valley of the Shenandoah, and went as far up the valley as Winchester; from here his command went to Fortress Monroe, via Washington to the Chesapeake bay; from here they followed the campaign of Gen. McClellan, at Torktown, Williamsburg, West Point and Fair Oaks. During the memorable seven-days' fight the Doctor was taken prisoner, but was exchanged after a brief captivity at City Point. He returned immediately to his regiment at Harrison's Landing. From this point the 2d corps to which his regiment belonged returned to Washington, and from there to the memorable defeat of Pope at 2d Bull Run; thence to Antietam, Snicker's Gap, Paris Haymarket, Thoroughfare Gap, Sulphur Springs, Somerville Ford on the Rapidan, first and second battles of Fredericksburg, Chantilly, etc. His regiment then followed the fortunes of the Army of the Potomac in its race after' Gen. Lee, which finally culminated in the terrible engagement at Gettysburg; from here down through the Wilderness, Run and the engagements around Petersburg; here the Doctor was discharged by reason of expiration of term of service, but immediately enlisted again and joined the veteran corps of Gen. Hancock.

At the close of the war he was discharged, at that time holding the rank of Captain; during his service he was wounded twice, at Antietam and Gettysburg. Immediately upon returning home he . attended the high school at Lapeer, Mich., one year, and then the Albany schools in New York another year; upon leaving school he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. A. H. Thompson of Lapeer, Mich., with whom he stayed one year and then continued his studies with Dr. L. Van Hooser, at Albany, !N". T. During the winter of 1869-'70 he attended the LTuiversity"of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and continued his studies the ensuing year with F. Woodmff, M. D., of that place. The winter of 1870 he attended the Homeopathic College at Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated and settled into the practice of his profession at Ypsilanti, Mich., April 3, 1871.

June. 1871, he married Miss Jnlia P. Barbour, of Romeo, Mich. Ke continued the practice of medicine at Ypsilanti until April 6, 1874r, when he settled in Bristol, where he has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice up to the present time. In 1876 he associated with himself in his practice Dr. J. E'. Barbour, of Detroit, Mich., iinder the firm name of Drs. Brazie & Barbour, which partnership continues to the present time. As physicians they command an extensive practice, and have by their temperate habits and careful attendance to their profession, merited and obtained the confidence of the whole surrounding countr}'.

Dr. Brazie is a member of the Presbyterian Society; is at present an Elder and Trustee of that organization. In politics he has alwnj^s been a staunch Republican.

Benjamin F. Cathoart, fruit grower and nurseryman, was born in Wayne county, Ind., Jan. 6, 1818. His parents were natives of New York; father died in 1839, mother in 1877; both died in Indiana; came to the county in 1830 and located on the St. Joseph river; father was a farmer; family consisted of 11 children, 5 of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. He was married in 1838 to Joanna Calkins, born in New York in 1820, and died in 18-±1 leaving 3 children: James M., Royal and Harrison; the two latter are deceased. Harrison was in the late war of 1861, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh. For his second wife Mr. C. married Mrs. Mary Ireland, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1840, and died in 1853, leaving one child, John F. He then married, for his third wife, Sarah J. Clarkson, sister to his first wife; she was born in Cass county, Mich., in 1831; they had 6 childi'en; the living are, Anna, Royal and Rosa, twins; 3 are deceased. Mr. C. moved upon the farm on the Hill, consisting of 80 acres of land, 30 acres of which he now has well improved and planted in fruit; it is one of the finest fruit farms in the county, situated about 150 to 200 feet above the valley of the St. Joseph river, and always has a supply of good fruit to meet the wants of his customers; he is a Greenbacker.

B.. K. Congclon, farmer, sec. 26; P. 0., Bristol; was born in New York State May 25, 1828. His father and mother, now deceased, were among the early settlers of the county, coming in 1837. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools, and in 1850 he was married to Amandy Smith, who was horn in Ohio in 1835; they have 5 children: Mary M., Frank H., Wilber L., Joseph H. and Merthe A. He owns 185 acres of land, which is worth $50 per acre. His wife and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican. *'2_ ___

James L. Congdon, retired farmer, was born iu Vermont Aug. 9' 1816, and was brought up on a farm m New York State. He started out in life at tlie age of 18 years for himself, and at 20 he came to Indiana and located on the Wabash, where he farmed for a few years; then returning to New York he took a wife in 1839, whose maiden name was Clarissa Mather. She was born in 1818 and died Aug. 6, 1876. They moved back to Indiana and located in Elkhart county, and there began farming, which occupation he followed up to late years, when he retired from labor. Their family consists of 2 girls and .5 boys, all living: Mary I., now Mrs. Wm. T. Keller; James L., George G., John L.. Loran A., Ira F. and Minerva. He owns 200 acres of land, worth $10,000, besides his property in Bristol. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Episcopal Church at Bristol, and Mr. C. is a Republican.

D7\ Joseph H. Congdon, farmer and fruit-grower, was born in Niagara county, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1826. He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and in attendance at the common schools of his neighborhood. The family moved in 1S39 to this county, locating on ajarm of 200 acres. At the age of 16 he taught a term of four months' school at Pleasant Plain, receiving for it $50, which was the first money he had ever earned, thinking then he was well fixed; but he had to obtain a support for himself and partly for his parents. At the age of 17 he began the study of medicine with Drs. Weimer & Chamberlain, of Elkhart, under whom he continued his studies for three years, teaching school during the winter months to assist in his support and thus aid him in his determination to become a physician. His health was not the best, however, and he was advised by his preceptors to continue in some other occupation on account of failing health; but so strong was his desire to obtain a knowledge of the practice ol" medicine that he could not give up what he had obtained.

He then attended the high school at South Bend three months, receiving his certificate to teach in St. Joseph county. He then returned to this county and obtained at Goshen a certificate to teach in the schools of the county, teaching and studying medicine during this time. He attended a course of lectures at La Porte in 1815, and for one year thereafter practiced his profession at Valparaiso, Ind., having nothing to receive any support from except what he earned by his practice and teaching school. In the summer of 1816 he returned to Bristol, and began the practice of medicine there, teaching school during the winter months and attending to his patients at night. He then resolved to make Bristol his future home, and bought him a small home, which he had to pay for by his teaching and practice.

In 1816 he married Mrs. Mary H. Wilcox, who was born in Connecticut in 1816, and their onlj' child is now Mrs. Milburn, of Bristol. Mrs. Congdon died in 1847, and in 1852 Dr. C. married Miss Julia E. Curtis, who was born in Oneida county, N. Y. By this marriage^they had 2 children : Mary J. and Martha C, both and in 1862 Dr. Congdon was again married, this time to Miss Carrie E. Curtis, a sister to his second wife, who was born in this county. Their 4 children are Cora E., Willis "R., Minnie M. and /

The Doctor has been and is yet very prosperous in business. He is at present the owner of 400 acres of excellent land, 13 of which is in fruit, principally pears, peaches and grapes. His property is worth, fairly estimated, $30,000 .

The family are members of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor has a widely extended circle of acquaintances, is held in high esteem as a man, a citizen and a neighbor. He is a. Republican in polit.es.

He now has retired from the field of practice, and is living a somewhat retired life, having by his industry and integrity attained all he now has. His portrait appears in this work, from a photograph taken at the age of 54 years. '

Luther T. Cox, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Bristol; was born in Juniata county, Penn., Nov. 4, 1844; son of William A. and Maria E. Cox. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to this county in 1854, locating in Washington tp. Luther attended the Normal school of Qiiio and also the commercial school at Coldwater, Mich. In 1873 he married Sarah A. Hilbish, born in Pennsylvania in 1847; they have 1 child, Lena Eudora. He owns 120 acres of land which is under a fair state of cultivation and worth $70 per acre. They are members of the German Reformed Church. He is a Democrat. , school until 1863, when he enlisted in the 3d Ohio Cav., under Col. Seidell, serving until the close of the war. He received his discharge Aug. 5, 1865, and returned to Ohio, where he remained for a short time, then came to this county, where he attended school ', and has built up a large and lucrative practice. In 1S75 he was married to Miss Ifettie J. Peck, of Elkhart, born ia Geneseo county, N". T., in 1855; they have 1 child, J. Syre, born July 4, j where he worked by the day and job for a year. He then came to the West and stopped for a short time in Michigan; then came to this county, where he worked for Mr. Frier on a farm; then he !

ward returned to "Washington tp., this county and entered 155 acres of land, and commenced to make a home. He has had 7 children, 3 deceased: 1 in infancy, Mary Ann and Octavia. The i living are : Adelia Ann, Elias D., Owen and Olivia. Hia first wife died in August, 1865, and he married for his second wife Mrs. Polly Greenway, who was born in Pennsylvania. He is now situated on good property. He and his wife are members of the Free- Will Baptist Church, and politically he is a Greenbacker.