Union Township

Union Township

J. J. Cromley, merchant, was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, September 17,1850. His parents, John and Amelia (Sampsell) Cromley, were both natives of Pennsylvania, but early moved to Sandusky county. Ohio, thence in 1856 to Marshall county. Ind., where Mr. Cromley purchased forty acres of land in Union township, which he cleared, and upon which he still resides. Mrs.

Cromley departed this life in the year 1890. To them were born five children, four now living: the subject of this mention, John F., of Union township; Sarah J., wife of Henry Romig, of Union township; and Merritt J., who lives at the home place. J. J. Cromley grew to manhood on the farm in Union township, and received a fair English education in the common schools. Having a taste for the medical profession he began studying the same under the instruction of Dr. Kelsey, of Pulaski county, and afterward attended one course of lectures at Indianapolis, where he made commendable progress in the profession. He subsequently abandoned the calling and in 1S85 established his present business at Burr Oak, where he now conducts a well-ordered general store which has a liberal patronage. Politically Mr. Cromley is a democrat, and as such was elected to the responsible position of township trustee in 1886, the duties of which office he discharged with commendable fidelity. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Mary Loring, of Stark county, Ind., became his wife in 1882, and to their marriage one child, Carl Chester, has been born.

John S. Garver, a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Marshall county, is a native of Washington county, Penn., born April 5, 1813. His father, Frederick Garver, was a native of Germany, but came to the United States when a young man, and married in Washington county, Penn., Sarah S. Speere, daughter of Rev. Henry Speere, by whom he reared a family of twelve children. Those known to be living at this time are: Frederick, who resides in Missouri; David, of Elkhart, Ind.; John S., whose name introduces this sketch, and Joanna, wife of Peter Berkey, of Missouri. Frederick Garver emigrated west sometime in the thirties, and settled in Cass county, Mich., thence in 1S34, moved to Elkhart county, Ind., where he entered a tract of government land, having been one of the pioneers of that part of the state. He died in Elkhart county in 1852, and his wife followed him to the grave one year later. When but a child John S. Garver was taken by his parents to Indiana, and passed his youthful years in Wayne and Crawford counties, Ohio, and in Cass county, Mich. He subsequently located in Elkhart county, Ind., which was his home until 1854, when he came to Marshall county and settled upon his present place in Union township, clearing and developing a fine farm from the woods. Being early obliged to assist his father upon the farm, his educational advantages were of necessity quite limited, but a long experience with business men in various relations of life has given him a sound practical knowledge such as schools and colleges fail to impart. He is now one of the leading citizens of the community, and is respected by all for his many manly qualities. He was married August, 1837, in Elkhart county, Ind., to Miss Mary Stutzman, daughter of 27 - B.

Stephen and Elizabeth (Feister) Stutzman. Mrs. Garver was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and is the mother of thirteen children, eleven of whom, the following are living, viz.: Daniel W., who resides in Minnesota; Henry Melvin; David M., of Nebraska; Jacob S., of Bremen; William W.; Catherine, wife of Edward Dreese; George W., Thomas ]., Benjamin F., Stephen F., and Mary A., wife of Samuel Wise. The deceased members of the family are Elizabeth and John. While Mr. Garver has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the democratic party, being a firm believer in its principles, he is not a partisan in the sense of seeking official honors. While still a young man he participated in the Black Hawk war, enlisting while a resident of Michigan. He and wife are members of the German Baptist church.

Thomas Houghton, son of James and Hannah (Morris) Houghton, is a native of Rush county, Ind., and dates his birth from the 4th day of January, 1829. His father was born in England, but came to America when a young man and settled in Rush county, Ind., where for some time he followed his trade of coach and wagon making. Mrs. Houghton was a native of Ohio. James and Hannah Houghton came to Marshall county in the year 1S36 and located upon a quarter section of land in Union township, where Mr. Houghton cleared and developed a fine farm. The}^ subsequently moved to the village of Marmont, where their respective deaths occurred. Mr. Houghton was a man of high social standing, and was called to fill various official positions in the townshp where he resided. He was a democrat in politics, and with his wife belonged to the church of the Christian Connection, commonly known as New LightS, in which he was a prominent worker. He reared a family of nine children, of whom the folowing are living, namely: Alvira, wife of Robert Brinkley, of Wyoming; Rachel, wife of John S. Bender, of Plymouth; Mrs. Phcebe Clark, of Plymouth; William, Edward, and Thomas, the subject of this biography. Thomas Houghton passed the years of his youth in Marshall county, and grew to manhood on a farm with the rugged duties of which he early became familiar. He attended the country schools at intervals in his youth, and later learned the harness-maker's trade in which he acquired considerable proficiency, but which he soon abandoned for his present occupation, the pursuit of agriculture. On the 27th of March, 1S51, Miss Nancy McCormick Mitchell, daughter of James Mitchell, of Union township, became his wife. She died on the iSth of March, 1854, leaving two children: Lorenzo M. and James E., who reside in Union township. On the 6th day of April, 1855, Mr. Houghton's second marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary Ellen Bird, of Marshall county, who departed this life on the 9th day of April, 1875, leaving two living children:

Thomas E. and William N., who now reside in Union township. Mr. Houghton was married the third time in December, 1876, to Miss Julia Meyers, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Meyers, who has borne him the following children, namely: Orlando M., Luther P., Bertha E., Dennis R., Effie L., and Chloe V. Mr. Houghton is a democrat in politics, and for seven years has held the responsibe position of township trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, I. O. O. F., and is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, having formerly belonged to the Christian church.

Andrew J. Kyser, a successful farmer of Union township, was born in Summit county, Ohio, February 7, 1827. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Warner) Kyser, both natives of Lancaster county, Penn., and early settlers of Summit county, Ohio, where the father was for a number of years connected with the militia service, and where for twenty-six years he followed the trade of cooper. He was a local politician of the democratic party, well educated in the English and German languages, and with his wife, first belonged to the Lutheran church, but afterward became identified with the Reformed church, in which he was a leader for fifty years. He died in 1873, a-^^d his wife followed him to the grave in 1885, both departing this life in Summit county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Keyser had a family of eleven children, seven of whom still live, viz.: Andrew J., Mrs. Mary Sorick, Mrs. Sarah Vandersoll, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, Philander and Henry. A deceased brother, John, who came to Marshall county in 1866 and settled in West township, died there in 1886. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Summit county, Ohio, and in 1851 married Elizabeth Kemery, daughter of Jacob Kemery, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., and an early resident of Summit county, Ohio. Mr. Kyser came to Marshall county, in 1S55, and settled in West township, where he cleared a farm of seventy-four acres, which he disposed of in 1865, and moved to his present place in Union township, where he now owns 320 acres, 150 of which he cleared. Mr. and Mrs. Kyser are the parents of six children, three now living, viz.: Franklin M., Carlisle D. and Flora R., of Burr Oak. Mr. Kyser is a successful farmer and has given considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses; is an active supporter of the democratic party, and was formerlj' a Presbyterian in his religious belief, but now attends churches of all denominations.

Valentine A. Lidecker, a native of Germany, and son of Valentine and Volpracia (Klein) Lidecker, was born on the'8th day of December, 1848. The family came to America in 1853, and after spending one year in Coshocton county, Ohio, came to Marshall county, Ind., where the father resided until the time of his death. Mr. Lidecker was a man of limited means when he first came to this county, but by thrift and industry succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence. He and wife were consistent members of the German Reformed church, and as citizens were highly regarded by a large circle of friends in Union, West and adjacent townships. Mr. Lidecker died in the year 1879. His -widow still survives and makes her home with the subject of this biography. Of their five children three are living at this time, viz.: Elizabeth, widow of Fred Renner; Mary, wife of Adam Motz, of Bourbon, and Valentine, whose sketch is here presented. Valentine A. Lidecker came to Marshall county when but five 3?ears of age, and grew to manhood on a farm, attending the country schools at intervals in the meantime. He began life for "himself with but a limited supply of this world's goods, but by industry and economy has succeeded in amassing a comfortable owning at this time 240 acres of valuable land, a greater part of which is well improved. He is an honorable citizen of the community, takes an active interest in the affairs of his township, and in politics is identified with the democratic His first wife, whose maiden name was Emma A. York, daughter of George York, of Union township, died in 1872, and on the 30th of October, 1875, he married his present wife, Permelia Rightley, daughter of Peter Rightley, who has borne him two children, Freddie Arlo and Rosa Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Lidecker are members of the Reformed church.

Capt. Edward Morris was born in Union township, Marshall county, Ind., March 7, 1847. His early education embraced the branches taught in the common schools and he early engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm where he was raised and upon which he still resides. As a tiller of the soil he was quite successful for a number of years. He still owns his place, but of recent years has given his attention largely to constructing row boats and sailing yachts for use upon the lake, upon which he also runs a beautiful steamer, being both captain and proprietor. He was one of the first men to advertise the attraction of Lake Maxinkuckee to the world and has done more than any other man toward making it the most popular summer resort in Indiana. Capt. Morris is a public spirited citizen in all that term implies, and is one of the leading men of Union township. He is a charter member of lodge 231, K. of P., at Marmont, and in his politifcal belief adheres strictly to the republican party.

I. L. Mosher, a representative citizen of Union township, was born in Erie county, N. Y., F'ebruary 18, 1842, and is a son of Jeremiah and Sarah M. Mosher, natives respectively of New York and Vermont. Jeremiah and Sarah Mosher were married in Rutland county, Vt., after which they located in Erie county, N. Y., and about the year 1S55, immigrated to Indiana and settled in Stark county. Three years later they became residents of Marshall county, locating in Union township, where Mr. Mosher cleared a farm, upon which his death occurred ir» 1882. Mrs. Mosher survived her husband two years, djnng in 1884. They had a family of seven children, two of whom, the subject of this biography, and M. F., are living. J. L. Mosher came to Indiana when thirteen years of age, and has since been an honored citizen of the state of his adoption. Being the oldest son he was in early life obliged to contribute his share toward working the farm and supporting the family, in consequence of which his educational training was of a limited character, confined principally to a few months' attendance each winter at the country schools, in which he obtained a fair knowledge of the elementary branches of learning. He married in 1862 Miss Sarah J. Thompson, daughter of William E. Thompson, one of the pioneers of Union township, and the same year responded to the country's call for volunteers, enlisting in the Twenty-first Indiana battery, light artillery, with which he served gallantly until the close of the war. Mr. Mosher has been a farmer all his life, and as such ranks with the successful agriculturists of Union township. He is a member of Yellow River grange. No. 155, P. of H., belongs to Tibbett's post. No. 260, G. A. R., and politically adheres to no party creed, preferring to be known as an independent. The names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mosher are as follows: Ada B., wife of John C. Butler, county surveyor; Mariam, wife of T. M. Walker, of Green township, and Tracy, who still resides under the parental roof. William Overmyer, a substantial farmer of Union township, is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and son of Peter and Mary Overmyer; parents born in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation, served in the war of 1S12, and by his first marriage with Mary Hodge, reared a family, three members of which are still living, namely: the subject of this mention, Ezekiel, and Levi Overmyer, both residents of Fulton county, Ind. Mrs. Overmyer departed this life in Sandusky county, Ohio, and subsequently Mr. Overmyer took to wife Mary Shiveley, who bore him the following children: Mrs. Catherine Boyer, Mrs. Maria Overmyer, Mrs. Mary J. Boyer, Mrs. Ellen Hubbard, Henry H. Chauncy, and Mrs. Isabella Meyer, all of whom reside in the state of Ohio. William Overmyer, whose name introduces this biography, was born on the 19th day of May, 1S26, and grew to manhood in his native state, attending the common schools at intervals during the years of his minority. On attaining his majority, he engaged in farming, which has been his life work. In 1S53, he moved to Indiana, settling in Pulaski county, where he cleared a farm upon which he resided until his removal to Marshall county, in the spring of 1878. He settled where he now lives, in Union town- ship, and has a comfortable home, the result of his unaided efforts. He is a man of strict morals, an earnest Christian, and as a member of the United Brethren church, has been the means of accomplishing much good in the community. Mr. Overmyer's first marriage, which was solemnized in 1852, with Mary C. Ernsperger, daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann Ernsperger, was blessed with the birth of several children, of whom the following are living, viz.: Mary A., wife of S. S. Smith, of Fulton county; Frank P., Ida M. and Georgiana, the last three living at home. A daughter, Fannie Bell, whose death occurred in Stark county, May 23, 18S7, was married to Willis Burkett, by whom she had one child, Ethel C, born August 31, 1S85. Mrs. Overmyer died in 1876. Subsequently Mr. Overmyer married a second wife in the person of Mrs. Bowersocks, whose death occurred in 188 1. To this marriage was born one son, Eugene, whose birth occurred October i, 1877. In 1882, Mr. Overmyer married his present wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Snyder, daughter of William and Sarah (Hillerl Snyder, of Dauphin county, Penn. There has been no issue to this marriage.

O. R. Porter, merchant and township trustee, was born in Union township, Ind., October 17, 1863, and is the son of Oliver and Catherine (Platz) Porter, natives of Ohio. Oliver and Catherine Porter moved from their native state to St. Joseph county, Ind., thence to Marshall county, about the year 1852, settling in Union township. They had a family of eight children, four of whom are now living, viz.: William H., Ellen, O. R., and Alsa L. Mr. Porter was a man of local prominence, and his death, which occurred in 1871, was deeply lamented by all who knew him. His widow still survives. The subject of this biography received his early educational training in the common schools and after taking a course in the Northern Indiana school at Valparaiso, engaged in teaching, which calling he followed with flattering success for several years. He subsequently abandoned the profession, and in 1889 established his present business at the village of Marmont. where he carries on a lucrative trade in general merchandise. In 18S5 he married Miss Maud Oyler, daughter of Henry and Matilde (Barnett) Oyler, a union blessed with the birth of two children: Oliver and Arthur. Mr. Porter was elected trustee of Union township in 1S90.

One of the successful medical men of Marshall county, is Dr. Oliver A. Rea, of Marmont, who was born in Union county, Ohio, October 13, 1843. His parents, John W. and Lucinda (VVaite) Rea, who were natives respectively of Massachusetts and Ohio, moved to Indiana in 1873 a^"d settled in Stark county, of which the father at one time served as commissioner. John W. Rea is a, farmer and blacksmith, and with his wife is still living in Stark county. They reared a family of five children, whose names are as follows: Oliver A.; Amanda, wife of John Williams, of Logan county, Ohio; Mary, wife of Joseph Bolen, of Stark county, Ind.; Abel, of the same county and state, and David, a resident of Logan county, Ohio. Dr. Rea was reared and educated in Ohio, graduating from the Lebanon college, that state, in which he completed the scientific course. He taught school several years, and began his professional reading under the instruction of Dr. Skidmore, of West Mansfield, and after attending the college of medicine and surgery at Cincinnati for some time, graduated from the hospital college of medicine at Louisville, receiving his diploma in 1883. The doctor had the distinction of being awarded the highest honors of his class, for which he was presented a gold medal, and was also chosen to deliver the valedictory address. In 1888, the doctor took a special course in surgery, etc., at the " Polyclinic," of Chicago. He engaged in the practice of his profession in 1876, at the town of Knox, Stark county, Ind., and continued there until his removal to Marshall county in iSSo, since which time he has been located at Marmont, in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative business. He is examining surgeon of the Penn Mutual life insurance company, and a member of the board of United States examining surgeons in the pension department for Plymouth, Ind. The doctor is a member of the county medical society, state medical society, and also of the American medical association, in the deliberations of which bodies he has been a prominent actor. As a physician he stands deservedly high, having a very extensive practice in this and other counties, while his well-known ability as a surgeon has made him the trusted operator in many difficult and skilful cases. The doctor was a soldier in the late war, having enlisted in 1862 in the Eighty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served for three years, during which time he took part in many noted battles. He was made a prisoner at Gettysburg, but was not confined, having made his escape thirty-one days after his capture. He is a member of Marmont lodge, No. 231, K. of P., belongs to the Miles H. Tibbett's post. No. 260, G. A. R., and in politics votes the republican ticket. The doctor and Miss Sylvia A. Green, daughter of Henry and Lydia F. Green, were united in marriage in 1876, and to their union three children, Robert H., Lucretia, and William S., have been born.

Among the substantial farmers and representative men of Marshall county is William Shaw, of Marmont, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, December i, 1822, the son of Henry and Margaret (Williams) Shaw, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter by trade, and a pioneer of Richland county, having settled in Mansfield as early as the year 1812, during the war of which year he experienced all the vicissitudes and dangers incident to a life on the frontier. He subsequently became a resident of Hancock county, Ohio, when that part of the state was a wilderness; and after residing there and elsewhere for a number of years came to Indiana in 1842, settling in Wabash county, where he cleared a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Ten years later he moved to Stark county, where his death occurred in the year 1870. Mr. Shaw was a man of great physical strength and endurance, and a representative pioneer of the period in which he lived. His wife, whom he married in Richland countj^ Ohio, died in 1870. They reared a family of nine children, five of whom are living, viz.: Stephen, William, Joseph, I\Irs. Elizabeth Rist, and Henry B. The immediate subject of this mention was reared to manhood in Ohio, obtained his educational training in such schools as the country at that time offered, and began life for himself as a teacher, in which calling he continued with good success for a number of years. He came to Wabash county, Ind., with his parents in 1842, and in 1S48 was married, in Noble county, to Miss Mary Gilchrist, daughter of John Gilchrist, a pioneer of Richland county, Ohio, who moved to Kosciusko count}', Ind., in an early day. Mrs. Shaw died in Kosciusko county, September, 1852, after which Mr. Shaw again resumed the profession of teaching, and continued the same for some time in Marshall county, at a place known as Burr Oak Flats. He subsequently engaged in farming, and in 1863 moved to his present place in Union township, where he has a beautiful farm under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Shaw's second marriage was solemnized August 14, 1854, with Miss Nancy Thompson, daughter of Job and Sarah Thompson, of Marshall county, where the family settled as early as 1S37, moving here from Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have been born five children, whose names are as follows: Charit}', wife of Charles Stoble; Stephen A., who married Elizabeth Given; James C, merchant at Burr Oak, married Elizabeth Butler; Delia (deceased), and Alexander B. Politically, Mr. Shaw is a democrat, and as such, has been a potent factor in local politics, having represented Marshall county in the legislature of 18S3. He has filled various official positions in the township in which he resides, in all of which he has discharged his duties in an able and satisfactory manner. Fraternally, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, and in his religious views is quite liberal, adhering to no particular church or creed, but believing implicitl}' in a kind and overruling Deity.

Henry INI.Speyer, a successful business man, and member of the mercantile firm of Nussbaum, Mayer & Co., of Marmont, was born in Kentucky, September 3, 1863, son of Henry and Margaret (Pickens) Speyer. The father was a merchant by occupation, and about 1879, moved to Marmont, and became identified with the commercial interests of the village. He was a soldier in the late war, serving first in the Twenty-third Indiana volunteer infantry for three months, and later re-enlisted for three years, but was honorably discharged before the expiration of his term of service on account of sickness. He entered the army as^a private soldier, but for gallant and meritorious conduct was promoted captain of his company, which position he held at the time of his discharge. He was a local politician of considerable note, and at one time was the republican candidate for the office of clerk of the circuit court. His widow, who still survives, is the mother of seven children, five living, namely, Jacob, a merchant of New York city; Sarah, wife of Henry Maxwell, of New York city; Eva, wife of Willian Porter, of Marmont, and Marion, widow of Andrew Kork, of Marmont, and the subject of this sketch. Henry M. Speyer was educated in the city schools of Plymouth, and began the mercantile business at Marmont as successor to his father, having received a business training under the latter, prior to becoming a member of the firm. In his business he is careful and methodical, and by strict attention to the demands of the trade has made himself quite popular with a large and constantly increasing number of customers. In addition to the goods business, he attends to the postol^ce of Marmont, to which position he was appointed in August, 18S9. He is an active member of the K. of P. order, being a charter member of lodge No. 231, and in politics supports the principles of the republican party.

Celestion E. Thornburg, an intelligent young farmer of Union township, son of Harvey and Mary Jane (Rogers) Thornburg, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, on the 14th day of July, 1863. When ten months of age his parents moved to Marshall county, Ind. He worked on his father's farm in the summer, and attended school in winter, and at the age of eighteen began to teach in the district school. His profession of teaching he continued with flattering success for a number of years. As a teacher, he soon earned the name of a capable, painstaking instructor. In 1886 he located upon a farm, in Union township, since which time his attention has mainly been given to agricultural pursuits. In 1890, he was a candidate for trustee, on the democratic ticket, and was defeated for said office through sectional strife by but one vote. He is also engaged in selling agricultural implements. In 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Grossman, daughter of David L. Grossman, a union blessed with the birth of two children, Harvey D. Thornburg and Gladis Thornburg. Mr. Thornburg is a member of the I. O. O. F., belonging to the Maxinkuckee lodge, No. t^-jT)' ^^'^ Plymouth encampment. No. 113.

L. T. Vanschoiack, for whom this sketch is prepared, is a native of Fleming county, Ky., born on the waters of Mill Creek, December 18, 181 2, the son of Reuben and Frances (Allen) Van- schoiack, both natives of the same state. His paternal grandfather, John S. Vanschoiack, was a native of Pennsylvania, and an early settler of Maryland, from which state he emigrated many years ago, to Kentucky, settling in Mason county. He was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and died in Kentucky many years ago. The subject's maternal grandfather was Robert Allen, amemberof oneof the prominent families of Kentucky, and at one tune a very wealthy planter and slave holder. After their marriage, Reuben and Frances X'anschoiack lived for some time in Kentucky, and the father afterward started to California, but died upon the plains before reaching his destination. His widow died in her native state, in 1850. Their family consisted of six children, three of whom are still living, viz.: Louisa, wife of William Grover; L. T., and Elizabeth, wife of James Campbell. The early life of our subject was marked by no event of particular interest, until the year 1833, when he left the familiar haunts of his childhood, and removed to the state of Indiana. He located in Wayne county, and in 1845 removed to the state of Illinois. After a residence of five years in that state he returned to Wayne county, Ind., and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1S63. He came to Marshall county in that year, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides. In his early life he enjoyed but few educational advantages, yet he possessed a keen desire for knowledge, and availed himself of every opportunity for gratifying that desire. By a diligent course of study he prepared himself for the vocation of teaching, and taught school during the winter seasons. He was always provident, and made it a rule to save a portion of his income, however small it might be. Thus, as years rolled on, he found his fortune growing very surely, if very slowly, and as it increased he wisely invested his means in land, establishing his prosperity upon a sure foundation. Throughout his life he has made it a practice to operate within the bounds of legitimate business, and to avoid all speculations or enterprises of uncertain nature. His farm, which is situated on the banks of the beautiful Maxinkuckee lake, is one of the finest in Union township, and all its various departments bear evidence of cultivation by a skilled hand. It has been the aim of its owner to conduct his farm in such a manner as to merit the title, " a good farmer," and this ambition has stimulated him to the exclusion of all desire for notoriety through the channels of public office, though having filled the offices of justice and township trustee. He is a plain farmer, yet to those who know him he is an honorable man, upright in all his dealings with the world, and liberal in the support of public enterprises and religious and educational institutions. In his political faith he affiliates with the democratic party, and in religion is a member of the Christian church of Maxinkuckee, in which he holds the office of elder. March 27, 1838, he was married in Wayne county, Ind., to Miss Esther Bulla, to which union twelve children were born, eight now living, viz.: Francis A., Isaac A., Lavina E., Louisa J., William J., Elizabeth R., Elsa B., and Edward P.

Abraham Voreis, deceased, was a native of Indiana, born in Rush county, December 28, 1S30. He came to Marshall county early in the thirties, received a fair educational training in the country' schools, and began his life work as a farmer, continuing as such until his death. He was married in 186410 Miss Rebecca Henderson, daughter of Nathan and Ellen (Jacobs) Henderson, natives respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson were married in the southern part of Indiana, where they lived until 1835, when they came to Marshall county, and located above Wolf Creek, Green township, moving later to Union township, where they lived until their respective deaths occurred. They were both consistent members of the Methodist church, but after her husband's death Mrs. Henderson joined the Christian, with which connection she continued during the remainder of her life. After his marriage Mr. Voreis settled in Union township, on the farm now occupied b}' his widow, which was his home until his death in 1874. He was a democrat in his political belief, a member of Maxinkuckee grange. Patrons of Husbandry, and in all the relations of life a substantial and trustworthy citizen. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Voreis: Charles, John, Lillie and Florence.

John M. Voreis, farmer and stock-raiser, whose brief sketch is herewith presented, was born in Rush county, Ind., August 9, 1829, and is the son of John H.and Phcebe (Morris) Voreis. The father was a native of Ohio, and became a resident of Marshall county in the year 1837, settling in Union township, where he purchased a quarter section of land and cleared a farm. He became one of the leading men of the township, was a local politican of the democratic part}', and as such filled several important official positions, including that of county commissioner, to which he was elected in 1862. He was three times married; first to Matilda Coun, by whom he had one child, deceased. By his second marriage with Phcebe Morris he had five children, namely: William, of Nebraska; Milton (deceased), Abraham (deceased), Elizabeth and John. To his third marriage were born the following children: George, Benjamin, Rachel and Louisa, wife of Samuel Loring, of this county. John Voreis was reared to manhood principally in Union township, received a practical English education in the common school, and began life for himself as a farmer, which useful calling he still follows. He resides on the old home place and is justly esteemed as one of the substantial citizens of the community of which he has for so many years been an honored member. He is a democrat in poHtics, but not a partisan, preferring to give his attention to his farming interests, which are large and constantly increasing. Mr. Voreis was married in the year 1867, to Miss Agnes McElvaine, daughter of Robert McElvaine, of Plymouth, a union blessed with the birth of five children: Mary, Jessie, Albertus, Abraham Roscoe and Robert.

Leonard Wilson, a highly respected citizen of Union township, is a native of Ohio, born in Shelby county, that state, on the 9th day of April, 1S41. His parents, Abijah and Elizabeth Wilson, were natives of New York and Virginia, respectively. They moved to Pulaski count}', Ind., in 1841, where Mr. Wilson followed farming and brick-making, and where he resided until his removal to Marshall county, in 1S63. He located in Union township, and for some time thereafter operated a saw-mill near Lake Maxinkuckee, in connection with agricultural pursuits. He was a republican in politics, and a man highly respected in the community where he resided. His death occurred in the year 1881. His wife, who is still living, is the mother of nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity, five now living, viz.: John, Isaac, Leonard, George and James. Leonard Wilson was reared to agricultural pursuits in Pulaski county, and obtained a common school education. In 1862 he entered the army as private in Company B, Eighty-seventh Indiana infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. While in the service he participated in a number of bloody battles, including Spring Hill, Perrj'ville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and numerous others, in one of which he received a painful wound. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to Indiana, and in 1865 became a resident of Marshall county, settling in Union township, where he engaged in his present vocation of farming, in which he has met with well-deserved success. In 1871 Miss Mary E. Ruggles, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hittle) Ruggles, became his wife, to which marriage have been born five children, whose names are as follows: Lillie May, Albert Lawrence, Arthur Lester, Adelbert Lewis, and Glyde Otis. Mr. Wilson is a republican in politics, an active member of the P. of H. fraternity, in which he has filled nearly every office, and belongs to Tibbett's post, No. 260, G. A. R., of Plymouth. He and wife are identified with the Protestant Methodist church.

B. W. S. Wiseman, M. D., is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, and the son of L. D. and Agnes (Hufford) Wiseman, both parents born in the same state. Samuel Wiseman, the doctor's grandfather, was a native of Virginia, and an early settler of Ohio, having located in Fairfield county a great many years ago. L. D. Wiseman followed the carpenter's trade in his younger days, but later engaged in farming in Hancock county, Ohio, where he lived until 1867, at which time he came to Marshall county, Ind., locating in Union township, near Marmont, where his death occurred on the 23d of January, iSqg. He was a man of high standing in the community where he resided, and for sixty years was an active member in the Methodist church, in which he held various official positions, including that of class leader and Sunday-school superintendent. He assisted in the organization of a number of congregations, superintended the construction of several church edifices, and in addition to his other religious work, rendered valuable assistance in public worship by his superior gift of song. He was twice married, first time, in June, 1834, to Frances Hooper, who bore him seven children, of whom the following are living: William T., a practicing physician of Coffey county, Kas.; Elsie, widow of A. S. Stadley, of Dunkirk, Ohio, and Charlotte, wife of T. J. Rose, of Henry county, Ohio. By his second marriage with Agnes Hufford, Mr. Wiseman had seven children, viz.: Mrs. Samuel Allen, of Pulaski county, Ind.; Lorenzo D., who died in the spring of 1873. leaving a widow, Frances (Wilhelm) Wiseman, and one child, Rosa E.; Mary C, wife of J. H. Hill, of Kansas; B. W. S.; Hannah M., wife of Rev. M. H. Wood; Samuel J., of Marmont, druggist, and Livingstone C, who also resides at Marmont. Dr. Wiseman was born June 24, 1852. He remained in his native state until fifteen years of age, during a part of which time he attended the common schools, and later pursued his studies in the high schools of Napoleon, Ohio, and Plymouth, Ind. He taught school for some time, and while so engaged, read medicine under the instruction of Doctors Edmonds and Durr, of Marmont. In the winter of 1876-77, he entered the medical department of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and after pursuing his studies there for some time, became a student in the college of physicians and surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he graduated in March, 1880. He subsequently took a course in the college of Physicians and Surgeons, at Chicago, and after completing his studies, began the practice of his profession at Marmont. After continuing here for a short time, he moved to La Porte county, where he remained for a limited period. He soon returned to Marshall county. In 18S5 he removed to Chicago, 111., where in addition to other professional duties, he became interested in the Convalescent Women's Home, of that city. Ill health in his family compelled him to leave the city, and he re-located at Marmont, in 18S7, where he has since resided, and where he has a large and lucrative practice, which is constantly increasing. The doctor has spared no pains in preparing himself for his life-work, and is now one of the well-known and successful medical men in this part of the state. He is a member of the Marshall County Medical society, in which he holds an important official position, and was formerly a member of a state medical organization, in the deliberations of which he took an active part. Politically he is a republican, and in religion a Methodist. In the year 1877, he was married to Miss Rose M. Buswell, of Marmont, who has borne him five children, viz.: Charles S., Gertrude A., Donald H. (deceased), James S. and Clara B.