Wabash Township

Wabash Township

This township, at its organization, received its appellation from the river that laves its western border. For the origin of this nan:e given in full, as gleaned from different authorities in the Indian language, the writer refers the reader to pages 99, 100 and 101, etc., in part iirst of this book. Let not the reader, after noticing this, neglect a careful perusal of these pages, since the name "Wabash" occurs so frequently in both his writing and conversation. The name carries with it the history, in a large sense, of the people who at one time occupied, and owned by right of possession, these lands lying along the Wa^t-hashkaw sfjie, or White or Wahash River.

Troy, on the east the townships of Van Buren and Mill creek, and Fulton on the south. Nowhere in Fountain county has the all-powerful hand of nature manifested greater superiority over all other powers that be than in this particular section of the county. The " eternal hills," though worn by the elements for 10,000 years, yet stand as monuments, indicative of how long is "Time"! When we pause to consider that in the distant ages gone by this- was a level tract submerged by ocean's deep ; that it then became upheaved above sea's level, and grew green with verdure, blossomed with beauty, and became a great city of sylvan temples, whose walls pressed hard together, and around whose foundations lay a carpet of nature's own weaving; tiiat in the lapse of years this beautiful city, " not built with hands," sunk to an ocean grave ; that the waters dashed in their fury, and played in their glee above turret and spire, washing earth into every crevice, and covering this city entirely; that in the mutations of time that which was once so beautiful and grand was changed into the black, dirty beds of coal that are here found, sometimes even cropping from the hill-side, but buried, generally, deep in earth in veins reaching seven feet in thickness, we are certainly ready to admit that nature has not slighted Walmsh township. Yet, with all its hills, it has many of the finest farms in the county. Coal creek, as it wanders through this piece of country, seeming to have almost forced its way through the hills that now hem it in on either side, proved the " Address of Welcome" to the early home-seeker, who heeded its voice and built his cabin and mill on its banks and in its valley.

The first entry made in Wabash township was that of Daniel Eichardson, July 12, 1822, calling for the N.E. fraction, 144 acres, of Sec. 3, T. 18 N., R. 9 W. But settlement did not correspond with entry, as the land was often purchased at land sales at the land ofBce, sometimes even before being seen. Martin Harrold entered, on November 11, 1822, the E. i of N.W. i Sec. 23, T. 19 N., R. 8 W. William White secured by patent, November 12 of the same year, the W. ^ of the N.E. i, also the E. i of the N.W. i Sec. 27. Mr. White was a captain in the war of 1S12 ; called to Horseshoe Bend, on the Mississippi, by Gen. Jackson to fight the Indians. He was a Tenucssecan, and was well prepared to fight hardships and circumstances in a new country. It is probable that he did not settle in Fountain county till 1823 or 1824. He built the first mill erected in the copnty on Coal creek. This mill did the sawing and grinding for many miles around. It passed from his hands to extensive business, but, of course, has greatly' improved the mill. Capt. White was a highl}' respected citizen. His son, Anderson White, also lived many years in Fountain county, controlling the mill. Another son, William B., or "Bloomer White" as he was familiarly knoM-n, was one of the earliest county officers. In the month of November, 1822, William Cloud entered the E. i of the S.W. i Sec. 23 ; Thomas Patton, the S.E. i of Sec. 23; William Forbes obtained the W. i of the S.E. I Sec. 20; John Simpson, the E. i of the E.E. I Sec. 14; Jeremiah Hartman, the S.W. ^ of Sec. 14; Alexander Logan secured the E. i of the S.W. J Sec. 28; John Busing, the W. i of the S.W. I Sec. 28; James Briggs, the E. i of the S.E. i Sec. 2r», and John Nugent the W. * of the S.W. I Sec. 32. All the above being in T. 19 N., E. 8 W. The year of 1823 witnessed an increased sale of lands in this section, and some permanent settlements. The effacing hand of time and the imperfections of memories have buried many names in oblivion, who should receive honorable mention in the history of the settlement and development of this county. Many of them sleep in unknown graves, with not even a wooden slab to mark their resting place; then, occasionally, a hill or knoll is capped with a marble slab, perhaps three or four, which mark a pioneer hamlet of the dead. In this year, 1S23, Archibald Johnson entered the E. * of the N.W. J of Sec. 17, but probalily settled in the edge of Troy township ; James Boyd entered the W. i of the S.W. ^ Sec. 17; B. Harp obtained the W."^* of the N.E. i Sec. 18 ; Isaac Hibbs, the E. ^ of the N.E. I Sec. 19, also the W. i of the N.W. i and the E. i of the KW. I Sec. 20. In this year also came B. W. Graham, whose sketch appears, and who has been one of the best farmers in the township. In this year also William Cade arrived, whose son, Samuel Cade, now owns the Union mills, and is one of the wealthiest men in the county. Jane Cade, daughter of William, was probably the first child born in Fountain county, her birth dating May 30, 1824. In 1823 Lewis Phebus entered the W. i of the S.W. ^ Sec. 20 ; Orsemus Greenley, the E. * of the N.W. i Sec. 23, and Henry Iledrick the W. ^ of the S.W. i Sec. 23; Clayburn Hawkins entered W. i of the S.E. i Sec. 27; John Gillam,"the W. i of the N.W. i Sec. 29; Lambetli Heath, the W. l of the S.E. I Sec. 29 ; John Hibbs, the W. | of the S.W. i Sec. 29, also the E. i of the S.E. i, Sec. 30 ; Abraham Fullenger obtained the E. i of the KE. I Sec. 31, and James Cantwell, the E. i of tlie S.E. i Sec. 31 ; John Garred secured the N. i, also the S.E. J and the E. i of the S.W. I, Sec. 32 ; while Thomas Gillam became the possessor of the W. i of the N.W. i Sec. 33; all of T. 19 and K. 8. In T. 19 N., E. 9 W., a few entries were made in 1823. Josepli Hanna

HISTORY OF FOUNTAIN COUNTYobtained tlie W. -^ of the S.E. i Sec. 13, also the W. i of the N.E. i Sec. 24 ; Alexander McCann, the S.W. i Sec. 24. Eobert F. Kiigent, the W. ^ of the N.W. i Sec. 25, and the E. f of the N.E. ^ Sec. 23 ; James Torguson, the S.E. ^ Sec. 25, and Arthur Patterson, 85 acres in Sec. 34. In 1823 Benjamin Beckelliymer, Thomas Isaac and James Terguson, in February made a tour of inspection, finding at that time but two permanent settlements in the county, but there may liave been others. Forbes and Mendenhall seemed to them the possessors of immense areas. All entered land in Wabash township, Beckelheymer choosing the W. i of the S.E. ^ and the E. i of the S.W i of Sec. 2, T. IS, K. 9. After entering their land all returned to Ohio on their horses. Isaac Ferguson returned in 1S25. Mr. Beckelhymer, in September 1827, moved his family of wife, Eunice (Fitspatrick), and four children by his first wife, who died in 1823. His children were Peter, Isaiah, Levi and Enos. Prior to his second trip he had engaged a man to do some work on the place. He moved with an o.x team. In a year or so, in partnership with Isaac Ferguson, he built asaw-raill on Coal creek, and afterward added a gristmill. In about ten years Ferguson and Beckelhymer sold to Headley and Iviger. Buckelhymer bought a bottom farm in Wabash township, on which he died in 1844. He and his partner worked eighteen days in cutting the first road, a distance of about one and a half miles to the mill. Terguson was prominent in church affairs and township.

In 1824 Washington Graham entered the W. -h of the S.E. i and the E. ^ of the S.W. i Sec. 18, T. 19, E. 8 W., also Forgis Graham the West fraction, eight^^-seven acres, in Sec. IS. John Simpson and Lambeth and Jeremiah Heath also secured more. The township rapidly assumed an appearance of industry. The axe became busy in felling the forest ; the smoke curled to the clouds as pile after pile of logs was fired. Here and there grew small fields of corn amid the stumps ; roads to and from the mills and places of trade became visible. Tiie earliest settlers began to have and to spare. The "log-rolling" and the ''raising" and the "shucking" no longer wanted for numbers. All was energy and industry, and mirth and happiness. Children grew to manhood's estate and in turn made their impress upon the fiico of nature, till to-day the township teams in wealth. The Yerkeses, the Bodines, Colemans, Eobbs and others added their forces in an early day.

The sale of the saw and grist mill to Ileadly and Kiger has already been mentioned. Mr. George Kiger came to Parke county in 1827, and in 1833 engaged in milling, as above noted. He continued interested in this mill till his death, in 1835. His son, John A. Kiger, then controlled the milling interest for some years till he sold to John

He.adley and moved to his present farm. Headly owned tlie mill till he sold in 1851 to Samuel 1. Snodd v and John Hardisty, who, in 1854, sold to George Hosier. In 1855 Mr. Snoddy purchased it of Hosier. At that time it consisted of a saw-mill and one set of burrs for grinding corn. In 1869 Hr. Snoddy tore away all, discarded the saw a])paratnD, and erected a large flouring-mill with three runs of burrs. He has carried on an extensive grist trade, emplo^-ing two hands in his mill. The immense coal beds of this vicinity, which had been mined by hand and the coal hauled to the canal for some years, began to attract the attention of Chicago rolling-mill firms and others, and shafts were sunk, giving employment to many men. Hr. Snoddy prophesied thia to be a good point for trade in provisions and dr^'-goods. Hence, in 187-1, he built a store-building near his mill, in which he put a general stock. He also became the post-master, a railroad as an outlet for the coal having been built in 1872. Hr. Snoddy had added to his mill seat of twelve acres the 160 acres adjoining in 1863, so tliat he was sole proprietor of Snoddy's Hills, as the post-ofKce is called. The single store proved insufficient for the demand for goods, so in 1877 he built a second business-room, divided his stock, keeping groceries in the one, and dry-goods, boots and shoes and clothing in the other. Mr. Snoddy has also built several neat dwellings, ten in number; his own residence standing on a very high hill, makes him indeed the " overseer" of liis village. All the interests of the place, the milling, dry-goods, grocery, lumber, grain, and stock, as well as post-office, are personally supervised by him.

"String Town " is a mining place close to Snoddy's mill. It is a collection of cheap houses mostly erected by the coal companies to be used by the miners. It is of mushroom growth, and an immense business is done, especially in liquors, there being about seventeen saloons at this point. It is hoped that the better element will become stronger, and that at some time this intemperance will cease. There are about GOO men employed in the mines, and the demand for coal is far beyond the ability to supply on account of the scarcity of conveyance. There are religious organizations here, but mostly composed of foreigners engaged in mining.

CHURCHES. Religious interests of Wabash township have alwa3's been looked to. In the old days the school-house served also as " meeting-house." Those were times when the people were plain in manner and dress, and attended church perhaps more for the sake of real worship than for the display of fine clothes, as is the fashion with many of to-day. The women wore decent calico dresses; but we must remember that irj that day calico was as high as 33^ cents per yard. Their aprons wervchecked cotton, a cotton handkerchief for the neck, and a calico euiibonnet. Men wore blue-jeans pants, a striped jeans vest, a brown or blue-jeans coat or bunting-shirt, and thus did the good folk dress for church, or even for a wedding. One old settler remarks that a verr common mode for young people to travel to church, if they did not walk, was for the young man to mount his horse and take his " sweetheart" behind him. In this way the twain would ride five or six miles. "The hugging," he says, "was done by the maiden to her heart's content, but the youth was at a disadvantage as to such a ple.isure." Tiie " femily horse," too, was in demand in those days, audit was not an uncommon occurrence to see half a dozen on one horse. As " Old Time " straightened out everything but men, and them hunijv ing, as church edifices began to build, so also did modes of travel succumb to the more modern vehicle, the carriage. Graham's (or Hibbs') chapel is a Methodist church, erected many years ago. It has undergone some changes in structure. The society has been at times strong, then again weak. Like the country around it, its nature is undulating. The Presbyterian church, known as the Second Presbyterian church, of Covington, or XVI, was removed in pieces from Covington about 1871, and reerected and rededicated in "Wabash township. The most flourishing religious organization is that of " Mount Carmel Baptist church," situate in the N.W. corner of S.E. ^ Sec. 35, T. 19 N., E. 9 W. In the primitive days of Xhe society meetings were held at Alexander Wiiite's dwelling, and then at a log school-house on White's farm. Mr. White made his home here in 1836. The Townsleys, Peter Fagins and wife, Peter Ferguson and wife, and others, were already here, and believers in the Baptist faith. Reuben Carman and David French occasionally preached for them. Organization was effected in 1843. The members were Ale.x. White and wife Hannah, Reuben Carman, Mary Davis, Cordillean White, Cordillean Townsley, Oliver S. Rardin, Elizabeth Coleman, Nancy Townsley, Lucinda Townsley, James and Thomas Townsley, Eiija Thauraughman, and Aaron Tiiauraughnian. A number of persons were received into the church by letter, and the society was increased and prosperous. James Townsley was elected clerk, which office he filled for many years. Reuben Carman was appointed to propose a suitable name for the church. He reported the two names, " Mount Carmel " and " Providence," the former of which was chosen. Rev. D. S. French was elected pastor, and acted in that capacity for many years. In 1844 this society was received into the Tippecanoe Baptist association. Ale.x. White in this year was or- dained deacon by Rev. S. Carman and French. In 1845 building became a leading issue with the brethren, and Robert Dunham donated three-quarters of an acre of ground for church site. A committee, consisting of A. "White, James Townsley, and Oliver Rardin, was appointed to construct or superintend the erection of a house of worship, 3r>x45 feet, to cost about 8500. The contract was let to George Dunkerly, and Zach. Ferguson did the plastering. About 1846 meetings beo-an to be held in the church, and the chnrcli prospered under the charge of Revs. French, E. S. Jones, Samnel Deweese, "Wm. Cartwrio-ht, and others. To illustrate a particular custom of that day a note is found in the 1-ecords of this church to the effect that "in 1854 a certain brother appeared before the church and confessed he had done wrong in having drank ' too much ' liquor when carrying three halfgallons from Perrysville for his harvest hands." The wrong seems to liave been wholly in drinking " too much." In 1865 Mr. White deeded one-fourth acre more to the church for burying purposes, and since has given one-fourth acre more. In October, 1876, the building was repaired. This church has given off four branch societies : Perrysville, Eugene, Mill creek, and the coal mines. During its existence more than 500 have been connected with it. It now numbers fiftyfive. A. White, Philip Grubb and John Boyd are deacons, Albert H. White clerk, and C. B. Allen preacher in charge. The trustees are the deacons.

Biographical

F. T. Graham, farmer, Covington, was born in Wabash township. Fountain county, Indiana, in 1825, and is the son of Washington Graham, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in the pages of this history. Mr. Graham was reared a farmer, but has worked some at the carpenter trade. In 1850 he married Miss Harriet Rabb, daughter ot Johnson and Mary (Ainsworth) Rabb, who were early settlers of the county. Mr. Graham has three children: Alice, Mary F. and Barton. Mr. Graham is the owner of 172 acres of land, and is a staunch republican.

Samuel Cade, farmer and stock raiser, Veedersburg, is one of the old and respected citizens of Fountain county. He is a native of the county, and was born February 4, 1826, and is the son of William and Martha (Campbell) Cade. His father was born in Delaware October 4, 1788, and married his wife in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1823. She was born January 8, 1801, and in October, 1823, they«migrated to Fountain county, Indiana, and settled in what is now Wabash town- ship. Tliey were among the very first settlers of the county. In an early day Mr. Cade used to run flat-boats down the Scioto river into the Ohio, thence to New Orleans, and has walked back from New Orleans three different times to the place of starting. After he caiao to Fountain county he took an active part in all improvements, and was a zealous worker in the cause of religion, having joined tlio Methodist church when a young man. He was called to try the reaii- '"^ ties of the ne.xt world November 14, 18i6, and his wife January 31 ' 18il. Samuel Cade, the subject of this notice, was raised on a farm in Wabash township. He has accumulated a large tract of land, consisting of 1,800 acres, all of which is due to h\i energy and a close attention to business. He now owns the 160 acres which his father bought at the land sales in 1822. He is also the owner of the Union mills since 1873. He has one sister, Jane, who was born in this county May 3, 182-1, and is probably the first born in the county. Slio married D. Pattoii, in 184-i, and is now a resident of Ford county, Illinois. Mr. Cade has been twice married: first time, in 1850, to Mary F. Conover. She died June 29, 1852. He married again, January 4, 1855, Miss Eliza J. Clark, daughter of David and Mary Clark. Mr. Cade has one child by first wife, William, and six by present wife: Mary F. (wife of M. Nixon), Fannie 0. (wife of H. Glasscock), Martha J., David S., Cliftbrd, and one deceased. (Carrie M).

Levi Rabb, farmei-, Snoddy's Mills, is a native of Warren county, Ohio, and was born November 7, 1827, and is the son of Johnson and Mary (Ainsworth) Rabb, who removed to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1829, and settled in Wabash township, where they were respected pioneers and citizens. They both departed this life about 1868, but are still fresh in the memories of many of the pioneers of the county. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was at Hull's surrender. Levi Rabb was raised on a farm, now owned by him (which was his father's), and has followed that occupation, excepting about ten years, which he spent in carpentering. In 1853 he married Mary J. Conover, daughter of William and Jane (Mitchell) Conover, and a native of Virginia. Their family are: Annie (wife of S. S. Wells), Mary (wife of J. Bartley), Albert, Jennie, William, Lii)bie, and one deceased (James). Mr. Rabb is the owner of a fine farm of 387 acres, the most of which is of his own accumulation. In politics he is a staunch republican.

B. W. Graham, farmer, Covington, was born in Madison county, Oliio, June 21, 1819, and is the son of James and Jane (Snodgrass) Graham, who were natives of Kentucky, and came from Ohio to Parke county, Indiana, in 1822, where they remained one year, after which they caine to Fountain county and settled in what is now "Wabash township; on what is now known as Graham's creek. His fatlier was born January 10, 1797, and died in this county in 1879. His wife was born in 1795, and died in about 1S73. Tlie subject of this sketch is probably as old a settler as now lives in Fountain county, having spent a life of usefulness in the way of improving and building up that part of the county in which he lives. He has always been engaged in farming, and has accutnulated a fine property of 200 acres of Avell improved land. In 1842 he married Miss Ruth Crane, daughter of Moses and Susanah Crane, who came to the county about 1835. Mr. Graham's family are : Oliver, Byron J., Almira J., Julia A. and Marietta. Three deceased : Oliver, Milford and Monroe.

James Bodine, farmer, Covington, was born in Wan-en county, Ohio, in 1825, and is the son of William and Rebecca (Marlatte) Bodine. They were natives of Virginia, tiie father being born March 1, 1793, and the mother about 1797. They came to Warren county, Oliio, about 1817, and removed to Fountain county, Indiana, October, 1829, and settled in what is now Wabash township. They had a family of seven children, four born in Ohio and three in Fountain county. They took an active part in the early improvements of that part of the county in which they lived. Although they have passed away, they are still remembered by the old settlers of the county. In 186i the father died, and about 18G9 the mother departed this life. James, our subject, was raised on his father's farm, and received a good common school education. He has occupied his time in agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of 1,145 acres of land, well stocked and improved. He is a prominent Mason and Odd-Fellow, and is well respected by all who know him. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Campbell, daughter of Joseph Campbell, who was one of the old and respected pioneers of the county. Mr. Bodine has four children : Flora, Robert, Thomas, and Jennie.

O. H. Graham, farmer, Covington, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, in 1832, and is the son of James and Jane (Snodgrass) Giahain, who were early and respected pioneers of Fountain county. Mr. Graham has been a resident of the county all his life. He owns 200 acres of well improved land. In 1812 he married Miss Rachel Cooper, daughter of John Cooper, and by this union they have si.\ children : Katie, Lottie J., James W., Courtenous L., Joseph H. and Montie L.

Schuyler La Tourette, farmer, Covington, was born in Wabash township. Fountain county, Indiana, in 1834, and is the son of John and Sarah (Sclienck) La Tourette, who were among the early and respected pioneers of Fountain county. The subject of this memoir was raised on a farm, and received a common school education, and lias followed agricultural pursuits all liis life. In the beginning of the rebellion he enlisted in Co. H, 63d Ind. Vol. Inf., as private, and at the organization of his company he was elected as first lieutenant, and after serving si.x months was promoted to captain, which office he honorably filled till the close of the war, participating in many of the hardfought battles; Resaca, Kenesavv Mountain, and numerous other engagemeuts. His company was composed of men from his own neighborhood, and comprised some of the best soldiers Fountain county . ,, aiTorded. At the close of the war Mr. La Tourette was honorably .1'.^ discharged and returned to his native county, where he has been quite '''' e.xtensively engaged in farming. He is the owner of a well improved farm of 240 acres, of which 160 acres is the old homestead. In 1863 he married Miss Kate Cooper, daughter of John and Lotta Cooper, and a native of New Jersey. Mr. La Tourette is a member of the A.F. and A.M., and is one of Fountain county's staunch republicans.

Nelson Crane, farmer, Snoddy's Mills, was born in Warren county, Ohio, April 2, 1811, and is the son of Moses and Susanah Crane. Mr. Crane was raised a farmer, and has followed that occupation all his life. In 1835 he came to Fountain county, where lie has resided on one farm for thirty-seven years. In 1833 he married Miss Sarah Meloy, a native of "Warren county, Ohio, who was born September 5, 1814. They had one child, Martha, born January 2, 1834, and died the same 3'ear. Mr. and Mrs. Crane are devoted members of the Christian church, and Mr. Crane is a republican.

J. B. Van Dorn, farmer, Covington, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1833, and is the son of Hezekiah and Hester Van Dorn, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born March 26, 1790, and the mother about 1792 ; she died in this county about 1870. The father resides with his son, Mr. Van Dorn. They came to Fountain county in 1836, and settled in Wabash township. Mr. Van Dorn, the subject of tiiis sketch, has been a resident of the county since he came to it with his parents. In 1858 he married Miss Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Elihu Jones, and by this union they have four cliildren : Morris L., Levi W., Manford C. and Ora W.

John Roads, farmer, Covington, was born in Warren county, Ohio, February 24, 1820, and is the son of Jacob and 'Mary (Fox) Roads. Mr. Roads came to Fountain count}', Indiana, with his parents, about 1839, and has been a resident of the county ever since, engaged in farming. He is the owner of 351 acres of fine improved land, which is due to his energy and attention to business. He has been twice married. His first wife was Elizabotli E. Graham, by whom he has one cliikl, Irlainis. His present wife is Mary A. Wolf, l)y whom he has eight children : John, Lewis, Harriet E. (wife of Charles Marlatte), Mary A., Amanda, John, Viola, and Emma.

Allen Yerkes, farmer, Covington, was born in Wabash township. Fountain county, in 1843, and is the son of Jacob and Ann (Shoemaker) Yerkes, who were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born May 11, 1809, and came to Fountain county in 1839 and settled in Wabash township, where he died in 1SG6. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and received a good common school education, and iias followed agricultural pursuits all his life. Ho owns the old homestead, consisting of 207 acres. In 1866 he married Miss Serena Alexander, daughter of James and Sarah (Mitchell) Alexander. Pier father is a native of Indiana, and her mother of Pennsylvania, and came to Boone county, Illinois, in an early day. Mr. Yerkes has two sons, James T. and Jones I.

Samuel Paugh, farmer, Covington, was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 15, 1813. His parents both died when he was a small boy, after which he went to live with his grandfather until twenty-one years of age. In ISiO he came to Fountain county, Indiana, and began a business life for himself. He bought 160 acres in the woods, which he has improved and added to till he is the owner of 375 acres of as fine land as Fountain county affords. In 1813 he married Miss Rebecca Van Dorn, daugliter of Hezekiah Van Dorn. The issue of this marriage are Ross, Adaline, and Estella.

B. Yerkes, farmer, Covington, was born in Wabasli township, Fountain county, Indiana, in 1811, and is the son of Jacob and Ann (Shoemaker) Yerkes, who came to the county in 1839. They have spent a useful life in improving and helping to build up all local enterprises in the neighborhood where they lived. Mr. Yerkes was raised on his father's farm, and is now one of the leading farmers of Wabash township. He owns 615 acres of tine land, well stocked and improved, as a reward for his own exertions. In 1867 he married Miss Martha E. Marlatte, daughter of Jacob and Cynthia Marlatte, who came to the county in an early day. Mrs. Yerkes was born in 1845. Their f\imily consists of Emma, Jacob, Charles, and Sherman.

E. M. Conover, farmer, Snoddy's Mills, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, in 1842, and is the son of William and Jane (Mitchell) Conover, who were natives of Ohio and Kentucky, and came to Fountain county in an early day. Mr. Conover served in the rebellion in the 37th 111. reg., and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Pi-airie Grove, siege of Vicksburg, and a great many other engagements. He went out as private, and held all the ofhces from corporal to captain.

In ISTl lie married Miss Emma Eabb, daughter of Jolm and Eliza (Maxwell) Rabb, both of whom were early pioneers of Fountain county. The family consists of two children : Lottie and Rufus.

S. S. Yerkes, farmer, Snoddy's Mills, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1816, and is the son of AVilliam and Deborah Yerkes. His father died in 1829, at the age of fifty. His mother was born in 1779, and died August 28, 1844. Mr. Y'erkes came to Fountain county in 1843, and began for himself by working by the month. In this way he earned money to buy some land, and by hard work and economy he has become the owner of 413 acres of land, which he has improved and got under good cultivation. He has been twice married. His first wife was Letitia Watson, married in

1848. She was a native of Kentucky, born August 2, 1827, and died in 1854. He was married again in 1855, to Ann M. Bodine, daughter of William Bodine, who was among the early settlers of Fountain county. Mr. Yerkes has two sons: William and Rolen, and one dead, Charles H.

Samuel I. Snoddy, miller, merchant and farmer, and proprietor to the village of Snoddy's Mills, was born July 15, 1828, in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. His parents, Samuel and Sarah (Irwin) Snoddy, were natives of the same state, and there Mrs. Snoddy died, June 10,

1849, aged forty-five years. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, and the mother of ten children. After her death Mr. Samuel Snoddy came to Parke county, Indiana, but in a year or so he returned to liis native state. In 1852 he again sought Indiana, and September 2, 1852, during the cholei-a epidemic, he died at Fort Wayne. He also was a member of the Presbyterian church. Samuel I., the fourth child, was schooled on the farm and in the mill. Before coming west he was married, in 1849, to Susan Koons, daughter of Jonathan and Catharine Koons, and a native of Pennsylvania. Soon after marriage they emigrated to Parke county, Indiana, where Mr. Snoddy worked in Wright's mill. In 1851 he bought the saw and grist mill of John Headley, and in 1852 settled near it on twelve acres of land, which was included in the purchase. About 1858 he bought seventyeight acres adjoining the mill-seat. In 1868 he bought 160 acres more. He built a store near his mill about 1874, and began selling goods, and in these three branches of industry (milling, merchandising and farming) Mr. Snoddy has succeeded so well that he owns 756 acres of land and the town he founded, containing ten dwelling houses, all his own building. He is acknowledged to be the leading man of his section. He began with comparatively nothing, and his success demonstrates the possibility for one to rise to fortune from even poverty's lowest depths, wliere tliere is "will" to climb. Mr. Snoddy is a quiet hut thorough republican. His three brothers, John, James D. and George, served in tlie civil war. George died at his home in Kansas from disease contracted in the arnn-. James D. was a colonel and John was major in the 7th Ivan. Gav. October 6, 1876, death deprived Mr. Snoddy of the partner of his home. She was an amiable woman, and the mother of eleven children : William, John, Milton, Elmer, Chauucy, Parley, George, Anna (now Mrs. Richard Roberts, of Henning, Illinois), Catharine (now Mrs. Benjamin Lindley, of Fulton township, I Fountain county, Indiana), Odella (Mrs. Dr. Charles Coggins, Snoddy's

Mills), and Emma. Mr. Snoddy was next married December 15, 1878, to Miss Susan Fisher, of Fountain county, his present helpmate. Mr. Snoddy's portrait appears in this history. ^1 John Ramser, farmer, Covington, was born in Switzerland, May 27,

1821, and came to America in 1856, and in tlie fall of the same year came to Fountain county and began working by the month until he accumulated money enough to buy some land, and by liard work and economy he is now the owner of a iine farm of 350 acres, with good improvements. He has been twice married; once in the old country, to Miss Maria Ritz, who died in 1853 ; and was married again in 1859, to Eiizabetli Ritz, sister of his first wife. He has three children by his first wife : Elizabeth, John, and Frederick ; and three by his present wife: Louisa, Henry, and Charles; and three deceased: Maria, Julius, and Jacob.

John Reynolds, merchant, Snoddy's Mills, is a native of England, born in 1849, and came to America in 1867, where he has been engaged in mining in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, until he began his present occupation. He has given close attention to business, and has given general satisfaction to his many customers. In 1872 he married Miss Catharine McVey, a native of Pennsylvania, and by this marriage they have one child living, Annie, and three dead : Daniel, John D. and Patrick.

"William Reynolds, grocer, Snoddy's Mills, is a native of England, born in 1855, and came to Stringtown in 1876, and soon after embarked in tlie grocery business. By honest dealing and courteous treatment to his many customers he has established a good trade. In 1877 he married Miss S. Stewart, a native of Pennsylvania. By this union they have two children : Gertrude and William.

S. A. McNamara, farmer, Snoddy's Mills, was born in Warren county, Ohio, August 4, 1840, and came to Fountain county in 1865, where he has been engaged in farming. He owns 200 acres of well improved land, which he has earned by hard work. In 1869 he mar- ried Miss Mary Johnson, daiii^liter of James Johnson. She was born in Wan-en county, Oiiio, January 10, lSi3. They liave three children: Mary, John, and James. Mr. and Mrs. McXamara are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a radical democrat.

W. P. Patterson, M.D., Snoddy's Mills, was born in Greene county Tennessee, in 1851, and is the son of John Patterson. The doctor is a graduate of one of the time-honored institutions of Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating in 1878, and began the practice of medicine in Lodi, Parke county, Indiana, where he practiced one year. For the last two years he has been practicing at Stringtown, and by a strict attention to business he has entered into a lucrative practice.