Washington Township (part 14 of 16)

At the age of twenty-four Mr. Caldwell was married to Miss Mary Jane Sample, who was born and reared in the same neighbor¬ hood with himself in Hancock county. He and his wife have two children, viz : David C, and Adclia Emmerett, a maiden lady living at home. Besides his own, Mr. Cald¬ well has reared and educated other children. One of these is Ira II. Sample, the well - known attorney for the Pennsylvai . Rail¬ way Company,' living at Logansport, who graduated at the Indiana University at Bloomington. Mr. Sample is a nephew of Mrs. Caldwell, being a son of her brother and an orphan from infancy. He received the same treatment in the family and the same opportunities for advancement as Mr. Caldwell's own son, who became a physician and practiced medicine several years. Other children have been taken care of in Mr. Cald¬ well's home for five or six years each, so that it is proper to state that this home has been a kind of asylum for children needing care, and that these children have been treated with the same fatherly and motherly solicitude that has been accorded the chil- dren of the home itself. Mrs. Caldwell has always been a woman of superior ability and tact, and has thus been able to aid her hus¬ band in every way necessary and to preside over her household with a calm dignity and kindliness which have always served to shower blessings and benedictions on all its members.

Cornelius C. Fleming

Cornelius C. Fleming, of Washington township, is so well known that he needs no introduction to the citizens of the northern part of Blackford county. He is a man of integrity and honor and carries' the respect to a high degree of all who know him. He was born in Marion county, West Virginia, October 4, 1834, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (VanZandt) Fleming, on the pa¬ ternal side of Scotch birth and parentage, and on the maternal side Holland Dutch. The Flemings upon coming to the United States first located in the state of Delaware.

The boyhood of Cornelius was passed upon the farm, remaining with his parents until attaining his twenty-fourth year, when he was united in marriage with Miss Emily J. Ogden. The young couple began for themselves by renting for some time the old Fleming homestead in Virginia, and improv¬ ing a tract of his own until 1S64. During much of this time the conditon of society about him was in a very disturbed state, owing to the uncertainties incident to the Civil war. Being near the border his part of the state was more or less overrun by guerrillas; among the rebel raiders was the notorious General Jones, whose force of

In the year above mentioned Mr. Flem¬ ing removed to Indiana, his first home being in Delaware county, but soon afterward tak¬ ing up his residence in Henry county, where he remained about three years. In 1868, having made some progress, he secured a tract which is included in his present farm, and to which he began to devote all the en¬ ergies of which he was possessed. Being intelligent and diligent, and having pretty thorough understanding of the operation of a farm, he was not only able to live com¬ fortably but, at the same time, to make many essential improvements. He has more re¬ cently, in association with his son, James A., purchased an additional eighty acres of land, which by great effort and expense has been placed in a valuable and productive condition. Much of this immediate section of the township is flat and low, and if al¬ lowed to drain only in the natural manner would probably never be brought into till¬ able condition; but by the adoption and in¬ stallation of a scientific system of drainage by both open and blind ditches, a most sat¬ isfactory result has been attained, that part which was no value becoming the most pro¬ ductive and valuable. More than one thou¬ sand rods of tile have been laid on each of the above tracts, the returns being much out of proportion to the expense incident to the improvement. Both farms are in excellent state for the production of large crops, and it is no more than justice to say that ex¬ pectations have never been disappointed. Lying in the oil territory, wells have been sunk by companies, Mr. Fleming being but a lessee and confining his attentions rather to the oversight of the farm. Adore of a

The Fleming family consists of six chil¬ dren, all but one of whom are living : Mar¬ tha M. is the wife of Eli M. Johnson, of Washington township; Minnie L. is Mrs. John Bocock, who owns and operates a fruit farm at South Haven, Michigan; Charles O. is the popular county recorder, and of him a more extended mention will be found on another page of this volume ; Cora A. is the wife of Thomas H. Johnson, also of Wash¬ ington township, and Lawrence, who died at three years of age.

James A., who has already received brief reference in connection with his father, has spent nearly all of his life in close relation¬ ship with his father and the old homestead. He received no more than the usual educa¬ tion acquired in the district schools, and being ever interested in all ques¬ tions pertaining to social or political life, keeps well informed upon the is¬ sues of the day. He entertains de¬ cided views on all public questions, and while not seeking to press argument, is ever ready to advocate what he believes to be in nearest accord with the general welfare. He early took advanced position on finance, being one of the old-school free-silver men, standing today squarely upon the Chicago platform. * Believing that the trusts are leading the country to wrong conditions, and that positive assurance as to the future is due the Filipinos, he is in thorough accord with the later expressions of his party. In June, 1891, he was married to Miss Laura Wilson, of Selma, Delaware county, In¬ diana.

greater part of his life has acted with the party; however, in more recent years he has taken rather an independent position, cast¬ ing his franchise for the men he deemed most suitable for the position to be filled. While Mr. Fleming lus held to the even tenor of his way, making but little noise in the world, no better citizen lives within the borders of the county or one who has its advancement and prosperity more at heart.

Lemuel Johnson

Forty-five years ago the condition of the civilization of Blackford county was most primitive, very few of the advantages »w enjoyed by all being then available to any. The gentleman whose name heads this article was one of the many who, like himself, began in the wilderness and who by the exercise of constant application, forced economy and fortitude born of necessity, finally had the satisfaction of knowing themselves to be in such circumstances as assured ease and com¬ fort during the years remaining to them. Lemuel Johnson was born in Clinton county, Ohio, August 6, 1834, being the son of Lem¬ uel and Mary (Watson) Johnson, both of whom were born in North Carolina, where they were also married, moving to Ohio soon after. When young Lemuel was in his sev¬ enteenth year he accompanied the family to the Indian Reserve, a few miles from Marion, Grant county, where they remained about four years, coming in 1855 t0 the wilds of Blackford county. The settlement was upon the farm in section 18 of Washington township now owned by the family of Thomas Johnson. There the parents lived and died, their deaths being but one day apart, 30 that in death, as in life, they were not divided. The first home was the then universal log cabin with clapboard roof, puncheon floor, dirt fireplace and stick chimney. Everything inside the house was of the same primitive pattern and all of home construction, the furniture being but such as the ax and the drawing knife would supply. Such remained the home for about ten years, when it was replaced bv a new and rather pretentious one, which had but barely been occupied and the conditions of life became more e'asy and the ability of fuller enjoyment less hampered, when both the parents were called to the great beyond, he having but slightly passed his sixtieth year.

They were the parents of six children, of whom five lived to mature years, they being: Lemuel; Dixon, who resides near Upland, Grant county. He was one of those who served faithfully during the Civil war, seeing much of interest, among other re¬ markable scenes being the historical battle between the Monitor and Merrimac off Hampton Roads, which has worked a com¬ plete revolution in naval methods and naval architecture; Elizabeth is the wife of John W. Lyon, of Upland; Hester is Mrs. D. J. McDaniel, of Fremont county, Iowa; Thomas had remained with his parents on the homestead, finally acquiring it himself, and resided upon it till his own death at the age of fifty-five. His widow and children still make it their home.

Soon after his advent into Blackford county, Lemuel was united in marriage, on March 5, 1856, to Miss Ruhamah Pearson, daughter of Peter and Martha (Taylor) Pearson. She was born in ' hnton county, Ohio, December 8, 1837. 1< two families in his childhood. They were also of the pio¬ neer families of Grant county, having settled in it as early as 1840. After marriage Mr. Johnson and wife set up housekeeping on their present farm. He had gone about four hundred dollars in debt, but had a new hewed-log cabin in which they ate their first meal off a box improvised as a table. Threelegged stools were their chairs, and all of the ' furnishings were of the same home-made style. He started with but an ax to work with and a yoke of oxen to do the hauling. All of their worldly goods were moved in a cart, that he had borrowed for the purpose of moving. It required five years to pay off the indebtedness, paying much of the time eleven per cent interest. As he could spare any small amount he would go ten miles to have it applied on the note, that the interest might be reduced. Lie worked out for others at such work as the new country could give, chopping, ditching, rail making, logrolling, etc. Lie remembers that he has devoted two weeks at a stretch to logrolling, receiving a return in labor, to be performed on his own land. After getting the forty acres paid for he began buying more till he now has one hundred and twenty, about all being in an excellent state and nearly all of it so placed by his personal labor. Lying in a section of the county that was naturally level and wet, he set himself diligently to the arduous task or draining it. This was at first accomplished by the means of timber ditches, connecting with the larger open ones, but all these have long since been replaced with the more mod¬ ern and lasting tile drains, he having laid upwards of one thousand rods of such tile and having expended probably more in this matter of drainage than the land was worth. Lie has devoted the farm largely to the grow¬ ing of grain, which is, however, consumed

The present house was erected in 1882, succeeding a rather pretentious one-and-ahalf-story log house, which had in its time taken the place of the original one. Good barns and necessary outbuildings have been made, so that the farm is now one of the most highly improved and desirable ones in this vicinity. Having the advantage of be¬ ing in the oil region, a handsome income has been derived from that source, two wells being in active operation and the product amounting to about a tank of two hundred and fifty barrels every six weeks.

The Johnson family consists of eight chil¬ dren, as follows: Mary S., who became the wife of J. E. Nelson; both are now dead, their son, Burr, living with his grandparents; Margaret A. is the wife of H. C. Templeton, a merchant at Dundee ; Sarah died at seven¬ teen; Ida Bell married George Glasgow, of Grant county; Rachel is the wife of George Hudson, of Washington ; Thomas H. is the owner of a neat farm adjoining his parents; Ethalinda married Martin Nelson and also lives near; and Martha E., wife of Henry Smith. All are nicely situated in life, being among the neighborhood's valued citizens. Fifteen grandchildren give honor to this worthy couple, whose interests in each is often shown in most substantial manner.

Politically Mr. Johnson is classed as a Democrat, though he is quite liberal in his support of men rather than measures in local matters, having been on record as supporting those of the opposite party when he has felt the public would be best served. Plis con¬ nection with party work has usually carried him into the conventions, where his voice and vote have been ever given to advance the better interests of the community. He was chosen constable of his township some years since, serving most acceptably in that posi¬ tion for six years, when further and more responsible work was demanded of him by placing him in the office of justice of the peace, to which he was repeatedly re-elected until he had seen sixteen years of contin¬ uous service in that capacity, making a grand total of twenty-two years in the same connec¬ tion. Always a peaceable man himself, his counsel has been to the advancement of peace, and even as a justice he has en¬ deavored in every possible way to secure amicable settlement of questions in dispute. In many instances that might be recalled, where the inclination of litigants has been toward protracted and possibly expensive contests in the courts, his wiser counsel pre¬ vailed and a warm and more kindly feeling was the result. Personally of a stocky build and well knit in every sinew, he has ever been capable of any amount of the hardest toil, and in the frequent contests of strength among the hardy pioneers he seldom found his match.

Both himself and wife are consistent members of the Independence church of the Disciples, or Christians, in which he has not only been an important and influential mem¬ ber, but has reared his children so that their own lives are in accordance with the teach¬ ings of the divine book.

Now that the weight of years is press¬ ing and the near approach of the dark mes¬ senger is felt, the contemplation of the vicis¬ situdes incident to their life in the early years of the county's history justly affords this worthy and esteemed couple many themes for personal congratulation that their days were thrown upon such times and their own influence has borne such ripe fruit. Few have taken more important part in the making of the community and assuredly none have won for themselves warmer love or more lasting affection in the hearts of nu¬ merous and devoted friends.

Mauris H. Roberds

Success to some seems an elusive thing, but failure usually result's from a lackof some of the dements which may be acquired by all¬ perseverance, energy and resolute purpose. An analysis of the life record of the suc¬ cessful men shows that these qualities have been essential to their prosperity, and such is the case with Mauris H. Roberds, now living in easy retirement at the pleasant country village of Dundee. Mr. Roberds was born near the present flourishing town of Gas City, in Grant county, Indiana, on the 2d of October, 1837. There his par¬ ents, Phineas and Sophia (Saben) Roberds, both of whom were born and married in Clinton county, Ohio, had settled some five years previous to the birth of Mauris. The ground now included in the thriving city was embraced in their farm, though no'premonition gave any indication that here would, within a few years, be a busy popula¬ tion of several thousands engaged in the many vocations of a manufacturing town. When Mauris was seven years of age he lost his mother and as a result the family ties were considerably broken. His father, Phineas Roberds, was one of the many men who in those early days did much to shape the moral thought of the young communities throughout the west. He was a pioneer preacher of the Newlight faith and devoted his life to the work of the Master. He or¬ ganized the early church near his home and was widely known as an itinerant minister, visiting every community in a wide region, Pie walked long distances to keep his ap¬ pointments, often having serious difficulties to overcome in order to not disappoint his congregations. Streams were forded, storms encountered, wild animals braved, lone paths traversed, sleeping at times in the woods, and all to carry the gospel into new neigh¬ borhoods and to bring the light of civiliza¬ tion to those who were in the dark. Pie started many churches, over a wide region, and was the mainstay for years in keeping them in a flourishing condition. A great religious revival was then going on through¬ out the entire country, people were aroused as never before, or since, in respect to the needs of Christianity ; wonderful camp-meet¬ ings were held by the various denomina¬ tions and all were wide awake to the benefits of the energetic evangelist. The names of such successful proselyters as Peter Cart¬ wright date from that period. Alexander Campbell was then in his zenith, and there are men still living in this section who re¬ member to have listened to him in his won¬ derful exhortations. Not the least effective in arousing men and women to act upon the conviction of sin, as painted to them in glowing colors, was Phineas Roberds, whose work was crowned with remarkable result. After doing the hard work of the church in this new field until an effective organization was effected, he took up the burden again in another new field, being sent ' into Illinois, there to repeat something of the same line of endeavor. There his latter years as a minister were passed, there he suf¬ fered the loss of a second companion, and, late in life, returned to the scenes of his earlier Christian effort, amid old friends breathing his last in 1890, having attained the age of seventy-seven. Ripe in years and full of Christian grace and fortitude, his was a life that can be pointed out to the new religious enthusiast as one which, if followed, will surely lead to an honorable career and a greater reward.

Mauris Roberds was married, December 5, 1857, when just past twenty-one, to Miss Elizabeth McKee, daughter of Peter and Rhoda (Peters) McKee, of Dundee, the for¬ mer of whom was born June 26, 1800, and died September 27, 1873, an(l the latter, born September 20, 1803, died October 17, 1887. She was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, being but a small child when her par¬ ents brought her to this vicinity in 1839. But very few families were then in the com¬ munity, the more notable being those of Peter Bonham, Joseph Gillaspie and a Mr. Craig. The remarkable religious excitement known as Millerism that had taken such a wonderful hold on the minds of thousands of the people, was at its highest at the time her father was making the journey from Ohio to erect a cabin preparatory to bring¬ ing his little family, and people were so con¬ vinced of the near approach of the end of the world that he was given every accommo¬ dation without charge and without price. The long looked for period came and passed and each was offering some explanation for the failure of the end of time to show up as expected. Peter ever after took much en¬ joyment in recounting the fact that on the return trip these same enthusiasts took great pains to charge him double prices for any accommodation extended. Peter McKee was a cabinetmaker by trade, having a shop on his farm and doing what farming he had done by proxy. The residence he erected about one year before he died is still stand¬ ing and in a good state of preservation, marking the site of one of the most widely known and popular homes of the genial peo¬ ple of a generation ago. Peter McKcc was one of those men who feel that life is worth living and, with a keen sense of the ludicrous, was ever ready with some inter¬ esting story that afforded great entertain¬ ment to interested auditors. Pie had little sympathy with that form of religion where long and austere countenances were needed to portray the feelings, but, with full appre¬ ciation of the jovial and the humorous, his own good nature contributed largely to the good feeling for which the neighborhood was noted. Ilis wife, who was no less popular, survived him about twelve years, dying at the ripe age of eighty-seven. Her latter years were passed with her daughter, as were those of her own mother, Marv Peters, who reached the great age of ninety-three and is remembered by a wide circle of friends who held her in highest regard for her manv admirable traits. For two years after mar¬ riage Mauris rented in Grant county, after which he partially cleared a farm in Wells county, finally starting in on a new farm north of Dundee in Blackford county. Mak¬ ing considerable progress he, in company with J. T. Brotherton, engaged in mercan¬ tile life at Dundee, at which his previous success was continued. Pie then devoted his energies to the conduct of his farm, which embraced the McKee estate as well as his own tract, making one hundred and ninety-two acres. After some fifteen years of close application to the active operation of the farm, making extensive and important improvements in the meantime, he removed to the thriving village of Upland, in Grant county, but continued to supervise the farm¬ ing, though it was operated by tenants. At the urgent request of citizens he laid out several acres into village lots, contributing materially to the growth of Dundee, which, though deprived of proper transportation fa¬ cilities, is quite a prosperous interior village. Should it have the good fortune soon to have some of its so-called business men re¬ placed with a few live, active, intelligent citizens, it stands an excellent show yet of having a conspicuous place in the affairs of Blackford county.

The business interests of Mr. Roberds have ever continued to thrive, his matured judgment and careful investment being a guarantee of the outcome of whatever en¬ terprise he embarks in. Having faith in the result of investigations for oil, he gave en¬ couragement to those familiar with develop¬ ments in that line, leasing his own farm, upon which eleven active, producing wells are now in operation. The lease is consid¬ ered by operators as the best in this region, where hundreds of wells have been sunk. A constant income of from fifteen to twenty dollars per day from this source has proven an important factor in Mr. Roberds' finan¬ cial ventures.

On the 9th of May, 1900, Mrs. Roberds passed from among her wide circle of friends, whose earnest sympathies had been with her through a long and painful sickness. Few women have known more bodily dis¬ tress, she having been a sufferer for the fourth time from that most agonizing com¬ plaint, inflammatory rheumatism. 1 hose of their family who lived to maturity are : Laura Alice, who is the wife of Rev. Charles Love, of New Castle, Indiana. She is also widely and favorably known as a minister of the United Brethren church and is the present pastor of the church at New Castle. As a girl of fourteen she became much in¬ terested in religious work, deciding to de¬ vote her own life to the needs of the church. She prepared for the ministry in Hartsville College and when but twenty-two was li¬ censed to preach. She was married about this time, removing to Illinois, where her husband was a missionary, and was there or¬ dained. Throwing her whole soul into the work she has made rapid progress, now holding an enviable position in the church. She is a forcible and earnest speaker, holding an audience with wrapt attention. She is a close and logical reasoner, her sermons hav¬ ing received commendation from the ablest critics. Lillie Belle is the wife of Jonas Palmer, postmaster at Roll ; William Dell Roberds, whose untimely death occurred at the early age of twentv-two, was a superior young man, whose aspirations and attain¬ ments had exerted a powerful influence for good in the community; Hattie Ila is the wife of Ora Atkinson, assistant cashier of the bank at Albany, Indiana.

Mr. Roberds has been a professor of religion since his eighteenth vear, having embraced the faith as expounded by his own father, and while he has during life affil¬ iated with other denominations he is now a respected member of the church of his youth. His wife, whose own profession was made under his father's preaching, remained a consistent Christian, dying in the faith after traveling life's pathway in company with her husband for more than forty-one years.

Mr. Roberds was a Prohibitionist when he stood alone in Washington township and has adhered faithfully to the principles of the party through the various vicissitudes that have since overtaken it.

Bearing through all the transitions of a busy and successful life the respect of all with whom he has borne relations, and true to every tenet of the faith that has shaped his course, he is widely recognized as one whose life has been an example which the youth of the county may study with profit. Straightforward in every transaction, the confidence of all in him has never had cause for weakening, no man having greater claim to being looked upon as the most truly rep¬ resentative citizen of northern Blackford county.

The career of El. C. Zeigler may be said to be one of the most successful known in the oil trade. It may also be quoted as exemplifying what a man may do in the busi- i ness. Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, No- j vember 28, 1847, Mr. Zeigler's youthful days were spent much as were those of any other boy of the period. He lived with his parents at Sharon and West Middlesex, his father being prominently identified with the woolen industry in Sharon from 1840 to 1852.

The first employment of the younger Zeigler was that of driving a team on the old Erie & Pittsburg canal between Erie and Rochester, Pennsylvania, and from driver he was promoted to the position of captain, having charge of the boat M. F. Walker from 1865 to 1866. During the time spent on the canal the young man saw numerous bodies of soldiers going to and returning from the recruiting station at Pittsburg by the medium of the canal. Leaving the canal at the close of the war he entered the em¬ ploy of the same company for which he worked on the canal, this time in their store, remaining with them until they went out of business a year or so later. Then Mr. Zeig¬ ler was employed in a large company store J

Thus early he had been in the practical training school of business life, and was just gaining that knowledge which was later to have considerable effect on his career. The active work of oil development had not long been removed from the immediate vicinity of the Oil Creek flats when Mr. Zeigler's attention was drawn to it, and he made the decision that it would be a good business to which to devote his time and energies ; he would make a trial of it in any event, and the developments of the future would in¬ struct him as to whether it would be profit¬ able to continue. He began at the lowest round of the ladder and studied the busi¬ ness as few men have done, with the result that he acquired a knowledge which served him a good stead in after years 'when his operations became more extensive.

The first venture consisted in a working interest in the Taylor well, located close to Lock's machine shop in the Pleasantville development. That was unsuccessful and the young man had the rather disheartening ex¬ perience of seeing labor and cash left at the bottom of a dry hole. The Ray Milton field next claimed his attention, where, in com¬ pany with E. A. Wilson (now of Oil City) and others, he drilled a well on the A. W. Raymond farm, which turned out to be a good producer and is still producing oil, though twenty-nine years old. Next Mr. Zeigler embarked in the hotel business at Foxburg, in the old Fox house, in company with G. M. Clark, changing the name of the house to the Continental and continued there for a period of eighteen months. Sell¬ ing out his hotel interests Mr. Zeigler turned his attention to the Butler fourth sand de¬ velopment near Petrolia, acquiring a prop- erty of the C. D. Greenly Company, and meeting with success from that time on. He continued in the fourth sand development for some time until it had effectively ceased to exist, and then turned his attention to the producing districts.

Mr. Zeigler may be said to have played a somewhat important part in the trans¬ portation problem in the early days of that phase of the petroleum industry and was one of the first to recognize the possibility and usefulness of the pipe line as a means of overcoming exorbitant charges for the transportation of crude oil, and he was in fact the leading spirit in one of the first independent pipe lines established in the Butler county field, which made a general business of transporting oil from all por¬ tions of that producing area.

In 1877, in company with J. D. Ritchey and W. T. Jackson, a prominent merchant of Parker City, Mr. Zeigler procured a charter for the Cleveland Pipe Line Com¬ pany and organized under that title to pipe oil from the Butler county feld to Cleve¬ land, Ohio, that city then being one of the most important of the refining centers. S. D. Karns, the then oil king, seeing merit in the venture and admiring the pluck and en¬ ergy of the promoters, purchased the ma¬ jority of the stock, and the concern was merged into the Karns Pipe Line Company, with Karns as general superintendent and Mr. Zeigler as manager, under whose super¬ vision the line was built and put into successful operation. Mr. Zeigler remained with the Karns pipe line until near the time when it was sold to the United Pipe Line Com¬ pany, his investments in it proving highly remunerative.

of the promoters were highly appreciated by the producing fraternity, inasmuch as the latter were afforded an outlet to the refining interest of Cleveland. Owing to ill health Mr. Zeigler then left the oil regions for about a year, during which time he was in the drug business at Sandyhake, Pennsyl¬ vania. Returning health brought a desire to get back into the oil business and Mr. Zeigler's next move was to the Bullion, Ve¬ nango county, field at its inception. His op¬ erations were extended to Six Points and Crawfords Corners in company with S. R. Simcox and Porter Phipps. Selling out in the lower fields, he operated extensively in the Bradford field in company with Jacob S. Smith, now manager of the Indiana Nat¬ ural Gas Company, of Chicago. They ex¬ tended their operations in the Richburg, Al¬ legany county, New York, field and the Cherry Grove pool in Warren county, Penn¬ sylvania. In both of the latter fields their operations were uniformly successful and one of their wells at Cherry Grove started as a twelve-hundred-barrel producer. _ The Cogley field, in Clarion county, Shanopin and Beaver county fields also came in for some attention, with successful results. Mr. Zeigler and Jacob S. Smith were among the first to sight profits in the Trenton Rock fields in Ohio and Indiana, and they soon were located in Wood county, Ohio, where they drilled something more than one hun¬ dred wells, enjoying one of the largest daily productions in that field. The Smith & Zeigler No. 8, on the Freeman D. Lfuffman farm, was good for more than five thou-' sand barrels a day and was the third largest' well ever struck in the Buckeye state. The firm soon extended their operations into the Indiana field, securing forty-seven thousand acres of oil and gas territory in the conn- ties of Howard, Madison and Grant, drill¬ ing a sufficient number of wells to justify the organization of a gas company to supply the city of Chicago with coloric fluid and the Indiana Natural Gas Company, of Chi¬ cago, a gigantic enterprise, is the outcome of the original organization in which Mr. Zeigler participated.

He disposed of his interests in the Chi¬ cago Gas Company and then turned his sole attention to the production of oil in the Jay, Blackford and Wells county field, with head¬ quarters at Montpelier, Indiana. He was one of the organizers of the Rowland-Zeigler Oil Company, and their operations were very extensive, having drilled over three hundred wells in different parts of the In¬ diana producing territory; Mr. Zeigler has acted as president and general manager, of the company.

In 1898 Mr. Zeigler, in company with George J. Marrott, of Indianapolis, the sec¬ ond largest dealer in shoes in the United States, purchased the Heat, Light & Power Company, at Muncie, Indiana. They reor¬ ganized the company, Mr. Zeigler being elected as president and general manager, and the company is now supplying natural gas to the consumers of Muncie city.

Wherever he has resided, in all the dif¬ ferent points of the Pennsylvania oil regions and in Ohio and Indiana, Mr. Zeigler has been recognized as a public spirited citizen, a promoter of educational and religious movements and has been a consistent mem¬ ber of the Methodist church, taking also an active part in politics, so far as his business associations permitted. He has not been sparing of his labors and funds in promot¬ ing the good of the Republican party, with which he has always affiliated. He was one of the delegates from his district in Penn¬ sylvania that nominated Hon. M. S. Quay for state treasurer. In his Indiana home he has likewise been prominent in political cir¬ cles. In 1896 he, by a large majority, was elected mayor of Montpelier and taking up the reins of government in the city where matters were at best in a chaotic state, he soon brought order out of disorder, .intro¬ duced various reforms of much benefit to the people as tax payers and law abiding citizens and compelled compliance with the law with¬ out the introduction of unnecessarily harsh measures of enforcement. His administra¬ tion was noted for his clean, honest and fearless conduct of the affairs of the city, being handled on the principle that the filch¬ ing of money from unfortunates was only a legalized form of stealing, and that the granting of license, by payment of a small fee, to do wrong is not a proper form of government, but by better and cleaner meth¬ ods lie compelled a regard for law. The Hartford City News takes occasion to com¬ pliment Mr. Zeigler very highly upon the efficient manner in which he governed the city of Montpelier. During Mr. Zeigler's administration there were also numerous public improvements in the way of a new city hall, the organization of a fine fire de¬ partment and the establishment of a com¬ plete sewerage system, all of which are a credit to the city. Other journals in that section of Indiana have taken occasion to highly compliment Mr. Zeigler upon the thorough and efficient manner in which he administered the affairs of the municipal¬ ity of Montpelier, now one of the most prom¬ inent oil towns in the Hoosier state. Com¬ mended generally by the press, as has been the case of Mr. Zeigler, it may safely be as¬ serted that he has accomplished something out of the ordinary, or else he would not

Mr. Zeigler's career as an oil man is one of which he may justly feel proud, cov¬ ering, as it does, all the ramifications of the business from the humble position of a well worker, helping to sink in the early-day methods of shares for whatever labor the in¬ terested parties could turn in successfully, developer, organizer of corporations and in¬ terested in banks and a business man of the world generally, in whom his associates rec¬ ognize a man of more than ordinary worth and endowed with the ability and energy ripe with the cares of large interest and corpora¬ tions.

The esteem in which Mr. Zeigler is held in his present home is another tribute to the manly character and irreproachable life of the man. The National Steel Casting plant, located at Montpelier, a prominent manufacturing concern, employing upwards of two hundred mechanics, was promoted and put in operation largely through the efforts of Mr. Zeigler and his associates. Likewise is he interested in the F ranklin steel casting plant, of Franklin, Pennsyl¬ vania, one of the largest of its kind in the United States.

Mr. Zeigler was married to Miss Hattie J. Perrine, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Perrine, of Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, in 1876, and to them two children have been born, Fred D. and Roy A. Mr. Zeigler and family occupy a fine home in Montpelier at the corner of Adams and Huntington streets, near which city he also owns a large tract of valuable land.

best of wages, being a firm friend of the laboring glass and believing their rights shall be upheld. He is also quite well known for his many acts of charity, though these arc always of an unostentatious character.

James S. Townsend

Succeeding generations will search with interest and anxiety to learn something def¬ inite of those who, braving the dangers and sharing the privations incident to a new, wild country, peopled mainly with wild ani¬ mals and still wilder men, carved out for themselves and their successors permanent and substantial homes, and, dying, passed from the scenes of effort, handing to sons and daughters a heritage made more hon¬ ored and valued by the bravery and self sacrifice shown in its making. Western New York was peopled mainly by those brave men who won undying honor and re¬ nown as soldiers under the gallant Sullivan in the memorable expedition during the Rev¬ olution against the Five Nations who were seduced by British emissaries into taking up arms against the colonists. Steuben county especially presented attractions and advantages for many of them and from such ancestors the Townsend family, who were pioneers in Blackford county, Indiana, sprang.

James S. Townsend was born in that grand county named in honor of a hero, May 9, 1822, being a son of Gilbert and Mary (Saxen) Townsend. The father was a native of New Jersey, where he was mar¬ ried and became a farmer and distiller, re¬ siding in New York some twenty-five years. The maternal grandfather, John Saxen, was himself a hero of the great struggle, serving as a drummer boy from his sixteenth year to the close, through seven eventful years, being wounded by a sword thrust in the shoulder at the last battle. He is one of the few survivors of the Revolution who have resided in Blackford county, having come here with his children and dying at the home of his son, James Saxen, about 1882, hav¬ ing reached' within a few days of the extreme age of one hundred and two years. He was one of the last of the defenders of the coun¬ try's infancy, his death having wide circula¬ tion in the papers.

In 183Q some fourteen families, nearly all being more or less related, and including those of Gilbert Townsend, James Saxen and others, drove from Steuben county to Indi¬ ana, the cavalcade making quite a pretentious emigration. All located in Blackford coun¬ ty, the Townsend family settling on the land where James now resides. Gilbert erected a cabin, which was finished in the customary style with stake and rider roof, puncheon floor, clapboard door and everything else corresponding, all being done by his own hands and without purchased material. This became their permanent home and here warmest hospitality was extended to all, the home becoming one of the most popular of the community. Here the parents lived and died, Gilbert dying in 1861, aged eightyone, his wife surviving him nine years, being eighty-four years old at her death. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom came to Indiana. Charles improved quite a farm and resided here during an active and successful life, passing to the hereafter aged seventy-four; John after a few years, removed to Illinois, where he died, aged forty-four; Gilbert at first settled in Grant county, removing to Kansas in an early day and died there, aged seventy-five; Alpha was associated with James S. for many years in the operation of the home¬ stead, became a soldier, serving through much of the war, and still resides in- Wash¬ ington township, a highly respected citizen. Further mention of him will be seen in con¬ nection with his son, Andrew J., of Lick¬ ing township. The daughters who came to this state were Ann, who became the wife of Allen K. Gadbury, of Licking; Sarah married Thomas Ashin, settled in Delaware county, and died when in middle life; Eliz¬ abeth married Daniel Leffler, of this county, and is still living at Renner Station; Mary married Fantley Foy and died in the county when yet in middle life.

James S. being but about sixteen at the emigration was, with his brother. Alpha, the main dependence in making the farm, the greater part of the labor of improve¬ ment devolving upon them. They worked in close relationship for about sixteen years, remaining on the old place at the request of their parents, who showed much preference in desiring to live with them. He was mar¬ ried, in 1848. to Miss Mary Leffler, who was a sister of Daniel Leffler, who had mar¬ ried the sister of James S. His father, toinsure being cared for by James, had deeded him the land and passed the remainder of life with him. James has since made addi¬ tional purchases and has given quite a farm to his son, yet his home place contains one hundred and forty acres, practically all of it being in excellent state of cultivation. He has most assuredly done one man's share in the clearing from the wilderness this sec¬ tion of the state, having himself cleared about four hundred acres. His own farm was in its primitive condition, covered with ponds which required ditching before it was suitable for the production of even average crops. Ever an advocate of every move¬ ment that would enhance the value of the land, he early began the laying of tile, hav¬ ing his own farm thoroughly intersected with a great number of rods of it. Nearly one-half of the entire acreage has in this scientific manner been reclaimed from what was nearly a valueless condition to what it now is, without doubt the most productive part of the farm. This low and formerly wet land has now become by far the most valuable; where only wild fowl and animals formerly roamed, now growing luxuriant crops of all the grains and grasses usually found in the state. He was one of those men who have stood for advancement, and some sixteen years ago began the systematic improvement of his stock by the introduction of Hereford cattle, which, having materially bettered the stock of the neighborhood, has led him to make more definite and elaborate arrangements for their accommodation. He has just completed a stock barn that makes his facilities for handling stock to advantage most complete. He is already widely known as a stockman, his efforts at the growing and handling of fine grades of horses hav¬ ing given him a creditable record. Upon the whole the Townsend farm is one of the best managed and best arranged, every fea¬ ture of its improvement being made with the skill and adaptability that betokens the master mind. Here, after an honorable and creditable career, covering all the develop¬ ment of this part of the state, in the making of which he has been no unimportant factor, its venerable proprietor lives in the enjoy¬ ment of well earned ease and comfort, in which to pass the declining years of life. In the youthful period of life Mr. Townsend was most outspoken in his advocacy of the principles of the Democratic party, with which he remained until the memorable and historic campaign of 1872, when he found the idea of supporting Horace Greely too severe a test of party allegiance, preferring to withdraw from active participation in public matters. However, the great ideas that have grown into prominence in these later years have been of too much importance for a man whose every interest is directly affected to stand aloof, and Mr. Townsend, whose natural inclination is to have a hand in the fray, whatever the issue, became pro¬ nounced in favor of those principles as ex¬ pressed in the platform of the Democratic party, and threw his weight and influence in the balance, feeling that a change in the policy of the government is an imperative necessity.

While the fame of Mr. Townsend as a farmer, stockman and citizen of repute and character is secure, without doubt he is more widely and favorably known from the prom¬ inent and pronounced part he has ever taken to improve the moral tone and Christian spirit of the community. Recognizing from the days- of boyhood the absolute necessity of the Great Creator, he early gave indica¬ tion of a devout and meditative spirit, and as maturity opened the way began to devote many hours to the reflections that grew out of his observances. Earnest study of the bible, to the extent that he knew it thor¬ oughly, led him finally to identify himself with the Independent Church of Jesus Christ, which teaches what the Great Master and his disciples taught of the final holiness and happiness of all mankind. For thirty-five years he has earnestly tried to preach the gospel, his own growth in the faith em¬ phasizing and confirming his belief in the universality of the salvation of humanity.

He is recognized as a free minister, his | services being in frequent demand in the various churches regardless of the particular doctrine. He has constantly refused com¬ pensation for his services and has been known to refuse to return where a donation was urged upon him. Probably no minister has been more in demand to preach the fun¬ eral sermons of the departed, his own belief enabling him to extend consolation to many a saddened heart. Deeply imbued with the truth of what he preaches, he has ever stood prepared to defend the ideas, his well-known ability as a debater being called into requisi¬ tion in meeting in public debate many of the recognized controversialists of the various denominations. His own views of universal salvation came to him long before he had listened to a preaching of the doctrine, and later reading only contributed to the ac¬ curacy of his views. His universal consider¬ ation of his opponents has, in many in¬ stances, led him to a reception and embrac¬ ing of his doctrines. Many of his warmest friends are in the clergy of other churches, and by them he is constantly invited to con¬ duct services in their sanctuaries. Not con¬ tent with early convictions, lie has kept abreast of the times and with the higher crit'cism. which only more and more con¬ firms the truth of universalism. Personal experience, wherein the touch of angel hands and the whispering of angel voices bearing to his own consciousness a message, has led him to recognize the truth of the closeness of the proximity of the departed and to feel that the accepted doctrines of spiritualism but accord to the teaching of the Master of all.

which he chose as a helpmate Elizabeth Hedge, to whom his declining years are devoted. His children are: Lydia Ann, wife of James Lee Neal; Absolom, who remains with his father; Mary, wife of Elihu Oren; Jay L., who died at twenty-four; Cynthia died in infancy; Susan, who died at thirty; and Gin, at home.

Many incidents of the pioneer days arc vividly recalled by our friend, one of which at least we will recount. In March, 183c), when but a short time in the county, while in search of his cow he became lost and de¬ cided to remain in the woods all night, seek¬ ing a moss tussock for a iv t. Scarcely had he become reconciled to the situation when howls told him of the presence of wolves. He had but time to climb a friendly tree till it seemed as if there were thousands of the brutes beneath him. Not having a coat he ' was about to freeze, when by lusty hallooing | he, as good luck would have it, attracted the attention of John Bush, whp just happened to be at his cabin, and in a short time he was released from his perilous position. The woods were full of wild hogs and many is the time he has had to seek safety in a tree to escape their rushes. An Indian village of the Godfrey tribe was near and he became on excellent terms with both the boys and the maidens. At the burial of the old chief, Shab-on-do-sha, at the Jalapa village, he danced all day with the Indian girls, and to this day he has many friends among the red men. many of whose traits are admir¬ able.

It has been a pleasure to thus review, however imperfectly, the career of this ven¬ erable citizen, whose life has been of more than passing importance and whose influence has ever been exerted foi good. Few men who have contributed to the county's growth and making have more numerous or warmer friends, and when the final summons calls him to other scenes a vacancy will be felt that will last till other generations have taken the place of those now living.

Joseph Futrell

Joseph Futrell, who is entitled to con¬ spicuous mention in a work devoted to the representative citizens of Blackford county, is among the successful, self-made men of Washington township, who have overcome discouraging environments and won success in the face of formidable circumstances.

Mr. Futrell was born in Clinton county. Ohio, January 31, 1839. His parents were Michael and Mary (Rix) Futrell. the for¬ mer being a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. They came to Grant county, Indiana, soon after Joseph's birth, purchasing eighty acres of land lying two miles from Marion. Here he set diligently to work, and received in due time for his labor sufficient to enable him to purchase a more extensive farm, which remained their permanent home and which is still owned by the family. Upon this he died at about the age of seventy -eight, while his widow still survives him, living near the old home¬ stead. Their family consisted of eleven children, of whom seven are still living, Joseph being the only representative in this county. His boyhood was spent on the farm until his twenty-first year, when he was mar¬ ried to Miss Christine Stafford, of the same vicinity, with whom he was reared from childhood. As they were poor they at I st rented a farm for about three years, when he was engaged in a grocery at Warren,

Huntington county, Indiana, a few months. In 1864 he purchased a drug store at Dun¬ dee, Indiana, where he continued in mercan¬ tile trade till the death of his wife in less than a year thereafter. He then sold his business and invested the proceeds in an eighty-acre tract of unimproved land, lying in section 18, Washington township, Black¬ ford county.

In 1866 lie was again united in marriage, this time to Miss Matilda A. Nelson, daugh¬ ter of Elisha Nelson, of Grant county. The latter came from the same county in North Carolina as did our subject's father, at first settled in Ohio and in 1840 came to this state. Soon after marriage our subject and his wife located upon the above mentioned land and here, aided by his wife, he soon made a comfortable and pleasant home that presented a wonderful contrast to the wild and unimproved state in which they found it. He was very industrious and the prompt execution of any task that devolved upon him was one of the secrets of his prosperity. He did all in his power to promote the in¬ terests of the community and to stimulate ambition and progressiveness among his neighbors, his own energies and business sagacity enabling him to increase his acre¬ age till it amounted to two hundred acres in 1874. He served three years, from 1869 to 1874, as township trustee, and in 1874, as the candidate of the Greenback party, was elected county treasurer, removing to Hartford City. His service in this office was for two terms of two years each, the limit according to the law then in force. During this time he had purchased the pres¬ ent home of one hundred and twenty acres and at the expiration of his term removed to it. tie has since devoted his entire time to the management of his six farms, which now consist of the home farm of one hundred and twenty acres in section 29, one hundred and ten acres in section 18, two hundred and forty acres in section 16 and eighty acres in section 30, aggregating five hundred and sixty-two acres.

Few men of the county have contributed more largely to its development and improve¬ ment than he. nearly all of the land included in these farms having been cleared by him¬ self. On some of these he has erected com- | modious buildings, each having all neces- j sary to well improved farms, and in connec- j tion to this has expended a vast amount in the proper drainage, laying about five thou¬ sand rods of tile, some ten inches in diam¬ eter. Four company ditches reach his land, on one of which he has paid a tax of about eight hundred dollars. In addition to the growing of grain he makes potatoes a prom¬ inent crop, having produced as high as six thousand bushels in one season. Stock growing, grazing and feeding are empha¬ sized in his operations, all the grain pro¬ duced being fed on the farm.

Mr. Futrell was a Democrat in early life, but feeling that the principles expressed by the Greenback party were more in accord¬ ance with general needs, his work for some years was in that connection, but he identi¬ fied himself later with the Peoples' party. The principles of the Democratic party as now expressed in its platform accord with his present views, his interest in the election of Mr. Bryan being of no half-hearted char¬ acter.

The family consists of Nancy Elizabeth, of Gas City, she being the only child by his first wife; Joseph W., Charley and George, all of whom operate the home farm; Cora, widow of Charley Rix, whose death occurred one year after marriage, she now with her child, Edith Ferney, being with her father; Dollie and Abe Weiler, at home. Mr. Futrell is a member of the United Brethren church at Hartford, in which he is a trustee and to which he is a liberal contributor.

Albert B. Swingley

Albert B. Swingley, farmer and oil op¬ erator, was born at Hillsboro, Henry county, Indiana, July 26, 1853. His parents were Jacob and Leah (Dietrick) Swingley, both I of whom are now living in Washington township, near their son. Though having already arrived at and passed the allotted span assigned by holy writ as the years of I man, he is one of the really hale, and hearty 1 citizens, carrying on his neat home without assistance, but doing the necessary labor himself; he surely unlike many men who leave the farm for practically idle life in town, is determined not to rot, but to pass his remaining years in useful activity.

When Albert was eight years old the family removed into Delaware county, which became the permanent home until he had passed his majority. While his father was a blacksmith by trade, from Albert's twelfth year he was engaged in conducting a farm, to the labor upon which his boyhood years were devoted. While yet young, on the 31st of May, 1872, he was joined in matri¬ mony with Miss Mary L. Rinker, who re¬ sided a few miles distant. They had started into wedded life about as near as possible at the bottom of the ladder, as he was in debt for his wedding suit. But little progress was made during the seven years they re¬ mained in Delaware and Madison counties, before deciding to come to Blackford, where the)'' settled upon a tract of forty acres. But at the end of two years he returned to operate his father's farm. After some time spent in renting, he embarked in the meat business at Newcastle for one year, when he secured his present home, in 1880. lie went over two thousand dollars in debt, Jnit having an accommodating creditor in the person of Henry B. Smith, he was en¬ abled to carry out his obligations. He built a two-room log house, which re¬ mained the home until it was enlarged and incorporated into the present residence. About seventy acres are now in a condition for cultivation, though it was accomplished only after the expenditure of an immense amount of hard labor and money. The tract is wholly embraced in the Walnut creek bottoms and in its productiveness is unex¬ celled. The improvement of Walnut creek meant an expenditure of six hundred dollars, but when >ne it afforded most excellent and imperative means of further extending the system of drainage carried out by Air. Swingley. He has placed more than eight hundred rods of tile on the farm, but the effect is to make every acre of the place highly valuable.

The amount of work that has been. done in making this farm is scarcely conceivable until it has been inspected in detail, and that the condition has resulted within a space of ten years, by a man who had absolutely nothing but good health and determination to base his efforts upon, is something not often seen, even in this county, where there are numerous farms highly improved in a short time. When he arrived at Hartford City his cash capital consisted of but seventyfive cents, and of this he invested sixty-five in flour and ten in tobacco. It took eight years of closest application, coupled with

For some years gas wells have been in active operation in this vicinity and as traces of oil were occasionally shown it was thought that more than likely oil could be found in paying quantities. The fondest hopes of the operators were more than fully realized when, in January, 1899, the famous "Daily" well was opened and oil began to flow in surprising quantities. This is said to be the most valuable well yet drilled in the state, for now, after it has been pumped for more than a year and a half the daily output holds in excess of one hundred barrels. When it was first opened is proved a "wonder," a tank being built each dav for nine consecutive days. A dam had been hastily put across Walnut creek, hoping to thus save a part of the wealth that seemed destined to go to loss; these efforts proved futile, as when some two thousand barrels were con¬ fined, a heavy rain so raised the stream that the dam was washed away, all this oil be¬ ing lost. Air. Swingley now has four wells on his own farm, the royalty from them generally passing the hundred-dollar mark each month, and he already having received upwards of a thousand dollars in royalty. Air. Swingle has for several months been in the employ of the Phenix Oil Company, and is pretty thoroughly informed in re¬ gards to the oil industry in this region.

The family of Air. Swingle consists of Alattie, who is the wife of Joseph Futrell; Jacob, who married Aliss Aland Lewis and operates the Swingley farm; Emma, wife of George Futrell; Pearl and Daniel, at home, and Lora, who died at two years of age,

In politics Mr. Swingley is a Republi¬ can and is considered one of the stanch and reliable members of the party. He is an Odd Fellow, holding affiliat ion with the or¬ der in Hartford City.

Henry Williams

Among the numberless instances of men who have made their way alone in life, hav¬ ing nothing upon which to depend but their own strong arms and a determination to do and to succeed, the name of Henry Williams suggests itself, for the reason he has made his own way onward and upward in the world by the force of his own talents.

Mr. Williams is of French ancestry and was born in Perquimas county, North Caro¬ lina, March 23, 1816. He was married at the age of twenty-six to Miss Susan Bray and remained in North Carolina till 1851, and then came to Raysville, Henry county, Indiana, hoping by the change to benefit his wife, she being an invalid from consumption. However, in this respect he was sadly dis¬ appointed, as the change did not bring the benefit expected, she being called away in a short time thereafter.

He remained at Raysville five years, working in a dairy and then came to Black¬ ford county. October 23, 1855, he was again married, this time to Miss Mary A. Haynes, daughter of Joshua and Mahala (Reeves) Haynes, who then lived in Wells county, eight miles north of Hartford, on land he had entered in 1839, when Mary was but six years of age. She was born in Madison county, Indiana, April 10, 1834. I his re¬ mained the home of her parents until their deaths, he passing away at the age of fiftysix, and she at seventy-three. Her sister, Irene, wife of Clark Willis, now lives at Belgium, Blackford county.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams located in the vicinity of their present farm, where he rented, and in addition to his own work cleared upwards of fifty acres for other men and then purchased a wild tract of wooded land for himself, assuming an indebtedness of eight hundred dollars, at ten per cent in¬ terest.

His first residence was a small one-room house made of round logs, which answered the purpose of shelter until a more com¬ fortable structure could be built. In con¬ nection with the labor necessary to clear and fit the land for cultivation he secured work on the grading of the Panhandle Railroad, he and his son and team receiving five dol¬ lars per day. At the close of five years he was out of debt, had cleared about twentyfive acres a- : erected a substantial residence, and in time became one of the most prosper¬ ous business men and successful agricult¬ urists of the township. He has contributed to the development of the county by clearing upwards of one hundred acres. Plis present farm contains eighty acres, forty being part of the original place. April 15, 1890, Mr. Williams moved to Hartford City, remain¬ ing there until September 15, 1891, when he returned to the farm. In 1894 he again re¬ moved to Hartford City, but in 1900 went back to the farm, where he now resides.

The family consists of four children, viz : John T., the only child by the first marriage, was born in 1850 and lives in Washington township; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Alex¬ ander Crisp, of Reno county, Kansas; Anna, wife of Franklin Pierce and residing in Hartford; Aaron C., who married Lillie Pierce, sister of Franklin, now lives on the

In early life Mr. Williams was a Repub¬ lican, but later became an ardent supporter of the Prohibition party. Mr. and Mrs. -Williams are active members of the Wes¬ leyan Methodist church at Hartford and are , enthusiastic in their religious convictions.

with influence and material support to fur¬ ther any good work, religious or otherwise, and none in the community have lived more upright and blameless lives than have this good old couple. Possessed of ample means to render his declining years comfortable, and retaining to a marked degree his facul¬ ties, mental and physical, Mr. Williams bids fair to reach a green old age, and make the future, as he has the past, redound to the best interest of the community and his fellow men.

Perry Bugh

The subject of this review was born in Washington township on the 12th of bebruary, 1852, being one of the twelve children born to Barnhart W. Bugh and wife, of whom further mention is found in the re¬ view of their son, Jesse Bugh, on another page of this volume. Till the age of six¬ teen he knew only the life of the average country lad, but at that time accompanied his parents to Hartford City, where he be¬ gan to learn the carpenter trade under the instruction of his old teacher, Manassa Ben¬ nett. His service was of the old style ap¬ prenticeship, covering a period of three years, receiving a compensation of fifty cents petday during the first year, one dollar the sec¬ ond and one dollar and a half the third, living in the meantime at home. This association with Bennett was most beneficial to him in many respects, as he not only be¬ came a skilled workman, but also had many excellent lessons by precept and example concerning the necessities of life. He re¬ mained one year with his old preceptor, after completing the trade, and then worked as an ordinary journeyman at various towns in this state, and visited Illinois, Nebraska and Missouri. Twelve years he devoted to the trade, when his experience and observaj tion fully convinced him of the futility of | ever accomplishing what he had set his heart I upon, the attainment of an easy position in life. Ever of an ambitious nature, his nat¬ ural inclinations were encouraged by his old associate and teacher, so that he ever had be¬ fore his mind's eye the accomplishment of much more than seemed to satisfy many of his boyhood companions. While his father had sold his farm, he found it necessary to take it back, and now Perry arranged to rent it, which he did for six years, engag¬ ing quite extensively in the sheep husbandry, keeping something like six hundred head. In this he prospered from the start, and in 187 9 purchased his present farm, operating for three years longer his father's also. His first purchase was of eighty acres, all of which but a few acres was in woods. He now has one hundred and twenty acres, nearly all being in an excellent state of culti¬ vation. He has expended in making im¬ provements double what the land was orig¬ inally worth. The house, which is a pre¬ tentious one, was erected three years after the purchase; the barn, built in 1894, is in keeping with the other buildings and the feature of drainage is carried out to a most complete and effective system, he having ex¬ pended upwards of one thousand dollars in this one matter alone. While the greater part of his earlier success came from sheep, he has latterly confined his attentions more to the growing of varied stock and grain. About two years ago the first oil well in this vicinity was drilled on his farm; it proved so valuable that many others have been drilled since, six being in active op¬ eration on his place. The output from these averages about two hundred and fifty bar¬ rels per month, thus returning a handsome royalty of from ninety-five to two hundred and seventy-five dollars per month. Gas was produced here quite early, the second well in the township and third in the coun¬ ty being drilled here by a local company, of which Mr. Bugh was the leading spirit. This was in February of 1890, but the first well soon became exhausted and others were then developed. Having made a success of farming, Mr. Bugh has retained his inter¬ ests in that connection, though often urgent¬ ly solicited to embark in other enterprises.

He was united in marriage on the first day of the year 1873, to Miss Martha Chand¬ ler, whose reputation has become well es¬ tablished as a popular and successful teacher, she having followed that profession upwards of twelve years. Their family consists of five children as follows : Charles, who mar¬ ried Anna, the daughter of Joshua Kelley, and is a farmer in the township; Moretta, wife of John McGath, son of the late Hon. T. T. McGath, and residing in Harrison township; William Riley, Bessie and Goldie. While he, like all the family, is a Republi¬ can, he has not identified himself with po¬ litical work in the public sense, but is gen¬ erally found in the conventions of the party, and his expressions of means and ends car¬ ry respectable weight with the party lead¬ ers. Standing in line for all that tends to

While not particularly devoted to fra¬ ternal associations, he is a member of Roll Lodge, No. 347, Knights of Pythias, and in this has taken an active and substantial part, having passed the chairs in the local lodge and represented it in the grand lodge. Few men of the vicinity have more or warmer friends than Mr. Bugh, whose personality is of that pleasing and congenial nature that it not only attracts new but cements old re¬ lationships. It is to such broad minded and progressive citizens that the future must look for its further advancement.

The Bugh home, situated some six miles north of Hartford City, is the center of local hospitality and intellectual progressiveness, and here, in the midst of an interesting fam¬ ily, the pleasantest hours of a busy life are passed, some satisfaction coming from hav¬ ing had, early in life, a high ideal and de¬ voting every energy to its attainment.

John Marion Burchard

John Marion Burchard, a respected citi¬ zen and agriculturist of Washington town¬ ship, Blackford county, Indiana, was born one and one-half miles east of Dundee, Sep¬ tember 25, 1851, and for his entire life, nearly half a century, has resided in the town¬ ship.

The grandparents of J. M. Burchard were William and Elizabeth (White) Burchard, who came to Indiana in 1842, lo¬ cating on the farm now owned by the Wolvertons. Little is known of his early history, further than that he was of foreign birth. This land he entered from the vovernment and continued to make this his home until his death, which occurred while he was in his fifty-eighth year.

William, Jr., the father of our subject, accompanied his parents to Indiana, being at that time twenty years old; lie remained with them until his twenty-fifth year and was then married to Miss Mary Ann Shinn.

The old home having partially passed from him he purchased the remaining in¬ terests and continued his residence here for a number of years. He then removed to Hartford, having purchased a desirable prop¬ erty, and remained there until his death, which occurred during his sixty-eighth year; his wife died two months earlier, she being sixty-six years old. They were highly re¬ spected by their neighbors and were useful members of the community, well deserving of the esteem in which they were so uni¬ versally held. Their family consisted of four children, three of whom are living in the county; Daniel William, and Sabra Jane, wife of Daniel Bounge, both residing in Hartford City, and Harrison Jackson, in In¬ dianapolis.

John Marion passed his boyhood on the farm where he was born, remaining there until twenty-one years of age. He received a good education, and his early training was such as well fitted him for his life's work, that of farming, which he has intelligently conducted, devoting his entire time and en¬ ergies to the management and improvement of his estate. This farm lies on the Mont¬ pelier pike, five miles north of Hartford City, containing at present, one hundred and 'twenty acres. When John M. assumed charge of the farm only fifteen acres had been cleared and even this was scarcely fit for cultivation. He has cleared and placed in. fine condition about seventy acres, ex¬ tending upwards of eight hundred rods of tile to all essential parts of the farm, ex¬ pending for this one feature of improve¬ ment more than six hundred dollars. By this systematic and scientific adaptation of accepted principles of mechanics he has re¬ claimed from an absolutely worthless condi¬ tion more than one-third of the entire tract. He devotes his attention mainly to the pro¬ duction of grain and the buying and selling of stock. He keeps well informed concern¬ ing all branches of agriculture and few have met with more encouraging success in gen¬ eral farming and stock raising.

The Burchard farm lies in the great In¬ diana oil field, and has four wells produc¬ ing both gas and oil, besides one whose out¬ put is gas exclusively. While these are but average wells, the royalty derived from them assists materially in swelling the general in¬ come.

Mr. Burchard in his political views holds tenaciously to the principles of the Demo¬ cratic party, being himself no unimportant private in the ranks. In every campaign he is found taking an active part, often serv¬ ing as delegate in the various conventions in the state. In 1880 he was chosen township trustee, a position he filled for four years, showing in the discharge of his duties that superior business capacity which redounded very much to his own credit. Some years later he was made the party nominee for the responsible position of county treasurer and in every emergency has proven himself to be the man for the occasion.

Mr. Burchard was united in marriage July 14, 1872, to Miss Eve Mclntire, of Wells county, Indiana, a union which his resulted in the birth of thirteen children, eleven of whom arc living, two of these mar- ried. Elizabeth is the wife of Francis Rice, and Sabra is the wile of Fd Long. Himself and wife are members of the liberal branch of the United Brethren church at Washington Center, of which he is trustee and steward. Fraternally lie is a member of Blackford Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Hartford City.

Lonson Overhiser Storms, late of Wash¬ ington township, where he was held in great esteem, was born on the Storms homestead July 3> !856, an(l a son of Reuben and Ruth (Beals) Storms.

Lonson received his early education at the county schools, later attending the nor¬ mal school at Valparaiso, Indiana. He was reared under the parental roof and remained there, with the exception of two years spent m New Orleans, until after his marriage, which occurred November 27, 1886, to Miss Hattie E. Sutter, of Valparaiso, Indiana. She was a grandniece of Captain John A. Sutter, of gold fame in California, upon whose land gold was discovered. Mrs. Storms was reared in Ripley count}', till her nineteenth year, and then became a student of Valparaiso.

After Lon son's return from New Or¬ leans he and his brother, Elmer, of whom more complete mention is found on another page of this volume, took charge of the old homestead, where their abilities were re¬ warded with so much success that they were justified in the purchase of an additional farm, from each of which they realized a handsome competence. Soon after Lonson's marriage they divided up their inter¬ ests, he purchasing the present farm, located

This tract consists of one hundred and twenty acres, which Mr. Storms had con¬ verted into one of the best farms in the township, having expended considerable capital in dwellings and improving the farm in various ways.

Mr. Storms deveted part of his time to fire and life insurance, and at the time of his death was engaged in forming companies in the state to build and operate creameries at different towns; during the same time he was actively and extensively interested in the development of the farm.

An adherent of the Democratic party, his work in this connection was to further its interests in assuming a full share of the financial burdens imposed by party affilia¬ tions, and in an active interest in its meet¬ ings, but he never sought or held political office.

Fraternally he was a member of the Hartford City I. O. O. F. ; Hartford City lodge of Masons, and the order of Red Men, all of which societies participated in the cere¬ monies at his funeral.

His family consisted of two children : Elmer Sutter and Ruth Lonson; the latt-.r being born after her father's death, has been reared wholly under the influence of her mother.

Mrs. Storms has continued to reside at the homestead, devoting herself to the edu¬ cation of her children and to the operation of the farm, upon which she has two oil wells in active operation, yielding her a handsome royalty.

Mr. Storms died as he lived, an upright man of God, exemplifying in his life the maxim of the Savior, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them,' and left to his family a reputation unspotted by the slightest shadow of an un¬ worthy act or motive. He departed this life on the 29th day of July, 1891, after a brief illness of but ten days' duration.

William Schmidt

The thought which presents itself to the far-seeing and conservative mind when the question is propounded as to what essentials are necessary to a man's success in life, is that of industry, economy and honesty, and this the life of William Schmidt will em¬ phatically corroborate.

He is a well-known agriculturist of Washington township, Blackford county, Indiana, is of German descent, his parents Wilhelm and Anna Margaret (Schwinn) Schmidt, having come from Darmstadt, Germany. They were married at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he was a me¬ chanic. In 1842 they came to Indiana, lo¬ cating near Middletown. Here they re¬ mained about two years, after which they removed to Del; are county, settling seven miles southwest of Muncie. He now devot¬ ed his time to the clearing of the farm, ex¬ tensively improving it until his death, which occurred in his sixty-third year; his widow is now, in her eighty-first year, living with her children. She is a bright, active old lady, whose keenness of intellect is unimpaired by the weight of years.

William remained at home until his ma¬ jority, accompanying the family to Black¬ ford county. For the next four years he assisted his father with the work on the farm, which consisted of two hundred acres, plac¬ ing in the meantime considerable of this in cultivation.

In the fall of 1864 lie entered Company C, Fifty-third Indiana Regiment. It was expected that they would join Sherman at Dalton, Georgia, but arrived there too late, Sherman having already started on the march to the sea. After some weeks' delay they were sent to Moorehead City, North Carolina, via Washington ; from here they marched overland and took part in the battle at Kingston, North Carolina, finally joining Sherman's army at Raleigh, where they were at the reception of the news of Lee's sur¬ render. Thev now marched to Washington, participating in the grand review, when they were sent to Louisville, and after some weeks were mustered out.

Our subject returned to the farm and was married, October 19, 1865, to Miss Asenath Storms, daughter of Reuben Storms. After marriage he operated his uncle's farm, one mile west of Dundee, for some time and then rented in the same vi¬ cinity for five years. He then purchased eighty acres lying one mile south of his fa¬ ther's, which comprises the present home, paying for it twelve hundred dollars. This had only five acres cleared and no buildings. He erected a log house and has himself cleared sixty acres, has laid six hundred rods of tile, at a cost of several hundred dollars and now has the farm in an excellent state of cultivation.

The original log cabin remained their home until the year 1889, when it was re¬ placed by the present handsome residence. His attention is mainly given to the grow¬ ing of grain and stock. His farm lying in the oil territory, it has been considerably de¬ veloped in that respect, having five wells in active operation, the royalty from which contributes materially to his income.

of five sons: I lenry, an employee of ihe Olds W agon Works, at Fort Wayne ; W illiam R and Phomas, employed in oil works; Char¬ ley, on a small farm of his father's, which was originally part of the old Schmidt es¬ tate, and Luther, at home.

Mr. Schmidt is a Democrat and served one term as county commissioner, during j which time the main pikes leading north from Hartford City were built. Here he gained the reputation of an efficient and faithful official, being in favor of all im¬ provements for the good of the community, and that the public business should be con¬ ducted as economically as possible. He is prominently identified with the Lutheran church at Hartford. The subject is a man of superior business capacity and resource¬ ful ability, and has made for himself an hon¬ orable reputation, being popular in social, business and political circles.

After a well spent and useful life, dur¬ ing which he nobly did his part in making the world wiser and better, Larkin Mclntire fearlessly responded to the summons calling him from this earth, which was not only a sad bereavement to his , widow, but a great loss to the community as well.

His parents, Dick and Mary Mclntire, were pioneers of Wells county, Indiana, where Larkin was born January 31, 1852. He, being reared on a farm, naturally became familiar with the details of agriculture and chose this for his life's vocation, re¬ maining on the home farm until his twentyfirst year. Meeting Miss Catherine A. Ferneau, an attractive young lady from

West Virginia, at that time visiting with her uncle in Wells county, lie prevailed upon her to remain in Indiana as his companion, their union occurring on March 24, 1875. That same year he came to the present farm, then comprising one hundred and sixty acres, which his father gave him.

It was but slightly improved with only a small frame house. He set to work to devolop his land, the result of his industry and shrewd management being a first-class farm, lie added to this original tract until he , owned two hundred and seventy acres, most j of which lie had cleared and placed in cultij vation. At a heavy expense the farm was properly drained, he having secured outlet, made open ditches and extended tiling through the entire farm. The present house was erected in 1881 and has a good barn and other buildings. The general arrange¬ ment of the farm shows the skill and judg¬ ment exercised in its development and in carrying forward to satisfactory completion the plans that had matured gradually, through a course of years, all leading up to and culminating in the high-class improve¬ ments of to-day. On another part of the land a second set of improvements are found. This farm, lying in the extensive oil region, has sixteen wells in active operation, the | royalty from them making a handsome coni tribution to the general income.

Mr. Mclntire was a Democrat, active in the councils of his party and a leading spirit in all public enterprises, his well known busi- | ness sagacity, probity of character and inter¬ est in the general welfare indicating him a suitable man to fill the position of county com¬ missioner. He discharged the duties of the office with great credit to himself and satis¬ faction to all. The careful attention to the public interest emphasized the high esteem in which hr was always held, extending the wide circle of friends, who felt that in him the county's affairs would not suffer and the welfare of the masses would he properly con¬ served.

He was a stockholder in the Blackford County Bank from its organization, and Mrs. Mclntirc is now one of the stockholders of the new National Bank of Montpelier.

Mr. Mclntire found in his wife a safe counsellor in all business matters and much credit is due her for the success that crowned his efforts, she being a lady of rare business capacity and one whose conservative judg¬ ment and attention to detail was ever of value at important business junctures.

Mr. Mclntire passed away in the prime of life, his death occurring September 29, .1897, after an illness of several months, his remains resting beside his parents at Asbury Chapel in Wells county. He was one of the most wide-awake, pushing citizens of the northern part of Blackford county, stand¬ ing high in the esteem of his many friends and holding an enviable position in the hearts of hundreds.

Thomas Jefferson Baker

Thomas Jefferson Baker, prominent as a farmer of Washington township, Black¬ ford county, Indiana, and ex-county commis¬ sioner, was born in Henry county, Indiana, September 5, 1855, anc! was named in honor of his father, who died before he was horn.

Isaac Baker, the grandfather of T. J., was a native of West Virginia, coming in an early day from the Kanawha valley and en¬ tering government land in Henry county, which became his permanent home. The mother of our subject was Martha Paul, who

After the death of her husband she re¬ turned to her father, with whom Thomas J. remained until the death of his grandfa¬ ther, when he was about fifteen years old. Now being throw n entirely upon his own re¬ sponsibility and resources, and believing that his own prospects would be bettered by so doing, he went to Wabash county, where he secured work as a farm hand. He remained in this occupation, saving something from his wages, until his marriage, which occurred August 14, 1874. His wife was Miss Ellen Jackson, whose birth occurred in the state of Illinois and who had been brought to Indiana by her parents when a child of five years. He purchased a small farm, devot¬ ing his entire attention to its improvements, later buying a farm in Henry county, where he resided until 1883. when he purchased the present farm. This tract consists of eighty acres and at the time of purchase was but slightly improved, having only a log cabin, which continued their residence until ] 894, when they erected the present hand¬ some dwelling.

In the meantime his energies were devot¬ ed entirely to the clearing and cultivation of the farm, among other iniprovements lav¬ ing about nineteen hundred rods of tile and expending upwards of one thousand dollars for this one feature of improvement.

His farm lying in the most extensive oil regions of Blackford county, it was de¬ cided to investigate its productiveness in this respect, drilling beginning in July, 1899. One month later the supply was such as justified extension of the work. At the pres¬ ent time seven wells are in active operation. Receiving from them a handsome royalty, coupled with the productiveness and income

Mr. Baker has been a life-long mem¬ ber of the Republican party, in which he is an important factor. In recog ition of his capabilities as a business man and his serv¬ ices in the party, he was chosen its represent¬ ative as a member of the board of county commissioners. 1 1 is service on the board was at an important juncture, the new court house being accepted and much other im¬ portant business coming before the board. His colleagues were T. T. McGath. Isaac L. Hughes and Zadock Williams, the personnel being of an essentially strong character.

Fraternally our subject is a member of Roll Lodge, No. 347, Knights of Pythias, in which he has received more than custom¬ ary honors, having been the representative to the grand lodge.

Of Mr. Baker, both as a business man and citizen, much that is commendable might be said. Lie is a man of superior business capacity and resourceful ability, bis resolute purpose and keen discrimination enabling him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he sees fit to under¬ take. He has made for himself an hon¬ orable nutation, is popular in social, busi¬ ness and political circles, and well deserves this tribute to his worth.

William B. Fortner

One of the widely known and prosperous farmers and a retired county official, William B. Fortner, stands pre-eminent as a selfmade and successful citizen, who commands to an eminent degree the respect and good will of the people of Blackford county. His delightful home, some five miles to the north¬ west of the county seat, in Washington township, is one of the neatest and best im¬ proved farms in the community, proving the capacity and business resourcefulness of the proprietor.

Mr. Fortner was born six miles cast of Newcastle, Henry county, Indiana, on the 31st of January, 1838, and his parents were Micajah and Elizabeth (Allen) Fortner. The former was a native of Virginia and was brought when six years of age to Cen¬ terville, Wayne county. He was a son of Isaac and Mourning (Lawrence) Fortner. Isaac was one of the many brave men who served in the last war with Great Britain, and came from a family noted for its longevity, his mother having survived till the great age of one hundred and five years; his own death occurred when he had passed his eighty-eighth year. Henry county became the permanent home of the family, Micajah residing there from a boy till his death at the age of sixty-seven, in 1879. The name of Fortner has many modifications, some of the same relatives using the "k" rather than "t" in the spelling, though it is recognized in the various forms as having its origin in the same name.

William B. remained with his parents till long after attaining his majority, in fact till past twenty-seven, when he was united in marriage, on the 2d of April, 1867, to Miss Jennie Wolfe. Her birth-place was Bentonville, Wayne county, and her parents were Absolom and Phebe (Alger) Wolfe: Absolom Wolfe was born in Hawkins county, east Tennessee, and was married at Benton - villc, Indiana, in 1837. He was a shoe¬ maker by trade, and followed that profession all his active life. Still hale and hearty, he resides with his daughter, Mrs. Fortner. But one other of Ins children is now living, a daughter, Mary, residing in Wahash coun¬ ty. Indiana. Mrs. Phebe Wolfe had died when her daughter, Jennie, was a child of twelve, the latter's youth being largelv passed with a family named Watkins.

William B. Fortner remained at Mount Summit, Hendricks county, farming and la¬ boring in a saw-mill till 1879, when lie re¬ moved to Grant county, and, three vears later to his present eighty-acre farm in Wash¬ ington township. He has himself placed the greater part of it in cultivation. Lying as it did near the headwaters of both the Big and Little Walnut creeks it was extreme! v diffi¬ cult to secure the necessary drainage, but bv persistent and systematic tiling he has suc¬ ceeded in placing it in most thorough tillage, the natural friability of the soil making it a peculiarly well adapted farm to the crops usually grown in this section of the state.

Having ever shown a decided interest in the conduct of public business and being thought worthy of an important position at the hands of the party, he was chosen in 1892 as a suitable man to attend to the finan¬ cial matters of the county and was elected by a handsome majority. Removing to the county seat he devoted his energies the advancement of the countv's inter¬ ests. Ide is recognized as having made a creditable and efficient guardian of the finances, leaving the office at the expira¬ tion of his term with a widely increased circle of friends, and that regardless of po¬ litical lines. The new law regulating sal¬ aries of public officials was given a test dur¬ ing this time, he being chosen to make the fight for the old law. In 1 879 a fee and salary law made it incumbent upon the offi-

' cials to have certain fees from the office in come. In his case the county commissioners ! effected a compromise, not, however, allow¬ ing him all the fees claimed. Some cight- I een months thereafter suit was brought by the commissioners to recover the amount so paid. The case attracted wide attention throughout the state and was bitterly contest¬ ed, resulting finally in Mr. Fortner's receiv¬ ing- a verdict in his favor, and it became a precedent for the adjudication of all similar cases throughout the state. Mr. Fortner was highly complimented by the numerous officials affected and also by a large part of the legal profession.