Biography of David C. Ansley, pages 556 / 557. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. David C. Ansley, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y., June 27, 1824, a son of Albert and Prudence (Clark) Ansley, natives of New York, of English descent. He was reared on a farm, residing with his parents till manhood. In 1844 he came West an lived in De Kalb County, Ind., one winter, and then went to Pennsylvania and located in Potter County, where he engaged in the lumber business eighteen years. In January, 1863, he was married to Elizabeth Ames, daughter of Jacob and Jerusha (Bell) Ames, a native of Steuben County, N.Y. In 1863 he again came to De Kalb County, and settled in Fairfield Township, where he has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Ansley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Christian Barkey, page 557. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Christian Barkey, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, is a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., born April 6, 1820, a son of John and Susannah (Bussard) Barkey, natives of Northampton County, Pa., of German descent. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Holmes County, where he was reared and lived till 1851, when he came to De Kalb and settled on a track of land which is now his valuable farm in Fairfield Township. This land he had entered about 1841, and at the time of his settlement it was wholly unimproved and heavily timbered. He now has it under a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are among the best in the township. Mr. Barkey was married March 13, 1851, to Hannah Herrington, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Long) Herrington, of Ohio. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living---Mary Ann, John W., George A., Henry, Sarah E., Samuel, Thomas and James F. Calvin is deceased. In politics Mr. Barkey affiliates with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Francois Beuchat, page 557. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885 Francois Beuchat, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Switzerland, born Nov. 7, 1830, a son of Barnard and Mary Ann Beuchat. His youth was spent on his father’s small farm, and when fifteen years of age he went to work in an iron foundry, and was thus employed two years. He then engaged in farming till the spring of 1851, when his father and five sons came to the United States, his mother having died a short time before. They located in Stark County, Ohio, where his father bought a small farm, and made it his home the remainder of his life. He was born in 1792, and died in 1871. Francois Beuchat remained in Stark County till the spring of 1866, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought forty acres of land in Fairfield Township, twenty acres of which was partially cleared. He went to work to improve his farm, and has added to it from time to time, till he now owns eighty-two acres of improved land. He was married Sept. 20, 1825, to Mary Smith, a native of Berks County, Pa., born Sept. 1, 1825, daughter of John and Maria Smith. To them have been born five children, three of whom are living---Maria E., William Henry, and Lois M. Peter John and Lewis E. are deceased. Politically Mr. Beuchat affiliates with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George Billman, page 558. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George Billman, one of the prominent citizens of Fairfield Township, is a native of Washington County, Pa., born Feb. 23, 1801, a son of David and Catharine Billman, native of Germany, who were sold by the ship company to pay their passage to America. Our subject was reared in his native county, and when eighteen years old began to work at the tanner’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked as a journeyman, dressing leather, for nine years, and then engaged in farming till Aug. 15, 1834, when he moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and cleared and improved a farm of ninety-four acres. In 1864 he sold his farm and moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the farm where he now lives. He has been successful in his pursuits and has a comfortable property for use in his declining years. He was married Dec. 25, 1827, to Mary Wansettler, and to them were born two children, both deceased. His wife died April 5, 1830, and he was again married June 21, 1833 to Catherine Dencer, a native of Washington County, Pa., daughter of George and Catherine Dencer, of German descent. They have had five children, two of whom are living---Mary Ann, wife of Henry Hecht, of Michigan, and Matilda, wife of Daniel Cartret, of this township. Politically Mr. Billman is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Josiah Boyer, pages 558. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Josiah Boyer, the youngest son of Michael and Christina (Troutman) Boyer, was born in Somerset County, Pa., Jan. 22, 1834. When he was five years old his parents moved to Fayette County, Pa., and in 1841 to Holmes County, Ohio, where they remained till 1851. He accompanied them to De Kalb County, Ind., in the latter year and assisted his father in clearing and improving a frontier farm. When he was twenty-one years old he bought a tract of unimproved land on the south side of Story Lake, which he cleared and improved, at the same time making his home with his father and assisting in the cultivation of the homestead, till after his marriage. He then settled on his own farm, where he now has 120 acres of finely improved land, with a good residence and farm buildings. He was married Dec. 27, 1881, to Mrs. Margaret M. McClish, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cole) Kimbel, and widow of Alexander McClish, by who she has two children---Alice and Libbie. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are member of the German Reform church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Michael Boyer, page 558 / 559. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Michael Boyer, Farmer and Stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, is one of the most prominent citizens of De Kalb County. He is a native of Somerset County, Pa., born Aug . 29, 1804, a son of Benjamin and Christina (Duffman) Boyer, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and was there married in 1829 to Christina Troutman, a native of Somerset County, a daughter of Peter and Barbara Ann (Stanler) Troutman, natives of Philadelphia. After his marriage he settled on the Troutman homestead, where he lived ten years, and in 1839 moved to Holmes County, Ohio, and twelve years later, in 1851, moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of timber land in Fairfield Township, which he has cleared and made one of the finest farms in the township. He is a successful agriculturist and has surrounded himself and family with all the comforts of life. To him and his wife have been born four children---Solomon, of Noble County, Ind., Josiah, of this township; Maria, wife of George Henney, and Elizabeth, wife of Moses Deitz. They are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Jesse M. Brumback, page 559. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Jesse M. Brumback, one of the successful pioneers of Fairfield Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Huron County, April 2, 1823, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Culp) Brumback. He remained with his parents till his majority, and then engaged in framing in his native county, till October, 1846, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and began clearing 160 acres f heavily timbered land in Fairfield Township. His means were limited, but by industry and frugality he was successful, and has now 200 acres of fine land, and has given his son a farm of 123 acres. His residence and farm buildings are among the best in the county. Mr. Brumback was married April 7, 1850, to Melissa J. Showers, daughter of Solomon Showers, of Richland Township. They had a family of three children, but two of whom are living---Celia R., wife of John E. Walters, and Edward M. Cornelia J. is deceased. Mrs. Brumback died March 9, 1855, and Nov. 2, 1856, Mr. Brumback married Lucinda Gloid, a native of Richland County, Ohio, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Smith) Gloid. In politics Mr. Brumback is a Democrat. He served his township as Magistrate, a short time, and in 1862 was elected County Clerk and served three years. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of David Buchanan, pages 559 / 560 / 561. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. David Buchanan was born in Chester County, Pa., Nov. 6, 1800, the eldest of six children. When he was about one year old his parents moved to Washington County, Pa., and four years later removed across the State line into Brooke County, W. Va., where they remained until the fall of 1815. They then moved to what was Wayne County, Ohio, now Holmes County, which was at that time almost an unbroken wilderness. Indians roamed the county and wild game was very plenty. John Buchanan, the father of our subject, purchased and settled on a tract of land on a small stream called Paint Creek and improved it, and other farms were opened up about the same time or soon after. After residing there about four years they built a small woolen factory and carded wool for their neighbors, and also scrutched flour by water-power in the same building. David Buchanan learned to card wool, and followed the business a few years. His means of gaining an education were very limited. His father was a very good scholar for that time, and taught school among the neighbors. Being very apt he became well versed in orthography, penmanship, arithmetic and surveying. He taught school a few terms, and followed surveying in connection with his farming for twenty-five years. He settled up a great many estates in his life time. He was married to Lydia Tribby, Sept. 23, 1824, by Samuel Spencer, a Justice of the Peace, and soon after his marriage built a log cabin in the woods on a title of 100 acres of heavily timbered land in Monroe Township, Holmes County, Ohio, and some fifteen years later bought the land of the original owner. They lived in the log cabin nearly twenty-eight years, and there their children were all born. They had seven sons and one daughter. Six of the children are living. James G. died June 11, 1852, aged twenty-three years, six months and five days; Elmira died Jan. 8, 1842, aged fourteen months and seven days. Mr. Buchanan was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1838 as a Whig in a strong Democratic township, and filled the office with credit to himself and to the township, and came within a few votes of being re-elected. He visited Indiana several times from 1847 to 1854 to see the country and buy land, and purchased six eighty-acre tracts in Fairfield Township, De Kalb County. He moved to this land in October, 1854, and his surviving children all came with him or soon after. Here he remained till death. He was a firm Republican from the organization of the party till his death. He was elected to the office of County Commissioner in this county in October, 1859, and held the office one term or three years. Lydia Tribby Buchanan was born in Loudoun County, Va., May 11, 1802, and is now in the eighty-fourth year of her age. She has been a hard worker, a good manager, and a kind, indulgent mother and an affectionate wife. Her many acts of neighborly kindness have endeared her to the hearts of legions of friends. An earnest, active Christian, she has been identified with the church fifty years. Her parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in October, 1816, with seven children. They each lived to be about eighty years old, and their children all survived them except one. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George M. Buchanan, pages 561. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George M. Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, March 19, 1838, the sixth son of David and Lydia (Tribby) Buchanan. He received his early education in the schools of his native county, completing it at the Auburn High School. He was sixteen years of age when his parents came to De Kalb County, and the most of his time subsequent, till manhood, was spent in assisting his father. He was surveyor of De Kalb County from August, 1861, till Aug. 19, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and participated in many hard fought battles, among the more important being the siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta campaign, and those incident to Sherman’s march to the sea. At Griswoldville, Ga., Nov. 22, 1864, he was wounded in the left shoulder and disabled for further field duty. He was then assigned duty in the hospital, joining his regiment at Alexandria at the close of the war and accompanying it to Washington, where he was in the line at the grand review of the army, and was discharged Jun. 9, 1865, and mustered out at Indianapolis June 19, 1865. Returning to De Kalb County he engaged in farming, and the following spring bought the farm he now owns. He was married April 19, 1866, to Margaret Kreger, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of Thomas Kreger. September, 1882, he went to Tennessee, and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business successfully till November, 1884. Aug. 8, 1884, his wife died, and he then sold out his business and prepared to return to his old home in De Kalb County. He has one daughter, Lydia I. Mr. Buchanan and his daughter are members of the United Brethren church, as was also his wife. He casts his suffrage with the Republican party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John Buchanan, page 562. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, July 14, 1826, the eldest of seven children of David and Lydia (Tribby) Buchanan, the former a native of Chester County, Pa., and the latter of Loudoun County, Va., and early settlers of Holmes County. He was reared in his native county, remaining with his parents till manhood. He married Sept. 1, 1853, to Emily Burns, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of James and Margaret (Stuart) Burns. In November, 1855, Mr. Buchanan moved to De Kalb County, Ind. Where his parents had moved the year before, and settled on 160 acres of wild land. In addition to clearing and improving his farm, he worked at the carpenter’s trade, and also taught school during the winter for six years. He has been successful, and now has 312 acres of valuable land and his improvements are among the best in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have been born three children, but two of whom are living---Amina, wife of Dr. J.W. Squires, of Whitley County, Ind., and James, who married Millie Tucker, and lives in this township. In politics Mr. Buchanan is an uncompromising Republican. He was one of the organizers of the County Agricultural Society, and has always been one of its Directors. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Leander Buchanan, page 562 / 563. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Leander Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Oct. 3, 1831, the third son of David and Lydia (Tribby) Buchanan. He remained with his parents till manhood, and in 1854 went to Winchester, Tenn., for health, but came to De Kalb County, Ind., the same fall. When seventeen years of age he took a severe cold, which settled on his lungs, and for several years he was unable to work, and has never fully recovered from its effects. He was married Oct. 18, 1860, to Clara Chilcote, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, daughter of Humphrey and Christiana (Snivley) Chilcote, early settlers of Ohio, who moved to De Kalb County in 1847. After his marriage Mr. Buchanan settled on a farm in Fairfield Township, where he lived two and a half yeas, and then sold it an bought the one where he now lives, which contains eighty acres of the choicest land in the township, all well cultivated. In 1853 he began to learn the carpenter’s trade and followed it several years in connection with farming. He has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of the county, and has assisted materially in building up all enterprises of benefit to the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have been born three children, but one of whom is living---Elmira Ellen. Mary Vienna died at the age of fifteen years, and one died in infancy. In politics Mr. Buchanan is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Willard Childs, page 563. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Willard Childs is a native of New York, born in Oneida County, Feb. 15, 1811, the second son of Phineas and Theodosia (Evans) Childs, the former a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and the latter of Connecticut, of Welsh descent. In 1813 his parents moved to Jefferson County, N.Y., and thence in 1826 to Onondaga County. When he was fifteen years of age he began to work by the month for farmers. In 1837 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 120 acres of land, and after paying for it had 73 cents left. He then went to Ft. Wayne and earned the money with which to return to New York. In 1846 he moved his family to De Kalb County, landing in Fairfield Township, Aug. 24. He moved into a log cabin, belonging to B.A. Chaffee, and a short time after bought the land on which it stood. There were but fourteen families in the township when he settled here, and the land was mostly heavily timbered. He has added to his first purchase till he has 286 acres of land, which comprises one of the best farms in the township. 125 acres of this he has cleared an improved himself. He has seen De Kalb County change from a forest to one of the most prosperous counties. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of A.H. Deitz, pages 563 /564. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. A.H. Deitz, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, born Feb. 27, 1829. His father, Henry E. Deitz, was a native of Pennsylvania. His first wife, the mother of our subject, Elizabeth Coverlase, died, leaving six children, five of whom are living. He afterward married Barbara Weaver, and to them were born five children four of whom are living. Henry Deitz accompanied his parents to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, when a child, and was there reared and married, remaining there and in Holmes County till the fall of 1853, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on sections 10 and 15, Fairfield Township, where he died in May, 1870. He was a successful farmer and accumulated a good property. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and in politics a Democrat. A.H. Dietz was reared a farmer, residing with his father till manhood. In 1851 he moved to Allen County, Ohio, and in the spring of 1854 to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the farm where he now lives. The land was mostly uncultivated when he settled on it, but he has cleared it of timber and improved it, and now has one of the finest farms in the township. In 1870 he built a large barn, which is the finest in the township, and in 1879 built his fine brick residence, with all modern improvement. He was married Sept. 5, 1850, to Maria Long, a native of Ohio, daughter of John and Esther Long. To them have been born nine children, eight of whom are living---Elizabeth, Sarah, Sophia, Louise, William, Susan, Oliver P., and Elmer. Edward is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Deitz are members of the German Reformed church. Politically he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana. Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Moses Deitz, page 564. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Moses Deitz, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born Aug. 28, 1835, the fourth son of Henry E. Deitz. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and in the spring of 1853 came with his father to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Fairfield Township. He assisted his father in clearing and improving his farm, remaining with him till his marriage, March 2, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Boyer, a daughter of Michael Boyer, one of the early settlers of the county. After his marriage he bought eighty acres of land on section 3, Fairfield Township, where he lived till 1875, when he sold his farm and bought a part of his father’s old homestead. He owns fifty acres of choice land, under a fine state of cultivation, and his residence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious. To him and his wife have been born two children; both died in infancy. They are members of the German Reformed church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Sebastian Eckart, pages 564 / 565. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Sebastian Eckart, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Fairfield Township, is a native of Germany, born Nov. 9, 1822, a son of Peter and Eve Eckart. His father died in March, 1830, and the following May his mother with her six children came to the United States and settled in Franklin County, Pa., where he was reared. In 1845 he emigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, and in March, 1855, to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the land which is now his valuable farm. At that time there were but fifteen acres partially cleared, but now he has 120 acres all under a fine state of cultivation. He was a poor man when he came to De Kalb County, and his present prosperous condition is due to his energy and industry, coupled with good management and frugality. Mr. Eckart was married Dec. 14, 1848, to Susan Cox, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Denman) Cox. They have had a family of twelve children, but three of whom are living---Jacob H., William O., and Spencer F. Elizabeth, Francis A., Margaret D., Amiel C., Alice C., Florence E., Luther S.L., Kate, and Eva Bell are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Eckart are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George Emerick, page 565. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George Emerick, one of the successful pioneers of Fairfield Township, was born in Somerset County, Pa., May 3, 1818, the seventh of nine children of John and Mary (Troutman) Emerick, and grandson to Andrew Emerick (who was a soldier under General Washington) and Peter Troutman, natives of Germany, who came to the United States prior to the war of the Revolution. When our subject was four years old his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood, residing with his parents till his majority. He than followed agricultural pursuits for himself till 1851, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 280 acres of heavily timbered land. Here he and his wife commence to make a home for themselves, and though obliged to endure all the privation and inconveniences of pioneer life, they were uncomplaining, having the assurance that the future was one of prosperity. They now have a landed estate of 400 acres and one of the pleasantest homes in the county. Mr. Emerick was married May 4, 1839, to Sarah Guthrie, a native of Richland County, Ohio, daughter of Richard and Mary (Vanscoy) Guthrie, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent. To them have been born six children, five of whom are living---Mary J., wife of Solomon Boyer; George W., Peter Alexander, Lucinda Catherine, wife of Benjamin Wilhoit, and Andrew Jackson. Francis M., died aged fire year. In politics Mr. Emerick is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George Frederick, pages 565 / 566. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-state Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George Frederick, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Ohio, born in Stark County, April 1, 1831, a son of John and Charlotta (Aultman) Frederick, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and English descent. He was reared on a farm, residing with his parents till his majority. In 1852 he bought a farm adjoining the old homestead, where he lived till 1864, when he sold his farm and came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought forty-four acres of land in Fairfield Township, and eighty acres in Salem Township, Steuben County. But very little of his land had been improved, the most of it being heavily timbered. He has been a hard working man, and has cleared and cultivated his land till he now has a fine farm with a good residence and farm buildings. In addition to farming he has been engaged in the marble business, which has been a successful enterprise. He was married Oct. 12, 1851, to Ann Maria Frybarger, daughter of John and Hannah (Zerbe) Frybarger, the former a native of Pennsylvania of German descent, and the latter of Vermont of English descent. To them have been fourteen children---Charlotta, David (deceased), John C., Franklin S., Henry, James R., Rachel, Della, Joseph W.R., Lydia M., Mary Belle, William A., George T., and Amos A. In politics Mr. Frederick is a Republican. His wife is a member of the German Reform and he of the Evangelical church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Henry Freed, page 566. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Henry Freed, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 28, 1842. His father, Peter Freed, was born in Shenandoah County, Pa., and was a son of John Freed, a native of York County, Pa., of German descent. When Peter was nine years of age he accompanied his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was reared, and in 1819 married Hannah Miller, a native of that county, daughter of Anthony and Susan Miller. After there marriage they settled in Stark County, where eleven children were born, of whom our subject is the youngest, six of whom are living. His wife died in 1861, and in 1864 he came to De Kalb County, and has since made his home with his son Henry. Henry Freed was reared and educated in his native county, and was there married Aug.2, 1863, to Barbara Haynes, a native of Stark County, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Heinum) Haynes. The following fall he moved to De Kalb County and settled on the farm where he now lives, which contains seventy-eight acres of improved land. He and his wife have had a family of nine children, eight of whom are living---Peter L., Jonathan, Samuel, Alvin, Mary, William H., Martha, and Emma E. One died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Freed are members of the Mennonite church. In politics he is a Republican. His father was originally a Whig, but has voted with the Republican party since its organization. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John Freed, pages 566 / 567. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John Freed, one of the prosperous framers of Fairfield Township, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1825, a son of Peter and Hannah (Miller) Freed. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Stark County, Ohio. Where he was reared and educated, attending the district school. He remained with his parents till nearly twenty-four years of age, and Jan. 21, 1849, married Analiza Huet, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Huet. In 1852 he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a tract of unimproved land in Fairfield Township, which he had improved and is now a fine farm. He owns 120 acres all under cultivation, except thirty acres of woods, and his improvements are among the best in the county. Mr. Freed has been a hard-working man, and has earned his property by industry and frugality. He is a public spirited, benevolent citizen, and assists with both time and money every laudable enterprise. In politics he was originally a Whig, but now casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He is, as was also his wife, a member of the German Reform Church. To them were born nine children seven of whom are living---Lucinda, wife of Peter Gonser, of this township; Elizabeth, wife of Byron McEndarfer; Lydia Ann, wife of Joseph Huet, of Smithfield township; Alice, wife of Oliver Stoter, of Smithfield Township; John A., Mary Ada, and William B. Peter and Joseph are deceased. Mrs. Freed died may 27, 1885, aged fifty-five years, seven months and thirteen days. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Henry Gardner, page 567 / 568. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Henry Gardner, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Feb. 14, 1830, the youngest son of John and Barbara (Camp) Gardner, and was an infant when his parents moved to Holmes County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated, remaining there till 1859, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on a tract of land he had bought in 1850. He built a cabin for his family, and began to clear and improve his land. He now has a valuable farm of 160 acres, and thirty-eight acres a short distance north of his homestead. Mr. Gardner has been an energetic, frugal citizen, and one of the most public spirited and influential men of this township. He was married April 27, 1855, to Eliza Swihart, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of George and Catherine (Snider) Swihart. They had a family of five children---Sarah A., John Q., George W., William H., and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Gardner died April 10, 1864. Oct. 5, 1866, Mr. Gardner married Mrs. Sarah Ann (Miller) Dunn, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Ash) Miller. To them have been born five children---David S., Clarence E., Harvey E., Cyrus A., and Irvin H. In politics Mr. Gardner is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John Gardner, page 568. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John Gardner, on of the most successful farmer of Fairfield Township, is a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., born Jan. 25, 1824, a son of John and Barbara (Camp) Gardner, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. In 1830 his parents moved to Holmes County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools. Soon after reaching his majority u he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and remained two years, entering a tract of land in Fairfield Township. He returned to Ohio and remained till Jun 15, 1854, when he married Catherine Deitz, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Noll) Deitz. Immediately after his marriage he moved to his frontier home, and together they went to work to improve their land and make a farm, and how well they succeeded is proved by a visit to their beautiful home, where they have 160 acres of choice land all under cultivation and a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. They have a family of five children---Joseph D., LydiaA., Sarah, William A., and John H. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of David Goodrich, page 568. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. David Goodrich, son of Philander and Salmeda (Jewett) Goodrich, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Jan 31, 1838. He remained with his father till his death, and then worked by the month till after the breaking out of the war, and Aug. 8, 1862, enlisted in Company A, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battles of Perryville and Stone River, and was then placed on detached duty till the close of the war. He was discharged June 26, 1865, and returned to De Kalb County, and in 1866 bought his present farm, to which he has added till now he owns ninety-four acres of land all under cultivation. He was married Jan. 10, 1867, to Mary A. Phelps, daughter of Chauncey and Mary (Chadwick) Phelps. They have had a family of six children, but five of whom are living---Orrin G., Albert B., Laura B., Derward G., and Edna May. A son died in infancy. Mrs. Goodrich is a member of the Disciples church. In politics Mr. Goodrich is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin.@ctlnet.com Biography of Philander Goodrich, pages 568 / 569. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Philander Goodrich, deceased, was born in the State of New York in 1809, a son of Zebulon and ______, Goodrich, his father of Puritan and his mother of German descent. He was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents till manhood. He was married about 1836 to Salmeda Jewett, a native of Connecticut. In the fall of 1840 they moved to Lagrange County, Ind., where his wife died in 1841. Mr. Goodrich afterward moved to Steuben County, and in 1846 to De Kalb County and settled in Smithfield Township, but in less than a year moved to Fairfield Township and bought a tract of unimproved land, which he began to improve, and on which he lived till his death in 1856. His family consisted of three children, two sons and a daughter---David, William A. and Harriet. The Latter is deceased. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Jonathan A. Gushwa, page 569. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Jonathan A. Gushwa, a representative of one of the pioneer families of De Kalb County, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1835, and was ten years of age when his parents moved to this county. His youth was spent in assisting his father clear and improve a frontier farm, and six months before his majority, his father gave him his time and he then worked for wages till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. August 10, 1961, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and served thirty-seven months. The first half of hies service he was detailed teamster. He contracted the erysipelas in his leg while in the army and has never fully recovered from its effects. After his return from the war he settled on the old homestead and took charge of the farm for his father till his marriage, Jan. 4, 1866, to Harriet Williams, daughter of David and Mary Williams. He then settled on a farm of his father’s in this township, where he lived sixteen years, and then bought forty acres of land, but three months later sold it and rented a farm of his brother a year. Nov. 1, 1883, he moved to the farm where he now lives, where he owns eighty acres of choice land, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. His wife died Jan. 18, 1883, leaving two sons---Charles and Edward. Oct. 4, 1883, he was married to Mrs. Margaret Jane Swinhart, sister of his first wife. Mr. Gushwa has been a prominent man in his township, and held several offices of trust and responsibility; among others those of Supervisor, Constable, road Supervisor; and in the fall of 1884 was elected Justice of the Peace. In Politics he is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Albright church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Philip Gushwa, page 570. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Philip Gushwa, Jr.; the fifth son and ninth child of Philip and Mary A. (Mahr) Gushwa, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, March 5, 1841, and was four years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County. Here he was reared and educated, remaining with his parents till the breaking out of the Rebellion. Nov. 20, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and participated in many hard-fought battles, the more important being Chickamauga where he was wounded in the right thigh, the ball passing out of his leg. This disabled him from service for three months. He served till the expiration of his term and was discharged Nov. 20, 1865. After his return home he worked on his father’s farm where he has since lived with the exception of three years, when he lived on land of his own in the same township. He was married Sept. 7, 1867, to Sarah Williams, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of David and Mary Williams, who came to De Kalb County, in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Gushwa have been born three children--- James F., Alva W., and Nellie M. In politics Mr. Gushwa affiliates with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Daniel Haller, page 571. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago. 1885. Daniel Haller, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Germany, born March 14, 1824, the fourth son of Jacob Haller. He was three years of age when his parents came to the United States, and eleven when they moved to Wayne County, Ohio. He was reared and educated in Wayne County, and in 1845 accompanied his parents to Noble County, Ind., and settled on the line of De Kalb County. In 1857 he moved a mile north into De Kalb County where he lived till April 1878, when he bought the farm where he now lives, which contains eighty-nine acres of improved land. Mr. Haller was married in 1849 to Elizabeth Bolenbaugh, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, but a resident of Indiana at the time of her marriage. They are the parents of ten children, but four of whom are living---William B., John W., Annie E. and Minnie M. Nancy A., Mary M., Hiram A., James N., Henry N., and Susan V. are deceased. Mr. Haller, in politics, affiliated with the Republican party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John F. Haller, pages 571 / 572. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John F. Haller, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born July 16, 1821, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Weller) Haller. His father served eight years in the French army under Napoleon Bonaparte, and two years in the German Army. In 1827 he came to the United States, landing in New York, and settled in Lancaster County, Pa., where he lived till 1835, then moved to Wanye County, Ohio, where our subject grew to manhood. In 1845 he moved to Noble County, Ind., where he died in 1853, aged seventy-two years. His wife died in 1864, aged sixty-five years. John F. Haller remained in Wanye County till 1851, and then came to De Kalb County and settled on the farm where he now lives, which contains 135 acres of valuable land. He also owns a farm of 130 acres in Noble County. He was in limited circumstances when he commenced life for himself, but by industry and good management he has accumulated a competency for his declining years. He was married April 30, 1846, to Joanna Childs, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Cochran) Childs, the former a native of England, and the latter of Maryland, of Irish parentage. Mr. Childs died in Wayne County, Ohio in 1850, aged seventy-five years, and his wife in 1876 aged ninety-two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Haller have been born nine children, six of whom are living---Catherine E., Jacob, Sarah Ann, Nannie E., Samuel M, and Wilber L. The deceased are James, John T. and James H. Mr. Haller has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his adopted county and has assisted materially in its growth and development. In politics he is a Republican, and a ready supporter of all the issues of his party. Mrs. Haller is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Leonard Hartman, page 572. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Leonard Hartman, one of the most successful of the pioneers of Fairfield Township, is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born Sept. 27, 1819, a son of Leonard Hartman. When he was about six years of age his parents moved to the United States and settled in Franklin County, Pa., thence to Wayne County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, remaining there till 1845, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 160 acres of wild land in Fairfield Township, which is a part of his present farm. He had but $24 when he reached this county and was obliged to buy his land on time. He cleared and improved his land, paid for it, and has added to it till he now owns 450 acres, the greater part under cultivation. His success is due to his energy and industrious economical habits, aided by a most estimable wife. He has assisted materially in the growth and development of the township, and gives liberally of his means for the furtherance of every laudable enterprise. Mr. Hartman was married June 24, 1841, to Mary Martz, a native of Germany, who came to the United States with her parents when seventeen years of age. They have had twelve children, ten of whom are living---Cassie, John, Susan, Sophia, Adam, Lydia, Joseph, Levi, Emma and Martha. The deceased are Solomon and Libbie. Mrs. Hartman is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Hon. Jacob Helwig, pages 572 / 573. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Hon. Jacob Helwig, deceased, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1804, a son of George Helwig. He, in his youth, learned the cabinet-maker’s trade of his father, and worked at it several years in Ohio. He was a resident of Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, several years each, and was a prominent man wherever he lived, holding several offices of trust. In 1841 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Troy Township. He was elected twice to the Legislature from this district, and also served two terms as County Commissioner and one as Treasurer. He was a member of the Lutheran church in early life, but after coming to De Kalb County united with the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he was a strong Democrat. He was married to Jemima Jenkins, and to them were born five children---George, Elizabeth, Peter, Isaac, and John B. The latter was for eight years President of Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio, and is now pastor of the Lutheran church at Akron, Ohio. His wife died and he afterward married Sarah Gossage. They had a family of five children---Barbara A., Kezia, Mary, Rebecca, and Christina. Mr. Helwig died Dec. 10, 1869. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Alonzo Hemstreet, page 573. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Alonzo Hemstreet, deceased, was born in Ohio, Feb 6, 1840, a son of Jeremiah and Mariam (Smith) Hemstreet. When he was a child his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Smithfield Township, where he was reared and educated, attending the district schools. He remained with his parents till his marriage, and then bought the farm in Fairfield Township where his family now lives, and where he died Feb. 22, 1870. The farm contains eighty acres of valuable land, but when Mr. Hemstreet settled on it was some improved and heavily timbered. He was and energetic, frugal man, and with the assistance of a most estimable wife, cleared and improved his land, and at his death left one of the best farms in the township. He was married Dec. 5, 1865, to Julia Zwilling, a native of New York, daughter of Henry and Julia (Howald) Zwilling, who came form Germany and settled near Utica, N.Y., and subsequently moved to Holmes County, Ohio, and in 1848 to De Kalb County, and settled in Fairfield Township, and removed to Smithfield where the father died. The mother is now living in Marshall County, Iowa, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. To Mr. and Mrs. Hemstreet was born one son---Clark A., who lives on the old homestead with his mother. Mr. Hemstreet in his political views was a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John Hovarter, Sr., page 573 / 574. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John Hovarter, Sr., one of the most esteemed of the old pioneers, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., Nov. 3, 1809, a son of Christopher and Julia Ann (Cormack) Hovater, natives of Lancaster County, of German parentage. He was reared in his native county, and in his boyhood worked in the shop of his father, who was a blacksmith. When he was fifteen years old he was able to take the place of a journeyman, and worked for his father till his majority. He then went to Ohio, and for four years was in business for himself in Holmes County. Then was associated with a Mr. Oten in Dalton a year, and from that time on till 1850 lived in different places in Ohio, the last being Sugar Creek, where he bought a home and remained seven year. In 1850 he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of wild land in Fairfield Township, which he has cleared, and now has a good farm. He has worked at his trade in addition to caring for his farm, and will long be remembered as the pioneer blacksmith of Fairfield Township. He has, by his many years of upright and honorable dealing, won the confidence and respect of all who know him. He was married Dec. 4, 1834, to Nancy, daughter of John and Betsey (Roop) Wyers. To them have been born thirteen children, nine of whom are living. They are members of the United Brethren church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George W. Husselman, page 574. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George W. Husselman, one of the successful farmers and stock-raiser of Fairfield Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 8, 1830. A son of Samuel and Susan (Trapp) Husselman, and when fourteen years of age came with his parents to De Kalb County, Ind. They lived in Fairfield Township two years, and then moved to Union Township, where he assisted his father in clearing and improving a farm, remaining with his parents till manhood. He then began farming for himself, and bought a farm of 200 acres, where he has since lived. At that time his land was wholly unimproved, but now it is one of the finest farms in the township. He was married April 5, 1853, to May J. King, a daughter of John and Kate (Reaver) King, who came to De Kalb County, Ind., from Maryland in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Husselman have had a family of four children---Calvin H., John W., Emily, wife of Henry Neidig, and Susan M., wife of J. Kandel. Mr. Husselman is in politics a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John T. Husselman, pages 574 / 575. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John T. Husselman was born in Wayne County, Ohio, April 13, 1827, the eldest son of Samuel and Susan (Trapp) Husselman. In May, 1854, he accompanied his parents to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Fairfield Township, where he assisted his father in clearing and improving a farm. After attaining his majority he bought a tract of land a mile and a half north of Fairfield Center, and began to make a farm for himself. In June,1855, he sold his farm and bought the one where he now lives, which at that time was unimproved. Thus a third time he began to make a farm out of a tract of timber land. He has been an energetic, industrious man and succeeded in surrounding himself and family with a comfortable home, and has a competency for his declining years. His farm contains 180 acres of choice land under a good state of cultivation. In September, 1864, Mr. Husselman enlisted in Compay C., Forty-second Indiana Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He was married march 11, 1852, to Elvina, daughter of Abraham Hartman. They have eight children---Wesley E., Amanda E., Melissa ZJ., Emma A., Alma, Flora Ada, Ida May and John A. Mr. and Mrs. Husselman are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Husselman is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Harrison Jones, page 575. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Harrison Jones, is a native of Kentucky, born in Maysville, June 10, 1812, the second of three children of William and Lucy (Thompson) Jones, natives of Kentucky, of Welsh descent. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Greene County, Ohio, and three years later to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont; thence, when he was nine years old to Canada, but a few months later returned to Ohio and located in Miami County. While living in the latter county his father went to New Orleans and died there of yellow fever. When he was seventeen years of age his mother moved to Indiana with his older brother, and he remained in Miami County till attaining his majority. About 1839 he moved to Carroll County, Ind., but returned to Ohio a year later and remained till 1845, when he came to Allen County, and rented a farm about eight years. In the meantime he bought 150 acres of land in Fairfield Township, DeKalb County, to which he has since added till he now has 200 acres, all under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Jones was married June 13, 1833, to Elizabeth Burkett, a native of Ohio, daughter of Christian Burkett. They had two children---Joseph and Lucy, and to Mr. Jones by his second marriage was born one daughter---Silvia. Mrs. Jones is a member of the German Methodist church. In politics Mr. Jones is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Frederick Krahn, pages 575 / 576. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Frederick Krahn, deceased, was a native of Prussia, Germany, born Aug. 25, 1830, a son of Jacob Krahn. He was reared in his native country, and in his youth served an apprenticeship at the rope-maker’s trade, which he followed till he came to the United States, when still a young man. He landed in New York City and walked form there to Stark County, Ohio, where he was employed at brick making by the month for five years. He then went into business for himself, and in 1863 left Ohio and came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of land in Fairfield Township, and engaged in agricultural pursuits till October, 1864, when he was drafted in the defense of his adopted country in Company F, Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, and served till the spring of 1865, when, April 5, he died and was buried at Newbern N.C. He was married March 22, 1858, to Julia Arna, a native of Germany, where her parents George and Susan (Barley) Arna, died when she was a child, and when nineteen years of age she came to the United States. To Mr. and Mrs. Krahn were born four children---William, John (deceased), Amelia and Mary N. Mrs. Krahn is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Martin Lehman, page 576. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Martin Lehman was born in the province of Baden, Germany, Nov. 9, 1829, a son of Job and Mary (Klotz), Lehman. He was reared and educated in his native country, working at various occupations in his youth. He received a good education in the schools of Germany, and in 1848 came to the United States and located in Adams County, Ind., where he lived ten years, and in 1865 sold his farm and moved to De Kalb County and bought the farm in Fairfield Township where he now lives. He has 215 acres of valuable land all under cultivation, and is one of the most prosperous and thrifty farmers of the township. He was married March 4, 1855, to Mary Martz, a native of Germany, daughter of Bartle and Anna (Jauch) Martz. To then have been born ten children, but three of whom are living---John P., Willy Bartley, and Christian. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John L. Ling, pages 576 / 577. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John L. Ling, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, Jan.13, 1827, a son of Peter and Dorcas (Russel) Ling, natives of Bedford County, Pa., of German and English descent. In 1848 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the land which is now his finely cultivated farm, but at that time was a tract of heavily timbered land. He returned to Ohio, and in 1851 came to this county and began to clear and prepare his land for cultivation. He was married April 8, 1852, to Susan Gonser, daughter of David and Catherine (Miller) Gonser, early settlers of De Kalb County, from Coshocton County, Ohio. To them have been born five children---Emily, wife of A.W. Bair, of Smithfield Township; Ellen, wife of Eugene Krum, of Fairfield Township; Ida, wife of Joseph Gardner; David, of Steuben County, married Della Frederick; and Edward, of Kansas. In politics Mr. Ling is a Republican. He has taken an active interest in all the public affairs, and has been elected by his fellow townsmen to different offices of trust and responsibility. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Elihu McInturf, page 577. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Elihu McInturf, one of the prominent early settlers of De Kalb County, was born in Licking County, Ohio, June 17, 1816, a son of John and Hannah (Parr) McInturf. When he was twelve years of age he went to live with an uncle, and remained with him till nineteen years of age, when his uncle died, leaving him enough to buy fifty acres of land. He was sick for the next three years and needed the money, and upon his recovery was obliged to go to work for wages. In 1840 he went to Clark County, Ill., but in less than a year returned home and remained till October, 1844, when he cane to Indiana, and bought eighty acres of Government land. He worked for the settlers to obtain provisions to live on, and in the meantime began to clear his land and get it ready to plant a crop. He has been industrious and frugal, and to his firs purchase has added till he now has a fine farm of 132 acres, all under cultivation. He was married in 1841 to Rachel Brown, a native of Knox County, Ohio, daughter of Silas and Sarah Ann (Merriott) Brown. They had two children--- Sarah Ann, wife of Abraham Orr, of Kendallville, and William M., who married Emma Bronson, and lives on the old homestead. In politics Mr. McInturf is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of David McNabb, pages 577 / 578. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. David McNabb is a native of Center County, Pa., born Dec. 9, 1819, a son of John and Mary (Young) McNabb, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Scotch and the latter of English and Swiss descent. When he was thirteen years of age his parents moved to Ashland County, Ohio, where he was reared, receiving a common school education. In 1843 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and entered eighty acres of wild land in Fairfield Township, on section 35, where he built a cabin and commenced to improve his land, he lived on this farm twenty years, and in 1863 sold it and bought the one where he now lives, on section 32. His farm contains 120 acres of choice land, all under cultivation. Mr. McNabb was married Oct. 18, 1842, to Sophie Dunfee, a daughter of James and Sophie (Hazlett) Dunfee, who moved to Adams County, Pa., to Ohio in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. McNabb have had eight children, seven of whom are living---James, George, John, Francelia, Warren, Martha and Frank. Ella is deceased. Mr. McNabb is a self-made man, having no means when he started in life for himself, but by his own industry and good management, assisted by a most estimable wife, he has accumulated a good property. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John Jacob Metzger, page 578. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John Jacob Metzger, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Germany, born March 31, 1815, a son of Philip Powell and Margaretta (Gross) Metzger. He was reared on a farm, remaining with his father till his majority. His mother died when he was three years old. When he was twenty-one years old he was drafted into the German army and served three years. He then on account of his good behavior was allowed to purchase a substitute and was discharged. He followed farming five years after leaving the army, and was then married, and soon after came to the United States and settled in Lawrence County, Ohio, buying fifty acres of land, where he lived nine years. In 1855 he came to De Kalb County and bought 100 acres of wild land which he has cleared and improved, and now has one of the finest farms in the township. He was married in March 1846, to ________________, who died April 26, 1857, leaving six children---Kate, Henry, John, Elizabeth, George and Mary. In October, 1857, he married Mrs. Barbara (Stomm) Miller, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1854. She has four children---Margaretta, Jacob, Valentine and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Emanuel Neidig, pages 578 / 579. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Emanuel Neidig, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born Aug. 3, 1824, a son of Joseph and Margaret (De Koff) Neidig, natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared and educated in his native county, spending his leisure time in his father’s blacksmith shop. When twenty years of age he began to work at the carpenter’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of two months. He was a natural mechanic and his employer took extra pains to explain the business to him. He worked at this trade in his native county till 1854, and then came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a tract of heavily timbered land in Fairfield Township. He worked at this trade and hired his land cleared, and then attended to the cultivation of his farm in connection with his other work. He has been successful in his business and now has two farms, the one where he lives, containing eighty acres and another of forty acres. He was married July 27, 1848, to Susan Free, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, daughter of Peter and Hannah (Miller) Free. To them have been born nine children, but three of whom are living---Cornelia, wife of Benjamin Cline, of Steuben County; Henry, of Fairfield Township, and Joseph at home. Hannah, Anthony, Angeline, Emanuel, Peter, and an infant are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Neidig are members of the German Reform church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Daniel Phelps, page 579. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Daniel Phelps, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Feb. 28, 1830, a son of William and Magdeline (Marsh) Phelps, the former a native of Maryland, of English descent, and the latter of Virginia, of German descent. He attended the public schools till ten years of age, when his father died and he was then obliged to rely upon his own resources, and from that time till his marriage worked for farmers by the month. He was married Nov. 20, 1853, to Hannah, daughter of Peter Freed. In the fall of 1854 they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., where his wife died. Their only child died in infancy. He was again married June 20, 1858, to Delilah Risely, a native of Stark County, Ohio, daughter of Elias and Catherine (Livingston) Risely. They have had three children; two are living---Amanda and Lovina. One child died in infancy. Mr. Phelps has one of the best farms in the township, which he has brought from heavily timbered condition to a state of advanced cultivation. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist church. He in politics casts his suffrage with the Republican party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John Potts, pages 579 / 580. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John Potts is a native of Stark county, Ohio, born Feb. 4, 1813, the eldest son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Triplet) Potts, natives of Virginia and of English ancestry, and grandson of John Potts and Joseph Triplet, the former a soldier in the war of the Revolution. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Wayne Count, Ohio, and there he was reared and educated. In 1837 they moved to Lawrence County, Ill., and in 1855 while on a visit to our subject the father died. The mother died in Lawrence County. John Potts lived in Wayne County till 1846, when he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought forty acres of land which is a part of his present farm. To this he has added forty acres, and now has a valuable farm with a good residence and farm buildings. He has been an industrious and enterprising citizen, and has gained the confidence and esteem of the entire community. In 1864 he was elected Magistrate of his township and served twenty years. He is a Democrat in politics. He was married Feb. 6, 1834, to Elinor Metcalf, daughter of Josiah and Hannah Metcalf. To them were born two children-Almira L. died at the age of twenty years; and Hannah E. is the wife of Albert Buchanan. Mrs. Potts died Aug, 25, 1866, and Aug. 18, 1867, Mr. Potts married Maria Shaffer, a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., Mrs. Potts is a member of the Lutheran church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George Putt, page 580. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George Putt, one of the most prosperous and prominent of the early settlers of De Kalb County, was born in Berks County, Pa., Nov. 19, 1814, the eldest son of Jacob and Catharine (Shaffer) Putt, native of Pennsylvania, of English and German descent. He was reared in his native State, and when fifteen years of age began driving a freight team over the mountains, a vocation he followed fifteen years. About 1835 he settled in Lebanon County, Pa., and in 1841 moved to Stark County, Ohio, and eleven months later, in 1842, came to Indiana and entered forty acres of land, and bought forty more in De Kalb County. It was located in the dense timber, but he went to work and soon had enough cleared to build a log cabin and raise a crop. He has been successful and to his land has added forty acres till now he has 120 acres of choice land, all well improved. He was married Nov. 15, 1835, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Polm) Getz, native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. To them were born two children---Levi and Joanna Elizabeth Catharine, wife of John Anstett. Mrs. Putt died Sept 9, 1884. She, as has also Mr. Putt, have been a member of the German Reform church from her youth. Politically, Mr. Putt is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of David Reinoehl, pages 580 / 581. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. David Reinoehl, deceased, one of the most esteemed pioneers of Fairfield Township, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., Feb. 22, 1809, the eldest of nine children of Michael and Catherine (Fisher) Reinoehl. When he was nineteen years of age he accompanied his parents to Stark County, Ohio, and was there married Dec. 18, 1831, to Rebecca Weirich, who was born in Lebanon County, Pa., Aug. 9, 1812, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rupe) Weirich, who moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1830. After their marriage they lived on the old homestead nine years and then moved to Richland County, Ohio, where they lived till the fall of 1852, when they came to De Kalb County, and bought 152 acres of land in Fairfield Township, very little of which was improved. Mr. Reinoehl was an industrious, energetic man, an soon had a good home where he spent the rest of his life. He died Feb. 16, 1869. He, as is also his wife, was a member of the Evangelical Association. To them were born seven children, five of whom are living---John, Elizabeth, wife of Michael Eckart; Louisa, wife of C. Wert; Mary, wife of William Shaffer; and Solomon, on the old homestead. Catherine, the eldest, and Amos, the youngest, are deceased. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Michael Reinoehl, page 581. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Michael Reinoehl, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, is a native of Lebanon County, Pa., born Feb. 5, 1826, the eighth of nine children of Michael and Catherine (Fisher) Reinoehl, native of Pennsylvania, of German parentage. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Stark County, where he was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents till his majority. He was married Jan. 2, 1851, to Catherine Weirich, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rupe) Weirich. After his marriage he carried on the old homestead five and a half years, and in the fall of 1856 moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a tract of wild land in Fairfield Township, which he has cleared and cultivated, and which is now his valuable farm. He owns 160 acres of land, and his residence and farm buildings are large and comfortable. To Mr. and Mrs. Reinoehl have been born five children, but two of whom are living---Adaline, wife of Alfred Weirich, and George Mitchel. The deceased are---Malinda, John Henry and Catherine. In politics Mr. Reinoehl is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Peter Reinoehl, pages 581 / 582. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Peter Reinoehl, farmer and sock-raiser, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born Feb 23, 1831, the youngest son of Michael and Catherine (Fisher) Reinoehl. He was reared a farmer, receiving a good education in the common schools, remaining with his parents till twenty-five years of age, when, Sept. 18, 1856, he was married to Sarah Ann Sids. He remained on his father’s farm till November, 1863, when he came to De Kalb County and bought forty acres of land in Fairfield Township, twenty-five of which were partially cleared. He afterward bought thirty-five acres adjoining his farm on the north. He now owns 120 acres of valuable land, all well improved. His wife died in Ohio, Sept. 5, 1863, and he was married in De Kalb County, Ind., Jan 10, 1867, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Hovater. They have had eleven children---David, born July 11, 1868; John Henry, born Sept. 8, 1869; Mary Ellen, born Feb 16, 1871; Albert, born May 13, 1872; Emma May, born May 21, 1873; Charley, born July 11, 1874; Cora Alice, born Jan. 17, 1876; Elizabeth Ann, born July 8, 1878; died Feb. 4, 1881; Franklin, born April 8, 1881; Melvin, born May 1, 1883; Silveines, born May 31, 1885. Politically Mr. Reinoehl is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Chauncey Ringler, pages 582 / 583. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Chauncey Ringler, farmer and stock-raiser, is one of the successful pioneers of Fairfield Township. He was born in Somerset County, Pa., Jan. 6, 1822, a son of Henry and Martha (Keller) Ringler, native of Pennsylvania, of English and German descent. He was reared on a farm, residing with his parents till twenty-one years of age, and in 1843 he went to Ohio and worked by the month two years. He then rented land in Holmes County till 1849, when he came to DeKalb County, Ind., and settled on forty acres of timber land. He cleared a small spot and built a log cabin into which he moved his family, and then went to work to improve his farm. He lived on this land five years and then sold it an bought eighty acres in Steuben County, just across the De Kalb County line, where he lived five years. In 1859 he bought 120 acres of land across the line from Steuben County, and in 1880 bought forty acres adjoining, making a fine farm of 160 acres where he now lives, which he has improved and has now under a fine state of cultivation. He was married Nov. 27, 1845, to Elizabeth Almendinger, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of Frederick and Annie Almendinger. They had a family of four children---Franklin, Henry, Israel and Allen (deceased). His wife died Sept. 4, 1854, and Jan. 25, 1855, he married Susan Anstett, daughter of George and Susan (Stofer) Anstett, natives of France, who came to the United States about 1833, and to De Kalb County, Ind., about 1854, and thence to Steuben County where the father died in 1878, aged eighty years, and the mother 1881. To Mr. and Mrs. Ringler have been born twelve children, eight of whom are living---John, Caroline, Addie, Mary E., George A. Chauncy W., Susan M., and Nellie May. Charley, Catherine Jane, Harriet Malinda, and Edward L. are deceased. Mr. Ringler’s father died in 1883, aged ninety-seven years, and his mother in 1884, aged ninety-three years. In politics Mr. Ringler is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George W. Row, pages 583 / 584. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George W. Row, is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born Nov. 14, 1831, a son of Jacob Row, grandson of George Row and great-grandson of Frederick row, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Jacob Row was born in Union County, Pa., Jan.1, 1802, and when fifteen years of age went with his parents to Holmes County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Magdalene Guttery, a native of Harrison County, Ohio, daughter of Samuel Guttery, who came from Londonderry, Ireland, in an early day. In 1847 they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and entered forty acres of Government land and bought forty acres, which he cleared and improved. He died Aug. 17, 1873, and the mother is now living in Michigan in the seventy-third year of her age. They had a family of eleven children, but five of whom are now living. George W. Row was fifteen years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County, and his youth was spent in assisting his father to clear and improve his farm. When twenty years of age he learned the shoemaker’s trade, at which he has worked at intervals since, in connection with farming and working at the carpenter’s trade. He saved his earnings and bought forty acres of wild land which he improved, and in 1866 sold it and bought the farm where he now live, which contains nearly forty-seven acres of valuable land. When he settled on his farm it was heavily timbered with the exception of eighteen acres, and that was only partially improve. He has been an energetic, economical man, and now has a pleasant home. He has taken an interest in all the public affairs of the township, and has held the office of Constable four years, and Magistrate twelve years. In politics he is a member of the Greenback party. He was married Jan. 1, 1860, to Harriet F. Shook, a native of Crawford County, Ohio, daughter of Samuel and Ann (Shong) Shook. To them have been born four children---Albert E., Charles A., Emma Ann, and Bertha May. Mrs. Row is a member of the German Reform church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George Rufner, pages 584 / 585. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George Rufner is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born Feb. 5, 1830, a son of John and Rachel (Smith) Rufner, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Berks County, of German descent, and the latter of Adams County, of German and Irish descent. He remained with his parents till the spring of 1853, when he moved to De Kalb County and settled in Richland Township on land now owned by the Lintz estate. Three years later he sold his farm and bought another tract of wild land in the same township, where he lived nine years, and in the meantime got his land cleared and under good cultivation. He then moved to Smithfield Township, where he lived thirteen years, and in April, 1878, moved to Fairfield Township and bought the farm of 138 acres where he now lives. His land is all under a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are among the best in the county. Mr. Rufner was married Nov. 27, 1851, to Nancy Boyer, daughter of John and Mary (Thomas) Boyer, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. They have had four children, but three of whom are living---Eliza Ann, Mary Ann and Josiah. Jeremiah is deceased. Oct. 16, 1859, Mr. Rufner united with the German Baptist church, and in June, 1861, he was elected Deacon. June 4, 1874, he was appointed minister in the first degree, and June 8, 1877, minister in the second degree, and has since been pastor of the church at Cedar Lake. His wife and daughters are members of the same organization. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Andrew Schmid, page 585. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Andrew Schmid, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born June 12, 1830, a son of Frederick and Thorida (Burch) Schmid, natives of Germany. The parents were reared and married in their native country, and, with two children, came to the United States and settled in Columbiana County, Ohio, removing later to Stark County. Four of their seven children are living. Andrew was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents till manhood. When seventeen years of age he began to work at the carpenter’s trade which he followed till 1854, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a tract of heavily timbered land which he has cleared and cultivated, and now has eighty acres of valuable land under a good state of cultivation. He was married Aug. 26, 1852, to Susanna Wolf, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, daughter of William and Catherine Wolf, early settlers of Ohio, from Pennsylvania. To them have been born six children---William X., John W., Henry B., Catherine Ann, Charles (deceased) and Edward J. In politics Mr. Schmid is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the German Reform church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Charles Schmipff, pages 585 / 586. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Charles Schmipff, farmer and stock-raiser, is one of the prominent pioneers of Fairfield Township. He is a native of Germany, born Sept. 8, 1822, a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Keller) Schmipff. When he was eleven years of age his parents came to the United States, and after a short stay in New York City went to Albany, then to Buffalo, and from there to Cleveland, Ohio, and thence to Stark County, locating in Austinburg, where his father bought a tannery. Charles spent his youth in his father’s tannery, and when seventeen years of age went to Paris, Ohio, and began to learn the wagon-maker’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked at his trade till his marriage in 1846, and then moved to Steuben County, Ind., and the following spring entered forty acres of Government land in Smithfield Township, De Kalb County, on which he lived four years, clearing a part of it. He then sold his farm and bought the one in section 3, Fairfield Township, where he now lives, and a second time began to make a farm out of the timber land of De Kalb County. In connection with farming he has worked at his trade, and by his industrious habits and frugality has accumulated a good property. He was married Jan. 18, 1846, to Eliza Ann Bair, daughter of Daniel Bair, one of the early settlers of Stark County, Ohio. To them have been born thirteen children, eleven of whom are living---Alonzo, Melissa, Catherine, Susan, Amanda, Elizabeth, Mary, Charles, Electa, Daniel H., Cora R. The deceased are Eliza and Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Schmipff are members of the German Reform church. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Park Seberts, page 586. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Park Seberts, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 4, 1840, a son of Henry and J____ (Park) Seberts, his father a native of Germany and his mother of Virginia. In 1846 his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Union Township, where his father died in 1850. His mother survived him twenty years and died in Richland Township in August, 1870. After the death of his father Park found a home with his sister, Mrs. Talbot, of Richland Township, and remained with her till after the breaking out of the Rebellion, Aug.7, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Mission Ridge. He started on the Atlanta campaign, but on account of ill health was sent back to Chattanooga, and was in the hospital till his discharge May 26, 1865. Since his return from the war he has followed agricultural pursuits. He lived in Richland Township till 1868, and then bought the farm in Fairfield Township where he now lives. He owns eighty acres of valuable land, all well improved with large and comfortable farm buildings. He was married Aug. 14, 1866, to Mary J., daughter of Edward Wright. To them have been born eight children, five of whom are living---Lila A., Edward E., Albert J., Flora O. and Polly. Politically, Mr. Seberts is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John Seiler, pages 586 / 587. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John Seiler, one of the most prominent farmers and stock-raisers in Fairfield Township, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., 15, 1815, a son of Mathias and Barbara (Curry) Seiler, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. In 1832 his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where his mother died at the age of fifty-three years, and his father aged ninety-three years. He was reared on a farm, but his father being a stonemason he learned the trade in his youth, and upon reaching his majority went into business with his father, continuing four years. He subsequently followed his trade alone till 1864, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the farm of eighty-five acres where he has since lived, in Fairfield Township. His land is all well cultivated and his residence and farm buildings are among the best in the township. He has always been an industrious frugal man, and as a result has a good home and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He was married Oct. 4, 1838, to Lucetta, daughter of Michael and Catherine (Fisher) Reinoehl, a native of Lebanon County, Pa. They are the parents of five children---Caroline, wife of Samuel Gallatin, of Clark County, Ill,; Cyrus, Treasurer of Elkhart County, Ind.; Michael, Professor of mathematical, physical and political geography in Indiana State Normal School, Terre Haute, Ind., from which he graduated in 1876; Franklin, a graduate of Eastman College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., is by profession a bookkeeper and teacher; and John Henry, a graduate of the College of Medicine in Michigan University, Ann Arbor, in the class of 1885. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Ephraim Shipe, pages 587 / 588 / 589. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Ephriam Shipe, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., March 31, 1823. His father was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Nov. 5, 1801, and when quite a lad moved with his parents to Westmoreland County, where he was married in May, 1822, to Catharine Deedes. Both were of German descent. In the fall of 1834, when our subject was in his twelfth year, they moved to Holmes County, Ohio. His father was in feeble health, and being in limited circumstances he was obliged to assist in the maintenance of the family, and had no educational advantages. When twenty-one years of age he commenced life for himself, without even a good suit of clothes, his only capital being good health and a determined will. He began to work at the carpenter’s trade for $8 a month and worked for the same man four seasons. In the meantime he attended school four and a half months. In the winter time when not otherwise employed he chopped and split rails and cut cord wood. In the fall of 1847 he persuaded his father to move to Indiana, and together they located in Noble County. Feb. 8, 1848, he went to Ft. Wayne and bought 160 acres of land in Fairfield Township, De Kalb County, for $440, paying $110 in cash, and the rest to be paid in three annual installments. He then went to Holmes County to take charge of two contracts he had made before leaving Ohio. The following October, having finished his work and paid his hands and for his tools, he started for Indiana. After making the payment on his land and paying the interest he had $2.50 left. He spent a few days with his parents and then proceeded to De Kalb County, and began to improve his land. Nov. 6, his father died leaving a large family with no means for their support. This burden fell on our subject, who built a cabin, and Dec 31 moved his mother and nine children into his home. The future indeed was dark, but he was strong and went bravely to work. With the added expenses of his father’s sickness and funeral he was unable to pay for his land as soon as he had hoped, but September, 1852, saw this accomplishment. In the fall of 1850 his mother returned to her native county, and during the summer his eldest sisters had left. Thus he was without a housekeeper. Oct 6, 1850, he married Sarah, daughter of John Kreighbaum. His mother took her youngest child, leaving five to his care. To Mr. and Mrs. Shipe were born seven children---A son born Dec 12, 1851, died, aged two weeks; Ellen, born Sept. 14, 1853, died at the age of four weeks; Alma, born Dec. 21, 1854, is the wife of Isaiah Meas; John, born march 16, 1856, married Mary Eckhart; David, born July 27, 1857; Leonard, born Jan. 23, 1859, married Amanda Heaney; and a son born July 4, 1860, died in infancy. His wife died July 5, 1860. Jan. 24, 1861, he married Elizabeth Krogin, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, born in 1834, a daughter of Daniel and Anna (Charlton) Krogin, the former of German and the latter of Irish descent. The mother died at the age of sixty-six years, and the father is till living in the eighty-ninth year of his age. Mrs. Shipe removed with her brother-in-law, Samuel Teters, to Steuben County in her nineteenth year, and worked for her own support till her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Shipe have been born six children---Sarah A., born Dec. 29, 1861, is the wife of Emra Teal; Ida Jane, born Feb 20, 1863, died aged ten years and four months; Catharine I., born Oct. 16, 1864, wife of John Norman; Frank, born Oct 1, 1865, died in infancy. Elizabeth, born Oct 25, 1867, died aged two years and two months; Mary, born Dec 16, 1871. In his finances Mr. Shipe has overcome all difficulties and has accumulated sufficient property to maintain him in comfort in his declining years. In 1869 he built a brick kiln on his farm, and in 1872 built the first brick house in Fairfield Township. In January, 1866, he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and have since been faithful to its tenets and earnest workers in the cause of Christianity. In all his business transactions Mr. Shipe has endeavored to be honorable and prompt to fill every obligation, and has thus gained an enviable reputation among all with whom he has had any deal. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat. Although he has never aspired to official honors, he was elected Justice of the Peace in 1860, and served efficiently four years. He was drafted into the service of the Union in 1864, but being in poor health and having a family of small children, he sent a substitute, giving him $825. Mr. Ship’s experience is a lesson to all young men in limited circumstances, as his prosperity is but the result of a life of hard work and economy, undaunted by trials, but with determination overriding all obstacles, and coming off conqueror at last. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Jonathan Shook, pages 589 /590. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Jonathan Shook, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Ohio, born in Jefferson Township, Stark County, Nov. 19, 1835, a son of Jonathan and Mary (Strawser) Shook, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. When two years of age he was bound to Frederick Strawser for his board and clothes till sixteen years old. He then worked for farmers for wages till twenty-one years old, when he went to Pennsylvania to visit his father, whom he had never seen. His father was a blacksmith, and he went to his shop and asked for a night’s lodging, not thinking his father would know him. But his father immediately recognized who he was, and they had a pleasant visit of four days. He then returned to Ohio, and the next year began to work at the carpenter’s trade, which he followed fourteen years. He was married Aug. 31, 1854, to Rebecca Conrad, a native of Summit County, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Fisher) Conrad, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1862 he rented a farm and followed agricultural pursuits till the fall of 1865, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on his present farm in Fairfield Township. He owns eighty acres of choice land and his residence and farm buildings are large and comfortable. To Mr. and Mrs. Shook have been born eight children---Elan (deceased), Harriet, Nelson, David, Emery, Benjamin, Mary and Frank. In politics Mr. Shook is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Reform church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of George Slayman, page 590. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. George Slayman, deceased, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., May 27, 1824, and died in De Kalb County, Ind., Feb 2, 1881. He was a son of John and Susannah (Gross) Slayman, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His mother died when he was an infant, and when he was three years old his father moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was reared, and was married Feb. 26, 1847, to Miss Barbara Bales, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, daughter f David and Anna (Morgan) Bales, natives of Westmoreland County, Pa., of German descent. The following fall they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on forty acres of wild land his father had entered from the Government. He bought forty acres adjoining this, and at once went to work to clear and improve a farm. He was successful in his agricultural pursuits, and added to his first purchase till he had a landed estate of 455 acres, all under cultivation. In politics he was a Democrat. Although he had no aspiration for official honors, he took an active interest in all public affairs and was ready with both time and means to assist any enterprise of benefit to his town or county. In his death Fairfield Township lost one of her most worthy and esteemed citizens, and his family a kind husband and indulgent and affectionate father. To Mr. and Mrs. Slayman were born eight children, but five of whom are living---Rebecca Ann, Sarah E., Maria J., Mary E. and Arwilda E. Ida Belle and an infant son and daughter are deceased. Mrs. Slayman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and takes an active part in all the work of the church of her choice. She is a benevolent, kind woman, and is beloved by her neighbors and esteemed by all who know her. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Harrison Smith, pages 590 / 591. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Harrison Smith, one of the most prominent of Fairfield’s pioneers, was born in Genesee County, N.Y., Oct. 23, 1824, a son of Enos and Clarissa (Jones) Smith, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the later of New Hampshire, of English descent. His mother died when he was a boy, and his father subsequently took his children to Crawford County, Pa., remaining there three years, thence to Huron County, Ohio, remaining till 1844, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on a tract of wild land. He bought forty acres and at once began to clear and improve it. Our subject was reared a farmer and by practicing the lessons taught him in his youth, has been successful, and now owns 107 acres of land, eighty acres under cultivation and the rest timber land. His farm buildings are large and convenient. His father died at his home Oct. 10, 1860, aged eighty-five years, nine months and one day. Mr. Smith was married Aug. 12, 1852, to Elizabeth Rohrer, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of David and Sarah (Wible) Rohrer, who came from Pennsylvania to Holmes County in an early day, and to De Kalb County in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had five children, but two of whom are living---David Edward and Walter D. Sarah J., Martha E. and Rebecca Ann are deceased. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of James Stonebraker, page 591. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. James Stonebraker, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born Feb. 12, 1845, is the second son of Daniel and Eliza (Gilmore) Stonebraker. He was but three years old when his mother died, and but four when he lost his father. He was reared by strangers, working for his board and attending school as soon as he was old enough. July 1, 1863, he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, and participated in many hard-fought battles, among others Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Altoona. At the latter he was wounded in the right hand, and was in the hospital nine months, never again being able to join his regiment. He was discharged May 25, 1865, and returned to De Kalb County, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. In 1875 he settled on a part of his father’s old homestead, and now owns 145 acres of choice land. In 1881 his residence was destroyed by fire, but the following summer he built his large two-story residence with all modern improvements, which is one of the finest in the township. Mr. Stonebraker was married April 7, 1871, to Rebecca A., daughter of George and Barbara (Bales) Slayman. They have a family of three children---Celia R., Minnie S., and Jesse H. In politics Mr. Stonebraker affiliates with the Republican party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John M. Stonebraker, pages 591 / 592. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Pulishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John M. Stonebraker, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1842, the eldest of four children of Daniel and Eliza (Gilmore) Stonebraker. His father was a native of Ohio, born June 8, 1817, and lived in his native State till 1850, when he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Fairfield Township, buying seventy acres of land and subsequently adding eighty acres to it. His wife died in 1853, and the same year he married again. He died Sept 24, 1854. After the death of his father John M. found a home in the family of his guardian, J.M. Brumback, with whom he lived most of the time till after the breaking out of the Rebellion. Aug. 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh and Stone River. At the latter battle he was wounded in the right leg, and for six month was unable to perform any active duty. Nov. 13, 1863, he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was sent to Chicago where he remained till the expiration of his term of enlistment. He was discharged Aug. 27, 1864, and returned to De Kalb County, and worked most of the time in a saw-mill till 1867, when he began farming on the old homestead. He has a fine farm of 100 acres, and his improvements are among the best in the county. He was married March 12, 1867, to Harriet, daughter of George and Almond (Page) Drowley. They have has six children---Otelia May, George M., Mary Bessie, John G., Louie, and Nellie (deceased). Mrs. Stonebraker is a member of the United Brethren church. Politically he is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Henry Stomm, pages 592 / 593. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Henry Stomm, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of the Baden, Germany, born march 24, 1833, a son of George and Margaret (Holtzworth) Stomm. When he was fifteen years of age he began to learn the weaver’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He than worked as a journeyman two years when he was drafted into the German army, but before he was mustered in he left the country and came with his parents to the United States. They located in Stark County, Ohio, but in the spring of 1854 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a tract of land in Fairfield Township, and the following spring sent to Stark County for his parents. His father was born in 1802 and died in 1874. His mother died April 3, 1884, aged eighty-three years. His land was unimproved, but a very little having been cleared of the timber, but he went bravely to work and now has about 160 acres of the best land in the township, all under cultivation. His residence and farm buildings are among the best in the county. He was married Jan. 9, 1856, to Maria Getts, daughter of William and Eliza (Hosler) Getts, early settlers of De Kalb County. To them were born ten children, eight of whom are living---Daniel, Eliza E., Moses, William, Mary L., Nore A. and Cora A. (twins), and Clara A. Sarah C. and Amanda are deceased. Mrs. Stomm died Oct, 1, 1882, and Jan. 22, 1885, Mr. Stomm married Mrs. Catherine Bickle, a native of Berks County, Pa., born in 1838, daughter of Conrad and Mary A. Schreber, and widow of Henry Bickle. Mr. and Mrs. Stomm are members of the German Reform church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of John T. Urey, page 592. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John T. Urey, deceased, was a native of Coshocton, County, Ohio, born June 6, 1828, a son of George and Nancy (Thompson) Urey, natives of Jefferson County, Ohio. He was reared on a farm, receiving a good common-school education. He remained with his parents till his marriage, and then engaged in farming. In the fall of 1864 he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on a tract of wild land on section 23, Fairfield Township, which he cleared and improved, making a good farm, on which he lived till his death, Jan. 31, 1879. He was a public spirited, energetic citizen, and was influential in promoting many enterprises of benefit to his township. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and most exemplary Christian. He was married Dec. 29, 1859, to Elizabeth Hostetter, daughter of Jacob and Esther (Arnold) Hostetter, of German descent, who moved from Somerset County, Pa., to Coshocton County, Ohio, when Mrs. Urey was fifteen years of age, and thence to St. Joseph County, Ind., where the father died and the mother still lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Urey were born six children---George, John H., Samuel C., Nancy E., Rebecca E., and Etta May. The first three are school-teachers in this county. Mrs. Urey is a member of the German Baptist church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Samuel Watts, pages 593 / 594. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Samuel Watts, framer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., March 30, 1821, a son of George and Rachel (Zimmerman) Watts, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather Thomas Watts, was a native of Ireland and came to the United States prior to the war of the Revolution. His maternal grandparents were natives of Germany. When he was twelve years of age his parents moved to Holmes County, Ohio, where he lived with them till eighteen years of age, working in the meantime to assist in the maintenance of the family. In 1849 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a wild tract of land in Fairfield Township. Returning to Ohio he worked at the carpenter’s trade till he had paid for his land, and in 1859 came again to De Kalb County, and began to clear and improve his frontier farm. He has by industry and economy been successful and now has 200 acres of valuable land under a good state of cultivation. He was married June 16, 1853, to Barbara Gardner, daughter of John and Barbara (Camp) Gardner. To them have been born four children, two of whom are living---Josiah and William H. John and Sarah are deceased. In politics Mr. Watts is a Democrat. He is one of the most enterprising and public-spirited men of the township, and is esteemed by all who know him. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Adam Weirich, page 594. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Adam Weirich, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Lebanon county, Pa., born July 16, 1827, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth (Rupe) Weirich. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood, living with his parents till his maturity. He then learned the blacksmith’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years. He worked as a journeyman two years and engaged in business for himself two years in Stark County and then returned to Wayne County and followed his trade till 1858, when he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on a tract of second-handed land he had previously bought. This he has cleared and improved and to his original purchase of ninety acres has added thirty-five acres, having now a fine farm of 125 acres. He has also worked at his trade in connection with farming and has been very successful, having acquired a competency for his old age. He was married Oct. 8, 1851, to Martha (Wise) Sidle. They have had seven children---Martha E., wife of W.H. Gardner; Adam S., Jacob M., Sarah J., Samuel M., James W., and Catherine E. Mr. and Mrs. Weirich are members of the Lutheran church. Politically he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Jacob Weirich, pages 594 / 595. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Jacob Weirich is a native of Lancaster County, Pa., born May 8, 1823, the eighth of twelve children of John and Elizabeth (Rupe) Weirich, native of Pennsylvania, of German parentage. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, and he lived with them on a farm till sixteen years of age. He then began to learn the shoemaker’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of two and a half years. After working some time as a journeyman he engaged in business for himself, and in 1850 came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought forty acres of wild land on section 16, Fairfield Township. To this he afterward added ten acres, and after getting it partially improved sold it and bought the 120 acres which is now his fine farm, which he has brought from a wild-timbered state to one of advanced cultivation. He was married April 11, 1844, to Caroline Reinoehl, a native of Lebanon County, Pa., daughter of John and Catherine (Johnson) Reinoehl, early settlers of Wanye County. They have had a family of seven children, four of whom are living---Joseph, Jesse, John and Alice, wife of Samuel Smith. In politics Mr. Weirich is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Martin Wetzel, page 595. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Martin Wetzel, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Germany, born May 4, 1834, a son of Andrew and Caterlye (Smith) Wetzel. When he was twenty years of age, in 1854, he came to the United States, landing in New York Nov. 26, and from there proceeded to Ohio, finally locating in Erie County, where he worked three years by the month. He was married Nov. 22, 1857, to Elizabeth Hahn, a daughter of John and Barbara (Mendell) Hahn, who came to America from Germany in July, 1857. After his marriage he rented land in Erie County till the fall of 1863, and Nov. 1 came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought forty acres of land in Fairfield Township, twenty of which were partially improved. To this he has added forty acres, and now has a fine farm of eighty acres, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. Sept. 27, 1864, he enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry and served till June 26, 1865. While he was in the army, Feb. 22, 1865, his wife died, leaving four children, three of whom are living---Kate, Lucy and John. Margaret died Oct 8, 1865, aged eight months. Sept. 18, 1865, Mr. Wetzel married Elizabeth Hommerhouse, widow of John Hommerhouse, and sister of his first wife. She died April 15, 1873, leaving six children---Augustus, John, Margaret, Christopher, Martha and Lydia, the first two being children by her first marriage. March 15, 1883, Mr. Wetzel married Mrs. Elizabeth Booran, daughter of Michael Treesh. She was first married to William Booran, by whom she has one child---Francis Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel are members to the Evangelical Lutheran church. Politically he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Samuel F. White, pages 595 / 596. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Samuel F. White, farmer and stock-raiser, is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Fairfield Township. He was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Jan.7, 1808, a son of James and Jane (Mitchell) White, natives of Ireland, where they were married and subsequently came to the United States, and settled first in Pennsylvania, moving to Hamilton County several years later, and when Samuel was a child, to Covington, Ky., where his father died in 1814. His mother afterward returned to Hamilton County, and about 1824 moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was married Dec. 10, 1833, to Hannah Salt, daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth (Hively) Salt. They settled in Morrow County, Ohio, where they lived till September, 1853, and then moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 132 acres of land, but a small part of which had been cleared of timber. Of this land he has made a fine farm, and is now one of the most prosperous citizens of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born eight children, but three of whom are living---James M., John O., and Albert M. The two eldest, James and John were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. In politics Mr. White was originally a Whig, but since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of William P. Wiley, pages 596. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. William P. Wiley, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Juniata County, Pa., May 22, 1811, a son of Samuel and Nancy (Porter) Wiley. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch descent, a son of Samuel Wiley, a soldier in the war of the Revolution. In 1812 his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Miami County where he grew to manhood. When sixteen years of age he began to work at the blacksmith’s trade, and served an apprenticeship of four years. He then worked as a journeyman eight years. In 1839 he moved to Pickaway, Ohio, and engaged in business for himself four years; thence to Johnson’s Mills, and two years later to Lockport. In 1848 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on the farm where he now lives in Fairfield Township. He bought 333 acres of wild land which he has cleared and improved, and now has one of the finest farms in the township. He was married Sept. 18, 1834, to Mary J. Winans, a native of Miami County, Ohio, daughter of Anthony and Hannah (Freeman) Winans. They have had a family of eight children, five of whom are living---Hannah, Catherine, Mary, Harriet and David. The deceased are Nancy E., Sarah Maria and Collista. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley are members of the Disciples church. He cast his first vote for President Jackson, and has since affiliated with the Democratic party. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of William H. Wilsey, page 597. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. William H. Wilsey, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Greene County, N.Y., July 10, 1821, a son of Isaac and Jane (Carpenter) Wilsey, the former a native of New York, of Holland descent, and the latter of Puritan ancestry. When he was a child his parents moved to New Jersey, and in 1839 to Tompkins County, N. Y., where he lived till 1845, when he came to Indiana and entered forty acres of Government land in De Kalb County. He built a small cabin into which he moved his family, and began to make a home out of a tract of timber land. He cleared and cultivated his land, and by industry and good management has been successful, and has added to his land till he now owns 120 acres all well improved. He has erected good buildings on his farm, and has one of the pleasantest and most convenient homes in the township. He was married Jan. 25, 1843, to Ursula Jane Haskins, a native of Rutland County, Vt., daughter of Aris and Sarah (Warner) Haskins. They have had a family of eight children but four of whom are living---Mary Jane, wife of George W. Anstett; Elizabeth Ann, wife of Walter W. Crise; John W. and Henry E. Sarah M., Sarah H., Charles L., and Frank E. are deceased. He has served his township two terms as Trustee. Mrs. Wilsey is a member of the Evangelical church. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Jacob Wiltrout, pages 597 / 598. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Jacob Wiltrout, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1806. When a young man he emigrated to Summit County, Ohio, and was there married to Sarah Kendall, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1852 they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Richland Township. Where the mother died in 1857, aged forty-two years. In 1863 he moved to Fairfield Township and settled on the farm now owned by his sons, where he died in March, 1875. His family consisted of four children, three sons and a daughter. The daughter, Alice died before the mother, aged two years. One son, William R., was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and died at Washington from the effects of his exposure and hardships, aged twenty years. The remaining sons are Benjamin S. born in 1839, and Franklin W., born Dec. 22, 1849. The latter was about three years old when his parents moved to De Kalb County. Here he was reared and educated, and since attaining manhood has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He now owns a part of the old homestead, his farm containing 110 acres of valuable land. He was married Oct. 9, 1878, to Maria Elizabeth, daughter of Francis Beuchat. To them have been born four children, but three of whom are living---Mary M., Essie May and Amos H. William F. died aged three months and twelve days. In politics Mr. Wiltrout is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Edward Wright, pages 598 / 599. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Edward Wright, retired farmer, is a native of New York, born Jan. 30, 1810, a son of Jephtha and Betsey (Gordon) Wright, natives f New Hampshire, of Scotch and English descent. He was married April 26, 1832, to Polly Barry, daughter of John and Eve (Failing) Barry. Her grandfather and his sister were captured by the French during the French and Indian war and taken to Canada. The sister was soon after released, but he was held and exchanged as a prisoner of war. Mrs. Wright died Feb 14, 1885, after sharing the hardships and privation and the comforts and pleasures of married life with her husband nearly fifty-three years. They family consisted of six children, four of whom are living---Louisa, wife of Moses Gonser; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Ringer; George J., of Osborn, Kas., and Mary J., wife of Park Sebert. Hiram and Celestia died in childhood. George J. was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in the Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry. In December, 1863, on account of ill health, he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, where he served till his discharge, July 17, 1865. In 1837 Mr. Wright left his native State and located about twenty miles from Detroit, where he kept a hotel during the building of the first railroad from Detroit to Chicago. In 1838 he moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on eighty acres of land his father had entered the years before. In the spring of 1839 he built a cabin into which he moved his family and began making a farm. He added to his land till he had 160 acres and made it his home till the winter of 1847-‘8, when he moved to Fairfield Center and engaged in the mercantile business and in the manufacture of potash and pearlash, shipping to New York, and thence to England. In 1860 he moved to Sedan where he ran an ashery three or four years. Selling this, he bought about thirty acres of land and built a tannery, and also manufactured gloves and mittens a number of years. He then in company with his son-in-law, Park Sebert, bought eighty acres of land, and subsequently added more to it till they had a large farm. They afterward divided their land, and Mr. Wright now has a good farm of 116 acres. He was Postmaster at Fairfield Center three or four years, and was the second Postmaster at Sedan. He has also served a Trustee of Fairfield Township. In politicis he is a Republican. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com Biography of Anthony Zonker, page 599. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Anthony Zonker, one of the successful and well-known pioneers of De Kalb County, was born near Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 23, 1818, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Rode) Zonker, natives of Switzerland, who came to the United States after their marriage and settled in Pennsylvania. In 1825 they moved to Stark County, Ohio, where our subject grew to manhood. The father died in Seneca County, Ohio, aged sixty-five years and the mother near Avilla, Ind., aged eighty-two years. In 1845 Mr. Zonker came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 130 acres of unimproved land, which he commenced to clear and improve. In 1855 he sold his land and bought a saw-mill on the outlet of Indian Lake, which he ran ten years. He was successful, and in the mean time bought a large tract of land, and subsequently quit his mill and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He now owns 500 acres of choice land, the greater part under cultivation. Mr. Zonker was married July 16, 1846, to Elizabeth Hosler, a native of Stark County, Ohio, daughter of Michael Hosler. They have had a family of nine children, six of whom are living---Mary J., Margaret Ann, Wayne A., John Edward, William A. and Eliza Ellen. Samuel, Eli and Emma are deceased. Mr. Zonker is one of the most practical and through farmers of the township, and has always taken an active interest in the growth and development of the county. In politics he is a Democrat. Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com