LUSE-Jacob - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Jacob Luse, a prominent citizen and prosperous farmer of Coal Creek Twp, Montgomery County, Indiana and also connected with the Farmers' and Merchants' bank of Wingate, richly deserves the success he has atained in life. Self-dependent from early youth, Mr. Luse won his way steadily upward, never allowing disappointment or disasters to overcome his cheerful energy and business courage. Losses by devastating fires and the various trying experiences that are common to all agriculturists he has borne with steady patience and a determination to override all obstacles and by honest labor gain a certain livelihood. The parents of Mr. Luse were natives of Pennsylvania and were undoubtedly of German descent. Jacob and Elizabeth Shade Luse the father and mother were not destined to rear a large afmily as had their ancestors before them. Jacob Luse was their only child, the father dying when his little son was but six months old. Left to the care of his mother's people, Jacob knew but little of his father's early history. Born in Cumberland County, Pa. in 1818, he was but a young boy when he began his apprenticeship to a trade and was obliged to serve 7 long years before he was free to engage in business for himself. In 1832 the orphan boy found his way to Ohio and located in Piqua, where he remained four busy years. Mr. Luse then journeyed to Michigan City but he soon determined to look elsewhere for a permanent home and business. he traveled onf oot, waded sloughs and finally settled in Attica, Fountain County where he engaged in the manufacture of chairs and bedsteads. This was his first business venture, and metting with fair success he continued in the same employment until 1846, when having by prudent management secured a small capital, he decided to forsake manufacturing for agricultural pursuits. Benton Co. was Mr. Luse's next home and there upon a farm, for the succeeding 4 years, he diligently planted seed and reaped the harvest. He made many friends in this location and was elected Supervisor and filled the offical position with ability and faithfulness. But preferring to pay a fine rather than neglect his business and serve a second time, he refused to accept the office upon reelection. Upon leaving Benton County, Mr. luse came directly to his present home and settled permanently. The farm of 160 acres was not then in its present state of cultivation. Most of it was unimproved but intelligent work has wrought a santisfactory change. mr. Luse was married in 1845 to Miss Charlotte Martin, daughter of Ephraim Martin, a native of Ohio. She was born July 16, 1821. 10 children were the fruit of this union, six sons and four daughters, and all were welcome to the loving care and shelter of the home. These children were: Rhoda; Ephraim (deceased); Linda; Amos; John (deceased); Hattie; Albert; George (deceased); Estelle and William L (deceased). Mr. Luse is essentially a self-made man. He bravely fought the battle of life alone and unaided by influence of friends or fortune. But it has been the happiness of his later life to assist his children to homes and business. Mr. and Mrs. Luse and their family have enjoyed the confidence of friends and neighbors and have a wide circle of acquaintances. mrs. Luse departedt his life July 27, 1891. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are always identified with its religious and social work. Our subject, although not a poltician is a strong Republican and a warm defender of party principles.