From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 676

Christian Fast is a native of Fayette County, Pa., born Feb. 12, 1814, a son of Martin and Catherine (Blosser) Fast. In 1816 his parents moved to Wayne, now Ashland County, Ohio, and settled in Jackson Township. At that time there were but nine families in the township, and for three months his mother did not see the face of a white woman. They settled in the heavy timber, and there Christian was reared and educated, attending the old-fashioned log-cabin schools. He was married April 14, 1839, to Henrietta Sowle, a native of New York State, born Nov. 10, 1820. They had a family of eight children -- Joseph J.; Rosanna, wife of Alonzo Burlingame; Francis A., Sheriff of Steuben County; Eli, a famer; Mary E., wife of Orville Goodale, Clerk of Steuben County; Rachel, wife of Melville McGrew; John A., deceased; Henrietta. Mrs. Fast died Dec. 8, 1859, and Mr. Fast subsequently married Rhoda M. Wells, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, born Dec.12,1835. They have two children -- Ira and Orla. Mr. Fast came to Steuben County in 1852 and settled on section 15, Pleasant Township, on a tract of wild land. He has been an industious, economical man, and has accumulated a good property. He owns 160 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, valued at $75 an acre. His buildings are substantial and were among the best in the county at the time they were built, and every improvement has been placed on the land by his own hands. Mr. and Mrs. Fast are members of the Christian church, and among the most influential citizens of the township.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com