From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 860

Melvin Gaskill was born in Ohio, July 31, 1853. His father, Asa Gaskill, was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1810, a son of Asa and Hannah Gaskill. In 1839 he visited Steuben County and bought 240 acres of land in York Township, paying $1,000 in cash for it, but returned to Ohio and was married Jan. 13, 1846, to Mrs. Emily P. Benjamin, who was born Sept. 7, 1814, widow of David Benjamin, and daughter of Joseph Goodale. She died Jan. 17, 1864, aged forty-nine years, leaving two children -- Emma, wife of Allen Fast, of Angola, and Melvin. The father was again married Jan. 21, 1868, to Olive Haskell, a native of Ohio, born Jan. 21, 1831, who, before her marriage, was a school teacher. They reside in Metz, their farm adjoining the village plat. Melvin Gaskill lived with his father till June 6, 1874, when he was married to Lizzie Norris, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born Oct. 7, 1857, daughter of Abram and Mary Ann Norris. In 1867 her mother came to Steuben County, and settled in Richland Township, where she died April 5, 1883. Her three children are -- Ford, of Metz; Emma, wife of Asa Burch, and Mrs. Gaskill. Mr. and Mrs. Gaskill have had five children, four of whom are living -- Fordis, Warren, Evile and Wayne. Their fourth child, Mamie died at the age of nine months. They are members of the Disciples church, and among the prominent and prosperous young people of Richland Township.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com