From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 566

William T Heath, one of the most enterprising farmers of Fremont Township, and an early settler of Steuben County, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., July 27, 1816. His parents, Reuben and Sally (Bishop) Heath, were natives of Berkshire County, Mass., and early settlers of Columbia County. They were the parents of ten children, three of whom are now living. When twenty years of age our subject left his native county and went to Curtisville, Mass., and worked in a chair factory, and at the same time taught music in the surrounding country. He was married April 15, 1840, to Harriet D., daughter of Zenas and Ruth Wilcox, of Berkshire County, Mass. Soon after their marriage they moved to Geauga County, Ohio, and in 1848 to Steuben County, Ind. In 1849 he settled on his present farm, the only house at the time being a small log cabin. In this the family lived five years. Five acres were cleared and with this exception Mr. Heath has made his beautiful home by his own industry. He is a man of keen perception, liberal education, dignified, yet easy in his manners, and is a general favorite in social circles. Inheriting from his father a talent for music, and having this talent cultivated, he has become one of the most popular and successful teachers of vocal music in Northern Indiana, and has done more to advance and elevate the public in the art than any other teacher in this section. His daughters, Josephine and Belle, are both accomplished musicians and teachers. The latter is the wife of Prof. A. M. Holbrook, a musician of wide reputation. Mr. Heath is not only admired for his superior musical talent but his upright and honorable dealing has gained him many friends. His readiness to assist all laudable enterprises has often obliged him to devote time to the public at the expense of his personal interests. His obliging and generous disposition has made him forgetful of self, and has therefore added to his popularity and made him most highly esteemed by all who know him.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com