From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 694-695

Ancil Ward has been a resident of Steuben County, Ind., since June, 1836, coming here with his parents, Alexander and Rebecca (Gray) Ward. His father was a native of Canada and his mother of Pennsylvania. They were married in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where three children were born to them. In June, 1836, they moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Mill Grove Township, north of Orland, on what is now known as the Kidder place. In 1838 they bought a farm in Jackson Township, where the father died in October, 1842. The mother died at the home of our subject May 2, 1881. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and among its most liberal supporters. Ancil Ward was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, March 22. 1829. He was but thirteen years old when his father died, and being the eldest son, the main dependence of his mother. Without a murmur he assumed control of the farm, and although so young, his mother soon found that her son was equal to the emergency and leaned on him in all her hours of despondency. He remained with his mother till his marriage, May 16, 1855, to Susan E., Yockey, a native of Franklin County, Pa., born March 15, 1837, daughter of Frederic Yockey. After his marriage he moved to Pleasant Township and settled on the farm where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have a family of seven children -- Charles B., a farmer of Branch County, Mich.; Emma, wife of Jacob Mountz; Alice, wife of Ira A. Thomas, of Ohio; Frederick K., David A., Walter H. and Etta Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Ward and their daughter Emma and her husband are members of the United Brethren church.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com