Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 481-482
Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois, 1888
.
Volunteer: Maureen Johnson

BURTON STEEL,son of BASIL and MARTHA A.(McALLISTER) STEEL, is one of the leading citizens of Sheffield Township. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 6, 1842, and was about four years of age when brought to this county. He was reared on the old homestead in Sheffield Township, and was educated in the schools at Wyandotte and the Stockwell High School. He was married March 6, 1866, to MIss SARAH E. MICHAELS, a native of La Fayette Indiana, and daughter JOHN B. and SARAH (LEE) MICHAELS. Her father was an active and influential man in the early history of the county, and for some time was connected with the press of La Fayette. JOHN B. MICHAELS was a son of MOSES and SARAH MICHAELS, and was born at Albany, Edwards County, Illinois, in 1818. Mrs. MICHAELS was a daughter of WILLIAM and HANNAH LEE, and was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1819. They were untied in marriage May 26, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. LEE were among the earliest settlers of Sheffield Township, and one of their sons, SMITH LEE, was at one time auditor of the county. He was a Mason of high standing, and also an Odd Fellow, and was one of LaFayette's most esteemed citizens. He was holding the office of county sheriff at the time of his death, which occurred December 8, 1847. To BURTON STEEL and his wife were born two children--MAY, born February 2, 1869, and FRANK, born October 15, 1870. Mr. STEEL has lived on his present farm since his marriage, with the exception of ten months spent in Texas, and in 1880 he erected his present substantial residence, and the same year built a fine barn. His farm consists of eighty-three acres of choice land, and everything about the place indicates care and thrift. In politics, Mr. STEEL is a Republican. He was elected township trustee in April, 1886, which office he still holds with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He has always taken an active interest in the advancement of religion, education and temperance, and every enterprise for the advancement of the same has his encouragement and Support. Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Dayton, and he is Superintendent of the Sabbath School.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana  page 482
Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois, 1888
.
Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

WILLIAM C. L. TAYLOR, attorney for the city of La Fayette, was born and reared in this city, the date of his birth being May 22, 1836.  His father, JOHN TAYLOR, was born near Philadelphia, brought up there, and moved to a point near Hamilton, Ohio, and soon after moved again, locating in La Fayette about 1826.  Here he engaged in mercantile pursuits, probably on the lot now occupied by the La Fayette National Bank; the memorandum simply says, "near the Wabash River."  He was a business man, until by merchandising and speculation, he had accumulated considerable property.  He died August 4, 1865, a member of the Episcopalian church.  For his first wife he married MISS SUSAN V. BROWN, who died; and he afterward married MISS MARY ANN BROWN, who was born near Hamilton, Ohio, and came with her parents to La Fayette in an early day.  She was the mother of COLONEL TAYLOR, the subject of this sketch.  She died in 1848, and was buried Greenbush cemetery, where also her husband was afterward buried.  COLONEL TAYLOR entered the State University at Bloomington, at the age of sixteen years, in 1852, and graduated in 1856; studied law in the office of ORTH & STINE, La Fayette, and was admitted to the bar in 1857, by JUDGE INGRAM, since which time, except when in the army, he has successfully followed his chosen profession.  For a few brief periods he has had a partner. Before the war his partners were successively G. O. BEHM and T. B. WARD; and since that period, W. D. LEE and F. J. MATLER.  July 21, 1861, at LaFayette, COLONEL TAYLOR enlisted as a private, and was promoted First Lieutenant in Company G, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry.  August 2, his regiment was ordered to the front, first to Cockville, Maryland; September 24, to Fortress Monroe, and directly to Hatteras Inlet; then up to the inlet to Chickamacomico, where they were attacked by the enemy's gunboats, and also by infantry and artillery, and were forced back to the light-house, twenty-eight miles.  Being re-enforced by Duryea's Zouaves, they were ordered next to Fort Hatteras, where they were soon washed out by a storm off the Atlantic, and lost all their tents and equipage.  November 19, they sailed for Fortress Monroe.  The next day MR. TAYLOR was promoted to the position of Captain.  Late in March, 1862, they moved to Newport News.  While making headquarters here the famous encounter between the iron clads Monitor and Merrimac took place in Hampton Roads, in which CAPTAIN TAYLOR participated.  When the ship Congress was surrendered the enemy would have taken possession of her hand had our skirmishers permitted.  It is said that the Twentieth Indiana was the only regiment that ever whipped an iron clad.  Next they took possession of Norfolk, after which they were attached to the Army of the Potomac, June 8, 1862, on the Fair Oaks battle-field, being assigned to GENERAL JAMIESONS'S Brigade, Kearney's Division, Heintzelman's (Third) Army Corps.  This body was next engaged in the celebrated "Seven Days' Battles" in front of Richmond, in which the Twentieth Indiana covered the retreat of our men.  The regiment lost heavily in the battles of the Orchards and Glendale, and formed a portion of the flank guard of the Army of the Potomac during its march across the Peninsula to Yorktown.  Taking steamer there it proceeded to Alexandria, then it marched down to the Rappahannock to re-enforce GENERAL POPE.  Here it was engaged in the contest precipitated by STONEWALL JACKSON'S flank movement against POPE'S army.  Participated in the second battle of Bull Run; falling back to Centerville, it took part in the battle of Chantilly, and thence it was ordered to Arlington Heights.  October 11, 1862, the regiment crosses the Potomac at Georgetown, and moved to Conrad's Ford to intercept STEWART'S cavalry, but failed to reach the point in time.  October 25, it moved to Leesburg and Warrington; thence, in November, to Falmouth; December 11, crossed the Rappahannock below Fredericksburg, and participated in the battle on the left of that city.  Here, February 12, 1863, CAPTAIN TAYLOR was commissioned Major.  April 20, re-crossed the Rappahannock with the Third Army Corps and engaged in the battle of Chancellorsville, capturing the Twenty-third Georgia Regiment.  June 6, 1863, MAJOR TAYLOR was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and July3, Colonel, commanding in this capacity at the battle of Gettysburg.  Next the regiment moved with the army in pursuit of LEE, through Maryland into Pennsylvania, and participated in the great battle of Gettysburg, July 2 and 3; on the 4th, pursued the fleeing enemy across the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, taking part in the battle of Wapping Heights, or "Manassas Gap;" next, it was sent to New York City to quell the riots there, which were raised on the occasion of the draft, and during the six weeks the troops were stationed there COLONEL TAYLOR had command of Fort Schuyler in New York harbor.  The regiment rejoined the Army of the Potomac in time to participate in the engagement at Locust Grove and Mine Run in November. It also participated in a severe fight at Rappahannock Crossing, being the first to cross the river and engage the enemy until it could be re-inforced.  After the Mine Run campaign the regiment crossed the Bapidan with Grant's army in May, 1864, and participated in the Battles of the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Po River, Spottsylvania, Tollopotani, Nye River and Cold Harbor, at which point the Twentieth and Fourteenth Indiana were consolidated.  Crossing the James River, they fought the battles of Deep Bottom and Strawberry Plains.  Next, they were for a long time in entrenchment's in front of Petersburg, where they were under fire almost constantly day and night.  By this time the regiment was reduced below its minimum number, was merged into other organizations and its supernumerary officers were sent home.  At this time there was no Colonel.  COLONEL TAYLOR was afterward detailed to preside at a court martial at Indianapolis, and was assigned to duty as a commander of this district, with nothing to do but to remain in the service.  The authorities, refusing to muster him out at the regular time, forgot altogether to do it until their attention was again called to the matter in 1879!  In 1874 COLONEL TAYLOR removed from La Fayette to Bloomington, this State, but since 1881 has been a resident of his old home, La Fayette.  To the present time, except of course while in the army, he has followed his profession, where he excels as a careful counselor and successful advocate.  Before the war he served as prosecuting attorney one term, and ever since that epoch he has been city attorney, serving in this capacity even for the city of Bloomington during his residence there.  Politically, he was originally an "American," being an elector for this district on the Bell and Everett ticket in 1860;  but since then he has been a steady Republican, serving for one term as a member of the State Central Committee, and at other times in other party relations.  In his social relations he is a member of the order of Freemasonry and of the Grand Army of the Republic. COLONEL TAYLOR was married April 8, 1864, to MISS LIZZIE, a native near Lexington, Kentucky, and a daughter of DR. J. G. MCPHEETERS, Surgeon first of Fourteenth Indiana and afterward of the Thirty-third Indiana.  He now resides at Bloomington, this State, retired from practice.  The children of COLONEL TAYLOR and MRS. TAYLOR are MARY E. and JOSEPH M..

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 452-454.
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Rosanna Dyer

CAPTAIN WILSON DE WITT WALLACE, attorney at law, La Fayette, was born in that city, November 19, 1838, a son of JAMES WALLACE whose biography is given elsewhere.  As the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, in the town of his nativity, he assisted his father in the cabinet shop and in the work of the farm, forming habits of industry and economy.  At the age of seventeen years he entered Waveland Academy, in Montgomery County, Indiana, but want of money compelled him to quit at the end of a year and resort to some employment.  By teaching school he earned sufficient to enable him to continue his studies for a time, and soon he entered the sophomore class of Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, and graduated there in 1861.  Hurrying home to enlist in the army, he was disappointed at finding that Indiana's quota was full.  He then began the study of law at La Fayette, with Huff & Jones; but soon another call for troops was made, and Mr. WALLACE enlisted as a private, in Company C, Fortieth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry.  At the election of officers Mr. WALLACE was chosen Second Lieutenant of his company, and while in the field, his Captain having been promoted, he was unanimously elected to succeed him.  After a three day engagement along Stone River, and while pursuing the routed enemy across the river, just as he gained the opposite bank, the Captain was struck down by a bursting shell, at the head of his company, his right elbow being shattered and his head being severely injured by the concussion, and for several weeks after his life hung trembling in the balance.  During the service he was an honest, conscientious and brave soldier.  On recovering, he was still incapable of further military service, and he returned home to resume the study of law, in the office of Hon. John A. Stein.  His right arm is still deformed by reason of the wounds received in the services of his country.  In 1864 he was admitted to the bar.  He has carried into his profession the same honesty, perseverance and zeal that characterized him as a soldier, and his professional life has been crowned with success.  He has been employed in a number of very important cases which were the subject of popular interest, among which may be mentioned the injunction suit against the collection of $370,000, voted by Tippecanoe County for a railroad under a new law supposed to be unconstitutional and which was so held by the county court; the ENSMINGER will case, where attorney WALLACE secured a verdict of $60,000 in favor of a poor girl whom the defendant had brought up and for whom he had failed to fulfill his contract.  The Captain has won an eminent position at the bar.  He has had three partners–Hon. R. P. DAVISON, and Captain A. A. RICE, both of La Fayette, and each for several years.  Since September 1, 1887, he has been senior member of the law firm of WALLACE, BAIRD & CHASE, one of the strongest law firms in the city.  Captain WALLACE has held the offices of prosecuting and city attorney.  In 1882 he was the Republican nominee for State Senator, but was defeated by only forty-three votes.  His party seemed to have lost on account of the temperance plank in their platform.  In 1876 he was the Republican nominee for Superior Judge, but was defeated by a combination ticket of the Democratic and Greenback parties.  The Captain is an excellent campaign speaker, being always selected by the Republican State Central Committee for that responsible work.  He is also a writer of advanced literary taste, occasionally contributing, both in prose and poetry, to the public press, and is the author of a stirring and useful novel entitled "Love's Ladder," which was published in 1886 by Belford, Clarke & Co., of Chicago.  It has already passed through three editions, and although the plates were once destroyed by fire, they have been reproduced by the publishers, on account of the incessant demand for the work.  The drift of the story is to expose the formalism and hypocrisy of the modern wealthy city church, and it is highly recommended by the press.  An attractive love story runs through the volume.  The author has a good library, a high standing in scholarship, a wide reputation as a speaker and writer, and is a man of broad, liberal views, and a welcome visitor in all the refined circles of society.  On the twenty third anniversary of his birthday, just before leaving for the field of war, Captain WALLACE was married to Miss ANNA M. SHIELDS, daughter of P. S. SHIELDS, of New Albany, Indiana.  The children born to theis union are–SALLIE, ELLA, ANNE and CHARLOTTE, who are receiving superior educational advantages.  The Captain and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he has held all the local offices.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 358-361
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

DR. JOHN W. MULLEN, an enterprising and progressive citizen of La Fayette, and one of the leading veterinary surgeons of this portion of the State, is a native of La Salle County, Illinois, born in the vicinity of Ottawa, December 31, 1844, a son of PATRICK and ELIZA (MORROW) MULLEN, PATRICK MULLEN is a native of Ireland, and was reared and married in his native country. He immigrated to American in 1842, coming directly to La Salle County, Illinois, where he has since lived, and is still engaged in farming and stock-raising. JOHN W. MULLEN remained in La Salle County, until reaching the age of seventeen years, and in February, 1862, he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company C, Fifty-third Illinois Veteran Volunteers. His first fighting was at the battle of Shiloh, where he participated in the second day's engagement. He went with his regiment on the campaign to Corinth, thence to Grand Junction and from there to Holly Spring, from there to Memphis, and later to Bolivar. The regiment took part in the second battle of Corinth, and later went to Vicksburg, participating in the siege and capture of that city. After the surrender of Vicksburg, they followed JOHNSTON to Jackson, Mississippi, where the brigade to which Mr. MULLENS belonged, viz: the First Brigade, Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corp, was annihilated and our subject badly wounded. He then received a furlough for sixty days. He returned to his regiment before he had completely recovered and took part in the great Grenada raid. He returned to Vicksburg where his regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and subsequently went home on veteran furlough for thirty days, and on his return was promoted to First Sergeant. He rejoined his command at Allatoona Pass, and was with CORSE in the celebrated defense of that pass. After the battle of Kenesaw Mountain his regiment was one of the first to open battle, July 22, at Atlanta, and there saw General MCPHERSON killed.  Mr. MULLEN fought twelve hours without tasting food or drink, and used 160 rounds of cartridges at this engagement. He followed HOOD'S army as far as Resaca, then turned and went with SHERMAN to the sea, and was one of the first to enter Savannah. He went through the Carolinas to Washington, where he participated in the grand review of SHERMAN'S grand army. He then went to Louisville, thence to Chicago, where he was discharged July 25, 1865. After the war he returned to La Salle County, Illinois, and engaged in farming, but owing to the wound he received while in the service he was obliged to abandon this pursuit. His father was at that time extensively engaged in stock-raising, and there being no surgeon at hand, he began studying veterinary surgery for the treatment of his own stock, and was finally into practice by the demand for his services. In 1869 he went to Livingston County, Illinois where he had charge of the stock farm of BRADFORD HANCOCK for nine years. He there bought property at Strawn, Livingston County, where he followed his profession until coming to LaFayette in July, 1884, and during his residence at this place he has built up a good practice, being regarded as an expert in his profession. For the past six years he has been doing work in five different states, where he has regular agencies.  Dr. MULLEN was admitted as a charter member of the veterinary societies of Illinois, and is now vice-president of the Indiana Association.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 480-481
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

GUILFORD A. WRIGHT, the present trustee of Lauramie Township, is a son of the late CHARLES WRIGHT, who was one of the early pioneers of Tippecanoe County. CHARLES WRIGHT was a native of London, England, coming to the United States a half century ago. His first two years in this country were spent in Rochester, New York, and from there he came to LaFayette, Indiana, where he followed the butcher's trade for two years. He was united in marriage to Miss ELIZABETH OYLER, and of the seven children born to this union, four are yet living--Mrs.. EMMA LUCAS, residing in Sheffield Township, this county-GUILFORD A., the subject of this sketch Mrs. MARY FULLER, living in Frankfort, Clinton County, and Mrs. CLARA CHENOWETH of Caldwell, Kansas. The parents removed from La Fayette to section 28, Lauramie Township. GUILFORD A. WRIGHT was born on the homestead farm on section 23, November 26, 1848, and here he was reared to agricultural pursuits and his education was received in the common district schools of the neighborhood. He was married April 4, 1871, to MIss HARRIET McKEE, the youngest daughter of the late ELI and NANCY (GRILLING) McKEE, who were among the early settlers of Lauramie Township, coming here from Hamilton County, Ohio, in September, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. WRIGHT are the parents of four sons--FRED, CHARLES, HENRY, and THOMAS EARL. Mr. WRIGHT is the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres on section 24, Laramie Township, and he is numbered among the prominent farmers of the community. In politics he is a strong supporter of the Republican party. In 1886 he was elected township trustee, the duties of which position he performs with credit to himself, and satisfaction to his constituents. He is a prominent member of Miller Lodge, No. 268, A.F. & A.M. In theology he is very liberal, adhering principally to the doctrines of the Universalist Church. He takes an active interest in public affairs, is a friend of education, and a supporter of everything pertaining to the general welfare of the public. A brother of our subject GEORGE W. WRIGHT, enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in 1861, in Company G, Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry, and served three years, but died of disease contracted in the service of his country.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 588-589
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

JOHN SKINNER, a worthy representative of one of the early pioneer families of Tippecanoe County, is a native of Indiana, born in Franklin County, April 18, 1822, a son of WILLIAM SKINNER, who came to this county in 1830, and settled in Lauramie Township near the present home of our subject. JOHN SKINNER was but a lad when brought to this county, and here he grew to manhood, being reared on a Frontier farm, and receiving in his youth such educational advantages as the pioneer schools of that early day afforded. He has made farming the principal vocation of his life, but for a few years in early manhood he followed the shoemaker's trade. He is now the owner of a tract of 330 acres, and is numbered among the well-to-do citizens of his township. He was united in marriage April 17, 1862, to Miss NANCY STORMS, who was born in Tippecanoe County, October 28 1831, a daughter of DANIEL STORMS, deceased, who settled in this county in an early day. Five children were born to this union, three of whom are now living--DANIEL A. born June 20, 1863; MORTON, born
March 28, 1867, and FLORENCE E., born December 29, 1874. WILLIAM S. born June 17, 1865, and an infant are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. SKINNER are Methodists, and are numbered among the respected citizens of Lauramie Township,
where they have made their home for so many years.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p 589
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Maureen Johnson

ALLEN OVERLY, an active and progressive citizen of Fairfield Township, residing on section 11, was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 15, 1821, a son of SOLOMON and CATHERINE (PROW) OVERLY, his father being a native of Kentucky. Mr. OVERLY was ten years of age when his parents removed to Carroll County, Indiana, and in 1844 he came to Tippecanoe County, where he has since made his home. He enlisted in the Mexican war, August 18, 1846, in the First Regular United States Mounted Riflemen, and fought under General Scott, and was wounded at the battle of Chapultapec. He participated in the capture of the city Mexico, remaining in camp in that city for four months. He was honorably discharged January 14, 1848, when he returned to his home in Tippecanoe County. March 11, 1848, he was married to Miss SARAH McLOUGHLIN, and to this union ten children were born, of whom seven died in early childhood, and one, a daughter, ELLEN, became the wife of Mr. KEIF, and died at the age of thirty-six years. The two surviving children are MOSES and ULYSSES. Mrs. OVERLY died June 8, 1877. and Mr. OVERLY was again married to Mrs. SARAH (BUCK) ELY, and to them has been born one son named GEORGE WASHINGTON. Mrs. OVERLY was first married to PHILIP ELY, by whom she had three children, CATHERINE JANET TULL and two who died young. Mr. OVERLY was not only a soldier in the Mexican war, but also served three years in the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted December 16, 1861, in Company H, Fortieth Indiana Infantry, and took an active part in the battle of Stone River and in other engagements. The farm now occupied by Mr. OVERLY and his family contains eighty acres of fine land, which belongs to Mrs. SARAH OVERLY, and is one of the best improved in the neighborhood. They occupy a fine two-story residence, located on a natural building site, and the entire surrounding show care and thrift. Besides this farm Mr. OVERLY owns an excellent farm of 107 acres located in Fairfield
Township. In politics Mr. OVERLY affiliates with the Democratic party."

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana pg. 452
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Rosanna Dyer

JAMES JORDAN, deceased, who was one of the pioneers of Tippecanoe County, was born in Virginia, in 1796, a son of WILLIAM JORDAN, who also settled in this county in an early day, where he died. JAMES JORDAN was reared to the vocation of a farmer, which he followed principally through life, though when a young man he followed boating for a time. He was married in his native State, in 1825, to NANCY ADCOCK, and to them were born seven children--JANE was born in Virginia, married NATHAN BROWN, and died in Kansas in 1880; ELIZABETH is the wife of W. ERWIN, of Jasper County, Indiana; BLANCHE is the wife of THOMAS ERWIN, of Wabash Township, this county; WILLIAM H., of Shelby Township; GEORGE, of LaFayette; ELLEN is the wife of WILLIAM ERWIN, of Wabash Township; TIRZA married D.V. GARRISON, of Jasper County, Indiana.

JAMES JORDAN came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, with his family, then consisting of his wife and one child, making the journey by wagon. He first entered Government land in Wabash Township near Hebron, where he made his home for a short time, and later entered land from the Government in Wabash Township, where he made a homestead and there reared his children. He came to this county a poor man, but by industry, frugality and good management he accumulated about 1,000 acres of choice land. He died March 12, 1873, his wife having died some four years previously. He was a firm believer in the faith of the Universalist church, and was a much respected citizen, having by his fair and honorable dealings gained the confidence of all who knew him. In his political views he was formerly a Democrat, and later a strong adherent of the principles of the Republican party.

WILLIAM H. JORDAN, his son, is one of the prominent citizens of Shelby Township. He is a native of Tippecanoe County, born in Wabash Township, near the Shelby Township line. He grew to manhood on a frontier farm, being reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, and receiving such education as the common schools of his early day afforded. He was married March 23, 1856, to Miss RUTH ANN CHAMBERLAIN, who was born in LaFayette, Tippecanoe County, a daughter of JOHN C. CHAMBERLAIN. Her father was a native of England, coming to this country in 1828, when he entered land in Shelby Township, but made his home in LaFayette, where he died October 29, 1839. To Mr. and Mrs. JORDAN were born two sons--L.M., born May 5, 1857, who resides at home with his father, assisting in the work of the farm, and L.C., who was born September 17, 1863, and died April 4, 1886. Mr. JORDAN's greatest affliction in life has been the death of his wife, which occurred December 9, 1882, and his son L.C. Mr. JORDAN has resided on his present farm since 1856, engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is now the owner of 392 acres of well improved land. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.  He is a worthy member of the Christian church, as was also his wife, and no name stands higher in the estimation of the people of his community than that of W. H. JORDAN."

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp 371-372
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

WILLIAM BOGGS, farmer, residing on sections 9 and 16, Jackson Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Pickaway County, July 29, 1852, a son of MOSES BOGGS, now deceased, who was a native the same county.  Major JOHN BOGGS, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the pioneer settlers of Pickaway County, and was an honored and respected citizen.  He was also a soldier in the war of 1812.  WILLIAM BOGGS, whose name heads this sketch, passed his youth on the home farm, being reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has always followed.  He received good educational advantages, being a student at Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, from which institution he graduated in June, 1874.  He became a resident of Tippecanoe County in 1876, in which year he settled on his present farm in Jackson Township.  He is now the owner of 640 acres of land, which is farmed principally by hired help and tenants.  Although he takes an active interest in the welfare of his township and county he never seeks official positions, preferring to devote his attention to his farm.  In connection with his general farming he is engaged in the raising of stock, and is making a specialty of graded stock.  Mr. BOGGS was united in marriage March 11, 1886, to Miss KATE BARNETT, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, a daughter of WALTER BARNETT, deceased, who held the office of sheriff of Guernsey County for two terms.  Her father was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp 361-362
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

MARK JONES, La Fayette

Mr. JONES was born in Kanawha County, W. Va., Jan. 14, 1814.  He is the son of WILLIAM and ELIZABETH (JARRETT) JONES.  During his boyhood he enjoyed no educational advantages beyond those offered by the subscription schools of his neighborhood, whose teachers were generally men of imperfect attainments, and scarcely qualified to impart a knowledge of the rudiments of an education; but , possessed of a naturally bright intellect, and a desire to acquire knowledge, the faint glimpses of learning here received only heightened his ambition to acquire more; and thus every spare moment was employed in conning the contents of some volume placed within his reach.

From early youth, his inclination was toward the study of law; and, although uncertain as to how  his purpose should be accomplished, he was still firm in his resolve that it should be so.

Until 21 years of age, his time was employed on his father's farm, where, in the discharge of his daily duties, little opportunity was afforded him for the pursuit of his studies, and thus he did not begin the study of his chosen profession until later years.

While yet a child, he removed with his father's family to Cincinnati, Ohio, floating down the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers in a flat-boat.  From Cincinnati, the family removed to Wayne County, Ind., where they continued to reside until 1824.  In that year, the father again moved his family, this time locating in Tippecanoe County.

Here, in a new and sparsely settled country, young Mark had much to discourage him in his pursuit of learning; but he persevered, despite his disadvantages, and a grand triumph crowned his efforts in the end.

As he grew to manhood, his abilities began to make themselves manifest, and were recognized by his fellow citizens.  He was first elected Constable in LaFayette, afterward serving as Clerk of the Court of Tippecanoe County.  In 1856, he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in which capacity he served two years.  After retiring from the latter office, he engaged in the collection of soldier's claims, and finally engaged regularly in the practice of law.

On the 23d day of July, 1835, he united in marriage with Miss NANCY WOLFE, who was born November 19, 1819, in Ross County, Ohio, removing to Tippecanoe County, Ind., in 1825, with her parents, JONATHAN and JANE WOLF, whose maiden name was HAYS.

By this marriage, Mr. JONES is the father of three children, one of whom died in infancy.  The surviving children are both married.  MARY J. is now the wife of Mr. PAGE B. SEVERSON, and EMILY G. the wife of Mr. JOHN M. KERPER.

In religion Mr. JONES has ever been favorable to the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a member of that denomination for a number of years.

Until 1854, he acted and voted with the Democratic party, but in that year voted the People's ticket.  In 1856, he embraced the principles of the Republican party, and continued to act with them until 1874, when he became identified with the National or Greenback party.

During the excitement caused by the reported approach of a band of Black Hawk Indians, many years ago, Mr. JONES joined a regiment for the protection of the settlement.  They were not called into active service, and beyond this, he has had no military experience.

During the war of the rebellion, he served as Commissioner of Draft for this county.

Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 32
Kingman Brothers, 1878

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

WILLIAM H. EWRY, City Treasurer

Mr. EWRY, the son of JOHN EWRY, was born in the city of La Fayette, on the 7th day of August, 1838.  Through the public schools of this city he acquired an education, which, although not of the scholastic order, has qualified him for successful participation in the business world.

At the age of 16 years, he closed his school life, and, with a desire to learn a useful trade, apprenticed his services to ROBERT BRECKENRIDGE, in the baker's trade, remaining thus employed for a period of one years.  At the end of that time, he went to Kansas, and was a spectator of the riots of 1856.

In the following November, he left that point and located temporarily in Cass County, Iowa, where, after farming for several weeks, he accepted employment in a sawmill; remaining thus engaged until December 1857.  He then returned to his native city, and engaged as clerk in his father's store.

Dissatisfied with the monotony of commercial life, he again turned his face westward on the 10th day of August 1859.  The following Winter was spent in trapping through Iowa and Minnesota, with successful results.

His next venture was some mining operations at Pike's Peak, Colorado.  In this pursuit, he was engaged from march, 1860, until December, 1864, with a fair degree of success.

Wearied with the loneliness of the miner's camp, he again sought his home, and resumed his position in his father's store, satiated with travel and sightseeing, and prepared to settle permanently in business.

On the 28th day of march, 1866, he gave his hand and heart in marriage to Miss MARY E. RICKARD, a resident of Tippecanoe County.

Having determined to make this city his future home, he retained his clerical position, entering heartily into its duties, and remaining thus engaged until 1875.  At that time, he became the Democratic nominee for the office of City Treasurer, and was elected by a handsome majority.  Having discharged the duties of this office faithfully, during one term, he was awarded a second nomination and was again elected in May 1877.

Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 35
Kingman Brothers, 1878

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

JOHN EWRY, LaFayette

Mr. EWRY was born in Frederick County, Maryland, on the 14th of October 1804.  In 1812, when in the 8th year of his age, he emigrated with his father's family to Montgomery County, Ohio.  His father was engaged in farming and to this pursuit reared his son.  Until 19 years of age, he was thus engaged, but feeling a desire to acquire some of the mechanical arts, he apprenticed himself to a carpenter in Dayton, Ohio, in whose employ he remained for a period of three years.  The fame of the "Wabash country" reached his ears during this time, and ambitious to make a start in life for himself, he associated himself with two other young men, and together they journeyed on horseback through trackless forests, for the goal of their ambition. The 3d day of October 1828 found them at the little village of LaFayette, then a mere opening in the wilderness.  With the capital accumulated during his labor as a carpenter, Mr. EWRY purchased a town lot on Second Street.  Having thus taken the fist step toward securing a home, he decided to return to Ohio.  Passing through Delphi, which then contained only one log cabin, he reached Logansport, where he met Gen. MILROY, preparing to start on a journey to Pottawatomie Mill– an institution established by Government for the Pottawatomies on the present site of Rochester, Ind.  He was invited by the General to join th e company, and by him was furnished with a guide who directed him to the mouth of the Mississinewa River.  Following the course of this stream, he reached Greenville, Ohio, and from thence went to Dayton.  After a few days at home, he went to Cincinnati, where he procured employment.  Dissatisfied, he again returned to his home at the end of two months, and announced his intention of removing permanently to LaFayette.  In this project he was opposed by his parents, who desired him to remain with them; but his purpose was fixed, and he was bent upon its accomplishment.  Waiving all objections and entreaties he embarked on a canal boat for Cincinnati, at which point he took passage on the steamer "Criterion," bound for LaFayette.  But disaster seemed to follow his path. After traveling up the Wabash River for a distance of twenty-five miles, the boat became firmly grounded.  After a fruitless effort had been made to extricate her from this position, he determined to walk the remainder of the journey.  In this undertaking he was joined by four other passengers and after walking as far as Vincennes, they engaged a wagon to take them to Terre Haute, and at that point engaged another wagon in which they traveled to Perrysville, walking from there to LaFayette, which point they reached on the 3d day of April 1829.  Here a new difficulty met him.  The boat on which his chest of tools was stored was left fast aground., and had not yet arrived, and as a consequence he was unable to engage in the work which he had in view.  He employed the time, however, in grubbing and clearing his own lot at the same time contracting for lumber to build his house.

He also contracted to build a store for JOHN McCORMICK, which he completed two weeks later, when the steamer arrived with his chest of tools.  By the proceeds of this job he was enabled to build his own house.  He then built a barn for Col. JOHNSON, who kept a hotel at LaFayette, and with the money thus procured he returned to Ohio for his wife.  In September, 1829, in company with AARON CLASPEL, he started on foot for Dayton, Ohio, walking the entire distance, and returning soon after with his family and household goods in a wagon.

Until the Spring of 1836, he continued to reside in the house first erected by him on Second Street, but at that time sold his property and erected a residence on the corner of Second and Alabama streets, in which he continued to reside for a period of forty-one years, during which time death did not visit his household.  He is the father of nine children, six of whom ere born in this house.  In 1852, his son JOHN, excited by reports of golden treasure in the West, left his home for Oregon, and for a period of nineteen years remained absent from home, writing seldom.  Finally a great doubt laid hold upon the mind of the father, and determined to be satisfied as to this existence, he started on a journey, in 1871, for the point from which he had last heard from his son, and after a sojourn of two months returned to his home satisfied that all was well.

In 1857, his sons engaged in the dry goods trade in the Purdue Block, where they remained eighteen months, afterward removing to the building which they now occupy, on the corner of Second and Columbia streets.  In 1865, associated with their father, they purchased the LaFayette Woolen Mills, which they now operate under the firm name of EWRY & Co.

In the foregoing sketch we have endeavored to give an outline of the life of one of the pioneers of this city.  Arriving at a time when the site of LaFayette was marked only by a few houses, he has lived to witness its steady progress, and to take an active part in its commercial circles; and although having lived beyond the allotted time of man, he is still active and vigorous, transacting his daily duties with great energy and precision.  Throughout his life his action have been marked by an honesty of purpose that has secured him friends wherever he has been situated.

Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,  pg. 32,35
Kingman Brothers, 1878

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

JACOB EWRY, one of LaFayette's enterprising merchants, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, a son of JOHN and MARY L. (SHILL) EWRY, his father being a native of Baltimore County, Maryland, and his mother of Montgomery County, Ohio.  JOHNS EWRY's parents were natives of Maryland, and when he was a boy they removed to Dayton, Ohio, and there he was reared to manhood, and learned the carpenter's trade.  In the spring of 1828 JOHN EWRY, leaving his family temporarily in Dayton, came to LaFayette, Indiana, going by canal to Toledo and making the rest of the journey on foot.  He then went to Crawfordsville from LaFayette, on foot to attend the land sale, but having observed that LaFayette was the head of steamboat navigation, he returned to this city.  Building was then pretty active and JOHN EWRY obtained plenty of work, working that year on the store room of JOSEPH HANNA and on one for JOHN McCORMICK, and built a dwelling for himself.  In September, 1829, he returned to Ohio on horseback, and soon after came back to LaFayette with is family, and household effects in a covered wagon.  He followed building exclusively until about 1840, when he engaged in the manufacture of plows in company with GEORGE ERWIN, with whom he was associated about eight years, after which he carried on the business alone until the spring of 1857.  January 1, 1857, he engaged in the dry goods business in connection with his son JACOB EWRY, the subject of this sketch, under the firm name of J. EWRY & Co., being a member of this company until his death, which occurred April 25, 1886.  He was a prominent pioneer, and took an active interest in the welfare of his county until his death.  In politics he was a Democrat.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian church of LaFayette for many years, but latterly was identified with the Second Presbyterian church.  His wife survived him but twenty-four days, her death taking place May 19, 1886.

JACOB EWRY was reared principally in LaFayette, and after completing his education at J. G. WILSON's seminary, he began clerking in the general mercantile store of DAVID ROSS, and later was with HANNAH & POTTER.  In the spring of 1853 he went to California, having gone that far with a brother who was moving to Portland, Oregon.  He remained in California about two years, when he returned to LaFayette, and engaged with the mercantile firm of BROWN & WEAVER.  He succeeded this firm in the business early in the spring of 1857, and in the fall of the same year his father became associated with him.  In the spring of 1866, he and his father bought out the LaFayette Woolen mills and soon after SAMUEL EWRY became a partner, they operating the mills until they were destroyed by fire in the fall of 1881.  JACOB EWRY was on e of the incorporators of the town of Chauncey.  He has been a member of the Presbyterian church for forty years.  Mr. EWRY married Miss MARY E. SMITH, a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a daughter of PETER B. SMITH, who was an extensive contractor in Pennsylvania.  In 1851 he came with his family to Tippecanoe County, and settled in LaFayette.  Mr. and Mrs. EWRY have three children living–MARY ESTELLE, wife of E. O. McCORMICK, general passenger agent on the New Albany Railroad, residing in Chicago; FANNIE E., wife of W. E. TERRY, a publisher of Chicago, and JOHN J. who has been engaged with the Pullman Palace Car Company.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp 611-612
The Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

ABSALOM M. MILLER -- In preparing a record of the prominent citizens of  Tippecanoe County, men who have labored hard to make it what it now is, one of the best counties in the State, we are assured that it would be incomplete did it not contain more than a passing mention of  A. M. MILLER.  A native of the Buckeye State, he first saw the light of day in Clarke County, Ohio, March 31, 1834.  His father, HENRY MILLER, was a native of Pennsylvania, born June 19, 1807, but being orphaned when but twelve years of age, he soon after found his way to Clarke County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood among strangers, working on their farms by the month until his marriage, which ocurrred in October, 1828, to CHARITY LEWIS, who was born in Ohio, February 16, 1810, a daughter of CALEB and SUSANNAH (COOK) LEWIS.  Her father left North Carolina on account of his aversion to slavery, freeing his slaves, some of whom accompanied him North and remained with him as long as they lived.

In 1834 MR. MILLER and his father-in-law moved to Warren County, Indiana, and bought a tract of unimproved land, which they improved, and there MR. LEWIS spent the last years of this life.  MR. MILLER made his home in Warren County until 1850, when he moved to Tippecanoe County, and settled in Wayne Township, where he followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred September 15, 1878.  His first wife died October 15, 1851, and he subsequently married MARY SAYERS, a native of Montgomery County, Indiana.  To his first marriage were born ten children, five of whom are living, and to his second marriage ten children, seven of whom are living.   A. M. MILLER was but three months old when his parents left Ohio, and his boyhood and youth was spent in assisting his father on the frontier farms of Indiana.  He was given good educational advantages for the times, attending Farmers' Institute and Green Mount College at Richmond, Indiana.  After leaving school he engaged in teaching three years, and then turned his attention to agriculture, and now owns a fine farm where he lives, on section 4, Jackson Township.  He was married February 26, 1860, to SARAH A. HOLMAN, who was born in 1841, a daughter of JOHN and SUSANNAH (HOLLINGSWORTH) HOLMAN.  Her father was a native of Ohio, son of DAVID HOLMAN, a pioneer of Tippecanoe County, who first settled on the farm now owned and occupied by A. H. CROUSE.  Her mother died when she was but three months old, and she was reared in the family of her grandfather, WILLIAM HOLLINGSWORTH.  Her father now lives in Piatt county, Illinois, MR. and MRS. MILLER have had five children, three of who are living -- SUSANNAH, ADDISON E. and DE WITT C.  Their eldest son, EDGAR W., died November 5, 1881, aged twenty years.  He stood at the head of his class in Wabash College, and was a young man of great promise, beloved by all who knew him.  MILTON H. died at the age of two years.

In 1880 Mr. MILLER was elected ot the office of trustee of Jackson Township, and served two terms (four years), to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.  In 1884 he was elected to represent his district in the board of county commissioners, and for three years was a faithful representative of the county's interests, serving so acceptably that he was urged to accept the nomination for a second term, but declined, preferring to devote his time to the more quiet walks of private life.  In politics Mr. MILLER is a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party.  He and his wife are birthright members of the Society of Friends, and strict adherents to the faith of that body of Christians.  Although unassuming in his manner, he has by his honest integrity gained many friends, who honor him for his devotion to the principles he considers right, and we hear only words of commendation for A. M. MILLER and his most worthy wife.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indina, pp. 566-571
Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

HIRAM D. RIDDILE, M.D., a practicing physician and surgeon, of Battle Ground was born in what is now Mahoning County, Ohio, April 2, 1833, the youngest of five children of ANDREW J. and MATILDA (TAYLOR) RIDDILE, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Washington County in 1800, and the mother born in the same year, in Westmoreland County, the latter being of Irish ancestry.

ANDREW J. was a son of SAMUEL and MARTHA (JOHNSON) RIDDILE, and a grandson of DAVID RIDDILE, who was of Scotch descent.  SAMUEL RIDDILE, the grandfather of our subject, immigrated to what is now Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1807, and there erected a saw, grist and carding-mill, and also a distillery, and for many years followed these several branches of business, living in that county the remainder of his life.  ANDREW RIDDILE spent his youth in assisting his father in his business.  He was married in 1824 to MATILDA TAYLOR, who was brought by her parents, GEORGE and BETSY (McCONAHEY) TAYLOR, from Pennsylvania to Portage County, Ohio, in 1804, her parents residing in that county until their death.  After his marriage ANDREW J. RIDDILE settled on a farm near his father's home, living there until 1840, when in September of that year he removed with his family to Wells County, Indiana, and purchased 160 acres of unimproved land near Bluffton, where he followed farming until his death which occurred in 1855.  He was a consistent Christian, and for many years was an elder in the Presbyterian church.  His wife was a member of the same church.  She died in 1850.  They were the parents of five children -- SAMUEL L., a prominent citizen of Bluffton, Indiana; GEORGE T., of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Mrs. MARTHA S. RANKIN, living in Washington County, Pennsylvania; Mrs.. ELIZABETH HAMMELL, deceased, and HIRAM D., the subject of this sketch.  The latter lived at home on his father's farm until eighteen years of age,the last two years being spent in attending the village school, where he was prepared for college.  He entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, in 1851, where he spent five years, graduating from that institution in 1856.   He had contemplated the profession of medicine from boyhood, and his course at college was with special reference to this profession.   Immediately after graduating from the University, he entered upon a systematic course of medical study under DR. J. R. MC CLEERY, of Bluffton, remaining under his preceptorship two years.  He then entered the Buffalo (New York) Medical college, and while there received instructions from DR. AUSTIN FLINT, SR., and DR. FRANK HAMILTON, both eminent men in the science of medicine and surgery.  DR. RIDDILE graduated from the medical college in 1859, and immediately began the practice of medicine in Wells County.  He came to Tippecanoe County and located at Battle Ground in August, 1860.  During the war, after the battles of Shiloh and Chickamauga, he volunteered his sevices to the Government, and went to the scenes of those battles to assist in caring for the wounded, where he rendered much valuable service, and was himself much benefitted by his experience.  He was commissioned surgeon during the war by GOVERNOR MORTON, but his professional duties at home were such that they demanded his entire attention, and he only entered the field on the occasions above referred to.

He has always had an extensive practice, and is numbered among the most able and successful physicians and surgeons of Tippecanoe county.  DR. RIDDILE has been twice married, first in 1863 to Miss KATE BIRCH, of Bloomington, Illinois, who lived only seven months after her marriage.  In 1873 he was again married to Miss EMMA PARKER, who was born in January, 1841, in Jasper County, Indiana, her father, ROBERT PARKER, being one of the early settlers of that county.  DR. and Mrs. RIDDILE have one daughter, NELLIE PARK, who was born in 1879.  They have a beautiful home, and are surrounded with all the necessary comforts of life, and enjoy the respect and esteem of the entire community.  DR. RIDDILE was reared a Democrat in his political views, but at the breaking out of the war he cast his influence on the side of the Union, and supported Lincoln for President, and was active in raising men and supplies in behalf of the Government.  He has always taken an active interest in any enterprise which tends toward the advancement of the town and county where he has lived so long, and has been active in the educational interests of the community.  In religion he was reared a Presbyterian, but is not identified with any religious denomination, although he is a liberal supporter of all religious and moral enterprises.  He is a prominent member of Battle Ground Lodge, No. 313, A. F. and A. M., of which he has been Master for a period of thirteen years.  He is a firm believer in the principles on which Masonry is founded, and is an earnest worker in the lodge.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 573-575
Lewis Publishing Company, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

Biographies Index

Tippecanoe County, INGenWeb Project

Indiana Biographies Project