CLAIBORN TERRY was twelve years old when he came to Tippecanoe County. His youth was spent in working on a farm, and for eight years he followed the river running a flat-boat between LaFayette and New Orleans. After the death of his parents he and his brother kept house together until his marriage in 1862, to SUSAN ROOP, a native of Center County, Pennsylvania, daughter of JOHN ROOP and great grandaughter of JACOB ROOP one of the early settlers of Tippecanoe County. Mr. and Mrs. TERRY have had no children, but have reared four orphans, the children of Mr. TERRY's sister ELIZABETH (TERRY) COLLINS.  Children are: THOMAS P., WILLIAM H., JUDITH ELIZABETH and GEORGE TERRY COLLINS.  Mr. TERRY has a good farm of 455 acres all well improved. He has always refused to serve in public positions, preferring to devote his attention to the duties of his farm. In politics he votes independent of party ties.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,  pp. 744-745
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Lou Ann Terry-Clugh

STEPHEN O. TAYLOR, JR. was born in La Fayette, Indiana, March 20, 1837, and is a worthy representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Tippecanoe County.  His father, STEPHEN O. TAYLOR, SR., was a native of New York City, where he was reared, and in early manhood he went to Ohio, locating near Dayton, where he was married to Miss ELIZABETH DILKS.  In 1826 they removed from Ohio to Kentucky, and in the fall of 1828 came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, stopping the first year in what is now Jackson Township.  In 1829 they settled in La Fayette, where the father kept a tavern for a time.  About two years later he bought and removed to a farm, but soon after returned to La Fayette, and for a time carried on the Wabash House.  He subsequently enagaged in stock-breeding, he having brought with him from kentucky some fine stock.  He was the pioneer in this line in Tippecanoe County.   In politics he was an old line Whig, and a great admirer of Henry Clay.  He died in the year 1845, his widow surviving him until 1865.  They were the parents of eight children, but four now living--NELSON C., a resident of Alexandria, Louisiana, where he is engaged in staging; DANIEL, engaged in staging on the western border of Texas; INGRAHAM, who is with his brother in Alexandria, and STEPHEN O., the subject of this sketch.  The latter has always lived in Tippecanoe County, and has always been engaged in the live-stock or livery business, and being a man of enterprise and of good business qualifications, he has been successful in all his undertakings.  In 1878 he was elected sheriff of Tippecanoe County, assuming the duties of that office the following year.  he as re-elected to the same office in 1880, and served with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents, until 1883.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, an organization in which he takes an active interest.  MRS. TAYLOR was formerly MISS LAURA JANE SHIVELY, and was born in La Fayette, this county, her father, WILLIAM SHIVELY, being one of the pioneer merchants of this city.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 583
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

WESLEY MAHIN, a citizen of Tippecanoe Township, is a son of JOHN MAHIN, one of the prominent pioneers of Tippecanoe County.  His father was born near Xenia, in Greene County, Ohio, in 1800, and was of English and Scotch descent.  His father, REV. MATTHEW MAHIN, was a minister of the Methodist church.  He made his home in Ohio, until his death.  JOHN MAHIN was reared in Ohio, and was married in that State to MISS HESTER SHIGLEY, a native of Ohio, a daughter of JOHN SHIGLEY, who was of German ancestry, and a soldier in the second war with England.  JOHN MAHIN immigrated to this county with his family in the fall of 1828, and settled on section 5, Tippecanoe Township, on land which he had entered from the Government.  He lived in the neighborhood in which he first settled until his death, which occurred September 17, 1848.  His widow still survives, and is making her home with her son WESLEY.  She was born in 1804, and is probably the oldest living settler in Tippecanoe Township.

JOHN MAHIN was quiet and industrious in his disposition, upright and honorable in character, and was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a liberal supporter of the gospel.  Four of his sons became ministers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and all his children are respected members of society.  JOHN MAHIN and wife had seven children, six sons and one daughter, four of the sons still living--REV. MILTON MAHIN, of Bluffton, Indiana; WESLEY, whose name heads this sketch; WILLIAM, a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, living at Battle Ground, and REV. AUGUSTUS MAHIN, of Wabash.  Their son JABEZ, died in Tippecanoe County in 1883, leaving a family of seven sons and one daughter.  His wife had died some two years before him.  REV. JOHN C. MAHIN died at his home in Battle Ground, in February, 1885.  Their only daughter, SARAH, died in 1857, aged about twenty-seven years.  She left at her death four children, three of whom are still living.

WESLEY MAHIN, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Tippecanoe Township, this county, August 13, 1836, and with the exception of the years spent in the service of his country he has made his home in the county.  He remembers distinctly when much of Tippecanoe County was a wilderness, and has watched it grow to its present prosperous and well settled condition.  He was united in marriage to MISS MARY OGDEN, who was also born in Tippecanoe Township, this county, December 20, 1838, a daughter of DANIEL and MARY (BARNES) OGDEN, who settled in Tippecanoe County in the year 1838.  To them were born six children--MINNIE, JOHN, WILLIAM, MARY F., EDDIE and NELLIE.  MR. WESLEY MAHIN served four years in the late war, enlisting in April, 1861, on the first call for troops, in Company K, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry, remaining with this company three years and two months.  He participated in all the battles and campaign, in which the armies of the Cumberland were engaged, including the battles of Stone River, Shiloh, Perryville and Murfreesboro.  He was on garrison duty at Chattanooga, when the battle of Chickamauga was fought.  He was at Mission Ridge, going thence to Knoxville.  He was mustered out at Indianapolis, June 26, 1864.  He re-enlisted in Hancock's Corps of Veterans in the spring of 1865, in which he served one year as musician.  Although not wounded in battle, he returned home with his health much impaired, and he has never recovered his former health.  Since the war he has been engaged in farming and in the manufacture of lumber, which he still follows with success.  In politics MR. MAHIN is a Republican, though liberal in his views, and he is classed among the highly respected citizens of Tippecanoe Township.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 582-583
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

MICHAEL SUMMERS, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Tippecanoe County, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 10, Lauramie Township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 19, 1827, a son of MICHAEL SUMMERS, who was a native of Rockingham County, Virginia.  he was one of the early pioneers of this county, coming to Lauramie Township in the year 1830, when he settled on the land now occupied by the subject of this sketch.  MICHAEL SUMMERS, our subject, was here reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, his youth being spent in assisting in the work of clearing and improving the farm, and in attending the rude log cabin subscription schools, which were built with clapboard roof, puncheon floor and slab seats.  He was married April 7, 1864, to MISS MARY A. CORKINS, a daughter of ROBERT CORKINS, who settled in Lauramie Township, this county, in 1834.  Four children have been born to MR. and MRS. SUMMERS, three of whom are yet living, named ALVA B., HENRY E. and BERTIE E., all at home with their parents.  A daughter ALICE E., died in her third year.  MR. SUMMERS has always followed agricultural pursuits, and by his industrious habits, and good management he has become the owner of 400 acres of valuable land.  He never seeks official honors, preferring to devote his entire attention to the duties of his farm.  He is a member of the Mutual Insurance Company, and also belongs to the Horse Thief Detective Association.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 581
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

JOHN M. EACOCK, boot and shoe merchant, and an active and enterprising businessman of La Fayette, is a native of Suffolk, England, the date of his birth being April 14, 1847.  He was reared and educated in his native country, and there learned the shoemaker's trade.  He left England for America by the Inman line, in 1870, and May 4 landed in New York City, and May 7 arrived at La Fayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana.  He began working on a farm in this county, which he followed for eleven weeks, when he returned to La Fayette, and soon found employment in the boot and shoe factory of A. G. Carnahan, Bro. & Co., where he was engaged for some time.  His next employment was as shipping clerk in the wholesale house of W. W. Comstock & Co., and made his maiden trip on the road for this firm.  Later he went to Chicago, and from 1875 until the fall of 1877, he traveled for the wholesale boot and shoe house of Phelps, Dodge & Palmer, after which he traveled for Redpath Brothers, of Boston, Massachussets, with headquarters at Indianapolis, Indiana.  In August, 1886, he established his present business at La Fayette, which he has since followed with success.  MR. EACOCK was married at Indianapolis, to MISS ARABELLA E. LUDLOW, who was born in Newark, New Jersey.  They are the parents of one child, a daughter named BELLE MIDDLETON.  In his political views MR. EACOCK affiliates with the Republican party.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 580-581
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

JOHN A. RIES, proprietor of the Star City Bottling Works, and an active and enterprising citizen of La Fayette, is a native of Hesse Kurr, Germany, born at Hanan, January 17, 1839, a son of JOHN A. and KATE (DORNHACKER) RIES, the father being a farmer and weaver by occupation.  In 1854 the parents with their children immigrated to America, and all but the father who died on the ocean, landed at Baltimore, Maryland, May 15, of that year.  They settled in Brookville, Franklin County, Indiana, where the mother lived until her death in 1873.  JOHN A. RIES, our subject, remained at Cincinnati, Ohio, three years, where he learned the barber's trade.  He left Cincinnati for La Fayette, Indiana, January 17, 1856, and for three years following his arrival he followed the barber's trade.  He then engaged in the confectionery business, at which he spent five years, when in 1864 he took charge of the Dell House, then located on the same grounds of the present postoffice.  His next occupation was in the grocery business, at which he was engaged nine years.  In 1878 he established his bottling works on Fourth street, which were destroyed by fire in August, 1887, since which time he has been running his business in his old storehouse.  He has built a new store and ice house on Fifth street, wehre he will carry on his business.

MR. RIES was married in La Fayette December 19, 1860, to MISS KATE WURSTER, a native of Germany, who was brought by her parents to America when six years of age, they settling in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Thirteen children have been born to MR. and MRS. RIES, of whom nine are yet living--NELLIE, WILLIAM, LAURA, FLORA, JOHN, LOUIS, KATIE, CARRIE and LILLIAN.  Politically MR. RIES is a Democrat.  He was elected city treasurer of La Fayette, holding that office during the years 1873 and 1874.  He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Sigel Lodge, No. 173, in which he has passed all the chairs, and of the Star City Encampment.  He is also a member of the Red Men and Druids.  MR. RIES does an extensive business, and has territory in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and other States, and by his fair and upright dealing in all business transactions he has gained the confidence of all with whom he has business or social intercourse.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 580
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

ELIJAH W. COE, an active and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Lauramie Township, residing on section 19, is a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun County, September 15, 1820, a son of JOHN COE, deceased, who was a native of the same county.  In 1840 our subject accompanied his father to Union County, Indiana.  In 1844 he went to Sangamon County, Illinois, returning to Union County in 1846.  In 1857 he came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and settled in Lauramie Township, where he has since made his home.  He was united in marriage to MISS HANNAH PEAK, a daughter of JOHN PEAK, who is now deceased.  To them have been born ten children, seven of whom still survive--TRAIN A., ENNIS F., CHARLIE M., HATTIE M., ALLIE B., ANNA A. and ADDIE M.  TRAIN married ADDIE A. McINTYRE, and they have two children named ROY and EVERETT.  ENNIS married MARY ELLIS, and they are the parents of one child, a daughter, named BESSIE.  CHARLIE married NELLIE McINTYRE, and to them have been born four children, as follows--GLENN, FLOYD, RUBY, and an infant son yet unnamed.  HATTIE is the wife of ED. CAMPBELL, and to them have been born one child named CLAUDE.  ALLIE is the wife of W. E. BRYANT, and they have a son named ALVA.  ANNA is the wife of W. A. COYNER.  All the above are residents of Lauramie Township.  MR. COE has met with success in his agricultural pursuits, and by industry and good management has acquired a fine property, being the owner of 450 acres of valuable land.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 579-580
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

MARK SHARP, one of the honored and respected pioneers of Tippecanoe County, who is now living a retired life in LaFayette, is a native of England, born in Yorkshire, near Leeds, June 8, 1821, a son of JOHN and SARAH (TEAL) SHARP.  He was reared at his birthplace, and at a place called Dovesberry, about eight miles from Leeds, where he began to work in a woolen mill.  He remained at that place, manufacturing for himself part of the time, until he left England, taking passage from Liverpool in the fall of 1847, in the sailing vessel Henry Clay, and after a stormy voyage of seven weeks and three days he landed at New York.  From that city he went to Connecticut, and the following spring he came to LaFayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where he found employment in Hoagland's woolen factory, and afterward worked in SILAS WHITE's factory.  About that year he opened a butcher shop in La Fayette in partnership with JOE EPWORTH, with whom he was associated about a year. He then carried on the business alone until 1875, and five years later he practically retired from active business, and has since lived retired in La Fayette, taking that rest which he has so well earned by a life of industry.  In his political views Mr. Sharp affiliates with the Republican party.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 576
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

JOHN CUNNINGHAM, Tippecanoe Township

The parents of this gentleman were of Irish extraction, although natives of the United States.  His father JOHN CUNNINGHAM, married SARAH McKINLEY and settled in Clermont County, Ohio, removing from that point to Dearborn County, Ind., April 1, 1826.  He remained a citizen of the latter county until 1831, at which time he came to Tippecanoe County, and became identified with the early settlement of Washington Township.  Almost penniless, and with a family of nine children to support, his burden was almost intolerable.  After clearing a small patch of ground, he contrived to sustain his family upon its scanty products.

A few years earlier, the construction of the Wabash & Erie Canal offered him relief from his embarrassed position.  He became a contractor in the construction of this canal, and, with the money thus procured, fitted out a flat-boat, which he loaded with produce, floating by way of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers to Southern ports, where he disposed of his cargo at a handsome profit.  This he repeated many times, returning from each trip with increased capital.

He wisely invested his means in land, which increased rapidly in value.  Thus at the time of his death in 1858, he left to his family an estate valued at $50,000.  He was one who always commanded respect, and wielded an influence for good over all his surroundings.  He was the first Justice of the Peace elected in Washington Township, and continued to act in that capacity for a period of ten years.

His son JOHN, for whom this sketch is prepared, was born at Aurora, Dearborn Co., Ind., April 1, 1826, and in the year 1831, came with his parents to Tippecanoe County.  His early educational privileges were associated with a rude log school house near Americus, with puncheon floor and seats of the same material; a log having been removed nearly the entire length of the structure, over which greased paper was pasted, to admit the light.  The instruction here imparted was in keeping with the character of the building; the course of study being limited to a knowledge of reading, writing and "ciphering."  This school was only open for a short time in the Winter, and the benfits derived therefrom were not very apparent, as the teachers were not highly educated, and, therefore, unable to impart an education of a high order.  To this school, however, the subject of our sketch was indebted for all the education of his childhood.  By diligent study in later years, he acquired an education, which, although not complete, has enabled him to engage successfully in the duties of an active life.  The remainder of his education was in the practical science of farming, which he has followed with great success.

At the age of 23 years, he married Miss SALOME BEMENDERFER, on the 25 day of October 1849.  Immediately after his marriage, he settled on the Wea Plain, where he remained for one year, subsequently removing to White County, Ind.  After a residence of one year at that point, he returned to Tippecanoe County, and located upon the farm which he now occupies.   Here he has reared a family of four children, named respectively: MARY ELLEN, born November 27, 1851; JOHN RANDOLPH, February 8, 1854; DOUGLAS ANDREW, March 15, 1856, and EMMA SARAH, July 24, 1858; all of whom ar still living, having arrived at maturity.  Until January, 1878, the happiness of the family circle remained unbroken; but on the 29th day of that month the faithful wife and mother was removed from earth by the hand of death.  The children still reside on the homestead with the bereaved father.

Since boyhood, Mr. CUNNINGHAM has been engaged in the pursuit of farming, which has been varied, however, by some trading experiences.  In 1855, associated with Dr. GARRET, he built a flat boat at Americus, entering the Wabash River at that point.  This they loaded with corn for the port of New Orleans.  Floating down by way of the Ohio and Wabash Rivers, they reached their destination after a journey of more than two months, disposing of their carog and realizing a handsome profit ont their investment.

His limited educational privileges have made him keenly sensible tot he importance of public schools, and he has ever been regarded as the substantial friend of such institutions.  He is an acknowledged leader in public improvements, and, from hislong experience as a pioneer, realizing their value to the agriculturalist, has used both time and means for the furtherance of enterprises having that end in view.  He was the first to advocate a bridge across Tippecanoe River, and it was mainly through his instrumentality that the handsome wrought iron bridge was constructed across that stream, thus uniting a section hitherto isolated, and proving an institution of incalculable benefit.  He is an active worker in the Democratic party, and, although a zealous partisan, has invariable discountenanced any attempt to substitute policy for principle.  He is an enemy of fraud and corruption, and never fails to lend a helping hand for its suppression, when in his power to do so.

Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 43
Kingman Brothers, 1878

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

WM. KENDALL, Tippecanoe Township

WM. KENDALL was born on the 7th day of April 1793, in the State of North Carolina, emigrating with his parents, at the age of 13 years, to Fayette County, Ohio.  During his residence in this State, in July, 1813, he was called to the service of his State,  and acted as Corporal in CAPT. ROBINSON's company, and COL. STEWART's regiment, which at the time was commanded by GOV. MEIGS.  He remained in the service one month, at the end of which time he was honorably discharged, and resumed his former occupation of farming.  At the age of 22 years, he married ELIZABETH McKILLEP, who bore him thirteen children, six of whom were born in Ohio, viz.: JOHN, NANCY, ISAAC, JAMES, MALINDA and HUGH.  SARAH, ELIZABETH, MARTHA, DANIEL, WILLIAM, THOMAS and HENRY are natives of Tippecanoe County, Ind.  Of the above  named children, seven are still living, as follows: JOHN, ISAAC, JAMES, MALINDA, SARAH, WILLIAM and THOMAS.

In the year 1827, Mr. KENDALL removed to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and entered the land which he now occupies, planting three crops before the land was offered for sale.  He pre-empted this land under the first act of Congress granting that right, and, in the year 1830, purchased the same at public sale, at Crawfordsville, Ind.  He continued to improve his farm, and as the profits of his labor increased, he began to add to his landed possessions, accumulating in course of time an estate of more than 1,300 acres.  Of this estate he has divided 600 acres among his children, and has otherwise disposed of his possessions, retaining 550 acres for his own use.  The old homestead is situated upon this tract, and Mr. KENDALL still continues to operate the farm, which returns him a handsome income.   In 1846, the hand of death was laid upon the devoted wife, who had been his constant solace and assistance in his early efforts to establish a home in an almost unbroken wilderness.  One year later, he gave his hand and heart in marriage to Miss NANCY WHITE, and for a period of 30 years, his life was rendered happy by her society.  But, in the year 1877, she, too, was removed from earth by the same resistless messenger.

Mr. KENDALL was originally a "Jackson Democrat" acting with the Democratic party until the Kansas trouble occurred.  Then, unable to endorse the actions of his party and the stand taken by them in that crisis, he embraces the principles of the Republican party, of which he is still a cordial supporter.  He has been the recipient of political honors at the hands of his friends, having served several years as County Commissioner, and also as Trustee of his township.  Although other positions of honor and trust have been tendered him, he has invariably declined.

Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 43
Kingman Brothers, 1878

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

GEORGE W. BOYLES, an active and enterprising citizen of Sheffield township, is a native of Indiana, born in Clinton County, December 7, 1840, a son of SAMUEL BOYLES, who was one of  he pioneers of Clinton County.  SAMUEL BOYLES was born in Lexington, Kentucky, July 13, 1805, a son of DANIEL BOYLES, a native of England.  The latter immigrated to America in early manhood, and located first in Pennsylvania, and later settled in Kentucky. In 1810 or 1812 he left Kentucky for Lebanon, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life, dying at the advanced age of 102 years.  He had six children- MELINDA, wife of REV. MR. OWENS; JOHN, JAMES, SAMUEL, McHATTON and HENRY.  SAMUEL BOYLES was reared to the vocation of a farmer, which he made his life work.  He was married in Clarke County, Ohio, to ELIZABETH JONES, who was born December 21, 1807, a daughter of ERASMUS and MARY JONES.  To them were born ten children, of whom four died in childhood.  Of the six who grew to maturity, DANIEL resides at Battle Ground; GEORGE W., the subject of this sketch; J. REECE lives in Carroll County; BARTON J. was born June 14, 1850, and lives in Sheffield Township; BRENTON A. resides at Battle Ground, and MRS. MARTHA M. GRAFT.  Three of the sons were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion, DANIEL and GEORGE serving in the Tenth Indiana Battery, and J. REECE served three years in the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry.

In 1837 SAMUEL BOYLES removed with his family to Clinton County, Indiana, where he lived eight years, coming thence to Tippecanoe County, when he bought land on section 3, Sheffield Township, where both parents died, the mother January 20, 1883, and the father September 13, of the same year.  they were honored and respected citizens of Sheffield Township, where they had made their hom for so many years.  GEORGE W. BOYLES, whose name heads this sketch, was reared from boyhood in Sheffield Township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits.  He enlisted in the late war in December, 1861, in the Tenth Indiana Battery, and participated in the battle of Murfreesboro and other engagements.  He also served some time, while in the service, on a gunboat on the Tennessee River.  He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, when he returned to his home and resumed the more peaceful vocation of farming.  February 2, 1869, he was united in marriage to MISS LUCY ANN GRAFT, a daughter of MOSES GRAFT, and they are the parents of four children--MARTHA E., ORTH S., IDA F. and M. C. WARD.   MR. BOYLES settled on the farm where he now resides in 1884, on section 11, Sheffield Township, where he has 114 acres of choice land, well improved and under a fine state of cultivation.  MR. BOYLES is a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the position of trustee.  he is a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, being a comrade of Elliot Post at Dayton.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 575
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

MOSES C. GRAFT, one of the old and respected pioneers of Tippecanoe County, was born in Butler County, Ohio, October 27, 1813, a son of ABRAHAM and EUNICE (POTTINGER) GRAFT.  The father was a native of Maryland, born near Chesapeake Bay, and when a young man went to Kentucky, where he spent several years.  He then removed to Butler
County, Ohio, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of ten children, and of this large family but four are living at the present time--GEORGE, MOSES C., MRS. REBECCA LYTLE and ABRAHAM.  The names of the deceased are as follows--EUNICE, MARY, ANNA, ELIZABETH, RACHEL and SUSAN.

The father being a farmer, MOSES C., our subject, was reared to the same occupation, and in his youth received such educational advantages as the schools of his time afforded.  In the year 1838 he came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and settled on his present farm in Sheffield Township, which at that time was but slightly improved.  He was married November
28, 1838, to MARY ANN BAKER, whose parents, WILLIAM and SARAH BAKER, were among the early settlers of this county.  Eight children were born to this union, of whom five are deceased--WILLIAM A., IDA ALICE, and three who died in infancy.  Those yet living are--MRS. REBECCA COULTER, CYRUS S. and MRS. LUCY A. BOYLES, all residents of Sheffield Township. MRS. GRAFT died May 19, 1857, and MR. GRAFT was again married January 15, 1858, to MISS MARTHA M. BOYLES, a daughter of the late SAMUEL BOYLES.

MR. GRAFT has given to his chidren 100 acres of his land, and yet owns 113 acres where he resides, his land being well improved, and his residence and farm buldings being comfortable and substantial.  In politics he is a Republican.  Both he and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has served as assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-school.  He is a man of strict integrity, fair and honorable in all his dealings, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 579
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

WILLIAM FELBAUM, one of the progressive farmers of Perry Township, is a native of Prussia, born July 15, 1832, a son of WILLIAM and LOUISE (ZENO) FELBAUM.  He was reared in his native country, and until sixteen years of age he attended school and assisted his father, who was a florist by occupation.  In 1851 he sailed to America, landing at New York City, where he spent a short time.  He subsequently went to Albany and Grenville in the same State, thence to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from there to Michigan City, Indiana.  In 1852 he located at La Fayette, Tippecanoe County, and began working in the railroad shops, learning the trade of a machinist.  After acquiring all the details of his trade, he accepted a position as engineer on the La Fayette & Indianapolis Railroad.  In the meantime he had removed to Indianapolis, where he made his home until 1878, when he retunred to Tippecanoe County.  His present farm contains 160 acres of choice land, on which he has made many valuable improvements.  His residence is commodious and comfortable, and his barn and other buildings are of a substantial character.  MR. FELBAUM was married in the spring of 1858, to AUGUSTA BEINDORF, a native of Essen, Germany.  MR. and MRS. FELBAUM are the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters.  MR. FELBAUM, in his political views, affiliates with the Republican party.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 575-576
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

AARON HUFFMAN, deceased, late of Wea Township, was one of the enterprising and successful citizens of the county for many years.  He was a Virginian by birth but reared in Ohio.  He came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, in 1826, and was here married to MISS SARAH C. FRANKLIN, a native of Tippecanoe County, Indiana.  On coming to this county his first land purchase was forty acres on the Wea.  His second land purchase was 160 acres on Buck Creek, and later he purchased
another tract of land on the Wea.  He made his home on the south side of Wea Creek until his death, which occurred May 12, 1874, leaving a wife and family of eight children, as follows--MRS. KATY ALLBURN, of Tippecanoe County; FRANCENA, now deceased; MRS. MILLIE WITTERS, living in York County, Nebraska; MARTHA, wife of DANIEL CLARK; CORBIN, of Wea Township; JASPER, of York County, Nebraska, and EDWARD, living on the old homestead in Wea Township.  MRS HUFFMAN is making her home in Nebraska.

EDWARD HUFFMAN was born on the old homestead where he now lives, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, his youth being spent in assisting on the farm and in attending the schools of his neighborhood, where he received a common-school education.  He was united in marriage February 11, 1880, to MISS MARY B. BOYER, of Wea Township, and they are the parents of three children, named MINNIE, ELMER and EFFIE.  MR. HUFFMAN has 133 acres of Tippecanoe county's best soil, where he resides, the homestead being well improved and under fine cultivation, with comfortable residence and good farm buildings, convenienetly arranged for his stock and grain.  In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 576-579
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS McCARTY, of Fairfield Township, is a son of WILLIAM McCARTY, who was one of the brave old pioneers of Tippecanoe County.  WILLIAM McCARTY was born in Cape May, New Jersey, and his parents being in moderate circumstances, he made his own way in life from an early age.  He learned the trade of glass-blowing in his native State.  When a young man he went to Ohio, remaining in that State but a short time, when he came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, making the journey on horseback.  His financial resources were nearly exhausted by this time, having but 50 cents in money when he reached his destination.  For a number of years he rented a farm of JOHN PURDUE, which he finally purchased, and continued to own and occupy it until his death, which occurred December 4, 1886, in his seventy-fourth year.  He was twice married, his first wife being HESTER WHITEHEAD, who was also a native of New Jersey.  She died in 1862, leaving two children--FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS and a daughter, SARAH ANN, who is now the wife of S.R. GIPE, of Fairfield Township.  For his second wife Mr. McCARTY married Miss CATHERINE HICKENLUCKER, who still survives her husband.

FLAVIUS J. McCARTY, the subject of this sketch, was born at the old homestead in Fairfield Township, August 9, 1844, where he was reared.  In 1862 he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and remained in the service until November, 1865, fighting bravely for his country in many a contest with the enemy.  In December, 1863, while foraging for the regiment, he was captured with a squad of his regiment in Powder Spring Valley, East Tennessee, and was confined
as a prisoner for a time on Belle Isle, Virginia.  He was paroled on the 22d of March following, and the following autumn was exchanged.  He escaped wounds from the enemy, but was severely injured by the falling of his horse in December, 1863, shortly before he was taken prisoner, and from the effects of this accident he has never recovered.  Mr. McCARTY was married in this county to Miss ELIZABETH MORRIS, a native of New York, and of Welsh descent.  Her father, RICHARD MORRIS, is deceased.  Mr. and Mrs. McCARTY have two children--WILLIAM R., born in 1865, and FLORENCE B., born January 12, 1867.  Mr. McCARTY's farm contains 233 acres of valuable land, 193 acres of which is a part of the
old homestead of his father.  In politics he is a Republican, his father having been a warm supporter of the principles of that party.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 379-380
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

WILLIAM S. McCLELLAND, freight agent and telegraph operator at Corwin, was born in the city of Renfrew, Scotland, October 8, 1819, his father, ROBERT McCLELLAND, being a native of the same place.  He was reared in his native country, and in 1839 came to America.  He spent several years in traveling after coming to this country, and for seven years was agent for a produce exporter in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He also taught school for three years.  He came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, in 1850, and has since been a resident of the county, and has always taken an active interest in any enterprise for its development or advancement.  He followed farming for several years after coming here, and in September, 1864, he took charge of the railroad office at Corwin, which position he has since filled.  For twenty-three years or more he was also express agent.  The maiden name of MRS. McCLELLAND was CASSIE A. WEBB, she being a daughter of REUBEN T. WEBB, of Corwin.  Three children have been born to MR. and MRS. McCLELLAND, of whom two are living--WILLIAM J. and MARY, who married RICHARD LITSON, and they have one child named SALLIE M.  A daughter, SALLIE J. died at the age of twenty-two years.  She was the wife of JOHN H. BOWMAN, and left at her death one son named WILLIAM A.  Both MR. and MRS. McCLELLAND are members of the Presbyterian church.  He is a member of the Odd Fellows order.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 581-582
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders

J. H. YOST, an active and enterprising business man, engaged in mercantile pursuits at Monitor, was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Novmeber 11, 1861.  His father, GEORGE YOST, was a native of Germany, born at Hesse Darmstadt.  He was married in his native county, to Miss CATHERINE KEMPT, and to them were born six children--PHILIIP; ELIZABETH, wife of FRANK MENNEN; GEORGE I., of Benton County, Indiana; ANDREW of Boone County, Indiana; JOHN, at Oxford, this State, and J. H., the subject of this sketch.  The father immigrated to America with his family in 1856, locating first in Piermont, Carroll County, Indiana, and in 1858 became a resident of Tippecanoe County.  He was a blacksmith by trade, an occupation he followed many years, and later he engaged in the mercantile business at Monitor, where he died May 10, 1879.  J.H. YOST has conducted his present mercantile business since September, 1884, and, by his fair and reasonable prices and strict attention to the wants of his customers, he has established a good trade, and gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has any deal.  His stock consists of staple and fancy groceries, dry goods, hardware, boots and shoes, carrying a fine line of everything usually found in a first-class general store.  September 29, 1885, he married Miss J. BURKHALTER, a daughter of HENRY BURKHALTER.  Mr. YOST was appointed postmaster of Monitor March 7, 1884, and has since performed the duties of that office efficiently and satisfactorially.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 646
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

AARON VAN NATTA is the oldest business man of Montmorenci, and is well and favorable known throughout the county.  He was born in Highland County, Ohio, January 7, 1822, a son of JOHN S. and SARAH (HAIGH) VAN NATTA, the father a native of New Jersey and the mother of England.  In 1829 they came with their family to this county, making the entire journey by wagon, and settled on section 3, Shelby Township.  The mother died in February, 1849, and the father October 26, 1868.  They were the parents of seven children--AARON, ELIZABETH (deceased), RACHEL (deceased), MARIA J. (wife of JOHN FISHER, of Battle Ground), WILLIAM S., JOB H., and JAMES G.

AARON VAN NATTA was about eight years of age when he came to this county.  He remained at home until 1841, when he entered Asbury University, at Greencastle, remaining there about fifteen months.  In 1843 and 1844 he read law, and was admitted to the bar of Warren County, but never followed the legal profession.  He was first married March 4, 1846, to RHODA A. CLARK, and to this union was born one child, SALLIE J., who is now deceased.  Mrs. VAN NATTA died August 30, 1873, and he was again married to Mrs. MARGARET E. (MOORE) SHIGLEY, and they are the parents of three children--LAURA O., JOHN W. (deceased) and MARGARET M.   Mr. VAN NATTA established his present mercantile business at Montomorency in 1856, in the building he now owns and occupies.  He is one of the most successful men of his township, having accumulated 1,736 acres of land, besides a good many town lots.  Mrs. VAN NATTA owns 280 acres of land in Wabash Township.  Mr. VAN NATTA was appointed postmaster at Montmorency in 1860, a position he filled acceptably until 1880.  He was also justice of the peace four years.  Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 630-631
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

RICHARD ZEIGLER, residing on section 28, Perry Township, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, September 12, 1826, a son of CHRISTOPHER and MARY (ADAMS) ZEIGLER, who were both natives of Pennsylvania.  RICHARD was reared a farmer, which he has made the principal vocation of his life, and his education was received in the common schools of his day.  In 1847 he left his native State for Indiana, and located in Fountain County, where he was married September 23, 1849, to Miss DEBORAH OSBORN, a daughter of DANIEL and REBECCA (FRENCH) OSBORN, her father being a native of Butler County, Ohio, and her mother of the State of Maryland.  They were among the first pioneers of Fountain County, settling there in 1822, when there were but seventeen white families in the county.  The father died at Lodi, Wisconsin, in 1854, the mother dying in Fountain County, Indiana, in 1879.  Mr. and Mrs. ZEIGLER are the parents of six children--WILLIAM O. was educated at Otterbein University, Ohio, and has followed the teacher's profession successfully for ten years; JOHN L., who is now a resident of Oregon, was educated at the same institution, and has been engaged in teaching for twelve years; DANIEL W. was a student at Valparaiso College, Indiana; ORLANDO C. lives in Fountain County; SARAH R. is the wife of Rev. I.G. KNOTTS, of Roanoke, Huntington County, Indiana, and IONE resides at home with her parents.  Mr. ZEIGLER continued to reside in Fountain County, until 1851, when he removed with his family to Columbia County, Wisconsin, and there entered 160 acres of land from the Government, on which he lived for two years and partially improved.  He then removed to Richland County, Wisconsin, where he made his home until 1861, when he returned to the Hoosier State, and after spending a few weeks in Fountain County, he came to Tippecanoe County, and settled on his present farm in Perry Township.  His farm contains eighty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land, a good dwelling and other substantial building improvements, and by his industrious habits and fair and honorable dealing Mr.ZEIGLER has during  his residence in this township gained the confidence and respect of the entire community.  He and his family are active members of the United Brethren church, in which he serves as a trustee.  In politics he was formerly a Whig, but now affiliates with the Republican party.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 383-384
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Adina Watkins Dyer

Biographies Index

Tippecanoe County, INGenWeb Project

Indiana Biographies Project