It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well-known farmer whose name holds this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of the township where he has his home. Charles Earl, one of the old settlers of Union Township, was born to John and Mary (Earl) Earl in Holwin (Howland - JH) Township,Trumball County, Ohio, July 4, 1819. John Earl the subject's grandfather was a native of England, while his grandmother, Susanna Ray, was a native of Germany. Both the Earl and Ray families emigrated from their mother countries and settled in Pennsylvania, where John Earl and Susanna Ray fell in love and were married. It was here that John Earl, the father of Charles, spent his boyhood and here also that he married his second cousin, Mary Earl.

Shortly after their marriage sixteen children were born, eight sons and eight daughters, two of whom are living, William of Markle Indiana who was the sixteenth child and Charles Earl was the fourteenth child of the family and was reared on his father's farm in Ohio. As a boy, he showed a fondness for horses and has owned some fine animals in his day, one of which had a mark of 2:15. Neglecting his early education, he worked on his father's farm until his marriage to miss Margaret A. Cartwright of Trumball, Ohio. In 1850 they came to Wells County, settling on the farm in Jefferson Township now occupied by their son George, where they lived and reared their family. They were the parents of ten children; James married to Matilda McAffee; John, married to Eliza Confer, lives in Union Township; Henry the husband of Martha Byrd; Freeman whose wife was Rebecca Robinson, lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana; George W. whose biography appears in another place; Robert deceased; Charles, living in the west; Mary who is the wife of William Robinson; Stephen whose biography appears later; and Sarah the wife of Chester Greer, who lives in Allen County, Indiana. The wife of Charles Earl died in December 1892, since which time he has been living with his children, spending most of the time with his son, S.D. Earl.

Stephen Earl was born in 1864 and received his early education in the district schools of Jefferson Township. He stayed at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years old and was married December 19, 1887 to Henriette Crow, who was born in Allen County, Indiana in 1865, her parents being natives of Ohio. Mr. Earl bought his present farm in 1895 and has continued to reside there since. He is the father of four children: Hazel born May 15 1892; Hershell, September 1894; Bernell, July 1897 and Bertha, November 1900; he is also the guardian of Jennie Feighner, a child whom he has raised. Being members of the United Brethren Church, Mr. and Mrs. Earl are held in high esteem by their ancestors. In politics, he is one of the substantial Democrats of Union Township.

Among the old families of Jefferson Township and Wells County is the Earl family as a representative of which George W. Earl is socially and politically prominent. He is the son of Charles and Margaret Cartwright Earl and was born August 16, 1855, in Jefferson Township, Wells County, Indiana from Trumball County Ohio in 1853 and purchased the quarter section in Jefferson Township, where he lived until he had reared his family of ten children. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-three years and is at present living with his son in Union Township. George W. Earl was the fifth of ten children and was reared on the farm he now occupies. He attended the district school and received a fair education, all that could be obtained at that time. When he was twenty-one years old, he, with his brother, rented the old farm which they cultivated jointly.

October 23, 1879 he was married to Miss Mary Hatfield, a daughter of John and Clarena (Mills) Hatfield and born in Ohio, September 10, 1858. The subject bought part of the old Earl farm and in 1887 built the present brick mansion, consisting of nine rooms and in 1894 he built a large barn, thirty-six by eighty-two feet in size. He now owns one of the finest and best improved farms in Jefferson Township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. He started out in life poor, but by successful management has succeeded in reaching a comfortable position, being now worth at least eight thousand dollars.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, B.F. Bowen, Logansport, IN, 1903, pp. 593-595.

GRAFTON ECKHART, farmer and stock-raiser, was born near Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, April 22, 1826, son of Anthony and Catherine (Sheetenhelm) Eckhart, who were natives of Maryland, and of German ancestry. They were among the early settlers of Hocking County, having entered land there. The father held many local offices of trust and responsibility, and served as county assessor under the old constitution. He also served as magistrate many years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Anthony and Catherine Eckhart were the parents of eleven children, of whom six are living. The father died March 18, 1859, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, and the mother died April 18, 1860.

Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and at the breaking out of the Mexican war he enlisted in Company D, Second Ohio Infantry. He was in the battles of Matamoras and Buena Vista. After the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned to his native county, and was married September 21, 1848, to Priscilla Mathias, daughter of Abraham and Christina (Zellers) Mathias, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Abraham Mathias was a son of Jacob Mathias, who was born in New York, four weeks after his parents landed in New York. Christina Mathias was a daughter of Jacob Zellers, a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. .

After his marriage Mr. Eckhart settled upon a farm three miles west of Logan, where he followed farming until the spring of 1882, then removed to this county and purchased his present farm. Of their eight children, five are living: William O., of this county; Margaret Ann, wife of Patrick Kern, of this county; Martha Ellen, at home; Laverna Elizabeth, a teacher in the public schools of Liberty Township; James Jacob. Mr. Eckart has a fine farm of 115 acres adjoining the village of Liberty Center, in a good state of cultivation. Himself and wife are members of the United Brethren church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 903.

William A. Eckhart and Clara Fry were married in Wells county, April 20, 1876. Their two children are Lavina A., born April 3, 1877, and Grafton A., June 25, 1879; Josephine M., April 20, 1881. The parents of William A. are Grafton D. and Priscilla (Mathias) Eckhart. The former served in the Mexican War. His father, Anthony Eckhart, was a warrior of 1812. Mrs Eckhart's parents are James H. and Mary E. (Berger) Fry. They settled in Wells County March 16, 1871. Wiliam Eckhart settled in Wells County in August 1876. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio, November 7, 1851. He is a resident of Liberty Township. His wife was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 16, 1858. Business, farming. Address, Liberty, Wells County, Indiana.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 214.

HENRY EDRIS, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 30, Rock Creek Township, is a native of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being November 26, 1840. He is a son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Spitler) Edris, who were natives of the State of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His father died when he was an infant, and left him with his mother, with whom he remained until he grew to manhood, and was reared to the avocation of a farmer. He was married January 12, 1863, to Miss Emeline Weber, daughter of Lawrence and Sarah (Moyer) Weber, natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. Her father was a son of Peter and Susanna (Raber) Weber, and grandson of Henry Weber, who was a native of Germany, and her mother was a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Edris) Moyer, and a granddaughter of George and Susanna (Piffer) Moyer.

Mr. and Mrs. Edris are the parents of eight children - Mary E., wife of John Smeltzer; Edwin L., Henry M., Aaron C., Milton P., Sarah E., Harry E., and Louis E. In 1864 Mr. Edris came with his father-in-law's family to Wells County, Indiana, and settled on the farm on Section 30, Rock Creek Township, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. But little of his land had been cleared when he settled, but by persevering industry and good management he has cleared and improved his farm, which now consists of 159 acres of well cultivated land. He and his wife are members of the Reformed church. In his political views he us a Democrat.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 903.
Contributed by Tammy Rable

To the pioneer let us offer due credit, especially to the pioneer farmer, who cleared the wilderness and suffered the many privations of frontier life. The subject of this sketch is one of these, having come to this country with his parents when a babe, helping to clear his father's land when a young man and assisting in the growth of the community until interrupted by the call of his country, which he faithfully served for three years. Having discharged his duty as a soldier, he again took up the laborious work of developing his community and how well he has fulfilled his charge let this sketch proclaim. William Ehret was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 30, 1826. His parents were Simon and Catherine (Miller) Ehret, and sprang from a sturdy race of ancestors whose strength and courage have been transmitted to the present generation. Simon Ehret was born, reared and married in Germany, where he served his apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade. He came to America in 1829 and joined the German community at Zoar, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. He remained there, working at his trade nine years, going next to Chillicothe, Ohio, where for five years he worked at the anvil. He then returned to Bolivar, but later moved to Canal Fulton, Ohio. In the spring of 1848 he brought his family to Wells county and purchased eighty acres of land in section 23, Jefferson township, where he established a rude home in the woods. As the country was new the Ehrets were obliged, until their own cabin could be erected, to move into the house of a neighbor, Jake Burns, where they remained for five weeks. He had decided to ply his trade even in the wilderness and for that purpose erected a shop, working as a smith while William, his son, did the clearing.

William Ehret was then twenty-two years old and was a man of rugged appearance. He was a rail splitter of no mean repute and held his own at the log railings in the neighborhood. He continued to work on his father's farm until 1857, when he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Niblick, of Adams county, and established a home of his own. His wife was ten years his junior having been born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1836. At the age of nine months she was brought to Adams county by her parents, Robert and Syden Niblick.

While Mr. Ehret was thus getting a start in life our country was tottering between freedom and slavery, and imbued with patriotism, he felt that he was needed in the defense of Old Glory, and, leaving his young wife and four children, he offered his services and enlisted in Company G. One Hundred and First Indiana Regiment, under Captain Trusedale, being mustered into service at Indianapolis, in August, 1862. He served three years and was mustered out in July, 1865. The regiment left for the South soon after its organization and was soon in active service, the first engagement being at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. He also participated in battles at Hartsville, Milton, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Graysville, Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, Cassville, Aukworth, Picket Mills, New Hope Church, Big Shanty. Culp's Farm, Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain, Marietta, Kenesaw Mountain, Smyrna, Peach Tree Creek, Chattahoochee River, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Utoy Creek and Jonesboro. He was in Sherman's march to the sea, at Savannah, Ebenezer Church, Barnwell Court House, through the Carolinas, Fayetteville, Averysboro, Bentonville and Smithfield. During his service Mr. Ehret was confined in the hospital two nights and a day, besides being obliged to spend a short time in the convalescent camp. He had many narrow escapes, and for his services receives a pension of twelve dollars per month. After an absence of three years from his family he returned home and resumed life on the farm, where he has continued to reside. He has become a farmer and stock raiser of some note. He is a lover of fine stock and in his county is an authority on good horses, having bred several fine animals which took premiums at the county fairs held in Wells and adjoining counties. In politics he has always voted with the Democratic party and in his younger days was an active and ardent worker in his party. As a member of the Grand Army of the Republic he is popular with his comrades in the William Swaim Post at Ossian, Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. Ehret are highly respected in Jefferson township, where they have spent all their married life. They are the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are living. They are good neighbors, excellent citizens and are held in high esteem by all who know them. They are Presbyterians in faith, being members of the church at Elhanan, and are much respected by their associates. Mr. Ehret is a whole-souled, genial man and is so known far and wide in Wells county, while his wife also has the love and respect of all.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, B.F. Bowen, Logansport, IN, 1903, pp. 493-494.

For a number of years a representative farmer of Lancaster township, where he still has valuable possessions, but of late connected with the industrial interests of Bluffton, the subject of this sketch is entitled to much more than passing notice in the biographical review of Wells county's progressive men. As may be inferred from the name. Mr. Eichhorn is of German lineage. His father, Philip Eichhorn, was born in the Fatherland, and when a youth came to the United States, the family settling in Crawford county, Ohio. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Hassler, was also of German birth and her arrival in America was contemporary with that of her future husband. After their marriage the parents settled on a farm in Crawford county, and continued to reside there until the year 1864, when they moved to Wells county, Indiana, locating in Rock Creek township, where Philip Eichhorn became the owner of a large and valuable tract of land, numbering about eight hundred acres. He was a man of great energy and thrift, provided liberally for his family and at his death, which occurred not long after his arrival left a large estate much of which is still in possession of his descendants. The property was divided among the children, viz: Frederick, William, John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Mary, David, Margaret and Philip.

David Eichhorn, whose name introduces this article, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 11, 1852. When about eleven years old he was brought to Indiana and from that time to the present his life has been very closely interwoven with the growth and development of Wells county. Blessed with excellent parentage and reared according to the democracy of the farm, he early developed strength of character and definiteness of purpose, which served well as a foundation for the successful career which he has since led as an enterprising farmer and business man and intelligent, broad minded member of the body politic. The public schools afforded him the means of a fair education, but by far the greater part of his knowledge is of that practical kind obtained by coming in contact with the world in the stern school of experience. Until twenty-one years of age Mr. Eichhorn remained on the farm with his mother, whose interests he looked after as became a true and faithful son. On attaining his majority he began working for himself and four years later was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Griffin, the ceremony being solemnized on the 6th day of August, 1876. Mrs. Eichhorn was born in Wells county, her parents having been among the early and well known pioneers of this part of the state.

Immediately following his marriage, Mr. Eichhorn moved to a quarter section of land in the county of Wells, which he still owns and on which he lived and prospered until October, 1901, when he turned the place over to the hands of others and moved to Bluffton, with the object in view of spending the remainder of his life in retirement. Mr. Eichhorn's career as an agriculturist was fortunate in every respect, as is attested by the ample competence acquired during the years of his active labor. He became one of the leading farmers of the county, also took high rank as a business man, while his standing as a citizen was second to that of no other man in the township of his residence. Shortly after moving to Bluffton he became associated with N. E. Stafford and G. A. Harnish in the manufacture of flour, the partnership thus constituted being still in existence. This firm has completely rebuilt and remodeled the Wabash River Mill, furnished it with machinery for the manufacture of flour by the latest improved process and under the personal supervision of Mr. Stafford, a practical miller of many years' experience, the enterprise has become one of the city's most important industries. Mr. Eichhorn has long been interested in the progress of his adopted county, and his attitude towards all movements having for their object its material advancement has been that of a wide awake, enterprising and thoroughly public spirited man. He has served his township in various official capacities, but has never been an office seeker, although for many years one of the leading Democrats of his part of the county. Believing the principles of Democracy to be for the best interests of the people, and having an abiding faith in the dignity of the party's mission, he has been active in supporting same, devoting much of his time to the cause in local, state and national contests. For some time he was a member of the township council and for a period of four years served as assessor, discharging the duties of both positions in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the public.

Mr. Eichhorn holds fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to the lodge at Uniondale, which he has served in important official positions, besides representing it in the grand lodge of Indiana. He is an earnest believer in revealed religion, and, like all true disciples, makes his daily life correspond with his profession. Reared according to the strict teachings of the German Reformed church, his early religious instructions had a potent power in shaping his conduct, as is evident from the correct deportment and symmetrically developed Christian character which has been manifest in all his relations with his fellow men. He has held office of deacon in the local church with which he is identified, his family also belonging to the German Reformed communion.

Mr. and Mrs. Eichhorn are the parents of six children, whose names are as follows: Ira T., born September 27, 1877, is unmarried and still a member of the home circle; Stella P., born June 18, 1880, is the wife of John H. Lesh; Orville D., whose birth occurred on the 27th of May, 1882, has never left the parental roof; Elva M., wife of T. P. Paxson, was born August 31, 1885; Floa L. was born November 29, 1891, and Celia on the 27th day of October, 1893. Mr. Eichhorn is peculiarly blessed in his household and has so deported himself as to be a worthy example to his children. His life forcibly illustrates what can be accomplished by concentration of purpose and indomitable perseverance, directed and controlled by correct moral and religious principles. He is a fine representative of successful manhood, and possesses a character marked by integrity, true benevolence and a high sense of personal honor.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, B.F. Bowen, Logansport, IN, 1903, pp. 187-189.

PHILIP EICHHORN, deceased, was born in Baden, Germany, June 8, 1808, son of John and Philicia (Berkchicker) Eichhorn. He was reared on a farm in his native country, remaining there until 1835 when he immigrated to America and located in Crawford County, Ohio, where he was married January 8, 1837, to Miss Margaret Hassler, a daughter of Frederick and Barbara (Baker) Hassler, who were also natives of Germany. They left their native home May 8, 1833, in the ship Everhart, and after voyage of ninety days, landed at Baltimore, August 8 following. From Baltimore they started by team for Crawford County, Ohio, and four weeks later arrived at Mansfield. Here Mr. Hassler purchased a farm, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their days. After his marriage Mr. Eichhorn settled on his father-in-law's farm, where he resided until coming to Wells County, Indiana, in March, 1864, where he purchased 460 acres of land in Rock Creek Township, and about the same time he bought 360 acres of land in Huntington County, and spent the rest of his life on his farm in Rock Creek Township. He died October 11, 1864. In politics he always affiliated with the Democratic party. He was an earnest member of the Reformed church, his wife being yet a member of the same church. She was born November 14, 1816, and is still living in Wells County at the age of seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Eichhorn had born to them nine children as follows: Frederick, William, John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Mary, David, Margaret and Philip A. Frederick was born November 17, 1839, and died July 10, 1870. He was married and was the father of three children. The date of William's birth was March 25, 1841. John was born December 28, 1842, was married and had two children. He died March 15, 1879. Daniel was born October 23, 1844. He is married and has a family of six children. Elizabeth was born February 15, 1847, was married, and died January 2, 1872. Mary was born August 27, 1851, and is now the wife of Eli Houtz. David was born September 11, 1852, is married, and has four children. Margaret was born August 8, 1855, and was the wife of Uriah Mast. She died May 6, 1874. Philip A. was born March 9, 1856. He was married and had two children. He is also deceased, his death taking place March 25, 1883.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 658.

David Eiler and Martha A. Kidwell were married in Wayne County, Indiana, October 20, 1835. Their children are: John V., born October 17, 1836; Mary E., October 29, 1838, died November 20, 1838; Susannah, December 21, 1839; infant daughter, born and died June 10, 1842; Samuel W., August 29, 1843, died February 25, 1845; Nancy E., January 25, 1846; Sarah E., October 31, 1847; Daniel P., January 15, 1850, died October 28, 1856; David F., February 21, 1852, died November 12, 1856; Benjamin S., February 22, 1854; Calvin F., January 27, 1857; Madison E., June 8, 1861, died September 26, 1865. Mrs Eiler's parents, John and Susan (Seluck) Kidwell, are deceased; the former died in Indiana, the latter in Ohio. David Eiler was born in Ohio, June 15, 1813. He is a resident of Liberty Township; settled in Wells County in 1842. His wife was born in Virginia, December 1, 1816. Business, farming. Address, Liberty Center.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 214.

This native young farmer was born September 29, 1854, and has made Rock Creek township, Wells county, his residence during his entire life. He is a son of Jacob and Mary C. (Hoke) Elick, who came here from Hocking county, Ohio, about the year 1850, and purchased the farm now owned by William Haflich on the Bluffton and Markle road in Rock Creek township. Jacob Elick and Mary C. (Hoke) Elick had born to them a family of nine children, of whom four are still living, namely Joseph H., Jonas, Aaron S. and Mary C., the last named being the wife of Samuel H. Golden.

Jonas Elick was reared to agricultural pursuits and was given a good common school education. At the age of twenty years he rented the home farm, and on January 21, 1877, he married Miss Mary F. Preskey, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 28, 1858, a daughter of Augustus Preskey, a native of Germany. To this union have been born nine children, namely Clara A., born December 14, 1877 ; Charles F., born April 6, 1879; Nora E., born August 31, 1882; Dennis E., born December 18, 1884; Mervin O., born October 7, 1886; Lawrence M., born October 12, 1888; Bertha V., born September 5, 1890; Stella I., born September 13, 1892 ; and Vera P., born June 22, 1895.

Mr. and Mrs. Elick are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sparks, of which church Mr. Elick is one of the trustees, and has also served as class leader and superintendent of the Sunday school. In the work of this congregation they take great interest and freely contribute financially to its maintenance. In politics Mr. Elick is a Democrat, but although faithful to the principles of his party, and using his influence whenever opportunity offers to promote its access to power, he never has sought an office at the hands of his fellow townsmen nor interfered too officiously in the control of local affairs. From the farm which he now owns and occupies he has, through his skill and industry, acquired an ample reward and stands today among the foremost agricuiturists of Wells county.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, B.F. Bowen, Logansport, IN, 1903, p. 587.

The Elick family of Union township are of German descent and are among the most respected citizens of the township, in which they settled when William Elick was an infant. He was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, October 28, 1856, a son of Frederick and Mary (Wetzel) Elick, the former of whom, when a small boy, was brought from Germany to America by his parents, who ultimately settled in Ohio, where Frederick was reared to manhood and was married. In 1856 Frederick brought his bride and infant son to Rock Creek township, Wells county, and there the father followed the calling of farmer and blacksmith until his death, which occurred when William was but a boy, while that of his mother occurred some fourteen years ago. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom fourteen are still living.

William Elick was reared on his father's farm and was thoroughly trained in all the details of agricultural pursuits. He received a common school education and when twenty-one years old began working out by the month. He was industrious and economical and was united in marriage July 25, 1880, to Miss Elizabeth Rarar, who was born in Rock Creek township, of Pennsylvania parentage. This union has been crowned by the birth of three children, of whom two have been called away, the only survivor being Jennie Elsie, who was born in 1890. At his marriage Mr. Elick rented a farm for a short time and then engaged in the manufacture of tile, near Markle, a business he followed about eight years, when he resumed farming, in which he has met with the most flattering success.

Fraternally Mr. Elick is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Markle, of which he is a past chancellor and which he has represented in the grand lodge of the order. In politics he is one of the substantial Democrats of Union township and under the auspices of his party has served his fellow citizens as justice of teh peace for six years. Very few of his decisions have ever been appealed from and when he pronounces judgment it is as a rule considered to be final. Although an unassuming and modest gentleman, who never thrusts himself forward or in any respect makes himself officious in the affiars of others, he has won the respect of all his neighbors, who have the most implicit confidence in his judgment and integrity.

From what has been already written concerning William Elick, the reader will readily infer that he is what is usually termed "a self-made man," and that he is the "architect of his own fortune." He was but in moderate circumstances at the time of his marriage, but he now stands among the well-to-do and influential residents of Union township, all he has being the result of his own honest labor and skillful management. He cannot be too highly complimented for the excellent manner in which he has played his part in life's drama nor congratulated too strongly upon the success which has attended him. Still upon the entrance of the prime of life, Mr. Elick gives promise of many years of usefulness among his friends and neighbors and with them of developing the resources and industries of Union township and Wells county, being possessed of the courage and intelligence that fully fit him for this task.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, B.F. Bowen, Logansport, IN, 1903, p. 587.

BIRKET M. ELKINS, one of the old and respected pioneers of Wells County, residing on section 20, Jackson Township, was born in Culpeper, now Rappahannock County, Virginia, September 9, 1803, a son of Philip and Sarah (McCormick) Elkins, who were natives of Virginia, of Irish descent. The father served in the war of 1812, participated in several battles, and for his service received a land warrant. The parents emigrated to Perry County, Ohio, in an early day, where the mother died. They had a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. The father was again united in marriage, and came with his family to Indiana, settling in Jackson Township, Wells County. He subsequently went to Missouri, where he died. His son, Philip Elkins, is the father of Stephen B. Elkins, who was manager of Blame's presidential campaign.

Birket M. Elkins, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native State, where he received a good common-school education. He was married November 22, 1824, in Virginia, to Hannah Stallard, who was born in Virginia March 8, 1807, and to this union were born nine children: Andrew Jackson served as a soldier in the Union army, and died six days after returning home; Joseph C. (deceased), Daniel K. (deceased), William T., Mary E., Sarah C., Philip, Lee (deceased) and Lucretia A. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Elkins removed with his father's family to Ohio, and in 1847 he came to Wells County, Indiana, settling on the farm where he now resides, entering 320 acres of land on section 20, Jackson Township. His first house in the then wilderness of Jackson Township was built of round logs, with clap board roof and puncheon floor. This humble cabin was afterward replaced by a hewed-log house, which he occupied until his present comfortable frame residence was erected. He cleared and improved his land until he has now one of the best farms in his neighborhood. He has prospered in his agricultural pursuits, and at one time owned 400 acres, which he has given to his children with the exception of 160 acres, which he retains for himself.

Mrs. Elkins died in the fall of 1876, and in June, 1877, Mr. Elkins married Esther (Good) Colbert, a native of Henry County, Indiana, born December 27, 1833, a daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy (Batson) Good, and widow of Lewis H. Colbert. Nathaniel Good was an early settler of Jackson Township, where he lived till his death. He was a native of Perry County, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a Democrat in politics. He was a prominent citizen, and served as justice of the peace, probate or associate judge, and was assessor for several terms. He was a member of the Universalist church. By his marriage with Esther Good three children were born, two of whom are yet living, Mary J. and Nora E.

Nathaniel Batson, father of Mrs. Good, was one of the early pioneers of Jackson Township, settling here about 1835. He was born in Ohio in 1808, and came to Henry County, Indiana, with his parents when a boy, and was there married to Nancy Rolfston, a native of Kentucky, born in 1809, coming to Wells County after his marriage. He was a Democrat in politics. He served several terms as county commissioner, and was frequently chosen to act as juryman. He was a member of the Universalist church. He died December 2, 1878, his widow surviving until March 25, 1881. They were the parents of five sons and six daughters. Mr. Elkins was always a farmer, following that avocation before coming to Indiana. Mrs. Elkins was first married in May, 1853, to Lewis H. Colbert, and to this union were born three children, Alonzo, Nancy Viola and Lewis H. Mr. Colbert was a native of Ohio, and came with his parents to Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana, where he was married and lived until his death in September, 1858. He followed farming the greater part of his life. In his political views he was a Democrat, and served as township trustee of Chester Township for a time, to the satisfaction of his constituents. In politics Mr. Elkins has always been a staunch Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and his last for Cleveland. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and has served as Deputy United States Marshal for Perry County and Sergeant-at-Arms in the Ohio Legislature, as justice of the peace, and as postmaster. He was also a member of the State Legislature, representing Wells and Adams counties in the session of 1851-'52, and also served one term as county commissioner, serving in these positions to the best interests of his township or county. Mr. Elkins united with the Masonic fraternity on becoming of age, and is now a member of Warren Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Warren, Huntington County, Indiana.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 944-945.

THEODORE ELLINGHAM, farmer, Harrison Township, was born in Rock Creek Township, this county, September 2, 1851, the eldest son and third child of Charles and Hannah Ellingham. His youth was spent in assisting his father in clearing his heavily-timbered farm and in attending the common schools. He remained at home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred January 1, 1875, with Miss Elizabeth Douglass, daughter of the Rev. Alexander and Jane M. (Miller) Douglass, who were among the pioneers of Wells County. After his marriage Mr. Ellingham resided on his father's farm one year, then purchased his present farm on section 17, Harrison Township, where he has 120 acres of well cultivated and well-improved land. Mrs. Ellingham is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Ellingham was formerly a Republican, but now affiliates with the National party.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 852.

Henry B. Elston removed to Wells County in 1841. The county was wild and thickly wooded. He has cleared a nice farm of one hundred acres, which is now carried on by his sons and widow. He was born in the State of New York, August 14, 1818, and died March 31, 1870. His wife, Elizabeth (Stahl), to whom he was married July 6, 1844, in Wells County, Indiana, is a daughter of Abraham and Rebecca (Hart) Stahl, settlers of Wells County in 1843. The former was born in Maryland, February 19, 1787, died November 15, 1856; the latter born in Pennsylvania, March 30, 1793, died February 1, 1844. Mrs Elston was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1827. Her children are: Margaret Ann (Linn), born January 10, 1845, died December 25, 1869; Arminda (Lee), January 20, 1847, resides in Oregon; Susan (Louis), November 6, 1848, resides in Bluffton; Rebecca Jane, January 11, 1851; Lewis, February 7, 1853, died April 5, 1878; Harriet (Miller), November 30, 1854, resides in Chester Township; Charley G., November 19, 1856; Joseph, June 10, 1859; Oliver H., August 11, 1862; Jacob Archer, July 11, 1868. Mrs Elston resides in Harrison Township. Business, farming and stock-raising. Address, Reiffsburg.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 208.

FREDERICK ENGELER, of Vera Cruz, was born in the District of Winterthur, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, January 17, 1831, son of Caspar and Magdalene Engeler. He remained with his parents, attending school, until he was fourteen years of age, then went to learn the wagon-maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked as journeyman, traveling through different sections of the country, for two years. When he was two years of age his father died. In 1852 he, with a brother and sister, immigrated to the United States, our subject settling in this county, where he worked at his trade for two years. He then went to California, via New York and the Isthmus of Panama, landing at San Francisco. He worked on a farm until fall, then engaged in mining, which he followed successfully until October, 1858, when he returned to this county and engaged in the mercantile trade at Vera Cruz. This occupation he continued three years; then engaged in the woolen business for a time, and then operated a flouring mill until 1883. Since that time he has been engaged in farming in connection with his other business. He owns 200 acres of improved land, in a good state of cultivation.

He was married in April, 1859, to Miss Rose Ann Biverstein, born in Wayne County, Ohio, and daughter of Benedict and Rosanna Biverstein, natives of Switzerland. To this union eleven children were born, nine of whom are living: Frederick, Mary E., wife of Martin Vitz, of St. Paul, Minnesota, Albert, Frank F., Emma, Charles, William, Maggie, Edward, Henry and Tillie. May 13, 1859, Mr. Engeler was appointed postmaster, under President Buchanan's administration, an office he held two years. He was elected and then commissioned a justice of the peace April 12, 1860, for four years, by Ashbel P. Willard, Governor; was re-elected in 1864, and commissioned by Governor O. P. Morton, April 17, 1864. In 1880 was again elected, and is the present incumbent. After the expiration of his first service he was appointed notary public, and held the office until 1880. Politically he is a Democrat. Himself and wife are members of the Reformed church in the United States.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 907.

It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experiences that industry is the key to prosperity. Success comes not the man who idly waits for fortune's smiles but to the faithful toiler who works with cheerful celerity and sleepless vigilance and takes advantage of every circumstance calculated to advance his interests. Such a man is Robert M. Engle, a well known and highly respected citizen of Nottingham township who within a comparatively few years has worked his way from a humble station in life to a proud position among the leading farmers of his community, besides winning for himself a name which all who know him hold the highest esteem. Mr. Engle is a native of Wells county, Indiana and has spent all of his life within its borders. He was born September 7, 1864, in the township of Nottingham, and is the son of Isaac and Ann (Hopkins) Engle, who were among the substantial residents of this part of the county. When a mere lad, he was taught the necessity of honest toil as the only legitimate means of obtaining a livelihood, consequently he grew up to the full stature of manhood imbued with the idea that idleness, if not a crime, is, to say the least, is anything but honorable. When old enough to work to advantage he took his place by the side of his father in the fields and nobly did his part in running the farm and supporting the family. The district school in the neighborhood afforded him the means of acquiring a good practical education and he attended the same of winter seasons until his twentieth year, making the most of every opportunity to add to his intellectual discipline. He remained at home as his father's assistant several years after reaching manhood's estate and it was not until his twenty-eighth year that he severed home ties and set up a domestic establishment of his own.

Meantime, on the 13th of March, 1886, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Rosetta McClain, of Nottingham township, daughter of William and Emma (Fisher) McClain, and from that time until 1892 continued to work at home, getting little more than a living for himself and wife from his labor. In return for his filial devotion to his father in the latter year assisted Robert to buy a farm of eighty acres, contributing one thousand dollars towards the price, a sum of which the son had much more than earned while managing the homestead and looking after his parents interests. Only a part of the place was in cultivation when the subject took possession, but he has since cleared and otherwise improved the land until all but ten acres is susceptible to tillage. Mr. Engle is a man of industrious habits and the result of his systematic labors is apparent in the fine condition to which he has brought his farm in the last ten years. He has put in many rods of tiling, to the great improvement of the soil, built fine fences, besides erecting a comfortable dwelling to replace the house destroyed by fire shortly after he moved to the farm. By reason of the discovery of oil in this part of the community and the subsequent development of the industry, Mr. Engle's place has greatly increased in value, there being five wells on his land, from which he receives an income of over six hundred dollars per year. At the present time he does little on the farm besides superintending the work, now devoting the greater part of his attention to pumping oil, which business he has followed more or less during six years past. He also takes pride in the raising of fine live stock, a department of husbandry which he assumed considerable magnitude in Wells county and which promises to become more important with each succeeding year.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Engle originally consisted of four children, whose names are Howard, Esther, Edna and Harvey, the first two deceased. In his political views, Mr. Engle votes with the Republican party and during campaign years take an active interest in working for its success. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge meeting at the village of Petroleum. The qualities which have made Mr. Engle one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of his township have also brought him the good will and esteem of his fellow citizens, for his career from the beginning has been one of well directed energy, strong determination and honorable dealing. Endowed by nature with good mental powers and possessing the energy to direct his facilities into proper channels he has become a man of resourceful capacity as the able management of his private affairs and rapid advancement in material things abundantly demonstrates. Socially he is a most agreeable gentleman, always genial and pleasant in manner, a loyal friend, an excellent neighbor and as a citizen ranking with the best of his compeers. He has never been missed by political aspirations to the neglect of his business interests and has no ambition to gratify in the way of public distinction, wishing only to be known and recognized as a common man in the domain of private citizenship.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, B.F. Bowen, Logansport, IN, 1903, pp. 206-208.

A stranger traveling through Wells county, noting how largely the people are interested in the oil business and the number of producing wells to be encountered in any direction he might turn, would naturally suppose that it is through them that it received its name of Wells county. Such, however, is not the case. Wells county acquired its title long before any of its inhabitants ever thought of becoming oil producers. Nevertheless, the industry has added much to the wealth, comfort and happiness of the locality. One of the first to engage in the production if oil in Wells county was William L. Engle, of Geneva, Indiana, the subject of this sketch.

He was born in Nottingham township, Wells county, September 19, 1860. His father was Isaac Engle, a native of Warren county Ohio. His grandparents were William and Lutitia Engle, natives of New Jersey, who, early in the last century moved to Rudolph county, Indiana. At this time Isaac Engle, father of William, was a child of some eight years. The family resided in Indiana only about six years, when they again moved, this time locating in Warren county, Ohio. About this time he attained his majority, Isaac Engle was united in marriage to Anna Hopkins, a native of Jay county, Indiana, and daughter if Hezekiah Hopkins. They went to Randolph county, Indiana, and, after a residence there of two years, moved to Wells county, where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the woods. A log cabin was their first home and clearing and cultivation of the land was their life-work. Here they continued to reside up to the time of their deaths.

Mrs. Engle died March 7, 1891, and her husband survived her some five years, dying September 20, 1896. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are living. The dead are Prudence, Emma, Hannah, Charles, Amanda, and Richard; the living, William L., R. M., James A., Martha A., Daniel, Joseph C., and Arthur.

William L. Engle attended the public schools of his native township until he was twenty years of age. He then took a course at the normal school at Bluffton and later attended school at Valparaiso. Having laid a good foundation by procuring a good liberal education, he sought and readily procured a license to engage in the profession on teaching. The next four years, he spent in the schoolrooms of the township of his birth engaged as an instructor. In his calling he was eminently successful, but soon found that the compensation was by no means commensurate with the care, labor, and responsibility required.

On September 28, 1883, William L. Engle was united in marriage to Mary A. Hilton, also a native of Nottingham township and daughter of Daniel Hilton. Immediately thereafter he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of choice land, much of it cleared, and some of it under cultivation. Upon this he erected a comfortable home, a commodious barn and substantial outbuildings and began to devote himself to the calling of a husbandman and breeder of fine stock. Prospecting for oil about this time became fashionable, Mr. Engle was not long in catching the fever, in which he was abundantly favored by fortune.

Well after well was sunk upon his premises, until at this time he has eight splendid producers and is now making arrangements for drilling a number of others. His income from this source was as such as to justify him in getting out of the stock business, and he now breeds Shropshire sheep exclusively, his oil interests not admitting of his doing more. In the fall of 1891 he invested in a fine stock of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep and it is his purpose to engage quite extensively in the breeding of these animals already having met success. Within a short time he hopes to be able to supply any reasonable demand which may be made upon him for choice specimens of these animals. To this business, as to every other in which he engaged, Mr. Engle has given much patient study and there is little doubt that he will be successful in this as he has been in each of the others.

February 9, 1896, Mr. Engle married his second wife Effie J. Judy, a native of Adams county, Indiana. He and his wife are members of The Church of Christ, in which Mr. Engle is and has been for four years an elder. In politics he has always been a Republican, but is especially zealous on behalf of his party during political campaigns. His career is ample evidence that, despite all we hear abut trusts, there are still many avenues to fame and fortune open to the poor, but ambitious, persevering and worthy youths of the land.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, B.F. Bowen, Logansport, IN, 1903, pp. 340-342.

John Ernst whose parents, John and Elizabeth (Wise) Ernst, reside in Ashland County, Ohio, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1821. He settled in Wells County in the year 1864. He was married in Ashland County, Ohio, June 15, 1848. His wife, Mary, a daughter of Henry and Mary Zeigler, was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1830. Their first child was a son, born April 17, 1849, deceased; Mary Elizabeth, July 1, 1851; William Henry, April 18, 1853; Emma Augusta, February 3, 1855; Fremont, February 20, 1857, died May 28, 1858; Eliza Jane, December 12, 1858; Rosa Anna, October 28, 1860; John K.Z., January 20, 1862, died January 29, 1863; Minnie Rebecca, February 20, 1864; Anna Maria, May 20, 1865, died June 2, 1865. John Ernst is a resident of Liberty Township; his business, farming. Address, Liberty Center.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 214.