ADDISON C. RANDALL, residing on section 24, Lancaster Township, where he owns one of the best improved farms in his part of the county, is a native of Lockport, New York, the date of his birth being July 4, 1823. He is the fourth in a family of five children of Joseph and Maria Randall, his parents being natives of the State of New York, where they spent their lives. Our subject was reared on a farm. At the age of nine years he was bound out to service until reaching the age of nineteen years, and during this time was given good educational advantages. On attaining the age of nineteen years he became his own master, and began working as a farm laborer. He remained in his native State until 1843, when he came to Wells County, Indiana, where he was first employed by the month at farm labor. As soon as he was able he purchased a team, and engaged in teaming between Fort Wayne, Cincinnati and Bluffton. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Starr, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1827, a daughter of Ingall Starr. They lived most of the time in Bluffton, where Mr. Randall owned a house and lot, until removing to Lancaster Township in 1861, when they settled on the farm which is still owned and occupied by Mr. Randall. He purchased the land for $10 per acre, twenty acres of which had been cleared and a log cabin erected. Here his wife died December 10, 1866. Six children were born to them: George, of Harrison Township; Addison died aged two years; William, living at Bluffton; Mrs. Maria Clowson, of Craigville; Frank at home, and David, a resident of Battle Creek, Michigan. Frank Randall was born June 23, 1859, and married May 16, 1885, to Miss Loretta Bowman, who was born in French Township, Adams County, October 9, 1863, her father, Gideon Bowman, being still a resident of that township. They are the parents of one child, Elva, born April 30, 1886. For his second wife Mr. Randall married Mrs. Harriet Clark in 1869, a daughter of Aaron Wisner, a native of Ohio, and a pioneer of Wells County. She was the widow of John Clark. By her marriage with Mr. Randall she had one child, Sarah E., who died aged two months. Mrs. Randall died September 13, 1875. Mr. Randall has met with excellent success in his farming operations, and is the owner of. 170 acres, 130 acres of his land being under a high state of cultivation. In connection with his farming he devotes some attention to stock raising, in which he has been quite successful. In politics Mr. Randall affiliates with the Democratic party.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 1016.

Reared in the earlier days, when schools were few and an uncleared farm stared the settler in the face, it is little wonder that the majority of our pioneer; had little time for school or books. But after the woodland had been converted into fields of waving grain and the little family had grown away from the grinding hardships of early life, then it was that the father set himself assiduously to work to rectify the neglect of his boyhood and in most cases he succeeded beyond his expectations. Frederick Rapp was born to Frederick and Rosanna Rapp in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 21, 1839. The Rapp family came to America and settled in Erie county, New York, where the father bought-forty acres of land. Later he sold this and in 1853 brought his wife and children to Jefferson township, where he took one hundred acres of land in section 1, which was partially cleared. He and his family lived on this farm until the death of the parents. Mr. Rapp was a quiet, unassuming man, who had a good education in German and believed that each man could take care of his own business better than could his neighbor. Acting on this principle, he won many friends, whom he was able to assist with his advice. Eight children were the fruits of this union, four of whom are now living.

Frederick Rapp was reared in Germany, in New York and in Indiana. At an early age he helped clear their farm and later to cultivate it. His attendance at school was irregular, owing to the necessity of his being at work in the fields, his early education being thus much neglected. He remained beneath his father's roof until after he was twenty-one, having farmed the place for a few years. Miss Sarah Stites became his wife January 22, 1869. She was born to Peter and Christena (Hickler) Stites in Summit county, Ohio, March 12, 1844, and came with her parents to Wells county when she was a young girl. Four children blessed their union, namely: Effie A., Edna A., deceased, Jennie I., and Maud Pearl, deceased. Both Effie and Jennie were given the best advantages of the county schools and are living at home. Sometime after his marriage Mr. Rapp purchased eighty acres and established a home where he has since resided. He and wife and family are members of Bethlehem Evangelical church, the father being a trustee of the church, while the daughter, Miss Jennie, is the present organist, which position she has held for several years. In politics Mr. Rapp is a Republican, though before the war he voted with the Democratic party. The family are well and favorably known in this part of Wells county and have the highest esteem of their acquaintances and neighbors.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 483-484.

Henry Raush and Eliza J. Batson were married in Wells county, December 14, 1865. Their first child, Mary A., born March 5, 1866, died September 6, 1866; Isaac, born September 7, 1867; Samuel, January 11, 1870; Charlie, March 9, 1872; Elizabeth E., August 14, 1874; Oscar, March 19, 1877; Isa A., September 7, 1879. Mrs. Raush’s father, Nathaniel Batson, died December 3, 1878; her mother, Nancy (Ralston) Batson, is a resident of Wells county. Mrs. Raush was born in Wells county, November 12, 1845. Henry Raush was born in that county, June 28, 1840. He is a resident of Chester township, and engaged in farming. His parents, Philip and Sallie (Brenamen) Raush, reside in Wells county. Address, Liberty Center, 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. 223.
Transcribed by Kathy Davis

WILLIAM REDDING-removed to Wells county in 1835. There were at that time about seven white men in the township. Mr. Redding voted at the first election held in the township, which was in 1837. There were about ten votes cast. He was formerly married to Elizabeth Sails. Her children are: Ransom, born August 12, 1829, died April 30, 1872; Cornelius R., June 3, 1832, resides in Huntington county, Indiana; Jones, January 2, 1834, resides in Huntington county, Indiana; Franklin, December 9, 1835. In 1836 W. Redding was married to his present wife, Martha Brown. Their children are: Mary, January 17, 1838; John, July 19, 1839, died August 11, 1839; Elizabeth, June 14, 1840; Allen, November 18, 1842, died November 21, 1869; Nathan A., May 20, 1845, resides in Rock Creek; Martha J., March 12,1848, died September 18, 1877; Clay M., February 17, 1851; Smith A., August 7, 1853, died August 24, 1880; Sarah E., March 7, 1857. Mr. Redding was born in Wilkes county, North Carolina, August 20, 1807. He has served one year as Trustee and several terms as Supervisor of Rock Creek township. His sons Ransom and Jones served in the war of 1861. He is a resident of Rock Creek township, and son of John and Mary (Brown) Redding, both of whom died in North Carolina. Mrs. Redding was born in Wilkes county, North Carolina, August 20, 1807. Her father Elijah Brown, died in 1855; her mother, Elizabeth (Redding) Brown, aged 87, is a resident of Rock Creek township. William A. Brown, a brother of Mrs. Redding, served in the war of 1861 about three years. He died of chronic diarrhea in the year 1865. Business, farming. Address, Rockford, Wells county.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 223.
Transcribed by Sandy Czajka

H. H. REED, farmer, was born in Stark County, Ohio, son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Click) Reed. Henry was a native of Pennsylvania, and his parents were among the pioneer families of Stark County. They reared a family of eleven children, and passed the remainder of their lives in Stark County. Jacob, the grandfather, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Henry Reed was married in Stark County, and during their residence in that State their seven children were born—Simson, Leah, Henry, George, Franklin, Lucy and Adaline. Henry married Martha M. Fohl, George married Frances Myers, Lucy A. became the wife of Henry Dobins and Adaline the wife of Washington Henderson. The family immigrated to Indiana in 1868, and are now residents of this State. Henry Reed, Sr., settled in Pleasant Township, Allen County, where his death occurred in 1883, his wife having preceded him two years. Our subject learned the carpenterÂ’s trade in Ohio, and was a contractor and builder for several years before leaving that State. His marriage with Martha M. Fohl was celebrated in 1858, and in the autumn of 1862 he left his young wife and enlisted in Company K, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, as a private. His regiment was assigned to duty and became a part of the great Army of the Tennessee, which did such noble service during the war. Captain James M. Jay commanded his company; Steele was Major. Mr. Reed participated in the battle at Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, and numerous other engagements, receiving no wound; but his illness was caused by fatigue and exposure. After his discharge in 1863 he returned to his home in Ohio, where he followed his trade until his removal to this State in 1867. He located in Union Township, Wells County, and for several years worked at his trade, dividing his time between his trade and clearing a farm of forty acres. He built the “Nunnemaker” schoolhouse, in Allen County, the large barn of Daniel Fisher, in Union Township, and was the architect and builder of the fine barns that stand on his present farm in Jefferson Township, Wells County, which he purchased in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have had nine children—John, Wesley and Harvey were born in Ohio; Jemima, Franklin, Ella, William, Cora and Bethilda were born in this State. Jemima married John W. Lee, a farmer, of this county; Harvey married Martha Woods, of Allen County, and they now reside in this county; Wesley is a mechanic, and carries on a carriage manufactory at Zanesville, Indiana. All of Mrs. ReedÂ’s family that are living reside in Ohio. Mr. Reed was elected justice of the peace of Jefferson Township in 1880, and served his term faithfully and well. He has been a member of the Republican party since its organization, and a member of the Church of God for twenty-eight years; he has been an elder in that church most of the time since he became a member.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 846.

JOHN K. REIFF, deceased, an old settler of Nottingham Township, Wells County, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1799. His parents were also natives of Berks County, and of German ancestry. He was reared on the farm and married Susannah Abling, born in Pennsylvania in 1807. He came to Wells County in 1844, entering land in Nottingham Township when the country was new and the neighbors were few and far between, the nearest one being two miles away. Deer and turkey were plenty, and their principal food was corn bread and venison. He was a Democrat in polities and held several local offices. He lived in Nottingham Township until his death, which occurred in June, 1861. The mother died in 1853. The parents had twelve children, one dying in infancy. They were members of the Evangelical Association. The first religious services of that denomination in the township were held at their house. When Mr. Reiff came here there was nothing but an Indian trail from Fort Wayne to Bluffton. He was then in limited circumstances, but by hard work and good management he accumulated a good property, giving each of his sons a home.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 660-663.

Among the oldest living representatives of the pioneer period in Wells county is John Rex, who has been an honored resident of this part of the state for over fifty-one years. Like many of the first settlers of the county, he is of Ohio birth, his parents, William and Susan (Sluss) Rex, having moved to Stark county, that state, from Pennsylvania, early in the last century. Mr. Rex is of German descent and inherits many of the characteristics of an ancestry long noted for industry, thrift and a high sense of personal honor. He was born in Stark county on the 25th day of January, 1828, and at the age of sixteen accompanied his parents to the county of Seneca, where he grew to young manhood on a farm. The lack of proper school facilities prevented him from acquiring any educational training beyond a knowledge of the elementary branches, but a naturally bright mind and a desire for reading subsequently enabled him to make up for this deficiency. Young Rex assisted his father on the farm until reaching the years of manhood, when he severed home ties and engaged in farming upon his own responsibility. He began poor, but, with an inborn determination which hesitated at no obstacles, he resolutely faced the future, resolved to win success if it could be done by energy, hard work and well directed thrift. The better to enable him to fight this world's battles, he chose a companion and helpmeet in the person of Miss Abigail Love, of Tiffin, Ohio, to whom he was married April 12, 1849, and in September, 1850, reached Wells county, Indiana, settling on an eighty-acre tract of unimproved land in the township of Jefferson. He built a small log cabin and for several years experienced all the hardships and vicissitudes incident to life in the backwoods. Wild game of all kinds was plentiful and afforded the family an abundance of the choicest meats. Deer would frequently come close to the house and but little skill was required to kill one when it became necessary to replenish the larder. Wild turkeys were also numerous, while smaller game, such as ducks, rabbits, squirrels, pheasants, quail, etc., were hardly worth the ammunition. Mr. and Mrs. Rex worked early and late, in the woods, felling trees, burning logs, and doing the hundred and one other things to fit the land for tillage. In due time he had sixty acres in cultivation and later added to his original purchase until he owned a quarter section, one-half of which lay across the line in the county of Adams. By industry and good management he made other additions from time to time, finally becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, all of which is admirably situated and adapted for successful farming. Of this land Mr. Rex cleared and developed something like one hundred and forty acres himself, a task of sufficient magnitude to test the strength and endurance of the most vigorous physique. In addition to cultivating the soil, he early turned his attention to the raising of live stock, and in this way realized more liberal returns than the income from his crops. Later he bought and shipped cattle for a time by the car load, which business also proved remunerative. As a farmer Mr. Rex always ranked with the first and as a business man he has few equals and no superiors among the agriculturists and stock dealers of Wells county. His judgment has seldom been at fault, and his fore-thought often enabled him to take advantage of circumstances which proved greatly to his financial advantage, without in the least compromising his honor or interfering in any way with the good of those with whom he dealt. In all of his transactions his course has been open and straightforward, and no shade of suspicion has ever attached to his good name.

In the year 1889 Mr. Rex left his farm and moved to the town of Ossian, where for one year he was associated with A. Moodward in the manufacture of flour. Shortly after remodeling the mill and installing the modern roller process, he purchased his partner's interest and continued the business as sole proprietor until Mellin Harsh became his associate in 1896. In January, 1903, he purchased his partner's interest, thus again becoming sole owner of the Rex Roller Mill, which has a capacity of sixty-five barrels of excellent flour. The mill is operated by an expert miller, a Mr. Kimbrook. Mr. Rex was also engaged in the hardware trade at Ossian for three years, with success and profit, selling his stock at the end of that time for the purpose of looking after his large agricultural and live stock interests. For the last year and a half he has been living in retirement, though still managing his business affairs, which, in addition to his farm of ninety acres, includes a large tile factory in west Ossian, operated by a skillful foreman, the demand exceeding the capacity.

Mr. Rex comes from an old Democratic family, but ever since old enough to cast a ballot he has been a pronounced Republican in his own political views. He has been active in the support of his principles and keeps himself informed upon the leading questions and issues of the day. He is never absent from an election when able to get to the polls and his influence has done much to strengthen the cause of the party in the township of his residence. In religion he subscribes to the United Brethren creed, of which body he has been an earnest and devoted member since early manhood. At this time he is steward and class leader of the Zion church, and for many years has been one of the substantial and liberal supporters of the congregation.

Mr. and Mrs. Rex are the parents of four children, namely: Wilson, deceased at twenty-three years; Israel, a farmer of Jefferson township; John W., dealer in live stock at Decatur, and Susie, who was the wife of Ed Numbers, of Texas, and died at the age of thirty-eight years. There are also twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Few men in Jefferson township are as well known as "Uncle Johnny Rex," the name by which he is familiarly called. As a neighbor he is the soul of liberality and good fellowship, and as a citizen no man in the county stands higher in the esteem of the public. All who know him honor him for his many estimable traits of character and his friendship is most prized by those who meet him in the social circle around his own hospitable fireside. He has lived to a noble purpose, has made the world better by his presence and his example has been the means of influencing many young men to choose a proper course of life and conduct.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 461-463.

William M. Rhoby, son of John and Hannah (Chesterson) Rhoby, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in the year 1833. He is a resident of Chester township, and engaged in farming. In 1867 he settled in Wells county; was married December 30, 1850, in Howard county, to Martha E. Gilbert. Their children are: John William, born April 23, 1857, deceased; James A., October 30, 1858; Sarah M., January 12, 1861; Hannah M., August 3, 1863, deceased; Paul B., June 5, 1865; Elsie, June 12, 1868; Amity, May 14, 1871; Samuel, March 9, 1874. Mrs. Gilbert is a daughter of Elijah and mary A. (Ridgeway) Gilbert. She was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, February 6, 1837. three of her brothers served in the war of 1861. John Rhoby, brother of William M., was also a soldier of the late war; was discharged in 1865. Address, Mount Zion.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 223.
Transcribed by Kathy Davis

SAMUEL L. RIDDILE, of Bluffton, was born in Trumbull County (now Mahoning), Ohio, the date of his birth being March 12, 1827. He is the eldest son and second child in a family of five children of Andrew J. and Matilda (Taylor) Riddile, the parents being natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in Washington County, that State, in 1800, a son of Samuel and Martha (Johnson) Riddile, and a grandson of David Riddile, who was of Scotch descent. The mother of our subject was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1800, a daughter of George and Betsy (McConahey) Taylor, and was of Irish ancestry. In 1807 Samuel Riddile, the grandfather of our subject, immigrated to what is now Mahoning County, Ohio, and there erected a saw and grist and carding mill, and also a distillery, and followed these several avocations for many years, living in that county the remainder of his life. His son, Andrew J., spent his youth in assisting his father in the mill, residing with his parents until he grew to manhood. He was married in 1824 to Miss Matilda Taylor, who came with her parents to Portage County, Ohio, in 1804, where her father followed farming the rest of his life. After his marriage Andrew J. settled on a farm near his fatherÂ’s home, where he lived until 1840, and in September of that year he came to Wells County, Indiana, and purchased 160 acres of unimproved land near Bluffton, where he followed farming until his death in the year 1855. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church until his death, and his wife was a member of the same church. She died in the year 1850. They were the parents of five children — Elizabeth (deceased), Samuel L., George T., Martha S. and Hiram D. Samuel L., whose name heads this sketch, was thirteen years old when brought by his parents to Wells County, and here his youth was passed assisting his father in clearing and improving their frontier farm, receiving such education as could be obtained in the primitive log cabin subscription schools. He grew to manhood on the home farm in Wells County, and commenced life for himself on eighty acres of wild land, part of the old homestead given him by his father, which he cleared and improved. He was married March 10 1857, to Miss Mary A. Van Emon, who was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1837, coming with her parents to Wells County in 1847. They are the parents of three children—Theodore, Allie and Della. Mr. Riddile resided on his farm in Harrison Township until 1864, when he sold his land and bought 160 acres of land on section 12, Rock Creek Township, making that his home until he came to his present home in Bluffton in 1886. In politics he is a Democrat. For three terms he served as township trustee, and for three years held the office of county commissioner. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 926.

The versatile man is not proven by the many callings to which he turns his hand. He is rather proven to be versatile by the number of which he makes a success. Hon. John W. Rinear, of Liberty Center, Wells county, Indiana, the subject of this brief sketch, has undertaken many vocations, --which in itself does not prove him to be versatile. He has undertaken nothing in which he has not been eminently successful,-- that does. He has been a woodman, a farmer, a soldier, a dealer in real estate, a merchant, a member of the legislature and various other minor vocations, in all of which he acquitted himself not only with credit, but with marked honor.

John W. Rinear is a native of Ohio. He was born near Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, March 4, 1842, the son of Charles and Jane S. Rinear. The father was a native of New Jersey, born July 7, 1816; the mother a native of New York, born May 16, 1820. The parents of Charles were John and Rebecca (Gaskill) Rinear, both natives of New Jersey. Jane S. was the daughter of Silas and Esther (Montgomery) Parker, Silas being a native of Connecticut, a thoroughbred down-east Yankee, while Esther was a native of New York. Charles, the father of the subject, grew to manhood in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, having accompanied his parents to that commonwealth when he was only five years old. In this locality also the parents of Jane S. Parker had settled and engaged in farming. There they were married and resided until 1847, when they moved to Huntington county, Indiana, and seven years later to Liberty township, Wells county. That region was at that time dense woods, but there they purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres. Charles Rinear was at that time a large, powerful man, capable of doing much more work than the average man and rarely acknowledged a feeling of weariness. With little means other than their industry, they started in a log cabin and fought a winning fight against poverty and privation. Both the parents are now dead, the father dying December 26, 1887, at the age of seventy-one, and his faithful wife went to her reward April 6, 1894, aged seventy-four. At the time of their death they were possessed of the title to the land purchased by them when they first came to Wells county, besides much other valuable property. Their work was ended when they passed away and it was well done. He was a deacon of the Baptist church and served in that capacity for forty years. In politics he was a stanch Republican, but there must have been something radically wrong either with his teaching or the cause he espoused, for all of his sons are Democrats. Perhaps it was in the atmosphere, as Wells county is a little peculiar in that particular. Charles and Jane S. Rinear were the parents of six children, five of whom are yet living. They are as follows: John W., the subject of this sketch; Elias M., who most efficiently served Wells county as commissioner; Emma S., wife of Eli Smith, of Liberty Center; Charles A. died at the age of twenty-four years; George F., a resident of Bluffton; Mary J., wife of H. J. Johnson, justice of the peace of Liberty township. Each received a good education and is comfortably settled in life.

John W. Rinear received his education in the common schools of Liberty township, which he attended until he was nineteen years old. Like many other youths of that period, his school days were prematurely abbreviated by the operation of the recruiting office. September 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteers. After fourteen months' service he was obliged to leave the ranks on account of disability by reason of a bullet wound received in the right arm at the mouth of White river, Arkansas. Those fourteen months, however, were a period of much activity. He was stationed for a time at New Madrid, Missouri, and at Riddles Point, Missouri. He took part in the siege of Fort Pillow and his was the first Federal regiment in Memphis after the naval battle. It was with much regret that he was obliged to leave the service at a time when he felt most deeply interested in the success of the Union cause. He received an honorable discharge at Memphis, Tennessee.

After returning from the war he was, on April 2, 1863, united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. First, a young lady of modesty and refinement and of an amiable disposition. She was born February 23, 1843, in Liberty township, Wells county, her parents being Jacob and Hannah (Stonebrook) First, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was born March 5, 1811. He entered a tract of land in Liberty township, Wells county, in 1836 and took up his residence thereon in 1841. He resided upon this land until a few years ago, when he began making his home with his daughter, Mrs. John W. Rinear, wife of the subject of this sketch. He is now the only man in Liberty township who has retained his ownership of the land he originally secured from the government. He has at different times held every office in the gift of his township, except that of assessor, and filled each position creditably and well. Now, after a life of unremitting industry, in his ninety-second year, he is still hale and hearty. Jacob and Hannah First were the parents of eight children, viz: Israel, deceased; Solomon; Mary J., wife of Peter Frantz; George, deceased; Sarah C., wife of the subject; Salinda, wife of R. F. Taylor; Thomas and Caroline, who was the wife of Theodore Ewart, but has since died.

For three years after his marriage Mr. Rinear rented and lived upon the farm of Dr. Melshiemer in Liberty township. In the meantime, having saved some money, with it he purchased a tract of forty acres of land, which now forms a part of Liberty Center. The east half of the original plat of the town was laid out on this land by Mr. Rinear, and when purchased, this land was dense woods. With his own hands the new owner erected upon this place a cabin eighteen by twenty feet. At this time his worldly possessions consisted of a team of horses, a cow and a few shoats. For the greater part of the purchase price he went in debt, but each and every note was paid by, or before, the time it became due. With his own labor and that of his faithful wife they cleared this land and made of it a farm and a home. In 1866 Mr. Rinear came into possession of his present farm, and on the 28th day of December, 1866, his home was gladdened by the birth of a daughter, Hannah S., who was the first child born in Liberty Center. She is now the wife of John B. Funk, a prosperous druggist and postmaster of Liberty Center, who at the expiration of his present term will have served the government in that capacity twelve years. They are the parents of three children, viz: John A. J., sixteen years old, is in the second year of high school and attended the Marion Normal School last spring; Sarah A. M., thirteen years old, a student of common school in the eighth grade; Charles Rinear, ten years old, also attending school.

A purchase of twenty acres of land was made by Mr. Rinear in 1874, adjoining his place on the north. In 1878 Liberty Center got a railroad, and the same year he laid out the east half of Liberty Center. He is today the oldest continuous citizen of the town. He served as justice of the peace for twelve years from 1873 and, during that time did more business than had been done in the office by all of his predecessors combined, including the marriage of one hundred and four happy couples. In 1877 he engaged in the mercantile business at Liberty Center, was appointed postmaster and served three years. He continued in the mercantile business until 1882, meanwhile looking after his agricultural interests. He is now the owner of three hundred and twenty-five acres of land, one mile east of Liberty Center, all in one body, well improved and under good cultivaion [sic], as fine a farm as can be found in Wells county. Besides he has thirty-five acres of his old home place in town and resides on lot 1 of the original plat of the town. His home is a most comfortable and commodious one, where he is most happy in his domestic relations, and where hospitality abounds and love and affection reigns supreme.

In 1894, at the session of the Democratic joint senatorial convention of Wells and Huntington counties, John W. Rinear received the nomination and after a spirited canvass was elected by a large majority. He served on the committees for corporations, railroads, public health and natural gas in the session of 1895. In 1897 he was accorded a place on the committees on finance, benevolent institutions, banks, military affairs, county and township business, railroads and city of Indianapolis. He was appointed by the judge of the circuit court, in June, 1899, a member of the county council for district No. 3, and in 1900 he was elected councilman at large by a popular majority of nearly one thousand one hundred. At the election of 1902 he was re-elected by a large majority for four years. He has served as president of the board ever since it was organized, being again elected for the ensuing four years. In 1887 he was commissioned by the governor a notary public and served in that capacity eight years. In every public position he has been called to fill he has been faithful and trustworthy. Even his enemies and there are few without them, political or otherwise, have never ventured even to insinuate that he has ever in the least betrayed any confidence, public or private, that had been reposed in him. At the present time Hon. John W. Rinear is devoting himself almost exclusively to the management of his agricultural interests. On his three-hundred-acre farm he raises astonishingly large crops of grain and the farm is well stocked with Poland China hogs, a general class of cattle and all necessary horses. He raises, buys, fattens and puts on the market each year quite an amount of stock and the returns from his agricultural operations have been gratifyingly profitable. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church, contributing liberally to its support and that of every worthy object. He is a member of Lew Daily Post No. 33, G. A. R., at Bluffton and Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., at Liberty Center, of which he is a charter member. That he is a good, even a model, citizen, at home and abroad, is best attested by the esteem in which he is held wherever he is known. Such a hold as he has upon the affections of the people of his own and adjoining counties can never be secured but by the most worthy.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 354-357.

JOSEPHUS C. RINEHART, of Zanesville, is the youngest living son of David and Mary A. (Kain) Rinehart, natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Washington County, and the latter in Fayette County. The father of David was accidentally killed in Pennsylvania, and his wife with her children removed to Tuscarawas County, Ohio. In that county David married Mary Kain, and they remained in that State for several years. David was a blacksmith by trade, and he owned and operated a smithy at Rogersville. Four children were born in Ohio — James A., John K., Nancy J. and Daniel K. After they settled in Wells County, in 1850, two other children were born — Josephus C.and George F. A small improvement had been made upon the land which David purchased. It was included in the Indian Reserve, and the lands were only open for settlement a short time previous to Mr. Rinehart's arrival. Jacob Miller, the second owner, built a cabin that stood within a few feet of the present mansion. James Hixon had entered the land, but had made no improvements. In October, 1850, David with his family landed in Zanesville, and a short time afterward came to the farm where they resided until 1881, when the parents removed to Bluffton. Two years later the mother died, followed in December, 1885, by the death of the father. The children all received a good education, and the three older brothers were teachers. John holds the office of deputy circuit clerk of Wells County. He studied law with Judge Saylor, and was admitted to the bar. Only four of the children are living, and all are married—James A. is the husband of Nancy J. Newhouse, and resides in Mahaska County, Iowa; John K. resides at Bluffton; Daniel is the husband of Mattie Wilkerson, and also resides at Bluffton; Josephus married Jennie Robertson, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Boodley) Robertson, Rev. Isaac Markley performing the ceremony September 28, 1879. They settled on the home farm, since which time Mr. Rinehart has purchased a three-fourths interest in the land. They have one daughter, Mollie O., born August 13, 1883. Mrs. Rinehart was born in Allen County, this State. Her parents came from Warren County, Ohio, in 1854. They had five children—Franklin P., William H., Ellen B., Edward B. and Phebe J. Allen Rinehart was a soldier during the late war, serving as Orderly Sergeant in the Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry, and remaining until the close of the war. John K. was drafted, but procured a substitute and returned home. The handsome farm is a monument to the memory of David Rinehart and his noble wife, for the great fields were cleared and the handsome buildings erected during their lifetime. They lived to see the country well developed and their children well settled in life.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 1012.

JOHN ROBERTS was born March 8, 1848, in Rock Creek Township, Wells County, Indiana, where he is now engaged in farming and stock-raising. His father, Robert Roberts, was born in Kentucky, February 23, 1811, a son of William Roberts. The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native State, where he was married January 28, 1836, to Miss Nancy Brown, by whom he had two children. In the spring of 1837 he started for Wells County, Indiana, where he entered 120 acres of Government land on section 32, Rock Creek Township, and began the task of clearing and improving his frontier farm, and from time to time added to it until he had 200 acres, which he brought under a high State of cultivation. His wife died August 10, 1840, and he was subsequently married to Mrs. Abigail Sparks, whose maiden name was Redding. She was born December 12, 1815. To this union were born five children, three of whom yet survive. Robert Roberts was again bereaved by the loss of his wife, who died April 8, 1862. He was again married to Miss Mahala Redding, who is yet living on the old homestead. Mr. Roberts died February 5, 1880. He served as township trustee, and held other local offices of trust and responsibility. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was a member of the New Light church. John Roberts, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm, residing with his parents until his marriage. His education was obtained in the common schools of his native township. September 18, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary J. Mills, a daughter of Samuel and Eliza J. (Gilmore) Mills. Her father was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, a son of Andrew Mills, who was a native of Ireland, and her mother was born in Virginia, a daughter of James Gilmore, a native of Scotland. Her parents were married in 1842, and in 1846 immigrated to Indiana, settling in Huntington County, where Mrs. Roberts was born May 16, 1850, and where Mr. Mills died October 6, 1874, aged fifty-three years. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, of whom only one survives, a daughter, named Annie Jane. Their first born died in infancy, and their youngest, Ellie, died aged five months. After his marriage Mr. Roberts settled on his farm on section 31, Rock Creek Township, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. To his original purchase of forty acres of partially improved land he has since added until his farm now contains 249 acres all well improved and under fine cultivation. In his political views Mr. Roberts is a Democrat.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 856-857.

NATHAN ROBERTS, farmer, Liberty Township, was born in Rock Creek Township, this county, October 17, 1851, son of Robert and Abigail (Redding) Roberts. He was reared on a farm, obtaining his education in the common schools. March 9, 1876, he was married to Miss Harriet Ann, daughter of Henry Mossburg, who was born February 22, 1853. He settled upon his present farm on section 3, Liberty Township, it being then heavily timbered. He now has a fine farm of 200 acres, 150 acres being in a high state of cultivation, all of which he has earned by his own industry. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have two children?Rosa May, born August 17, 1877, and Nettie Bell, born December 11, 1880. Mr. Roberts is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 92, K. of P., and in politics is a Democrat. Mrs. Roberts is a member of the Christian church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 866-867.

Kentucky, which in its early history was known as "The Dark and Bloody Ground," furnished Indiana with some of its pioneer settlers in the early days, but very few of them found their way as far north as Wells county. A few families, however, have been traced to that locality, among them the Roberts family, to which Nathan Roberts, the subject of this sketch, belongs. He was born in Rock Creek township, Wells county, October 17, 1851, but his father was a Kentuckian, having been born in that commonwealth February 23, 1811. Robert and Abigail (Redding) Roberts were the parents of the subject hereof.

In his native state of Kentucky Robert Roberts grew to manhood and on January 28, 1836, he married Miss Mary Brown. Two children were born to this union, but both are now dead. In 1837 he moved to Wells county, Indiana, where he entered one hundred and twenty acres of government land, in section 32, Rock Creek township, and upon this he built a home, cleared and improved the land and later added eighty acres, making him the owner of two hundred acres. August 10, 1840, he met his first great bereavement in the death of his faithful wife. He was again united in marriage, his second wife being a widow, Mrs. Abigail Sparks, whose maiden name was Redding, the date of her birth being December 12, 1815. To this union five children were born, three of whom are still living, viz: John, a resident of Rock Creek township; Nathan, of this sketch, and R. D., of Rock Creek township. Again the death angel visited the Roberts home and on April 8, 1862, Mrs. Abigail Roberts departed this life. Her loss was deeply felt and widely mourned. She was a kind, generous woman, of most amiable disposition, whose sole object in life was to do good. For a third time Robert Roberts entered the bonds of matrimony, his third wife being Mahala Redding, who is still living on the old homestead. Her former husband died February 5, 1880. He was a man who took an active part in all of the affairs of life, in politics was a Democrat and served a number of terms as township trustee, besides occupying other local offices. He was a member of the New Light church.

Up to the time he was twenty years old Nathan Roberts attended the public schools of Rock Creek township, when they were in session, generally about three months in the year. In this way he secured a good common school education, to which he has added much since by extensive reading. Until he was twenty-one years of age, when not in school, he worked for his father on the farm. The five years next succeeding his majority were employed upon the same farm, cultivating it upon the shares, his part being one-fourth of all that was raised. On March 9, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Mossburg, who was born February 22, 1853. She was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Ware) Mossburg, natives of Henry county, Indiana, whose ancestors were natives of Maryland and Virginia and members of the Christian church. Henry Mossburg, grandfather of Mrs. Roberts, came to Wells county, Indiana, in 1837, was the third settler in Liberty township and was the first white man buried in the township. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and died November 2, 1838. Henry Mossburg, the father of Mrs. Roberts, was twice married. First, August 2, 1845, to Rebecca Scotten. To this union five children were born, of whom only one child, Isaac, is living. His second wife, to whom he was married May 8, 1832, was Mrs. Mary E. (Nau) Wiley. Ten children were born to this union, viz: Harriett A., LaFayette, Ella May, William, Jane, Aramantha, Eddie, Lizzie, Walter and Milton, the latter dying when only four years old.

When Nathan Roberts was twenty-three years of age his father gave him forty acres of land in Rock Creek township. This he held for about two years when he sold it. The proceeds he used as a part payment on one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty township which he purchased, going in debt for the balance, one thousand six hundred dollars. This land is located in section 3, was a wild and trackless forest at that time, but is now the well improved, productive farm upon which the Roberts family resides. Immediately after this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roberts took up their residence on this place and it has been their home ever since. Their first home was a little frame house built of green cottonwood lumber, whose tendency to warp was so marked as to remind one of the "crooked house" of Mother Goose fame. In 1886 he built a barn thirty-six by sixty feet, that is one of the most commodious and substantial structures of the kind in the township. In 1890 he erected a handsome ten-room house, which is beautifully finished and has since been elegantly furnished, making a most enviable home. When he paid off the original indebtedness, he pruchased another tract of forty acres adjoining his place on the east. This gives him two hundred acres, in one body, all choice farming land, well drained and under cultivation. By hard work, economy and thrift, Nathan Roberts and his faithful wife have accomplished this, besides putting together personal prooperty of a value not less than two thousand dollars. The farm is well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs. From a very small and insignificant beginning they have evolved all this and have done it within a period of twenty-five years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts two children have been born, viz: Rosa M. is the wife of William Johnson and they have one child, Harold N. X.; they reside on the Roberts farm; Nettie B. is well educated and accomplished in music, residing with her parents. Mrs. Roberts is a Quaker, her church being in Liberty Center, but both her daughters are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Roberts is a member of Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., of Liberty Center, and of Atoka Tribe No. 226, I. O. R. M., at Rockford, Indiana. Whatever zeal he may lack in religion, he makes up in activity in lodge work. In politics he is a Democrat, but never held or desired to hold office, though a number of times he has represented his township in various convenetions. Most flattering success has never banished the native modesty of Mr. Roberts. He is ever the same kind, genial and sympathetic man, one who loves his friends and treats his enemies with contempt. Mr. Roberts possesses an old parchment deed, signed by President Martin Van Buren.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 373-375.

The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved and whose prominence is not the less result of an irreproachable life than of natural talents and acquired ability in the field of his chosen labor. Dr. Robison occupies a position of distinction as a representative of the dental profession in Bluffton and the best evidence of his capability in the line of his chosen work is the large patronage which is accorded him. He is associated in the practice with his father, an old and reliable dentist in this city, and the firm is known as Robison & Robison.

Dr. Homer E Robison was born in Bluffton, Indiana, February 9, 1877, and he is a son of Dr. P L and Willametta (Merriman) Robison, the former of whom was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Whitley County, Indiana. The Robison family, originally from Scotland, was founded in America in the old colonial era of our national history by John Robison, great-great-grandfather of Dr. Robison of this review. He came to this country and settled in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, where he married Barbara Dumbauld. He was a loyal and patriotic citizen and served throughout the period of the War of the Revolution. He and his wife were the parents of one son, John, whose birth occurred in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1785. In 1803 John Robison married Catherine Weimer and to them were born eight children, of whom William W. was the youngest son; he was born in 1824 and in 1847 married Sophia Eicher. To them were born four children, two of whom died in infancy. Concerning the other two, Catherine became the wife of William C. Williamson of Kanorado, Kansas, where she died September 22, 1917, and Peter Lohr is the father of Homer E.

William W. Robison purchased the old homestead in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and lived on it until 1859, when he sold it and came to Indiana, locating in Union Township, Adams County. He was engaged in farming operations for a time and then studied for the ministry and was ordained a Baptist preacher. He had charge of the Baptist Church at Bluffton for a period of thirteen years and went thence to Columbia City, where he remained three years. In March, 1880, he accepted a call to Auburn, Crawford County, Ohio, and there his cherished and devoted wife died April 13, 1881. He was summoned to eternal rest in 1898.

Dr. Peter Lohr Robison was six years of age when his parents located in the Hoosier State. He was educated in the public schools of Adams County and Springfield Academy. In 1871 he engaged in the grocery business in Bluffton. Shortly afterward he went to Kenton, Ohio, and there studied dentistry. March 29, 1874, he returned to Bluffton, here initiating the work of his profession as a partner of Dr. Thomas Sturgis, under the firm name of Sturgis & Robison. Poor health, however, compelled him to discontinue his dental practice and thereafter he was engaged at different kinds of work until 1879. In that year he again entered upon the active practice of his profession as a member of the firm of Robison & Merriman. This alliance continued for two years and after that Dr. Robison practiced alone, until the year 1900. In the latter year he associated with himself his son, Dr. Homer E Robison, whose name forms the caption for this review. Dr. Peter L Robison is well known throughout Bluffton and Wells County as an exemplary citizen and as a strictly reliable and skillful dentist. He is a member, deacon and trustee of the Baptist Church and is chairman of the county Sunday School Committee. His political adherence is with the democratic party and he has long been active in local politics. For two terms he served with marked efficiency as city clerk of Bluffton and he is enthusiastic in his support of all matters projected for the good of the general welfare. May 18, 1875, Dr. Robison married Miss Willametta Merriman, a daughter of Dr. Merriman, of South Whitley, Indiana. Dr. and Mrs. Robison have two children; Homer E and Nellie, the latter of whom is the wife of Cairo Snider of Marion, Indiana.

In the public and high schools of Bluffton Dr. Homer E Robison received his preliminary educational discipline, then entering Franklin College at Franklin, Indiana. After leaving Franklin he entered the Cincinnati Dental College, and in 1896 he was matriculated as a student in Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois, and was graduated as a member of the class of 1898, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He stood so high in his work that he received an honorary appointment in the university and was there for two years more. In 1900 he returned to Bluffton and entered his illustrious father's dental parlors as a partner. This mutually agreeable association has continued to the present time and the firm of Robison & Robison is well known throughout Wells County.

March 29, 1899, Doctor Robison married Miss Ruby Sturgis, a daughter of J. E. Sturgis, of Bluffton Indiana. This union has been prolific of two children; Helen E., born June 1902 and Betty, born in February 1914. Doctor Robison is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Blue Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Bluffton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Bluffton Council, Royal and Select Masters. He is likewise affiliated with Bluffton Lodge No 92, Knights of Pythias, of which he was a trustee for seven years' and with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a democrat in politics.

It is a well known fact that a great percentage of those who enter business life meet with failure or only a limited measure of success. This is usually due to one or more of several causes - superficial preparation, lack of close application, or an unwise choice in selection of a vocation for which one is not fitted. The reverse of all this has entered into the success and prominence which Doctor Robison and his father have gained. Their equipment for the profession was unusually good and they have continually extended the scope of their labors through the added efficiency that comes from keeping in touch with the marked advancement that has been made by the members of the dental fraternity in the last quarter of a century.

Standard History of Adams and Wells Counties Indiana. John W Tyndall for Adams Co and O. E. Lesh for Wells County. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1918, pp. 541-542.
Contributed by Dawn Maddox Montgomery

PETER LOHR ROBISON, dentist, of Bluffton, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, August 8, 1853, a son of William Weimer and Sophia (Eicher) Robison. His father being a minister his youth was spent in various places in Indiana and Ohio. From 1869 to 1873 he attended the Springfield Academy in Whitley County. In 1873 he engaged in the grocery business at Bluffton with J. H. C. Smith, which he followed for a short time, then abandoned it on account of ill health. He then went to Kenton, Ohio, and began the study of dentistry in the dental rooms of Drs. Cady and Dugan, remaining under their preceptorship until the spring of 1875. He then returned to Bluffton, where he practiced dentistry with Dr. Thomas Sturgis until 1877, under the firm name of Sturgis & Robison. He discontinued his practice on account of failing health, and was variously employed until 1879. In that year he resumed the practice of dentistry at Bluffton with Dr. J. E. Merriman, the firm of Robison & Merriman continuing until 1881, when Mr. Merriman retired from practice. Mr. Robison was married at South Whitley May 18, 1875, to Miss Willamette Merriman, daughter of Dr. E. Merriman, of that place. Two children have been born to this union, named Homer E. and Nellie. Politically Mr. Robison is a Democrat. In the spring of 1881 he was elected city clerk of Bluffton, and was re-elected in 1883, filling that position four years with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. John Robison, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Scotland, coming to America in a very early day. He married a lady of German parentage, named Barbara Dumbauld. They settled in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The great-grandfather served all through the Revolutionary war. They were the parents of three children. Their only son, John Robison, was born in Fayette County, October 30, 1785, and in 1803 he was married to Catherine Weimer, who was of German descent. They settled on the old homestead in Pennsylvania, where their children were born, three sons and five daughters, William Weimer being the youngest son, and the father of our subject. He was born in 1824, and in 1847 was married to Sophia Eicher, and to this union were born four children—Catherine, wife of William C. Williams, residing near Bluffton; Peter Lohr, the subject of this sketch, and two who died in infancy. The father of our subject subsequently purchased the old homestead in Fayette County, residing there until 1859, when he sold the place and removed with his family to Adams County, Indiana, and located in Root Township, where he was soon after ordained as a Baptist minister. He had charge of the Baptist church at Bluffton for twelve years, when, in January, 1877, he went to Columbia City, Indiana, and had charge of the church at that place for three years. In March, 1880, he accepted a call to Auburn, Crawford County, Ohio, and while there his wife was taken sick, and after a protracted illness died at the home of her son Peter Lohr, at Bluffton, Indiana, April 13, 1881, at the age of fifty-four years. She was a faithful wife and mother, and a devout Christian, and was esteemed by all who knew her. In the summer of 1881 the father returned to his native State and took charge of his old home church at Donegal, Westmoreland County. In October, 1882, he was again married to Catherine Sophia Ackerman. He is at present the pastor of the church at Donegal

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 776-777.

ROBERT ROBINSON, of Banner, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1825, son William and Mary (Boyd) Robinson. The father was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and was a son of Robert and Mary (Lyons) Robinson, also natives of Scotland. In 1776 the family emigrated to County Tyrone, Ireland, and after the close of the war of the Revolution came to America and settled in Belmont County, Ohio. They had three children—William, Elizabeth, who married Robinson Lindsey, and Hannah, wife of James Griffin. Mary Boyd was born in America and of Irish ancestry. Her parents were Benjamin and Martha (Watson) Boyd, and their children were—William, Andrew, Thomas, Benjamin, Martha, Mary and Jane. The parents of our subject were married about 1821 and had six children—Eleanor, wife of George Jennings; Robert, who married Eve Myers October 28, 1848; Benjamin, who died unmarried; Joshua and Joseph, twins, also died unmarried; and Matilda J., who became the wife of Samuel McDonald. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson after their marriage removed to Louisa County, Iowa, where Mr. Robinson purchased a farm. Three years later they returned to Ohio, settling in Franklin County, where they remained until the close of the war. Mr. Robinson was a contractor for Government supplies during that eventful period. In 1865 he sold his farm in Ohio and came to Wells County, where he purchased 140 acres of land in Union Township, fifteen acres being cleared. A small log cabin stood upon the site of his present home, into which the family moved. Their children are -- Benjamin, George, Franklin, Leonard, Edward, Mary and Seymour. Their youngest son, Seymour, was born in that house in 1868, and is the only unmarried child in the family. Benjamin married Sarah Kain, George married Barbara Halvy, Frank married Matilda Nicholson, Edward married Alice Raver, Mary is the wife of Joseph Hoopengarner, and Leonard married Lizzie Hatfield and resides in Elk County, Kansas. Their present house was built in 1870. Mr. Robinson has been generally successful in his business affairs; his fine farm is under excellent cultivation except twenty acres. All the children have been fairly educated. George was a teacher for several years previous to his marriage. Seymour remains on the farm, and will undoubtedly succeed his father in its management. Mr. Robinson cast his first presidential vote for Lewis Cass and from that time he has been an adherent to the Democratic faith.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 731-732.

The world bows to the young and enthusiastic; humanity is swayed by their dictations. It is the young man who moves the world forward and places each succeeding decade of her history on a higher pedestal than she has ever before occupied; it is the young man who causes the older generation to wonder at the present and the present to stand in awe of the more glorious future. His environments make this possible, for as each generation nears the meridian, and then the close of life, the burden of the world's destiny is shifted, almost unconsciously, from their shoulders to those of the succeeding generation, which takes up the march and steadily proceeds to a higher goal. Of the present progressive generation, Jefferson township can boast no better than Arthur F. Roe, who is the son of Ezekiel and Catharine (Puderbaugh) Roe. He was born in Jefferson township, April 9, 1862, and was reared on the old Roe farm, one half mile north of Ossian. His early education was received in the graded schools of Ossian, after leaving which he began to teach. He taught his first term at Lancaster Center, and at the same time studying the Latin course of the Ossian high school, from which he graduated with the class of 1882. In 1884 he entered the Methodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne, after having taught two more terms at Lancaster Center. He graduated in the literary course from that institution in 1886. After spending one year in the West on account of health he returned to Wells county in 1887 and learned telegraphy at Ossian during the fall and winter of that year. He was given charge of the office of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, at Hamilton, Indiana, for one year, when he was transferred to Ossian. After retaining this position three years he accepted the office of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad at Decatur, Indiana, and after nearly a year there was transferred to Wayland, Michigan, at which place he was stationed three years. He resigned this position in April, 1893, and, in company with John S. Krewson and N. W. Newman, opened a general stock of merchandise at Ossian. H. O. Stine then became a partner, Krewson and Newman retiring after the first year, and two years later he sold his interest to E. H. Roe, the firm becoming Roe Brothers, whose department store is justly considered the leading mercantile establishment of this thriving little city. Roe Brothers carry a stock valued at about four thousand dollars, in departments devoted to dry goods, notions, boots and shoes and groceries, and do an annual business of fifteen thousand dollars. In the fall of 1897, owing to a delicate state of health, Mr. Roe bought the old William Somer's farm, one-half mile south and one half mile east of Ossian, where he finds congenial employment in the attention demanded by the many details of a successfully conducted farm.

Mr. Roe was married April 28, 1886, to Miss May Stine, the daughter of William and Nancy (Spence) Stine. She was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 21, 1863, receiving her education in the Ossian high schools, from which she graduated in 1882. She then taught in the district and high schools for three years. Both husband and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he has been an elder for several years. He is also superintendent of the Sunday school, of which he has had charge for nearly thirteen years, and takes commendable pride in the schools, ranking with any in the county. To this couple five children were born, namely: Opal, a student in the freshman class of the Ossian high school; Harold, Orin, Mary and Helen. In politics, although reared a Democrat, he has given his own support to the Republicans, being one of the most active and enthusiastic workers of the party in Jefferson township, being one of the precinct committeemen of the township. He also served one term as councilman of Ossian just after its incorporation, in which position he earnestly advocated such public improvements as would benefit the community. He is a man of intelligence, is an excellent citizen, a good neighbor and enjoys the highest esteem of his acquaintances.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 491-493.

Among the enterprising and progressive young men of Wells county, Indiana, is Charles E. Roe, who was born in Union township, May 27, 1872, a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Garnand) Roe, a biographical record of whom will be found on another page of this volume. Charles E. Roe attended the common schools of Union township during the winter months of his minority and secured a good education, but during the summer months his services were utilized on the home farm, where he was thoroughly trained in the pursuit of agriculture, his lifelong calling. After attaining his majority he rented the homestead, which he conducted until he was twenty-four years old. On January 5, 1895, he vitas united in marriage with Miss Jennie C. Haflich, a native of Wells county and born March 1, 1878, the daughter of John H. Haflich, and it may be here mentioned that biographical records of members of this highly respected family will be found in this work. To this union have been born two daughters and one son, namely: Cecil Dores, born January 11, 1898; Grace Dexter, February 20, 1900, and Doneil Russell, August 30, 1902.

In politics Mr. Roe is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in the success of his party, though he does not care for political honors in the way of office. His career as a farmer is another example of what a young man can accomplish by industry, frugality and skill. If to these be addded [sic] a steady aim at some particular object the missile will eventually be sure to reach its mark. If to this be added also integrity of purpose and honest endeavor, failure becomes an impossibility. Such indomitable industry has placed the subject among the foremost of his contemporaries, as his farm is acknowledged by his neighbors to be one of the best tilled in the township, taking into consideration its dimensions, the farm being well improved in all respects. Mr. Roe also gives some attention to the breeding of thoroughbred live stock. He is widely known throughout Wells county, owing in a large measure to his nativity, but still more to his many good qualities as a gentleman and a citizen, and the high esteem in which he and his amiable wife are held in the community is well deserved.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, p. 591.

It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things and very few are great in many things. Many by a lucky stroke achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their communities. It is not a history of the lucky stroke that is of the most benefit to humanity, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. That which serves as a guide for the success of others is the preliminary work, the method, and it is that which should be praised and commended by the historian. Among those in this county whose success was achieved along steady lines of action is the subject of this memoir.

Ezekiel Roe, one of the oldest and most prominent settlers of Jefferson township, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, May 3, 1823, his parents being Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Funk) Roe. The grandfather of the subject was a native of Ireland. The father and mother of the subject were both born in Pennsylvania, and there grew to maturity. Eventually they were married and walked to Indiana, where they lived for several years. Finally becoming tired of frontier life they returned to Fayette county, Ohio, and took up their residence.

It was on this farm in Randolph county, Indiana, that the subject. Ezekiel Roe, was reared. The scenes of rural life became familiar to him and it is small wonder that he followed the life to which he had been born. His education was received in the subscription school, which was held in an old log building, totally devoid of even the semblance of comfort. The seats were benches hewed from logs, unplaned and minus the backs; each student took care of his books, which consisted of a slate, spelling book and arithmetic, by placing them on the bench beside him during the day and at night piling them up on the common desk around the wall. This common desk, or rather shelf, for it was no more than a shelf held to the wall by large pegs, was known to the students by the dignified name of "writer's bench," and, armed with a quill pen and a copy book, each scholar laboriously fashioned the letters as the teacher dictated each day. Despite such disadvantages, young Ezekiel stored his brain with much useful knowledge, which served him well in after years. He worked on the farm until he was of age, and then was hired by his father for a year at seven dollars per month. After working for his father for a year, he began to hire himself taut to other farmers, receiving as a compensation for his labors the paltry sum of seven and nine dollars per month. Even with so small a salary, he was able to lay aside some money and in time invested his earnings in an eighty-acre tract of land, which he entered in Union township, Wells county, Indiana, and which is now owned by John A. Walker.

On the 4th of July, 1852, Mr. Roe was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Puterbaugh, a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Puterbaugh, of Elkhart county, Indiana. Mrs. Roe was born in Elkhart county, her parents having moved from Darke county, Ohio, at an early date. The father died in Elkhart county and the mother and young daughter were left to face the world alone. The mother did not long survive her husband and at the age of six years Catherine was left an orphan. She was then taken by an older brother, who reared her. Her opportunities being limited, she was forced to neglect her education and at a tender age, just when other girls were being anxiously cared for by fond mothers, she went out into the world to make her way. This she did by working by the week, receiving but seventy-five cents per week, and was able even with so meager a compensation to eventually save thirty-two dollars by the time she was married. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roe moved to a farm in the woods of Union township, where the young husband set to work to clear enough ground to enable him to make a living. In 1859 after he had succeeded in clearing his land until it was in good condition for cultivation, he sold his farm and bought one hundred and sixty acres of uncleared land one-half mile north of Ossian. This land he improved and here he reared his family until, one by one, the birds left the nest, and now only the parents are left in the old home. Eight children, seven of whom are living, were born to them: Addison died at the age of eighteen years; Andrew is a farmer in Jefferson township; Mary is the wife of J. S. Krewson; Maggie is the wife of Allison Bowman; Arthur F. is a farmer of Jefferson township; Anna is the wife of Joel Hunter; Ama is the wife of D. C. Gorrell, and Hampton is a merchant of Ossian, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are members of the German Baptist church and are active in church work. His entire life has been spent in active work and politics has for many years opened an avenue for this activity. The Democratic party has always profited by the subject's political efforts and he is counted by the party as one of its most faithful followers. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are among the best citizens of Jefferson township, where they have resided most of their lives. They are a worthy couple, and no fitter compliment can be paid them than that given by their neighbors, who join in bestowing upon them their highest praise.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 477-478.

One of the most experienced and respected farmers of Union township, Wells county, Indiana, is Jeremiah Roe, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, April 4, 1828, and is a son of Ezekial and Elizabeth (Fonk) Roe. Jeremiah Roe was a child of but three years when he was brought by his parents from Ohio to Indiana. Ezekial Roe entered land in Randolph county and settled down to farming. On the land thus entered young Jeremiah was reared to manhood, in the meantime attending school during the winter months and assisting in the work on the farm until he was twenty-three years old. At the early age of eighteen, however, he began to trade and made some money. At twenty he borrowed twenty dollars, and entered eighty acres of land, but continued to work for his father until the summer of 1850, when he came to Wells county and began clearing the timber from his property, and in winter returning to Randolph county. This practice he followed several years and kept on adding to his holdings until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres.

Jeremiah Roe was joined in marriage with Miss Mary Garnand, who was born near Reiffsburg, Indiana, in 1841, and is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Peterman) Garnand, natives of Virginia, hot who were reared in Ohio, whence they came to Wells county, Indiana, and settled in Nottingham township. Jeremiah Roe and his wife settled on the old farm at marriage, and here have been born ten children, namely: Prof. J. N. Roe, who was graduated from the graded schools of Ossian, afterward from the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, in which he is now in charge of the department of pharmacy; John W. married Sadie Hamilton, who died ten years later, and he is now assisting his father in the operation of the farm; Emma J. is the wife of H. Hercules, a prosperous farmer of Union township; Alice is the wife of George Young, of Markle; Charles C. married Jennie Haflich and is farming in Rock Creek township; George A. married Minnie Lawver and is in Huntington county; Etta M. is the wife of Lawrence Settlemeyer; Dora E. is the wife of Aaron Duff; Vernie L. died in childhood, and Maud, at home.

Mrs. Roe is a member of the Church of God, to the maintenance of which she freely contributes, and in this her husband is in no respect backward. As to his political inclinations, Mr. Roe has always been a Democrat and has never found occasion to change the opinions impressed upon him in early manhood. Although a hard worker in his labors for the success of his party at the polls, he has never pushed himself forward as a candidate for office, leaving it to younger men to do the hustling, reserving the right to cast his vote at the proper time. The social standing of Mr. and Mrs. Roe and family is with the best people of the township, and, notwithstanding their advanced age they are still recognized as useful citizens, their sage advice being often sought by persons of less experience.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 509-510.

The youth who remains close to the parental roof will not see as much of the world or its people as will he who roams about; but it is safe to predict that at the end of a given period gold pieces will be jingling in the pockets of the first when pennies will not be sufficiently numerous in the pockets of the second to make a noise. This thought is very forcibly expressed in the saying, which is almost of sufficient antiquity to be referred to as a proverb, "A rolling stone gathers no moss." There are, however, exceptions to all rules and one of the exceptions to the above is J. F. Roe, of Union township, Wells county, the subject of this sketch. He spent ten years of his early manhood at various points in the great west, employed in various positions, contracted no very bad habits and returned to the county of his nativity, with money in his pocket. He might have had a good deal more money if he had never traveled, but certainly he would not be possessed of a tittle of the information that is his regarding this wonderful country in which we live and the remarkable people who inhabit it.

John F. Roe, familiarly called Frank, is a son of Isaac and Catherine (Thomas) Roe and was born in Union township, Wells county, Indiana, July 8, 1859. His father was a native of Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1826 he came to Indiana and settled on land near where the city of Indianapolis now stands. He remained there three years, then in disgust returned to Ohio. Soon afterward the paternal grandfather of the subject decided to look over Indiana for himself. He rode on horseback from his home in Ohio to Randolph county, Indiana, a distance of one hundred and thirty miles, selected a tract of eighty acres of land, then went to the land office at Fort Wayne, made the official arrangement regarding his entry and returned to his home in Ohio. Within a very short time the family had packed up and were on their way overland in a big wagon to their new home. While the father was building his cabin the family camped on the ground where the town of Ridgeville now stands.

In 1846 Isaac Roe was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Renbarger and a little later they moved to Union township, Wells county, where he entered a quarter section of government land in section 17. He built a home, the typical log cabin of that period and applied himself with zeal and energy to the clearing and improvement of his land. By the end of the first year his young wife died, leaving his home desolate. After remaining a widower for more than ten years, he was for a second time united in marriage. On this occasion his bride was Miss Catharine Thomas, and one child, J. F. Roe, the subject of this sketch, was born to this union. The young mother was permitted to care for her little son but one year, when death claimed her. The maternal grandmother, Mrs. Thomas, then took the boy and reared him until he was nine years old when he was taken by an uncle, Benjamin Roe, at Ridgeville, Randolph county, which remained his home until he was sixteen years of age. During his residence in Ridgeville he attended the public schools and made rapid progress in his studies. He especially excelled in penmanship and mathematics, which secured for him a position in one of the local mercantile establishments, which he held for three years. A desire to see more of the world then took possession of him and he went west, where he remained for ten years, engaged in different kinds of employment at various points. He worked in an express office for a time, then in a hardware store, finally making the trip to California, where he worked on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Later he took a position for the Lake Hemett Land and Water Company, of Lakeside county, California. It was a very responsible position and he held it for a number of years. Like the lamb that had wandered from the fold, he at last yearned to come home, and arrived in Wells county in April, 1889.

In November of the following year, 1890, Mr. Roe was united in marriage to Miss Della Young, a daughter of Samuel and Christina Young, of Allen county, Indiana, who had moved to Wells county in 1876 and settled on a farm in Union township. She was born in 1868, and was a young lady of intelligence, refinement and fair education. Their married life of twelve years has been most happy, although no children have come to bless their union. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres lies three and one-half miles north of Markle and is one of the most desirable farms in the township, consisting of a tract entered and improved by his father and has never been transferred by deed. In politics he confesses to being a Democrat, but he is never a partisan. Like all men who have traveled much, he has broad and liberal views on all questions which arise, whether religious, political or social. While rather steadfast in his views on questions to which he has given consideration, he always exhibits a hearty respect for the opinions of others. Having few domestic cares, he and his wife employ their leisure time in the perusal of good books, with the result that it would be difficult to find a household every member of which is as well informed on nearly every subject and as well versed on current questions and the topics of the day. They are a model couple, loving and respecting each other and warmly admired by their neighbors and friends.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 565-567.

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Wells county and has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the city and county. He has in the course of an honorable career been most successful in the business enterprises with which he has been and is now connected, and is well deserving of mention in a volume of this character.

Philo Rogers was born in Huntington county, Indiana, on the 31st of March, 1850, and is the son of Nathan W. and Jane (Sparks) Rogers. The Rogers family is from Ohio, where the subject's father was a mail carrier in an early day, his route lying between Greenville, Ohio, and Huntington, Indiana. The subject's maternal ancestors were from Virginia, but came to Indiana and settled in Rock Creek township, Wells county, of which section they were pioneers. When the subject was but four months old his mother was removed by death. At a very early age he was bound out to Amos Curry, the well-known merchant and banker of this county. In his youth he was given the advantages of a common school education, and as he was energetic and ambitious he took advantage of all the opportunities that came his way of adding to his store of knowledge, at length becoming a thoroughly well informed man. Mr. Rogers remained with Mr. Curry and when the latter went into the dry goods business in 1862 he remained with him as clerk, also working at times upon the farm. In 1865 Mr. Curry sold his store at Markel [sic] and came to Bluffton, where he engaged as a farmer, merchant and banker. By close association with his employer, a man of broad experience and splendid business qualifications, young Rogers acquired splendid ideas as to up-to-date business methods and became in due time a valuable employee. In 1872 he was admitted into a partnership with Mr. Curry in the dry goods business, an arrangement which continued until I876, at which time he entered the bank in the capacity of cashier. He remained in this position two years and then returned to his former business. In 1880 he went into business for himself in partnership with Henry Deam, but at the end of two years he assumed full control of the business until 1886. S. Bender then became a partner in the business, an arrangement which continued for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Rogers went into the hardware business and is at the present time associated with Amos Cole. They carry a large and well-assorted stock of shelf and heavy hardware and all kinds of agricultural implements, are both pleasant and agreeable in manner, accommodating and courteous, and have built up a flattering patronage, their customers coming from distant points in this and adjoining counties.

In 1872 Mr. Rogers was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mariah Prillaman, the daughter of Lewis Prillaman, and to them have been born three children, Lizzie, the wife of Dr. L. W. Dailey, Wharton W., a graduate of the Bluffton high school, and Jessie, now deceased. Mrs. Rogers is a kind and pleasant lady, possessed of those womanly graces which are so certain to win and retain friends, and she numbers her friends by the score. Politically Mr. Rogers is a firm and uncompromising Republican and takes a prominent part in advancing the interests of his party in Wells county. He is well read and watches closely the trend of passing events. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in the subordinate lodge at Bluffton. The family are members of the Baptist church and are faithful and consistent in the performance of their religious duties. The subject is a very public spirited citizen and has been foremost in every enterprise for advancing the prosperity of his community, contributing liberally from his means and exercising his personal influence with others, and his name is a synonym for all that is good and true wherever it is known.

Mrs. Rogers' father, Lewis Prillaman, was born in Miami county, Ohio, March 26, 1825, and was the oldest son of nine children born to William and Sarah Prillaman, both natives of Virginia, and the grandson of Christopher Prillaman. The latter was of German extraction, and his wife, whose maiden name was Obadiah Winter, was a native of New Jersey and of English parentage. William Prillaman moved with his family to Wells county May 14, 1838, and located in section 12, Harrison township. He was a prominent and well known citizen and to marked extent held the confidence of the people. He served acceptably in the important office of county commissioner, and in the winter of 1842-3 represented his county in the state legislature. He started in Wells county without means, but by the exercise of sound judgment, wise discrimination and economy became a well-to-do man. He and his wife were faithful and consistent members of the Christian church, whose simple doctrines they exemplified in their daily lives. He died March 16, 1855, and his wife died April 8, 1873. Lewis Prillaman was a lad of but thirteen years when brought by his parents to Wells county, but even at that early age nobly performed his part in clearing up land and working it fit for cultivation. His educational privileges were limited, but he was of a studious disposition and ambitious, and all his leisure time was assiduously devoted to the acquiring of knowledge. In 1845 he was granted license to teach and taught school in this county for twelve dollars per month. He married Miss Maria Studabaker, the daughter of William Studabaker, and in 1853 he purchased his father's farm, to which he afterward gave his attention. He and his wife became the parents of eleven children, Mrs. Rogers being the only child living of the first marriage. Mr. Prillaman was a member of the Christian church and was one of the substantial and highly esteemed residents of his county.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 102-103.

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Wells county and has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the city and county. He has in the course of an honorable career been most successful in the business enterprises with which he has been and is now connected, and is well deserving of mention in a volume of this character.

Philo Rogers was born in Huntington county, Indiana, on the 31st of March, 1850 and is the son of Nathan W. and Jane (SPARKS) Rogers. The Rogers family is from Ohio, where the subject's father was a mail carrier in an early day, his route lying between Greenville, Ohio, and Huntington, Indiana. The subject's maternal ancestors were from Virginia, but came to Indiana and settled in Rock Creek Township, Wells county, of which section they were pioneers. When the subject was but four months old his mother was removed by death. At a very early age he was bound out to Amos CURRY, the well-known merchant and banker of this county. In his youth he was given the advantages of a common school education, and as he was energetic and ambitious he took advantage of all the opportunities that came his way of adding to his store of knowledge, at length becoming a thoroughly well informed man. Mr. Rogers remained with Mr. Curry and when the latter went into the dry goods business in 1862 he remained with him as clerk, also working at times upon the farm. In 1865 Mr. Curry sold his store at Markel and came to Bluffton, where he engaged as a farmer, merchant and banker. By close association with his employer, a man of broad experience and splendid business qualifications, young Rogers acquired splendid ideas as to up-to-date business methods and became in due time a valuable employee. In 1872 he was admitted into a partnership with Mr. Curry in the dry goods business, an arrangement which continued until 1876, at which time he entered the bank in the capacity of cashier. he remained in this position two years and then returned to his former business. In 1880 he went into business for himself in partnership with Henry DEAM, but at the end of two years he assumed full control of the business until 1886. S. BENDER then became a partner in the business, an arrangement which continued for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Rogers went into the hardware business and is at the present time associated with Amos COLE. They carry a

large and well-assorted stock of shelf and heavy hardware and all kinds of agricultural implements, are both pleasant and agreeable in manner, accommodating and courteous, and have built up a flattering patronage, their customers coming from distant points in this and adjoining counties.

In 1872 Mr. Rogers was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mariah Prillaman, the daughter of Lewis Prillaman, and to them have been born three children, Lizzie, the wife of Dr. L. W. DAILY, Wharton W., a graduate of the Bluffton high school, and Jessie now deceased. Mrs. Rogers is a kind and pleasant lady, possessed of those womanly graces which are so certain to win and retain friends, and she numbers her friends by the score. Politically Mr. Rogers is a firm and uncompromising Republican and takes a prominent part in advancing the interests of his party in Wells county. He is well read and watches closely the trend of passing events. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in the subordinate lodge at Bluffton. The family are members of the Baptist church and are faithful and consistent in the performance of their religious duties. The subject is a very public spirited citizen and has been foremost in every enterprise for advancing the prosperity of his community, contributing liberally from his means and exercising his personal influence with others, and his name is a synonym for all that is good and true wherever it is known.

Mrs. Rogers' father, Lewis PRILLAMAN, was born in Miami county, Ohio, March 26, 1825, and was the oldest son of nine children born to William and Sarah Prillaman, both natives of Virginia, and the grandson of Christopher Prillaman. The latter was of German extraction, and his wife, whose maiden name was Obadiah Winter, was a native of New Jersey and of English parentage. William Prillaman moved with his family to Wells county May 14, 1838 and located in section 12, Harrison township. he was a prominent and well known citizen and to marked extent held the confidence of the people. he served acceptably in the important office of county commissioner, and in the winter of 1842-3 represented his county in the state legislature. He started in Wells county without means, but by the exercise of sound judgment, wise discrimination and economy became a well-to-do man. He and his wife were faithful and consistent members of the Christian church, whose simple doctrines were exemplified in their daily lives. He died March 16, 1855, and his wife died April 8, 1873. Lewis Prillaman was a lad of but thirteen years when brought by his parents to Wells county, but even at that early age nobly performed his part in clearing up land and working it fit for cultivation. His educational privileges were limited, but he was of a studious disposition and ambitious, and all his leisure time was assiduously devoted to the acquiring of knowledge. In 1845 he was granted license to teach and taught school in this county for twelve dollars per month. he married Miss Marie STUDABAKER, the daughter of William Studabaker, and in 1853 he purchased his father's farm, to which he afterward gave his attention. He and his wife became the parents of eleven children, Mrs. Rogers being the only child living of the first marriage. Mr. Prillaman was a member of the Christian church and was one of the substantial and highly esteemed residents of his county.

Standard History of Adams and Wells Counties Indiana. John W Tyndall for Adams Co and O. E. Lesh for Wells County. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1918, p. 102.
Contributed by Colleen Rutledge

Wells County, Indiana, figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the state, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of this section. The county has been and is signally favored in the class of men who have contributed to its development along industrial and financial lines and in the latter connection the subject of this review demands recognition as he has been actively engaged in banking operations during practically the entire period of his career thus far. He is cashier of the Studabaker Bank at Bluffton and he is well known as a man whose business methods demonstrate the power of activity and honesty in the business world.

Wharton W. Rogers, a native son of Bluffton, Indiana, was born June 13, 1885, and he is a son of Philo and Maria (Prillaman) Rogers. The parents were born and reared in Wells County, Indiana, and the father is now deceased, having passed away in 1906. As a boy, Philo Rogers was bound out as an apprentice to Amos Curry to learn the dry goods business and he was afterward associated with Mr. Curry for years, first in the banking business and later in a hardware enterprise. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers: Lizzie M., a graduate of the Bluffton High School, is the wife of Dr. L. W. Dailey of Bluffton; and Wharton W., whose name forms the caption for this article.

After his graduation in the Bluffton High School, as a member of the class of 1903, Wharton W. Rogers was matriculated as a student in Purdue University, which excellent institution he attended for two years. He then located in the city of Indianapolis, remaining there for six months, at the end of which he returned to Bluffton and entered the Studabaker Bank as bookkeeper. Diligent application to the work in hand shortly gained him the position of assistant cashier, and in October, 1912, he became cashier of the bank, which position he has filled with marked efficiency to the present time, in 1918. He is a stockholder in the Studabaker Bank and in the Bliss Hotel Company, of which latter concern he is secretary. He is likewise secretary of the Fairview Cemetery Association and treasurer of the Wells County Red Cross Association. Mr. Rogers is a republican in politics, warmly advocating the party principles and serving as the present treasurer of the Wells County Central Committee. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knights Templar and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith coincides with the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of whose official board he is secretary.

In 1906 Mr. Rogers was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Maggie Walmer, who was graduated in the Bluffton High School and attended De Pauw University. One son was born to this union: Robert W., whose nativity occurred in May, 1908. Mrs. Rogers died November 4, 1910, and for a second wife Mr. Rogers married Lucile Lock, a daughter of Del Lock, of Bluffton. She was graduated in the Glendale, Ohio, College. They have one son, Wharton L., born March 18, 1917.

Standard History of Adams and Wells Counties Indiana. John W Tyndall for Adams Co and O. E. Lesh for Wells County. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1918, pp. 648-649.

This well-known horseman of Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, is a native of the impregnable and gallant little republic of Switzerland and was born July 10, 1859. His parents, John and Christina Rolli, were also born and were married in that republic, where the father still lives and is engaged in the noble vocation of agriculture. To the union of John and Christina Rolli were born seven children, namely: John, still in Switzerland; Frederick, also residing in that republic; Gottlieb, whose name opens this biographical sketch and whose residence is in Vera Cruz, Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana; Elizabeth, deceased; Jacob, also in Vera Cruz, Indiana; Samuel is in Switzerland, and Onabarbra, deceased.

Gottlieb Rolli lived in his native land until 1882, when he decided to try his fortune in the grander trans-Atlantic republic, came to America and settled in Vera Cruz, Indiana. Here he engaged in his present business of breeding, for which he has a peculiar ability, being an expert. Among other valuable animals he is part owner of Cremeo, that has scored 2:40 in a trial heat and is the sire of Gold Bug, who has made a record of 2:19; he also owns two high bred fillies and two draft stallions in partnership. Mr. Rolli is also a famous dog fancier, and owns one of the best English pointer dogs in Wells county.

Fraternally Mr. Rolli is a member of Lodge No. 30, Knights of Fidelity, Bluffton, and politically is a Democrat. He is one of the most active members of his party in Wells county and a leader in its councils and has served as a member of the town council of Vera Cruz for several years, being still an active member of that honorable body.

Gottlieb Rolli was united in matrimony in 1888 with Miss Maggie Munger, who was born in Switzerland, but when only two years of age was brought to America by her parents. This union has been blessed with six children, named as follows: Maurice, Frances, Ruth, Blanche, Harold and Harry.

Mr. Rolli is favorably known throughout the township of Harrison. He is recognized as a man of the strictest integrity, was never known to take an undue advantage of another or to make a misrepresentation in a trade of any kind, something which cannot always be said of men in his line of business. It is true that he is shrewd and knows full well what he is about, but he never oversteps the rigid rules of honesty. He and his amiable helpmate are rearing their children to lives of usefulness and to be ornaments to the community in which they have their being, and to society at large. Mr. Rolli may be termed a self-made man in the business sense of the phrase, and counts his friends by the hundred in Wells county and the surrounding counties as well as in more distant parts of the state.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 372-373.

Among the prominent business men of Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana, but who started in meager circumstances, is Joseph Rose, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1852, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Gordon) Rose, also natives of the Keystone state. Samuel Rose was a railroad contractor in his early business career, but later became a merchant, in which calling he both made and lost money.

To Samuel and Gordon [sic] (Rose) have been born nine children and of these Joseph is the fifth in order of birth. As the father found it necessary to utilize the services of the son in his business of contracting, the education of the latter was somewhat neglected in youth. The father paid the son wages from the time the latter was fifteen years old until twenty-two and their mutual labor was always of a harmonious nature. After ceasing to work for his father, Joseph entered a general store in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in which he was employed as a salaried man for six years, but in the meantime, December 25, 1879, he married Miss Sarah A. Stoever, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Hunsicker) Stoever. Sarah A. was born February 23, 1854, on a farm in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and received her education in the common schools of her native township.

March 21, 1881, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rose came to Wells county, Indiana, Mr. Rose being then possessor of about two hundred dollars. He found employment in the grocery store owned by Joseph Valentine, with whom he continued about one year, then entered the employ of Jacob Brown, with whom he remained four years; he was next employed by John A. Bowman for a year and a half, and next by Albert Shepherd for a period of similar duration. All this time Mr. Rose employed his small capital in speculating in town lots and in this line made money rapidly. In 1892 he also purchased two farms, comprising one hundred and seventy-nine acres west of Bluffton, and later disposed of them at a profit that was satisfactory. In 1892 Mr. Rose erected his present brick building, twenty-four by one hundred and forty feet, on Main street, at a cost of about twelve thousand dollars, the lower or ground floor of which is occupied as salesrooms while the upper floors are arranged as living rooms.

The residence of Mr. Rose, erected in 1900 at the corner of Washington and Marion streets, at a cost of nearly eight thousand dollars, is one of the finest dwellings in Bluffton, contains nine rooms and is heated by furnace. The fortune of Mr. Rose is now estimated at thirty thousand dollars, which he, aided by his amiable helpmate, has realized through personal efforts, shrewd speculative tact and the judicious manner in which he has made his investments.

Fraternally Mr. Rose is a member of Lodge No. 114, I. O. O. F., at Bluffton, and Mrs. Rose is a member of the Rebekah Lodge No. 87, of the same order, in which he has passed all the chairs and in April, 1898, represented her subordinate in the grand lodge; she is also an active member of the Woman's Relief Corps, of which she was once the president and in which she has filled all the minor chairs. Being a lady of culture and fine literary taste, Mrs. Rose is also a member of the Shakespearian Reading Club of Bluffton.

In politics Mr. Rose is a Republican in national matters, but in town and county affairs he exercises his own judgment in casting his vote, generally selecting the most competent candidate for the office to be filled regardless of party affinities, he being himself a broad minded and public spirited citizen and fully competent to judge of the needs of the community and of the manner in which they should be supplied. He is honest in all his dealings and his bare word is as reliable as would be any document to which he might affix his signature.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 229-230.

AMOS ROWE, superintendent of the Wells County Infirmary, is a native of Ohio, born in Pickaway County February 14, 1830, a son of David and Elizabeth (Bortges) Rowe, and grandson of Peter Rowe, a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His mother died when he was but five weeks old, and he was reared by his grandfather Rowe. When he was eighteen years of age his grandfather died, and he then took charge of the homestead, remaining with his grandmother until 1864, when he moved to Wells County, Indiana, and bought forty acres of improved land in Harrison Township, which he afterward sold and bought eighty acres on section 14 of the same township, where he lived five years, and then for three years lived on a farm on section 15, and in 1872 be was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary, holding the position four years. He then lived one year on the Chalfant farm, and two years on his farm of forty acres, and in 1879 was again appointed superintendent of the infirmary, and is still filling that position satisfactorily. Mr. Rowe also served as constable in his native county. He was married December 11, 1855, to Sarah Clark, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, daughter of James A. and Susan (Bort) Clark, of German and English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have had eleven children, but six of whom arc living?David, Mary, wife of Lewis B. Hale; James A., Harriet E., Benjamin F. and Leona. The deceased are? Lewis E., Margaret M., Charles, Moses M. and Amos T. In politics Mr. Rowe affiliates with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 909-910.

WILLIAM H. RUPRIGHT, farmer, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, January 19, 1849, son of John and Elizabeth (Dougherty) Rupright. The father and grandfather Rupright were born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania; the great-grandfather came from Germany. Only two sons were born in each generation. John Rupright was four years of age when his father left Pennsylvania and settled in Trumbull County. They were among the first pioneers of the county, and the first location was made near Lordstown. George Rupright was a carpenter by trade and one of the first mechanics in the neighborhood. John learned the trade of his father. George Rupright had two sons—John and William; the latter lives on the homestead. John Rupright was married in Trumbull County, and William H. was born in Lordstown before the family came West. In the spring of 1852 his parents located in Preble Township, Adams County, purchasing eighty acres of land upon which no improvements had been made. He built a log cabin, 18 x 20 feet, and began the work of clearing up a farm and making a home for his wife and children. He also worked at his trade to some extent, and erected the first frame house built in the eastern part of Jefferson Township, for Jacob Summers. Mr. and Mrs. Rupright have had seven children, two sons and five daughters—Mary A. is the wife of Alexander White, of Jefferson Township; Elizabeth became the wife of Samuel M. Kreigh, of the same township; Susan married John Rex, of Ossian; Matilda J. married Felix J. Summers, of Jefferson Township; Ida A. is the wife of Sylvester Mills, of Lancaster Township, a native of Adams County; Granville married Miss Mary F. Short, of this county, and resides on the homestead, where the parents also reside, the father aged sixty-three and the mother sixty-one. All the children are well married and have homes and families. When sixteen years of age our subject enlisted in the late war, but was not accepted, and remained at home, engaged in farm work, which he continued as long as he remained under the parental roof. He married Miss Francina Archibald, daughter of Thomas and Phebe (Valentine) Archibald, who were pioneers of this county. The young couple commenced housekeeping on a farm in Adams County. The first purchase of land was made in 1873, it being the farm upon which they now reside. Mr. Rupright became a resident of Wells County in 1876, although he was reared from boyhood within a few rods of the line. He built his house and barn the same year he moved into Jefferson Township. Soon after settling here Mr. Rupright became a member of the stock firm of A. Woodard & Co., which firm, for the past ten years, has done the largest stock business that has been done in the northern part of the county. In 1882 Mr. Rupright was nominated by the Democratic party for county commissioner, to which office he was elected and served four years. He is now serving his second term, and has given the greatest satisfaction. His father, for many years, served in an official capacity in Adams County; he was trustee eleven years, and county commissioner two terms. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Rupright, Granville and Nellie were born in Adams County, and Charles H. and Lulu M. were born in Wells County.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 881-882.

Among the men of the northern part of Wells county who deserve special mention in this work is William H. Rupright, who was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 19, 1849, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Daugherty) Rupright, natives of Pensylvania [sic], where the paternal grandfather was also born, being of German extraction. The Daugherty family were of Irish origin and were among the pioneers of Ohio, where the parents of William H. Rupright were married. Shortly afterward, in the fall of 1852, being in but indifferent circumstances, they came with their personal effects in the same wagon with another family to the eastern part of Jefferson township, Wells county, Indiana. They lived in an old barn until the father was able to secure eighty acres of land in Preble township, Adams county, and build a cabin. This was deep in the woods, but he was hopeful and industrious, and as the neighborhood began to develop he found plenty of work to do in clearing up his own place and in working as a carpenter, in which capacity he erected nearly all the frame dwellings in his vicinity. Though at first in debt for his land, he prospered and as he was able he added to his purchase until he now owns five hundred acres in Wells and Adams counties. During the Civil war he was an extensive buyer of horses, finding ready sale to the government at a reasonable profit. John Rupright and wife still live on their original farm in Adams county, where he is widely and favorably known as a man of sturdy integrity, whose advice is considered worth having by his fellow citizens, who repose the most implicit confidence in his experience and judgment. In politics he was a Democrat and served for some years in earlier life as county assessor of Adams county. In 1883 he was elected county commissioner, and, meeting with no opposition, at the expiration of his term, was unanimously re-elected, thus giving the public six years' service. The present court house and jail were erected under his watchful supervision, and many other important public improvements inaugurated.

Mrs. Rupright is a member of the Christian church, to the support of which Mr. Rupright is at least a liberal contributors if not a communicant. To them were born seven children: William H.; Granville W., who is one of the most extensive farmers in Adams county and is the present trustee of Preble township; Mary A., wife of Alexander White; Elizabeth, married to Samuel M. Kreigle; Susannah, wife of John W. Rex, of Decatur, Indiana; Matilda, now Mrs. F. J. Summers; and Ida, wife of Sylvester Mills, of Lancaster township.

William H. Rupright helped to clear up his father's farm and to perform such other duties as his strength and age permitted, though he was given the privileges of the common schools during the winter months. He remained on the home farm until twenty-one years old, being married August 11, 1870, to Miss Francina Archbold, a native of Jefferson township, and a daughter of Thomas Archbold. Mr. Rupright then assumed charge of the old homestead, also purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of swamp land, for which he went into debt. This he ditched, converting it into fine farming land. He added to this property until he owned five hundred acres, but this he eventually sold and purchased one hundred acres southeast of Ossian and several properties in the village itself.

The marriage of Mr. Rupright and wife have been born five children, of whom one died in infancy and one at four years of age. The survivors are G. W.: Nellie, still at home; Lola M. was graduated from the Ossian high school in 1901 and is now the wife of Harry Beaty.

Mr. Rupright is one of the leading Democrats of Wells county, and for years has been retained on the county central committee of his party. He served as county commissioner for seven years, during which period the present court house was erected, three hundred miles of pike road constructed and an immense amount of public drainage done. He proved one of the most active and efficient commissioners Wells county has had and, like his father, was ever an advocate of such improvements as will not only enhance the money value of Wells county property, but make it a more desirable place of residence. In 1886 Mr. Rupright purchased a half interest in the Ossian Grist Mill and ran it for two years, when he sold out and returned to his farm. In 1895, however, he again came to Ossian and purchased the fine residence on Mill street which is the center of a generous hospitality. Mr. Rupright has been repeatedly called upon to administer important estates, an evidence of the confidence of his fellow citizens, and in every instance has ably and conscientiously executed the trust confided to him. He has devoted much of his time and attention to the buying and shipping of stock since 1875, and since 1895 has devoted his energies almost exclusively to this line of business, no man having a wider or warmer acquaintance and business relation in this particular sphere of action. He is a member and treasurer of Ossian Lodge No. 297, F. & A. M.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 457-459.