JAMES W. SALE, of the firm Studabaker, Sale & Co., grain merchants, Bluffton, Indiana, is a native of Indiana, born in North Manchester, Wabash County, August 1, 1858, a son of Rev. Francis A. and Mary A. (Warnock) Sale. His father was born in Greene County, Ohio, June 7, 1816, where he spent his early life. Coming to Indiana in 1834 he entered the ministry, and joined the North Indiana Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1850, of which he was an active member until April, 1878. During this time he filled some of the most important pulpits in his conference. He was pastor of Bluffton charge during the years 1855 and 1856. He died at Marion, Grant County, Indiana, February 12, 1879, less than a year after his effective relation with the conference had ceased. He was the son of Rev. John and Nancy (Bonner) Sale. His father was of Scotch descent, a native of West Virginia, and was a prominent pioneer preacher of Ohio, and a co-worker with Bishop Asbury. The mother of our subject was born in Monroe County, Indiana, November 16, 1820, and has lived with her son James since the death of his father. She was the daughter of James and Nancy (Garner) Warnock. Her father was of Irish ancestry, a native of Kentucky, and one of the early settlers of Indiana, locating first in Clark County, afterward moving to La Porte County, where he spent most of his life. He died at La Fayette, Indiana, April 29, 1887, at the advanced age of ninety-three years, having lived thirty-three days without food. James W. Sale spent the early part of his life in the different schools where his parents were located until his fifteenth year, when at Ligonier, Indiana, he was taken out of school by the advice of his physician on account of poor health. During the summer of 1873 he learned the art of telegraphy, but this business not being to his liking he abandoned it after a short time and came to Bluffton and took employment in the office of Waring, Sale & Co., grain dealers, his brother, John W. Sale, being a member of the firm. He was with them irregularly for two years, and was then taken in the employ of Studabaker, Wiley & Co., dry goods, where he remained two years, acting in the capacity of cashier and bookkeeper. Then two years as bookkeeper for Waring, Studabaker & Co., grain dealers. In 1880 he became bookkeeper in the Exchange Bank, Bluffton, filling that position five years, which he resigned to accept a partnership interest with Waring, Studabaker & Co. Shortly after Mr. Waring retired and the firm became Studabaker, Sale & Co., the individual members being at present John Studabaker, his sons David E. and John A. and Mr. Sale. They do an extensive business, operating at a number of other points as well as Bluffton, and are probably the largest grain shippers in Northern Indiana. Mr. Sale was married September 9, 1884, to Miss Bessie Klinck, second daughter of Dwight and Mary J. (Studabaker) Klinck. Her father, Dwight Klinck, was born in New York, June 18, 1835, and was drowned May 7, 1875, while en route to Europe on the ill-fated steamer Schiller, which sank in the English Channel. Her mother, Mary J. Studabaker, the eldest daughter of John and Rebecca Studabaker, was born in Bluffton, September 27, 1842, where she still resides, now the wife of Mr. Jacob J. Todd. Miss Klinck was born in Bluffton April 21, 1865, and with the exception of a short residence in Chicago with her parents during the years 1869 to 1873, this has always been her home. Possessed of an affectionate and unselfish nature, she grew up to a noble womanhood, beloved of the entire community, and bid fair to be one of the brightest jewels in Bluffton society. The married life of the young couple started under the most auspicious circumstances, and the future was bright with promise, when suddenly, on September 7, 1886, within two days of their second anniversary, death stepped in and broke the bans, and Mr. Sale was left alone with a little daughter, Bessie, but ten hours old. Mrs. Sale was an exemplary Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Sale being an earnest member of the same denomination, and at present secretary of the board of trustees of the church in Bluffton. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows order, Bluffton Lodge, No. 114, and Bluffton Encampment, No. 141. He has passed all the chairs of his lodge, and is a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. In politics Mr. Sale is a Republican.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 934-936.

What a strange fascination the business of newspaper publishing has for all persons who have ever become skilled in the calling. Men have followed it for years, cried out in anguish at the incessant grind, yearned for an opportunity to let go, even at a sacrifice, and when it came and they let go, reveled in their coveted liberty for only a few short weeks, when they were just as insistent in their desire to get back into the harness as they had been in the first place to get unhitched. An old newspaper man who had followed the calling for more than fifty years prayed to be relieved of the tread-mill work that he had followed nearly all his life. His prayer was answered. He sold out at a figure that rendered him independent and then declared his intention of taking a good, long, well-earned rest. In less than six months he was pleading for the privilege of buying his old plant back again at an advance, and when it was denied him he went into an adjoining county and bought another plant. In describing his feelings, he said, "A man suffers the pains of purgatory in the business, but he suffers the tortures of hell when out of it." That is not the experience of one or a dozen, but of the many who have ever become wedded to the tripod.

The subject of this sketch, George L. Saunders, of Bluffton, is still comparatively young. He was born September 1, 1866, in Muncie, Indiana, and hence is but little more than thirty-six years old. Nevertheless, ten years ago he was afflicted with the newspaper fever and only secured permanent relief by buying an interest in the Bluffton Banner.

William and Ellen Saunders were the parents of George L. Saunders. At the time of the birth of the latter they resided in Muncie, where they remained until 1868, when they removed to Green, Jay county, remaining there until 1876, when the family moved to Portland, where the father still resides. There were five children in the family, but two of them, both girls, with their mother, are dead. In the common schools of Portland George L. Saunders received his education. In securing it he had the wisdom to subordinate the ornamental to the useful. Realizing that his time in the school room must necessarily be brief, he endeavored to secure all the valuable knowledge he could in that time. On leaving school, he entered the office of the Portland Sun, for the purpose of learning the printing business. The paper was then edited by B. S. Gray, son of Hon Isaac P. Gray, an ex-governor of Indiana and United States minister to Mexico under President Cleveland. In this office Mr. Saunders continued until he became a skilled printer and newspaper man of recognized ability. In 1886 Mr. Gray retired from the publication of the Sun and upon his recommendation George L. Saunders secured a position in the Government printing office at Washington. It speaks well for the native ability and aptitude of Mr. Saunders that after so brief a time in a country printing office he was able to secure and hold for more than eight years, and until it was voluntarily surrendered, a position in an establishment of such magnitude as that of the government printing office. On resigning his governmental position, in 1894, he returned to Portland and purchased a half interest in the Sun office, in which he had secured his knowledge of the printing business. His business partner was W. W. Timmonds, and for four years, or until 1898, this association continued. The Sun has always been a handsome, readable and interesting publication, but during this period it was especially welcome in the homes of its patrons. Upon dissolution of the partnership Mr. Saunders disposed of his interests to his partner and retired from the publication. At the time of his retirement from the Portland Sun, Mr. Saunders had been connected with the printing business for nearly twenty years. To say that he was greatly relieved on getting out and that he enjoyed for a time his freedom, expresses it only mildly. Like other publishers, he had wearied of the incessant, eternal grinding. Liberty was sweet and enjoyable, but it did not remain so. He engaged in different pursuits, in which he met with success and prospered, but there was that constant, unaccountable desire, that unreasonable yearning for the odor of the printing office. Forgetting that he had nothing to do with the news, except read what others published, he often caught himself outlining matters which came under his observation and which deserved to be written up. He had the newspaper faculty and not to exercise it was painful to him. The result was inevitable. In January, 1902, he purchased an interest in the Bluffton Daily and Weekly Banner, a publication that has been regularly conducted for more than half a century. From its earliest infancy, in 1850, it has been recognized as one of the leading Democratic newspapers in eastern Indiana and at different times its publishers have been some of the foremost men of the state. To write its history would be like writing the history of the Democratic party of the state. It is a splendid, prosperous publication with hosts of friends throughout the northern and eastern part of Indiana.

On October 10, 1889, George L. Saunders was united in marriage to Miss Belle Evans, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Evans, of Winchester, Indiana. She is a lady of refinement, many accomplishments and good education, being a graduate of the Winchester high school. To them have been born three daughters, one only of whom is living, the others having died in infancy. In their domestic relations Mr. and Mrs. Saunders are most happy, their home being a model American home. With a prosperous, perhaps a brilliant, business career before him, there is no reason why it should not continue to be all that it is at present.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 397-398.

Notwithstanding the fact that the republic of Switzerland is one of the smallest countries of the world, it has sent a large number of emigrants to the United States during the years that have elapsed since independence was secured. The people of that country, appreciating the blessings of liberty, of which they had a strong example in their own land, were not slow to recognize the possibilities that opened out in splendid perspective before all who ventured across the Atlantic and settled down to the pursuit of happiness and a competence. They have here become among the most intelligent, patriotic, industrious and upright of our great and wonderful cosmopolitan population.

Henry Schaffter was born in Switzerland May 12, 1818, and is the son of John H. Schaffter, also a native of that country. The father was an expert watchmaker and had a splendid reputation as a competent workman. He engaged in military service and was about to come to America to help fight for liberty and independence with General Lafayette, in which war two of his brothers died. When the war closed he was sent to Spain and served twenty-four years under the French republic and the first empire, until the battle of Eiloo. He held rank as a commissioned officer, winning a high reputation as an able and gallant officer and was three times wounded. He was the father of four children, of whom the subject is the only one now living.

Henry Schaffter remained under the parental roof until he was sixteen years old, in the meantime attending the common schools and acquiring a fair education. Upon leaving school he was apprenticed to learn the trade of cabinetmaker, at which he served two years. Upon the completion of his apprenticeship he worked for a time as a machinist, but afterward went to Germany and France and worked at the trade of cabinetmaking. In 1850, realizing that in America lay larger opportunities for a man of energy and ambition, he came to the United States. Upon landing in this county he came at once to Vera Cruz, Wells county, but shortly after his arrival he was taken sick and all his savings were soon used up in the payment of doctor's bills. Upon recovering his health he purchased a farm consisting most of timber land, and at once went to work to clear the land and put the soil in a condition for cultivation. By persistent and indefatigable industry he brought the tract to a high state of excellence and in time possessed one of the choice farms of Wells county. He remained upon this place until 1902, when he removed to Bluffton and has since made his home there with his daughter.

In 1847 Mr. Shaffter [sic] was united in marriage with Miss Marianne Boivin, whose death occurred in 1880. To them were born twelve children of whom six are still living. There are also twenty-one grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Shaffter [sic] is a member of the Reformed church. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and in his younger days took a very active and prominent part in local politics.

In many respects the career of Mr. Schaffter is peculiarly instructive and commendable. It is a complete triumph over apparently insurmountable obstacles by a young man with almost no means at his command but a determination to make the best of his opportunities, and how well he has succeeded in this laudable endeavor is demonstrated by the fact that he has accumulated in material things enough to make him independent for the rest of his days. He is one of the most popular men of his community, genial, companionable, ever ready to do a favor or make a sacrifice whereby his fellow men may be benefited or the country profited.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 189-190.

The story of the life of men who from the smallest and most insignificant beginning have accomplished much in the way of accumulating property and rearing in comfort, even in luxury, large families, is always encouraging to others beginning at the bottom round of the ladder of life with little more than good health and a determined purpose out of which to carve success. Such a life story is that of G. B. Schott, of Domestic, Indiana.

Born in Logan county, Ohio, on the 12th day of April, 1841, of German parentage, the greater part of his busy life has been spent within a few hundred miles of his birth place. His parents were both natives of Byron, Germany, the father, George Schott, emigrating to America when he was seventeen years of age. He was by trade a baker and worked at the business five years in the city of New York, where he landed. The maiden name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was Margaretta Bowman, and she came to New York with her parents when quite young. Being from the same place in the Fatherland, the young people were not long in becoming acquainted and they were not long acquainted until they determined upon a closer and more sacred relationship. After an industrious residence of five years in America, George felt that he had accumulated enough to justify him ill taking the important step in life. He was married in New York city and immediately determining to anticipate the advice of Horace Greeley to "go west and grow up with the country;" he did so, settling in Logan county, Ohio. He there engaged in farming, prospering year after year, and in addition being blessed by the birth of a number of robust, healthy and vigorous sons. About the year 1844 he moved his family to Lorain county, Ohio, where he resided until his death, at the ripe age of eighty-four years, September 1, 1902. His good wife, Margaretta, continued to bless her family with motherly care and affection until 1861, when she bade farewell to earth and was gathered to her fathers.

George and Margaretta Schott were the parents of four children, all of whom are living: G. B., the subject; Peter, a resident of Wells county, Indiana; John B., who has lived for many years in Missouri, and Henry F., whose residence is in Lorain county, Ohio.

During the years of his boyhood G. B. Schott attended the district schools of Lorain county. He became very proficient in all the common school branches then taught, continuing in the task of acquiring an education until he was twenty years of age. The next year all his time was devoted to work on his father's farm, when he entered the employ of Dr. Underhill, of Lagrange, Ohio, taking entire charge and having full and unrestricted control of the Doctor's farm. At this time the war of the Rebellion was in progress in all its fury, and few youths with spirit enough to be worthy of mention could content themselves at home, away from the scene of active hostilities. In the fall of 1862 G. B. Schott enlisted in Company D, Huffman's Batallion, which afterwards became the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteers. He saw much active service during the two years and nine months of his soldiering, continuing in the ranks until mustered out at the close of the Rebellion.

The life of the average soldier is not particularly favorable to the accumulation of money. On returning from the front to his home in Ohio, G. B. Schott found himself worse off financially than he was some three years before. Possessed of health and vigorous constitution, despite the exposure of his life at the front, he turned his attention to the first labor that offered itself. It was the season of the year when sheep were to be sheared and good wages were to be made by any one who could deftly and skillfully handle the clippers. While the season lasted the ex-soldier occupied his time in relieving sheep of their winter fleeces and when nothing more was to be done in that line he found himself in possession of a little ready money. With this he moved to Wells county, Indiana, settled in the woods, built a small log cabin and began the clearing of the fine, productive farm upon which he now lives.

December 1, 1865, Mr. Schott was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Keller, a native of Medina county, Ohio, and daughter of Daniel Keller, who had emigrated to America from Wittenburg, Germany. To his humble cabin in the woods Mr. Schott brought his blushing bride soon after their marriage. The market value of all their worldly possessions could then be covered by a very few dollars, one horse being the sum and substance of their entire live stock The furniture of their home was of the rudest and most primitive character. To illustrate: the bed upon which he slept was constructed of poles, fastened to the logs in one corner of the cabin. Upon these a straw tick was placed, which, with the usual covering, formed a couch that would not be entirely to the fancy of many young people of the present day. Yet, it is safe to say, Mr. and Mrs. Schott now look back upon those days of unremitting toil and nights of refreshing repose and hail them as the happiest of their lives. About half an acre, which he planted in potatoes, was all he had cleared on his own place the first year, but he rented and cultivated land on the farm of a neighbor, Thomas Williams. This he continued to do for two years, by which time he had enough of tillable land on his own place to occupy his time and attention. About this time his brother Peter, who was a carpenter and quite handy with edge tools of all kinds, came to live with the young couple. He was possessed of a little ready money which did much to relieve the pinching poverty, and with two men in the woods, where only one had toiled before, the tract of land soon began to take on all the appearance of a productive, well-kept farm. At this time provisions of all kind were inordinately high. A fair quality of flour brought fifteen dollars a barrel and other articles were in proportion. It need not therefore shock the reader to learn that what constituted the staff of life for most people in poor or modern circumstances was nothing more nor less than good old-fashioned, home-made corn bread. This, with genuine maple syrup, made in abundance by nearly every family in the locality, formed the basis of quite palatable and enjoyable meals.

About this time the almost criminal waste of the finest timber, thousands of feet of splendid logs being rolled together in heaps and consumed by fire to get them out of the way, induced the Schott brothers to invest in and operate a saw-mill. This they did about 1869 and continued in the business of manufacturing lumber until a few years ago. During the years they were in business they turned out from their mill millions of feet of hickory, ash and black walnut lumber, for which they always found a most ready sale.

At the present time G. B. Schott is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of as fine land as can be found in the state. Eighty acres of this is the old home place on which he first settled, the other one hundred and sixty having been purchased since. Upon this land are eleven producing and productive oil wells, which alone make a very comfortable income for their owner. Back in 1883 a splendid home with modern conveniences was erected on the farm and in 1890 Mr. Schott built a large barn that is a model of convenience. This was necessary to accommodate the pure bred stock of cattle, hogs and sheep, in the rearing of which he is engaged.

Mr. and Mrs. Schott are the parents of three children, Henry C., Sarah and Lillie. Sarah has been a teacher in the public schools for a number of years and Lillie is the wife of Dr. Runnels, of Montpelier, Indiana. The latter are the parents of one child, a promising little daughter, named Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Schott are both members of the New Light church, and are active and zealous in all Christian work. Mr. Schott is a member of John P. Porter Post, G. A. R., of Geneva, is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party and always votes the way he believes. This year he was elected a delegate to the state convention of his party and on two occasions heretofore was honored with the nomination for county commissioner from his district. But Wells county is too well supplied with Democratic voters to permit many Republicans to feast at the official crib, so Mr. Schott, as he expected, was defeated each time. There are, without doubt, many men in this country who have accomplished more during the span of their business career than has Mr. Schott, but certainly there are not many who, with such limited resources as he had at his command in the beginning, have excelled or even equalled him.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 342-344.

The war of the Rebellion left its impress deep and lasting upon the life of many a youth who, when it broke out, was yet in his teens. The call to arms found tens of thousands only too ready to respond. For the first time in their lives they found themselves no longer restrained by parental control. Rigid military discipline held them in check to some extent, but it did not prevent many from contracting dissolute and profligate habits, of which some have not been able to divest themselves even unto this day. Few, indeed, were as fortunate in this as Peter Schott, now of Domestic, Indiana, who entered the service when only nineteen years of age and who followed the fortunes of war until peace once more reigned throughout the land.

George and Margaretta (Bowman) Schott were the parents of Peter Schott, the subject of this sketch. They were natives of Byron, Germany, but emigrated to America early in life and located in New York city, where they were married. Soon after they moved to Logan county, Ohio, where their children were born and where they continued to reside until they took up their permanent residence in Lorain county. September 20, 1844, the eyes of Peter Schott first looked upon the light of day. At the new home of his parents in Lorain county he grew to manhood, attending the public schools of the locality and acquiring a fair education in all of the common school branches then taught. In December, 1863, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and served faithfully until the close of the rebellion. Occasional attacks of inflammatory rheumatism, which come around with recurring frequence as age advances, are the only ill-effects he experiences of the service he rendered his country during the days of her peril, when her destiny was poised, as it were, in a balance.

For the first three years after leaving the United States service Peter Schott occupied himself with the usual labors on the father's farm. Then, in company with his brother George, who had been a soldier in the same regiment, he located on a tract of land in the dense woods of Wells county, each taking eighty of the one hundred and sixty acres comprising the tract. While George attended to the clearing, improving and cultivating of the land, Peter devoted himself to carpentering and building, a calling in which he had become skilled during and after the war, his earnings furnishing the brothers with the means necessary to procure provisions and other supplies. By this arrangement the land was gradually cleared, ditched, fenced and greatly enhanced in value.

October 25, 1868, Peter Schott was united in marriage to Martha Watson, who was born April 25, 1847. She is the daughter of John M. and Eleanor (Winfield) Watson. They are natives of Ohio, but moved to Wells county, Indiana, when their daughter Martha was only a year old settling upon a farm on which their son John now resides. Eleven children were born to John M. and Eleanor Watson, viz: Mary J., William, Lawrence, Mark, Sarah E., Martha Ann, John R., Thomas, George, Amanda, Elizabeth and John. Of these, Mary J., William Sarah E., John R. and Thomas are dead.

At the time of their marriage only about twelve acres of the eighty-acre tract of land which they owned was cleared. A log cabin, eighteen by twenty-four feet, was built, a short distance south of the one owned by his brother George. Here the young people took up their abode and here they experienced all of the trials and hardships, mingled with the joys and happiness that comes into the lives of all youthful pioneers. About this time the brothers began to realize the possibilities for profit there might be in a good saw-mill, well operated. The shameful waste of fine timber, which was daily being consumed by fire in the clearings, first diverted their attention in this direction and soon they interested their brother John in the matter. They pooled their issues with the result that within a short time they were operating a mill of good capacity and realizing their most sanguine expectations as to the matter of profit. Soon afterward Peter and George purchased the interest of John in the mill and continued to operate it until about a year ago, when they suspended operations, though they are still the owners of the machinery. While engaged in operating the mill Peter was obliged to keep hired help on the farm, but in due time the necessity for that was obviated, as his son had grown and was able to conduct the affairs of the farm far more satisfactorily than it ever was done by hired help.

Of the original eighty acres in the farm all is now cleared land with the exception of about ten acres. Upon this tract there are now ten producing oil wells; eight were drilled by Mr. Schott and his sons, so that they control the entire output, from which they realize five hundred dollars per month. At one time the income from them ran upwards of seven hundred dollars per month. With such an income, to say nothing of that which is realized from several other lines of business in which Mr. Schott is engaged, it would appear that he ought to experience but little difficulty in "keeping the wolf from the door."

In 1882 Mr. Schott erected a large and commodious barn upon his farm, which is well adapted to the line of farming in which he is engaged, general stock raising. A splendid home was erected on the farm in 1889, much of the work on both house and barn being done by Mr. Schott himself. He is the father of two children, John, born July 13, 1871, who is married to Sarah Terrell, lives on his father's farm and is directly interested in all the business affairs; Amanda E., who was born May 8, 1875. But two grandchildren, Nattla Lurene and Mildred Inez, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schott.

Although never aspiring to political preferment, Mr. Schott takes much interest in politics. He is a loyal Republican—one of those who believes in proving his loyalty by his activity when the campaign is on His first vote was cast in 1864, while he was at the front helping to suppress the rebellion. Naturally he is very proud of that vote, for it was given for the great emancipator, Abraham Lincoln. From that time to the present he has never wavered in the faith. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, his post being at Geneva. He has frequently served his party as delegate to various conventions, always considering time and money well spent when it is devoted to Republican success. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and are very popular and highly respected in all religious circles.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 318-320.

There are many examples that give force to the old truth about the value of concentrated effort along one special line. One of them is furnished by the career of Mr. John Schurger of Decatur, who is credited with having made the first abstract of title in Adams County and has been constantly engaged in that as his chief line of business since October 5, 1875. There have been many abstractors in the county at different times, but none of them has been so long at the work and has had a more complete familiarity with all the land records of the county as Mr. Schurger.

It was in 1875 that he made the first abstract for the Equitable Loan Association of New York City. In 1874 he had been elected to the office of county recorder, beginning his official duties September 5, 1875. He filled that office with credit and efficiency for two terms, altogether a period of eight years. Mr. Schurger has always enjoyed the high esteem of his fellow citizens not only for his business success but for the interest he has shown in local affairs. One time he was run for the office of county commissioner against his own will, and his defeat was entirely due to the fact that he made absolutely no effort to get elected. Politically he has always been a democrat. On leaving the office of county recorder he was admitted to the bar in October 1883, and while one of the oldest member of the Adams County bar, his work has been less in the field of the law than in real estate and abstracts. For eight years he practiced as a partner with Mr. W. H. Reed, another prominent attorney of the county. During that time, however, he did most of his work as an abstractor and in the loan and real estate business. More and more his time has been concentrated upon this certain field. After leaving practice with Mr. Reed he became a partner with David E. Smith, and their partnership was terminated about three years ago when Mr. Smith was elected to the office of judge of the Adams County Circuit Court. Mr. Schurger now gives his exclusive attention to abstracting. His authoritative knowledge and the integrity of his character have brought him many times to discharge duties of delicate adjustment and trust, and he has managed numerous difficult probate cases and has been nominally a probate officer in the county for many years.

Mr. John Schurger was born in Seneca County, Ohio, March 11, 1838, and though now in his eightieth year is still active and works as regularly as many men half his age. Mr. Schurger's career has been rather remarkable, in one respect for the fact that he secured only about forty days of schooling in an English school, though he attended a German school for a brief time. What he is and what he has done is entirely due to his earnest efforts and his willingness to assume responsibilities in advance of his years. When he was a young man he cleared up more than 150 acres of wild land in Ohio and Indiana. He has split many thousands of rails for 50 cents a hundred and has cut cordwood for 25 cents a cord.

His parents were George A. and Margaret (Rapp) Schurger. His father was born in France in 1796, but was taken as an infant by his parents to Bavaria, Germany, where he grew up. In 1828 he came to the United States. He had married a few months before starting on this eventful voyage, and the ship was ninety-three days in crossing the ocean. His young wife died with the birth of her first child and both of them were buried under the waters of the ocean. Bereft of his family George A. Schurger came on to Seneca County, Ohio. By trade he was an expert stone mason and fresco artist but at that time there was no demand for an artisan of that class and he secured a small tract of forty acres in Liberty Township of Seneca County, developed it as a farm, and before his death had twenty acres in cultivation. In Seneca County he married Margaret Rapp, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1803. She had come to America in 1832 and to Seneca County, Ohio, with her sister Magdalena and her brother George. She was the youngest of her brothers and sisters. George A. Schurger died in Seneca County June 5, 1852. He left his widow with four daughters and two sons, all of them young, and with only the homestead improved with a log house and a barn for their support. The widowed mother did her part, keeping the children together, but could not have accomplished the task without the aid of her oldest son, John, who was fourteen years old when his father died. Already for a year he had taken a man's part on the little farm, and he cannot remember a time when he did not have a large assignment of duties so that it was not strange that he had no opportunity to obtain an education. Mr. Schurger, however, made up, for his early deficiencies by study and close observation, and has acquired more knowledge than many men who had better advantages in early life. His brother George served as a soldier in the Union army, and about the close of the war was discharged from a hospital, but was a long time in recovering his health. For a time he followed work as a telegraph operator, and finally removed to Virginia where he became well-to-do and where his last years were spent.

In 1864 Mr. John Schurger came with the widowed mother and several of the children to Adams County, Indiana, and they bought a small tract of land in St. Mary's Township six miles south of Decatur. In 1866 Mr. Schurger sold this and bought forty acres near Decatur, and in connection with farming he engaged in the butcher business. His widowed mother passed away at his home November 3, 1886, at the age of eighty-four. Two of Mr. Schurger's sisters, Catherine and Mary, became sisters in St. Mary of the Woods Convent near Terre Haute, Indiana, and the sister Catherine, who is still there, has been a teacher in that noted institution since 1878.

On April 29, 1862, in Seneca County, Ohio, Mr. John Schurger married Agatha Fisher. She was born in Baden, Germany, in 1843, and came to America in 1848 with her parents S. and Theresa Fisher, who first located at Norwalk in Huron County, Ohio, and later moved to Seneca County, where Mrs. Schurger grew up and where her parents died. Mr. and Mrs. Schurger had eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. Catherine is the widow of John Schurger, lives in Seneca County, Ohio, and is the mother of eight children. Rosie is a sister in a convent at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Albert is a baker by trade and has a business at White Cloud, Michigan, and is married and has two daughters. Anthony, who like the other children was well educated in the parochial schools, is now living at Manistee, Michigan, is married and has four sons and one daughter. Magdalena is the wife of Elmer Roher of Pine River, Minnesota, and is the mother of four sons and one daughter. Louisa married Frank Kerber of Delphos, Ohio, and has six children. Christina lives at home and keeps house for her father. Fred F. is unmarried and assists his father in the office. Mrs. Schurger passed away April 10, 1917, after a long and faithful companionship as a wife and mother for fifty-five years. All the family are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mr. Schurger is a democrat, is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and has long been prominent in his church.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 795-797.

JAMES SCOTT, one of the early settlers of Union Township, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1825, son of John and Debby (McCorkle) Scott, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Youngstown, Ohio. They were married in Ohio and became the parents of six children—James, Isabella, Andrew, John, William and Calvin. All were born in Ohio. Our subject came to Wells County in 1849, in company with John Wilson and family, James Harris, and Nancy Horn, all of whom were in one wagon. James, then a young man, had money enough to purchase 160 acres of land on the Indian Reserve, which had only been open for settlement but a short time. His first log cabin was built a few feet east of his present fine house, and the tall elm which stands in his yard has grown from a small sprout that came up near the walls. He kept "bachelor's hall" in his pole shanty for eighteen months while he made the first clearing on his land. Not a tree had been felled nor a road opened in the neighborhood. Game was plenty, and James fried his own venison and baked his own johnnycake; he ate it, too. The Wolfcale family came to the township about the same time that Mr. Scott came, and located a mile east of his land. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters; one of the latter, Belinda, became the wife of our subject in June, 1851. The cabin that was to be her home had neither floor nor mud between the logs. But the young couple laughed at the prospect before them, as the future promised better things. After four years of happy married life, and during the sickly year of 1855, while her husband was ill with typhoid fever, she sickened and died with that dread disease, leaving one child, Eliza J., now wife of Thomas Burnan. She was sixteen months old at the time of her motherÂ’s death. In the autumn of 1856 Mr. Scott was married to Miss Elizabeth Wright, daughter of Ira and Jane (Fleming) Wright. Her ancestors were Irish. Her mother was reared in Vigo County, Indiana, to which State her parents had removed from Maryland. Her father disappeared very mysteriously when she was seven years of age, and was supposed to be murdered for his money, as he went to the village of Rossean, drawing the money for his tobacco crop, and was never seen by his family again. His wife afterward married Joseph Shipley, and they had five children — George W., Rachel S., John L. (deceased), Henry M. and Sarah J. (deceased). To her first marriage eight children were born - Mary, Aurelia, Hannah, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Amanda, Eliza J. and William T. Ira Wright was an excellent scholar, and his daughter, Elizabeth, taught school prior to her marriage. Many happy and prosperous years have been passed in the Scott homestead, and the thirty-one years of wedded life have sat lightly upon her brow. She used to rake the wheat after the sturdy arm of her husband had cradled it away from among the stumps. They shared each other’s trials as well as labors. After her husband had bound the sheaves, she placed them in shock. While he did the night chores, she prepared the frugal supper; and their lives, which began with such sympathy, are to-day bound by much stronger ties of love. She was one of the brave, pioneer women who helped to reclaim the forests and cause them to produce fields. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have had four children — Clark I., who married Ida M. Knaus, now a resident of Fayette County, Illinois; Alva C., deceased; William P., who married Emma Allen, and Alma B. They have reared and educated David Scott and Norah B. Fults, who now reside with them. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are hospitable people, and the stranger always finds a welcome. Their larder is always full of delicacies. Their broad acres are finely cultivated, and each year brings an income which makes a snug bank account. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Disciple church. Mr. Scott is a member of no church, but is liberal in supporting all churches.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 750-751.

THOMAS E. SCOTT, farmer, Nottingham Township, was born near Zanesfield, Logan County, Ohio, February 21, 1840, son of Stanton and Esther E. (Edmondson) Scott, of Scotch-English ancestry. His father was reared in North Carolina, his parents afterward removing to Jefferson County, Ohio, thence to Belmont County, thence to Logan County, where the parents died. Stanton was married in Clarke County to Miss Esther Edmondson, who was born in York County, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Morsel) Edmondson, of English-Irish ancestry. When she was eight years of age her parents removed to Fredericks [sic] County, Maryland, where she lived until her twenty-third year. The family then moved to Clinton County, Ohio, thence to Clarke County, where she was married in the Friends' meeting house of Green Plain, September 21, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton Scott first located in Champaign County, then in Logan County, and in November, 1841, they removed to Jay County, Indiana, where Mrs. Scott's parents had preceded them in 1837; both died in Jay County. Mr. Scott had entered eighty acres of land in Wells County in 1838, and in 1845 moved to his new home in Nottingham Township. They occupied the primitive log cabin, and their nearest neighbor was a mile and a half away. Deer and wild turkeys were abundant, and often the "fretted porcupine" had to be driven away from their door. They traded a cow and calf for $8 worth of chairs, and then traded the chairs for the making of rails. The postoffice was at Camden, and they had to pay 18 cents for a letter. They had seven children, of whom two, Mary and Rebecca, are deceased; the former died February 4, 1860, and the latter September 10, 1862. Those living are—Thomas E., Nathan M., Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin L. Dewees, Joshua and Elma Jane. The father died August 24, 1855, and is buried in the McDaniel cemetery, Nottingham Township, beside his deceased children. He was a consistent member of the Society of Friends, as is also Mrs. Scott. Our subject, Thomas E. Scott, the oldest living child, was but five years old when his parents came to this county, and he was reared amid all the scenes of pioneer life. He was married October 25, 1863, to Miss Amanda E. Chandler, of English ancestry. Her father was from Massachusetts and her mother from Connecticut. The father died in Randolph County, Indiana, in 1840, and her mother is living at Long Prairie, Todd County, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have had three children, of whom one, Geneva May, died August 8, 1884. Those living are—Stanton Arthur, who resides at Long Prairie, Minnesota, and Clarence O. Mr. Scott belongs to the Society of Friends, and is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Baptist denomination. Stanton Scott was an Old-Line Whig and an Abolitionist. He was a cousin to E. M. Stanton, who was Secretary of War. Thomas E. took the census of Nottingham Township in 1880. In 1882 he was nominated for county commissioner, but declined the proffered honor. He was a delegate to and attended the Republican State Convention in 1886.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 732-733.

CHARLES SCOTTON, county commissioner of Wells County, residing on section 31, Lancaster Township, dates his birth in Wayne County, Ohio, near Wooster, October 31, 1841. His parents, John and Dina (Jellings) Scotton, were born and reared in Coventry, England, and were the parents of fourteen children of whom seven yet survive—John J., of Huntington County, Indiana; Mrs. Ann Corlew, also living in Huntington County; Mrs. Dina Carl, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Edwin, living in Kansas; Mrs. Elizabeth Schnatterly, of Kansas; Charles, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Mary J. Ware, of Wells County. The parents immigrated to the United States in 1832, and after living one year in Buffalo, New York, they in 1833 removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where they made their home until coming to Wells County, Indiana, in 1842. They settled in Rock Creek Township, where they built their pioneer home in the dense wilderness, and there our subject was reared, his youth being spent in farm labor and in attending the schools of the county. On reaching years of manhood he engaged in farming in Huntington County, where he remained two years. He then returned to Wells County and settled in Lancaster Township, where he has since made his borne. June 4, 1863, Mr. Scotton was married to Miss Julia Davis, a daughter of William P. and Lucinda (Richey) Davis, pioneers of Lancaster Township, they having settled near the present site of New Lancaster in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Scotton have four children living—Emma, wife of H. B. Nelson, a druggist of Bluffton, Indiana; Florence, Harry and George Nelson. Edwin, the fourth child, died September 1, 1878, in his third year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Scotton are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Scotton in his political views is a Democrat, and is prominent in the councils of his party. He served as township trustee from 1882 until 1886 inclusive, and in the latter year was elected county commissioner for a term of four years. His father, John Scotton, was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed in connection with farming. He died at his home in Rock Creek Township in 1854, aged fifty-nine years. In 1856 his widow married William McBride. Mr. McBride had been previously married, and by his first wife had the following children—Warren, Frank, Samuel and John, and Mrs. Barbara Ellen Readling, who is now deceased. Mr. McBride died in 1870. His widow, the mother of our subject, survived until 1875, when she died at the home of a married daughter at Fort Wayne, at the age of seventy-two years. She had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty-five years, and was a consistent Christian, esteemed by all who knew her.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 695-696.

GEORGE H. SEABOLD, proprietor of Mount Zion Saw-mill, Hoop Factory and Tile Works, is a native of Indiana, born at Fort Wayne, January 15, 1846, a son of Christian and Sarah (Mosier) Seabold. His father was born in Germany, and there he was reared to manhood. When a young man he immigrated to America, and while crossing the ocean his wife, whom he had married in Germany, died. While living in Pennsylvania he was again married, taking for his second wife Sarah Mosier, who was born in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. In 1838 they came to Indiana, and located at Fort Wayne, where the father engaged in the grocery business. He died at Fort Wayne, July 11, 1876. George H. Seabold, whose name heads this sketch, was reared and educated in the schools of Fort Wayne. May 5, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Melinda Yeager, a native of Germany, who was brought to America when in her fourth year. Fourteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Seabold, of whom nine are yet living: Christian Philip Gustave, George Henry, Jr., Rose Amelia, John Albert, Sophie Mary, William Edward, Martha Ann, Ella Melinda and Pearly May. Mr. Seabold commenced life for himself in Fort Wayne as a teamster and contractor, which he followed about two years. He then carried on a grocery until 1876, when he sold out his business and came to Adams County, and remained at Decatur, that county, until April, 1876, removing thence to Vera Cruz or Newville, and engaged in the saw-mill business. In 1882 he came to Mount Zion, where he has since made his home. Here he erected a fine saw-mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1883, when he erected his present buildings. His main building is 24x90 feet, two stories in height. He has a two-story addition, 18x30, and a one-story addition 18x90 feet. The mill is supplied with an engine of twenty-five horse power with cylinder 9x16 feet. This engine supplies the power for the saw-mill, and for the hoop factory in the second story of one addition, and also to heat the dry-kiln of his tile works. He established his tile business in 1885, and since then has been making improvements on the ordinary methods of tile making. He has introduced about 1,000 feet of steam piping, which is supplied with stops so that the steam can be concentrated in any part or scattered over the entire building. He has an elevator which works automatically, bringing the tile to a certain point, then elevating it to the story above. Mr. Seabold has furnished the entire plant according to his own system, and intends to run his tile works in winter as well as summer. He has been engaged in the manufacture of hoops since 1883, and the hoops made in his factory find a market principally at Marion and Kokomo, Indiana, and Chicago and Aurora, Illinois. The engine-room is supplied with a tank from which the water is pumped by a smaller engine into the boiler, and the water is forced by steam into the tank from a well in the yard. In politics Mr. Seabold casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Bluffton Lodge, No. 145, of Bluffton.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 1003-1004.

JOSEPH SEAMAN, of Zanesville, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1816, son of John and Elizabeth (Loeb) Seaman, also natives of Pennsylvania. John Seaman was a son of Eberhardt Seaman, who was born in Germany. His wife was also born in Germany, and they were married in that country. They immigrated to America and were among the earliest settlers of Berks County. They had five children—Jonathan, George, John and Elizabeth; the name of the other child is unknown. The children all lived and died in Pennsylvania, except the youngest, who moved to Maryland. Joseph removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, in the spring of 1836, where he married Maria Bailey, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Rupright) Bailey, of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Her parents had nine children—Peter, John, George, Maria, Elizabeth, Susanna, Barbara, Catherine and Sarah. They were all reared and married in Ohio. Mr. Seaman, after his marriage, worked at the carpenter's trade until he removed to Indiana in 1854, although he had a farm. Their children were all born in Ohio, and all came with them to this State. Mary A. married Lewis Raber; Sarah A. married William Raber, and died in 1855; Eliza became the wife of Noah Blouser; Jonathan married Betty McBride; George A. married Maria Schunk; Adaline married Jacob Kaiser; Angeline married Daniel Shoup; William H. married Kate Kaiser; Emanuel R. married Clara J. Bechtel. Only four of these children are living—Jonathan, Adaline, Mary and Eliza. Adaline and Angeline were twins. When Mr. Seaman came to Union Township in 1851 he settled upon the farm that he now owns. A small frame house had been built, and fifty acres partially cleared. His wife died March 18, 1883, and February 10, 1884, he married Mrs. Hannah Rupright, daughter of William and Susan (Furney) Shepler. They settled in the village of Zanesville, and have resided there ever since. Mr. Seaman made the first land appraisement in Union Township under the new law, and has also served as trustee of the township. He was one of the founders of the Lutheran church in Union Township, and his labor aided largely in its establishment. From its organization in 1860 he has been an elder, and was clerk for many years. Politically he is an earnest Democrat, and never loses faith in the ultimate success of his party. Of the children of his parents, Catherine married Samuel Stein, and resides at Caledonia, Michigan; Benjamin married Elizabeth Kauffman; Reuben, deceased, married Catherine Loeb, and after her death, her cousin, Sarah Loeb, also deceased.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 810-813.

ROBERT L. SEATON, postmaster at Ossian, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, June 2, 1843, son of Robert and Rachel (Liggett) Seaton. The father was born in Antrim, Ireland, in 1799, and immigrated to America in 1818, settling near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In that city he married Miss Rachel, daughter of Alexander and Nancy (McNeal) Liggett, who resided in Cecil County, Maryland. Her father was born in Scotland, but was one of those persecuted men who determined to help free Ireland, and was forced by King George to flee from the realm. He was married in Ireland, but was forced to leave his wife behind, barely escaping with his own life, and that through the assistance of a friend who furnished the means to defray expenses. His wife afterward came to America, and they settled in Maryland. Later they removed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The mother of Robert L. was the fourth child of this couple. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Seaton had six children—Alexander (deceased), Jane, John, Mary, Margaret and Robert L., our subject. The family settied in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1826, and in 1866 emigrated to Allen County, Indiana. They made a final location at Ossian in 1874, and two years later the mother died at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. In 1879 the death of the father occurred. His son John was a private in Company I, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, enlisting in August, 1863, and was discharged at the close of the war. His regiment was a part of the Army of the Cumberland. At the battle of Chickamauga he received a wound, and while at the front, at Kenesaw Mountain, a rebel bullet disabled him for several months. In 1873, at Zanesville, Indiana, Mr. Seaton was married to Martha J., daughter of Evan and Eliza (Johnson) Bell. Her father was a native of North Carolina, and his marriage took place in Rush County, Indiana. To this union four children have been born, three of whom are living—Mary, Martha and William. Mr. Seaton settled in Ossian one year after his marriage, and two years later engaged in the mercantile trade, continuing in business until the present time. His character and ability made him the choice of his party. in this township for postmaster, and he received his appointment September 4, 1885, and his courtesy has made him popular in this position. Mr. and Mrs. Seaton have had four children—William D., John E., Mary B. and Rolla F.; the latter is deceased. Mr. Seaton was made a Mason in Union Lodge, No. 333, Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1866, and is now a member of Ossian Lodge, No. 297, A. F. & A. M., and a member of Bluffton Chapter, No. 145, R. A. M.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 963-964.

For forty-six years the name of Settle has been an honored one in Nottingham Township, Wells County, always representing sturdy, honest and industrious people, good citizens and supporters of education and religion. It was founded by one of the finest men this section has ever known, the late Winfield S Settle, who was the father of Thomas J Settle, one of the townships prosperous farmers and respected men. The latter was born on his father's homestead in Nottingham Township, October 28, 1878, and is a son of Winfield S and Elizabeth (Albertson) Settle.

Winfield Scott Settle was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina November 20, 1841 and was a son of Josiah and Nancy A (Graves) Steele, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. On the paternal side the ancestry was Scotch-Irish and on the maternal was German. In 1847 the grandparents of Thomas J Settle moved to Ohio and settled in Butler County, where the grandfather died in 1869 and the grandmother removed from there to Richmond, Indiana in 1877 and died there. While still living in Butler County, Winfield S Settle became a soldier in the Union Army on January 26, 1864, enlisting for service in the Civil war in Company F, Eighty-fourth Regiment, the enlistment term of the Eighty-fourth having expired, and he remained in military service until the close of the war. He took part in many battles, these including Tunnel Hill, Resaca, Kingston, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Neal Dow Church, Peach Tree Creek, Vining Station and after a short furlough on account of sickness, he was with his regiment at Lookout Mountain and through the campaign in the southwest. He received his final discharge at Indianapolis, Indiana, having done his full duty as a soldier, and reached his home in Ohio in January 1866.

In 1869 Mr. Settle came to Wells County, Indiana securing a partly cleared farm in section 30, Nottingham Township, and he made this his home during the rest of his life. He developed a fine farm here through prudence and industry, and he became one of the leading citizens, a man whose honest was never questioned and whose word at all times was a valuable as a legal document. In politics he was influential in the republican party and he was one of the most active and most liberal members in the United Brethren Church. He was married April 24, 1869 to Elizabeth Albertson who was born in Adams County, Indiana, a daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Brown) Albertson, natives respectively of Randolph and Jay counties, Indiana. To Winfield S Settle and his wife the following children were born; Anna, William H, Olive, Winfield A, Thomas J, James E, Charles C, Walter B, Hazel, who is the wife of Hugh Gehrett of Nottingham Township, and one deceased.

Thomas J. Settle remained at home with his father until he was eighteen years of age, in the meanwhile attending school near the home farm during the winter seasons. About that time a new industry in this part of Indiana began to attract industrious young men and Mr. Settle also went to work in the oil fields and continued to be employed there for twelve years, during the most of the time as an oil pumper. Since then Mr Settle has been engaged in general farming on eighty acres of the old homestead which he owns, and he also gives considerable attention to breeding Chester White hogs, in which industry he has been very successful.

Mr. Settle was married August 20, 1904 to Miss Iva Shepherd, who was born and reared in Randolph County, Indiana. She is a daughter of Ezra and Mary (Study) Shepherd. Mr. and Mrs. Settle have had three children, the two survivors being; Lloyd A who was born December 25, 1907 and Richard, who was born August 26, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Settle are members of the United Brethren Church at Phoenix, Indiana. In politics Mr. Settle is a republican from principle, never having any desire for public office as a reward of his loyalty.

Standard History of Adams and Wells Counties, Indiana. John W Tyndall for Adams County, O E Lesh for Wells County. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1918, Page 554 - 555.
Transcribed by Dawn Maddox Montgomery

WINFIELD S. SETTLE, farmer, Nottingham Township, was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, November 20, 1841, son of Josiah and Nancy A. (Graves) Settle, the former also a native of North Carolina and of Scotch-Irish descent, the latter a native of the same State, and of German ancestry. When Winfield was six years old his parents removed to Butler County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. In 1869 his father died at the age of seventy years. About 1877 his mother removed to Richmond, Indiana, where she still resides, aged seventy-two years. The father was formerly a merchant, but in Ohio he retired to a farm, where he passed the remainder of his days. Winfield was reared to farm life. He made his home in Butler County until 1869, then came to this county and located on 160 acres of land that he had previously purchased, in Nottingham Township, where he now lives. When he first came to his place he found thirty acres cleared. The improvements consisted of a log cabin, which is still standing and being used for storage. There was also a round pole stable, standing where his present residence now is. Since coming here he has added nineteen acres to his farm, and he now has about 105 acres cleared. He erected his present residence in the fall of 1881. He was married in Wells County, April 24, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Alberson, a native of Adams County, and a daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Brown) Alberson. Her father was born in Randolph County and is now deceased. Her mother is a native of Jay County, and resides in Nottingham Township. To this union have been born eight children-Nancy Ann, William Henry, Olive Cornelia, Winfield Scott, Thomas Josiah, James Edward, Charles and Walter Blain. January 26, 1864, Mr. Settle enlisted in Company F, Eighty-fourth Indiana Infantry. He went from Henry County to Indianapolis, where he was mustered in and went into camp. From there he went to Cleveland, Tennessee, the regiment being encamped at Blue Springs near that place, where he remained until the Buzzard Roost count, then returned and went into camp on the same ground as before, where he remained until the Atlanta campaign. His first engagement was at Tunnell Hill, then Resaca, Kingston, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain, Neal Dow Church, Peach Tree Creek and Vining Station. At the latter place he was taken sick and was sent back to Marietta, Georgia, and a few days later to Chattanooga. Two weeks afterward he was sent to Lookout Mountain, where he remained about seven weeks, then received a ten days' furlough. At the expiration of his furlough he reported back to Lookout Mountain, and from there went to join his regiment at Huntsville, Alabama. They then went by train and marches to East Tennessee to intercept the flight of Lee when he should be driven from the defenses at Richmond, but he surrendered without making an attempt to get away. They then went to Nashville, thence to Johnsonville, on the Tennessee River, thence by boat to New Orleans, thence to Texas, where he remained six months, thence to Levaca, on the Matagorda Bay, thence to Indianapolis, where they were discharged, and Mr. Settle reached his home in Ohio in January, 1866. At the discharge of the Eighty-fourth, his time not having expired, he was transferred to the Fifty-first Indiana, and mustered out with them at the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Settle are members of the United Brethren church, Mr. Settle having served as steward two years, class-leader three years, trustee eight years, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school over three years. He is an enthusiastic Republican, and has been chairman of the central committee of Nottingham Township since 1880. He is ex-officio member of the county committee.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 838-841.

JAMES N. SHADLE is a native son of Chester Township, Wells County, and for over forty years has applied his energies to the business of farming and stock raising and is easily one of the most substantial business men and citizens of that community. His farm is in section 8 of Chester Township. He was born in that township October 26, 1854, a son of Philip and Margaret (Donnelly) Shadle. Philip Shadle is a remarkable instance of longevity, and despite his hardships and experiences as a pioneer in Wells County is still living at the venerable age of ninety-two. He was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1825, son of Philip and Mary (McGlade) Shadle. His father was a native of Center County, Pennsylvania, while Mary McGlade was two years old when her parents came from Ireland. The grandparents married in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and for twenty-five years made their home in Lebanon County. In 1836 they removed to Wayne County, Ohio, a year later to Holmes County, and in the fall of 1847 traded the Ohio farm for 110 acres of wild land in Wells County, Indiana. Philip Shadle, Sr., was a carpenter by trade and hewed out the logs for his home in Wells County and made the first substantial house of the kind in Chester township. His wife died in Wells County in January, 1855, and he passed away in 1874.

The venerable Philip Shadle was reared and educated in Ohio, and in Wayne County, that state, married August 7, 1845, Miss Margaret Donnelly, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of John and Fannie (Singer) Donnelly, also natives of Pennsylvania. The Donnelly family moved from Pennsylvania to Wayne County, Ohio, about 1835, and in 1850 went to Holmes County, Ohio. Philip Shadle brought his family to Wells County the year after his father's settlement, and located on a tract of sixty-five acres of the old homestead. He looked after the farm while his father followed his trade as a carpenter, and being a man of great strength and industry he cleared up with the assistance of his children fully 150 acres of the virgin land of Chester Township. He became owner of a fine farm and he kept in close touch with its operation until advanced years. His good wife was born January 14, 1829, and their companionship was one of remarkable length, being terminated after more than seventy years by her death on January 21, 1917. For years they were faithful members and active workers in the United Presbyterian Church. Philip Shadle was a man of affairs in his township and county, was township trustee six years, and as a republican at one time was chairman of the Republican Committee in his home township. He and his wife had a large family of fifteen children, and six sons and two daughters are still living: William A., James N., Lucetta, wife of John Godfrey; Reason, Samuel, John, Eli and Ada, wife of Frank Stair.

As member of such a family, James N. Shadle naturally learned habits of industry and thrift when a boy, and those were perhaps more important to his later life than the formal instruction he acquired in the neighboring district schools. He assisted his father in clearing away some of the land, in getting the farm into cultivation, and was well prepared to assume the serious responsibilities of making a home when he married. In 1875 Mr. Shadle married Miss Caroline Penrod. They are the parents of three children. Oscar lives near the old home and is married; Mertie is the wife of Lester Clark; and Maude married John Osborn. The Shadle family are active members of the Christian Church.

Politically Mr. Shadle votes as a republican. He is a public spirited man in his community, and has allied himself with various movements for general advancement in addition to the responsibilities he has long carried as a farmer. Mr. Shadle's farm comprises 220 acres, and he has always used it for breeding and raising of good grades of livestock of all kinds.

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.
Contributed by Wendy Hendricks

EDMUND B. SHAW, farmer, Nottingham Township, was born in the State of New York, September 18, 1824, son of Patrick and Cynthia (Beers) Shaw, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Connecticut. When he was a mere child his parents removed to Warren County, Ohio, thence, after a short time, to Wayne County, Indiana, where the father died. The mother then removed to Butler County, and when Edmund B. was fourteen years of age the family again removed to Darke County, where the mother died about 1840. At the age of sixteen years Edmund went to Preble County to learn the tanner’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then gave up the trade and went to teaming, which line followed in connection with farm work until he was twenty-eight years old. In 1853 he came to Wells County, settling in Nottingham Township; and during his residence of thirty-five years in the county, his residence has been within a mile and half of where he now resides. He was married in 1845 to Miss Jane Harter, horn and reared in Darke County, Ohio. She died April 22, 1864. They had ten children. Those living are—Eliza E., wife of Ansel B. Tinsley, lives in Delaware County; Alonzo B. resides in Muncie; William C. also lives in Muncie; Richard resides in Blackford County; Mary member of Elizabeth, wife of Alfred Stookey, lives in Muncie. The deceased are—Reed, George, Catherine, Jane and Esther Lovisa [sic]. Mr. Shaw married his present wife, formerly Margaret Glessner, in January, 1866. She was born in Waynesburg, Stark County, Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Koontz) Glessner, who died in that county, the mother in 1856. Mrs. Shaw was first married to Simon Watkins, who died in 1862. By his first marriage Mr. Shaw had three children-—W. A., John S., who resides in Nottingham Township, and Mary Jane, wife of Milton Holloway. By his second marriage are five children--Rosella F., Cynthia Ann, Thomas J., Margaretta and Gertie. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Shaw enlisted in the army, and October 19 was mustered into the service as a member of Company A, Forty-seventh Veteran Volunteers, under Colonel James R. Slack. His command was assigned to the Thirteenth Army Corps under General Grant. When Mr. Shaw reached Indianapolis he was taken sick. His son Reed, who had gone to the front, took his place, and served one year for his father. Mr. Shaw then resumed his place in his command, and Reed re-enlisted and served through the entire war. His health became so much impaired by exposure that he never recovered his strength, and died soon after. Mr. Shaw served mostly in the department of West Mississippi, and remained with his command during all their battles and marches. He took part in the last struggle of the Rebellion, at Forts Spanish and Blakely, and the capture of Mobile. He was mustered out at Baton Rouge, and discharged at Indianapolis, November 2, 1865, and returned home. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he is an advisory member. He is serving as constable of Nottingham Township, having been chosen at the last election. He was one of the number who went to Shreveport, Louisiana, and there received the surrender of the last rebel troops, during the war, under General Kirby Smith. His son Alonzo was in Company G, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, serving under Thomas, and assisted in the pursuit of Hood through Tennessee. He was discharged at Indianapolis and returned to his home in Wells County.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 676-677.

S. E. Shepherd was born in Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, January 29, 1848. His parents, Harrison and Elizabeth Shepherd, were natives of Ohio. His grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812, and located in Ohio soon after peace between the United States and Great Britain was declared, but he did not long survive, and the bereaved mother, considering that the newer field of eastern Indiana might give to her and her children a better opportunity of making their way in the world, moved to Wells county and entered land, north of the county infirmary in Harrison township, where she afterwards made her home until death. Mrs. Shepherd was a woman of dauntless courage and it required women of that kind to brave the perils and hardships of pioneer life. However, her son Harrison, the oldest of the family, was a youth who could be relied upon. He was a tireless worker, sincere and conscientious in all that he did. He cleared and developed the land into a good farm and home, became interested in the work of education and religion and devoted much time from his own private affairs for the public good. On this farm he lived and labored and here his brave, good mother, after years of toil and privation for her children, died in the sanctity of her Christian faith. Here he married Miss Elizabeth Richels; here his children were born, reared, educated and given their first lessons in good citizenship, and here, eventually, after a well spent life, he was gathered to his fathers at the age of sixty-six years. At the time of his death he was financially well-to-do and was the owner of two hundred acres of choice land. To Harrison and Elizabeth Shepherd were born nine children, four of whom are dead. They are: Reason, deceased; Daniel, deceased; S. C., the subject of this sketch; Sylvester, deceased; Arminda, wife of Wallace Ripple; Ellen G., wife of Lewis H. Colbert; Rosetta, wife of Hiram A. Folk, a farmer living upon the old homestead; Hannah, deceased; Bertha, wife of E. N. Corey, a merchant at Pennville, Indiana.

Upon the farm, hewn out of the wilderness by the industry of his father, S. E. Shepherd was born and reared and during the fifty-five years of his life he has never had a residence outside of Harrison township. In his youth and early manhood he worked by the side of his father, and under the care and direction of that good man received the advantages of a good common school education and later the benefits of a knowledge of the higher branches of learning in the schools of Bluffton under the tutorship of Colonel McClerry. When old enough, he became a teacher in the public schools of the county and followed that calling for a number of years. His license was always of the highest grade, few in the county equalling and none excelling it. When in his twenty-fourth year, October 26, 1871, he was united in marriage to Minerva C. King, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Bolander) King, who were natives of Ohio, but had emigrated to Indiana and located near the present site of Craigville, Lancaster township. Mrs. Shepherd is a lady of good education, amiable disposition and many accomplishments. For a year after their marriage they resided upon and cultivated part of the old Shepherd homestead, but then purchased one hundred acres in Harrison township, where he now resides. It then consisted principally of woods, but did not remain long in that condition under its new owner. He immediately erected a substantial and commodious barn, forty by seventy feet, and a well arranged residence. This farm is now well drained, fenced and splendidly improved, and is recognized as one of the most productive farms, for corn, in the county. In favorable seasons Mr. Shepherd has raised as high as eighty-five bushels to the acre. His favorite products are corn, hogs and clover and out of these he has made the greater part of the competence which he now enjoys. To Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have been born three children, as follows: Leora E. was born February 23, 1873, received a good education and is now the wife of Walter L. Fetters, of Bluffton; Alma E. was the wife of Dr. H. W. Markley, but died August 13, 1901; Rosanna E. lives at home.

Politically Mr. Shepherd has always affiliated with the Democratic party, in the success of which he has always taken an active part. For seventeen years he has served his township as justice of the peace and notary public. For some years he has been employed as a general agent for patent rights, and in this capacity has travelled over many states, among them Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. During these travels he has acquired a fund of information about each locality and its people. With the qualities mentioned it is needless to say that he has been most successful in every line of business he has undertaken.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 524-526.

AMAZIAH SHIELDS, farmer, Chester Township, was born in that township May 8, 1858, son of William and Pheriba (Hunt) Shields. The father was born in Clinton County, Ohio, January 16, 1818, of Irish ancestry. He was reared in his native county, and was there married June 28, 1843, to Miss Pheriba Hunt, horn in Guilford, North Carolina, and daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Wilson) Hunt, who removed to Wayne County, Indiana, when she was five years old. Her mother died in Wayne County, and her father afterward removed to Randolph County, where he passed the remainder of his days. Mr. and Mrs. William Shields removed to Wells County, Indiana, in 1843, locating on a farm of eighty acres in Chester Township which he had previously purchased. They made a temporary home at the house of Mr. Shields' brother-in-law, John Lancaster, until Mr. Shields had cut down a sufficient number of trees to enable him to put up a building; and with the logs he then felled he constructed his first log cabin in Wells County. He moved his family into this primitive dwelling as soon as the puncheon floor had been laid, and without waiting for the walls to be daubed. Game of all kinds was plentiful, deer and wild turkeys frequently coming clear to his house. Wolves were troublesome and often devoured sheep within sight of their owners. Mr. Shields was not fond of hunting, but gave his time and attention to the clearing of his land and cultivating his farm. He had to go to Wayne County for grain, and to Mount Etna for his milling. There was no store or doctor nearer than Camden. Mr. Shields lived, however, to see the country cleared up and settled, good improvements, railroads, markets, mills and other conveniences close at hand. Mr. and Mrs. Shields were the parents of nine children, of whom two, John Wesley and Alonzo, are deceased. John Wesley was a member of Company I, Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry, during the late war, and died from the severe exposure one year after his return. The living children are—Sarah Ann, wife of Eli Bryson, resides in Celina, Ohio; Thomas Milton married Matilda Ellen Turner; Robert married Mary Caroline Ellis; Mary Elizabeth is the wife of John R. Bales; Amaziah, Susan Catherine and Esther Luella. William Shields was killed October 19, 1884, while on a visit to Wayne County, by his horses running away. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Christian church at Chester Center. Our subject was reared in his native township and educated in its schools. He was married April 16, 1880, to Miss Sarah Ellen Maddox, a native of Chester Township, and daughter of Wesley Harvey and Eliza Ann (Grove) Maddox. To this union two children have been born--Olive May and Claude. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 746-747.

Joshua Shivler, a laborer of Chester township, removed to Wells county in 1874. He was born in Delaware county, Indiana. His parents, George W. and Comfort (Edwards) Shivler, are deceased. He was married in Wells county, Indiana, to Mary M. Teahett, daughter of John Teahett. Their two children are: William Isaac and Minnie A. Mr. Shivler had three brothers who served in the late war, Isaac, Peter and Rufus; the latter was wounded. Peter was a member of the 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Isaac a member of the 1st Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Address, Keystone, 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

JOHN SHOEMAKER, farmer, section 5, Harrison Township, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 22, 1819, son of William and Betsey (Welker) Shoemaker, the former a native of Maryland and a son of John Shoemaker, who was born in England, and the latter a daughter of John Welker, who was born in Pennsylvania of German ancestry. When our subject was a child his mother died, and he went to live with his grandparents, with whom he resided until he was nineteen years of age. He then went to learn the blacksmith's trade, and received $2.50 per month for his time for two years. He then worked as journeyman for one year, after which he engaged in business for himself at Frederick, Mahoning County, Ohio, and followed his trade successfully for twelve years. In 1854 he came to Wells County and worked at his trade in Bluffton. He remained there until 1864, when he moved to his present farm of 200 acres of unimproved land on sections 5 and 8, Harrison Township. He now has one of the best improved farms in the county. His residence and farm buildings are large and commodious. In 1868 the first tile factory in the county was started on his farm, which was operated until 1884, manufacturing large quantities from which Wells and adjoining counties received their supply for several years. Mr. Shoemaker was married March 17, 1842, to Miss Rachel, daughter of John and Catherine (Kline) Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of English, and the latter of German ancestry. Mrs. Shoemaker was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, April 8, 1825, and removed with her parents to Ohio when ten years of age. In 1864 Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker settled upon their farm, and by hard labor and good management have acquired a large property. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living—Warren K., Bruce W., John J., Taylor F., Jane, Harriet, Ella Lizzie. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker are members of the Christian church, and politically Mr. Shoemaker is a Republican.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 740.

JACOB SHOUP, of Zanesville, is one of the early settlers of Union Township, having settled there as early as 1847, while there was a great deal of land in the Indian reserve subject to entry. He was born near Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, son of John and Polly (Ackerman) Shoup. The father was born in that county, and his father, Jacob Shoup, was one of the early settlers of that country, coming from Germany. John Shoup was the father of eleven children—William, Nathaniel, Sophia A., Polly, Jacob and Sarah came to Indiana. The family moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and in that State the remaining children died. Our subject was the first to emigrate to Indiana. Previous to his coming he was married to Miss Rachel Kain, and six of their children were born in that State—Daniel, William, Mary, Sophia, and two that died in infancy. Jacob was not a poor man when he came to Wells County. His first purchase of land was half of sections 4 and 5, known as the Shoppine section. No roads were cut through the forests, and the new comers found their way to their lands by means of Indian trails. On the sections mentioned not a stick had been felled except by the Indians. Jacob built his first house one mile south of his present residence. This was not built, however, for several years after the family came, as they lived in an Indian cabin, part of which was a store-house in which "Shoppine" was the merchant. He, with ten others, was buried near the site of the old cabin, where they had lived so many years. The lands owned by Mr. Shoup were favorite hunting-grounds, and he was well acquainted with many of the Indians, especially "White Loon," who, during one of his sprees, told Mr. Shoup he fought against General Wayne, for whom he entertained the greatest aversion; and while he talked, tears rolled down his cheeks. Jacob has attended Indian dances near White Loon's cabin; during the day all would get drunk and lie asleep in the woods. Many tears were shed by these Indians when forced to leave the reservation, and some of the squaws carried away soil to be sprinkled on their graves. Jacob's sons aided him in clearing his land. His house and barn were the largest in the township at the time they were built, and 100 men were present at the raising. Settlers came fast, and Jacob spent three weeks in helping to raise cabins in the neighborhood. Joseph and John Shoup were born in the Indian cabin, and Jacob, Jr., in the new house. In 1877 the mother died, and July 6, 1879, Mr. Shoup married Miss Mary Wilson, daughter of John and Phebe (Correll) Wilson, who came from Coshocton County, Ohio, to Wells County in 1854. Mrs. Shoup's mother died when she was three weeks old, and her father afterward married Mary Bechtel. To the first marriage were born four children—Milton, Montraville, Francis M. and Mary. The two eldest sons lost their lives in the service of their country. Milton was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and died five days later. Montraville died from disease contracted in the army. Francis M. married Annie Thomas, and resides at Uniondale. Daniel Shoup was a member of the Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry, of which he was Quartermaster's clerk and dispatch bearer. He married Angeline Seaman after his return from the army, whose death occurred later. She had three children, of whom Lottie and Clara Etta are living. Mary Shoup married Dan Keplinger; Sophia married Benjamin Clark; Joseph is the husband of Ida Keplinger; John married Margaret Fisher; William married Mary Bell; and Jacob is unmarried. To the second marriage of our subject one son, Edward, has been born, who is now seven years of age. Mr. Shoup has retired from active life and has a competency for his old age.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 876-877.

Lewis F. Shreve and Susan F. Miller were united in marriage in Lancaster township, Wells county, Indiana, November 23, 1871. Their children are: Frances E., born April 15, 1873; Nora A., December 2, 1875; Mary E., April 18, 1878; Charles B., December 20, 1879. Lewis F., a son of David P. and Rebecca (Donaldson) Shreve, was born in Allen county, Indiana, November 28, 1850. He has held the position of Postmaster, from the 19th day of May, 1874, to the present time. He is a resident of Lancaster township, and a dealer in dry goods, groceries, queensware, boots and shoes, and general merchandise. He settled in Wells county, in the year of 1868. His wife, a daughter of John and Mary (Brandt) Miller, was born on the 28th day of August, 1850, in Lancaster township. Milton H. Shreve, a brother of Lewis F., was a soldier of the late war. Address, Murray.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 204.
Transcribed by Kathy Davis

GABRIEL SHROCK, of Harrison Township was born in Somerest County, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1831, son of Samuel and Christena (Harbaugh) Shrock, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. When he was about a year old his father died, and he found a home with his grandfather Harbaugh, with whom he lived five years. After this he lived with an uncle, William McBride, with whom he lived until he reached his majority. He learned the cabinet maker's trade of his uncle, and came to Wells County with him, February 21, 1841. He commenced learning the trade when very young, and worked at it until he reached his majority, then started out for himself, without a dollar in money; but he had a strong arm and a willing heart. He was married May 23, 1854, to Miss E. B. Gottschalk, a daughter of Jacob Gottschalk, who was born in Germany and crossed the ocean when she was six years old. After his marriage Mr. Shrock settled in Bluffton, where he worked at journey work until he earned enough to establish himself in business, which he was able to do September 16, 1856. In 1873 his health failed somewhat and he was obliged to change his occupation. He then engaged in carpentering. September 7, 1881, he removed to his present farm, which he had previously purchased. It was then covered with heavy timber, but he soon had it in a good state of cultivation. He now owns ninety-nine and one-half acres of improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Shrock have had seven children, five of whom are living—Mary J., wife of John W. Owens; Sarah A., Jacob A., George L. and Elizabeth B. Two children died in infancy. The eldest daughter began teaching in Bluffton when fourteen years of age, and taught seven consecutive years. She was considered one of the best primary teachers in Indiana. The children are all fitted for teaching except the youngest. Mr. Shrock has always been and is an honest, hard working man. By his industry and good management he has accumulated a good property. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 740.

Daniel Sills was born on the farm where he now lives, April 20, 1843. He is a son of Daniel Sills, a native of Pennsylvania, born November 12, 1804, who died September 4, 1873, and the latter was a son of Joseph Sills, a native of Germany. The mother of Daniel Sills, Jr., was Mary (Blackford) Sills, born November 9, 1806, a daughter of John Blackford. Blackford county, Indiana, received its name from its original settlers, the ancestors of Mary (Blackford) Sills. Daniel, Sr., was married to Mary Blackford June 22, 1826, and settled in Ohio, later coming to Indiana, and on March 1, 1842, moved onto the farm now occupied by Daniel Sills, Jr. The senior Sills devoted the greater portion of his live to farming and hunting, he and his sons clearing the farm where the subject resides. Daniel, Sr., was the father of ten children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, born May 1, 1827; Katherine, born November 9, 1828, deceased; Sarah, born April 18, 1831; Margaret, born November 21, 1827, deceased; Joseph, born February 24, 1833, deceased; Michael, born July 15, 1838; Daniel, born April 20, 1843; John, born June 5, 1847, deceased, and an infant, deceased.

Daniel, Jr., attended school at the Helm Corner school house in Chester township until he attained the age of twenty years. The longest term of school in those times was three months, and he did not get to go more than half of that time at any one term. He remained with his father, who claimed his wages until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1865 he went to Iowa and remained there that year. Excepting this one year spent in the west, he remained working in the home neighborhood, making his home with his parents until he was about twenty-five years old. He was married February 13, 1868, to Mary C. Dick, who was born September 8, 1845 and died September 13, 1898. She was the daughter of Uriah Dick, a resident of Blackford county, Indiana, and a native of Virginia. After his marriage, Daniel Sills and wife settled two and one-half miles south of Montpelier, Indiana where they lived for a period of eighteen months, then moving onto the farm where he is now living. He has remained on this farm continually since that time, it having virtually been his home ever since he was born, excepting the first eighteen months of his married life. He has been all his life what may be termed a general stock farmer. He has also owned and run a threshing machine in season for thirty-five years and has done some saw-milling. He is the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of land, eighty-eight of which are in the home place and the remainder in Blackford county, Indiana. He received six hundred dollars from his father as a start in life. He is the father of fourteen children, all of who are living, as follows: Alvina, born January 29, 1869; Letta F., March 7, 1870; Rosa L. B., December 29, 1871; Uriah D., January 27, 1873; Jennie M., April 27, 1874; Wesley H., November 16, 1875; Addie D., September 6, 1878; Charles C., March 18, 1880; Elijah B., November 15, 1881; Bertha M., June 30, 1883; Sue O., June 26, 1885; Eva A., August 13, 1887; Mary C., March 18, 1890; and Daniel N., March 18, 1893.

In his political views the subject has always subscribed to the doctrines of the Democratic party; he believes, however, in a man voting his sentiments regardless of party dictation. Mary C., (Dick) Sills, his wife, after having been a true and faithful helpmate to her husband for thirty-one years, passed to her reward September 13, 1898, mourned by her husband and children. Daniel Sills is one in whom the love of family, friends and country is largely developed. He has never had a desire to roam the wide world o'er, but has found contentment in the bosom of his family and his friends in the locality of his nativity. He is an industrious and exemplary citizen, who has found his highest happiness in the performance of his civic duties to the community in which he has lived, in providing for his family and securing a competency to meet the contingencies of the inevitable "rainy day."

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 363-364.
Transcribed by montgomery@parlorcity.com

JOSEPH C. SILVER, retired, a resident of Bluffton, was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, April 23, 1806. He was an infant when his father, also named Joseph C. Silver, moved with his family to Mason County, Kentucky. During the second war with Great Britain the latter joined "Dick" Johnson's mounted riflemen, moved his family to Montgomery County, Ohio, and started for the seat of war; but before he was called upon to participate in any engagemeat he was thrown from his horse, and from the injuries he thereby received in his breast he died in 1820, aged about thirty-three years. His wife, ?? Rhoda Johnson, survived until she reached the advanced age of seventy-eight years, when she died in Greene County, Ohio. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were Nathan and Hannah (Woodward) Silver, who moved from New Jersey to Ohio about 1808, and finally died at their home upon a farm ten miles south of Dayton, the former in 1818, and the latter a number of years previous. Mr. Silver, our subject, as he grew up learned the trade of. carpenter. Soon after he was married, in the winter of 1828—'29, he purchased the lease of a water-power saw-mill in Montgomery County, Ohio, which shortly afterward burned down on his hands, leaving him in debt and with no resources but his own indomitable pluck and energy. Friends offered to assist him, but after some hesitation he respectfully declined to receive any contribu- tions, being determined to put himself upon his feet again, which he indeed succeeded in doing. In 1834 he moved to Fort Wayne, this State, and was the first to bring a steam saw-mill into Allen County, which he set up in running order. While living in the northern part of that county he cleared 200 acres of land, on which he followed farming; and during his residence there he was elected justice of the peace for a term of five years, but at the end of two and a half years he resigned the office. Subsequently be was elected constable, and was also appointed deputy sheriff of Allen County by Sheriff J. L. Sweeny, and he served in these relations for a term of two years, during which time he resided at Fort Wayne. In the spring of 1855 he moved to Bluffton, purchasing 200 acres of land near the town, anticipating a rise in value on account of the prospect of railroads; but these were deferred so long that Mr. Silver was obliged to sell at very little advance. He also bought live-stock, shipping it to the East. At this place he also purchased a saw-mill, which too was burned down, but he rebuilt and ran the mill about four years longer, and then sold it and devoted his attention more closely to the real estate business. For a year or so past he has retired himself from active business cares. Mr. Silver was married October 10, 1828, to Margaret Fitts, daughter of Philip and Mary (Hendrickson) Fitts. Her father died in 1825, but her mother is yet living at the great age of ninety-seven years. Mrs. Silver was born January 18, 1810, and the aged and venerable couple have now passed their "golden wedding" day by nearly nine years. Their children have been—Minerva, deceased; William, living at Morganville, Kansas; Philip W., residing in De Kalb County, this State; Samuel D., at Denver, Colorado; Henry Clay, who died at Shreveport, Louisiana; Winfield Scott, attorney at law in Bluffton; Mary, deceased, besides two others who died in infancy.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 829-830.

WINFIELD SCOTT SILVER, attorney at law and member of the firm of Duglay & Silver, Bluffton, Indiana, is a native of Allen County, Indiana, born near Leo, April 15, 1849. His parents, Joseph C. and Margaret (Fitts) Silver, were of German ancestry. When he was six years old his parents moved to Bluffton, and here he was reared and educated. From his fourteenth to his nineteenth year he worked in the saw-mill with his father, and then went to Kansas, remaining in that State two years. In 1870 he returned to Bluffton, and was soon after employed by the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad Company as assistant freight agent, remaining with them until 1874. In 1875 and 1876 he attended the Miami Commercial College at Dayton, Ohio, and in the latter part of 1876 went to Missouri and worked in the lead mines in Benton and Morgan counties until the spring of 1878. He then returned to Bluffton and began the study of law in the office of J. J. Todd, where he continued until 1882, when he was admitted to the bar and began his practice. In 1885 he became associated with Asbury Duglay in the practice of his profession. In 1880, by direction of the Republican State Central Committee, he polled Wells County, and the election returns proved it to be the most accurate ever made in the county. He was chairman of the Republican County Central Committee during the campaigns of 1882 and 1884. In 1882 he was a candidate for the nomination for the office of Secretary of State. On the first ballot the vote was a tie as between Mr. Silver and Hon. Robert Mitchell who was nominated on the third ballot. His race for this nomination was one of the most brilliant ever made by a young man in the State. In 1886 he was a member of the Republican State Executive Committee. He was married January 14, 1886, to Miss Eva Thompson Lacey, a daughter of Rev. Henry J. Lacey and Elizabeth (Thompson) Lacey. They have one child, Paul Wendling, born December 23, 1886. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Silver being a member of the board of trustees of that church at Bluffton. He is also a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 114, I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Silver are highly esteemed members of society.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 939.

ABRAM SIMMONS, of the firm of Dailey, Mock & Simmons, attorneys at law, Bluffton, was born in Randolph County, Indiana, and removed with his parents to Wells County, where he received the rudiments of a common school education in the district schools of Wells County. He afterward entered the Fort Wayne College in 1880, in which institution of learning he received his education. He commenced reading law with Messrs. Dailey & Mock in the month of April, 1882, and was admitted to practice at the Bluffton bar November 30, 1884, entered into a partnership with the above-named gentlemen on the first day of January, 1886, since which time he has been a member of the law firm of Dailey, Mock & Simmons, of Bluffton, Indiana, in which city he now resides.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 785-786.

LUTHER B. SIMMONS, attorney at law, was born in Nottingham Township, this county, in 1860, son of Hiram L. Simmons, of Nottingham Township. After completing a course of study at the Methodist Episcopal college at Fort Wayne he studied law in the office of E. C. Vaughn, at Bluffton, and was admitted to the bar in 1883, since which time he has been practicing law here, excepting the three winters he has taught school in his native township. His office at present is with Mr. Vaughn.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 800.

It requires a master mind to rise superior to discouraging environments and establish, successfully guide and control large and important industrial enterprises. The necessary ability to accomplish such results is possessed in an eminent degree by Charles C. Sixbey, one of Bluffton's leading citizens and a typical western business man of tireless energy, unfaltering perseverance, keen discrimination and absolute reliability. Few men have done as much in the same length of time as he and it is fitting in this connection that a brief outline of his life and achievements be given, as his friends and acquaintances throughout the state are many and will no doubt gladly peruse the record. Mr. Sixbey's father was Col. John Sixbey, a native of New York, born and reared in what was formerly known as the Big North Woods, a section of country one hundred miles long by eighty miles wide bordering on the St. Lawrence river in Herkimer county. For many years the men of that region were noted for their great physical strength and endurance and also for sturdiness of character and resoluteness of purpose in carrying to successful conclusion any undertaking to which they addressed themselves.

Col. Sixbey and five sons, three of whom entered the service of their country in the late war and fell while bravely fighting to maintain the integrity of the union. John, the oldest, was killed in the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia; Nicholas fought under the brave Gen. Lyon at Wilson's Creek, Missouri, and met his death on that bloody field; Jerome received his death wound in the engagement at Nelson's farm; Charles met with an accidental death at home in the year 1849; the subject of this sketch was named for the last mentioned. In addition to the five sons, there were six daughters in the family, the majority of whom grew to mature years and became well settled in life.

Charles C. Sixbey was born in Salisbury, Herkimer county, New York, December 22, 1851, and spent his early life on a farm, with the duties of which he soon became familiar. In addition to agricultural pursuits he also worked in a tannery and at times assisted his father in the lumber business, which the latter carried on for a number of years. By reason of his services being required at home, his early educational training was somewhat limited, but later, about 1868, he entered Elgin Academy, Elgin, Illinois, which he attended one year, making rapid progress in his studies during that time. With his father's aid he afterwards supplemented the above course by attending for several sessions the Fairfield Academy, Fairfield, New York, where he laid a broad and deep foundation for his subsequent career of usefulness in the business and industrial world. When a young man Mr. Sixbey entered the employ of the Peters Box and Lumber Company, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with which he continued about two years and later worked for some time in a factory operated by Mr. Pope. When he arrived in that city he could not boast the possession of a single dollar and some time elapsed before he found himself even in comfortable circumstances. While in Fort Wayne he was employed in different capacities, a part of the time being engaged with a lumber company and later working for a firm which manufactured pails. During the year 1879 he was employed by one John Peters at eighty-five cents per day, but before quitting that gentleman's service he was promoted foreman of the establishment and in that capacity greatly enlarged the magnitude and widened the scope of the business. While exercising his duties as manager of the above concern Mr. Sixbey began dealing in wood on his own responsibility and after severing his connection with his employer devoted his attention for some time to the latter business. He ran a wood yard, which was well patronized, but later disposed of the same and in 1881 embarked in the lumber business at the town of Sheldon. This venture not being remunerative, he discontinued it after a short time and purchasing a separator, engaged in the threshing of grain, following the same for only a limited period.

Up to this time Mr. Sixbey's business enterprises had not been very successful and his financial condition was anything but encouraging. On one occasion he was refused credit for a pair of shoes, but later had the satisfaction of opening a store hard by the one in which he requested the favor and became the unfeeling merchant's more formidable competitor in the world of trade. Beginning on credit, he soon built up a large and lucrative trade, in due time becoming one of the most prosperous and successful merchants in the village of Sheldon. Disposing of his stock in 1883, Mr. Sixbey came to Bluffton and opened a mercantile establishment in the building now occupied by the Williamson Hardware Company. Enjoying first rate credit with the leading wholesale houses of Ft. Wayne, he purchased a large and carefully selected assortment of groceries, subsequently adding boots, shoes, dry goods and gents' furnishing goods, and within a comparatively short time his place became one of the best known and most extensively patronized mercantile establishments in the city. He commanded a large trade not only in Bluffton and from all parts of Wells county, but extended patronage throughout adjoining counties, his sales for the first year amounting to considerably in excess of forty thousand dollars. The continued increase of custom soon rendered necessary a building of enlarged proportions, accordingly he purchased the old Presbyterian church, which when thoroughly remodeled afforded him a very capacious and convenient room in which to meet the demands of the trade. The continued growth of the city and the consequent advancement of his own mercantile interests led Mr. Sixbey afterwards to erect a still larger and more commodious brick edifice on Market street. The capital required in putting up this block and the business depression which almost immediately followed caused Mr. Sixbey considerable financial embarrassment. Like many other merchants at that period, he failed to realize on outstanding obligations and not being able to meet his own bills as they became due, decided after struggling earnestly and manfully against adverse circumstances to retire from mercantile business. By no means discouraged Mr. Sixbey at once began to look around and contrive some means to retrieve his fortune. He was without means to embark again in merchandising, having finally paid up his outstanding obligations in full, consequently he was obliged to seek some other undertaking. It was at this time that the idea first entered his mind of manufacturing a cloth mitten and glove, a strong, durable article, but so cheap as to be within the purchasing power of the poor as well as the better class of working people. To conceive the idea was with him equivalent to acting and it was not long until he began operations in a little old building with a force consisting of two girls and one boy, beside himself. He put in a small machine and advertising the product to the world, began manufacturing at first for the local trade, but the superior quality of his goods soon created a demand at other places. From the outstart the enterprise proved successful beyond his most sanguine expectations and within the first two years his trade had so grown as to require a larger building and a corresponding increase in the force of operators. His factory is now one of the largest and most important of Bluffton's industries, containing one hundred and twenty machines and affording steady employment to one hundred and fifty hands, exclusive of the large number of salesmen who represent the establishment in all of the western, middle, southern and several of the eastern states and Canada. The constantly increasing demand for the "Zero Mittens," as they are called, taxing the original factory to its utmost capacity, led Mr. Sixbey in 1901 to establish a branch at Fort Wayne which now gives employment to eighty operators. Still later he opened a second branch at Bluffton, but such has been the high reputation of his goods that the three factories, running at full force every working day in the year, are not sufficient to fill the large number of orders which are constantly coming in.

Mr. Sixbey has done much to promote the business and industrial growth of Bluffton by giving employment to a large force of laborers, all of whom spend their money in the city. The relations between himself and his employee have always been mutually pleasant and agreeable and such a condition of affairs as a strike or lockout has never been known or even contemplated in his establishments. He is a natural leader and, possessing executive abilities of a high order, manages his factories with consummate skill, winning the esteem of all in his employ as well as of those with whom he transacts business. He is widely known in commercial circles throughout the United States, enjoys unexceptional standing with the leading business agencies of the country and the remarkable advancement made since inaugurating his enterprises in Bluffton may be taken as an earnest of a still larger and more prosperous career in the future. Mr. Sixbey is one of the leading citizens and progressive men of Wells county and occupies a conspicuous place in the estimation of his fellow townsmen. He takes an active interest in whatever tends to advance the material growth of the city, supports with a liberal hand all worthy enterprises having for their obiect the social and moral welfare of the community and his influence, always strong, has ever been exerted on the right side of all local issues. In politics he is a Republican, but the urgent nature of his business affairs has prevented him taking a very lively interest in party matters. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and his name also appears as a charter member of the Elks' lodge in Bluffton.

Mr. Sixbey has been twice married. While living in Ft. Wayne he married Miss Edmee Miller, daughter of James Miller, of that city, a union blessed with five children, one son and four daughters. Some time after the death of the above wife Mr. Sixbey was united in marriage to Miss Anna Spake, of Bluffton.

Mr. Sixbey's career has been one of great activity, in the main attended by remarkable business advancement and financial prosperity. He is essentially progressive in all he undertakes and, endowed with the power and tact to mould circumstances to suit his purpose, his success in overriding adverse conditions and mounting to his present high and honorable station in the world of affairs is such as few attain. Of strong convictions, positive character and incorruptible integrity, he is classed with the most intelligent and energetic of Bluffton's representative men and holds a warm place in the hearts of his fellow citizens.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 112-115.

Although this gentleman was left an orphan when a mere infant, he is today one of the substantial and most respected farmers of Wells county, Indiana. He was born August 27, 1844, on section 17, Jackson township, this county, a son of William and Hettie (Cale) Slusher, the former of whom was the first to pass away, and on the death of the latter the child, Josiah Slusher, was taken to the home of Isaac Jones, by whom he was reared on a farm until he reached his majority, when he was given a horse and saddle by Mr. Jones, with which he made a trip to Iowa, where he passed one year.

When Mr. Slusher returned to Wells county he worked out as a farm hand for about twelve months, then went back to Iowa and worked in the same capacity for another year, then made a trip through Missouri, Kansas and other parts of the west, and finally, in the fall of 1868, returned to Wells county and again worked out by the month until his marriage, October 29, 1869, to Naomi Morgan. This estimable lady was born September 3, 1848, in Wayne county, Indiana, and is a daughter of Charles H. and Mary Morgan, natives of South Carolina, the latter of whom passed away on the farm on which Josiah Slusher now lives, and the former in Warren, Indiana, in 1901.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Slusher lived on rented land in Jackson township, Wells county, for a considerable time and then lived on Dr. Good's farm in Huntington county for three years. He then made a sale of his personal effects and went to Arkansas in November, 1876, but, not liking the country, returned to Wells county, Indiana, the following February and purchased forty acres of the farm on which he now lives, but which was then a wilderness and had no improvements except an old log cabin containing but one room, but in 1886 Mr. Slusher erected a comfortable house in which he and his family lived until 1901. In the meanwhile he worked industriously at clearing off the land from its incumbrance of timber and converting it into a fruitful and profitable farm.

By 1901 Mr. Slusher had acquired the means with which to purchase the parental homestead, of which he then took possession. He continued to follow his industrious habits and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of as fine farm land as can be found in Wells county, and has besides seven oil wells which yield him about forty dollars per month. He carries on general farming and at the same time devotes much of his time and attention to the breeding of live stock, giving the preference to Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Slusher has been blessed with nine children, namely: Emma Eliza, born July 23, 1870, is now the wife of Oliver Williams, of Jackson township, and is the mother of four children, Frederick C., Arthur C., Howard D. and an infant; William, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Slusher, was born August 14, 1872, is a farmer in Jackson township, is married to Miss Daisy Riggs, and is the father of two children, Ruie G. and Randall C.; Samuel was born November 20, 1874, and died February 4, 1877; Leora, born November 25, 1877, died September 2, 1878; Charles H., born September 20, 1879, still lives under the parental roof; Mary L. was born March 23, 1882, is married to Eugene Cruse; James R. was born July 27, 1885, and is still at home; Goldie was born June 28, 1891, and the youngest child died in infancy unnamed.

In politics in his earlier manhood Mr. Slusher did not identify himself with any particular party, but voted for such candidates as were best suited in his opinion to fill the various offices for which they were nominated, but he is now a strict Prohibitionist. With his family, he is a member of the Radical United Brethren church, is an active worker in the congregation and has also been a trustee in the church ever since the erection of the church edifice.

Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Slusher for the prudence he has exercised throughout life and the care with which he and his estimable wife have reared such of their children as have reached mature years and who are now ornaments to the communities in which they live.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 238-240.

The present trustee of Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, and one of the most popular and able of the township's officials is Benjamin P. Smith, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, October 25, 1839, and is a son of Simon B. and Martha A. (Hoskinson) Smith. Simon B. Smith was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and came west with his mother and step-father, who located in Ohio. He then came to Wells county, Indiana, and purchased a tract of land in section 31, upon which he settled in 1844. This tract was covered with hard timber and comprised a quarter section, which he developed into a first class farm and resided upon until his death, which occurred in 1888, his wife surviving until 1891. In politics Mr. Smith was a Democrat and for many years served as a justice of the peace. He was a shrewd business man and by trade was a blacksmith, a vocation he followed in conjunction with farming, being well-to-do at the time of his death which took place in the faith of the United Brethren church, of which he was an ardent and active member. The children born to Simon B. and Martha A. Smith were ten in number and were named in order of birth as follows: Saran, deceased; Benjamin P., whose name opens this biographical notice; Michael, who is farming in Jennings county, Indiana; William, deceased; Phebe, wife of John McKim; Louisa, married to William Metty, an old soldier residing in Kane, Pennsylvania; Freddie, deceased; and Minerva, Elzina and Simon, also deceased.

Benjamin P. Smith was nearly five years of age when brought to Wells county, arriving here October 18, 1844. He was reared on his father's farm and was also employed considerably in lumbering, receiving in the meantime a district school education, which was augmented by an attendance at a subscription school. After attaining his majority, he rented his father's and his father-in-law's farms, having married, in 1870, Miss Eliza Davenport, a sister of Dr. E. P. Davenport and born in Wells county in 1851, of English and Dutch descent. Miss Davenport was a highly educated young lady and for four terms taught in graded school with eminent success in this township and at other places. To the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Smith have been born two children, viz: William R. is married to Lizzie Huffman and rents the home farm, and Martha, who died at the age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Baptist church. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat and has been prominently identified with the party ever since he has been entitled to exercise his franchise. He is very popular with the party as well as with the public at large. In the spring of 1900 Mr. Smith was nominated by the Democrats as their candidate for township trustee, and in the November following was elected by a handsome majority to fill that responsible office. He has filled the office with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people. A cardinal principle of his is the maintenance of good roads and good schools and the imposition of light levies, and in the carrying out of this principle he is an unceasing worker.

Mr. Smith's farm comprises seventy-four acres, on which he conducts not only general farming, but makes a specialty of breeding Chester White hogs, of which he makes an annual exhibit and sale, which is patronized by many stockmen of northern Indiana. He has proved himself to be one of the most successful agriculturists and stock breeders in the county of Wells, and no family in the township and county is more respected than his.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 523-524.

DAVID T. SMITH, attorney at law and justice of the peace, Bluffton, was born in Wayne County, this State, about 1830, and moved to Bluffton about 1857, when there were in the neighborhood of half a dozen other lawyers in the place. For one term he filled the position of district attorney of the Common Pleas Court, being elected to that office just previous to the war. In 1879 he was elected mayor of Bluffton, and served in that capacity one term of two years. At the next election thereafter he was chosen to his present office, to which he was re-elected in 1885. He is also secretary of the Short-horn Breeders' Association. Office in the Williamson Block.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 770-771.

Jacob A. Smith removed with his parents to Wells county in 1838, camping in the woods until a log cabin could be erected. Their entire property consisted of two horses and ten dollars in money, which, considering that it was the 1st of November, was not a flattering prospect. The next spring they leased land, and the second year bought land. They have each a good farm and have educated their children. The four elder girls have been school teachers. Jacob Smith and Emily Gracy were married in Wells county, Indiana, September 23, 1849. Their children are: Theodore H., born February 16, 1851, died December 12, 1859; Mary (Shegley), October 16, 1852, died March 31, 1880; Rachel Jane (Conrad), November 20, 1854; Clarissa Alice, January 23, 1857, died February 19, 1860; Emiletta, August 17, 1858, died December 30, 1859; Harriet Emily, June 8, 1860; Louisa, April 26, 1862; Ida Bell, May 5, 1864; Andrew Johnson, April 15, 1867; Phebe Orpha, February 13, 1869; Jacob Austin, December 10, 1871, died December 30, 1874; Irena, September 28, 1874. Mrs. Smith, daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Sniverly) Gracy, was born in Ohio, December 19, 1829. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, 1793, died August 3, 1877. Her mother was born in Ohio, in 1800, died in 1865. They removed to Wells county in 1849. Mr. Smith was born in Virginia, June 7, 1825. His parents are Jacob and Mary (Walker) Smith; the former was born August 26, 1799, in Virginia, died March 27, 1881; the latter was born in Virginia, and died in 1832. J.A. Smith served several years as Supervisor and School Director, His grandfather, Austin Walker, served through the entire war of 1812. Business, farming and stock-raising. Address, Vera Cruz, 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. 213.
Transcribed by Kathy Davis

Jacob J. Smith was born June 19, 1841, in Fairfield county, Ohio, his parents being Bartholomew and Mary (Eversole) Smith, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. He had come with his parents when they moved to Fairfield county, Ohio, in the early part of the last century and always lived on a farm, both dying in Fairfield county at advanced ages.

The youth and early manhood of Jacob J. Smith were spent in his native county of Fairfield and he received a fair education in the public and subscription schools. For two years he had cultivated his father's farm, previous to September 2, 1861, when he entered the United States service as a volunteer soldier, joining Company F. Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving under Captain Rickett, Colonel Collins and General Cook. He was out two years and four months and participated in numerous important and sanguinary battles, among them being Wild Cat, Kentucky, Mill Spring, Ft. Donelson and Shiloh. In the latter part of 1863 his left arm was fractured and for this and other disabilities he was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee. While in the hospital at Huntsville, Alabama, all of the sick not able to be moved were taken prisoners when Cook's brigade abandoned that territory. All were kept there, treated by rebel surgeons, and in three months he was exchanged and sent to the Federal hospital at Nashville, from which he was discharged six weeks later, and on his way to Louisville he called upon his regimental commander, then stationed at Gallatin, Tennessee. As a Democrat he entered the service, fought as a Democrat and has continued to vote as a Democrat ever since. When he had recovered sufficiently he resumed the cultivation of his father's farm.

August 3, 1865, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Morris, born July 22, 1844, in Fairfield county, Ohio. Her parents were Mitchell and Elizabeth (Hardesty) Morris. Her father was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 28, 1812, and resided on the farm where he was born and where his parents originally settled, from his birth to his death, a period of eighty-seven years. His wife, Elizabeth, who was born November 4, 1818, died on the same farm some years previous. After marriage the young couple found that their united fortunes consisted of a horse, a cow and four hundred dollars, the cash and the cow belonging to the wife. They rented in Ohio and also in Rock Creek township, Wells county, coming to it in October, 1865. After some time they bought forty acres in the woods, for a portion of which they went in debt. After building a house and clearing and improving the place they sold it for seven hundred dollars more than what the land had cost them, and with the money they bought eighty acres, all in the woods, in Liberty township. Upon this they built a good house and barn, cleared, ditched, fenced and improved the place and made of it a most valuable and desirable farm. On this place they resided twenty-seven years, when, in 1901, they sold and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Lancaster township. This was sold in three months and another eighty acres in the same township purchased but in four months they sold again and returned to Liberty township. Here they bought the Joseph Rose farm, within one mile of their old place, but this also has been sold and a farm of eighty acres in Harrison township was purchased. He has also residence property in Bluffton where he proposes to take life with more leisure.

To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob J. Smith six children have been born, viz: Rosetta is the wife of Peter Souerwine, of Rock Creek township, and they have three children, Virgil, Vesta and Daisy; Mary E., who taught two years, is now the wife of Hugh W. Fate, of Liberty township, and they have three children, Ethel, Clarence and Lola; Morris B., a constructor for the Indiana Bridge Company; Anetta is the wife of Jonathan Falk, of Harrison township, and they have three children, Guy, Justine and Howard; Virginia, who married Jacob Eckhart, of Liberty township, died aged twenty-two years; James resides with his parents.

What Mr. and Mrs. Smith possess today has all been made by industry, backed by prudence, good judgment and economy. He does general farming, including live stock growing, and gives preference to Poland China hogs and Red Polled cattle. Mr. Smith, wife and daughters are members of the Friends' church at Pleasant View. He belongs to Lewis Dailey Post, G. A. R., at Bluffton. His political creed is Democracy. The underlying principles of that party, opposed to the centralization of power in the general government, has overshadowed every minor issue, in his estimation, and wedded him to the party of Jefferson and Jackson. In that, as in all other matters, he is sincere and consistent, believing in the widest latitude and fullest liberty of the individual, consistent with the good of society. It is a matter of regret that more voters of this land of freedom do not study those important questions of state, and his example in this line, as indeed in most others, may be safely followed.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 531-533.

MCCOY SMITH, Tocsin, was born November 9, 1827, son of Nicholas and Leah (McCoy) Smith, who reared a family of three children—McCoy, Edwin and Phebe. Nicholas Smith first married Miss McFadden, and they had seven children. Leah was a widow at the time of her marriage with Mr. Smith, and the mother of eight children. Three sets of children were cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Our subject learned three trades in Ohio, but never made a business of either. In 1849 he first came to Wells County and took a claim, but through a technicality in law, he was granted a patent bearing the signature of Millard Fillmore, in 1851. Mr. Smith's paternal ancestors were German. His grandfather Nicholas was a Captain during the war of the Revolution. His great-uncle Henry was considered the best swordsman in Washington's army, under whom both served during the entire war. His grandmother was of Welsh origin. They were the parents of eighteen children, and saw the fourth generation before their death. The descendants upon whom their eyes had rested numbered 403. The grandfather died at the age of one hundred and ten and the grandmother at one hundred and fifteen. They lived and died in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, at the foot of the mountains. Our subject built a cabin on the land he first entered. Soon after his arrival he formed the acquaintance of his present wife, Miss Mary Blue, in rather a peculiar manner. In the early days neighbors were far apart, and the young folks occasionally gathered for amusement in the cabin of some of the settlers. Mr. Smith was a bachelor, very lively, and the life and soul of the company he was in. For a joke, he proclaimed that he could tell fortunes. One evening as the family were sitting around the huge fireplace, the young people insisted upon having their fortunes told. Smith was the oracle of the evening, and when it came Miss Blue's turn, although McCoy had never spoken to her, the moment he took her hand he exclaimed, "Why, this woman will become my wife." There seemed to be an affinity, and although neither had thought of marry ing, the result proved theirs to be a very harmonious union. May 17, 1855, this couple was married at the home of the bride's parents, Uriah and Rachel Blue, Rev. Wilson Donaldson performing the ceremony. Mr. Smith's maternal ancestry were of Irish origin. His grandmother was a daughter of Colonel Gaddis, of Revolutionary fame, and her husband belonged to his regiment. Thus the ancestry on both sides were "blue-bloods" and noted for loyalty to the cause of American freedom. To Colonel Gaddis is ascribed the honor of raising the first liberty-pole in the United States, a fact of which his descendants may well feel proud. He also rid the country of a notorious gang of robbers, by getting a band of picked men of his former Revolutionary force; forty robbers were killed before they made an unconditional surrender. Colonel Gaddis was in command of a regiment at Crawford's defeat, and had the latter followed the, advice of Gaddis, the Indians would have been routed, with small loss. He rescued Crawford from the savages, but he was again captured and burned at the stake. Mrs. Smith's great-grandfather, Uriah Blue, was a rifleman under General Washington and one of his sharp shooters. He moved to Boone, Kentucky, and from there to Miami County, Ohio. Mrs. Smith's grandfather carried provisions to Wayne's army at Fort Wayne. After the marriage of Mr. Smith he settled down to real pioneer work. He cleared his land, and his love for the chase kept his larder well supplied with meats. Children came to grace their home in the wild woods—Emma Rosalie, wife of Albert Weible; Jasper N., who married Ina Belle Sowers; Serena, wife of Ivan Kleinknight; John M., and one that died in infancy. From the first, Mr. Smith predicted that a railroad would traverse this neighborhood from west to east, having walked over the ground and noted the fertile soil, and fine location for a road-bed. Therefore, he was not surprised when the thunder of the massive iron wheels reverberated through the township, nor amazed when a thrifty village sprang up almost before his eyes. The log cabin in which Mr. Smith and his wife began their married life has long since been replaced by a handsome frame building. They have been prosperous, and their prosperity is due entirely to industry, economy and good management.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 808-8090.

Stephen D. Smith served five years as Constable; was elected again for a term of two years, but declined serving: served one year as Assessor. He was born in Harrison township, of which he is still a resident, January 20, 1839; was married March 22, 1860, to Frances M. Lane, born in Ohio, June 20, 1844, died February 23, 1869. She was the mother of Electa Ann (Pace), born December 19, 1860; Mary Alice, September 9, 1866; Jacob Nash, June 7, 1867. Mr. Smith’s second marriage was to Mary Jane Cooper, a native of Perry county, born December 30, 1841. He was married in Wells county, August 30, 1871. Their children are: Martha Claretta, born August 18, 1872; Anson Wesley, May 12, 1874; Bessie Jane, September 24, 1878. Michael Cooper, born in Virginia, November 25, 1796, and Anna (Loglor) Taylor, born September 22, 1806, are Mrs. Smith’s parents. They removed to Wells county in 1852. Mrs. Smith’s brother, Samuel H. Cooper, served one year in the late war, a member of the 75th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was a participant in nearly all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. Mr. Smith is a son of Jacob and Cynthia Ann (Mayo) Smith, settlers of Wells county in 1838. His father was born in Virginia, August 26, 1799; his mother in Virginia, February 25, 1818. Business, farming and stock-raising. Address, Bluffton.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 213.
Transcribed by Kathy Davis

The subject of this review is a representative of one of the old families of Wells county and inherits many of the sterling characteristics of a long line of sturdy ancestors. The Snow family in America appears to have originated in New England, the subject's grandfather, Sewell Snow, having been a native of Rutland, Vermont. He was born in the year 1807 and in young manhood married Miss Mariel Gates, a native of Boston, Massachusetts. In 1835 he moved to Ohio and six years later came to Wells county, Indiana, accompanied by his sons George and Henry, settling in what is now Chester township. He located on what is known as the Gruver farm, which he cleared and otherwise improved and on which he spent the remainder of his life, dying there a number of years ago at a ripe old age.

Henry Snow, one of the two sons of Sewell, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 15th of August, 1833. He was a lad of eight years when his father came to Indiana and from that time until death his life was very closely interwoven with the growth and development of Wells county. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Booth, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, September 8, 1835, the daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Lethero) Booth, who were among the pioneer settlers of Chester township. Henry Snow began life for himself as a farmer and experienced all the hardships and vicissitudes peculiar to the early period in a new and densely wooded country. Purchasing a tract of unimproved land, he built a little pioneer cabin for the reception of his bride and spent the first winter after taking possession of his place deadening timber and fitting for cultivation a small area to which the term field could hardly be applied. The following spring he returned to his father's farm, which he cultivated on the shares during the ensuing two years and then returned to his own place, which he never again left until called from earthly scenes. He made a fine farm, accumulated a liberal share of this world's goods and earned the reputation of an honest, upright man and enterprising citizen. His relations with his fellow men were characterized by a high sense of honor and in his death, which occurred on the 31st of March, 1896, the community lost one of its most valuable neighbors and the county one of its representative men of affairs.

Mr. Snow left to mourn his loss a widow and three children, besides a host of friends who had learned to appreciate him for his true manly worth. His oldest child, Mollie, married Joseph Stahl and lives in Liberty township; her husband is one of the prosperous farmers of that section and at the present time is serving as a member of the board of county commissioners. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have two children, Edith S. and Homer A. G. H. Snow, of this sketch, is the second in order of birth and after him comes Giffon, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in these pages.

G.H. Snow was born in Chester township, Wells county, on the 22nd day of August, 1862, and his early life on the farm was marked by no event of special note. At the proper age he entered the district schools, which he attended of winter seasons until his twentieth year, meantime devoting the spring and summer months to the varied duties of the farm. On attaining his majority he and his younger brother rented the home place and in this way continued to run the same until the father's death, since which time the two have farmed their respective parts of the estate, paying the mother two-fifths of the proceeds.

Mr. Snow was married on the 27th of September, 1883, to Miss Matilda A. Moorman, daughter of Eli and Lavina (Arnold) Moorman, natives respectively of Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and Medina county, Ohio. Mr. Moorman came to Wells county a number of years ago and after his marriage moved to the county of White, where he lived for a period of four years, returning to Wells at the expiration of that time and settling in Jackson township. He died some years ago at the residence of his daughter in Blackford county, since which time the widow has lived among her children. Mrs. Snow was born February 18, 1865, and received her education in the district schools of Wells county.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Snow began housekeeping on the Snow homestead, where they have since lived and prospered and they are among the best known and most highly esteemed people in the township of their residence. Mr. Snow has devoted his attention almost exclusively to agriculture and is success has resulted in a competence of sufficient magnitude to place him in front rank with the enterprising and well-to-do men of his community. Of the ten producing oil wells on the old farm, four have been drilled on his share of the estate and from this source alone he derives a very handsome income, with the prospects of still more liberal returns in the future. Mr. Snow is a good mechanic and of recent years has done considerable in the way of carpentering, although his principal pursuit is and always has been agriculture, for which he has a natural liking and the dignity of which in his opinion compares favorably with any other vocation. In the matter of stock farming he has met with the most gratifying results, his breeds of Chester White hogs, Galloway cattle and South Down sheep being among the best animals of the kind in this part of the state. Mr. Snow is a gentleman of taste as well as progressive ideas, as is evident from the fine condition of his farm and the various attractive features of his residence. By no means a partisan in the sense the term is usually understood, he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and keeps himself well informed upon current political questions and industrial topics. His family belong to the Christian church, to the belief of which religious body he also subscribes and for the support of which he lends his influence and contributes material aid. He has lived an active, useful life, encouraging, the meanwhile, all movements looking to the moral as well as the material good of his township and county and those who know him best speak in high praise of his many sterling qualities of manhood. As a citizen he has ever had the interests of the people at heart and the rectitude of his intentions in all relations whatsoever have been above cavil or criticism.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Snow consists of three children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Charles L., June 13, 1885; Bessie I., October 13, 1886, and Von E., June 14, 1891.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 294-296.
Transcribed by Dawn Montgomery

The gentleman whose life history is embodied in this review enjoys distinction as an enterprising farmer and successful stock raiser, while his standing as a worth citizen, with the good of the community ever at heart, is second to that of no other resident of the township in which he lives. Giffon Snow was born on the farm which he now owns and cultivates, August 8, 1865, being the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Booth) Snow, of whom appropriate reference will be found on another page of this volume. Reared in the country and early taught the lessons of industry and thrift with which the majority of farm lads become familiar, young Snow grew up a sturdy youth, strong in his determination to become an honest and useful man and to make the world better by his presence. His acquaintance with practical life began at an early age and until his eighteenth year he assisted with the labors of the farm and contributed his full share to the maintenance of the family. His educational privileges were such as the district schools afforded and these he attended until his seventeenth year, making the most of his opportunities the meanwhile. At the age of eighteen he entered into partnership with his brother to cultivate the home place, each to receive one-third of the proceeds of their labor, the father furnishing the stock and necessary implements for the prosecution of the work. Subsequently, on the death of the father, the two brothers took the farm on equal shares and in this way continued to run it until the place was divided and each received his part of the heritage.

Mr. Snow prospered as a farmer and in due time was in a situation to set up a domestic establishment of his own; accordingly, on the 3rd day of September, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Goodin, daughter of J.D. Goodin, a well known citizen of Chester township. Mrs. Snow was born in Wells County, Indiana, January 21, 1873, and was an infant two weeks old when her mother died. She is a child by her father's first marriage and has two sisters living, viz: Elizabeth, wife of Thomas McGeath, and Nettie, wife of Dillon Hall, her only brother, Madison, dying some years ago. By the second marriage Mr. Goodin had two children, Lawrence and Herman Goodin.

For about eight months after his marriage Mr. Snow lived on the home farm and during the succeeding year rented the Wilson place in Chester township, which he cultivated with a fair measure of success until again taking up his residence on the old family homestead. He has brought his share of the farm to a high state of tillage, devotes his attention to general agriculture and by industry and successful management has accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in a very comfortable circumstances. As a breeder of live stock, especially Galloway cattle, he has materially increased his income, as he raises for the market nearly every year quite a number of these animals and always received for them the highest price which the best grade of cattle commands.

Mr. Snow has voted the Democratic ticket ever since old enough to cast a ballot, but he cannot be called a politician, never stepping aside from his chosen calling to take a very active interest in party affairs. He is a gentleman of quiet, unassuming demeanor, attends strictly to his own business and wherever known has always been unassailable. Honest in all of his dealings and exceedingly sociable in his relations with his fellow men, he is esteemed an excellent neighbor and a loyal friend, and as a citizen no one stands higher or discharges his duty in a more praiseworthy manner. Mr. Snow is an intelligent gentleman and in matters of business is characterized by soundness of judgment which makes his opinions and advice valuable to those who ask for them. Mrs. Snow is a consistent member of the Christian church; while not identified with any religious organization himself, Mr. Snow has profound respect for sacred things and to the extent of his ability contributed of his means for the moral and spiritual advancement of his kind. He is a liberal provider for his family, believes in using the good things of this world and to this end has supplied his home with many of the conveniences and comforts which make rural life pleasant and desirable. Mr. and Mrs. Snow have one child, Vertner A., who was born on the 6th day of November, 1894.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 301-303.
Transcribed by Dawn Montgomery

In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their own way to success through unfavorable environments we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which not only can endure so rough a test, but gain new strength in the fire of discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was unfavored by fortune, for both inherited wealth and the assistance of influential friends were denied him, but in spite of these discouragements, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life.

Lewis F. Snyder, one of the prominent farmers and residents of Jefferson township, Wells county, Indiana, is a son of Henry and Mariah (Fertic) Snyder. He claims Allen county, Indiana, as his birth place and first saw the light of day February 23, 1849. The Snyder family were natives of Germany, where the grandfather, John Snyder, was born and reared. He came to America with a party of friends and settled in Pennsylvania, where he married Elizabeth McDaniel, of Scotland. John Snyder and family came to Jefferson township in 1839, improved a farm and both died at the home of a son-in-law in Allen county, aged eighty-three and sixty-eight years respectively.

Henry Snyder learned the cabinetmaker's trade in Ohio, where he worked until he came to Wells county in 1837. He settled in the northern part of Jefferson township and again took up his trade. He afterward returned to Ohio, where he remained but a short time, and returning to Allen county, Indiana, he purchased a farm in 1842 and began the life of an agriculturalist. He lived on this farm for some years and then went to Elkhart county, Indiana, where he died in 1883. He was one of the best farmers in Allen county, but adverse circumstances caused him to lose heavily and he died as he had started, a poor man. He was the parent of ten children, of whom Lewis was the seventh.

Lewis F. Snyder was the youngest boy in a large family and at the age of seven, owing to the death of his mother, was put out among strangers to make his own way, living with four families, mainly with Caleb Prible of Allen county, until past fifteen. Then he was two years with his father. At the age of about seventeen, his father's family being broken up, Lewis was thrown entirely upon himself and worked at farm work in Allen county until the winter of 1867, when he was again with his father, who had married again and was living in Wells county. In the spring of 1868 he went to Iowa, spending three years in that state at farm labor. In 1871 he and his brother Charles went to California, spending that season at farm labor, and joined a prospecting tour with a Los Angeles party to Arizona. After eight months thus spent he was left with nothing, having lost all his savings. The two left for Nevada with all they had left, a pack horse, where he made about one thousand dollars within ten months, working in a quartz mill. Again fortune smiled and after an absence of two and one-half years he returned to Allen and Wells counties in 1873. In 1875 he settled on a farm in Jefferson township, and in 1894 purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, three and one-half miles northeast of Ossian. He has made extensive improvements, now having a large and imposing residence and suitable outbuildings. He has laid upwards of two thousand rods of tile, and his farm is now considered one of the most desirable in the township. He also owns other rental property in the vicinity.

Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Mary A. Caston, a resident of Wells county and a farmer's daughter. Seven children were born to them, one of whom, Celia J., is married, being the wife of John Shultz. The others are Harland V., Dora A., Leary L., Dollie, Chloe Ann, and Charley, who died in 1881, aged fifteen months. Mr. Snyder is one of the substantial Republicans of Wells county and Jefferson township, but has never taken a very prominent part in political affairs. He is an intelligent and trustworthy man and one of the best citizens of the county.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 475-477.

L. E. SOMERS, M. D., one of the latest recruits to the medical profession of Wells County, is a man of splendid education, did excellent work as a teacher in earlier years, and is thoroughly devoted to his profession. Although quite a young man, and only recently located at Craigville, his services have received much appreciation in this community.

Doctor Somers was born in Lancaster Township of Wells County April 5, 1888, son of Henry W. and Otta F. (Johnston) Somers. His parents are old residents of Wells County, and still live on their farm in Jefferson Township. Doctor Somers received his first advantages in School District No. 12 at Greenwood in Jefferson Township. He graduated from the Ossian High School in 1908 and the following year took a normal course at Angola preparatory to teaching. For two years his worked in the country schools of Jefferson Township, and at the end of the first year married Miss Augusta M. Kroder, daughter of Henry and Minnie (Thatcher) Kroder. Her mother is now deceased and her father lives at Clifton, New Jersey. Doctor and Mrs. Somers have one child, Gerald, six years old.

In the fall of 1911 Doctor Somers began the study of medicine and entered the University of Indiana at Bloomington, where he pursued the regular academic course and was graduated Bachelor of Science in 1915. In 1917 he graduated from the University School of Medicine with the degree Doctor of Medicine, and on June 20, 1917, located at Craigville in Lancaster Township.

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. 694.

PETER SOUERWINE, farmer and stock raiser, Rock Creek Township, is a native of Germany, born February 22, 1818, a son of Louis and Elizabeth Souerwine. When he was ten years old he immigrated with his parents, and after a voyage of seventy days landed at Baltimore, Maryland. The family first settled in Adams County, Pennsylvania, remaining there until 1838, when they removed to Wayne County, Indiana, where the mother died June 11 of the same year. Peter and his father then came to Wells County and entered 200 acres of Government land on section 36 of Rock Creek Township. They then returned to their home in Wayne County, where they resided until 1843, when they returned to Wells County and built a cabin on their land. Peter Souerwine was married March 26, 1843, to Miss Christena Hieger, a daughter of Louis Hieger, who came from Germany to America several years after our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Souerwine were born six children?Louisa, wife of Frank Adams, of Rock Creek Township; Louis and Peter, living on a part of the old homestead, and three who died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Souerwine has cleared and improved his land and added to it until he now has 360 acres of well cultivated land. He and his wife are members of the old school Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat.

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

L. A. Spaulding, M.D., was born in 1847 in Blackford County, Indiana. He was reared a farmer boy. At the age of nineteen he entered the high school at Liber College, Indiana, and remained two years; afterward attended college at Ridgeville, Indiana, two years. The next three years were spent as traveling salesman in the Western States. In 1873 he began the study of medicine at Montpelier, Indiana, under Dr. William Ransom. After attending one part and one full course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, he located at Barber?s Mills, Indiana. He was married in the summer of 1877 to Miss Nannie J. Shelton, of Hartford City, Indiana, and in the fall of the same year returned to the Ohio Medical, and graduated in the spring of 1878. He then continued his practice at Barber?s Mills until the fall of 1882, at which time he located in Bluffton, Indiana, and has continued in a successful practice to the present.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 711.

Mary A. Spaulding residing in Chester township, removed to Wells county in 1844. She was born in Miami county, ohio, July 26, 1830. She is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Lyon) Russell, settlers of Wells county in October, 1844. She was married in Wells county, Indiana, in 1848, to Freeman H. Spaulding. Her children are: Nancy A. Connett, born September 29, 1849; James V. Spaulding, May 22, 1858, deceased: William S. Spaulding, July 2, 1860; Alonzo R. Spaulding, August 20, 1862, deceased; Edmund J. Spaulding, November 12, 1867. Mrs. Spaulding’s second husband served in the late war, a member of 153d Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was discharged in 1865. John Wilson, a brother-in-law of Mary Spaulding, died in the service. Business, farming. Address, Montpelier, Blackford 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

JACOB SPEECE, an old settler and a prominent farmer of Jackson Township, Wells County, is a native of Ohio, born in Champaign County, June 8, 1820, a son of Peter and Sarah (Princehaus) Speece. They were natives of Virginia, and of German descent, their parents coming from Germany in an early day. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving seven years in that struggle for independence. The parcuts of our subject emigrated to Ohio among the early settlers. They reared a large family to maturity. Peter Speece grew to manhood in Virginia, and in August, 1813, went to Ohio with his family. They resided in Champaign County until 1861, when they came to Wells County, Indiana, and bought a farm in Chester Township, on which the parents lived until their death. Both were members of the United Brethren church, and were much respected by all who knew them. Peter Speece died March 1, 1871, aged eighty-four years and five months, and his wife died November 13, 1867, aged seventy-nine years. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood on his father’s farm. He received but a limited education, but by private reading he has fitted himself to perform the duties he is called upon to do. He was married in his native county, July 4, 1841, to Miss Rebecca McIntyre, who was also born in Champaign County, Ohio, the date of her birth being May 1, 1819. Her parents were natives of Virginia, and in an early day settled in Champaign County, Ohio, living there until their death. They were the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters. The father of Mrs. Speece served as a soldier during the war of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Speece were born nine children—Mary J. (deceased), Sarah C., Thomas McIntyre, Peter, Nancy E., Jacob F., William, Rebecca Ann, and Henrietta (deceased). They also reared Isaac Spaulding from the age of seven days, at which time his mother, Mary Jane (Speece) Spaulding, died. Mr. Jacob Speece followed farming in Ohio until 1847, when, in September of that year, he came to Wells County, Indiana, and settled in Jackson Township, on land for which he had traded eighty acres before coming here. He has since made his home on the land on which he first settled, to which he has added until his farm now contains 200 acres of choice land. He made the journey from Ohio by team, his cash capital at that time being $50, and still owed money on his land. He settled in a dense woods, where he built his pioneer cabin and began clearing his land of the heavy timber, and by hard work and perseverance he has made for his family a comfortable home. His rude log cabin has been replaced by his fine, substantial residence, which is surrounded with shade and ornamental trees. Mr. Speece is at present principally engaged in stock-raising, in which he is meeting with good success, and is classed among the well-to-do citizens of the county.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 912-915.

Some begin their business career most auspiciously, others with every obstacle, including poverty, to be overcome. It often happens that the former lags in the race for success, while the latter forges ahead, each successive year bringing a newer and grander success. Of the latter class Abraham Speheger, of Nottingham township, Wells county, Indiana, the subject of this sketch, furnished a splendid example. Born in a foreign land, living there until he was twelve years old, then coming to America and working for his parents until he was twenty-one without compensation, having little knowledge of the English language until he was twenty, it could hardly be expected that such a youth would accomplish as much by the time he was fifty as the youth who began life’s battle under circumstances more favorable. That he has is amply attested by a brief sketch of the life of the gentleman to whom reference is above made.

Some begin their business career most auspiciously, others with every obstacle, including poverty, to be overcome. It often happens that the former lags in the race for success, while the latter forges ahead, each successive year bringing a newer and grander success. Of the latter class Abraham Speheger, of Nottingham township, Wells county, Indiana, the subject of this sketch, furnished a splendid example. Born in a foreign land, living there until he was twelve years old, then coming to America and working for his parents until he was twenty-one without compensation, having little knowledge of the English language until he was twenty, it could hardly be expected that such a youth would accomplish as much by the time he was fifty as the youth who began life’s battle under circumstances more favorable. That he has is amply attested by a brief sketch of the life of the gentleman to whom reference is above made.

Abraham went to school a number of years in his native land and after coming to America attended school here about three years. But the mysteries of the English language seemed unfathomable to him. His native tongue was spoken in the family and his busy life forbade him the privilege of learning English from playmates. He was twenty years of age before he could understand much of what was said to him and considerably older before he could make people understand him in the language of the United States. Thus handicapped, at the age of twenty-one, without a dollar in his pocket and a very meager supply of clothing, he faced the world to win for himself a fortune and a home. His first employer was Christian Welty, for whom he began to work on the farm by the year, in Wayne county, Ohio, and he worked for him seven years. He then hired to Henry Otis and was in his employ eight years. It was while he was working for him that he acquired the greater part of his knowledge of the popular language in America. They were educated people and one of his objects in hiring to them was to improve himself in English. During this time he had given more than half of his earnings to his parents to help them along. Nevertheless, in 1869 he had saved five hundred dollars and was the owner of a horse and buggy worth three hundred dollars. While working in Wayne county he became acquainted with a young lady, Miss Rebecca Fritz. Her parents were Jacob and Eliza (Coulter) Fritz, natives of Pennsylvania but of German, Irish and Scotch ancestry. When they moved to Ashland county, Indiana, Abraham was neither happy nor contented in Wayne. The result was inevitable. RebeccaÂ’s bright eyes were the guiding stars to him and he, too, was soon in Ashland county. They were married March 17, 1871, the date (St. Patrick’s day) doubtless being fixed out of deference to the Irish in the bride’s composition. She was born in Pennsylvania, April 14, 1850.

Soon after marriage the young couple returned to Wayne county, where Abraham rented eighty acres of land, which he cultivated for two years with success that is invariably the reword of industry. He next rented one hundred and sixty acres which offered a much better opportunity both as to terms and extent. After remaining on this place three years he moved to another on one hundred and thirty acres, on which he remained five years. During all this time his savings were steadily increasing and he was approaching nearer the desired goal, i.e., a well improved, well cultivated farm of his own. In 1881 he moved to Indiana, bringing with him about eighteen hundred Dollars, every one of them having been earned by his own hard labor. For twenty-five hundred dollars he purchased one hundred acres of land in Harrison township, paying seventeen hundred dollars and incurring an indebtedness of eight hundred dollars. He owned this place only about seven months when he got an opportunity of selling it. On this transaction he made a small margin of profit and then purchased eight-two and a half acres in Nottingham township, where he now lives. It cost him three thousand dollars, but it was improved to the extent of having upon it a good barn and nice orchard. He has improved it since by erecting a good house, commodious outbuildings, fencing, ditching, etc. He has also cleared twenty-five acres and has purchased a farm in Harrison township of forty-six acres that is well improved and in a fine state of cultivation. He raises Poland China and Chester White hogs and shorthorn cattle. For a long time he made a practice to feed all his grain to his stock, but in later years he sells considerable on account of the uncertainty of hogs. All that they are possessed of, and it is no small or insignificant fortune, has been made by him and his faithful wife.

Mr. and Mrs Speheger are the parents of seven children, viz: Allen married Stella Nutter and lives on his father’s farm in Harrison township; Mary married John Bower and also resides in Nottingham township; John resides at home with his parents; William is employed at Ruth, clerking; Anna, Ida and Fritz are still at home. They have each received as good an education as the district schools of the state afford. They are intelligent, well informed young men and women, with far better opportunities than their parents ever had and it remains to be seen whether or not they will achieve as much of success in life as have their parents.

In religion both Mr. and Mrs. Speheger are members of the Evangelical church and are active in church and charitable work. He is a steward and a teacher in the Sunday school. In politics he is nominally a Democrat, but in local affairs he is never bound by party ties. In this, as in other matters, he acts independently. He is a man of kindly nature and generous disposition, there being nothing selfish or miserly about him. His success is wholly attributable to industry and good management. He has a determination and firmness of purpose that will overcome every obstacle.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 211+.
Transcribed by Wendy Hendricks

This ex-soldier of the Civil war, but now a peaceful agriculturist in Liberty township, Wells county, Indiana, and as broad-minded in the time of peace as he was patriotic in the time of war, was born in Lancaster township, Huntington county, Indiana, July 15, 1845, a son of James A. and Elizabeth (Wagner) Sprowl. James A. Sprowl was born in Virginia, and when young was brought to Indiana by his parents, who settled in Lancaster township, Huntington county. Joseph Sprowl, father of James A., purchased wild land when he reached the country, before the Indians had been expelled therefrom, and in that comparative wilderness James A. grew to manhood, the country in the meantime becoming settled up and modernized. James A. there passed the remainder of his life, with the exception of four years spent in Iowa, and was famous among the Indians as a hunter. He lived until the ripe age of eighty-six years. The children born to James A. and Elizabeth Sprowl numbered nine and in order of birth were named as follows: Mary A., the wife of James Barton; William, a resident of Bluffton; John W.; Achasa Jane, widow of Mr. Collins, lives in Iowa; Susan, the wife of Frank Horner; Joseph, a resident of White county; Sarah, married to John Huff; Francis resides in Bluffton; Miner, wife of John Horner, and Christina, who died in childhood.

John W. Sprowl was reared in Lancaster township and at the age of eighteen enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Perrish and General Sherman. He served two years, being honorably discharged at Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1865. He had taken part in several skirmishes and twelve regular battles, including those of Pea Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta.

At the cessation of hostilities Mr. Sprowl returned to his father's home and assisted on the farm until his marriage, July 25, 1867, to Miss Isabel Edgar, who was born in Pennsylvania July 13, 1843, a daughter of Atkinson and Mary Ann (Mounsey) Edgar, natives of England, who came to the United States about 1842. They engaged in farming in the Keystone state until 1844, when they came to Wells county, Indiana, remained here about one year and then went to Huntington county, where Mr. Edgar bought forty acres of farming land, to which he added until he owned one hundred and sixty acres. This he subsequently sold and bought one hundred and sixty acres near Warren, which he also sold, and next purchased two hundred acres near Kelso, Huntington county, on which he resided until ten or twelve years prior to his death, when he went to live with his son John, at whose home he passed away in 1891. The mother of Mrs. Sprowl died when she was but three weeks old, and her father then married Jane Mounsey, sister to his first wife, and who had come to Indiana with him. Atkinson Edgar and first wife had a family of six children, viz: Mary, Sarah and John, deceased; Jane, widow of Jefferson McElhany; Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Lowery, and Isabel. To the second marriage of Mr. Edgar were also born six children, namely: Martha, widow of Napoleon Williams, Atkinson, Thomas and three who died in infancy.

John W. Sprowl, for two years after his marriage, lived with his father-in-law and cultivated the farm. He then settled on his own farm of eighty acres, which he still occupies, but which was then in a swamp deep in the woods. Seventy acres of this place Mr. Sprowl has cleared up and drained and has put under cultivation. When he settled here he had two horses, two cows, a few pigs and some sheep, and the cabin of logs was twenty by eighteen feet, with a framed kitchen attached, these improvements having been made by himself.

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Sprowl have been blessed with five children, viz: Lucinda, who was born in February, 1869, is now the wife of Daniel Masterson, of Liberty township, and has two children, Raymond L. and Jason; James A. died at the age of twenty-two years; Henry N. is married to Etta Medrets and is the father of four children, Dora B., John W., Lottie M. and Roy; Jonathan E. married Celestia Fudge, who bore him one child, Otis Elmer, but the father is now deceased, being killed by an engine while pumping oil; Rosa B., the youngest of the five, was married to Allison Melling, but was called away in February, 1896, leaving two children, Ora O., who has been reared by Mr. Sprowl, and Gus M., who died when five months old. Mr. Sprowl, who is a gentleman of the kindest impulse, has also reared Melvin Lucky, whom he took in charge when but three weeks old and who will soon arrive at his majority.

Mr. and Mrs. Sprowl are members of the United Brethren church at Mount Zion and in politics Mr. Sprowl is a Democrat. He is now superintendent of fourteen and three-quarters miles of gravel road and has at different times filled various township offices. He is one of the most public spirited men in his township and is widely and favorably known, being ready and willing at all times to aid with his means and advice all projects designed to promote the convenience and happiness of his fellow citizens.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 533-534.

A native of Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana, Joseph Stahl was born September 4, 1856, and is a son of Jacob and Mary J. (Grove) Stahl, of whom further mention will at once be made, both being now deceased. Jacob Stahl, Sr., a native of Bedford, Pennsylvania, was a son of Abram and Rebecca Stahl, who were also born in the Keystone state. Jacob was but twelve years of age when brought to Wells county, Indiana, by his parents, who settled on a farm in Nottingham township, and on that farm Jacob grew to manhood. He there married Miss Grove, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and with her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Grove, came to Wells county, Indiana, when she was but six years of age, about 1839, the family settling in Harrison township. At his marriage Jacob Stahl located in Bluffton, where he followed his trade as a carpenter for eight years, and then came to Liberty township and settled on the farm which his son, Joseph, now owns and occupies, and where he erected one of the first frame houses in the township. This farm had been entered from the government by Abram Stahl, his father, and when Jacob Sr. settled on it it was one stretch of timber land, but Jacob succeeded in clearing it up and in converting it into one of the pleasantest homesteads in the township at that early day. Here he and wife passed the remainder of life, Jacob, who was born March 20, 1825, dying May 20, 1893, and Mary J., who was born May 12, 1835, dying April 9, 1898. They were the parents of two children, Charles and Joseph.

The younger of these two, Joseph Stahl, is the gentleman whose name opens this biography. He was educated preliminarily in the public school of Liberty township, which he attended until he was eighteen years of age, and then passed one term in the Bluffton high school. At the age of nineteen years, Joseph received a portion of his one-third interest in the estate, and at once invested it in a forty-acre tract of land, but continued to make his home with his father, receiving one-third of the products of the farm for his services until his marriages when about twenty-two years old, and of which event farther mention will be made. He then erected a dwelling on his own land, but continued to work for his father until the latter's death; from first to last he worked on the one-third principle for about twenty years. Since the mother's death the property has been equally divided between Joseph and his brother Charles, putting the latter in possession of one hundred and fifty acres, one hundred and twenty of the old home place and thirty-eight acres in Chester township. Mr. Stahl is a general farmer and a breeder of live stock, and one of the most successful agriculturists of his age in the township.

November 28, 1878, Joseph Stahl married Miss Mary Snow, who was born January 24, 1860, and is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Booth) Snow. To this blissful union have been born two children, namely: Edith, married to Herbert Smith and now living on Joseph Stahl's farm, assisting in its cultivation during the summer seasons and teaching school during the winters; Homer Augustus, the younger of the two, is also a teacher and has his residence on the home place. Further information in relation to the Snow family may be gleaned from the biographical record of George Snow on another page of this volume.

Joseph Stahl, since he has been entitled to the exercise of his franchise, has voted with the Democratic party, and his first official position under the auspices of that organization was as superintendent of gravel roads for two years, having charge of seventy-three linear miles. In 1900 he was elected to the commissionership of the second district of his county. He has never been without ample means, having always been wise enough to add to his possession through his industry and careful management and is today recognized as one of the most substantial and useful citizens of Liberty township. He is always ready to aid financially in promoting such improvements as may be of permanent benefit to his fellow citizens, and there is certainly not a more respected family in Liberty township than that of Joseph Stahl.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 364-365.

B. F. STARR, a progressive and enter prising farmer of Chester Township, was born in Chester Township, Wells County, Indiana, August 12, 1846, a son of Benjamin and Matilda (Popejoy) Starr. His father was a native of Virginia, and when three years of age was brought by his parents to Hocking County, Ohio. There he was reared to manhood and was married in that county to his first wife. They came to Wells County among the early settlers, settling here in 1840 on a tract of eighty acres which Mr. Starr had entered in the spring of 1839. The land was entirely unimproved, not a tree having been cut on the place. The family came from Ohio to their new home in Wells County in an ox wagon. They made a brush shanty on their land, in which they lived until the father cleared a small space and erected a log cabin, into which they moved as soon as it was completed. Here Mr. Starr lost his wife the following spring, and was subsequently married to Matilda Popejoy, the mother of our subject, and both parents are still living in this county, enjoying the rest which they have so well earned by years of toil and industry. B. F. Starr, our subject, was reared and educated in Wells County, where he has always made his home. When twenty-six years of age his father gave him eighty acres of land of which twenty acres had been cleared. By persevering industry and good management he has prospered in his agricultural pursuits, and has added to his original eighty acres until his home farm in Chester Township now consists of 160 acres, of which 125 acres have been cleared, and beside this he owns sixty acres about a mile south of his home place, twelve acres of this tract being cleared. He has erected all the buildings on his land and made many substantial improvements about the place. January 14, 1872, Mr. Starr was united in marriage to Miss Sabina Nutler, [sic] a native of Hocking County, Ohio, whose father was an early settler of Wells County, Indiana. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Starr; four still living—Mary Blanche, Ora Otis, Oliver and Olive (twins). Levi is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Starr are members of the Methodist Protestant church. He is a trustee of Blanche Chapel, and is Secretary of the Quarterly Conference, Salamonie Circuit, Indiana Conference. In politics he affiliates with the Prohibition party.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 834-835.

Jonathan Staver, farmer and stock-raiser, Rock Creek Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 28, 1825, a son of Henry and Anna (Swatzell) Staver, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, the former a son of Adam Staver, and the latter a daughter of Henry Swatzell. Adam Staver was one of the first settlers of Preble County, Ohio, and our subject's parents were among the first settlers of Montgomery County. Jonathan Staver was reared on a farm in his native county, and received his education mainly by private study during his leisure hours. He lived with his parents until reaching his majority, when, in 1846, he was married to Miss Sarah Rhoads, who was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, of German ancestry, and was a daughter of John Rhoads. After his marriage Mr. Staver followed farming in Montgomery County for five years. Mrs. Staver died in 1851, and in September, 1854, he married Miss Minerva Hoops, a daughter of Evan and Susanna (Sheets) Hoops, who were natives of Virginia and of English ancestry. They settled in Montgomery County, Ohio, in an early day, where Mrs. Staver was born. In August, 1857, Mr. Staver came with his family to Wells County, and purchased 160 acres of heavily timbered land, which he began to clear and improve, and by persevering industry and years of toil he has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation, and has added to his original purchase until he now has 280 acres, all of which is well improved. He began life with limited means, but by his indomitable energy combined with good management he has succeeded in accumulating his present fine property. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, and respected citizens of Rock Creek Township. By his first marriage Mr. Staver had three children - Lydia, deceased, was the wife of Isaac Langle; Mary is the wife of Jacob Wolfgahn, and Sarah is the wife of James Lesh. To his second marriage were born nine children- Eliza, widow of Allen Oldfather; Lizzie, wife of Elemuel Miller; Amanda, wife of Jonathan Bender; Ellen, widow of Philip Eichhorn, John, living on the old homestead, married Ellen Miller, and four who died in infancy.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 997.

ALVIN JOHN STEWART, civil engineer and architect, residing at Bluffton, was born at Harpersfield, New York, in 1838. When quite young he was taken by his parents to Morris, New York, where he lived till fourteen years of age, receiving his education in the public schools of that place. He then went to Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, and served an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter’s trade. From Sauk Rapids he went, in October, 1854, to St. Louis, Missouri, where, although a mere boy, he was employed by the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company as a carpenter and placed in charge of a number of men to superintend the erection of the railroad buildings at Sandoval, the crossing of the main line of the Ohio & Mississippi, and the Illinois Central Railroads, and while in the employ of the same company, he, in 1856, superintended the erection of the first railroad buildings at Odin, the crossing of the Ohio & Mississippi and the Chicago branch of the Illinois Central railroads, which have been in use for over thirty years. From 1857 until 1859 he was in the employ of the E. L. Wince Turn-table Company, putting in turn-tables for the company on railroads in various places in the Western States. In 1859 he was employed by the Texas & New Orleans Railroad Company to superintend the wood work on their road, with headquarters at Beaumont, Texas, where he remained until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he was obliged to make his escape North, and arrived in Chicago in the summer of 1861. At Chicago he was placed in charge of the bridge building and water works of the eastern division of the Michigan Central Railroad, being thus employed until 1870. He was next employed as superintendent of the wood work of the Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroad until 1871, when he was employed in the same capacity on the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad. In 1872 he was promoted to civil engineer by the latter company, and had charge of the roadway department until January 1, 1885, a period of thirteen years, and during this time, from 1876 until 1885, besides being in the employ of the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad Company, he had charge of the roadway department of the White Water branch of the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad. In November, 1871, he became a resident of Bluffton, where he has since resided, and in 1883 he erected one of the most substantial and finest brick residences to be found in the place. Mr. Stewart was united in marriage at Hartwick, New York, in October, 1859, to Emma Mann, a daughter of Oliver and Jane (Kellogg) Mann, and of the four children born to this union only one daughter is living; Nettie, who is the wife of Amos G. King, of Bluffton. Those deceased are: Luella, who died at the age of eleven years; Fred, aged nine years, and Jessie, aged five years, all dying of scarlet fever in one week in the year 1871. In 1886, with his son-in-law, A. G. King, Mr. Stewart built the King Creamery at Bluffton, which is considered one of the best in the State of Indiana. Mr. King is a Master Mason, and is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 36, of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Mrs. Stewart and her daughter, Mrs. King, are members of the Bluffton Baptist church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 1020-1021.

JAMES STOOPS, harness-maker, at Tocsin, was born in Waynesburgh, Greene County, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1838, son of James and Mary (Smalley) Stoops, also natives of Greene County. In 1839 the family removed to near Morgantown, West Virginia, and in 1852 made a location in Adams County, this State, remaining there until the death of the mother, which occurred in 1884. The father is still a resident of Decatur, Indiana. To them were born nine children—Rebecca, the eldest daughter, married Simon L. Boyer, and remained in West Virginia; Margaret is the wife of G. W. Menefee; Edward married Margaret Martin; James, Jr.; Maria, deceased, wife of Abram Studabaker; Sarah J., wife of N. Blackburn, editor of the Decatur Democrat; William G. H., deceased; George C., who married Belle Pease, and Joseph A., who married Inez Shaffer, of Bluffton. With the exception of William, who is deceased, all married in Wells and Adams counties. At the age of sixteen our subject began to take an active interest in politics. At twenty-one he was elected constable, serving two years. In April, 1862, he received the nomination of the Democratic party of Adams County for sheriff. He declined the nomination and enlisted as a private in Company K, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry. At the organization of the regiment Mr. Stoops was elected Second Lieutenant of his company. Illness compelled his resignation ten months later, and he returned home hoping to regain his shattered health. In 1866 he became the Democratic candidate for sheriff of Adams County, and was elected in the autumn of that year. His official acts were so satisfactory that he was re-elected, and at the close of his second term was appointed assessor of Washington Township. He also served as deputy sheriff under David King, and later engaged in the manufacture of harness in Decatur. In 1886 he left Adams County and located in Tocsin. He opened a shop and began the manufacture of harness. He was the first of his trade to locate in the village. A destructive fire broke out and swept away two business houses with their contents, in the upper story of which was the shop of Mr. Stoops. The whole stock of all the men was swept away by this fire, and there was no insurance. He was appointed station agent of the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad soon afterward, having purchased a lot and erected a new building. Mr. and Mrs. Stoops had one son, now foreman of the Decatur Democrat office. Mrs. Stoops died while her husband was away serving his country. Mr. Stoops' second wife was formerly Victoria Sheneman. They have had two sons—one died in infancy and the other was drowned when eleven years of age. His third wife was Jennie Busby. Eleven years has Mr. Stoops served the people of Adams County in an official capacity, all of which has been done faithfully and well.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 793-794.

Samuel Straw, Jr., farmer and stockraiser, of Rock Creek Township, was born in Wells County, Indiana, the date of his birth being December 16, 1849. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Crum) Straw, had born to them ten children, of whom our subject was the second son and fourth child. He grew to manhood in his native township (Rock Creek), his youth being passed in attending the district schools, where he received a fair common-school education. He resided on the farm until his marriage, which occurred November 8, 1874 to Miss Sarah A. Arnold, a daughter of Moses and Mary (Bartlemay) Arnold, of Harrison Township, Wells County. Mr. and Mrs. Straw are the parents of three children - Mary E., Charles E., and Henry E. After his marriage Mr. Straw settled on Section 24, of Rock Creek Township, on a farm which his father had purchased in 1872, where he has since made his home, and has brought his land under good cultivation, and by his industrious habits and fair and honorable dealings he has gained the confidence of the entire community. Besides his home farm, he also owns property in and around Bluffton. In politics Mr. Straw affiliates with the Republican party. Both 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, p. 901.

ABRAHAM STUDABAKER was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, of German descent, the date of his birth being February 13, 1785, and was one of fourteen children. In 1795 his father moved with his family to Scioto County, Ohio, and in 1804 to Warren County, Ohio. In 1806 our subject married Mary Townsend, who was of English descent, and belonged to a Quaker family from South Carolina. Two years after his marriage our subject with his family, then consisting of his wife and two children, moved to Darke County, Ohio, being one of the pioneers of that county. There he began life on a heavily timbered farm, almost penniless, and built his first log cabin on Government land near Gettysburgh. It soon became necessary to erect a fort and block-house on his land to defend himself and family against the Indians, they being somewhat troublesome in those times. During the war of 1812 he supplied the Government with cattle for food for the soldiers and Indians, and at the close of that war he carried the news of peace to Fort Harrison on the Lower Wabash, a distance of about 300 miles and through an unbroken wilderness. On arriving there he found that his brother David, a soldier, had been killed by the Indians a few days previous. Returning to his family he entered the land on which he first settled, and when things quieted down he sold his land and settled near Greenville, Ohio, where he purchashed a farm. In 1826 his wife died, leaving him with seven children—William, Elizabeth, Mary, David, John, Abraham and Margaret. A few years after his wife’s death he was again married to Elizabeth (Hardman) Lightcap, a widow, who was of English descent, and to this union were born five children—Peter, George, Daniel, Jane and Sarah. In 1833, having accumulated some money, Mr. Studabaker came to Wells County to invest in lands, and among other tracts entered the one on which Bluffton is now situated, and in 1838, when the county seat was located, he donated said land for the benefit of Wells County. In 1838 he established his son John in the mercantile business in Bluffton, and in 1839 he placed his son William on a farm four miles east of Bluffton. He also assisted many of his nephews and nieces to obtain homes in Wells County, and every year until his death he visited the county to visit his sons and friends and encourage them in their new homes. In 1847 he sent his son Peter to Wells County to clerk for his brother John. He lived on his farm near Greenville, Ohio, from 1815 until his death, which occurred March 18, 1852, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a man of enterprise and good business management, and by these qualities together with persevering industry he accumulated quite a fortune, which enabled him to settle twelve children in life. He was for several years commissioner of his county, and always gave satisfaction in the discharge of the responsible duties of his office, always working for the good of his county. He was a man of strict integrity, and his word was considered as good as his bond, and was respected and esteemed by all who knew him.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 766-767.

America is indebted to no one race or nationality for so many of the sterling qualities which characterize Americans of today as much as it is to the German emigrants who came to this country during the early settlement of the colonies. Few of them had much in the way of material wealth, but they were well supplied with industry and thrift, an ambition to better their condition and a steadfast firmness of purpose that nothing could overcome. Once believing themselves to be right, no persuasion, argument or coercive force could divert them from the course they had determined upon. This national characteristic is often severely criticised, is frequently referred to as "pig-headedness," but there is little doubt that that trait of American character so noticeable and so highly commended as "stability"comes from this very source. That which is denounced as "pig-headedness" in the early German settler is commended as "firmness" and "stability" in his descendant of the third or fourth generation.

The subject of this sketch, A. T. Studabaker, of Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, is one of those same descendants. If the name did not tell of it, or if he was not able to trace his genealogy to that source, the determination, firmness and steadfastness of purpose which he discloses in every walk of life would pronounce him, beyond all cavil, as of this same German descent. For years he has been the only voter of his precinct who at each successive election casts a Prohibition ticket. It is not in casting a Prohibition ticket that the German descent is disclosed in him; it is shown in the persistence with which he clings to his opinions, the tenacity with which he adheres to his views in the face of all opposition and in a cause that to others appears absolutely hopeless. He believes he is right, and he will stay right, even though the heavens fall.

A. T. Studabaker is the son of William and Sarah (THOMPSON) Studabaker and was born in Darke county, Ohio, July 18, 1830. His grandfather was Abraham Studabaker, a descendant of an old German family that came to America and settled in one of the colonies long before the Revolutionary war. He was a man of mature years and recognized influence at the breaking out of the war of 1812 and took an active part in the agitation that made it necessary for the struggling but dauntless colonies, for a second time, to grapple with their old oppressor. He was a sincere patriot and took an active part in public affairs during that interesting period. William Studabaker was born in Warren county, Ohio, February 7, 1807. When he was one year of age his parents moved to Darke county, Ohio, where Gettysburg now stands. At the time his parents located in Darke county the county was very wild and Indians and beast of the forest were plenty. There were two classes of Indians, hostile and friendly. William at this time was very weakly. Some of the friendly Indians, visiting his father, saw the condition of the then small boy, and, believing they could restore him to health, stole him away while his parents were in the clearing at work, he having been left in the care of a little girl, his cousin Nancy Miller, who afterwards became the wife of Orrin PERRIN and now lives near Murray, Wells county, Indiana. The little girl ran to the clearing to give the alarm to the parents and the father remarked, "He is a friendly Indian; he will bring him back." They continued coming and bringing him back almost every day for about a year. During this time William became very much attached to them, and when they would come and go away without him, he would cry after them, and up to the day of his death he would say nothing against the friendly Indians, but would remark that he believed the medical treatment he received from them was the means of prolonging his life. A few years later he moved with his parents to a farm near Greenville, Ohio, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He was then married to Sarah A. Thompson, in the month of March, 1828. After his marriage he located on a farm near Greenville, the one now known as the county farm. He lived on this farm eleven years, and in the year 1839 moved to Wells county, Indiana, locating on the farm now owned by Lewis Markley. He remained on this farm about six years, and then moved across the river on his farm where he remained up to the time of his death. he was a man of wonderful constitution, and with that constitution he made a success of all his undertakings in life. In moving to Wells county in an early day, he with his companion had to endure many hardships connected with a pioneer life. No roads existed, only as they were "blazed" out through the woods, the dwelling place of the Indians and wild beasts, no bridges as we now have, and when the settlers came to a swollen stream, they would plunge into it, sometimes the horses being compelled to swim and the water running into the wagon-bed. Mr. Studabaker cleared up the farm that Lewis Markley now lives on, also most of the farm on which he lived when he died. While clearing up his farm he was compelled to go to Greenville for a greater part of his provisions, and part of the time he went into Ohio to mill. His nearest milling point at the time was Huntington, Indiana, he sometimes going to mill on horseback and sometimes going down the Wabash in a canoe. A few years later a mill was built at Bluffton, and one time Mr. Studabaker, in company with John Markley, went to mill at the latter place in a canoe, at which time he came near being drowned. After their grinding was done they started home, and in coming out of the mill-race by some mishap they were drawn out into the swift current of the river and in spite of their utmost efforts were carried over the dam. In going over Markley leaped out, caught to the edge of the dam and saved himself. Mr. Studabaker went over with the canoe and was taken under the water by the suck of the dam. But being a good swimmer, and having presence of mind, after making several efforts to swim, but being beaten back by the force of the current, he dived to the bottom, swam down the river a few rods, came to the surface and started for the shore, being rescued by Benjamin Nutter.

Mr. Studabaker accumulated property quite rapidly, at one time owning upwards of two thousand acres in the upper valley of the Wabash. he was a man of much public spirit and always took a leading part in all public improvements. Sincere in all his convictions, he was a man of rare Christian character, a consistent member of the church, in the full faith and fellowship of which he died in 1881. he and his wife were the parents of ten children, Mariah, A. T., Mary A., Ben, John, David, William T., Louisa and J. M., who were twins and George W. As soon as A. T. Studabaker had matured sufficiently to be of use on his father’s farm he was constantly employed in the labor thereof. During the winter months when little could be done outside of caring for the stock, he attended the district school and laid the foundation for a good education. Later he took a course in the schools of Bluffton, then turned his attention to teaching. he was in the educational work three terms in Wells county. He remained on the farm with his father, assisting in caring for the family, until he was twenty-three years of age.

On the 6th day of March, 1853, A. T. Studabaker was united in marriage to Miss Louisa DeWITTE, a lady of good education and fine attainments. Her family came west from New York in 1839 and settled on the old Adam Hall place. Her father was a man of energy and industry, who in his time had done much hard work. At his marriage, A. T. Studabaker, the subject hereof, was worth a few hundred dollars. With this he erected a comfortable home on his present farm, in June, 1853. It was then in the midst of the woods. It took time, labor and money to carve a productive farm out of the primeval forest, but each was expended ungrudgingly by the owner, with the result that at this time no more comfortable home or desirable farm may be found for miles around. He is the owner of two hundred and eight acres of the productive bottom lands of that region. Like his father and grandfather before him, he has engaged in the raising, purchase and sale of live stock. Early in life he was schooled in the art of estimating the weight and value of animals at a a glance. In this line his knowledge is such and his experience so valued that his judgment is almost infallible on these points. he is accorded the credit of having bought more stock than any other man in Wells county. To Mr. and Mrs. Studabaker have been born eleven children, nine of whom are still living. Harriette is the wife of Marion FRENCH; Lewis and Henry both died in infancy; William L. is married and lives at Elwood; Mary J. is the wife of Joseph CARTER, a resident of Grant county; Noah is engaged in the purchase of grain at Van Buren; Abby and Ida are twins, the former of whom is the wife of W. A. BOWMAN, the latter the wife of Charles HELMS; John is married, the father of a family and lives in Harrison township; Lillie is the wife of L. L. BAUMGARTNER and Minnie M. is the wife of Ed. HUFFMAN, who lives on the old home place with Mrs. Huffman’s parents.

In politics Mr. Studabaker was at one time a Democrat, but espoused the cause of Greenbackism when that political doctrine first began to command public attention. Since then he has become a most profound Prohibitionist. Single-handed and alone he has fought for years the battles of the Prohibition party in Harrison township. At each successive election the ballots of the township are counted and one solitary Prohibition ticket is always found in the box. Everybody knows that it was voted by A. T. Studabaker. It never increases, it never diminishes, but it is always there. The other voters of the township look for it as confidently at the next election as they do that that event will come around. He has been honored by his party with the nomination for representative from Wells county, has also been placed upon the ticket as a candidate for treasurer of the county and when placed on the county ticket has shown himself better than his party by the larger vote which he received. When gravel roads were being built in Indiana he became a contractor and built some twenty miles in Wells county and several in Grant county. Mr. and Mrs. Studabaker are both church members and have been since 1858, for years attending what is known as the Six-mile Christian church. Few men in Wells county are better known than Mr. Studabaker. His business is such as to bring him in contact with a large number of people all over the county. For a man so set in his purposes, firm in his convictions, extreme in his likes and dislikes, he is a man with many warm friends. he is honest, truthful and manly, qualities always admired by people whose good opinion is worth having. As a neighbor he is generous, as a citizen he is public spirited, as a father he is indulgent, and as a husband he is loyal and true. While his neighbors indulge in some amusement, at this expense, in so tenaciously adhering to Prohibition principles, all accord him the credit of sincerity. They may question his judgment—his course shows that he has the courage of his convictions.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 272+.
Transcribed by Colleen Rutledge

Success in this life comes to the deserving. It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it, plus a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value is successful in proportion to the amount he adds to his wealth. But the man who starts in the world unaided and by sheer force of will, controlled by correct principles, forges ahead and at length reaches a position of honor among his fellow citizens achieves success such as representatives of the two former classes neither understand nor appreciate. To a considerable extent the subject of this sketch is a creditable representative of the class last named, a class which has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added to the stability of the government and its institutions.

D. D. Studabaker is a native of Wells county, his birth occurring in Harrison township on the 4th of May, 1840, a son of the pioneers, William and Sarah A. (THOMPSON) Studabaker. He was reared upon the parental homestead and attended the subscription schools. Though his earlier education was necessarily limited, he has by close observation and contact with the world become well-informed and thoroughly in touch with modern business methods. David early formed an inclination for dealing in stock. he remained with his father until he was twenty-two years of age and in 1862 undertook to operate the farm of Capt. Peter Studabaker while the latter was absent in military service. The subject farmed this property until 1866, when he settled on a farm adjoining the one on which he now lives. He has engaged in the various lines related to agriculture, including farming, stock grazing, buying and selling, in all of which he has been successful, achieving an enviable reputation through his straightforward and honorable business methods. He was an extensive stock-shipper of the county to within twenty years, though since that time he has confined his operations principally to baling and shipping hay and straw. Aside from the varied interests pertaining to the farm. Mr. Studabaker has also done some contracting in the construction of gravel roads in this and Grant counties, his efforts in this line being the greatest of any citizen of the county. He built the second gravel road to the county, the one from Bluffton to Mount Zion, and among others which he constructed were the following: The Markle, Gregg, Bluffton and Rifeton, Little, Poor Farm, Air Line, Stahl, Keystone, Gavin and others, the total amounting to fifty miles in Wells and eight in Grant county. He bears the reputation of an honest and conscientious contractor and all of his transactions in which the public interests have been involved have been conducted so as to win the approbation of the people.

In the winter of 1865 Mr. Studabaker was united in marriage with Miss Esther E. STAHL, the daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Stahl. She was born in Ohio, but her parents came to Wells county in the spring of 1838, settling in Nottingham township. To this union have been born six children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are Hugh, an engineer on the Rock Island Railroad; Sarah, the wife of Ross DeVORE, and Nora, who is at home. Mr. Studabaker is affiliated with the Democratic party. Though not a member of any church, he has ever been a liberal contributor to their support and casts his influence invariably on the side of morality and the higher interests of the community. With him to see and understand the right is to do the same under all circumstances, fearlessness in the discharge of duty being one of its dominant characteristics, while he is ever careful and considerate of the feelings and opinions of those from whom he may honestly differ.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 570+.
Transcribed by Colleen Rutledge

The name of Studabaker is one which has been prominent in the annals of Wells county from the early pioneer era of its history up to the present time, and of this fact numerous evidences are given within the pages of this publication, where will be found specific mention of various members of the old and honored family. In the case at hand we have to do with the present incumbent of the office of county clerk and one who is an able, representative young business man, commanding the high regard of the people of his native county, where he has passed practically his entire life.

Hugh Dougherty Studabaker was born on a farm on the banks of the Wabash river, in Lancaster township, Wells county, Indiana, on the 10th of September , 1869, being a son of Major Peter and Sarah (MORGAN) Studabaker. Major Studabaker was born in Darke county, Ohio, on the 26th day of February, 1833, being a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (HARDMAN) Studabaker. In 1847 the Major came to Wells county, and in 1851 entered into partnership with his half brother, John Studabaker, in the dry goods business in Bluffton. On the 28th of October of the following year, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Sarah Morgan, a daughter of John Morgan, who came from Lancaster county, Ohio, and who was extensively engaged in the milling business. In 1858 Major Studabaker was elected treasurer of Wells county, and was chosen as his own successor in 1860. On the 15th of August, 1862, he responded to the call for volunteers to aid in suppressing the Rebellion, and was commissioned captain of his company, while on the 1st of June, 1863, he received his commission as major. He enlisted as a member of Company B, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he rendered most valiant service, continuing at the front until victory crowned the Union arms and participating in the grand review in the city of Washington, in May, 1865, while on the 24th of the succeeding month he was honorably discharged in Louisville, Kentucky, arriving at his home on the 4th of the following July. In the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he received a severe wound in his left foot, and from the effects of this injury, which resulted in bone erysipelas, his death eventually occurred. He passed away on the 19th of May, 1888 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna THORNBURG, of Farmland, Indiana. In 1866 he accepted a position in the First National Bank of Bluffton, and two years later, in ompany with John Studabaker and Hugh DOUGHERTY, in honor of the latter of whom the subject of this sketch was named, he became concerned in the organization and establishing of the Exchange Bank, and he continued to be actively identified with this institution until his death. In 1874 he was elected to the office of county commissioner, and was reelected in 1876 and 1880. No man in the community held more uniform confidence and esteem, for he ordered his life on a high plane of rectitude and honor and had the kindliness and urbanity which ever make for the securing of warm and abiding friendships. His wife survived him by about a decade, passing away on the 24th of October, 1899, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna Thornburg, in Bluffton. Mrs. Studabaker was born on the 4th of September, 1835, so that she was nearly sixty-four years of age at the time of her demise. Of this union were born four sons and two daughters, the subject of this review having been the sixth in order of birth. Of the other children we incorporate the following brief record: George W., who married Olive KEMP, in 1876, is now a resident of Bluffton; James M., who married Emma ERVIN, in 1881, is now residing in Colorado; David was drowned in the Wabash river, on the 10th of June, 1868, at the age of eleven years; Anna E. married John H. Thornburg, in 1882, and they now reside in Bluffton; and Alice S. married Charles E. LACEY, in 1887, and they reside in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Hugh D. Studabaker received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Bluffton, being graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1886, notable as having been the largest class ever graduated in the high school, its membership numbering thirty-six, while the superintendent at the time was Professor Philemon A. ALLEN, who is still an honored resident of Bluffton. Mr. Studabaker was seventeen years old at the time of his graduation, and during his school days he continued to reside on the home farm, near Bluffton, while from the age of eleven years until that of nineteen he incidentally conducted a milk business, supplying a representative line of patrons in the city. After the death of his father he went to the city of Chicago, where he was engaged in the basket business from December 1, 1889, until the 1st of the following June, being associated in this enterprise with his cousin, William Studabaker, and his brother James M. He then returned to Bluffton, and in November, 1890, he here associated himself with William A. LIPKEY, under the firm name of Lipkey & Studabaker, and established himself in the meat market business, from which he withdrew in November, 1892, and became a stockholder in the North Furniture Company, of Bluffton, simultaneously becoming actively identified with its operations in the manufacture of furniture. The enterprise, owing to the financial panic, was forced into the hands of a receiver in the latter part of the following year, entailing a loss of about two thousand dollars to Mr. Studabaker, while the other stockholders met with similar relative losses. Thereafter the subject was again associated with Mr. Lipkey in the meat market business until March, 1895, when he turned his attention to the timber business, in which he became associated with Israel T. ALLEN, under the firm name of Allen and Studabaker. The firm furnished the timber utilized in the Indiana oil fields and continued until the depreciation in the prices of the local oil product, in 1896, when the venture proved no longer profitable, Indiana oil at that time being sold as low a figure as forty cents a barrel. In the fall of 1896 Mr. Studabaker entered into partnership with Forrest CUMMINS and engaged in the insurance busines, under the firm name of Cummins & Studabaker, and he was thus placed until the summer of 1897. At the fall election of 1898 Mr. Studabaker was defeated by Clem HATFIELD for the office of county clerk, his opponent receiving a majority of only two votes, and his result being accomplished by extraordinary political exigencies, involved in general dissatisfaction with the long continued power of the Democratic party in Wells county and through popular clamor for an investigation of the county records. On the 1st of February, 1899, Mr. Studabaker engaged in the grocery business in the Bennett store, on Market street, but in August of the same year he was forced out of business by a fire which practically destroyed his entire stock of goods. In November following he again engaged in the meat market business with his former partner, Mr. Lipkey, and this association continued until December, 1900, when Mr. Lipkey’s interests were purchased by the subject’s brother, George W., and the latter continued to be actively identified with this enterprise until the 4th of August, 1902, when he withdrew from the firm.

In the meanwhile, on the 18th of the preceding January, Mr. Studabaker was re-nominated for county clerk, as candidate on the Democratic ticket, securing a plurality of one hundred and thirty votes in the nominating convention, while at the November election he received a gratifying majority over the Republican candidate, Samuel P. ROUSH, his plurality being one hundred and ninety votes. From this fact it will be seen that the political status of the county had again become practically normal and that the popular disaffection had been overcome. Mr. Studabaker entered upon the active discharge of the duties of his office on the 1st of January, 1902, and it is certain that his administration will be a careful and painstaking one and one that will meet with popular endorsement. Mr. Studabaker has ever been a staunch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party and has taken an active interest in local affairs of a public nature. Fraternally he is identified with the National Union, an insurance organization, is also a member of the Baptist church, while his wife holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal church.

In the city of Bluffton, on the 4th of August, 1891, at the residence of Henry THOMAS, on East Cherry street, Rev. J. H. JACKSON, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, solemnized the marriage of Mr. Studabaker to Miss Mary Rebecca COOK, who was named in honor of Mrs. John Studabaker, a particular friend of her parents. She was born in Bluffton on the 31st of March, 1870, being a daughter of John Henry Louis and Eliza (DEAVER) COOK, the former of whom was born on the 22d of February, 1817, while his death occurred in Bluffton, on the 2d of January, 1879. His wife, who was born at Deavertown, Ohio, on the 1st of June, 1833, still survives and makes her home with her daughter the wife of the subject.

Mr. Cook was born in the town of Rinteln, province of Hessen, Prussia, his father being a government prosecutor and a man of influence and prominence. The son was educated in the University of Leipsic, and was a silk merchant in the fatherland prior to coming to America, in 1850, being thereafter engaged in mercantile business during the balance of his active life. Of his children three sons and two daughters are still living, namely: Dr. Luzern H., who is engaged in the practice of his profession in Bluffton; Henry Douglass, who is a grocer in Bluffton; Arthur L., who is engaged in the furniture business in the city of Chicago; Bertha, who is the wife of Prof. William A. WIRT, of the Bluffton public schools, and Mary R., the wife of the subject. Mr. and Mrs. Studabaker have three children, namely: Alden Koch, who was born July 31, 1892 at the old Studabaker homestead, in Lancaster township, near Bluffton; Mildred Eleanor, who was born in the same home, on the 1st of February, 1894, and Hugh Dougherty, Jr., who was born at the northeast corner of Miller and Williams streets, Bluffton, on the 19th of September, 1896.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 430+.
Transcribed by Colleen Rutledge

It is pleasing indulgence to write the biography of a man who has been so prominently identified with the material activities of the nation as has John Studabaker, who stands conspicuously forward as one of the pioneers of Indiana and one whose connection with the growth and substantial upbuilding of the thriving little city of Bluffton has been of such intimate nature and extended over the course of many years. The name of John Studabaker, wherever known, passes current as a synonym for all that is upright and honorable. He came from Greenville, Ohio, to Bluffton in the year 1838, and here engaged in the mercantile business. Since that early date he has been a prominent figure in the county and city and for many years had a personal acquaintance with nearly every adult person in the county. Mr. Studabaker is a native of Darke county, Ohio, where he was born on the 15th of August, 1817, being the son of Abraham and Mary (Townsend) Studabaker. The conditions of place and period were such as to afford him but limited advantages in the way of securing an education, since in that early day there were but few schools of any importance throughout what is now the great state of Ohio. The old log school house, with its puncheon floor and slab seats, figured as the seat of learning in the locality of his birth, and it may be said that in these rude school houses have been "graduated" some of the best and strongest men of the nation. The boyhood days of the subject were passed upon the parental farmstead, and when a young man he went to Greenville, Ohio, where he engaged as a clerk in the dry goods establishment of Henry Arnold, thus gaining his initial experience in practical business affairs and incidentally laying the foundation for his future success.

Mr. Studabaker came to Wells county a single man, but he realized the truth of the scriptural injunction, that it is not well for man to be alone, and he accordingly returned to Darke county, Ohio, and there, on the 7th day of July, 1839, was united in marriage to Rebecca Angel, daughter of David Angel, one of the leading citizens of that county. With his bride he returned to Bluffton, making his wedding tour on horse back. Of the ten children born to this union only four are now living: Mary Jane, the eldest daughter, was married to Dwight Klinck, in 1863, and to them were born four children. While crossing the Atlantic ocean, in 1875, Mr. Klinck was drowned and in August, 1876, his widow became the wife of Jacob J. Todd, a prominent attorney of Bluffton. By this union two children were born. The third daughter of the subject, Jeanette, became the wife of F. T. Waring and her death occurred in 1874. She left two children, who were entrusted to the care of her youngest sister, Martha, who, in 1875, also married F. T. Waring. The eldest son, David E. Studabaker, is a prominent business man residing in Bluffton. John A., the youngest son, married Edna Angel, of Dayton, Ohio, and has one child.

Upon coming to Bluffton Mr. Studabaker began his mercantile operations in a log cabin north of the public square. At that time the Indians were still largely in evidence and were numbered among his best customers. For many years he transported his stock of goods from Cincinnati by means of wagons, fifteen to twenty days being required to make the round trip. During this time he was agent for the American Fur Company and bought all kinds of furs, having control of the counties of Adams, Jay, Wells and Blackford, and conducting extensive and profitable operations in this line of industry which had so important bearing upon the commercial and material progress of the little pioneer communities. The country increased rapidly in population, and in 1844 Mr. Studabaker found his previously adequate accommodations were not sufficient to meet the exigencies of his business, and he accordingly erected a two-story frame building in which to continue his mercantile enterprise, continuing to utilize these quarters until 1852, when he erected a brick building on the same site where he reared his original cabin.

In 1856 Mr. Studabaker disposed of his dry goods business and instituted banking operations, under the name of the Exchange Bank. In 1863 this institution was merged into the First National Bank, with the subject as president. In 1868 the First National was discontinued, whereupon Mr. Studabaker associated himself with his brother, Peter, and his nephew, Hugh Dougherty, in the organization of the Exchange Bank of John Studabaker & Company. This institution is still in operation under the name of The Studabaker Bank, and is the leading bank of Wells county, having a distinctive hold upon public favor and confidence.

In connection with his banking business Mr. Studabaker has continued in the grain and produce business on an extensive scale. From time to time he has invested his means in farm land, and today he is the owner of several fine farms, together with a large amount of town property, both improved and unimproved. He has made two or three additions to the city of Bluffton and has given much time and financial encouragement to public improvement. In an early day he was interested with others in the Bluffton and Fort Wayne plank road, and in 1851 was largely concerned with the putting through of the Fort Wayne & Southern Railroad, which was graded through Wells county, but which, by reason of the stringency of the money market, was not completed for a long term of years. In 1869 the project was revived and largely through the energy and well directed efforts of the subject the road was finally completed and put into active operation.

In his political proclivities Mr. Studabaker was originally an advocate of the principles of the Whig party, which cause he supported until the organization of the Republican party, when he identified himself with the latter, continuing his allegiance until the year 1876, when he espoused the principles of the Greenback party, in which connection he was twice on its state ticket, also becoming a candidate for congress. His party being in the minority, he suffered defeat on each occasion. During his entire life he has been an earnest advocate of temperance, and believing that no restriction of practical order could be applied to the doing away of the obnoxious liquor traffic through the medium of the two dominant national parties, he placed himself stanchly in line as a supporter of the Prohibition party, identified himself therewith in 1884 and casting his vote for St. John for President.

In 1843 Mr. Studabaker became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his daily life has shown that his faith is one of earnestness and sincerity—a faith that makes faithful. In the spread of the gospel he has contributed liberally of his means, and he aided to a conspicuous extent in the erection of the fine edifice of the Methodist church at Bluffton, the ground upon which the church is built being contributed by him. In his younger days he was an active worker in the Sunday school, but within late years he has felt that his advanced age has incapacitated him for activity in that branch of the Lord's work.

Mrs. Studabaker has been for more than half a century a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She is also an active worker in the cause of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and is a valuable helpmeet to her husband in his labor of love for humanity in fighting that great curse—the saloon evil.

This review of the life of the honored subject is necessarily general in its character. To enter fully into the interesting details of his life, touching the struggles of his early manhood and successes of later days, would require almost a volume in itself. Enough has been submitted, however, to prove that he is entitled to a place in the front ranks of the brave, determined, energetic and self-made men of Indiana, those who by pluck, enterprise and unswerving honor have wrought from the wilderness a state second to none in the grand constellation comprising the Union, and the name of this patriarchal citizen will be revered in Bluffton for all time to come.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 99-102.

MAJOR PETER STUDABAKER, an active and influential citizen of Wells County, a member of the banking firm of John Studabaker & Co., and an extensive farmer, is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Darke County, February 26, 1833. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (HARDMAN) Studabaker, were among the first settlers of Darke County. Major Studabaker was reared and educated in his native county at the common schools until attaining the age of fourteen years, when he came to Bluffton and entered the store of his brother, John Studabaker (to whom he is indebted for his early business education), as clerk, and continued so until 1851, when at only eighteen years of age, he was taken into partnership with his brother in the dry goods business.

He was united in marriage, October 28, 1852, to Sarah MORGAN, daughter of John Morgan, an extensive miller from Lancaster, Ohio. They have five living children, three sons and two daughters. George W., the eldest was married to Olive KEMP in 1876, and lives on a farm near Bluffton, and is employed as paying teller in the Exchange Bank. James M. was married to Emma ERVIN in 1881, and resides in Bluffton and is a dealer in jewelry. Anna E. was married to John H. THORNBURG, a druggist of Farmland, Indiana, in 1882, and resides there. Alice was married in 1887, to Charles E. LACEY, a young attorney and member of the firm of Wilson, Todd & Lacey, and resides in Bluffton. Hugh D., the youngest, is at home, and looks after the farm and stock. David, a bright boy of eleven years, was accidentally drowned in the Wabash River June 10, 1868.

In 1857 Mr. Studabaker retired from the dry goods business and engaged in farming and stock-raising and buying and shipping to Eastern markets. In 1858, then but twenty-five years of age, he was elected treasurer of Wells County, and in 1860 was re-elected to the same office. When the Rebellion of 1861 broke out he took an active part in raising volunteers for the Union army. In 1862 he enlisted as a private, while yet county treasurer, and August 15, 1862, was commissioned Captain of Company B, One Hundred and First Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was immediately sent to the front with the regiment, and on June 1, 1863, was commissioned Major of his regiment. The regiment saw much active service and was in most of the battles under General Thomas in the Fourteenth Army Corps, and in the battle of Chickamauga was the last to leave the battlefield. He was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign and marched with him to the sea at Savannah, thence through the Carolinas to Goldsborough, thence to Raleigh, North Carolina, and after the surrender of Johnston's army marched to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, West Virginia, and was in the grand reunion at Washington in May, 1865. From thence he traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, by rail and steamboat, and was there mustered out with his men June 24, 1865. From thence he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where the regiment was paid off, and he returned home July 4, 1865. He was wounded in the left foot at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, but while in the service never lost a day from sickness or any other cause. No company of soldiers ever had an officer who was more devoted to their welfare and comfort than the company that Major Studabaker led to the field from Wells County, as is well attested by the surviving members of his regiment.

After his return he resumed farming and stock raising and in 1866 accepted the position of cashier in the First National Bank, and in 1869 he became a member of the Exchange Bank of John Studabaker & Co., which as a private bank is meeting with excellent success. In 1874 Major Studabaker was elected commissioner of Wells County, was re-elected to the same office in 1876 and 1880, and while commissioner had the superintending of the building of the county infirmary and jail, two splendid buildings of which the people of the county are justly proud, and also took an active part in building both our railroads and was among the foremost in advocacy of our free gravel roads, and the people of the county are largely indebted to Major Studabaker for the success of that enterprise in our midst. As a business man and accountant he has no superior in the county, and his integrity, honesty and judgment are so well known that his advice is sought after more frequently, perhaps, in both public and private affairs than that of any other man in Bluffton. Considered either as a man, a county official, neighbor, soldier, patriot or friend, Major Studabaker is popular and honorable. In politics he is a Democrat and cast his first vote as such. He is a member of the Baptist church and also of the Masonic lodge of Bluffton, Indiana. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed, and are well and favorably known for their generosity and acts of kindness. Their home is open to their many friends.

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.
Contributed by Colleen Rutledge

E. Y. STURGIS—was elected Auditor of Wells county in the year 1878. He was a soldier of the war of the Rebellion, commanding Company A, 47th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His first principal encounter was at the taking of New Madrid, on the Mississippi river. He was also a participant in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Grand Gulf, and a siege of Vicksburg. He was wounded at Champion Hills, May 16, 1863, the wound being in the left leg, and attended by Surgeon Dicken and Assistant Surgeon T. J. Crossley. He was born April 25, 1836, in Wayne county, Ohio. In 1853, his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (BRAZIER) Sturgis, settled in Wells county. E. Y. Sturgis was married October 4, 1865, in Wells county, to Matilda J. MARKLEY. She was born in that county, September 18, 1848, and is a daughter of John and Melinda (WILSON) Markley. Her children are: Charles E., born September 15, 1867; Linni B., August 27, 1869; Morna S., August 17, 1873, Will Carleton, October 9, 1877; Ray, April 6, 1880. A former wife of Mr. Sturgis was Mary Sequida McKINNEY, mother of Tida May SOWARDS, residing in Wells county. E. Y. Sturgis is a resident of Harrison township; his business, Auditor.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 210.
Transcribed by Colleen Rutledge

John E. Sturgis a soldier of the war of the Rebellion, served as sergeant in the 47th Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged in the battles of Port Hudson, Fort Gibson; New Madrid, Vicksburg, Jackson, Champion Hills, Alexandria, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely, Mobile; and with Banks up the Red River. He has served as City Treasurer for the space of six years. His business is that of a druggist and City Council member; is a resident of Harrison township. He removed to Wells county with his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Sturgis, in the year 1853. His birthday came May 15, 1844, the locality being Wayne county, Ohio. He was married in the year 1867, in Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana, to Emma E., daughter of Lemuel and Maria S. Sanderson. Their children are: Nina L., born 1870; Stella E., 1875; Renby S., 1877.

Historical Hand-Atlas, With Complete Reference Map of the World, History of Wells Co., IN, Chicago & Toledo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1881, p. 213.
Transcribed by Kathy Davis

The gentlemen to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Bluffton 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 affairs with which he has been identified, and is well deserving of mention in a book of this character.

John E. Sturgis is a native of Ohio, having first seen the light of day in Wayne county, that state, on the 22d day of May, 1844. His father, Thomas Sturgis, was born near Lough Neagh, county Armagh, Ireland, December 25, 1802, and was a son of Rev. William and Elizabeth (Gratz) Sturgis. In 1812 William Sturgis and family emigrated to America, landing at New York city on the 25th day of June of that year. Shortly afterwards they removed to Pennsylvania and settled at Shippensburg, where the father died soon afterward, leaving a widow and eight small children to mourn his loss. Thomas Sturgis, the father of the subject, when about eighteen years of age, began learning the hatter's trade, which he completed and followed for a number of years. He was married in Pennsylvania, August 5, 1826, to Elizabeth Brasier, who was born at Chambersburg, that state, and was a daughter of Rev. Jacob Brasier, a United Brethren minister. In 1834 Thomas Sturgis and family moved to Dalton, Ohio, where he followed his trade until 1853, in which year he moved to Wells county, Indiana, and purchased a partially improved farm in Lancaster township. On this place he settled and was there engaged in farming until his death, which occurred March 24, 1882. His demise was preceded but a short time by that of his wife, hers occurring on February 5, 1882, after a happy wedded life of over fifty-five years. They left ten children, fifty-one grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Both had lived long and useful Christian lives and were among the highly respected citizens of the county. Mr. Sturgis was a man of strong convictions and took great interest in the political issues of the day. He was a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party and cast his first presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson in 1824. In 1840, during the exciting contest between Van Buren and Harrison, rather than lose his vote, as was threatened, he, with his brother Joseph, walked twenty-five miles to New Philadelphia the evening before the election, secured their papers and returned home the next morning prepared for business at the polls. He was the father of eleven children of whom one died in infancy, the others all growing to maturity. They were all well educated and became useful and respected members of society. Of the ten children who gained their majority, brief mention is made as follows: Charlotte, deceased, was the wife of W. T. White, of Bluffton; William is a resident of Missouri: Joseph resides on the old homestead in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio; Elizabeth is the wife of John Whitaker and resides in Wells county; Elmer Y. is a resident of Bluffton; Lemuel D. also resides in Wells county; Catherine is the wife of Jonathan Markley and lives in this county; Thomas J. is a successful dentist of Bluffton; John E. is the subject of this review and Mary is the wife of Andrew Shoemaker, of Geneva, Adams county, Indiana.

John E. Sturgis came to Wells county with his parents, being at the time but nine years old, and has practically made this his home ever since. In 1861, when the somber cloud of war hung over the country and the President called for volunteers to assist in the suppression of the rebellion, young Sturgis, though but a little past seventeen years of age, was among the first to tender his services to his country, enlisting in October, 1861, in Company H. Forty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. S. J. Keller, of Bluffton, and Col. James R. Slack, of Huntington. This company was organized at Huntington and immediately went to Indianapolis, where, in December, 1861, it was sworn into service and soon afterward went to the front. They were first sent to Camp Wickliff, Kentucky, and their first engagement of any note was at Island No. 10, on the Missouri river. Mr. Sturgis had a part in all the engagements in which his regiment participated, and was neither sick, wounded nor taken prisoner, being always ready for duty. They who are familiar with the history of the Rebellion know what the Forty-seventh Indiana went through and can see readily that young Sturgis performed his full share in the defense of his country's flag in her hour of peril. He was fearless and brave and served gallantly until the close of the struggle, receiving an honorable discharge in December, 1865.

Upon quitting the army Mr. Sturgis returned to Wells county and in the following spring he entered the Eastman Business College, at Chicago, where he pursued the regular course, after which he again returned to Bluffton. In 1867 he went to Mendon, Mercer county, Ohio, and, in company with Dr. Daniel B. Roether, engaged in the drug business. In October of the same year he returned to Bluffton and was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Emeline E. Sanderson, who was born at Carlisle, Ohio, June 25, 1847, the daughter of Lemuel and Lucinda (Kinert) Sanderson. In 1868 Mr. Sturgis disposed of his drug business at Mendon, Ohio, and removed to Bluffton, where he engaged as clerk in the drug store of Stockton & Johnson, with whom he remained until 1872, in which year he opened up a drug store on his own account in Bluffton, conducting this successfully until 1886, at which time he was elected to the position of treasurer of Wells county. Disposing of his business, he took charge of the office, the duties of which he faithfully and efficiently performed for four years. At the close of his term of office, Mr. Sturgis again established himself in the drug business, in which he has since continued. He also served as city treasurer of Bluffton from 1877 to 1885, filling this position also with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In his political views Mr. Sturgis is a staunch Democrat and takes an active interest in the success of his party. In matters religious he and his wife subscribe to the Presbyterian faith, to the support of which he contributes liberally of his means and in the local congregation of which he is one of the trustees. He is also a worthy member of Lodge No. 147, I. O. O. F., Bluffton.

To Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis have been born three children, Nina L., Estella E. and Ruby. Nina is unmarried and still makes her home under the parental roof; Estella is the wife of M. A. Stout, a prominent business man of Bluffton, and Ruby married Dr. Homer Robinson, one of Bluffton's most skilled and successful dentists. The Sturgis family was established in Wells county many years ago and has always been looked upon as one of the most enterprising and respected families in the county. The members of the family may look back with just pride to their ancestors, knowing that thus far no member of the family has been connected with any dishonorable transaction by which the family 'scutcheon might be marred.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 435-437.

THOMAS STURGIS, deceased, was born near Lough Neagh, County Armagh, Ireland, December 25, 1802, a son of Rev. William Sturgis. When ten years old he was brought by his parents to America, landing at New York June 25, 1812. The family settled at Shippensburgh, Pennsylvania, where the father died shortly after, leaving the care of his mother, six sisters and a younger brother to our subject, which responsibility developed a manly and industrious character far beyond his years. When about eighteen years of age he began learning the hatter's trade, serving an apprenticeship, which trade he followed in Pennsylvania until he removed to Ohio. He was married in Pennsylvania August 5, 1826, to Elizabeth Brasier, his wife being a native of Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, born February 7, 1807, a daughter of Rev. Jacob Brasier, a United Brethren minister. She became a Christian in early life, and when sixteen years old was admitted into the full membership of her father's church. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis, one died in infancy. Those yet living are--Charlotte, wife of W. T. White, of Bluffton; William, of Moniteau County, Missouri; Joseph, of Dalton, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of John D. Whitaker, of Miller County, Missouri; Elmore Y., of Bluffton; Lemuel D., of Wells County: Catherine; wife of Jonathan Markley, of Wells County; Thomas, of Bluffton; John E., of Bluffton, and Mary, wife of Andrew J. Shoemaker, of Geneva, Indiana. In 1834 Mr. Sturgis removed with his family to Dalton, Ohio, where he followed the hatter's trade until 1852. In that year he came to Wells County, Indiana, and bought a partially improved farm in Lancaster Township, where he followed farming until his death, March 24, 1882. He was bereaved by the death of his faithful wife, with whom he had lived happily for over fifty-five years, her death taking place February 5, 1882. They left ten children, fifty-one grandchildren. and five great-grandchildren, and many warm friends, to mourn their loss. Both had lived long and useful Christian lives, and were among the highly respected citizens of the county. Mr. Sturgis was a man of strong convictions, and took great interest in the political issues of the day. He was a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party, and cast his first Presidential vote for General Jackson in 1824. In 1840, during the exciting canvass between Van Buren and Harrison, rather than lose his vote, as was threatened, he, with his brother Joseph, walked twenty-five miles to New Philadelphia the evening before the election, securing their papers and returning home the next morning, all ready for business at the polls. All of his children are well educated, and have become useful and respected members of society.

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

ANTHONY SUNIER, an active and enterprising citizen, and a prominent business man of Wells County, Indiana, is a native of Switzerland, born in Canton Berne, in April, 1826, a son of Peter F. and Lydia Sunier, who were natives of the same canton. The mother of our subject died when be was two years old and his father subsequently married again, and was the father of six children. In 1837 be immigrated to America with his family, landing at New York after a voyage of thirty-seven days. The family lived three years in Wayne County, Ohio; in 1840 came to Indiana, in which State the father entered 300 acres of Government land which was heavily covered with timber. The father cleared and improved this land, and followed farming there until 1860, when he removed to Newville, Indiana, where he died in 1862. Anthony Sunier, the subject of this sketch, was fifteen years of age when he came to Adams County, and there he grew to manhood, assisting his father clear and improve his farm. his education was obtained mainly by his own exertions after reaching manhood. He remained with his father until his marriage June 7, 1849, to Miss Emily Henny, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann (Merillat) Henny, who came from Canton Berne, Switzerland, in 1844, and settled in Wells County, Indiana, in July of that year, Mr. Henny purchasing an unimproved farm in Harrison Township. Mr. and Mrs. Sunier are the parents of four children—Aldine, wife of Christian Bear; Marie, wife of Adolph Hofer; Corinne, wife of James Darley, and Albert E. After his marriage Mr. Sunier settled on a farm in Harrison Township, and later purchased forty acres of heavily timbered land in French Township, Adams County, to which he removed. After residing there thirteen months, clearing fifteen acres, he sold his land in French Township at an advance on the purchase price. He then removed to Wells County and bought eighty acres in Harrison Township, again settling in a dense wilderness, where he resided until 1857, and during his residence on this land cleared fifteen acres. He then went to Minnesota, purchasing a tract of land, and for the fourth time settled in the dense wilderness, and began making a new farm. After residing there three years he sold his land to good advantage and returned to Wells County, and engaged in the grocery business at Vera Cruz one year, after which he followed general mercantile pursuits for fourteen years. He again returned to farming and followed agricultural pursuits five years, when he removed to Bluifton and engaged in the dry goods business with B. F. Wyley for three years, when they sold out their business. Mr. Sunier again engaged in the dry goods business, which he followed two years, and during this time also managed his farm, located one mile south of Bluffton, where he has 191 acres of choice land. In 1883 he engaged in the boot and shoe business in company with William Bear, and in the fall of 1886 they added a stock of clothing to the business, and are still doing an extensive trade. Mr. Sunier is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 142, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Odd Fellows order. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He and his wife attend the German Reformed church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 910-911.

Wells County was just beginning to emerge from the wilderness when the Sutton family established their first home here. Some of the woods had been leveled, land broken up and in cultivation before Mr. John J. Sutton was born, and practically his entire lifetime of three-quarters of a century has been lived in this county. Mr. Sutton was born in Nottingham Township of Wells County June 11, 1843, but his work and interests for the greater part of his life have been in Liberty Township where he is now a successful farmer, owning 150 acres in section 35.

He is a son of Amos and Elsie (Jones) Sutton. His father was a son of Amos Sutton, Sr., a native of New York State, who in very early pioneer times moved to Randolph County, Indiana, and spent his life there. Amos, Jr., grew up in Randolph County, married in Kentucky, and soon afterward invaded the wilds of Wells County, where he located about 1835, more than fourscore years ago. He first entered forty acres of wild land in Nottingham Township, but some years later sold that and moved to Liberty Township, where he and his wife spent their last years. He worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, to pay his taxes. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton were the parents of a large family of twelve children, John J. being the only survivor.

As a boy John J. Sutton attended the public schools of his native county, and was eighteen years of age when the war broke out. He soon afterward enlisted in Company H of the 48th Indiana Infantry, and saw an active service of about eight months. He received his honorable discharge in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mr. Sutton married Louisa Lee, daughter of Alexander Lee, a former county commissioner of Wells County. They had eight children, seven of who are still living. Mr. Sutton is an honored member of Lew Daily Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics votes with the democrats. Mrs. Sutton belongs to the Women's Relief Corps.

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. 762-763.
Contributed by Nola Rains

DAVID H. SWAIM, senior member of the law firm of Swaim & Swaim, of Bluffton, Indiana, and son of Colonel William and Hannah (Toy) Swaim, was born in Ossian, Indiana, September 17, 1858. After ten years spent on a farm, his mother desiring to give her children better educational privileges, moved to Ossian, and here he attended the graded schools until 1879, with the exception of one term spent at Valparaiso, Indiana. He was subsequently employed for two years in the graded schools at Ossian, first as a subordinate teacher, and afterward as principal. In the fall of 1882 he began a course of study in the law department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor which he completed, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the spring of 1884. He was admitted to the bar at Bluffton, Indiana, in 1884, where he has since been engaged in the practice of law. September 16, 1885, he was married to Miss E. May Gorrell, daughter of James and Mary Ann Gorrell, of Ossian, Indiana. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Bluffton.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 907-908.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM SWAIM, second son of James and Elizabeth (Turner) Swaim, was born March 4, 1819, at Jacobstown, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grandfather, William Turner, entered the Revolutionary war when but a boy, and served faithfully through the entire war. When young William attained the age of seven years his father died, leaving a widow and four children beside himself—Martin, Tanton, Achsah and Hannah. After his fatherÂ’s death William was sent to a farm, where he remained until he was sixteen. He was then apprenticed to learn blacksmithing until twenty-one years of age. His educational advantages were very meager, but by earnest application and zealous effort he succeeded in gaining a great store of useful knowledge at odd times and after working hours. After four years spent as a laborer in the shop, he, with his brother Tanton, formed a partnership and engaged in the manufacture of carriages at Pemberton, New Jersey. At Wrightstown, New Jersey, December 28, 1844, he was married to Hannah Toy, daughter of Thomas and Rachel Toy. Five children were born to them—James, November 28, 1845; Jennie Leona, September 23, 1850; Charles Edgar, June 30, 1856; David Hathaway, September 17, 1858, and William Thomas Toy, April 1, 1801, all of whom are living except Charles Edgar, who died when but nine months old. His son James enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, in the fall of 1861, and served his country faithfully until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment, February 4, 1866, at Brownsville, Texas, reaching home the 22d of February, the same year. In 1846 Colonel Swaim moved West and located at Troy, Ohio, where he with his brother Tanton engaged in the manufacture of plows. In 1857, under enthusiasm of Western emigration, he made a trip to Kansas with a view to making it his home, but owing to the border troubles returned to Indiana and located on a farm near Ossian, Wells County, where he remained until the breaking out of the late civil war in 1861. He was brave, noble and kind hearted, ready to aid the needy and lift up the fallen. He loved his family dearly, and home was very precious to him, but when the war broke out he felt it to be his duty to serve his country, which he did so faithfully until his death. He counseled his wife about his affairs, and when he was in the war she acted her part as a soldier's wife should while the Nation was struggling for liberty. Colonel Swaim raised a company of volunteers at Ossian, Murray and Bluifton, which was organized September 16, 1861, as Company A, Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with him as Captain. February 16, 1862, he was promoted Major, and June 15 following was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. His enthusiasm and patriotism drew to him a splendid company of men who enlisted because they loved their country and despised traitors. He was with his regiment at all times ready for duty, being in the battles of New Madrid, Riddle's Point, Yazoo Pass, White River, Grand Prairie, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Raymond and Champion Hills. To give his views of the general situation while in the service, and to present some idea of his feelings, we quote from various letters which he wrote home.

To his wife:
"HELENA, ARKANSAS, February 24, 1862.
"I do not think things look so dark at this time. As far as I can judge, matters look very favorable to our side. Our forces are moving steadily forward toward Vicksburg at every available point, and sooner or later it must be ours. The rebels at this time, throughout the whole South, are giving back, and our army is on the advance toward their center. War is always slow and must be, to be sure. The Revolutionary war lasted seven years, but I have no idea that this will last half that time, but if it does, I say fight it out, as this is the great struggle between freedom and slavery. If we fail Liberty will take her everlasting flight from this part of the world, and leave us in turmoils and war that will not end in our days nor those of our children. I say fight them till death, or conquer. I am well aware that our progress is held back by traitors, both in the army and out of it, but they must give back to popular opinion, and to the force of 500,000 men with guns in their hands, determined that traitors shall not rule this country which was intended for freemen. Our cause is just, and we have the sympathy of the whole Christian world on our side, and if the Almighty ever takes sides in war, He certainly is on our side. With such support as this how can it be possible for us to fail? I am tired of war, and a soldier's life does not suit me, as I have often told you, and no man would return home to his family more pleased than I would if the war was honorably settled; but as an honorable man I cannot leave the service at this time, or at any other while my services are useful to my country."

To his daughter Jennie:
RIDDLE'S POINT, April 4, 1862.
"I cannot tell you how long a time it will be before I return home. I may never return. If I do not, recollect that your father was true to the cause of freedom, and that he died in defense of your country. I never expect to return home to stay until the war is over, unless my health fails me (which I hope it will not). When you hear that the war is at an end, then look for me—and not until then."

To his wife:
RIDDLE'S POINT, April 9, 1862.
"I think from what I can learn that Island No. 10 has fallen into our hands. The next place will be Fort Pillow, about sixty miles below; when that is taken, then Memphis. I begin to think if our forces meet with good success, as they have of late, the war must soon end—but one defeat on the Potomac might lengthen it for another year. There are two very important battles yet to gain—one at Richmond, and the other at Corinth, Mississippi.

To his wife:
CAMP NEAR HELENA, ARKANSAS, September 9, 1862.
"I must confess the war clouds look very dark; we appear to meet with defeat on every side. I think we have under-estimated both their strength and courage, and we have been fighting them too much as though we were afraid of hurting them. Our commanders will begin to see that they will have to handle them without gloves. If Congress had declared a general emancipation of all the slaves, and had gone at them right, the war would have been over before this, but they delayed for fear of offending some few slave-holders in Kentucky and elsewhere."

To his wife:
CAMP WILMINGTON, "September 23, 1862.
"I sometimes think it will have to be a war of extermination before it can be ended; it is a desperate war, and nothing but desperate means will in all probability terminate it. At this time nine-tenths of the army are for the immediate emancipation of the slaves, believing that it is the only thing that will save the Government from ruin. It must be done and will be, and the sooner the President and all others in command consent to it, just that much sooner will this war end."

To M. Platt, New Jersey:
CAMP, NEAR HELENA, ARKANSAS, "September 29, 1862.
"We have received the President’s proclamation, and most all are highly pleased with it. It is the only thing that will bring them to terms. The slavery question has been the whole cause of this rebellion, and nothing but the wiping out of slavery will ever settle the question permanently. Mark my words, if it is ever settled any other way, we will have the thing to settle in a few years by another war of a more bloody character than the present one."

To his wife:
HELENA, ARKANSAS, February 1, 1863.
"The talk is that I will have to be Colonel if he (Colonel Cameron) is promoted to Brigadier-General. God knows that I do not want the place—would you take it if you were in my place—with all the responsibilities attached to it? Sometimes I think I could fill the place with honor to my country and myself; at other times I cannot have the first idea of accepting such a position."

To his wife:
IN CAMP NEAR HELENA, ARKANSAS, "February 6, 1863.
"We have been very busy today getting up a memorial to the Indiana Legislature, in which we set forth our rights as soldiers and citizens, and ask of them to do nothing to stop the vigorous prosecution of this war, but to urge it forward with all the energy of a patriotic people. We insist that no terms of peace be agreed to that will not be honorable and lasting, and if any other terms are agreed to, we give them to understand that we shall look upon the movers of such terms with scorn and contempt. The document was signed by every officer and nearly every man in the regiment. All Indiana regiments are moving in this matter. We wish our friends to understand that we do not endorse the proceedings of Northern traitors any more than Southern rebels—of the two the Northern wretches are the worst. We think at this time we have a fair prospect of victory and the final overthrow of that monster, slavery, which has cost us so many lives and so much trouble. Every sensible man and well wisher of his country now admits that it must be destroyed to insure a lasting peace."

To his wife:
MILLIKEN’S BEND, April 15, 1863.
“I feel that we are in the most righteous war that ever anybody was in, and if we fall, we fall in a good cause. If we get into a fight I expect to do my duty as an officer, and have no stain upon my character nor disgrace upon you or my children. I wish you to act the part of a soldier’s wife; take things as they come and be ready for the worst."

At the battle of Champion Hills, Mississippi, May 16, 1863, whilst gallantly and bravely leading his regiment, Colonel Swaim was mortally wounded just as the shout of victory went up from the Union side. He died from the effects of said wound June 17, 1863, while on board a steamboat on his way home, North. His remains were buried at Ossian cemetery, and at the head of his grave stands a beautiful and handsome monument to his memory, erected by the officers of his regiment as a testimonial of the high appreciation in which he was held by those who had shared the dangers of camp, field and battle with him. His career was honorable, brave and true. The following letter from Colonel Cameron, with the resolutions from the officers of the regiment, was sent to Mrs. Colonel Swaim:
CAMP THIRTY-FOURTH INDIANA, NEAR VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, July 2, 1863.
MRS. SWAIM, Dear Madam:--“You may be assured we were most deeply pained to learn of the death of our esteemed friend, your husband, on the 30th ult., and paused amid the clamor and noise of war to reflect upon our deep loss. He was a true friend, a safe counselor, a generous, noblehearted man. The more I knew of him the more I loved him, and he has left a place among us which we cannot fill. I deeply sympathize with you in your great loss, but I know our heavenly Father will be your friend and protector. Enclosed I send you a copy of the proceedings of a meeting of our officers; and the sentiment which is there expressed is endorsed by all the men. James is well and doing well as usual.
I am truly your obedient servant,
R. A. CAMERON.
At a meeting of the officers of the Thirty-fourth Indiana, June 30, 1863, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted, expressive of their feelings in relation to the death Lieutenant-Colonel William Swaim, who died from the effects of a wound while commanding the regiment in the battle of Champion Hills:
WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God in his seemingly severe, though just providence, to remove from our midst by death, our beloved soldier and companion in arms, Lieutenant-Colonel Swaim;
Resolved, That in his death the regiment has suffered the irreparable loss of a brave, efficient and faithful officer; the country a high-minded, unwavering patriot; the cause of liberty a mighty, uncompromising champion, and society a jewel of sterling worth, whose unswerving integrity and dauntless courage stood out boldly as an example worthy of imitation;
Resolved, That in this affliction we sympathize with the bereaved widow, orphan children and friends, and with them drop a tear of love and sorrow over a patriotÂ’s grave; Resolved, That while we mourn his untimely death, we here pledge anew our fidelity to our bleeding country, and swear eternal vengeance against the infernal dogma of secession and all its upholders; Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased.
R. A. CAMERON, Colonel Thirty-fourth Indiana.
I. B. RUSH, Second Lieutenant, Acting Adjutant.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 916-920.

WILLIAM THOMAS TOY SWAIM is a native of Wells County, Indiana, born near Ossian, April 1, 1861, a son of William and Hannah (Toy) Swaim. They were the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter, our subject being the youngest. The father was killed at the battle of Champion Hills, Mississippi, May 16, 1863, while serving as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry. The subject of this sketch was reared at Ossian, where he attended the graded school, completing his education at Fort Wayne College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was then in the fall of 1881 engaged to teach in the graded school at Bluffton, and taught one school year. In the fall of 1882 he entered the law department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and graduated from that institution in the class of 1884 with the degree of B. L. He then returned to Bluffton and became associated with his brother David in the practice of law, thus forming the present law firm of Swaim & Swaim. In politics Mr. Swaim casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Bluffton, and a highly respected citizen of Wells County.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 741-742.