LEVI WAIKEL was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, November 10, 1845, son of Benjamin and Susan (Bailey) Waikel. The father was born in December, 1817, and the mother February 26, 1822. Their eight children were—William, Mary, Levi, George, Henry, Frank, Alice and Sarah. All are living except Mary, and all are married and have families. William married Olive Prough; George married Hattie Meyers; Alice married John Stoffer; Henry was married in Iowa; Sarah became the wife of Peter Wickliffe, and Benjamin married Ann Woods. Levi passed his early life on his father’s farm, and when seventeen years of age enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Infantry, Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. He enlisted in the fall of 1862, and went into camp October 22 at Wabash, Indiana. He was in every engagement in which his regiment participated, and from the fight at Perryville he faced shot and shell until the rebels laid down their arms and the unconditional surrender of the Southern Confederacy was proclaimed throughout the States both North and South. He fought at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach-tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Resaca, thence with Sherman to the sea, fought, marched and endured privations and dangers, and engaged in the last battle of the war—Bentonville. His regiment was on parade at the review in Washington, the grandest military display ever beheld on the American continent; and although foot-sore and weary from the toilsome march from Savannah, Georgia, to Washington, he participated in all the honors of the review. At Chickamauga he and several of his comrades narrowly escaped capture. The rebels were stationed not twenty feet from where our boys were lying in the dry bed of a creek, and the balls whistled about them like hail, but all escaped unharmed. Mr. Waikel was one of the advance guards that captured a steamer carrying stores for the Southern army, and was one of the first to board the vessel as she steamed up to the wharf at Savannah, Georgia. From no duty did he ever shirk, and nothing was too good for him if his cash held out. He paid $15 for three plugs of tobacco, as it was very scarce; but the boys found it out before he could conceal it, and taking the lot divided it among the crowd in spite of his protests. His health was considerably impaired from severe exposure, and he suffered from rheumatism. After his return from the army he was married, October 26, 1866, to Miss Cynthia C. Jarvis, daughter of Nelson and Priscilla (Brown) Jarvis, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. They were married in North Carolina, and three children, Wilmoth, Martha A. and Gracie, were born in that State. The Jarvis family came to Indiana in 1845, locating at Rushville. Two children, Mary J. and Cynthia, were born there. They came to Allen County about 1849, and later to Wells County, where Rebecca and John L. were born. The father is now deceased, and the mother is living with her youngest child in Union Township. After his marriage our subject worked several years at the carpenterÂ’s trade, a part of the time in Dickinson County, Kansas, to which State he removed in 1871. He took a homestead claim of 160 acres, also owned and operated the first soap factory in Abilene. In the fall of 1880 he returned to Wells County, and has since been engaged in various occupations. He has done considerable work in stone masonry, both in this county and in Kansas. When the Atlantic & Chicago Railroad was an assured fact Mr. Waikel purchased an acre of land fronting his present residence, surveyed it into lots, erected a small store, put in a stock of goods, and is entitled to the honor of selling the first goods in the new town of Banner. He also built the first residence, and his family was the first to locate there. Their daughter Addie was the second child born in the village. Mr. and Mrs. Waikel have had eight children—Effa A., born December 22, 1869; William J., born October 26, 1871; Benjamin F., born December 21, 1873; Alwilda, born April 15, 1876; Charles H., born December 7, 1877; Lawrence D., born December 18, 1882; Addie B., born June 18, 1884, and Clinton Dewilla, born October 1, 1886. Mr. Waikel has built two business houses and two residences in the new town of Banner, and in January, 1887, purchased and has in successful operation the first saw-mill in the village.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 778-780.

WILLIAM WAIKEL, merchant at Banner, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1841, son of Benjamin and Susan (Bailey) Waikel, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in Susquehannah County. The Bailey family has a large record in this county. Benjamin and Susan were married in Ohio, and six children were born in that State—-William, Mary A. (deceased), Levi, Henry, George and Frank. The family came to Indiana in 1851, settling upon the farm now occupied by the aged father in Union Township. Alice and Sarah were born in that Township. All the children are married and all have families. Levi married Cynthia Jarvis, George married Rachel Wagner, Henry married a lady from Illinois, Frank married Ann Woods, Alice is now Mrs. John Stoffer, Sarah became the wife of Peter Wickliffe, and William, our subject, is the husband of Olive Prough. In 1861 Mr. Waikel enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fourth Indiana, and at the expiration of his three years’ service re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, serving until the close of the war, and receiving an honorable discharge at Brownsville, Texas, January 8, 1866. His regiment was assigned to the Western Army, and participated in the noted battles of Island No. 10, New Madrid, Missouri, DuvalÂ’s Bluff, Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Jackson, Mississippi, and Baker’s Creek. His regiment did garrison duty for eighteen months at New Orleans. From there they were sent to Indianola, where they re-enlisted, and, after a furlough, were sent to Brazos Island. Mr. Waikel was detailed there in the quartermaster's department and continued there during the remainder of his term. His brother Levi was a member of the One Hundred and First Regiment, and served in all the engagements of that regiment. After his return from the army, Mr. Waikel was married, but not until he was thirty-one years of age. He did not like farm labor, and entered into various occupations until 1882. When the new town of Banner was surveyed he decided to engage in the mercantile trade. He erected the second business house and the second dwelling-house in the village, he sold his farm in 1883, and since that time has devoted his attention wholly to the mercantile trade. The postoffice was established in 1882, and Mr. Waikel received the appointment of postmaster; he is still holding that position. He is one of the charter members of the Lew. Daily Post, No. 33, G. A. R. His father owned the first threshing machine brought to Union Township, and William operated it for many years. During the year 1879 he handled over 42,000 bushels of grain. Mr. and Mrs. Waikel have three children-Alfred G., Zorah M. and Edie. During the seventeen years that Mr Waikel operated his threshing machine he threshed over 700,000 bushels of grain. He takes great pride in this record, as it is not likely to be surpassed.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 680-683.

The student, possessed of the energy and wit to put the knowledge acquired by study to good use, need never have fears of failure. Knowledge secured by study is a good deal like money won by labor. Both are species of capital, which if judiciously invested must inevitably bring results. Some students are mere dreamers who have no further use for their knowledge once they have been thrilled by the pleasure of getting it. The miser with his gold, who has no further use for it outside of the pleasure of getting and having it, is very much like such a student with his knowledge. It is very rarely that one hears of the failure of a person possessed of judgment, energy and a taste for study. Success is the rule of people of that bend of mind, failure the exception.

A very striking illustration of this is given in the case of Hon. M. W. Walbert, of Bluffton. Beginning in very humble circumstances, the first years of his boyhood spent in the labors of the shop and the factory, with little time even for a superficial knowledge of books, he nevertheless not only mastered the calling of a cooper, but fitted himself by his studies for the profession of law and later was honored by his fellow citizens by being elevated to the position of mayor of the city of Bluffton. His story reads not a little like that of the renowned Dick Whittington, who, through the instrumentality of his cat, became lord mayor of London.

Hon. M. W. Walbert, the son of George and Mary Wetzel Walbert, was born February 2, 1860, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is asserted that the blood of the famous Indian fighters, the Wetzels, flowed in the veins of his mother, but of that Mr. Walbert is too democratic to make any boast. From the time he was six years of age until he attained the age of thirteen he attended the common school, becoming very proficient in all the common school branches. When not in school, late and early each day, he assisted his father in his cooper shop. Such was the knowledge of the business and such skill in the mechanical details of the craft had he acquired that at the age of fourteen years he won first prize at a county fair for the best specimen of cooperage there exhibited. His competitors were men well along in years, who had spent most of their lives at the business. Every moment of his leisure time was devoted to reading, particularly in the line of history, ancient and modern, of which he was passionately fond. Very often he trespassed upon the hours that should have been allotted to sleep to indulge his passion for books. It was through the fruits of his own industry that he was enabled in 1884 and 1885 to attend Franklin College, which gave him the opportunity of rounding out an education that might have been by many others considered already sufficient. He taught school one term and then, under direction of Hon. J. H. C. Smith, began the study of law. His studious habits, persistent application and retentive memory made this task, so discouragingly difficult to others, comparatively light for him. The intricacies of Blackstone, Kent, Greenfield and Story he mastered within a brief period of years and soon after passed examination, was admitted to the bar and regularly licensed to practice. A partnership was then entered into with his preceptor, Hon. J. H. C. Smith, at Bluffton, which continued until 1891. The firm was recognized as one of the ablest at the bar in that part of the state, had no lack of clients and met with the most gratifying success in every particular.

In 1889 Mr. Walbert was elected mayor of Bluffton. He served the city in that capacity until 1894, giving to the people an administration that will be long remembered for the improvements that were made. During this time the high school, a magnificent structure, was erected, the city water works were altered, improved and extended and the principle of municipal ownership was advanced by the city purchasing the electric light plant. Many other good works and reforms were either entered upon or consummated during his administration. During his term of office he sat as examining magistrate in three murder cases and in all species of litigation that came before him he showed that he was not only well versed in the law, but possessed a high order of judicial talent. He was mayor of Bluffton for a period of five years and four months.

In politics Mr. Walbert is an active, zealous, conscientious Democrat. He is an orator of acknowledged ability and his services are always in demand on the stump during political campaigns. He has a memory that may always be relied upon and is not excelled by any one in quoting from memory facts, figures, dates or any kind of statistics. He has never sought for or aspired to office. Such public place as he has been elected to and filled has come to him wholly unsolicited.

It has been said that "the law is a jealous mistress," a statement which doubtless is true in the case of most of those who yearn for the smile of fame and fortune through her. Mr. Walbert, however, seems to be a law unto himself. He has stolen enough time from this jealous mistress to dally most successfully with literature. He is the author of a work on the national banking system that is pronounced, by persons competent to judge, a most valuable work, not only on the particular system of which it treats, but also upon the general subject of finance. It has been highly complimented by the press generally and the book reviews have accorded it no little praise. The readiness and elegance with which he expressed himself on paper has cultivated in him a liking for newspaper work, so in moments of relaxation from labors in the law he indulges his taste for literature by the production of an article on some subject familiar to him, for either the local or metropolitan press. On relinquishing the office of mayor he again resumed the practice of law, entering into partnership with J. K. Rinehart, of Bluffton. At present he is holding the office of justice of the peace, having been elected thereto in 1900, and is discharging the duties of the office in a satisfactory and creditable manner.

June 24, 1891, Hon. M. W. Walbert was united in marriage to Miss Emma Davis, an accomplished lady of pleasing manners and high attainment. She is a graduate of the Bluffton high school and was a teacher of recognized ability. She is the daughter of Milton Davis, a prominent citizen of Wells county. They are the parents of two children, one of whom died in infancy; the other, Doratha, was born July 26, 1892. Having been a hard worker himself all his life, Mr. Walbert deeply sympathizes with the cause of labor, is a member of the Federation and never lets an opportunity escape unimproved whereby he can benefit the cause or anyone engaged in it.

The star of the subject of this sketch is still in the ascendancy. Although having in years passed the meridian of life, in physical and mental vigor he is still in his prime. The ardor of youth still characterizes his every movement and his life, as years ago when working at the cooper's bench in his father's shop. Personally he is honest, frank and candid, a man who appreciates and values a friend. He enjoys the high respect and warm admiration of the people of the city for which he did so much as its chief executive.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 115-117.

DR. RICHARD ALBRA WALDRON was born in Dover, New Hampshire, May 23, 1832, a son of Richard and Mary (Canney) Waldron. He is of English ancestry. Major Richard Waidron, the progenitor of the family in this country, coming from Somersetshire, England, settled in Dover, New Hampshire, in 1635. The Major was for many years Governor of the Colony of New Hampshire, and was an active participant in the French and Indian wars of his time. His official duties kept him in frequent contact with the red man. He finally lost his life through their treachery, being one of the victims when they, in the dead hours of night, captured the town of Dover and massacred most of its inhabitants. New Hampshire has been the home of the Waldron family since their first settlement in America, and the doctor's parents are still at this date (1887) residents of New Hampshire, being well advanced in years, each having passed the eighty-third milestone. Our subject received the ordinary education afforded by the public schools, and at the age of seventeen years commenced teaching school, in order to acquire the means of defraying the expense of a higher education. In pursuance of this plan he entered Franklin Academy, located on Waldron street, Dover, where he took his collegiate preparatory course. From there he entered Amherst College, where he took his literary course. After studying medicine the subject of this sketch located in Southern Illinois, from whence he went to Western Texas, where he remained about two years, thence returned to Southern Illinois, where he resumed the practice of his profession, remaining there until 1872, when he moved to Wells County, Indiana, locating at Nottingham in said county on the 23d day of May, 1872. The doctor was married to Miriam Griest, daughter of John and Hannah (Edmundson) Griest, at Portland, Jay County, Indiana, September 12, 1874. They have one child, a daughter, Mary R. A. Waldron, born September 22, 1875. Miriam (Griest) Waldron was born in York County, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1834, and moved to Jay County, Indiana, with her parents in 1850, arriving in said county on the 5th of May, the county then being almost a wilderness. Wolves as well as deer and other wild game were numerous. Mrs. Waldron was one of the teachers of Jay County when school-houses were built of round logs, and the clapboard roofs were held in place by weight poles instead of nails, and seats were made for the pupils by splitting a small log into two parts and boring two holes in the ends of each in which wooden legs were inserted, making a durable but uncomfortable seat. Logs were split into thick plank or puncheons for flooring. Dr. Waldron at present (1887) is engaged in farming and stock-raising and running a general store at Nottingham, and has been postmaster at this place since 1883. He is also actively engaged in the practice of his profession.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 807-808.

THOMAS WALLACE, deceased, was a native of Ireland, born in county Donegal, January 1, 1813, a son of James and Nancy (McClure) Wallace, who were natives of the same country. He grew to manhood in his native land, remaining with his parents until after his majority, and in his youth received a common-school education by attending the schools of his neighborhood. In 1833 he accompanied his father's family to America, they locating in Wayne County. Two years later our subject came to Wells County, Indiana, and entered ninety acres of Government land in Rock Creek Township, which he cleared and improved. He was united in marriage in 1851 to Miss Agnes Crosby, a native of Berwickshire, Scotland, and a daughter of Thomas and Christina (Kelley) Crosby, who left Scotland for America in the year 1850. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, of whom only four survive, their names being as follows Christiana, Maggie, Mary and Martha. Mr. Wallace followed agricultural pursuits on his farm in Rock Creek Township until 1864, when he retired from active life and removed to Bluffton, where he made his home until his death. He was an active and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mrs. Wallace is also a member of the Presbyterian church. In his political views Mr. Wallace affiliated with the Republican party. He was an active and public-spirited citizen, and was always interested in any enterprise for the benefit or advancement of his town or county.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 807-808.

D. A. WALMER, one of the leading business men in Montpelier, is a native of Wells County, Indiana, born at Bluffton, June 29, 1860, a son of Henry S. Walmer, one of Wells County's pioneers, who has been identified with the interests of that county for over forty years. Our subject was reared near Bluffton, and received his education in the schools of that place. At the age of fifteen years he became engaged with G. F. McFarren in the grocery business in Bluffton, with whom he remained one year. He then attended school one year, and at the age of seventeen years became associated with his father, remaining in business with him two years. In 1870 he clerked for B. F. Wiley in the general merchandise business for one year, then accepted a position with John Dougherty, lumber dealer, with whom he remained six months, after which he was engaged with H. C. Arnold until 1884, when he began dealing in general merchandise under the firm name of D. A. Walmer & Co. This business was established in 1870 by J. T. Arnold & CO., and was conducted until 1884, when the present firm took charge of the business. The building occupied by the firm is one of the best in Montpelier, and consists of two large double rooms, 20 x 50 feet in size, one room being used for dry goods and groceries, and the other containing clothing and boots and shoes. They carry a stock of goods valued at $15,000, their annual sales amounting to about $55,000, and this is one of the leading business firms in Blackford County. This firm also deals extensively in wool, buying annually some 30,000 pounds. Mr. Walmer is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Bluffton Lodge, No. 141, A.F. & A.M., and is also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 341, of Montpelier.

Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing, 1887. pp. 812 - 813.
Transcribed by Peggy Karol

The men who succeed in any enterprise in life, the generals who win their spurs on the field of battle, the financiers who amass wealth are the men who have confidence in themselves and the courage of their convictions. There is a time in every man's life when he reaches the conclusion that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide and that though the world is full of good, no good thing comes to him without self-reliance and the power to gain results. The man who trusts himself and who plans well his part on the stage of life is a success. A strong and sterling character is like an acrostic read it forward or backward or across it still spells the same thing. The business career of Edwin S. Walmer, one of the foremost dry-goods merchants of Bluffton, is an ample illustration of what persistency and determination, coupled with ambition and the ability to work, can accomplish.

A native of the City of Bluffton, Edwin S. Walmer was born November 5, 1868, and he is a son of Henry S. and Catherine (Krill) Walmer, both natives of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The father was a shoemaker by trade and he came to Wells County, Indiana, about 1848, entering the employ of Matthew Winters as foreman in his shoe shop. Subsequently he purchased this shop, employing as many as six operators, and later he owned a shop on East Market Street. April 1, 1880, he disposed of his shoe shop and located on a farm, part of which is now within the corporate limits of Bluffton. He continued to live on the farm and devoted his attention to diversified agriculture until his demise, June 6, 1900. He was a republican in politics and while he did not participate actively in local affairs still he manifested a deep and sincere interest in all matters projected for the good of the general welfare. Mrs. Walmer was summoned to the life eternal in 1901. She and her husband were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, in 1917, as follows: Amanda is the wife of W. T. Shaffer, of Muncie, Indiana; Catherine is the wife of D. M. Karns, of Bluffton; Jennie married H. E. Rowley, of Anderson, Indiana; D. A. Walmer resides in Bluffton; Ella is the wife of G. T. Hartley, of Muncie; Clara is the wife of H. L. Troutman, of Indiana; William H. is a farmer in Harrison Township, Wells County; Edwin S.; Barbara was the wife of A. J. Tribolet at the time of her death in 1914; and Sarah died at the age of ten years.

Edwin S. Walmer was a lad of eleven years of age when his parents located on the farm. He attended the public schools of the locality and at the age of thirteen years entered the Bluffton High School, in which he was graduated as a member o the class of 1886. This class consisted of thirty-four pupils, the largest graduating class until 1910. August 1, 1886, he accepted a position with D. A. Walmer & Company of Montpelier, Indiana, at $6 per week. Out of his salary he saved $50 during the first year. He remained with that firm for four years, at the end of which he engaged in the livery business, selling out his share in that enterprise to his partner at the end of six months. Returning to Bluffton, he obtained a position with the Leader store and remained in the employ of that concern for sixteen years, during ten of which he was salesman and manager. He then entered into a partnership alliance with S. Bender, under the firm name of Bender & Walmer, dry-goods merchants, and a short time afterward this concern took over the clothing firm of Smith & Barr, and the name was changed to Bender, Walmer & Barr. This company was continued for five years but August 27, 1907, Mr. Walmer disposed of his interest to Bender & Barr for the tidy sum of $26,000. March 5, 1908, he purchased a two-thirds interest in the People's Store (E. S. Walmer & Company), his partner in this enterprise being J. R. Bishop. In 1913 a third partner, W. C. McBride, was admitted and the store was run under this triple alliance, as it were, until August, 1916, when Mr. McBride retired, and in the following month Mr. Walmer also took over the share owned by Mr. Bishop. The People's Store is one of the largest and finest concerns of its kind in Wells County and has a very extensive patronage. Mr. Walmer was interested in the Bluffton Steam Laundry and ran the same for two years. He also has extensive real estate interests in Bluffton and he is a stockholder in the Studabaker Bank and in the Union Savings & Trust company, in the latter of which he is a member of the board of directors.

July 13, 1892, Mr. Walmer married Miss Isca Wentz, a daughter of W. H. and Owega (White) Wentz. Mrs. Walmer was born in Montpelier, Indiana, September 23, 1870, and she was educated in the Bluffton public and high schools. One son has been born to this union, namely, Hillard W., the date of whose nativity is August 30, 1897. He was graduated in the Bluffton High School and for a year and a half was a student in the Indiana State University. He then entered Marion Institute, at Marion, Alabama, and after four months there passed the examination and is now midshipman of the United States Army at the Annapolis Naval Academy.

Mr. Walmer is a valued and appreciative member of Bluffton Lodge No. 796, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in politics he is a stalwart republican. Mr. Walmer is a man of fine mentality and broad human sympathy. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable and those who know him personally accord him the highest esteem. His life has been exemplary in all respects and he supports those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.

Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana. John W. Tyndall for Adams County, O. E. Lesh for Wells County. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1918, pp. 488-489.
Contributed by Nola Rains

REYNOLDS WALSIER - one of the most prosperous fanmers and stock-raisers of Wells county, settled in that county In 1854. He was compelled to cut the road through the woods to his building spot at the time of his settlement. His children are all settled near him, and doing well. He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, February 7, 1825; was married in Montgomery county, Ohio, August 8, 1848, to Cythia Ann Anderson. Their family consists of L. P., born May 18, 1849; Ellen Maria (Anderson), January 6, 1851; John A., October 3, 1852; Sarah M. (married to T.C. Williams), August 3, 1854; Warren P., March 29, 1856; Harrison W., April 8 1858; Lewis S., December 12, 1859; Mary E., September 29, 1862; Erick D., October 26, 1865; Oscar Ellis, June 30, 1868, died October 12, 1868. Mrs. Walser's parents are John S. Anderson, born in Pennsylvania in 1795, and Margaret (Carmony) Anderson, born in Virginia in 1806. They are residents of Montgomery county, Ohio. John S. Anderson was a soldier in the war of 1812. His widow draws a pension for his service. Mr. Walser assessed Nottingham township seven times. His father, Mark Walser, was born in South Carolina in 1802; his mother, Sally (Gray) Walser, was born in New York in 1806. They reside in Missouri. Their son James was killed in the rebel army. Their son George H., was a captain of an Illinois regiment. Address, Linn Grove, Adams 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. 231.
Transcribed by David Green

One of the youngest ex-soldiers of the late Civil war, but now a citizen of Rock Creek township, Wells county, Indiana, is Cyrus Walters, who was born in Kentucky, March 20, 1848. His parents, John C. and Elizabeth (Womer) Walters, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married and where they reared all their children with the exception of Cyrus. After the arrival of the family in Kentucky, the father engaged in his calling of an agriculturist, and here lost his wife, who died when their son Cyrus was quite small and while she was there on a visit, the family having moved to Indiana some years previous. John C. Walters again married and the early training of Cyrus was under the oversight of the step-mother, with whom he did not agree very well, deeming her to be unkind in many respects. However, he remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he ran away and, filled with an ardent love for his country, enlisted, in Allen county, Indiana, in Company G, Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, under Capt. J. C. Wilson. This was in the spring of 1864 and he, young as he was, proved to be a brave and gallant soldier, serving two years, principally with Gen. George H. Thomas, and taking part in many battles, including those of Huntsville, Alabama, Decatur, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee.

The Walters family were residents of Adams county when Cyrus entered the army, and after an honorable discharge from the service, with a pension of six dollars per month, Cyrus returned to his father and step-mother and lived with them a few months in Adams county, when, in June of the same year, he located in Allen county, Indiana, where for about eight months he was employed in cutting wood by the cord, and then worked out by the month for awhile.

In 1867 Cyrus Walters was happily married to Miss Mary A. Wisehaupt, a native of Adams county, but at the time of the marriage ceremony a resident of Wells county, where the young couple rented a farm for about a year, or until November, 1868. They then lived on the James Metts farm about three years and then moved to the Oldfather farm, on which he lived about one year, thence to Ossian, where Mr. Walters was employed by Dr. Crouse for some time on his farm. Later Mr. Walters moved to the northeast part of Jefferson township and lived on the Snarr farm for three years, and next went to Bluffton, in 1882, and engaged with John Studebaker on a farm for a short time, in the meantime carefully saving his earnings. In 1890 Mr. Walters traded what property he owned for his present farm of forty acres in Rock Creek township, the tract then being deep in the woods and possessing no improvements. This farm Mr. Walters has since cleared up and improved in every respect, including five hundred rods of tile ditch.

To Mr. And Mrs. Walters have been born eleven children, of whom eight are still living, namely: Alfred; Ella, wife of George Bull; Frank; Eva, wife of William Sheets; Charles, Millie, Ray and Wayne. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents have long been members, and of which Mr. Walters is one of the trustees. Both Mr. And Mrs. Walters are active workers in this religious body, and fraternally Mr. Walters is a member of Lew Dailey Post, G. A. R., at Bluffton. In politics he is a Republican and does faithful work for his party whenever his assistance is required, but has never sought a reward of any kind. He is a gentleman of retiring habits and respected by all for his unswerving integrity, for his industrious attention to his own affairs and for his kindly and equable disposition.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 455-456.

MORGAN WARE, one of the leading business men of Rockford, was born in Bracken Connty, Kentucky, July 18, 1840, a son of James and Harriet (Tarlton) Ware. When he was nine years old his parents removed to Wells County, Indiana, where he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his neighborhood. He resided with his parents until he attained his majority. At the breaking out of the war he was among the first to enlist in defense of his country, enlisting August 8, 1861, in Coinpany C, Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry. He went into Camp Anderson August 21, where he remained two months, going thence to different places until he reached West Point, on the Ohio River. He then remained on detached duty until his command reached New Madrid, Missouri, where he joined his regiment, and participated in the capture of that place, and also in the battle of Island No. 10, where he had charge of the detail which removed the cannon from the rebelsÂ’ floating battery. He then went to Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas, then up White River, and from there to Helena, Arkansas, where they quartered during the winter of 1862. He took part in the siege of Vicksbnrg, battle of Champion Hills, after which he went to Jackson, Mississippi, thence to New Orleans, and from there to Fort Scott, serving a part of the time on detached duty. He was also in the Red River expedition. He served until the expiration of his term of enlistment and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana, September 28, 1864. He then returned to his home in Wells County and engaged in farming on the old homestead. He was married September 16, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Scotton, Mrs. Ware being a native of Rock Creek Township, Wells County. Of the six children born to this union five are living: Ada, Harry F., Ollie, Raymond C. and Eldon W. Roland W. died at the age of eighteen months. After his marriage Mr. Ware settled in Rockford, and engaged in the mercantile business. He carries a large stock of general merchandise, and by his reasonable prices and strict attention to the wants of his customers he has built up an extensive trade. Besides his mercantile business he has a tile factory, and a valuable farm of 104 acres of improved laud on section 33, Rock Creek Township. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. In 1872 he was appointed postmaster at BarberÂ’s Mills, which office he filled acceptably until 1886. He is a comrade of Lew. Dailey Post, No. 33, G. A. R. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, p. 1024.

JACOB WARNER, farmer, Nottingham Township, was born in the town of Washington, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 17, 1812, son of Leonard and Eve (Biddle) Warner, of German ancestry, who removed from Pennsylvania to Pickaway County, where they passed the remainder of their days. The father died about 1837 and the mother about 1874. Jacob was reared in his native county, and commenced his career on the farm when so young that he had to reach up to take hold of the plow-handle. In 1836 he left Ohio, and with wife and one child started for Indiana by team, and after a trip of seven days arrived at their new home, which was about half mile north of their present home. Mr. Warner had entered 160 acres of land from the Government prior to removing here, and after his arrival he entered eighty acres more for two young men who assisted him in cleaning his farm. The first year he succeeded in getting about fifteen acres cleared, which gave him a good start. He brought with him two bushels of corn and one bushel of potatoes, which was all he was able to get until he raised these articles for himself. He worked away, adding a little to the clearing each year, until he now owns 240 acres of land, with 150 acres cleared. He used to go to Winchester, a distance of thirty miles, to get his milling done, and in order to get there he and his neighbors had to clear the way through the forest. Mr. Warner was married in 1836 to Miss Rebecca Gilbert, a native of Adams County, Pennsylvania, who died in March, 1848. By this union were six children, three living -- Leonard, Jonathan, who resides in Brown County, Kansas, and David. The deceased are -- Benton, Daniel, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Warner was married to his present wife in 1849. She was formerly Miss Sarah Gehrett, a native of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Henry and Susanna (Feehan) Gehrett. Her father died in that county, and her mother died in Fairfield County, Ohio. To this union ten children were born, six of whom are living -- Rebecca, wife of Sylvester Meyers; Samuel, who married Louisa Keller; Jacob, who married Josie Karnes; Henry, husband of Sarepta J. Ninde; Eve, now Mrs. George King, and Andrew, who married Ida Smith. The deceased are -- George, Andrew, Sarah and Susanna. Mr. Warner has been identified with the interests of Wells County for more than half a century, and has witnessed its growth from the time it was a wilderness, containing the Indian wigwams, until it has arrived at its present prosperous condition. In only days he was accustomed to shoulder his rifle and kill deer and other game, which was the only meat the country afforded. He was the first supervisor of Nottingham Township, and served as its trustee for many years. He has been a life-long Democrat, and has never changed his political faith. He is the oldest pioneer in the township.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 1015-1016.

It is to be noted that among the prosperous agriculturists of Wells County, there are many whose names are associated with prominent financial interests. These connections are desirable and tend to lend stability to the banking institutions, particularly in a fertile agricultural country, where the bank's representative forms a connecting link between the institution and the farmers, who form the greater number of depositors. One of these farmer-bankers is Samuel Warner, who in addition to being the owner of a handsome property, is vice president and a director of the Bank of Petroleum.

Mr. Warner, was born on a farm in Nottingham Township, Wells County, Indiana, February 28, 1852, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Gehrett) Warner. His parents, natives of Pickaway County, Ohio, grew up, were educated, and married in that community, and there they resided for several years. The father, however, was desirous of seeking another location where his prospects for success would be brighter, and accordingly made several trips on foot to Wells County, Indiana, looking over the territory. Finally he decided upon a farm in Nottingham Township, and here he brought his wife, they making their way through the woods and bringing their small household effects. Through industry, energy and perseverance they succeeded in making a home and cultivating a property and here rounded out their long and honorable lives in the pursuits of farming. They were faithful members of the German Baptist Church and held a place in the esteem and confidence of their fellow-townspeople, Mr. Warner serving for some years as supervisor and trustee of his township. Of their children, the following survive: George L., ex-county commissioner of Wells County; Jonathan, a resident of Arizona; Samuel, of this notice; Jacob, whose home is in Chicago; Henry, a resident of Nottingham Township; Eva, the wife of George King, of Petroleum, Indiana, and Andrew, who makes his home in Florida.

Samuel Warner was educated in the district schools of Nottingham Township, and, reared to the vocation of farming, has never followed any other line of work. Through good management, attention to business and plenty of energetic work, he has succeeded in the accumulation of a good property and the development of a valuable and productive farm and is today justly accounted one of the substantial men of his locality and one whose success has been gained only through the utilization of natural abilities and legitimate means. At the organization of the Bank of Petroleum, he became a director in that institution, and today also holds the position of vice president, in which capacity he has had a share in promoting its welfare and directing it to success. Politically, he is a democrat. He has been somewhat prominent in civic affairs, and for six years was a member of the Wells County Council.

Mr. Warner was married in December, 1876, to Miss Louisa Keller, who was born in Ohio and there reared and educated. When a young woman she was brought by her parents to Nottingham Township, where she met and married Mr. Warner. They are the parents of the following children: Doctor Elmer, a graduate of the State Normal School, taught school for several years and then took up the study of medicine, receiving his degree in 1917; Miss Nettie, who is single and makes her home with her parents; Albert, who is married and a worker in the oil fields of Oklahoma; Henry A., at home with his father; and Stella, the wife of E. L. Bond, of Hamilton, Illinois.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 1015-1016.

JOHN WASSON, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Wells County, and an enterprising farmer of Lancaster Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, the date of his birth being December 18, 1831. He has lived since his tenth year on the property he now owns and occupies, on section 11, Lancaster Township, where his parents, George and Sarah (Ash) Wasson, commenced opening a farm in 1841. He was married January 29, 1859, to Miss Rebecca Kunkle, a daughter of Michael and Catherine Kunkle. She was born in Crawford County, Ohio, November 15, 1836. Her father died in Ohio in her girlhood, and in 1855 her mother came to Wells County, Indiana, where she lived until her death, which occurred June 13, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Wasson are the parents of two children: William Henry, living at home, and Sarah C., wife of Norval J. Kleinknight, of Lancaster Township. The parents of our subject were natives of Ireland and of Scotch descent. They were reared and married in their native country, and shortly after their marriage came to the United States, and after a short residence in Stark County, Ohio, removed to Wayne County in the same State. They lived in Wayne County until establishing their home on section 11 of Lancaster Township in 1841, which is now owned by our subject. George Wasson also owned 160 acres, which he entered from the Government, located on section 1 of the same township, which is now owned and occupied by his sons, Thomas and James. The father died January 27, 1855, aged fifty-five years. His widow still survives, and is living with her son John, at the age of eighty-two years. Two of her daughters, Jane and Isabella, are residents of Lancaster Township.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 853-854.

It must be very gratifying to a man who has advanced beyond the meridian of a well spent life to look back and contemplate the good work which, by patient industry and unremitting toil, he has accomplished. The men who, "back in the 'sixties," in the bloom of youth, settled in the dense forests of Indiana, are now on the shady side of life. Many of them still live on the farms which by their labors have taken the place of the forests. Much of the work which the change necessitated was performed by their own hands. They have not made as much stir, strife or tumult in the world as some others, but the world is far better for their modest efforts than it is for the blatant zeal of some who believe themselves entitled to the laurel wreath of fame.

Mark Watson, the subject of this sketch, is one of those who devoted his early manhood to the subjugation of an Indiana forest, with a degree of success that must be very pleasing to his mature years. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, December 26, 1843, the son of John M. Watson, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America, with his parents, in the early part of the last century. The family settled in Virginia, where they remained until John grew to manhood, when they moved to Warren county, Ohio, where John married Miss Ellen Winfield, who had been born and reared in that county. Having become well skilled in iron and steel working, he opened a shop for the manufacture of articles in that line and prospered from the very first, at times shipping his wares in car-load lots. In April, 1851, he closed out his business and with the proceeds moved his family to Nottingham township, Wells county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm, the one on which John Hecker now resides. Here he lived for four years, when he moved to the one now owned by his son, John Watson, where he remained until his death, his beloved wife having preceded him through the portal of eternity.

John M. and Ellen (Winfield) Watson were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are yet living. During his lifetime he accumulated considerable property and at his death left quite a valuable estate, owning some four hundred acres of valuable land, all in one body. Had he lived in times like these, that afford so much better opportunities for the display and operation of such talents as he was known to have possessed, there is no doubt that he would have left the impress of his abilities upon the state, perhaps on the nation. As it was he passed away respected and beloved for the many virtues of head and heart with which he was endowed.

The education of Mark Watson was neither as elaborate or complete as he would like to have had it. The best of the public schools of those days could stand no comparison with the worst of the present. The terms were brief, usually two or three months in the year, and were open only during the months of most severe winter weather. Under those circumstances the student life of Mark Watson may readily be understood to have been brief. However, possessed of good memory, an abundance of native wit and a fund of good, sound common-sense, he managed to acquire enough learning, not wholly from books, to subserve every purpose. With the exception of one year spent in the army, during the war, the first twenty-five years of Mark's life were placed at the disposal of his father and most industriously employed in the strenuous labors of that day on the farm. His military career was only one year's duration, but during that period the youthful soldier saw more real service than some who had been in the ranks from the beginning to the close of the war. He was with Sherman on the famous march to the sea and was in the thick of the fighting in front of Atlanta. At different times his clothing was shot through, but he seeming to bear a charmed life, escaping without a scratch. The closest call he had was during a warm engagement when a rebel bullet passed so near his head, just above his left ear, as to give him a part of a very artistic hair-cut. The force of the bullet was sufficient to knock him down and James Hunter, a comrade, who was doing some splendid fighting near by, cried out, "God, Watson, are you dead?" Finding himself uninjured, he soon arose, resumed his place in the ranks and continued until the battle was won. He was mustered out in September, 1865, and returning home resumed work on his father's farm, where he remained until the fall of 1869.

Mark Watson was married to Matilda Dunwiddie on the 1st day of September, 1868. She was a native of Warren county, Ohio, where she was born October 25, 1844, and was the daughter of Peter and Eunice (Haines) Dunwiddie, also natives of Ohio. They settled in Wells county, Indiana, about 1858, where they lived, honored and respected by all who knew them, until their deaths, which occurred a number of years ago. Mrs. Watson, their daughter, died June 13, 1896, after having lived the life of a devoted, faithful wife and mother for a period of eighteen years.

One year after their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Watson took up their abode upon a tract of forty acres of land, thirty acres of which was woods that had been recently purchased by the husband and on which he had erected a log cabin, fourteen by twenty-eight feet. This, with two colts, one cow, twenty young hogs and a limited supply of the rudest kind of household furniture, constituted the entire worldly possessions of the young couple.

From this humble beginning they continued to increase their possessions year by year until today Mr. Watson finds himself the owner of one of the most productive and best improved farms in eastern Indiana. Stockraising is the particular species of farming to which he devotes his time. A delightful home, commodious barn and substantial outbuildings add to the comfort, convenience and value of the premises. The loss of his beloved wife, six years ago, is the great sorrow of Mr. Watson's life.

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Luella, who remains at home, skillfully managing the household affairs of her father, and George W., who also remains at home, assisting his father in all necessary farm work. He is a carpenter and builder and devotes much of his time to work in the oil fields. Mr. Watson is a member of John Porter Post No. 83, G.A.R., of Geneva, and is an ardent Republican in politics, but sufficiently liberal to prefer the man to the party when it comes to local affairs. He is a man of good judgment, unswerving integrity and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. His life has been a busy one, and while at times he feels that he has not accomplished a great deal, when he comes to traverse the past again in memory, he cannot help but feel that, for the opportunities afforded him, he has done much. He lives in the consciousness of having faithfully discharged every duty assigned to him as a worthy man and good citizen.

Mr. Watson has in his possession an old parchment sheepskin deed, bearing the signature of President Van Buren and executed February 12, 1838.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 324-326.
Transcribed by KL Watson

SAMUEL WATTS, deceased, a pioneer of Nottingham Township, was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1802 accompanied his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio. His father, Thomas Watts, was the first sheriff of that county, serving two terms. The family, in 1818, moved to Richland County, where Samuel was married in 1830 to Martha M. Paxson, who was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1807. In 1847 he moved to Jay County, Indiana, and in April, 1848, moved to Wells County, where he died in March, 1859. In politics Mr. Watts was first a Whig, and then a Republican. He was trustee of his township one term, and was the first postmaster at Nottingham, the office being kept at his house. After his death the office was in charge of a daughter seven years. For several years his house was the only one where travelers could be accommodated, and it became known far and near. He was an enterprising, public-spirited man, and one of the most prominent of the early settlers. His family consisted of four sons and two daughters. One son, Ira P., a resident of Randolph County, has been clerk of the courts four years, and in 1875 received the nomination of Secretary of. State, but was defeated, although he ran ahead of his ticket. Another son, Stephen M., enlisted in the first call for three months? troops, and afterward enlisted in the three years' service, and was killed by bushwhackers near Nashville, Tennessee, in the spring of 1862.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 886-889.

BRANSON WEAVER, residing on section 30, Lancaster Township, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, October 15, 1837, a son of Lewis and Mary (Howell) Weaver. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and has made farming and teaching the avocation of his life. He was united in marriage April 2, 1863, to Catharine Miller, who was born September 9, 1842, the youngest daughter of the pioneer Henry Miller. Five children have been born to this union—-Lizzie M., born December 30, 1863, married James W. Quick, and they are now living on the old Weaver homestead; John, living with his parents, was born June 3, 1866; William was born August 12, 1870, and died February 13, 1874; Hattie M., born June 11, 1873, and Maud, born February 23, 1881. Mr. Weaver settled on his present farm shortly after his marriage, and since that time has made almost all the improvements. He has been prosperous in his farming operations, and by his good management has accumulated 350 acres of land, the homestead consisting of seventy-five acres. His land when he purchased it was partly covered with timber. He has on his land over six miles of tile drainage, and all the improvements are first-class, with good buildings for his stock and grain, the entire surroundings of his place proving him to be a thorough practical farmer, he having the largest herd of recorded short-horns in the county. Mr. Weaver enlisted in the defense of his country in the early part of the war, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, a member of Company G, Twelfth Indiana Infantry. After serving seven months he was honorably discharged in May, 1862. He again enlisted in October, 1864, in Company B, Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, serving in the Seventeenth Corps, which he joined at Chattanooga. His corps marched with Sherman to the sea, and Mr. Weaver was in line at the grand review of Sherman's army at Washington City. He was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1865, when he returned to his home in Lancaster Township. In politics Mr. Weaver affiliates with the Republican party, but in this as well as religion and in all things he is a liberal minded intelligent citizen. He has been one of the most active men in Lancaster township in pushing forward public improvements, and the fine graveled turnpike from Bluffton to Murray was built largely through his efforts and personal influence. His father, Lewis Weaver, was born in Franklin County, Virginia, in 1809, and was reared to manhood in his native State. When twenty-three years of age he in company with his brother David came to Indiana and made his home in the then wilderness of Wayne County. He was married in that county to Miss Mary Howell, who died in 1843, leaving three children—Branson, our subject; Elizabeth, married to George Lindsey, by whom she had three children, Mary, Clara and Lewis W., and died in Lancaster Township, October 22, 1874; John R., the youngest, was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and First Indiana Infantry and died while in the service of his country. The father was married the second time to Miss Nancy Galyean, and to this union were born two children—Thomas, who died in Lancaster Township aged twenty-three years, and Jacob L., who died at the age of fifteen years. The father died in November, 1876. He was a man of sterling worth, and was much respected as a neighbor and citizen. His widow survived him several years, dying in December, 1884.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 725-726.

Bronson Weaver one of the late warriors, enlisted in Company G, 12th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, October 21, 1861. He was discharged May 19, 1862, and enlisted in Company B, 53d Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, October 13, 1864; was discharged July 21, 1865. He was born in the year of 1837, October 15, in Wayne county, Indiana, removing to Wells county in 1853. He was married to Catherine Miller , on the 3d day of April, 1863, in Wells county. Their children, numbering four, are: Lizzie M., born December 30, 1863; John, June 3, 1866; William, August 12, 1870, deceased; Hattie M., June 11, 1873. All are residents of Wells county. Mrs. Weaver was born in Wells county, September 9, 1842. Her parents are Henry and Catherine (Seek) Miller. B. Weaver, a resident of Lancaster township, is a farmer and stock-dealer. Address, Bluffton, Indiana.

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

HARVEY WEAVER was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, son of Solomon and Julia A. (Zeigler) Weaver, also natives of Pennsylvania, who were for many years engaged in farming. The father was a wagon and coach-maker by trade, and had a shop upon his farm near Rebersburg. Their children were Cyrus, Calvin, Nathaniel and Harvey, all of whom were born in Center County, and all came to this county except Calvin, who remained in Union County, Pennsylvania. The parents are both deceased. Cyrus married Ella Bunn, and is a carpenter, residing at Decatur, Indiana. Nathaniel and Harvey both learned the trade of harness-making in Pennsylvania. Nathaniel arrived at Ossian in the autumn of 1887, and purchased the shop and stock of W. B. Mills. The next spring Harvey became a resident of the village, and in 1881 a partnership was formed which continued four years, when Nathaniel purchased his brother's interest and has since then conducted the business alone. Nathaniel married Miss Maggie Glass, daughter of John Glass, Sr., October 10, 1882, Rev. Ryder performing the marriage ceremony. They have one child - Maggie M. Harvey married Miss Wealthy G. Gorrell, daughter of John G. Gorrell, of this township, December 23, 1885. They have one son--Dent, whose grandfather is the oldest citizen of the county. Since disposing of his interest in the harness business our subject has given his attention to farming. The brothers are representative business men, and are allied by marriage to two of the oldest and best families in Jefferson Township.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 980-981.

No business man in Ossian has applied himself more closely to his chosen lifework than Nathan Weaver, our enterprising harness manufacturer and dealer. He was born in the year 1857, in Center Co., Pa., a son of Solomon and Julian Weaver, and is of German descent. He received his early education in the common schools of Center Co. By the death of his parents he was obliged to forego his desires for wider knowledge, and was froced (sic) to solve the bread-winning problem early in life. Upon the loss of his parents he left the farm and began to learn his present trade. Habits of frugality and industry conduced to give him many firiends (sic) and patrons. In December 1877, he came to Ossian and settled down to the work. From 1881 to 1883 he was in partnership with his brother Harvey Weaver, who removed, leaving hm to undisputed possession of the territory here. Since that time Nate has successfully supplied the growing demands of the surrounding country. Having the only harness shop in town he does a large volume of business each year. He owns a charming residence on Main and LeFever streets, and contemplates the building of a brick business place in a short time.

By careful, judicious management, Mr. Weaver has drawn many patrons into Ossian. Never exorbitant in his prices he nevertheless charges enough to insure a good quality of work. Materials he uses in his business are all of the very highest quality purchaseable. A complete line of every equipment necessary for saddling, driving, hauling or farm work can be seen at his shop on Main street. Mr. Weaver is to be congratulated for his prosperity. He is the sort of business man who builds up and draws trade to his city. He is pleased at all times to show his goods, and is proud of the fact that he controls the trade throughout a large section, drawing patrons from the direct territory of several contemporary businesses.

20th Century Souvenir Edition of the Ossian News. January 1st, 1900, page 48.

George C. Webber, born in Richland county, Ohio, January 20, 1838, is a son of Adam and Catherine (Cramer) Webber, who in 1875 became residents of Wells county. Mary Ellen Edington became his wife on the 24th day of September, 1863, the event taking place in Wells county, Indiana. Their only child is Wilson H., born May 7, 1865. Darke county, Ohio, October 15, 1841, is the place and date of Mrs. Webber’s birth. Her parents, John C. and Elizabeth (Noggle) Edington, removed to Wells county in 1850. George C. Webber became a resident of Wells county in 1861. He has served eight years as Constable and six years as Township Librarian. He is a resident of Lancaster township; is engaged as a shoemaker and Constable. His father 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.

Ranking among the prosperous agriculturists of Wells County, the record of whose lives fills an important place in this volume, John Weinland owns and occupies a well-improved and productive farm in Liberty Township, it being located four miles west of Bluffton. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born, January 9, 1847, in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. His father, John Weinland, Sr., was born, reared and married in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He began life on his own account in Dauphin County, living there until 1856, when he came as far west as Clark County, Ohio, where both he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. A man of much intelligence, he was active in the affairs of the Reformed Mennonite Church. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Farror, eight children were born, three of whom are now, in 1917, living, as follows: Christian, of Clark County, Ohio; Jacob, of Canada; and John.

Ten years of age when his parents moved to Ohio, John Weinland completed his early education in the common schools of Clark County. Choosing farming for his occupation, he made a practical study of the different branches of agriculture, which he subsequently pursued for awhile in Darke County, Ohio. In 1880 Mr. Weinland came with his family to Wells County, Indiana, and purchased eighty acres three miles west of Poneto in Liberty Township. In 1909 he sold that and moved to this farm of forty acres and has since been industriously engaged in his favorite occupation, and as a tiller of the soil has met with exceptionally good results, his annual harvests comparing most favorably with those of his neighbors.

Mr. Weinland married, in Darke County, Ohio, Margaret A. Dougherty, a sister of Hon. Hugh Dougherty, their wedding having been solemnized February 22, 1870. He continued his residence in that county for a time, but afterwards migrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he continued as a farmer until coming to Wells County. Of the eight children born of the Union of Mr. and Mrs. Weinland, three have passed to the life beyond, one having died in infancy, and five are now living, namely: William of Liberty Township; John, Jr., of Harrison Township; Mary, living with her father; Myrtle is the wife of Chester Redding of Liberty Township; and Hugh D. of Dunkirk, Indiana. Mrs. Weinland passed to the life beyond January 26, 1911 at a comparatively early age, her death being a loss not only to her family, for which she had so faithfully lived and labored, but to a host of warm friends and acquaintances. Religiously Mr. Weinland is an influential member of the Reformed Church, which he is serving as an elder. He is a stanch republican in politics.

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

WILLIAM WILSON WEISELL, a member of the Bluffton Manufacturing Company, is a native of Tompkins County, New York, born January 26, 1828, a son of Michael G. and Catherine (McIntyre) Weisell, both of whom were born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the father of German descent, and the mother of Scotch and Irish origin. They removed to the State of New York about 1826, and in 1833 removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were the parents of ten children, only four now living—Eli K., of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio; Reading, of Lordstown, Trumbull County; William W., the subject of this sketch, and David D., of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The father was a farmer, and also a mechanic, and was engaged in the manufacture of wagons and plows. He was also a practical surveyor. William W. Weisell was reared to agricultural and mechanical pursuits, remaining at home with his parents till reaching the age of twenty-one years. He then went to Warren, Ohio, where he was engaged in ironing and trimming carriages and was also employed as a salesman by the same firm for several years. He remained at Warren until about the year 1855, when he returned to the homestead farm, where he worked until 1861. In that year he began buying horses and mules for the Government for the United States Army, continuing in this business during the war. He was drafted into the Union service in 1862, but provided a substitute in the person of Florentine McKay, who served for him three years. Mr. Weisell was united in marriage in September, 1855, in Columbiana County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Woodward, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Shively) Woodward. They have three children living—Bertha Gertrude, Chloe Luella and William W., Jr., all students at the Bluffton High School. In 1865 he came with his family to Wells County, Indiana, arriving at his destination April 10. He settled on a farm in Jefferson Township, where in connection with farming he was engaged in buying all kinds of live stock, which he drove to the markets of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and occasionally to Buffalo and New York City. In 1872 he was elected sheriff of Wells County, and reelected in 1874, holding that office two terms of two years each. In 1873 he became a resident of Bluffton, where he has since made his home. After the expiration of his term of office as sheriff, he, in 1876, began manufacturing tow from flax for the Southern markets, and was so engaged until 1881, when his factory was destroyed by fire, this being his second loss from fire. While purchasing horses for the army he lost eighteen horses by being burned to death in a barn in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. In 1881 he became associated with T. Horton and W. I. Fitch in manufacturing corn-planters and washing-machines, the name of the firm being T. Horton & Co. In 1884 this company was changed to the Bluffton Manufacturing Company, the members of the company being W. W. Weisell, W. I. Fitch and Lee S. Kapp, all energetic business men. Mr. Weisell is a Master Mason, and a member of the Bluffton Lodge, No. 145. Mrs. Weisell is a member of the Bluffton Methodist Episcopal church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 1011-1012.

It is often asserted that the superiority of the average American over the individual of any other nation is due to the fact that the native of this country has the blood of many nationalities circulating in his veins and that his bent of mind and tendency of disposition is dominated by the best elements of each nationality entering into his composition. The theory is probably correct; at least, Americans like to plume themselves upon its verity. In that case Bunyon J. Wells, the subject of this sketch, comes by his good qualities very naturally. English, Irish and Dutch are so beautifully mingled and tangled up in his composition that goodness must necessarily be his prevailing characteristic, and it is. He is a resident of Nottingham township, Wells county, Indiana. The date of his birth is April 5, 1835, in Guernsey county, Ohio.

The parents of Bunyon J. Wells were John and Sarah (Tedrick) Wells. John was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, of English parentage. There he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a tanner. The family moved to Guernsey county when he was a young man, and there he found ample employment at his trade of tanning, was prosperous and got married. His wife was Miss Sarah Tedrick, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Tedrick. She was of Irish and he of Dutch descent. After marriage they went to housekeeping in Guernsey county and it was there all their children were born. About 1839 the family moved to Blackford county, Indiana, and settled on the land now owned by Sarber & Scott, which was then all in the woods. He prepared the timber to build a cabin and had to walk three and a half miles to the nearest neighbors to get them to come and help raise it. For a number of years he worked on his farm, but toward the latter part of his life he again devoted himself to the business of tanning leather. He continued to reside upon his land up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1879; his wife had then been dead about three years. Among the assets of his estate were three hundred and twenty acres of land. To John and Sarah (Tedrick) Wells six children were born, viz: James M., a resident of Montpelier; Martha, now deceased, was the wife of William Clevenger; Elizabeth, now deceased, was the wife of George Dawson; Sarah is the wife of Albert Dawson, a resident of near Petoskey, Michigan; Bunyon J., the subject of this sketch; Jacob, deceased.

To the public schools of Blackford county and Liber College, near Portland, B. J. Wells is indebted for his education. The public schools he attended until he was twenty years of age and then attended the college during three terms. For a time he devoted himself to teaching in Chester township, Wells county. Though doing much work on the farm from boyhood, he received no compensation whatever from his father, outside of his necessities, until he was twenty-one years of age, from which time he received wages the same as a hired hand. On March 31, 1859, Bunyon J. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Dawson, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, February 2, 1837, the daughter of John and Prudence (Travis) Dawson.

John Dawson was a native of Hartford county, Maryland, and a son of Thomas and Margaret Dawson. Thomas came from his native country, Ireland, to Maryland when he was only fifteen years of age. There he married and there his son John was born. The most of the life of Thomas Dawson was devoted to farming. John grew to manhood in Maryland and became a manufacturer of boots and shoes. When war with England was declared, in 1812, he volunteered in a Maryland regiment, serving all through the conflict, and when peace was declared he came home, with health badly impaired. By the advice of his physicians he traveled on horse back through Pennsylvania and into Ohio. There he met, in 1817, Jane Travis, married her and settled down to manufacturing boots and shoes in Guernsey county, Ohio. For about eleven years he worked at this business and was fairly prosperous. In 1828 his wife died, leaving him children, viz: Rebecca, born August 2, 1818, died at the age of eleven years; Elizabeth, born November 6, 1822, deceased; George, born November 25, 1824, now a resident of Union City; Albert, born December 27, 1826, resides in Petoskey, Michigan. In 1830 John Dawson married Prudence Travis, a sister of his former wife. To them three children were born, the oldest in 1833, died in infancy; the second died aged eighteen months; Margaret, in 1835; Sarah J., the youngest of the family, was born February 2, 1837, and is the wife of Bunyon J. Wells, the subject of his sketch. In 1838 John Dawson moved his family to Wells county, Indiana, and settled on the farm in Nottingham township, where Lewis Abshire now lives. He secured four hundred acres of land, all in the woods. In winter he worked at the boot and shoe business, sometimes at home, sometimes in Camden, while in summer he attended to his farm. Here he remained until his death, which occurred March 12, 1877. When John Dawson settled in Wells county, Indiana, his nearest neighbor lived four miles away. In her girlhood, Mrs. Wells says, Indians were quite numerous in Wells county, and wolves and bears were also plentiful. One of the Dawson boys shot and killed an old bear and captured three cubs and one of the latter was brought up about the house as a pet. Deer were so plentiful it was not uncommon to see as many as fifteen in one herd and it is told by the Dawsons that they shot deer from the top of their cabin. At that time the state road was the only road and it was merely a trail blazed through the woods. The low ground was then so wet and marshy that they did not pretend to use it. Only the high ground was cultivated.

After marriage Bunyon J. Wells rented his father's farm for four years. The fifth year he moved to the one-hundred-and-twenty-acre farm where he now lives. Their home was an old log cabin, through the cracks of which, Mrs. Wells says, you could fling a cat. From this place, in November, 1864, he entered the Federal service, joining Company K, Fifty-third Indiana Volunteers. He went to the front almost immediately after enlistment, was "marching through Georgia" with Sherman in the spring of 1865, was stationed at Dalton and remained there until April, when they joined the forces at Alexandria in time to take part in the grand review at Washington City. He was discharged in July, 1865. In his absence Mrs. Wells looked after the stock, managed the farm and took care of his interests generally.

After returning from the service in the fall of 1865 Bunyon J. Wells moved his family to his father's farm, went to work at tanning and continued in that business until 1870, when he returned to his farm. Of the one hundred and twenty acres of which his farm is comprised, only thirty acres yet remained uncleared. The other ninety acres are well cleared, fenced, ditched and are splendidly cultivated. All of the improvements are substantial and lasting. On the place are six oil wells that at one time were "gushers," but are now giving out about twelve barrels a day.

Since 1870, a period of thirty-two years, Bunyon J. Wells has devoted his entire time to his farm. He raises crops of grain, hay, vegetables and fruit, breeds and feeds cattle and Poland China hogs. He has made his business of farming quite profitable. His youngest son, John W. Wells, owns the lease of the six oil wells on the place and also manages the farm. He is prudent, energetic and economical. While the flow from the wells was big he was engaged in pumping, saved his money and when the opportunity offered purchased the lease. He also owns forty acres of land purchased with money accumulated in this way.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bunyon J. Wells have been born five children, viz: Albertus V., born January 28, 1860; Geneva, born April 4, 1865, is the wife of John C. S. Burritt, and they are the parents of two children, Dwight and Beatrice, and reside on Mrs. Burritt's parents' farm; Prudence E., born November 12, 1867, married Frank Neusbaumer, a farmer, a resident of Bluffton, and have two children, Goldie and Leah; Carrie, born October 14, 1871, died November 4, 1888; John W., born May 11, 1874, married Mollie Nutter, and they have two children, Amy and Eugene.

In politics Bunyon J. Wells is a Republican, but not an office seeker or an office holder. The only public position he ever held was that of constable for two years. Nevertheless few campaigns come round in which he does not take an active part in the interest of his party. The only order to which he belongs is that of Lew Daily Post No. 33, G. A. R., at Bluffton. All through his long and useful life of nearly three score and ten years he has acted his part well by his family, his county, his state and his nation. To be right is his ambition, to do right is his creed.

Mr. and Mrs. Wells have in their possession an old parchment deed which was executed November 7, 1840, and bears the signature of President Martin Van Buren.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 224-227.

ISHAM WEST, farmer, Chester Township, was born in Greenup County, Kentucky, May 4, 1824, son of William and Sarah (Arthur) West. William West was born, reared and married in Virginia. His wife was also born and reared in that State. Several years after their marriage they removed to Kentucky with their family, which then consisted of three children. Their goods were packed on horses, the road across the mountains being impassable for any other mode of conveyance. When they arrived in Greenup County they found a rough broken country, and sparsely settled. They lived in Kentucky until 1831, then removed to Preble County, Ohio, and in 1840 they packed their household goods and came by team to Indiana, settling on seventy-seven acres of land William had purchased before coming. There was no clearing on the place, which was covered with a heavy growth of timber. The family lived in a house adjoining the farm while Mr. West and his boys cleared a place and put up a log cabin. Game was in great abundance, but William was not much of a hunter and did not often disturb the deer and wild turkeys that roamed over the country at will. Isham, our subject, was very fond of the “sport,” and killed a great many deer and other game. They brought some sheep from Ohio, and made a pen for them quite near the house; but even that did not protect them from the wolves. In September of the next year the mother died, and was buried in the Twibell cemetery in Blackford County. The father afterward removed with his son to Scuffle Creek, where the latter had bought a place, and there he remained until his death, which occurred in June, 1850. Our subject was in his seventeenth year when the family came to Wells County, and he has resided here ever since. He has 160 acres of land, with 120 acres of clearing. He was married in April, 1846, to Miss Margaret Jarrett, a native of Wayne County, this State, and daughter of Jonas Jarrett, who settled in Wells County as early as 1838. Of their nine children, five are living—William, now serving as township trustee; Sarah, wife of Christopher Starr; Mary Catherine, wife of Lemuel Bales, who is now deceased; James and Joseph. The deceased are — Bentley, Johnny, Frances Emily, and an infant unnamed. Mr. West is not a politician, and has never sought office, although he served one term as supervisor. Mrs. West is a member of the Christian church.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 911-912.

Few citizens of Wells county are more entitled to the term "self made man" than the subject of this review. His rise from a condition of obscurity to a conspicuous place among the leading agriculturists of his township shows him to be the possessor of an enterprising spirit of high order, while his respectable social standing attests the esteem m which he is held by the people with whom he mingles. Thomas W. Wheeler is an Indianian by adoption, being a native of Bedford county, North Carolina, where his birth took place on the 17th day of June, 1863. His father was Thomas Wheeler, a descendant of one of the old families of the Old North state, and his mother, Sarah J. McFarland, was also born and reared in that commonwealth. These parents were married in their native county and continued to live there until the breaking out of the Great Rebellion, when Mr. Wheeler was impressed into the Confederate service, although a Union man in sentiment. Determined not to fight against his convictions, he deserted one night while on guard duty and after a long and trying experience finally made his way northward as far as Henry county, Indiana, where he concluded to remain until the close of the war. For several years he supported himself by working at the carpenter's trade and earned the reputation of an industrious and skillful mechanic. As soon as conditions in the South would permit, he sent for his family and in due time the domestic circle was reunited, after which Mr. Wheeler settled on a farm and engaged in agriculture in connection with his trade. The family remained in Henry county until 1872 when they removed to the county of Jay, settling in Penn township, where Mr. and Mrs. M. Wheeler and several of their children still reside. Thomas and Sarah Wheeler have reared a very large family, fourteen children in all, of whom nine are living, namely: Julian F., Walter, Thomas W., John A., Charles, Edgar, Anna, Mary and Joseph; the names of those deceased are William, Ernest, Hannah and Allie.

Thomas W. Wheeler was born while his father was in the Confederate service and was about three years old when the family moved to Indiana. The surprise when he and his father first met was mutual, neither having seen the other up to that time. Of course the child did not know his parent and it required several days to establish a friendship for him. Thomas being one of the older boys, much of the family support fell to him as soon as he was able to work, in consequence of which his educational advantages were considerably limited. He was permitted to attend the district schools until his thirteenth year and then began working for a farmer in the neighborhood, turning one-half of his earnings into the family fund. He continued as a farm laborer at monthly wages until attaining his majority, during the greater part of which time he was in the employ of Joseph Hudson, one of the prominent and well-to-do men of Blackford county. Meanwhile, having accumulated sufficient means to justify him in taking a companion for life's journey, Mr. Wheeler, on the 1st day of February, 1890, was united in marriage to Miss Eva McDaniel, after which he began farming for himself on a part of his father-in-law's place in the county of Wells. Ten years later he moved to his present farm adjoining to the McDaniel homestead and in 1902 purchased the latter place, making his real estate at the present time one hundred and four acres, nearly all of which is in cultivation. Mr. Wheeler began with nothing and the beautiful home which he now owns is the well-merited result of his honest toil and successful management. On his place are a number of producing oil wells from the proceeds of which he receives a liberal share of his income and in connection with farming he devotes considerable attention to the oil industry, having a complete mechanical outfit for driving and drawing pipes. He does this kind of work of winter seasons and at odd times and has made it very remunerative, being one of the most efficient workman in the oil fields. Mr. Wheeler has made a success of raising live stock and takes great interest in all matters which promise good to the agricultural interests of his township and county. Politically he is a Republican and since his twenty-first year has been an active worker in the party. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows order, Leaf Lodge No. 145, at Pennville, Indiana, also belonging to the encampment degree, in which, as in the subordinate lodge, he has been honored with high official station. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have two children, Vida, born on the 28th of October, 1895, and an infant that died unnamed.

Mrs. Wheeler was born April 9, 1870, and is the daughter of Alexander and Frances (Dawley) McDaniel. Mr. McDaniel was born December 29, 1815, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, Amos and Catherine McDaniel, were also natives. He grew to manhood in the county of Bedford and there married Mary Evans, of whom he had four children Louisa, deceased, Harvey, Amanda, deceased, and Catherine. The mother of these children dying in 1853, Mr. McDaniel subsequently took a wife in the person of Miss Frances Dawley, who was born September 22, 1832, the daughter of Gideon and Lucy Dawley, natives of Rhode Island. These parents lived to a good old age, the father dying at ninety-four, the mother in her ninety-first year. In an early day, Mr. McDaniel came to Wells county, Indiana, settling on eighty acres of wild land from which he cleared a fine farm and on which his death occurred in 1899, his wife dying on the 2nd day of August, 1894. His second marriage resulted in three children, Amos, Lucy and Eva.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 256-258.

Lewis Millard Whitman, a farmer, stock-raiser and carpenter of Harrison township, settled in Wells county in 18--. He was born August 30, 1844; is a son of John C. and Mary (Hale) Whitman, the former of whom died in 1867. He was married in Wells county, Indiana, March 23, 1871, to Amanda Hammond, born in Darke county, Ohio, October 23, 1843. Their first child, Edward Wilton, was born December 19, 1872; Charles Lawrence, March 11, 1874, died August 21, 1875; Orville, April 4, 1876. Mrs. Whitman’s parents are, Elza Hammond, born in 1807, and Lucinda (Griswold) Hammond, born in Virginia in 1809, died July 1, 1880. Mrs. Whitman’s brother, William Hammond, served in the war of 1861; he was a member of the 34th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He died of typhoid fever at Lanesville, Kentucky, March 23, 1863. 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.

Herman Wiecking a resident of Harrison township, removed to Wells county in 1874. He was born in Germany in the year 1850. He deals in every quality of tobacco and cigars; rooms opposite the Central Hotel. 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

One of the oldest and most honored residents of Wells county, Indiana, is Capt. B. F. Wiley, of Bluffton, who was born in Greenville, Darke county, Ohio, October 16, 1830, a son of William and Rachel (Mann) Wiley. The Wiley family is of Scotch Irish descent, and on coming to America the ancestors of the Captain first located in Virginia, whence they removed to Kentucky, where William Wiley, father of the Captain, was born and reared. From Kentucky, William Wiley went to Maryland, where he met Rachel Mann, who was then attending school and whom he subsequently married. This lady was a daughter of Lieut. Gov. David Mann, of Pennsylvania, and a relative of Congressman Mann. William Wiley, however, was not in opulent circumstances and emigrated to Greenville, Dark (sic) county, Ohio, where he carried on tailoring somewhat extensively for that early day, but was called from earth when his son, B. F., was but seven years of age. Mrs. Rachel Wiley later married Nelson Kellogg, and in 1839 the family came to Wells county, Indiana, and settled in Bluffton, when there were but twelve houses in the village and these houses far apart. Of the inhabitants of the forest in which Bluffton was at that time situated the only survivors are Capt. Wiley, John Studebaker and Amos Townsend, although the city has now a population of about five thousand. Mr. Kellogg was a plasterer and for twenty years was a justice of the peace in Bluffton.

B. F. Wiley, at the age of thirteen years, was employed in making brick for the construction of the first brick court house erected in Bluffton, which has since been replaced by a handsome modern structure, and for his labor, from daylight until dark, he was paid at the rate of four dollars per month. In 1844 he was employed in carrying these same brick to the masons engaged in erecting the court house. In the winter of 1845-6, young Wiley went to Camden to assist in a branch store owned by John Studebaker, and when that store was abandoned he returned to Bluffton and worked for Hall & Townsend for some time. In 1850 Mr. Wiley walked across the plains, a distance of twenty-three hundred miles, to California. He returned to Bluffton in 1852, and worked with his stepfather at masonry, for some time. Later he engaged in merchandising, and afterward clerked for George Arnold. About this time came the breaking out of the Civil war. Ben Wiley, as he was called by his intimates, although at that time entering upon the prime of early manhood, was, like the majority of Northern youth, inspired with local patriotism and volunteered his services to assist in preserving the Union. Accordingly he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Robertson and Captain Karnes, in August, 1862. This regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and had its first fighting experience at the famous battles of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863. In 1864 he was appointed adjutant of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana, and later was commissioned captain of Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana, and in this capacity served through the war and was honorably mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, in August, 1865, after an active and faithful service of over three years.

On returning from the army, Captain Wiley joined John Studebaker in the business of buying and selling produce at Bluffton , which business they conducted for about five years, and later, in 1872, joined John Daugherty and James Crosbee in pork-packing. The Captain was also associated with Mr. Studebaker in merchandising, but sold out to H. C. Arnold, then joined Mr. Sunier in the same line, next was by himself awhile, selling to Baumgartner & Hatfield in 1882. Captain Wiley then bought the Wilson stock and in company with his son carried on business in Bluffton for several years. In 1892 he and his son purchased a stock of goods in Elwood and in 1893 returned to Bluffton and retired from business. He now deals in real estate and is also a farmer, owning one hundred and twenty-five acres in Bluffton and one hundred and sixty acres just outside the city limits. The Captain is a very public spirited citizen, has made three additions to Bluffton, Nos. 1 and 2, and Main street additions. Wiley avenue was named in his honor. Central avenue being the present north line of his farm.

Captain Wiley was married September 6, 1855, to Miss Susan Waltz, five children being the result of the union, viz: Rachel Ellen, who is the wife of Dr. H. H. Wear; May, unmarried; William F., a retired merchant of Chicago, Illinois; Mary E., wife of W. D.. Burgan, real estate dealer in Bluffton, and Charles F., clerk in a retail store in New York city.

Fraternally Capt. Wiley has been a member of Bluffton Lodge NO. 145, F. & A. M., since 1854, and has also been a trustee of the Presbyterian church at Bluffton, of which his family are all devoted members. Politically he was primarily a Whig and cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott, with Graham for vice-president, next in 1856 for Millard Fillmore, and in 1860 for Abraham Lincoln. He became a Republican in 1860 and adhered to it until 1884, when he became identified with the Prohibition party, of which he is a leading and ardent member and was one of its delegates from his district at its last state convention. Captain Wiley is a broad minded and liberal man, whose sympathies are always extended to the laboring classes, to the elevation of which he devotes much thought as well as practical aid as far as circumstances will permit. His popularity among all classes is unbounded.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 171+.

ROBERT W. WILEY, farmer and stockraiser, was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, March 10, 1826, only son of John and Nancy (Athens) Wiley, also natives of Virginia. The father was a son of Robert Wiley, who was of Irish parentage. The mother was a daughter of Wilson Athens, who served during the entire war of the Revolution. In September, 1836, the parents of our subject left their native State and removed to Preble County, Ohio, where they resided two years, and then removed to Huntington County, Indiana, where they lived a short time, and finally settled upon the old Miles place in Jackson Township, this county, where the father entered eighty acres of Government land, and where the parents passed the remainder of their days. The father died March 14, 1857, at the age of fifty-five years and five mouths; the mother survived him several years. They were the parents of four children—Charlotte, wife of Samuel Griffith; Robert W.; Martha, wife of John Jones, and Eliza, who married Zebulon Stanton, and resides on the old homestead. During his youth our subject assisted his father in clearing and improving his farm, and he remained at home until he was twenty-five years old, receiving at that time from his father eighty acres of wild land in Jackson Township. He worked out about four years, then purchased 360 acres of wild land on section 1, Liberty Township, for which he paid $3.50 per acre. The money he had earned by his own hard labor. April 27, 1855, he was married to Miss Sarah Jones, daughter of Enoch and Mary (Brierman) Jones, who removed from Highland County, Ohio, to Huntington County, this State, in an early day. After his marriage, Mr. Wiley rented land for about two years, then settled upon his present farm, which he has cleared and improved, and erected fine buildings. He now owns 280 acres of wellimproved land, after helping his children to a good home. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley have had fourteen children, eight of whom are living— John, Mary E., Nancy, Alexander, Mahala, Amanda, Perry and Charlotte J. The deceased are—Enoch, Henry, Jones, Martha E., and two died in early infancy. Mrs. Wiley died April 18, 1886, a worthy and consistent member of the Christian church. Politically Mr. Wiley is a Democrat.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 835-836.

WILLIAM WILKIN was born in Harrison County, Ohio, near Cadiz, son of Thomas P. and Mary A. (Poland) Wilkin, who were married in that county, and where the two oldest children were born: William, and Mary A., now the wife of John Kleinknight. The death of the mother occurred when Mary was only seven days old, and the children were cared for by their grandmother Wilkin. She was left a widow when her son Thomas was a mere lad, and after his marriage, her home was with him, and came with him to this county to share the toils and hardships of pioneer life. William was born April 8, 1833, and was four years of age when his father removed from Ohio to this county, stopping at Murray during the winter of 1837. The next spring Thomas came to the land now occupied by our subject, which was entered by him September 13, 1839. The following year he entered another tract, both of which patents, bearing the signature of President Van Buren, are in possession of William Wilkin. The first year they built a log cabin and cleared a few acres. They experienced very hard times. The horses strayed away, and one was mired and died in the swamp. Another one also died, and Thomas was left without a team to work his ground. A number of Indians were encamped near the edge of Bear Swamp, remaining three or four years, hunting all the while through these woods. Game of all kinds was abundant, and bears were occasionally killed. Mr. Wilkins relates that the Indians killed a bear near his father's house one morning, and afterward brought him one of the hams. They also made maple sugar in the woods near by, and were upon excellent terms with all the white settlers, of whom there were but few. Game furnished most of the meat supply for several years. A few hogs were raised, but these were wild and comparatively valueless. Farming was conducted on a very small scale, and there was nothing that would bring money, and in fact there was nothing to sell except coon and deer pelts, and they only brought a trifle. The corn that was planted was preyed upon in the spring by squirrels and in the fall by raccoons, until there was scarcely anything left for the settlers. Martin Perry settled near Thomas Wilkin, and for years they were the only ones in this immediate neighborhood. The fortunes of the newcomers improved very slowly, in fact money could hardly be obtained to pay taxes. Our subject was rapidly growing into manhood, and developed into a great hunter. Inured to forest life, and agile as an Indian, he, in company with Jo. Mendenhall, now of Liberty Township, hunted in partnership for several years, and during the season, their receipts averaged from $10 to $40 per day. With the money thus obtained William aided his father and helped to save him from many inconveniences. Thomas married Miss Rhoda Sutton about 1848. Not agreeing very well, they separated three years later, and Thomas remained unmarried during the remainder of his life. He was elected to official positions but refused to qualify, and was averse to attending to any save his own business. He died November 19, 1873, after a long life of usefulness, having been one of the first settlers in the county. In the early day, when a stranger appeared, Thomas waited not for him to approach unheralded, but always left his work and ran to make him welcome. William Wilkin was not well educated, in the ordinary sense of the word, as schools were almost unknown during his boyhood. He is a man, however, possessing good practical common-sense and. judgment, and possessing much shrewdness, withal, being one of the best farmers in the neighborhood. He is making money easily and rapidly. His mind is stored with much valuable information regarding the early history of the town and the historian is under great obligation for much that will appear in this work. February 21, 1856, he married Mary E. F. Trenary, daughter of Richard A. Trenary, one of the first settlers of Allen and Wells counties. He was known among the Indians as the "True Pale Face.” Mr. and Mrs. Wilkin had nine children: Richard, Evaline, Nancy, William A., Emma J., Alonzo D., Clarence V., Nelson S. and Gracie. The death of the wife and mother occurred November 19, 1874. Five of her children are living and one is married. Miss Laura J. Woodard became the wife of Mr. Wilkin, March 16, 1876, Rev. J. H. Mc Mahon performing the marriage ceremony. They had one child: Cora S. A few years later, Laura J. separated from her husband, and July 13, 1884, Mr. Wilkin married Miss Rachel A. Norton, and Rev. B. Howard, pastor of the Poneto Baptist church, performing the ceremony. Mrs. Wilkin’s parents were W. H. and Sarah A. (Huggins) Norton, whose parents were also early settlers, coming to Wells County in 1840. The mother is now a resident of Bluffton. The home of Mr. Wilkin is such as might be expected of a man who has wealth and ambition. The courtesy of himself and wife is proverbial. Nancy, the second daughter, married Marion Garton, a farmer and manufacturer of tile in Lancaster Township. Although still a young man Mr. Wilkin has six grandchildren..

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 984-985.

Andrew B. Williams has been a resident of Wells County thirty years and has been substantially identified with the farming and agricultural enterprise of this county ever since. His home is a well situated and admirable improved little farm on Rural Route No 2 from Keystone in Chester Township. Mr. Williams was born in Blackford County, Indiana March 17, 1866, a son of Andrew B. and Polly (Bugh) Williams, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Blackford County, Indiana, where they married after he came out of Ohio. Their home was on a farm in Blackford County and they were parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters; Andrew B.; Henry, deceased; Joseph and Oliver of Montpelier; Jennie, wife of Scott Swartz; Lydia, wife of George Brubaker; Sarah, wife of Lewis G. Lancaster; Mary, wife of Charles McGeath; James and Emma, both deceased.

Andrew B. Williams was reared on a farm, was educated in district schools in his native county and lived at home until his father died. For his first wife Mr. Williams married Esther Shields, daughter of William Shields. She died childless, and for his second wife he married Elizabeth Cook, widow of J. Cook. Mrs. Williams is a native of Wells County and daughter of John J. Twibell, was educated here in the common schools, and was the mother of one child, now deceased. She is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Montpelier. Mr. Williams is a republican voter.

Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana. John W. Tyndall for Adams County, O. E. Lesh for Wells County. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1918, p. 556.
Contributed by Dawn Maddox Montgomery

This young and prosperous farmer of Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, was born September 17, 1870, two miles south of Bluffton, on the state road, in the same county. J. W. Williams, father of O. R. Williams, was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, a son of Jesse Williams, and while still single came to Wells county, Indiana, about the year 1865, and began working at bridge building and also at cabinetmaking, in Bluffton, although he had been reared a blacksmith by his father, who was noted for his skill in this branch of the mechanical arts. He married, about 1867, Miss Martha Vennemmon, whose mother is still living at the age of ninety years. After marriage J. W. Williams located on the farm two miles south of Bluffton, where his son, O. R. Williams, was born, but four years later came to Jackson township, and here lost his wife, June 10, 1884. In the September following, Mr. Williams married Mrs. Kittie Smith, who still lives to share with him the blessings as well as the sorrows of life. In 1900 J. W. Williams retired from farm life and now lives in Warren, enjoying in peace and comfort the competency his early industry gained him. To the first marriage of J. W. Williams were born three children, namely: Adrian, now a resident of Jackson township; O. R., whose name opens this biography, and William, who has his residence in Idaho. To the second marriage there has been no issue.

O. R. Williams attended the district schools of Jackson township, Wells county, Indiana, until he was seventeen years of age and assisted in the cultivation of the home place until he was twenty, when he went to the city of Butte, Montana, and worked in a smelter for a year, then returning to Wells county. Here he and his father purchased sixty acres of the farm on which he now lives., but which was then all in the woods. He set himself energetically to work and cleared off all but ten acres and in July, 1898, purchased his father's interest in the place. In 1901 Mr. Williams erected a substantial and commodious barn on his farm and in 1902 began the erection of an elegant residence. He rents out his farming land, however, and devotes his attention to his oil wells, of which he owns five producers, which bring him in twenty-five to thirty dollars each per month, and he has not lost a day at this industry for the past three years.

Mr. Williams was joined in marriage November 23, 1893, with Miss Emma Slusher, a daughter of Josiah and Naomi Slusher, whose biography will be found on another page of this volume. To this happy marriage have been born four children, to-wit: Fred, November 8, 1894; Arthur, September 30, 1897; Howard, March 26, 1900; and an infant daughter, born October 10, 1902. Mr. Williams is a member of Lodge No. 784, I.O.O.F., at McNatts, and in politics is a Republican. He is one of the respected young men in Jackson township, as it is well known that he has made all he is worth through his personal exertions, he having had nothing at the start, and having made his first "stake" of four hundred dollars while in Montana. His industry and strict integrity have always been matters of commendation by his neighbors, and he and his estimable wife are held in the highest regard by all classes of the community.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 263-264.
Transcribed by wwkly@citznet.com

Benjamin F. Williamson was born in Clermont county, Ohio, April 7, 1827. His business is that of farming. He is a resident of Chester township; settled in Wells county, October 18, 1857. His parents are James and Sarah (Pierce) Williamson. He was married in Miami county, Ohio, April 10, 1855, to Sarah Ann, daughter of James Layton, deceased, and Mary Ann (Trit) Layton. They have six children: Dennis, born September 18, 1856; Mary A., March 18, 1858; Myron O., December 19, 1859; Daniel W., July 24, 1863; Minta W., June 3, 1866; Joseph, August 11, 1868. Mrs. Williamson was born in Miami county, Ohio, April 24, 1835. Thomas and Marion Colvin, nephews of B. F., died while in the service of the late war. Address, Mount Zion.

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

CYRUS WILSON, farmer, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, a son of Gibson and Nancy A. (Harris) Wilson. The father was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of James and Alice Wilson. He married his wife in Ohio, and for several years they resided upon his father’s farm. In 1851 Mr. and Mrs. Gibson Wilson, with their children, Elizabeth, Cyrus, James and Nancy, made a location in Jefferson Township. The father purchased 240 acres on section 16, town 28, range 12, upon which he erected the first cabin the same year. The whole tract was covered with timber and Cyrus, our subject, although seven years of age, helped to burn the brush, and saw the logs placed in position that were to shelter the family in the new country. The nearest neighbors, William Craig, Sr., William Shaphel, Moses Louthen and William Chapman, were residents of Ossian, and the latter kept a small stock of general merchandise. Gibson Wilson was a quiet, inoffensive man who took the greatest comfort in his home and with his family. Both himself and wife were of Irish ancestry, the grandparents of both having been born in Ireland. He was one of the first road supervisors in the township, and was the overseer when the first roads leading from Ossian were cleared of underbrush, He and his wife were members of the first Presbyterian church erected in the township, and the children were reared strictly in that faith. John L., Margaret and Emma were born in this county. The death of the father occurred in 1862. His wife still survives, and is now in her sixty-eighth year. All the children but one are living, and all are married. Elizabeth became the wife of Robert Rodgers, a farmer residing on a part of the original Wilson homestead; James married Lydia Fleming, and resides in Harrison Township; Nancy A. is the wife of Isaac Allen, a son of one of the oldest residents of the county; Margaret A. married Lorenzo Anthony, a resident of Union Township; John is the husband of Mary Housel, and resides on the homestead farm. The mother lives with them and has had the pleasure of holding twenty-one grandchildren in her arms, all of whom were born in this county. She has one great-grandchild, Clarence Smith, son of William and Mary J. (Rodgers) Smith, youngest daughter of Elizabeth and Robert Rodgers. In August, 1862, our subject enlisted in Company K, Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry, as a private. He was soon after made Corporal, serving three years in that capacity. He was Color-Guard at the famous battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta, and in the march to the sea he was either Color-Guard or Standard Bearer. In one of the engagements a bullet passed through his clothes without touching his body. He carried the colors of his regiment when the great military review was held at Washington, the grandest military spectacle ever seen on the American continent. He laid his colors down only when peace was declared and the preservation of the Union was acknowledged by all to be due to the noble sons of the States who had fought valiantly for three long years. After his return from the army he went to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where he remained ten years engaged in farming. In that State he was married in 1875, to Miss Mary Frazier, of Lawrence County, and the same year the young couple returned to Indiana, where Mr. Wilson purchased his present farm. He erected his elegant house, and they are now comfortably settled within sight of Ossian. They have five children—Raymond F., John H., Nettie B., Otto O. and Chester C. Mr. Wilson built his fine barn, 36 x 56 feet, in 1887.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 868-871.

DONALDSON WILSON, of Uniondale, was born in Union Township, this county, in 1851, son of John I. and Margaret (Harris) Wilson, natives of Washington County, Pennsylvania. The parents were married in that State, and soon after removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, where their children, James, Thomas W., George, Martha J., Albert and Margaret, were born. They owned a small farm in the country. September 25, 1849, they came West, and Mr. Wilson purchased 200 acres of land in Union Township, this county. This purchase and the removal of his family to the new country consumed the most of his money, and although he owned plenty of land, it was in a primitive state, and he had no produce to sell even if there had been a market for it. The immense forest of trees covered the ground, and it took years of toil to make it productive. The first log cabin stood where the old orchard, planted by John Wilson, still remains, and where their last two children, Donaldson and Mary A., were born. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were for many years members of the first Presbyterian church organized in that part of the county, and when they left it it was only to join that church at Murray, as it was more convenient. He was not a politician in any sense, but was always happier when employed on his farm and at home with his family. Their children were well educated, and George was engaged in teaching many years, having attended the academy at Murray. Thomas, now a lawyer at Fort Wayne, graduated at that city, and afterward taught school until he began the study of law. Albert also taught school in Jefferson Township. Mr. Wilson died March 15, 1874, and Mrs. Wilson nineteen days afterward. They died as they had lived, devout Christians, who had lived exemplary lives and reared a family who do them honor. Thomas married Elizabeth E. Davis; George married Sarah Harter; Martha married Robinson Hatfield; Albert married Mary J. Fleming; Mary is the wife of William J. Wasson, and Donaldson married Drusilla E., daughter of Aaron and Sarah B. Fleming, of Lancaster Township, the ceremony being performed June 11, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson Wilson first lived on the home farm, and two years later Mr. Wilson purchased his present farm. To them have been born three children—Margaret B., on the old homestead, and William A. and Kittie J. on their present farm. Their eldest child, Margaret, is deceased. Mr. Wilson is one of the few early settlers of the county who escaped most of the hardships of pioneer life. The rough work was mostly completed before he was old enough to give material assistance. His brother George was the only son engaged in the service during the war. He was a member of Company A, Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and he died soon after his discharge, of disease contracted while in the service.

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 700-701.

The lady readers of this volume will not require to be taught where in Ossian is to be found the choicest selection of fancy millinery. The name of Mrs. E. Wilson has so long been associated with what is artistic in ladies furnishings that all are perfectly familiar with the high standard and exquisite taste of her establishment. In this work, Mrs. Wilson's judgment is supplemented by the taste of Miss Grace, her daughter, who has charge of the trimming department, and who is one of the most popular and brilliant young ladies in the city.

Mrs. Wilson has lived in this place 30 years, and her life history is so familiar to all that any data relating thereto or comment thereupon, would be superfluous. For several years, she was absent keeping house for Miss Grace who was pursuing a collegiate and musical education. In the fall of 1893, she returned to Ossian and established her present business, coming direct from Hartford City, where she had been at the head of a millinery shop for a year.

A glance at the stock kept by Mrs. Wilson, will amply repay anyone who is a lover of art. Always selecting that which is most elegant and tasty, good dressers have found it to their advantage to deal where their orders, large or small, receive careful attention.

Miss Grace Wilson who is a most able head of the trimming department, is a charming leaders in social circles. She is a member of the Eastern Star order, and holds the office therein of Esther. She is also a Sister of Rebecca, and is deservedly popular with all the young people in the city. Her tastes and culture are such as to make her the center of large and admiring coterie of friends.

It is the pleasure of the NEWS to pay a sincere compliment to the many talents by which she dignifies and adorns the social world about us. She deserves special praise for her arts of impersonation and reciting in which she shows great histrionic power.

20th Century Souvenir Edition of the Ossian News. January 1st, 1900, page 77.

Born about July-December of 1823; near Lancaster, Fairfield, Ohio, son of John Wilson and Anna Barbara Geary

Part of what is below came from his obituary:,br> His family had Revolutionary ancestory, one relative signed the Declaration of Independence. His parents were born in Pennsylvania. His mother was the daughter of Gideon Geary, uncle to John W. Geary, Governor of Pennsylvania. His father died while he was a small boy. He grew up on the farm of his mother's family. By age 16 he was teaching school, taught school for 16 years. Was sponsored into law school with the financial support of Hocking H. Hunter. Entered into the practice of law in Somerset, Perry County, Ohio, moved to Bluffton, Wells County, Indiana. John L. Wilson and Michael Karnes founded The Peoples Press in 1855. This newspaper, devoted to politics of the newly founded Republican Party, was one of the predecessors of the present-day newspaper, the Bluffton News-Banner. Wilson sold his interest in 1857, but continued to contribute to its news columns for several years. After the Civil War broke out, he declined a commission as major at first, but served for a while as draft commissioner, then joining with the 3rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a Major. He is said to have helped organize the 34th Infantry, residence was from Bluffton. Date of Commission: August 30, 1861. Date of Muster September 24, 1861. He was dismissed from that post, later he was appointed to Pay Master by Abraham Lincoln, and commissioned by Congress. After the war the family moved to Marion, Indiana. Later moving again to Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana where he shared a law practice with his brother Edwin R. Wilson. until about 1870 and then moved about 1876 to Morrow, Warren County, Ohio, and was later elected judge of the Warren County (1883-1884) Court of Common Pleas. He died there on 28 Dec. 1889, and is buried in the Morrow Cemetery.

He married Mary Ellen Brooke, daughter of Moses Dillon Brooke & Eliza McFadden. They had these children: Manley Dixon Wilson; Dillon Brooke Wilson; Mary Eliza Wilson Lownes; Clara Wilson; Wallace D. Wilson; Alice Wilson; Minnie Elizabeth Wilson; Orella Ora Wilson; Melva Beatrice Wilson; Earl Geary Wilson and William Wilson. The older children were born in Ohio, while Clara, Wallace, Alice, Minnie and Orella were all born in Wells County. Melva & Earl were born in Marion, Indiana. William died as a small child in Ohio.

Biography of John Lafayette Wilson By 1centpenny

Probably no business man in the town of Ossian has met more reverses and in the end surmounted them more triumphantly than Mr. L. F. Wilson. He now is the owner of one of the best equipped livery and feed stables in the surrounding country. His barn is large and commodious, his service is the best that can be procured his horses are carefully chosen and well kept. A great number of citizens are proud to point to his establishment and say that it is a permanent labor feature of Ossian.

Mr. Wilson was born November 26, 1846, in Knox Co., Ohio, a son of Wm. P. and Rebecca (Beach) Wilson. In 1854, the family moved to Wells county and began life in this region at Zanesville. In May, 1834, he enlisted in Co., D. 137 Ind., Vol., Inf., and was in service until November of the same year. In 1863, Mr. Wilson hired to James Sewell as clerk in his dry-goods store. He worked for one year at that business. Later he became a partner with the Hatfield firm, and was so connected for seven years, at the end of which time he sold out, desiring o enter other avenues of labor. In 1875 he bought the grist mill. Here fortune began to deal heavily with him, for twice did he burn out and twice did he rebuild the mill. This is a sample of the man's courage. In 1885, he went into his present work. At this time, owing to the losses by fire, Mr. Wilson was involved to the extent of $1900, but with indomitable energy he came to the front and in a few years paid off his debt, built the beautiful residence where he now resides and enlarged his buildings. For the past 2 years he has been connected with the Warren livery and feed stable as partner with his son, James Wilson.

Mr. Wilson in spite of many cares, is a well known man in society and fraternity circles. He has been a mason for 5 years, and is a charter member of the I. O. O. F. and K. O. T. M. orders.

20th Century Souvenir Edition of the Ossian News. January 1st, 1900, page 70-71.

H. L. Wisner, a resident of Harrison township, was born in Wells county, Indiana, in the year 1853. His time is occupied in filling the office of Deputy Clerk. His address is Bluffton, 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

The subject of this sketch is an honorable representative of one of the earliest pioneer families of Wells county. Not long after this part of the state was opened for settlement one William Wisner purchased land in what is now Lancaster township and proceeded to clear and develop a farm. He was a man of excellent repute, industrious, frugal and honest and in due time his labors were rewarded with a comfortable home on which the remainder of his life was spent. Mr. Wisner was a native of Ohio and there married Mary Plummer, who bore him the following sons and daughters: Richard, John, Silas, Sarah, Mary J. and Nancy A., all living in the county of Wells.

John Wisner, the second son, was born on the homestead in Lancaster township, June 26, 1843, and spent the years of his childhood and youth amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times. Reared on a new farm, he early became skilled in the use of the ax and as soon as old enough to wield that implement to advantage he was set to work in the woods, where he was soon able to perform a man's labor. Of winter seasons he attended the little school hard by, but not taking kindly to books or to the restraints of indoor life did not make the progress in his studies that he should or that his parents desired. Naturally ingenious, he spent his leisure time making various mechanical devices and long before reaching manhood's estate he had developed an aptness and skill in the use of tools which enables him to do all kinds of mechanical work with ease and dispatch. While at home his ability in this direction proved of practical use in the way of carpentry, all kinds of repairing and the making of various agricultural implements of much greater value and utility than those procured in the market. Young Wisner bore his full share in running the farm and its was while thus engaged that the national atmosphere became darkened by the clouds of impending civil war. Imbued with a spirit of patriotism and impressed with the belief that every able bodied man should be willing to sacrifice his life if need be in order that the government might be preserved, he laid aside the implements of husbandry on the 23rd of November, 1861, and enlisted in Company H, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Mr. Wisner was mustered into the service on the 31st day of the month following and immediately thereafter proceeded to the front via Louisville and Bardstown, Kentucky, reaching New Madrid, Missouri, in time to take part in the battle at that place. Subsequently his regiment operated for some time along the Mississippi river, later joining Grant's force in the campaign against Vicksburg. He took part in the battles near that city and the long siege before its final reduction, being almost continuously under fire from May 1, 1863, until the capitulation on the 4th day of July following. After the fall of that Confederate stronghold, the Forty-seventh was sent to New Orleans, thence retreated to Sabine Cross Roads and Alexandria, Louisiana, meantime engaging the enemy at many points and experiencing its full share of the horrible realities of war. Mr. Wisner remained with his command in Louisiana until the expiration of his period of enlistment when he received his discharge and returned home, after three years of very active service. His military experience was marred by no disaster and he was seldom if ever absent from duty. Ready and willing at all times to meet danger, he won the good will of comrades and officers and when he retired from the service it was with a record for bravery and duty well done, of which any gallant defender of his country's honor might well feel proud.

After the war Mr. Wisner resumed work on the family homestead and continued under the parental roof until his marriage, which was solemnized in February, 1867, with Miss Mary J. Pippard, of Lancaster township. Mr. And Mrs. Wisner set up their first domestic establishment on her father's old farm and began the struggle of life with a combined capital of about one hundred dollars. After renting ground for three years he purchased sixty acres in the township of Lancaster, where he made his home until 1872, at which time he disposed of the place and bought an outfit for boring wells. He followed the latter business with gratifying success for several years, operating in various parts of Wells and neighboring counties, his family meantime living in Bluffton. During the winter seasons, when well drilling could not be prosecuted successfully, Mr. Wisner devoted his time to all kinds of repairing requiring superior mechanical skill. He also made guns to order, besides doing other work which proved financially remunerative. Disposing of his well-boring outfit, he afterwards purchased a threshing outfit and for several seasons followed the threshing of grain as a business. While thus engaged he invented a machine for threshing flax seed which has since been patented and put on the market and a little later took out letters patent on a skillful appliance for the stretching of lace curtains. In partnership with A. E. Summer, Mr. Wisner about 1890 started the first steam laundry in Bluffton. After operating the plant jointly for three years, the subject sold his interest and established the Hoosier Laundry in the city of Huntington, running the same until 1900, when he disposed of the business and returned to Bluffton where he has since resided. For many years Mr. Wisner has spent considerable time in hunting, a sport which he loves and prosecutes with all the ardor of his intense romantic nature. In company with Hon. Levi Mock, his friend and companion, he has pursued all kinds of game in the northern wilds, hunting from the Great Lakes to the gulf of Mexico besides traversing at different times various states and territories of the west. He has killed sixty-three deer, one bear and much smaller game in his time, which fact attests his skill and experience in what to him is the most pleasurable and fascinating means of recreation.

Mr. And Mrs. Wisner have not been bless with children of their own, but for a number of years have given a home to Alice Church, a niece of Mrs. Wisner, upon whom they have lavished all the wealth of their love and affection. Their domestic circle is a very pleasant one and the open-handed hospitality which reigns within the walls of their dwelling is freely and generously dispensed to the many friends and acquaintances who frequently gather there. Mr. Wisner is a member of Lew Darby (sic) Post, G. A. R., but formerly belonged to the organization at Huntington, of which he served a term as commander. He still manifests much interest in military affairs and nothing affords him more sincere gratification than to meet his old army comrades and with them recall the thrilling incidents and startling experiences of war times. Of Mr. Wisner personally much in the way of compliment may be said. The soul of honor in his relations with his fellow men, of unimpeachable integrity in all of his business transactions and a citizen whom the people of Huntington and Bluffton hold in the highest esteem, it is a fitting tribute to speak of him as one of the intelligent, enterprising and progressive men of Wells county. He gave some of the best years of his life for the preservation of the Union and since that time has supported the political party which in his judgment best represents the principles for which he fought. While a pronounced Republican, he is not a partisan and has never entertained any political aspirations. Measured by the true standard of success, his life has been fruitful of good results and he stands today, as he has always stood, for everything that subserves the public welfare and makes a higher order of citizenship.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 234+.

THOMAS LITTLE WISNER, a prominent and influential citizen of Wells County, is a native of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, born near Hughsville, December 20, 1816. In his eighth year he was taken by his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, they settling on a farm near Wooster. His father being a carpenter, he was reared to that trade, at which he worked until 1847. He was married May 4, 1841, to Mary M. Sharp, who is of Irish ancestry, and was born and reared on the same farm in Wayne County, Ohio, where she lived till her marriage. Of the six children born to this union only two are living—Horace L., foreman in the Banner printing office at Bluffton, and Arline, wife of Hon. J. H. C. Smith, State Senator and attorney at law at Bluffton. Helen died in 1846, aged over two years; Albert Howard died at the age of fourteen months; Ella died aged eight years, and James S. died in September, 1870, in his twenty-ninth year. In 1847 Mr. Wisner came to Bluffton, Wells County, Indiana, where he was engaged in contracting and building until December, 1855. He was then appointed deputy clerk of the Circuit Court of Wells County by George McDowell, under whom he served four years. In 1859 he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Wells County, and re-elected in 1863, serving eight years. In 1867 he was made deputy clerk of the Circuit Court by his successor, Dr. James R. McCleery, and served under him until April, 1874, when he was appointed by the board of county commissioners to fill the vacancy in that office caused by the death of Dr. McCleery, and was also commissioned by Governor Thomas A. Hendricks, serving as clerk of the Circuit Court until the following November. From the fall of 1880 until 1882 he served as deputy clerk nuder W. J. Craig, having been in the clerk's office either as principal or deputy for over twenty-one years. Mr. Wisner served as deputy county treasurer under County Treasurer Lemuel Bachelor from September, 1875, until December, 1878, and served in the same capacity under his successor, Lawson Popejoy, from December, 1878, until June, 1879, since which time he has been variously engaged. He is a Master and Royal Arch Mason, being a member of the lodge and chapter at Bluffton, and has served his lodge as worshipful master for six years. He is a charter member of his chapter, being its first high priest, which position he has filled for five years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wisner have reached a good old age, and are enjoying that rest which is the reward of a well-spent life. They are members of the Baptist church at Bluffton, of which he has been a deacon for years.

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

William Wolf, who is one of the active and enterprising agriculturists of Rock Creek Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, the date of his birth being June 17, 1832. His parents, Daniel and Sarah [HEFLEA*] WOLF, were born in the State of Maryland, of Irish and German ancestry respectively. They were married in Maryland, and subsequently removed to Stark County, among the early settlers of that county. William WOLF was reared on a farm in his native county, remaining there until 1853 when he came to Indiana with his parents and settled in Markle, Huntington County, Indiana. He was married July 20, 1854 to Mary L. BAKER, daughter of Christopher BAKER, and to this union were born nine children: Susannah (deceased), John (deceased), Sarah F., wife of Jeremiah PLATT, Harriet, Margaret, wife of Newton TAYLOR, William F., Daniel C., Chauncy [Melvin] and Henry A. Mr. WOLF resided in Markle until two years after his marriage, where he was engaged in working at the cooper's trade. In March, 1859, he removed with his family to the Baker homestead on Section 10, Rock Creek township, which he now owns and occupies, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mrs and Mrs. WOLF are members of the Lutheran church. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.
*aka HAFFLEY, HAFFLEA

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 699-700.
Transcribed by Roberta67

Andrew Wolfe and Martha Sharret were married in Washington, Fayette county, Ohio, in the year 1854. Their children, numbering eight, are: Inez, born February 22, 1856; May, February 18,1858; Trever, December 23, 1859; Minnie, April 9, 1862; Clarence, March 12, 1865; Grace, May 28, 1868; Florence, August 19, 1870; Forest, March 12, 1879. Mrs. Wolfe’s parents, John and Nancy (Berry) Sharret, deceased, were residents of Fayette county, Ohio. Mrs. Wolfe was born in Fayette county, Ohio, in the year 1830. Andrew Wolfe is a farmer; a resident of Chester township, and a son of Michael and Sally (Rupert) Wolfe. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania. 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

A substantial farmer and breeder of high grade horses in Nottingham Township, Wells County, is Edward S. Wolfe, who devotes himself mainly to his agricultural interests at present, but for many years was identified with the oil industry in Indiana and Ohio. Few men know more thoroughly the past and present history of that natural product in relation to this section of the state. Edward S. Wolfe was born in Jay County, Indiana, July 20, 1867. His parents were J. N. and Hannah L. (Lacy) Wolfe. Both parents were natives of Ohio and they were married in Wells County, Indiana, but located first in Jay County, from there coming to Wells County, when Edward S was thirteen years old. He assisted his father and remained at home until he was about twenty-five years of age, in the meanwhile attending the district schools until about the age of nineteen.

After his marriage, in 1892, Mr. Wolfe rented the L. P. Walser farm near Domestic, which he operated for two years and then went to work in the oil fields and was connected with an outfit there until 1894, when he became foreman of the Dunmore Oil Company and continued with that concern for three years. Mr. Wolfe by that time has learned much and had had valuable experience and decided to go into the business for himself. He purchased a string of tools and for the following eighteen years followed oil contracting both in Indiana and Ohio. In 1899 the Wolfe oil lease was opened and he and his father became producers and he operated the well until the oil was all pumped out. Since then Mr. Wolfe has been engaged as above mentioned, having a valuable farm of seventy-five acres near Domestic, and owning a one-half interest in the Three Mile Stock Farm, where a specialty is made of breeding thorough-bred Percheron horses.

Mr. Wolfe was married October 27, 1892, to Miss Anna Settle, the eldest daughter of Winfield S and Elizabeth (Albertson) Settle, a family of much importance in Nottingham Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have had two children, the one survivor being Sadie, who was born August 20, 1893. She is the widow of Earl Barton and has one child, Frances L, who has passed her fifth birthday and is a precious treasure in the home of her grandparents.

In politics Mr. Wolfe is a republican, but his life has been so closely devoted to business that he has not had much opportunity, even if he had the inclination, to be very active in politics. He is not an indifferent citizen, however, being always interested in movements that will benefit his section, and has always been liberal in contributing to the cause of charity.

Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana. John W. Tyndall for Adams County, O. E. Lesh for Wells County. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1918, pp. 540-541.
Contributed by Dawn Maddox Montgomery

An extensive and profitable industry of Wells County, Indiana, is that carried on by Jacob N. Wolfe, who is proprietor of the celebrated Three-Mile Stock Farm, which is situated 2-1/3 miles east of Petroleum, Indiana. Mr. Wolfe is a noted breeder of Percheron horses, Shropshire sheep, Barred Rock chickens and Mammoth brown turkeys, and in addition is one of the large farmers of this section.

Jacob N. Wolfe was born in Preble County, Ohio, September 23, 1844, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shoup) Wolfe. His father was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1793, and his mother was born April 14, 1813, in Fredrick County, Maryland. They were married in Fredrick County in 1831 and then removed to Ohio, settling near Eaton, in Preble County, and remained there until 1853, when they moved to Jay County, Indiana. They located on a farm four miles east of Pennville and that remained their home during the rest of their lives. They were quiet, industrious, worthy people. Jacob N. Wolfe is of English descent and his grandfather's oldest brother, James Wolfe, was killed at the battle of Quebec, Canada.

Jacob N. Wolfe grew up on his father's farm and assisted from boyhood and thus had excellent training in all branches of agriculture. He has been particularly successful in raising stock and for a number of years has given a great deal of attention to breeding fine Percheron horses and at the date of writing owns twenty head of pure bred registered horses, which have been exhibited and have carried off many prizes. Some noteworthy animals have been bred on this stock farm, Gomaux and Ideal, registered 59,609 and 67,829, respectively, in particular. Mr. Wolfe owns Rock Roy, French No. 98,800 and recorded No. 99,670.

Mr. Wolfe was married in Wells County, Indiana, to Miss Hannah L. Lacy, who died September 27, 1887. They had three children, but only one survives, Edward S., who was born July 20, 1867. He married Anna Settles and they live at Domestic, Indiana. June 12, 1888, Mr. Wolfe married Mary J. Reed, whose maiden name was Mary J. Weimer, Mrs. Wolfe died May 16, 1915.

In politics Mr. Wolfe is a stanch republican and has always been known as a good and reliable citizen. For many years he has been a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to Petroleum Lodge No. 721, of which he is past noble grand, and is also a member of the encampment at Bluffton.

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. 562-563.

John H. Wood, four years a soldier of the late war, was a member of the 34th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged in the Mississippi campaign; was at the bombardment of Fort Gibson and Grand Gulf, the battle of Champion hills, Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg; was with General Banks on the Rio Grande, and in service to February 3, 1866. He was born in Blackford county, Indiana, July 8, 1845, and settled in Wells county in 1867. He is a resident of Chester township, and engaged in farming and railroading. He was married in Chester township, November 18, 1866, to Lydia, daughter of James and Eveline (Bentley) Bell, settlers of Wells county in 1842. She was born in Wells county, August 16, 1844. Her children are: James B., born September 11, 1867; Fernando, April 28, 1869; John A., February 2, 1871, deceased; Eva L., September 21, 1872, deceased; Nellie E., May 5, 1875; Perry M, April 5, 1878. James P., a brother of John H. Wood, died of disease contracted while in the service. His parents are Daniel and Elizabeth (Householder) Wood. Daniel Wood eas a member of the ------ Indiana Artillery; was captured at Pittsburg Landing, and conveyed to Libby prison, being there confined seven months. Milton C. Wood, was a member of the 130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Address, Montpelier, Blackford county.

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

Mr. John Woodward, the enterprising butcher, by careful management has built up his business until it ranks favorably with similar establishments. He is the son of Abram Woodward, well known to all the pioneer citizens, and to all who have spent much time on the "stock exchange". For many years a conservative buyer of live stock, it was to be expected that the father's name would be connected with the consumption of meats in Ossian.

The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson township in the year 1863. Then it was that he received his schooling and early impetus in business. The early part of his life he spent upon his father's farm; till showing an aptitude for milling, he began to work on the grist mill. An unfortunate accident which injured an arm, determined Mr. Woodward to leave the flouring profession and enter one less dangerous and one more lucrative. Accordingly in 1892, he established the present meat shop and began to study the desire of his customers. There had been many makeshifts of shops before Mr. Woodward's time, but after passing into his control the business righted itself, machinery was added, capacity was increased. Now a wagon is on the road in the interests of the firm in the summer, care is taken to make the customers on the several routs satisfied with the manner of dealings. Altogether Mr. Woodward is steadily seeking to increase the facilities of the shop and furnish a class of goods acceptable to the public taste. As the Woodward meat-shop supplies the entire town it is to be taken for granted that the gentleman who manages the affairs is a busy man, as it is no small job to furnish the town trade and at the same time afford country buyers with an opportunity to get good fresh meats.

20th Century Souvenir Edition of the Ossian News. January 1st, 1900, page 54-55.

Wilson A. Woodward, the genial whole-souled subject of this biographical sketch, was born August 2, 1866, in Jefferson Township, Wells Co., Indiana. As is well known, he is the son of Abraham and Mary Woodward, whose names are connected with the pioneer efforts in this country. Of English descent, respected and widely acquainted, the name requires no introduction to the readers of this volume.

An enterprising, progressive man, Mr. Woodward has friends wherever he is known, and there are few readers of the NEWS unacquainted with his popularity. A friend to those things which promise advancement to his native city, it is probably that the gentleman will always be as highly esteemed by his fellows as at the present time.

Mr. Woodward was educated in the common schools of this city. Like many of our business men, he spent a great part of his early life wrestling with agricultural problems. At last becoming dissatisfied with farm life he came to town, and in 1890, went into the meat market now conducted by his brother John Woodward (whose sketch appears elsewhere). For three years W. A. Woodward busied himself with shop-work, then his political friends showed their esteem, and also faith in his ability, and as a result, in 1893, he became postmaster, which position he filled with credit to himself and the administration in power. In 1897, the wheels of government having again passed into the control of another political party, Mr. Woodward sought other employment, and since that time has been actively and prosperously engaged as one of our foremost dealers in live-stock.

He is one of our most clever, agreeable and sensible men -- a man who is respected by his political connections, and honored by the many friends, scattered over Wells and adjoining counties. In every way Wils is one of our leading citizens.

20th Century Souvenir Edition of the Ossian News. January 1st, 1900, page 46, 48.

Among the prominent stockmen of Ossian and northern Wells county is found ex-postmaster Wilson A. Woodward, who was born in Jefferson township, August 2, 1866, and is a son of Abraham and Mary (Brickley) Woodward, natives of Trumbull county, Ohio, and who settled in Jefferson township in 1850, where the father purchased a farm and in time became an extensive agriculturist and stock breeder. They had ten children, who were born in the following order: An infant, deceased; Loretta, wife of George Wasson; Olive, deceased wife of William Beaty; Laura J., the present wife of the same gentleman; George T., a prosperous farmer in Jefferson township; Samantha E., wife of L. T. Fryback, of Warren, Indiana; William A., a thriving farmer and trader of Jefferson township; John W., a stockman of Ossian; Wilson A., and Allie, wife of Captain E. E. Derr.

Wilson A. Woodward was reared on his father's farm and acquired a good common school education. He remained with his father until he had attained his twenty-first year, at about which time he was united in marriage with Miss Luella Summers, also a native of Jefferson township and a daughter of William Summers, a respected farmer. For a few years Mr. and Mrs. Woodward resided on the farm, when they removed to Ossian, where he operated a grist-mill for a year and then opened a meat market, which he carried on for two years. Being a Democrat in politics, Mr. Woodward was appointed, during the second term of President Cleveland, postmaster, a position he filled with credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of the public for four years, during that same period being associated with A. B. Davis in the drug business. Retiring from this partnership at the expiration of his official term, Mr. Woodward associated himself with G. A. Morton and A. M. Gibson in buying and shipping live stock, in which business he is still engaged and with flattering success.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Woodward are five children: Goldie, Garth, Dana, Forrest and Vada. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Ossian, and fraternally Mr. Woodward is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which he is a past chancellor and representative to the grand lodge. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a trustee of his lodge, as also of the insurance department of the Knights of the Maccabees. He is one of the most active men in his line in Wells county, is a good neighbor, a broad-minded and progressive citizen, and enjoys to the fullest extent the esteem of every member of the community in which he lives. His life has been one of untiring industry and his fortune is of his own making, and he is generally regarded as one of the more substantial citizens of Wells county.

Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana. B.F. Bowen, Logansport, Indiana, 1903, pp. 459-460.