”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

THOMAS L. BARR, one of the substantial and influential citizens of Clay Township, was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., April 4, 1827. His father, Samuel Barr, was a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born of Dutch and Scotch-Irish descent, August 1, 1795; rnoved to Huntingdon County, Penn., when a young man, and later to Mifflin County, same State, where his death occurred September 8, 1862. He had become a school-teacher at the age of fifteen, and kept it up steadily until fifty-five years of age. He was twice elected to the office of recorder of Mifflin County, and held that position at the time of his death. His mother's maiden name was Bell. She was born December 13, 1797. Her marriage to Samuel Barr occurred in Mifflin Connty, Penn., December 28, 1820, and she died in her native county, within two miles of her birthplace, December 10, 1843. When his parents moved to Mifflin County our subject was only a boy of perhaps eight years. At the age of twenty-four he immigrated to Anglaize County, Ohio. Some months later he removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he became a farm-hand. In December, 1852, he came to this county, and worked on a farm, chiefly in Adams Township, until the following August. On the 18th of this month he was married to Rebecca K. Krider, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born of English and German descent, August 17, 1834. She was the third daughter born to Henry and Susan (Custer) Krider, the former a native of Lancaster County, and the latter of Washington County, Penn. On the 28th of the month in which he was married he took his wife and started back to Mifflin County, Penn. Here he was employed in a merchant's mill for about two years. In September, 1855, he returned to this county, and has ever since followed farming in Bethlehem, Adams and Clay Townships. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have had eleven children, only four of whom are living. Their names are: Susanna S., born May 18, 1854, died July 4, 1854; Mary J., born August 9, 1855; Sarah M., born Februry 10, 1858; Dulcena M., born July 11, 1860, died December 5, 1860; Zeruah A., born October 22, 1861, died March 3 , 1881; George W., born May 7, 1864, died August 29, 1865; Isaiah E., born July 24, 186, died August 17, 1865; Binnie B., born January 21, l867, died August 30, 1868; Tamar V., born November 11, 1870; Ada H. R., born May 26, 1875, and Thomas C., born April 20, 1879, died August 15, 1879. In politics Mr. Barr is a stanch Democrat. While a resident of Adams Township he held the office of township trustee one term and the office of assessor one term. The date of his election to the former was the spring of 1872, and his election to the latter office occurred in the spring of 1875. Mr. Barr, his wife and three children belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns 105 acres of land, about 113 acres of which is under cultivation.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOHN H. BURNETT, of Clay Township, was born in Highland County, Ohio, February 8, 1848. He was the oldest son born to Andrew and Mary J. (Horn) Burnett, the former a native of Highland County, Ohio, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. He had one brother and one sister, their names being George and Hannah, both of whom are living. In March, 1849, his parents immigrated to this State and located upon a farm in Fulton County, March 6, 1864, they came to Cass County and located upon a farm in Noble Township. In 1881 they removed to a farm in Section 10, Clay Township, where they at present reside. In April, 1873, our subject began farming for himself, in Noble Township and has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In March, 1876, he removed to a farm in Section 7, Clay Township. In March, 1882, he came to his present home, in Section 19, same township. Lizzie Thornton, a native of Noble Township, this county, born May 12, 1851, became his wife April 3, 1873. She was the daughter of Harvey J. and Catharine (Murray) Thornton, of Noble Township. To this union one child has been born, Nellie May, born December 28, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Burnett belong to the First Presbyterian Church of Logansport. Politically he is a Republican. He has a nice little farm, one mile north of Logansport, fitted up with good fences and buildings and in a high state of cultivation. He is an enterprising farmer and an influential citizen.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

HON. BENJAMIN F. CAMPBELL, a prominent citizen of Clay Township, a native of Stark County, Ohio. He was born March 4, 1835, being the third son born to Dugal and Maria (Carr) Campbell, both natives of Washington County, Penn.; the former of Scotch, and the latter of German and Irish descent. His father was born June 10, 1803; immigrated with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, in an early day; thence to this county, in May, 1848. He located upon a farm in Section 3, Clay Township, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring July 29, 1852. He was a carpenter by occupation, and was a faithful member of the Quaker Church. While a resident of Stark County, Ohio, he held the office of justice of the peace twenty years. The mother of our subject was born November 4, 1807. She, too, came with her parents to Stark County, Ohio, where, some time later, she was married to Dugal Campbell. Her death occurred at the old homestead, in Clay Township, August 20, 1867. She was a kind and devoted mother and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was one in a family of ten children -- four sons and six daughters. Their names, in the order of their ages, were William C., John T., Eve, Margaret A., Benjamin F., Harriet and Amanda, (twins), Mary J., Rachel and Robert C., of whom only Margaret A., Rachel and Benjamin F., are now living. The only school training he ever received was in the district school of his neighhorhood; but realizing the importance of a good education, he did not stop at this, but immediately set about storing his mind with good and useful information. He had a natural taste for reading, and not unfrequently did the midnight hour find him with book in hand, gathering that which would be of practical benefit to him in later years. This pursuit has since been faithfully prosecuted, until now he is a well informed and intelligent gentleman. He has resided upon the old home-place, in Clay Township, ever since locating there with his father, in 1848, and his attention has chiefly been given to agricultural pursuits. On the 7t h of January, 1861, he was married to Margaret South, who, also, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born May 2, 1837. She is the daughter of William and ___ (Mosier) South, and is a great-niece of Maj. Mosier, of the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have had eight children - four boys and four girls - two of whom, Robert A. and Blanche, are now living. Our subject and his wife are both members of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Campbell is an ardent Republican. He takes an active part in political campaigns, and uses all honorable means to promote the interests of his party. In the fall of 1878 he was elected a member of the Indiana State Legislature, and was the candidate of his party for that office in 1882, but failed to overcome all opposing majority. He owns 168 acres of land, nearly all of which is in a high state of cultivation. He is a successful farmer and an enterprising citizen.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

CHARLES N. COOK, of Clay Township, is a native of Berkshire County, Mass., and was born September 15, 1830. He was the son of Noah and Lydia B. (Bardwell) Cook, the former a native of West Hampton, and the latter a native of Belchertown, both in Massachusetts. His parents were both of English extraction. His father was a shoe-maker by trade. A part of his early life was spent assisting his father at his trade and a part of the time he worked on a farm. When he had attained his majority he went on a prospecting tour to California, where for eighteen months he gave his attention to mining and gardening. In the fall of 1854 he returned to Massachusetts and, remained with his father one year. In the spring of 1856 he immigrated to this county and located in Logansport. In the fall of 1856 he located a short distance west of the city, where he was engaged in gardening until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, N inety-ninth IndianaV olunteers, from which he was honorably dlischarged July 8, 1863, at David's Island, N. Y. He was in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and the siege of Atlanta. At the close of the war he returned to this county, and has been engaged in farming most of the time since then. February 27, 1866, he was married to Margaret Ball, a native of Washington County, Penn., born May 6, 1841. She was the daughter of David and Maria (Baker) Ball, of Clay Township. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have three children, all living. Their names are William D., born April 7, 1867; Anna Belle, born May 26, 1871, and Lydia E., born March 26, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Cook belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cook has held the office of assessor in Clay Township for two terms. In politics he is an ardent Republican. He has a comfortable home five miles northeast of Logansport. He is a straightforward and a respected citizen and temperate in every particular.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

L. B. CUSTER, of Clay Township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 18, 1836. He was the second son born to George B. and Sarah G. (Courtright) Custer, the former a native of Washington County, Penn., and the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio. His father was born August 15, 1810, and at present is a resident of Fairfield County, Ohio. His mother was born June 3, 1813, and died in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 26, 1847. His father was the son of George Custer, Jr., and Mary (Wise) Custer, the former of whom was the son of George Custer, Sr., and Susanna (Long) Custer; the former of whom was the son of Paul and Sarah (Ball) Custer, the latter of whom had one sister, Mary, who, about 1730, was married to Augustine Washington, by whom she gave birth to the illustrious Washington, the Father of our Country. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth working upon his father's farm in his native county. His education was received, principally, in the common schools. In April, 1861, he immigrated to this county and located upon a farm in Section 18, Clay Township, where he has ever since resided. November 15, 1860, he was married to Sallie A. Morehart, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born November 16, 1838. She was the second child born to Adam and Elizabeth (Dreisbach) Morehart, and came with her parents to this county in 1846. To them have been born three children, as follows: Clara C., born February 13, 1862; George D., born March 31, 1864, and Clarence C., born September 2, 1870, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Custer belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, and in politics is a Democrat. In January, 1873, he was elected a member of the State Boarcl of Agriculture, and still holds that position. During the year 1882 he served as presideut of the board. He has also been a director of the Cass County Agricultural Society ever since its organization, with the exception of two years.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

WILLIAM DELAPLANE, one of the substantial and influential famers of Clay Township was born in Butler County, Ohio, April 8, 1826. He was the third son born to James and Jane (Harper) Delaplane, the former a native of Frederick County, Md., and the latter a native of Berkeley County, Va. His father was of French, English and German descent, and his mother of Irish descent. His father emigrated from Maryland to Butler County, Ohio, in 1804, and died there October 1, 1858. His mother also died in Butler County January 30, 1867. He spent his early life working upon his father's farm and attending the district school. In the spring of 1874 he located upon a farm in Darke County, Ohio. In the following fall he came to this State and spent the winter of 1874--75 in Carroll County. In the spring of 1873 he came to this county and located upon a farm in Clay Township, where he has ever since resided. Sarah E. Zinn, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born of German descent, September 7, 1835, became his wife January 26, 1854. She was the third daughter of John and Mary (Bahel) Zinn, both natives of Pennsylvania. To them eight children have been born: Mary J., born March 16, 1855; James, born July 17, 1856; John, born November 17, 1858; Margaret A., born February 21, 1862; William, born December 3, 1863; Anna, born January 11, 1866; Ollie M., born March 3, 1868, died July 17, 1871, and Bertha L., born January 30, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Delaplane and all of their children belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Delaplane is a Republican. He owns a farm of 245 acres of good land, most of which is in a high state of cultivation. He is an enterprising and successful farmer and a good citizen. His paternal grandfather was a member of Gen. Washington's staff during the Revolution. His maternal grandfather was also a soldier in the Revolution, under Col. John Morgan.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

HEZEKIAH FAIR, of Clay Township, is the second son born toSanford and Mary (Lucas) Fair, both natives of Ohio. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, August 6, 1833. When he was six months old his parents immigrated to this county and located upon a farm in Clay Township. His parents afterward moved to Eel Township, where they spent the rest of their lives. They moved to Eel Township about 1850. About 1857 our subject located in Bethlehem Township, and a year later he removed to Miami County, this State. In 1859 he returned to this county and located in Scction 2, Clay Township. Here he lived until the spring of 1876, when he removed to a farm in another part of the same section, where he has since resided. October 26, 1859, he married Martha J. McElwee, a native of Pennsylvania, born July 27, 1839. She was the daughter of Charles and Catharine (Barsh) McElwee, both natives of Pennsylvania. To them twelve childrcn have been born. Their names are: Charles S., born August 28, 1860; William A., born September 25, 1861; Melzena, born November 13, 1863; James E., born February 16, 1863, died October 9, 1870; Rebecca A., born August 20, 1866; Parker A., born April 1, 1868; Theodore, born December 10, 1869, died October 18, 1870; Viola, born March 29, 1872; Rila, born March 10, 1875, died February 20, 1886; Lloyd, born September 11, 1876; Albert, born June 23, 1879, and Annie, born October 30, 1881. In politics Mr. Fair is a Republican. He is one of Cass County's old pioneers and one of her most highly respected citizens.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOSEPH G. FUNK, one of the substantial and influential citizens of Clay Township, is a native of Juniata County, Penn. He was born, of German descent, April 17, 1834, and was the eldest son of George and Mary (Gingrich) Funk, both natives of Juniata County, Penn. His father died October 12, 1852. In the spring of 1867 he came with his sister, Catharine A., to this county – his mother, brother, William A., and Nancy following in the spring of 1867. They located in Clay Township, upon the farm where our subject now resides. His occupation has always been that of a farmer. November 30, 1854, he was married to Mary E. Ward, a native of Miflin County, Penn., born, of Scotch, Irish and German descent, December 2, 1833. She was the daughter of William and Mary R. (Sunderland) Ward, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Funk have had nine children. Their names are: George W., born March 12, 1857; John H., born May 27, 1858; Horace N., born September 19, 1859; David M., born March 14, 1862; Mary E., born October 30, 1863; Flora S., born July 2, 1865; Anna R., born January 30, 1871; and a pair of twin girls, born October 25, 1855, both died in infancy. In politics Mr. Funk is a Republican. In the spring of 1877 he was elected to the office of assessor of Clay Township, and was re-elected in 1879, and again reelected in 1881. In the spring of 1882 he was elected to the office of trustee, to which he was re-elected in 18S4. He has a comfortable home seven miles northeast of Logansport. H e is an industrious and successful farmer, and in his official capacity has acquitted himself in a creditable manner.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOHN W. GERRARD, one of the substantial citizens and enterprising young farmers of Clay Township, was born in Marshall County, this State, January 18, 1854. He was the eldest son born to Andrew R. and Susannah (Miller) Gerrard, the former a native of Switzerland County, this State, born, of French descent, November 12, 1823; moved with his parents to Marshall County, this State, where he at present resides. The latter, a native of Pennsylvania, born, of Dutch descent, February 10, 1823, immigrated with her parents to Marshall County, the latter being among the first settlers of that county. Here she was married to Andrew R. Gerrard, in 1844. She died in Marshall County on the 10th of March, 1863. John W. spent his boyhood and youth working upon his father's farm and attending the district schools. After leaving the common schools he attended high school in Bourbon two terms. In December of 1881 he located upon a farm of his own in his native county. In September, 1883, he removed to this counlty and located uponthe Eel River Stock Farm, in Clay Township, where he has ever since resided. Nora Condon, a native of Kendallville, Noble County, this State, born, of Irish descent, December 15, 1854, became his wife December 27, 1877. She was the daughter of Dennis and Catharine ( Anglin) Condon, both natives of Ireland. The present residence of her father is in Muncie, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Gerrard have had two children: Charles A., born October 11, 1878, died October 13, 1878, and John C., born January 13, 1885. When he located upon the stock farm Mr. Gerrard formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, John Condon, the name of the firm being Condon & Gerrard. They are breeders and dealers in Durham and Jersey cattle, Poland-China hogs, etc. They have a fine lot of stock, which, perhaps, cannot be surpassed in Cass County. The farm consists of 200 acres of excellent land, upon which is a splendid brick residence, erected at a cost of $4,000. Mr. Gerrard is an energetic and successf ul farmer and breeder, and the firm of Condon & Gerrard enjoys the credit of owning the finest stock farm in Cass County.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

EDWARD JOHNSON, one of our old pioneers, immigrated to this county from Dayton, Ohio, in the spring of 1830. He was born in the State of Vermont February 9, 1809, being the fourth son of Jacob and Mary (Edwards) Johnson; the former, a native of the old country, of English descent, and the latter, presumably, a native of New Jersey, of English descent. Thirteen children were born to these parents - five sons and eight daughters. Shortly after our subject's birth his father returned from Vermont to the State of New Jersey, and about eight years later immigrated to Dayton, Ohio. Here he remained a few years; then removed to Randolph County, this State, where he located in the woods. Some two or three years later the uncle of our subject immigrated to the same county, with whom he returned to Dayton, Ohio, about three years later, and learned the trade of a blacksmith, and whence he came to this county in 1830. A year later he returned to Dayton. In the spring of 1833 he again returned to Logansport, where he built a shop and engaged in working at his trade. In the spring of 1837 he removed to a farm in Section 8, Clay Township, where he has ever since resided. For a number of years after moving to that farm he worked at his trade, but finally abandoned it, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. December 13, 1833, he was united in marriage to Matilda Archer. She was the daughter of James and Achsa (Clevenger) Archer, and was born in Clinton County, Ohio, April 9, 1811. Her parents were both natives of Virginia, of Irish, Dutch and English descent. Their family was composed of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had eleven children, eight of whom are living. They were born as follows: Anthony S., born October 2, 1834, died in the service of the Union Army, at Louisville, Ky., November 5, 1862; Mary J., born April 9, 1836; Mahalah A., born March 20, 1838; Juliet, born December 10, 1840, died October 20, 1842; Amanda, born January 31, 1843; William H., born April 17, 1845; Thomas, born January 10, 1847; Susan D., born February 8, 1849; Edward, born May 9, 1851, died March 22, 1853; Eleanor, born August 29, 1853, and Matilda A., born August 28, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and five of their children belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mary J. is a member of the United Brethren, and Mahalah A. a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Johnson is an ardent Republican. He formerly affiliated with the Whig party, having cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

TOBIAS JULIAN, one of the pioneers of Cass County, was born in Wayne County, this State, January 23, 1822. He was the second son born to Jacob and Mary (Harvey) Julian, both natives of Randolph County, N. C. The former was the son Isaac Julian, and was born, of French descent, about 1785; immigrated to the Territory of Indiana in 1809, and to Henry County, this State, abont 1826, and finally to this county in 1839, where he died September 29, 1870. The latter was born in 1779, and came with her parents to Wayne County, this State, about 1809, where, in 1811, she was married to Jacob Julian, and came with him to this county, where she died Angust 13, 1871, at the remarkable age of ninety-two. Tobias spent his youth working up on a farm and attending the district school about three months in the year. In 1844, at the age of twenty-two, he left home and located upon a piece of land he had purchased in Fulton County, Ind. In 1846 he emigrated to Green Connty, Mo., where he remained until March, 1847. He then returned to this county, and farmed until 1851. In 1855 he went to Minnesota, where he purchased land, but owing to a physical disability, resulting from a stroke of lightning, he returned to this county. In 1861 he located upon a farm in Clay Township. This has been his home chiefly ever since. In February, 1854, he was married to Emily Bond, daughlter of Robert and Rachel (Thornburg) Bond, and one child was born to them, Emma, March 10, 1855, who died at five years of age. His first wife died April 19, 1855. October 4, l861 he married Mrs. Jane (Covert) Young, daughter of Reuben and Beersheba Covert, formerly of this county. He lost his second wife March 22, 1882. His present home is upon one of his farms in Clay Township. He is a well-informed, agreeable man and an influential citizen. He has been connected with several enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare of his township and county, and many conveniences for the accommodation of the public are due to his enterprising spirit and popular influence. It was he, in connection with the late Noah S. LaRose, of Clay Township that, amidst unwarranted opposition, initiated the project and secured the construction of the Eighteenth Street Bridge over the Wabash River, at preseut indispensable to the traveling public. He has also borne an influential part in the construction of several gravel-roads, and at present is president of the Logansport & Rochester Gavel-Road Company.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

CAPT. GEORGE W. JULIAN, of Clay Township was born in Fayette County, this State, June 12, 1832. He was the third son born to Jesse and Jane (Reed) Julian, the former a native of North Carolina, born of German and French descent, March 14, 1794; immigrated, when a boy, with his parents to Tennessee, afterward came to the southern part of this State, and finally to this county and located upon a farm in Washington Township. About two years later he removed to farm in Section 8, Clay Township, where his death occurred February 9, 1847. The latter was a native of Ohio, born of Scotch-Irish descent, December 25, 1796; cam e with her parents to Fayette County, this State, where, on the 24th of April, 1817, she was married to Jesse Julian; came with her husband to this county, and died at the home-place about 1866. Geo. W. spent his boyhood and early youth working upon his father's farm and attending the district school. At the age of fourteen he entered the Logansport Seminary, where he remained for a number of terms. At about the age of seventeen he entered the Burnettsville Academy, but remained only one term. In 1856 he entered the State University at Bloomington, where he remained two terms. He then returned to Logansport, where he began the study of the law with Judge Stewart, at that time one of the prominent attorneys of this county. In the spring of 1856 he emigrated to Kansas, where he took a claim near Kansas City. Shortly afterward he returned to this county, where, until the fall of 1858, his attention was given to the reading of law and teaching school. During the winter of 1858-59 he taught school in Clay County, Mo. In the spring of 1859 he made a prospecting trip to Pike's Peak. About one month later he returned home. In August, 1862, he was commissioned by the governor as first lieutenant. He immediately set about raising a company, and by the 18th of the month had his company stationed at Camp Rose, South Bend, Ind. This was Company K, Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteers. It was removed to Camp Jo Reynolds, Indianapolis, September 21, 1862. Here it was organized, and on the 8th of the following November was ordered to Camp Carrington. He remained in the capacity of lieutenant until May 1, 1863, when he was promoted to a captaincy. He served with credit to himself in the siege of Vicksburg, the siege of Jackson, Miss.; Rocky Face, the Knoxville Campaign, Resacca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Atlanta and Nashville, Tenn. In December, 1864, on account of physical disability, he resigned his commission and returned home. In the meantime he had devoted his spare time to his law studies, and in 1866 he was admitted to the bar. He went in partnership in the law practice with John C. MeGregor, but after a few months' practice was compelled, owing to ill health, to abandon it. He returned to the home-place in Clay Township, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. October 5, 1870 he was married to Martha A. Batcheller, a native of this county, born July 21, 1846. By her he had two children: Clarence B., born August 11, 1871, and Jesse C., born April 2, 1873. His first wife died April 11, 1873, and on the 18th of October, 1882, he married Ida M. Skelton, a native of Logansport, born September 14, 1840. One child has been born to this union: Geo. E., born October 11, 1883, died February 13, 1884. Mr. Julian is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a Greenbacker in politics. He has held the office of justice of the peace in Clay Township three terms.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOHN J. JULIAN, of Clay Township, was born in Rush County, this State, April 7, 1835. He was the second son of Nathan and Rachel (Baker) Julian; the former a native of South Carolina, of French descent, born February 17, 1799, immigrated with his parents to Tennessee, then to the southern part of this State, and finally to this county in 1835, where his death occurred September 12, 1872; the latter was a native of Kentucky, born of Dutch descent, April 9, 1802, married to Nathan Julian April 8, 1819, came with her husband to this county, where she died in 1870. Both parents are interred at Bethel Church Cemetery, Clay Township. Our subject had two brothers and six sisters, all living but two. He spent his boyhood and youth at home with his parents, where, after he was old enough, he did all kinds of farm work. He attended the district school about three months in the year, receiving an ordinary common school education. In thie summer of 1854 he made his way, overland, to California, where he was engaged in mining until tlle fall of 1856, when he returned to this county and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clay Township. In September, 1870, he immigrated to Allen County, Kas., where he farmed for one year. In the fall of 1871 he returned to this county, and for the four or fire months following he was employed as clerk in a store in Logansport. In the summer of 1873 he returned to Clay Township, and again took up agricultural pursuits, which has ever since received his attention. April 29, 1861, he was married to Lizzie Kerlin, a native of Philadelphia, Penn., born of Dutch and English descent, December 29, 1835. She was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Phares) Kerlin, natives of New Jersey. They have had two children: Samuel O., born February 22, 1862, and Elden, born July 23, 1863, died August 31, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Julian belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Julian is a Republican. In the spring of 1878 he was elected to the office of township trustee; was re-elected in 1880, and again re-elected in 1886. He has a comfortable home three and one-half miles northeast of Logansport. He is an industrious farmer and an influential citizen.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

REED JULIAN, the youngest child born to Jesse and Jane (Reed) Julian, was born upon the old homestead, in Clay Township, August 4, 1839. He remained at home with his parents until he was past thirty years of age. During this time he worked upon the farm and attended the district scllools, in which he received a good common school education. In 1870 he immigrated to the State of Kansas, where he farmed for one year. He then returned to this county, and located where he now resides, in Section 8, Clay Township. Marietta Wood, a native of Logan County, Ohio, born July 29, 1846, became his wife March 25, 1869. She was the oldest daughter born to Thomas and Phebe (Obenchain) Wood. One child has been born to them, Hattie J., January 6, 1870. Mrs. Julian is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Julian is s member of the National Greenback party. He has a comfortable home three and one-half miles northeast of Logansport, and is an honest, upright man, and a good citizen.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

MRS. SUSANNA KRIDER, a venerable old lady of Clay Township, came to this county, with her husband and seven children, in May, 1837. Her maiden name was Susanna Custer. She was born in Washington County, Penn., March 23, 1802, being the oldest daughter born to George and Mary (Wise) Custer. The former was the son of George and Susann (Long) Custer, and was born in Maryland on the 30th of July, 1776. He died in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 13, 1833. The latter was the daughter of Andrew and Zeruah (Hartman) Wise. She was born in Washington County, Penn., February 18, 1778. Her death occurred in Bethlehem Township, this county, August 10, 1856. Mrs. Krider spent her early life at home with her parents in her native county. On the 26th of September, 1813, she was married to Henry Krider, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born July 14, 1799. He was the youngest child born to Christian and Susanna (Elebarger) Krider, both natives of Pennsylvania. In March, 1829, she immigrated with her husband to Montgomery County, Ohio, and in May, 1837, came to this county and first located in a cabin in Bethlehem Township. In the following September they removed to a farm in Sections 23 and 30, same township. Here her husband died March 15, 1868, since which she has been a widow. In June, 1868, she moved to Logansport. In 1871 she went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Heddens, of Logansport, where she made her home for four years. She then returned to the old home place in Bethlehern Township, where she made her home with her son Isaiah until April, 1879, since which her home has been with her daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Barr, in Clay Township. Mrs. Krider is the mother of eight children, three of' whom are living. They were Elizabeth, born June 29, 1820, died September 12, 1833; George C., born November 24, 1822, died August 17, 1855; Christian E., born February 24, 1825, died January 3, 1864; David H., born December 31, 1827, died October 15, 1853; Isaiah W., born June 4, 1830; Mary M., born October 21, 1832; Rebecca, born August 17, 1834, and Susanna, born February 15, 1837, died December 18, 1860. Mrs. Krider has been a member of the Christian Church for forty years.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

CHARLES T. LEACH, an old and highly respected citizen of Clay Township, was the only son born to Azariah and Charlotte (Thomas) Leach, both natives of New York. He was born in Cuyuga County, N. Y., February 17, 1818. In the spring of 1844 he immigrated to this county and located in Noble Township. Here he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for eight years. In 1852, on account of impaired health, he left the farm and located in the city of Logansport. Here he first engaged in the livery business. In 1858 he accepted a position with James W. Dunn, who, at that time, was the agent of the American and United States Express Companies. In 1861, his employer having resigned, he himself was made agent for the company, which position he held until 1868. In the spring of 1872 he removed to a farm in Clay Township, which has ever since been his home. October 19, 1840, he was married to Nancy Smith, a native of New York, who died April 10, 1869. April 9, 1871 he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Ingraham, a native of Maine. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Allen. She died September 20, 1878. September 25, 1882, he was married to Mary Allen, native of this county. His first wife bore seven children: Charlotte, Margaret, George, Ella, Florence and a pair of twins, who lived but two weeks. Mr. Leach is a member of the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. fraternities. He is a Republican in politics, and has twice been elected to the office of justice of the peace in Clay Township. He is an influential citizen and has the universal respect of the community in which he resides.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOHN H. SOUDER, a highly respected citizen of Clay Township, was born in Perry County, Penn., May 16, 1823. He was the second son born to Mathias and Elizabeth (Hammer) Souder, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The former was the son of George Souder, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The latter was the daughter of George and Elizabeth Hammer, the former of who was also a soldier in the Revolution. His boyhood and youth were spent in his native county, working upon his father's farm and attending the district school. At the age of twenty-two he removed to Juniata County, Penn., where for six years he worked at his trade in Perryville. In the spring of 1852 he immigrated to this State and located in Carroll County. During the first six years of his residence there he worked at his trade. In 1838 he located upon a farm in Rock Creek Township, same county, and since has chiefly been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the spring of 1864 he removed to this county and located upon a farm in Sections 8 and 9, Clay Township, where he has ever since resided. Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Juniata County, Penn., born December 27, 1827, became his wife February 28, 1848. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Rice) Wilson, both nati ves of Juniata County, Penn., the former of English and the latter of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Souder have had five children, four of whom are living. Their names are Goshen L., born May 24, 1849; Cloyd L., born April 29, 1853; Clara A., born June 18, 1855; Parker G., born September 11, 1857, died March 12, l876, and Alice V., born December 28, 1859. Politically Mr. Souder is a Republican. While a resident of Carroll Cornty he held the office of township trustee in Rock Creek Township one term. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has a farnl of 117 acres, about 100 acres of which are in cultivation. In 1876 he retired from farming, since which he has given his attention to apiculture and pisciculture. His interest in the latter has become quite extensive. He has three good ponds, well stocked with German carp, and contemplates building a fourth soon. One of these covers about one acre and a half of ground and is, perhaps, the best of its kind in the county.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JACOB W. MOREHART was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 27, 1840. He was the only son born to Adam and Elizabeth (Dreisbach) Morehart, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His father was born in November, 1779; immigrated with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio, when fourteen years old; came to this county in November 1844, and located upon a farm in Section 17, Clay Township. Here he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring September 19, 1878. His mother was born about 1805; was married to Adam Morehart, in Fairfield County, Ohio, about 1830; came with her husband to this county, and at present makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Booth, in the city of Logansport. Jacob's boyhood and early youth were spent upon his father's farm and attending the district school. At the age of sixteen years he began farming for himself. This was upon the home-place in Clay Township. He continued upon this place until March, 1875, when he was selected by the commissioners of Cass County to take charge of the County Infirmary, which position he assumed and has held ever since. He is a No. 1 farmer, a good manager, and is discharging his duties in a creditable manner. Mary A. Conrad, a native of Bethlehem Township, this county, born June 8, 1843, became his wife September 8, 1863. She was the daughter of David H. and Mary (Custer) Conrad, both natives of Washington County, Penn. To this union eight children have been born, seven of whom are living: Burl, born August, 1, 1865; Mary E., born January 28, 1866; Hannah C., born January 30, 1868; Adam J., born November 15, 1870, died March 18, 1875; David H., born August 2, 1872; Mark, born September 16, 1875; Niota Mabel, born May 18, 1877; and Louis Edgar, born July 15, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Morehart are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

THOMAS PLUMMER, a venerable old citizen of Clay Township, was born in Fayette County, this State, July 12, 1815. He was the second son born to John and Nancy (Ladd) Plummer, the former a native of Maryland, of Welsh and English descent, and the latter, a native of North Carolina, of English descent. His father was born September 6, 1772; immigrated to Virginia about the year 1800; afterward moved to Georgia; then to North Carolina, where he was married to Nancy Ladd, June, 1810; immigrated with her to Ohio in 1811; then to Fayette County, this State, in 1814, and finally to this county in 1833. He located upon a farm in Section 16, Clay Township, where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives, their respectire deaths occurring July 4, 1855, and July 7, 1859. They are both interred at Bethel Church Cemetery, Clay Township. Subject was the third child in a family of eight childrcn, five boys and three girls. Their names were Noble, born August 7, 1811; died February 20, 1881; Mary A., born June 22, 18l3, died September 3, 1883; Thomas, born July 12, 1815; Elihu, born December 22, 1816; died September 21, 1877; Elizabeth, born November 14, 1818, died February 9, 1881; John, born November 15, 1820, Nancy, born March 5, 1823, and Moses L., born August 2, 1823, died January 1, 1871. In 1850, subject moved to a farm in Tipton Township, where he was engaged in farming and saw-milling until 1878, when he returned to the old homestead in Clay Township, where he has ever since resided. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican. He is one of Cass County's old pioneers and most highly respected citizens.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOSEPH ROHRER, an old citizen of Clay Township, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., October 8, 1817. He was the son of John and Magdalena (Killheffer) Rohrer, both natives of Lancaster County, Penn. He received an ordinary common school education. In 1837 his parents immigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, where they located upon a farm. Here his parents spent the rest of their life. In thie spring of 1851, subject immigrated to this county and located upon a farm in Sections 3 and 4, Clay Township. Here he has ever since resided. February 8, 1814, he was married to Maria Kampf, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born December 2, 1819; she was the daughter of Anthony Kampf. To this marriage two children were born: John H., December 26, 1844 and Simon June 8, 1846. The latter is a minister in the Disciples Church, and at present is located at Poestenkill, N. Y. As such he has been eminently successful. Mr. Rohrer lost his first wife April 4, 1853. June 23, 1854, he was married to Susan M. Tweed, a natire of Wayne County, Ohio, born March 15, 1834, she was the daughter of John Tweed, a native of Pennsylvania. To this latter union two children have been born, named Lee and Ella, both of whom are dead. Mr. Rohrer is a member of the Disciples Church.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOHN H. ROHRER, one of the substantial citizens of Clay Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 26, 1844. He was the oldest of two children born to Joseph and Maria (Kampf) Rohrer. In the spring of 1831 he came with his parents to this county and located upon a farm in Clay Township. Here his boyhood and youth were spent working upon the farm and attending the district school. By the time he was twenty years of age he had obtained sufficient education to teach school. He taught at this time for two years, the first of which was in Cass and the last in Pulaski County. He then became a teacher in the schools of Delphi, this State, remaining one year. In the fall of 1867 he took charge of the graded schools at Burnettsville, White County, this position he held one year. In the spring of 1868, he entered Alliance College, at Alliance, Ohio; here he remained one year. He then entered Butler University, spending one year. Returning to this county he entered Smithson College, but owing to ill health he was compelled to abandon his studies. In June, 1873, he immigrated to Minnesota. In the rneantime he had become a minister in the Disciples Church, having begun to preach while teaching at Burnettsville. In April, 1876, he returned to this State. In January, 1877 he took charge of a congregation of Disciples at Rolling Prairie, Laporte County. A year later, owing to ill health, he was compelled to abandon the ministry altogether. He then returned to the old homestead in this county, where he has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Cecelia M. Williarnson, a native of Bethlehem Township, this county, born of Scotch-Irish and German descent, October 1, 1850, became his wife October 12, 1880. She was the daughter of Samuel A. and Temperance (Conrad) Williamson, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. To this union, one child has been born, Clark, August 3, 1851. In politics Mr. Rohrer is an ardent Republican. In July, 1863, at the age of eighteen, he entered Company E, One Hundred and Eighteenth Indiana Volunteers, from which he was honorably discharged in March, 1864.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

BENJAMIN D. SCOTT, of Clay Township, was born in the township in which he resides May 13, 1831. He was the third son born to John and Margaret (Watt) Scott, natives of Kentucky and North Carolina respectively. His parents came to this county from Delaware County, this State, in the spring of 1828, and were the first white settlers of Clay Township, where his parents spent the rest of their lives, their respective deaths occurring September 7, 1866, and March 26, 1878. The entire life of our subject has been spent upon a farm, and, owing to the almost absolute want of school privileges during his earlier life, his education was quite limited. In 1852 he began to learn the carpenter's trade. This was finished in due time, and the first schoolhouse built in his school district was his own workmanship. He worked at his trade until 1859, since which he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Belinda Carr, a native of Stark C ounty, Ohio, born August 13, 1836, became his wife August 7, 1856. She was the daughter of John and Phebe (McCoy) Carr, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have had seven children, five of whom are living. The first was a girl, born in 1857, and who lived but a short time; then Horace C., born December 20, 1858, died September 7, 1839; Robert B., born November 27, 1859; Mary I., born September 22, 1861; Mattie G. born February 26, 1864; Vira A., born December 16, 1866, and Jennie E., born April 10, 1869. Politically Mr. Scott is an ardent Republican. He has a comfortable hom six miles northeast of Logansport, and at present enjoys the credit of having been a resident of Clay Township longer than any one else now living in the township.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

WILLIAM A. SHACKELFORD, a native of Miami County, Ohio, was born July 18, 1827. He was the youngest and only living child born to James and Susan (Murray) Shackelford, the former a native of Virginia, born, of Irish descent, June 6, 1794; immigrated with his parents to Kentucky when he was yet a child; thence to Miami County, Ohio, where his death occurred April 27, 1860. The latter was born May 7, 1797 immigrated with her parents to Miami County, Ohio, where she was married to James Shackelford December 21, 1818; she died in that county September 22, 1840. The entire life of our subject has been spent upon a farm. In the fall of 1866 he came to this county and located in Clay Township. Here he remained until March, 1876, when he rented his farm and moved to North Manchester. In May, 1877, he returned to the farm again, in Clay Township. Here he remained until 1880, when he sold his farm, and in June of that year he took his family and went to Kansas. He had intended to locate in the West, if pleased with the country. In September, 1880, he returned, having made up his mind that Cass County was good enough for anybody. On returning to this county he located upon a farm in Section 10, Clay Township, where he has ever since resided. January 2, 1862, he was married to Harriet Robison, a native of Miami County, Ohio, born, of Scotch descent, July 28, 1839. She was the oldest daughter born to William and Susan (Ross) Robison, both natives of Perry County, Penn. Her father was born October 15, 1802. He came with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio; thence to Miami County, Ohio, where his parents died. In 1842 he came to this county, and at this writing is living in Logansport. Her mother was born December 21, 1816. She was married to William Robison January 18, 1838; came with him to this county, where she died August 6, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Shackelford have had but one child, John A., born March 30, 1870. They are both members of the Protestant Church - the former of the Methodist and the latter of the Baptist. In politics Mr. Shackelford is a Republican.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

SAMUEL D. SHILLING, one of the substantial citizens and farmers of Clay Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 3, 1832. He was the third son born to Samuel and Sarah (Weaver) Shilling, both natives of Franklin County, Penn., of German descent. The birth of the former occurred on the 3d of March, 1790, and that of the latter on the 22d of August, 1798. They were married in their native county April 13, 1820. Shortly after their marriage they immigrated to Stark County, Ohio, and in October, 1848, came to this county ancl locatecl upon a farm in Clay Township, where they spent the rest of their lives - their respective deaths occurring in September, 1871, and in February, 1870. Samuel's boyhood and early youth were spent upon his father's farm in his native county. He attended the district schools of his day, where he received an ordinary common school education. In the spring of 1863 he immigrated to California, where he worked upon a fruit ranch until the fall of 1865. He then returned to this county. His trip to California was made by the overland route, and the return trip was made by the Isthmus of Panama and New York City. After his return he took np farming at the home place in Clay Township, and has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In April, 1867, he located where he now lives, in Section 5. Harriet Lackey, a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born of English descent March 11, 1839, became his wife November 20, 1866. She was the fourth daughter born to Alexander and Osee B. (Enyart) Lackey, both natives of Hamilton County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Shilling are parents of six children: Nettie A., born August 27, l867, died March 10, 1872; Elmer E., born Novemner 28, 1868; Annie, born March 17, 1871, died Deceinber 9, 1872; Charlie, born June 24, 1872, died May 19, 1877; Edward L., born January 12, 1874, died May 22, 1877, and Osee, born April 10, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Shilling belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In politics he is an ardent Prohibitionist.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township

JOHN H. SIMPSON, one of the pioneers of Cass County, was born in Preble County, Ohio, February 1, 1815. He was the second son born to James and Rachel (Mills) Simpson, both natives of New Jersey, the former of Scotch and the latter of French descent. His boyhood and youth were spent upon a farm in his native county. In 1840 he came to this county and located upon a farm in the northeastern part of Clay Township. In 1867 he removed to the farm he now occupies in Section 16, same township. In April, 1879, he moved his family to Fowler, Benton County, this State, where for four years he was engaged in the grocery business. He returned again to the farm in November, 1883. August 24, 1843, he was married to Mary J. Kerlin, a native of New Jersey, and daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Kerlin, both natives of New Jersey. To this union four children were born: James, born November 9, 1844; Isaac, born August 6, 1849; Jay, born April 22, 1861, and John, born in J anuary, 1867, died in infancy. His first wife died May 29, 1881. August 6, 1882, he was married to Elizabeth McHenry, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Henry and Lydia (Cline) McHenry, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson both belong to the church - the former to the Christian and the latter to the Methodist. In politics he is a Republican. In 1876 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which he held until 1879. He has a comfortable home four miles northeast of Logansport.

”History of Cass County, Indiana”
Edited by Thomas B. Helm
Brant & Fuller, Chicago, 1886
Clay Township