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

SIMMONS RAMSEY, one of the prominent citizens of Jackson Township, was born in Marion County, this State, June 18, 1836. He was the oldest born to John and Annis (Harbert) Ramsey. The father of Mr. Ramsey was of Irish, and his mother of Scotch-Irish descent. The father of Mrs. Ramsey was of Irish, and her mother of English descent, natives of Pennsylvania and South Carolina, respectively. He came with them to this county in 1853. They located upon the fnrm where our subject now resides, in Sections 27 and 34. Here he worked upon the farm until he was twenty years of age, when he immigrated to Kansas. Here he took a claim, which he located upon and immediately set about developing a farm. He pursued the avocation of a farmer until August 2, l86l, when he entered the service of his country in Company E, Tenth Kansas Inf antry. From this company he received an honorable discharge in August, 1864. He entered the service as a private, but was soon promoted to the rank of sergeant. His service was chiefly upon the frontier, where he took part in several important skirmishes, perhaps the most hotly contested of which was the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark. At the close of the war he returned to his farm in Kansas and resumed agricultural pursuits, in which he has ever since been engaged. In July, 1873, he returned to this county, and again located upon the old homestead, near Galveston, Jackson Township. July 23, 1865 he was united in marriage to Ada Jane Buck, daughter of Ethel C. and Mariam (Underwood) Buck, the former a native of Steuben County, N. Y., and the latter also a native of New York. She was born in Boone County, Ill., February 8, 1849. To them have been born six children. Their names are Francis A., born January 26, 1867; Howard O., born March 27, 1869; Fred A., born October 10, 1871; the next was an infant son, born October 10, 1874, who died in inf'ancy unnamed; Nellie A., born February 5, 1876, and Porter Garfield, born June 22, 1880. Mr. Ramsey is a member of the G. A. R. and is a Republican in politics. He is the owner of 137.5 acres of good land, most of which is in a high state of cultivation. He is an industrious and successful farmer and a leading citizen.

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

MORTON E. RAY, the efficient young book-keeper for F. H. Thomas & Bros. of Galveston, is a native of Indianapolis and was born January 20, 1863. He was the only son born to Andrew and Frances M. (Lattimore) the former of which was a native of Marion County, this State, and the latter a native of Vincennes, Ind. When our subject was four years old his parents removed from Indianapolis to Michigantown, this State. Two years later they removed to Galveston, where Morton spent his boyhood and youth, attending school. In the spring of 1878 he accepted a position as a clerk in the large dry-goods store of M. H. Thomas & Sons, which position he held until August of 1882, when he became book-keeper for the firm of F. H. Thomns & Bro., in which capacity he has been ever since. Gertrude M. Darragh, a native of Winchester, Ohio, born December 13, 1866, became his wife June 16, 1886. She was the daughter of William and Laura (Wilson) Darragh. Mr. Ray is a rnember of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and is a Republican in politics. He is s young man of sterling integrity and irreproachable character, and well worthy the trust and confidence placed in him by his employers and the public.

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

JEFFERSON A. RODIBAUGH, one of the enterprising young farmers of Jackson Township, is a native of the township in which he resides, and was born July 6, 1850. He was the second son born to Joseph and Alina (Harbert) Rodibaugh, natives, respectively of Randolph and Wayne Counties, this State, former of Dutch, and latter of English and Irish descent. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent working upon his father's farm and attending the district schools, in which he received a good common school education. In 1870 he took up the avocation of a teacher, and has now taught for seven consecutive winters. During this time he has furthered his studies by attending the normal school at Valparaiso one term; this was in the spring of 1880. He has also attended the teachers' normal in Logansport three terms. His home has always been in Jackson Township. He located where he now resides, in Section 28, in April, 1884. June 9, 1883, he was married to Ida Engler, daughter of David and Martha J. (White) Engler, the former of whom at present resides in Walton. Mrs. Rodibaugh was born in Shelby County, this State, May 24, 1860. Mr. Rodibaugh is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and is a Republican in politics. In April, 1882, he was elected to the office of township assessor, and was re-elected in the spring of 1886. He is the owner of 110 acres of good land, about 75 of which are in a high state of cultivation. He is an industrious and successful farmer, a first-class teacher and a No. I citizen.

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

JAMES M. RONK, of Jackson Township, was born in Greenbrier County, Va. (now West Virginia), May 3, 1836. He was the oldest child born to George W. and Sarah J. (Carp) Ronk, natives of Roanoke and Greenbrier Counties, Va., respectively. James grew up to manhood in his native county, and at the age of fifteen he became a deck-hand upon a steamboat plying upon the Great Killlawha and Ohio Rivers between Charleston, W. Va. and Cincinnati, Ohio. After one year's experience he was promoted to first mate, a few months later he was made watchman. At the end of three years, or when he was eighteen years old, his knowledge of the river hacl become so thorough, and the confidence of his superiors had become so implicit, that he was at this early age, cornrnissioned as pilot. He served as such about seven years and discharged his duties in a creditable manner. He entered the service of the Confederate Army in 1861, in Company A, Twenty-second Virginia Regiment. He had voted for the Union, and his sympathy was with the Union, and it was only the direst provocation and most inhuman treatment by a company of Union men that caused him to renounce his allegiance to the Federal cause and enter the Southern Army. The said Union company had, for some little petty grievance, boldly and outrageously insulted him by confiscating his own private property and pntting it to its own use, whereupon Mr. Ronk, in the heat of revenge, declared he would sacrifice his own inclinations and enter the ranks of the foe. In the course of the war he displayed such military valor and bravery that he was promoted to the rank of captain, in which capacity he served until in July, 1864 when he and his entire company - excepting twenty-five men which he had secreted in a stock-well were captured at Winchester, Va. After a nine-months' imprisonment at Point Lookout, Md., he was liberated and permitted to enter the retreat of civil life. He served in a creditable manner in the Battles of Manassas Junction, Seven Day's Fight at Richmond, Pine Bluffs (South Carolina) Cedar Creek, Winchester, and a great many others. In all, he participated in thirty-eight battles. After the war he came West, and, in June, 1865, he located at Burlington, Carroll County. He came to this county in the fall of 1877 and located upon a farm in Section 31, Jackson Township, where he has ever since continued to reside. December 25, 1865, he was married to Sophrona J. Cox, a native of Howard County, this State, born May 17, 1846. She died March 18, 1885, leaving to the care of our subject eight children. Their names are William A., Martha A., Anna M., Miranda M., Cora A., Mary D., Lizzie M. and Daisy M., all of whom are living. Mr. Ronk is a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat in politics. He owns a farm of sixty acres where he lives, besides twenty acres in Howard County. His life has been rather an eventful one, but he is now living in a quiet way with his children, and the only impediment in the pleasure of the family circle is the absence of the wife and mother.

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

SAMUEL T. RONK, an enterprising ancl influential citizen and f armer of Jackson Township, is a native of Greenbrier County, Va. (now West Virginia), and was born December 10, 1844. He was the fifth son born to George W. and Sarah J. (Carp) Ronk, the former a native of Roanoke County, Va., and the latter a native of Greenbrier County, Va. Samuel T. spent his early life in his native county, working upon his father's farm. Early in 1862 he entered the service of the Confederate Army, in Company A. Twenty-second Virginia Regiment, his sympathy at the same time being with the Union. His entry into the Southern Army was therefore, the result of circumstances and not his own inclinations. His duties during the war were chiefly in the service of the cornmisssry department. At the close of the war he came to this State and located near Burlington, Carroll County, where his parents, in the meantime, had settled. In the fall of 1877 he came to this county and locatecl where he now resides, in Section 31, Jackson Township. He gives his attenttion chiefly to agricultural pursuits, though he has gained considerable reputation as a veterinary surgeon. He was married to Martha J. Cox December 17, 1868. She was the daughter of Er and Dorcas (Miller) Cox, natives of Indiana and Tennessee, respectively. She was born in Howard County, this State, November 6, 1848. To them ten children have been born: Andrew L., Lennie, Ettie R., John H., Mattie B., Laura C., Thomas G., Samuel H., and two others who died in infancy unnamed. Lennie and Samuel H. are deceased. Mr. Ronk and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Politically Mr. Ronk is a Democrat. He owns sixty acres of good land where he resides, besides twenty acres in Howard County. He is industrious and successful farmer and a first-rate citizen.

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

JACOB SOMSEL, one of the enterprising young farmers of Jackson Township, is a native of Preble County, Ohio, and was born January 26, 1844. He was the fourth son born to David and Rebecca (Warrenfelts) Somsel, both natives of Maryland, of German descent. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth working upon his father's farm in his native county. At the age of twenty he began farming for himself, and in the spring of 1872 he came to this county and located upon a farm in Section 19, Jackson Township, where he has ever since resided. His occupation during his entire life has been that of a farmer. October 25, 1866, he was married to Isabel Davisson, also a native of Preble County, Ohio. She was born March 11, 1848. She was the daughter of Jonathon and Mary (Shields) Davisson, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. To them have been born nine children: John W., born September 1, 1867; David C. (deceased) , Charles, Levi and Warren (deceased), George B., Frank E., the next was a son, who died in infancy unnamed, and Daisy B. In politics Mr. Somsel is a Democrat. He has held the office of constable four terms, two of which were in Preble County, Ohio. He owns 120 acres of land, 93 of which is in cultivation. Mr. Somsel is a pushing, energetic and wide-awake farmer and a No. 1 citizen.

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

CALEB H. SPRINKLE, of Jackson Township, was born in Montgomery County, this State, September 8, 1846. He was the second son born to Samuel B. and Nancy (Hardesty) Sprinkle, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter a native of Clay County, this State. He accompanied his parents to this county about 1852, and located with them upon a farm in Jackson Township. Here Caleb spent his youth working upon his father's farm. In 1869, he located upon a farm in Section 8, Jackson Township, where he has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. June 22, 1869, he was married to Sarah E. Wynn, a native of Jackson Township, born April 10, 1852. She was the daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Frush) Wynn, who were among the first settlers of Jackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Sprinkle have had eight children. They are Susie, William H., Thomas F., Charles S., Cora B., Isaac E., Mary L. and Nellie B., all of whom are living except Isaac E., who died when eleven months old. Mr. and Mrs. Sprinkle are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sprinkle is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge, and is a Republican in politics. He is an industrious and successful farmer.

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

WILLIAM F. STANLEY, a prominent farmer and stock dealer of Jackson Township, was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, February 14, 1849. He was the oldest son born to George and Susan (Shelly) Stanley, who at present reside in Galveston. When he was seven years old his parents located in Galveston, where William spent his boyhood and youth assisting his father in his trade, which was that of a brick-maker. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in the business for himself. He was thus employed about six years. In the fall of 1871 he located upon a farm in Section 24, Jackson Township. The winter of 1872-73 he spent with his father-in-law, John Emry. After spending a short time on a farm in Section 15, Jackson Township, he went to Galveston, residing there about three years, during which time he was engaged in the manufacture of brick. In February, 1873, he removed to the farm he now occupies in Sections 19 and 20, Jackson Township. Since then he has heen chiefly engaged in agricutural pursuits and dealing in stock. November 17, 1870, he married Sarah Emry, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born November 30, 1849. She was the daughter of John and Catharine (Courson) Emry, both natives of Licking County, Ohio. To them six children have been born - all of whom are living. Their names are Jessie L., born June 26, 1871; Emma, born November 23, 1872; George E., born September 17, 1874; Mary A., born December 28, 1875; Maggie P., born November 10, 1877, and John F., born November 16, 1879. Mr. Stanley is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and is a Democrat in politics. He owns a handsome farm of 196 acres of land, fitted up with good fences and buildings, and it is one of the most desirable locations in the county. About 113 acres of his land is in a high state of cultivation. He is an industrious and successful farmer and business man.

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

HENRY STAUFFER and his wife Catharine Stauffer, a venerable old couple of Jackson Township, were married in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 9, 1828. They have, therefore, lived together over fifty-eight years. The former was born in Lancaster County, Penn., August 3, 1799. He was the oldest son of John and Isabella (Kelly) Stauffer, the former a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and the latter a native of Ireland, who came to America with her parents when she was six years old. Henry's paternal grandparents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Brubaker) Stauffer. His maternal grandparents were Henry and Isabella (Wilson) Kelly. When Henry was twenty years of age, or in 1819, he accompanied his parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he remained until after his marriage. The latter, Mrs. Catharine Stauffer, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 15, 1811. She was the second daughter born to Nathaniel and Sarah (Flynn) Stutsman, the former a native of Maryland and the latter a native of Fayette County, Penn. Her paternal grandparents were David and Anna (Nesbit) Stutsman. Her maternal grandparents were Dennis and ------ (Berney) Flynn. After their marriage our subject resided in Montgomery County, Ohio, until 1837, Mr. Stauffer having been engaged in coopering and the nursery business. In that year they immigrated to Douglas County, Kas., where they resided upon a farm until 1809, when, owing to the presence of old age, in order to be nearer their son, John W. Stauffer, they returned from the West, came to this county, and located in a cozy, little house upon a small piece of ground which they had purchased in Section 20, Jackson Township. Here they resided in a quiet, happy way until February, 1886, when, owing to the enfeebled condition of Grandfather Stauffer's health and the impaired condition of his eyesight, they yielded to the wishes of their son and daughter-in-law, and since have made their horne with Mr. and Mrs. John W. Stauffer. Henry Stauffer is the oldest living person in Jackson Township, and, perhaps, the third oldest person in the county. Mrs. Stauffer is now in the seventy-sixth year of her age and is enjoying excellent health. They are the parents of four children. Their names are John W., Sarah A., Nathaniel S. and Mary J., the third of which died at the age of nineteen. The father of Mrs. Stauffer, Nathaniel Stutsman, died at Peru, this State, April 9, 1881, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, having become members of that church in June, 1828. They are now spending their declining years in a pleasant way. In politics Mr. Stauffer formerly belonged to the Whig party. He is now an ardent Prohibitionist.

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

JOHN W. STAUFFER, one of the prominent farmers of Jackson Township, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and was born October 8, 1829. He was the oldest son born to Henry and Catharine (Stutsman) Stauffer, the former a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and the latter a native of Montgomery Conuty, Ohio. His father is of German and Irish and his mother of German and English descent. Our subject spent his early life working upon a farm in his native county. In March, 1857, he accompanied his parents to Douglas County, Kas., where the latter located upon a farm. In 1860 John returned to this State and located in Carroll County. Three years later he came to this county and located upon a farm in Noble Township. In the spring of 1865 he returned to Carroll County, but in January, 1868, he again came to this county and located this time upon a farm in Section 19, Jackson Township, where he has over since resided. His chief occupation has always been farming. May 31, 1860, he was married to Margaret Trapp, a native of Noble Township, this county, born March 27, 1840. She was the daughter of George and Catharine (Miller) Trapp, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Mrs. Stnuffer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Stauffer is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and a Democrat in politics. He held the office of road superintendent from the spring of 1882 to the spring of 1884. He owns a fine farm, fitted up with good fences and buildings, and taking everything into consideration it is one of the most desirable locations in Cass County. He is a pushing, energetic and successful farmer and a good citizen. He began life poor, but, by industry, perseverance and economy, has placed himself in comfortable circumstances.

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

HON. HEWIT L. THOMAS, a venerable old citizen of Galveston, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., April 27, 1805. He was the youngest son born to Minor and Nancy (Wynans) Thomas, the former a native of Ridgefield, Conn., and the latter a native of the Van Rensselaer patent in New York. His father's ancestors formerly came from Wales, and were, therefore of Welsh descent. His mother's people were of German and English descent. The father of our subject imimigrated to this State and located in Fayette County in 1819, and was a prominent Baptist minister. Here Hewit L. spent his youth working upon a farm. He attended the district schools of his day, in which, considering the very limited advantnges, he received a very good education. By the time he was eighteen years of age he had sufficient education to teach school. After teaching two terms he went to Oxford, Ohio, where he attended college about five months. He then returned to the farm in Fayette County, but in the spring of 1826 he removed to a farm in another part of the county. Two years later he again changed his location to a farm in another part of the county. In the spring of 1828 he began a subscription school in Harrison Township, Fayette County, which he continued for one year with good success. On account of the serious illness of his father he gave up the school for the purpose of administering to the wants of the former. In the spring of 1831 he located upon a farm in Connersville Township, Fayette County. In the following spring he removed to Waterloo Township, where, for one year, he was engaged in hotel-keeping. In 1834 he located again in Harrison Township, but two years later, or in 1836, he came to Cass County and located in Clinton Township. In the spring of 1853 he removed to Noble Township. In 1855 he immigrated to Minnesota, where, for ten years, he was engaged in the lumber business and merchandising. In October, 1803, he returned to this county and located at Galveston, where he has ever since resided. March 9, 1826, he was married to Charlotte C. Helm, a native of Mason County, Ky., born, of Scotch and English descent, August 26, 1808. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Drummond) Helm, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter a native of Scotland. Her father emigrated from Virginia to Keutucky in an early day, and took part in many skirmishes with the Indians during the early settling of that State. He was under Gen. Harmer during his expedition against the Indians, and was one of the seventeen who escaped at the time of the latter's defeat. He was also a major under Gen. Harrison's command during the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have had three children, all of whom are living. Their names are Meredith H., born November 20, 1826; Minor T., born September 24, 1830, and William H., born November 22, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are faithful members of the Baptist Church, and the former has been sexton of the church at Galveston about seventeen years. He was formerly a member of the S. of T. and T. of H. In politics he is a Republican. While a resident of Clinton Township, this county; he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which he resigned four years later to accept the office of associate judge. To this he was re-elected in 1847, and served in all ten years. While in Noble Township he held the office of township trustee two years, and he was president of the first agricultural society ever held in this county. In the fall of 1856 he was elected a member of the Senate of Minnesota. In the fall of 1858 he was elected a member of the Minnesota Legislature, and was re-elected in 1860. In 1863 he received from the Government an appontment as one of the commissioners, whose duty it was to appraise the lands owned by the Minnesota Indians. He also held the offices of trustee and assessor a number of years while residing in Minnesota. Mr. Thomas is now in the eighty-second year of his age, and is in full possession of his faculties and enjoying good health. He is a well-informed and intelligent man, and one of Cass County's most highly respected citizens. Minor T., the second son, entered the service of the Union amy at the beginning of the war, and was the first volunteer from Washington County, Minn. He first entered as lieutenant but was afterward promoted to a lieutenant-colonelcy in the Fourth Minnesota Regiment. In the fall of 1862 he was made colonel of the Eighth Minnesota Regiment. He commanded the expecition under Gen. Sully, who mace an expedition against the Indians in 1864. He was in the battles of Bull Run, Corinth, and before the close of the war rose to the rank of brigadier-general. He at present resides in Texas and is engaged in railroading as a civil engineer. William H., the third son, served in the war three years; he was in the battles of Nashville and Tupelo; was promoted to a captaincy; took a part in the capture of Mobile. At present he is a practicing physician in Indianapolis, and holds the position of professor of the treatment of nervous diseases in the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

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

MEREDITH H. THOMAS, a prominent grain merchant of Galveston, is a native of Fayette County, this State, and was born November, 20, 1826. He is the oldest son of ex-Judge Hewit L. and Charlotte C. (Helm) Thomas; see sketch. Our subject came with his parents to this county in 1836 or when he was ten years old. They located upon a tract of woodland in Clinton Township. Here Meredith spent his youth working upon his father's farm and attending the district school, in which he received a very good education, considering the limited advantages of those days. In 1845 he was employed as clerk by Messrs. Pollard & Wilson, who, at that time, were among the leading merchants of Logansport. This postion he held until 1833, when, accompanied by his father and brothers, he went to Minnesota. Here, with his father and brother, Minor T., he engaged in the lumber business and merchandising. In 1865 he returned to Cass County and located at Galveston, engaging in general merchandising. He now owns a half interest in a hardware store, and is proprietor of the best grain elevator in Cass County, which he built at Galveston in 1879. Harriet A. Knowlton, native of New York, born June 12, 1832, became his wife October 16, 1851. She was the daughter of Artemus B. and Fannie (Spencer) Knowlton. To them have been born five children, viz.: Frank H., born April 13, 1853; Charles F., and Daniel W. (twins), February 2, 1856; Claudia B., May 13, 1866, and Mary B., September 10, 1867, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are faithful members of the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Thomas formerly affiliated with the Whig and Republican parties - but now is an ardent Prohibitionist. He is an enterprising and successful business man and an influential citizen.

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

ALVIN K. THOMAS, a prominent young farmer of Jackson Township, is a native of Preble County, Ohio, and was born June 6, 1816. He was the second son born to Lewis and Elizabeth (Dinwiddie) Thomas ; the former of whom is at present a resident of Galveston. When Alvin was one year old his parents came to this State and located in Kokomo, Howard County. When he was eleven years old, his mother having died, he went to live with his uncle, John A. Lock, with whom he made his home, working upon the farm until 1863. In October of that year he entered the service of his county in Company A, One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Regiment, under Capt. E. W. Penny, from which he was honorably discharged in December, 1863. He was in the battle of Nashville, and participated in the campaign of Atlanta. After the close of the war he came to this county, and for the three years following he worked by the month in Jackson Township. In 1870 he located upon a farm in Section 20, Jackson Township, where he resided until 1877, when he came to his present home, which occupies a portion of the same section. Sarah E. Canine, daughter of Isaac V. and Mary C. (Graves) Canine, of Jackson Township, became his wife October 6, 1869. She was born in Jackson Township September 17, 1853. To this union three children have been born, all of whom are living. Their names are John U., born November 9, 1870; Charles E., born December 7, 1874, and Cora J., born May 12, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Thomas is a member of the G. A. R. and F. &. A. M. lodges and a Democrat in politics. He owns a handsome farm of 160 acres of land, nearly all of which is in a high state of cultivation. He has built upon this a fine brick residence, at a cost of $3,000. He is an energetic and successful farmer.

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

FRANK H. THOMAS, an industrious and successful young merchant of Galveston and the senior member of the firm of F. H. Thomas & Bro., is a native of the city of Logansport, and was born April 15, 1853. He was the oldest son born to Meredith H. and Harriet A. (Knowlton) Thomas, now residents of Galveston. As soon as he was old enough he was placed in the public school, where he ardently pursued his studies until the age of twenty, spending his vacations clerking in his father's store. He received a good cornmon school education, and only lacked one year of graduating in the Logansport High School. In March, 1874, he took an interest in his father's store, the name of the firm being M. H. Thomas & Son. This continued for three years, when his two brothers, Chas. F. and Daniel W., also became members of the firm. They thus continued to do business at Galveston until July 1, 1882, when the partnership was dissolved. Since this time the business of the firm has been continued by our subject and his brother Charles F. They now own an excellent stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats, caps, groceries, etc., and are doing a good business. Virginia Forest, also a native of Logansport, born December 11, 1853, became his wife September 8, 1875. She was the daughter of John M. and Rebecca (Longstreth) Forest, both natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have had but one child, Elsie M., born September 3, 1878. He and his wife are both members of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Thomas is a Republican. In the spring of 1884 he was elected to the office of township trustee, but declined a renomination. He is a young man of irreproachable character, energy and good business tact, and is one of the promising business men of Cass County. The building in which our subject and his brother do business is known as the "old brick store," and is the best business building in Galveston.

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

CHARLES F. THOMAS, a promising young business man of Galveston and junior member of the firm of F. H. Thomas & Bro., was born in Afton, Washington Co., Minn., February 2, 1856. He is the son of Meredith H. and Harriet A. (Knowlton) Thomas, of Galveston. He was nine years old when his parents came from Minnesota to this county, locating at Galveston. He received, in the public schools, a good common school education, after which he attended the normal school of Valparaiso two terms, completing the commercial and scientific courses. In March, l877, he became a member of the firm of F. H. Thomas & Sons, and since the dissolution, in 1882, he has continued the business of the firm in connection with his brother, Frank h. June 10, 1880, he was married to Laura L. Armstrong, a native of Eaton, Ohio, born August 19, 1859. She was the daughter of Charles L. and Mary (Lease) Armstrong, natives of Virgina and Ohio, respectively. To this union three children have been born, all of whom are living. Their names are Harry B., born December 10, 1881; Nellie B., born September 24, 1883, and Sarah B., born June 4, 1885. Our subject is a member of the Baptist Church. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Thomas is a Republican. He is an enterprising and successful young business man.

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

DANIEL W. THOMAS, an enterprising and successful young business man of Galveston and the junior member of the hardware firm of M. H. Thomas & son, is a native of Afton, Washington Co., Minn., and was born February 2, 1856, being a twin brother of Charles F. Thomas. He came with his parents to this county in 1865, and has ever since been a resiclent of Galveston. He received, in the public school, a good common school education, after which he continued his studies at the normal school of Valparaiso. In March, 1877, he became a member of the dry goods firm of M. H. Thomas & Sons, and after the dissolution of the firm, in 1882 he engaged in the hardware business, in which he has ever since continued. In September, 1883, C. S. Davisson took a half interest in the stock, and the firm thus continued under the name of Thomas & Davisson until March, 1886, when the interest owned by Mr. Davisson was purchased by our subject's father, and the firm is now M. H. Thomas & Son. They have a large and commodious store, well stocked with hardware, stoves, tinware, agricultural implements, etc., and are doing a good business. Lulu B. Patton, a native of Lafayette, born November 4, 1859, became his wife November 17, 1880. She was the daughter of William and Jane A. ( Dill) Patton, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mrs. Thomas' mother was born in the town of Dillsburg, in western Pennsylvania, which was named in honor of the former's grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have had two children. Their names are Herbert, born September 5, 1883, deceased, and Mary A., born August 8, 1885. Mr. Thomas and wife are both members of the Baptist Church, and the former holds the position of treasurer in that church. In politics he is an ardent Prohibitionist. He is a promising young man of sterling character and good habits, and possesses energy and good business tact.

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

JOHN TURLEY, one of the enterprising and successful business men of Galveston, is a native of Greene County, this State, and was born March 17, 1832. He was the second son born to William and Elizabeth (Freed) Turley, natires of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively, the former of German and French and the latter of German descent. When our subject was about three years old, his parents removed to Carroll County, this State, where he spent his boyhood and early youth working upon a farm. During this time he attended the district schools in which, considering the limited advantages, he received a good education. About 1848, they removed to a farm in Howard County. In 1854 he took up the avocation of a teacher. After teaching two years, he farmed for a short time and then engaged in the mercantile business in Walton, whence he had come in 1857. In the following year he located in Galveston, where he has ever since resided. During the first three years of his residence here he was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1861 he engaged in buying and selling grain, which received his entire attention until in October, 1869, when, in addition to the grain business, he purchased a stock of goods and engaged in merchandising. He was thus engaged until 1873, when he retired from the goods business and gave his entire attention to his grain interests and to saw-milling, having in the meantime purchased a saw-mill in 1874, for which he paid $3,000. In 1875, in connection with this, he again resumed the mercantile business, and thus continued until the fall of 1880. At this time he retired from his business interests and for five years he gave his attention to his farn and to the running of steam threshers. He owns three complete outfits for threshing wheat; besides he is the owner of a good clover huller. In the spring of 1886, he built a large elevator in Galveston, and again resumed the grain business. He has also again resumed saw-milling. In 1861 he began the construction of a three-story, brick business building in Galveston, which he finished at a cost of $3,000. He also has the credit of erecting one of the best frame business blocks in that place, besides some excellent resident property. Martha L. Power, a native of Decatur County, this state, born of English descent, January 12, 1840, became his wife February 7, 1858. She was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Goddard) Power, both natives of Keutucky. Mr. and Mrs. Turley have had seven children, six of whom are living. Their names are John D., born April 30, 1859; William S., born August 8, 1860; Ida L., born April 7, 1862, died September 19, 1863; Minnie A., born October 7, 1866; Cora E., born December 21, 1869; Thomas E., born December 28. 1872, and Lewis C., born April 7, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Turley are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Turley is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge and a Democrat in politics.

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

ELISHA VAN BUSKIRK, M. D., one of the prominent citizens of Jackson Township, is a native of Wayne County, this State, and was born May 10, 1817. He was the oldest son of Joseph and Polly (Haff) Van Buskirk, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of Kentucky, both of German descent. When our subject was yet a young child, his parents removed to Henry County, where he spent his boyhood and early youth working upon his father's farm. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the carpenter's trade. This was finished in due time, but he soon abandoned it to take up the avocation of a teacher. After teaching two terms he began the study of medicine. In October, 1848, he entered the Indiana Medical College, of LaPorte, Ind., from which he graduated in March, 1849. After practicing his profession at Camden, Carroll County, for two years, he located at Lebanon, Boone County. In 1852 he retired from the medical profession, came to this county and located upon a farm in Jackson Township, since which time his attention has been given to agricultural pursuits. He located where he now resides in Section 6 of that township. He was married, on the 16th of July, 1851, to Martha Ann James, from whom he was separated in 186 4. June 25, 1873, he was married to Mrs. Maria Wineholt, a native of Virginia, of German descent, born January 12, 1828. She was the daughter of John Rhine. By his first wife Mr. Van Buskirk had four children: Juniata, Byron, Margaret and an infant daughter who died in infancy, unnamed. Of those named, Margaret is deceased. In politics Mr. Van Buskirk is a Democrat. He is an honest, upright man, an intelligent gentleman and a good citizen.

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

SAMUEL B. WALLACE, one of the enterprising farmers of Jackson Township, is a native of Madison County, Ohio, and was born March 13, 1836. He was the youngest son born to John and Elizabeth (Burris) Wallace, natives of Kentucky and New York, respectlively, the former of Scotch and the latter of English descent. When our subject was six years old his mother removed to a farm in Hardin County, Ohio, his father having died in Madison County. In 1847 he came with his mother to this county and located upon a farm in Jackson Township. Here his mother died in April of 1883. About 1849 our subject returned to Hardin County, Ohio. In 1856 he again came to this county and located in Jackson Township, where he pursued the avocation of a farmer until 1861. In September of this year he entered Company H, Thirty-fourth Indiana Regiment, with which he served during the entire war, receiving his discharge in February, 1866. He first entered the service as a private, but afterward reached the ranks of corporal, sergeant, first-lieutenant and captain, having held the last position at the close of the war. He served with credit in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Port Gibson, Champion Hill and the seige of Vicksburg. At the battle of Port Gibson he received a slight wound, but it did not prove serious. After the war he returned to Jackson Township, where he has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. April 24, 1864, he was rnarried to Ann Maria Yakey, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Keever) Yakey, the latter of whom is an old resident of Jackson Township. Mr. Wallace is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge, and is a Republican in politics. He is the owner of 160 acres of goocl land, about 100 acres of which is in cultivation. He is an industrious and energetic farmer and a good citizen.

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

JOHN L. WAMPLER, one of the influential citizens of Jackson Township, is a native of Adams County, Penn., and was born January 20, 1811. He was the fourth s0n born to Leonard and Mary (Martin) Wampler, the former a native of York County, Penn., and the latter a native of Frederick County, Md. His father and mother were the parents of ten children - five sons and five daughters. It is a singular coincident that the five sons were all born in Pennsylvania, the native State of the father, and the five daughters were all born in Maryland, the native State of the mother. In 1828 John L. accompanied his parents to Tuscawaras County, Ohio, and about 1831 they located upon a farm in Preble County, Ohio. Our subject came to this State and located in Wabash County in 1849, his parents having located there the year previous. In 1830 he located at Peru, where he was engaged in the tanning business six years, having learned the trade with his father early in life. After spending a few years in Wabash County, during a portion of which time he was engaged in the mercautilc business at North Manchester, he, in 1859, came to Cass County and located in the woods of Jackson Township, since which time his attention has been given to agricultural pursuits. Some years ago, however, on acconnt of infirmities attending old age, he abandoned the active duties of life and has since been enjoying the life of a retired citizen. He was married February 18, 1841, to Agnes Mack, also a native of Adams County, Penn., born March 21, 1813. She was the daughter of' Alexander and Susan (Fisher) Black, both natives of Pennsylvania. She died February 11, 1845, leaving to the care of our subject two children. Their names are William M., born August 1, 1843; and Susan A., born February 11, 1845, died February 12, 1846. June 27, 1850, Mr. Wampler was rnarried to Isabella V. Stone, a native of Virginia, born October 14, 1830. She was the daughter of Frank and Isabella (Kemper) Stone, both natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Wampler at present affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal Church, but both formerly belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Wampler is an ardent Republican. He owns a good farm of 160 acres of land, most of which is in a high state of cultivation. Another incident connected with the history of Mr. Wampler is that he and both of his wives were coupled with three pairs of twins. He as been a hard-working, industrious and successful farmer, is now an intelligent man and one of our county's most highly respected citizens.

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

A. P. WATKINS, an enterprising young grain merchant of Lincoln, was born in Henry County, this State, December 28, 1856. He was the youngest son born to Armstead and Nancy (Thornton) Watkins, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively, both of English descent. He was left without a father's care at the early age of two years, and before he was fifteen years of age the hand of death had deprived him of both father and mother. At the age of fourteen he began working upon a farm by the month, which he kept up about ten years. During this time he spent his winters in school, and thereby received a good cornmon school education. In December, 1880, he came to this county, and in connection with his brother, Mahlon S. Watkins, he opened up a grocery store in Lincoln. In the fall of l882, in connection with the grocery business, they engaged in buying and selling grain. Another brother, Frank Watkins, entered into the partnership in August, l883, and since July, 1886, their undivided attention has been given to the grain business. Besides a warehouse in Lincoln they have good and substantially built elevators at Kokomo and Tampico, Howard County, and Terrehall and Nevada, Tipton County, at each of which they are doing a good business. February 4, 1883, Mr. Watkins was married to Emma B. Howard, a native of Jackson Township, born of English descent, January 24, 1863. She is the daughter of Andrew C. and Cyntha Howard, who are among the old residents of Jackson Township. Mr. Watkins is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge, and is a Republican in politics. He is an industrious and successful young business man and a No. I citizen. In November, 1881, Mr. Watkins received the appointments of postmaster and railroad agent at Lincoln, which positions he still continues to hold.

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

GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, one of the substantial and influential citizens of Galveston, is a native of Giles County, Wa., and was born September 19, 1839. He was the youngest of fourteen children - three sons and eleven daughters - born to James F. and Anna (Acles) Williams, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, both of English descent. When our subject was four years old his parents immigrated to the State of Indiana and located two miles southeast of Delphi, Carroll County. Two years later, they removed to that part of Clinton County which has since been attached to Howard, and located upon a farm one mile east of Russiaville. In 1852 they rernoved to this county and located three miles west of Galveston, in Jackson Township. Here our subject spent his youth working upon his father's farm. He attended the district schools, in which he received a good common school education. At his father's death, which occurred January 24, 1864, our subject came in possession of a portion of the farm, and since he has purchased the shares of other heirs and thus became sole owner. This farm he still continued to own. Here he pursued the avocation of a farmer until 1869, when he removed to a handsome brick residence which he had erected in Galveston. During the first eight years of his residence at that place he was engaged in the drug business. He then formed a partnership with John Turley, with whom he was in the drug business about two years, since which he has been engaged in the livery business and attending to the management of his farm. November 21, 1873, he was married to Hannah J. DeHaven, a native of Frederick County, Va., born April 24, 1852. She was the daughter of William and Sarah (Smoke) DeHaven, both natives of Virginia. To them have been born four children. Their names are Maud A., born November 25, 1873; Sarah B., born March 25, 1875, died August 24,1875; Berlinda, B., born July 24, 1878; Herschel E., born February 17, 1883. In politics Mr. Williams is a Democrat. He is an industrious and enterprising man and an infiuential citizen. In the spring of 1878 he was the candidate of his party for township trustee, but failed to overcome an opposing majority.

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

DR. JOHN B. WILLS, of Lincoln, is a native of Liberty, Union County, this State, and was born May30, 1853. He was the oldest child born to John B. and MaryA. (Warner) Wills, both of whom are natives of Plymouth, England, of English descent. They were married in their native city in 1851, and immediately afterward they immigrated to America, arriving at Quebec in August of that year. They came to this State via Cincinnati, and located at Liberty, this being their first permanent location in this country. Our subject spent his early boyhood in his native place, attending the public school while that was in session. At ten years of age he left home, and during the seven years following he worked upon a farm. In 1865 he accompanied his employer to this county, and located with him in Washington Township. Having concluded to fit himself for the teacher's profession, in 1870 he went to Terre Haute, where he attended the State Normal School one year. He then took up the avocation of a teacher, in which he was engaged for ten years with good success. In the meantime he had improved his education by attending the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, two terms. During the closing years of his career as a teacher he devoted his leisure time to the study of medicine, having made up his mind to enter the medical profession. During the summer of 1878 he read medicine with Drs. Lybrook & Barnett, of Young America. In February, 1879, he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, of Louisville, where he attended two courses of lectures, graduating in June, 1880. He returned to this county and entered upon his professional duties at Lincoln, where he has built up a good practice. July 28, 1878, he was married to Flora E. Campbell, who was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, December 8, 1862. She is the daughter of James and Elizabeth Campbell, the latter of whom at present resides in Deer Creek Township. This union has been blessed with one child - Leslie A. - born May 19, 1879. Mr. Wills is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge and a Republican in politics. In the spring of 1886 he was elected to the office of township trustee, and is therefore the present incumbent. The fact that he received a majority of 30 in a township where the political parties are about equally balanced, reflects upon his good standing in a very creditable manner. He is a young man of ability and integrity, and promises to be a success in his chosen profession.

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

HUBBARD A. WOOLLEY one of the prominent citizens and farmers of Jackson Township, is a native of Orange County, this State, and was born January 1, 1829. He was the third son born to James and Rachel (Guthrie) Wooley, natives of New Jersey and Maryland, respectively, both of English and Dutch descent. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in Chambersburg, of his native county, during which time he attended school in the winter time, and assisted his father, during his vacations, at his trade, which was that of a wagon-maker. In the fall of 1849 he left home, and went to Parke County, this State, and located at Annapolis, where for six years he worked at the trade of a wagon and carriage-maker. In 1855 he removed to a farm near Kokomo, Howard County, where he engaged in the nursery and sweet potato business. He came to this county, and located where he now resides, in Section 29, Jackson Township, in the fall of 1865, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. October 8, 1851, he was married to Elizabeth E. Lee, also a native of Orange County, this State, born of Irish and English descent. April 15, 1832. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Queen (Lindley) Lee, natives of North Carolina and Indiana, respectively. She died October 10, 1862, and on the 14th of April, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Mary Ann Peters, a native of Marion County, this State, born of Irish and English descent, June 27, 1838. She was the daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth (Tolin) Jennings, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. Mr. Woolley and his first wife had six children. Their names are Martha E., born August 30, 1832; Mary E., born July 4, 1854; Hester E., born December 29, 1855; Amy A., born October 28, 1857; William A., born March 18, 1860, died February 11, 1864; and Oscar K., born November 24, 1861. Mr. Woolley is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and is a Republican in politics. He was elected to the office of township trustee in the fall of 1869, and was re-elected to the office three times, serving eight years consecutively. In the fall of 1880 he was the candidate of his party for county commissioner, and the manner in which he reduced an opposing majority is evidence of his standing in his township and county. In his official capacity he discharged his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He has a beautiful home and a handsorne little farm of eighty acres, where he resides, besides a farm of eighty acres in Howard County. He is an industrious and successful farmer and a good citizen. He began life poor, but by industry, economy and perseverance he has placed himself in comfortable circumstances.

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

MRS. ELIZABETH YAKEY, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Keever, was born in Maryland, October 13, 1804. She was the daughter of Philip and Mary (McWilliams) Keever, both natives of Maryland. About 1830 she came with her father to Montgomery County, Ohio. About 1843 she came to this State, and located in Miami County. About 1830 she removed to this county, and located where she now resides, in Section 34, Jackson Township. About 1824 she was married to Henry Beachley, who died eleven months after their marriage. February 15, 1833, she was married to Philip Yakey, a native of Maryland, born November 11, 1812. He died August 29, 1886. By her second husband she had three children, as follows: Mary C., born January 12, 1837, died December 20, 1837; Ann Maria, born October 13, 1839; and John A., born December 16, 1842, died February 1, 1861. Mrs. Yakey is a member of the United Brethren Church. She is comfortably located upon 160 acres, having at home with her a daughter and the latter's husband. Mrs. Yakey is now in the eighty-second year of her age.

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