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

FREDERICK C. FORD is a native of New Hampshire, born April 24, 1816. He is of English descent. His grandfather, John Ford, was born about 1740, and died November 8, 1824. His father, John Ford, Jr., was a native of New Hampshire, born April 9, 1773, and died September 24, 1822. He served as captain in the war of 1812. He was paymaster in the State militia after the close of the war. His mother, Polly Goodhue, was born March 5, 1776, died November 15, 1841. They were united in marriage January 12, 1876, and became the parents of ten children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one living. His father dying when he was but six years old, he commenced life's battle with the world at an early age. His education was obtained in the common schools, at the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed to learn the machinist's trade. He served four years, and then became engineer on the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad. He ran on that road five years, when he was promoted to the position of master-mechanic, which position he held for six years. For the next ten years he acted in the same capacity on the road from Sandusky to Cincinnati. The two years following he was in the employ of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. For the five irnmediately succeeding he served the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, when he accepted a position on the Winona & St. Peter Railroad, which he continued to fill for a period of eleven years. His next position was on the Western Division of the Northern Pacific. He worked there a little over three years. Since that time he has lived on his farm in this township. He was married, in 1840, to Minerva Symonds, a native of Rochester, N. Y., born June 22, 1820. They are the parents of four children: Sarah, born February 24, 1841; Mary I., born March 14, 1845, died April 25, 1847; Frederick J., February 4, 1849, died May 24, 1871; and William B., October 30, 1857. Mr. Ford is an old member of the I. O. O. F., having been a member of that order nearly fifty years. He moved his family to this township in 1852. He owns 240 acres of well improved land. He is a genial old man and has many tales to tell of his life on the rails. He is a Republican in politics.

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

ASA R. GIBSON is a native of Carroll County, Ind., born September 19, 1830, of German and Irish parentage. His paternal grandf ather, William Gibson, came from Germany to Highland County, Ohio, in an early day. His maternal grandfather, William McMillen, came to Highland County, Ohio, from Ireland. His father, Joseph Gibson, was a native of Highland County, Ohio, born April 19, 1799. He moved to Carroll County, Ind., in 1829, and lived there one year, when he removed to Cass County. He died in Jasper County, December 1, leaving a widow, Nancy (Irwin) Gibson, and seven children to mourn him. His mother, Martha McMillen, was a native of Highland County, Ohio, born in 1802. Her death occurred October 24, 1835. By her marriage to Joseph Gibson she became the mother of seven children, of whom six were living at her death. The subject of this sketch was left an orphan at an early age and bound to John McMillen, with whom he lived nearly four years, when he went to work for himself, hiring by the month. His education was, of course, limited, the opportunities being very poor. He was married, April 3, 1852, to Louisa Wilson, a native of Ohio, born April 9, 1824, of German parents. After his marriage he rented a farm in this township, and went to work in real earnest. By his industry and economy he was enabled to purchase the place on which he lived. By his union with Miss Wilson he is the father of five children: Maria, born December 6, 1852; Robert and Melinda, born June 3, 1854; Milo, born December 10, 1836, and Schuyler, born August 31, 1861. His wife died December 21, 1881. After her death he sold his home farm and moved to one joining it on the north. This he has so improved that it is one of the neatest and best in the township. Mr. Gibson was formerly a Whig, but a Republican since the organization of that party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a man whose influence is very great in his community, one whose example may well be emulated.

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

ROBERT M. GIBSON, an enterprising farmer and a native of Jefferson Township, was born June 3, 1854, of German Irish descent. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Gibson, was a native of Highland County, Ohio, born April 19, 1790, and died December 1, 1845. His maternal grandfather, Abraham Banta, was of German descent. Asa R. Gibson, the father of subject, is a native of Carroll County, Ind., born September 19, 1830. His wife (mother of Robert M.), Louisa (Banta) Wilson, was a native of Ohio, born April 9, 1824, and became the wife of Asa R. Gibson April 3, 1852. To them were born five children, of whom the second was Robert, who lived with his parents until he was twenty-five years old, when he moved on the farm where he now lives. His education was limited to the common school of his township. He was married June 21, 1877, to Louisa Million, a native of this township, born September 27, 1857, daughter of William Million, a native of Ohio, born August 17, 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are the parents of two children: Harry E., born June 25, 1878, died February 7, 1879; and Frankie, born December 18, 1870. Mr. Gibson has been very successful for a young man. He owns 80 acres of well irnproved and stocked land. He is a man whom his neighbors love and respect, and one from whom the township may expect much in the future. His political views are Republican.

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

JAMES A. HUME is a native of Pennsylvania, born November 14, 1838. He is of Dutch-Irish descent, his grandparents coming to America in an early day. His father, John Hume, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1800, and died in 1881. His mother, Elizabeth Searight, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1807. The subject of this sketch is the second of six children, born to John and Elizabeth Hume. He came to Marshall County, with his parents, in 1855, and remained there one year, when they removed to this township, where he has since resided. His education was obtained in the common schools of Pennsylvania. Mr. Hume was married to Margaret Gray in 1863. The result of this marriage is a family of four children, two boys and two girls. Mr. Hume owns a farm of 101 acres, which is under good cultivation. He was elected assessor in 1855-56-57, and township trustee in 1886. He was a member of the Grange movement. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church in good standing. Mr. Hume is a man of great politlical influence in his township, which is proven by his being elected to office in a Democratic township, he being a Republican.

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

SIMON P. LONTZ, a prominent citizen of Lake Cicott, was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 18, 1845, of German parentage. His father, Henry Lontz, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1821, and came to Indiana about 1840, and located near Centerville, Wayne County, Ind. He was married, in 1842, to Catharine Beaver, a native of Virginia, born in 1819. They were the parents of nine children, all but one of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was the second child. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, when he went to farming for himself. He farmed for six years, and then engaged in teaching school. He taught for ten years with marked success, spending nearly all of the time at two schools. When he ceased teaching he embarked in the general mercantile business at Lake Cicott. He was married, in 1864, to Maria J. Hildebrand, a native of Carroll County, Ind., born in 1849. They were the parents of three children: Cora A.,born in 1866; Lilly M., born in 1868; William H., born in 1870. His wife died in 1871. January 1, 1879, his marriage ceremony with Affie Wirick, a native of Carroll County, born in 1861, was celebrated. Mr. Lontz is a man of pronounced temperance views. He is a Democrat in politics, but does not allow himself to be controlled in voting by party prejudice. He is a member of the Christian Church.

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

GEORGE RENBERGER is a native of Randolph County, Ind., born December 28, 1828, of German parentage. His paternal grandfather, Geo. Renberger, and his maternal grandfather, Christopher Miller, were natives of Pennsylvania. His father, Aaron Renberger, was a native of Licking County, Ky., born in 1801. He moved to Randolph County in 1817, where, in 1825, he married Eliza J. Miller, a native of Ohio, born in 1807. The result of this marriage was a family of ten children, of whom George, our subject, is the third. His father died in 1879, his mother is still living. The subject of this sketch lived with his father on the farm until he was nineteen years old, when he went into the tannery business in Rochester, Fulton County, which he followed eighteen years. His chances for education were very limited, there being but two schools in the township at that time. Upon disposing of the tannery, in 1864, he moved to the farm where he now lives. He was married to Susan A. Gray, a native of Pennsylvania, in 1837. She died in March, 1863, leaving him with two children: Mary E., born in 1861, and Ida Adilia, born in 1863. In 1865 he married his second wife, Naomi J. Price, a native of Indiana. She died in 1881, leaving six children: Gertrude, George, Cyrus, May, Guy and Myrtle, three of whom are dead. He was elected township trustee in 1867 ancl held the office six years. He was elected county commissioner in 1877 and held that office six years. He is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a man who is respected by all of his neighbors, and is a successful farmer, owning a farm of 280 acres, which is well stocked.

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

LEWIS E. ROGERS is a native of Cass County, Ind., born in 1850. His paternal gmnclfather, Elton Eogers, a native of New Jersey, was born June 9, 1781, died September 1, 1866. His paternal grandmother, Ruth Matlock, a native of New Jersey, was born November 9, 1790, died June 8, 1869. They were the parents of seven children - four boys and three girls. The subject's fakhor, William M. Rogers, a native of New Jersey, born November 20, 1810, was the eldest child. He lived on the farm with his parents until he was twenty years old, when he learned the carriagemaker's trade. He carried on an extensive business in Rancocas, N. J., from 1831 to 1836. He then sold his factory and came to Mishawaka, Ind., where he took a contract to make a number of iron threshing-machines. Becoming dissatisfied, he returned to New Jersey in 1837. Two years later he again caine to Indiana and located in Jefferson Township, on the farm now owned by his family. He was married, in 1836, to Lydia W. Wright, a native of New Jersey. To them were born eleven chilclren, four of whom are yet living. He died March 9, 1872, his widow still survives. Lewis E. was the sixth child. His boyhood was spent on the farm with his parents. He attended the neighboring schools, receiving an ordinary education. He was electecl to the assessor's office in 1872, although his party, the Democratic, was in the minority. He received the appointment of agent for the State Line Station of the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburgh Railroad, at Lake Cicott, in 1883. He is also engaged in the grain business, having built a large grain warehouse in 1886. He was married, September 30, 1873, to Jennie Berryman, a native of Indiana, born in 1857. They are the parents of three children: Elmer E., born October 26, 1874; Lydia, born October 28, 1879, and William T., born March 26, 1883.

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

ELI WATTS is a native of Cass County, born September 29, 1833. He is of Irish-English descent, and son of John Watts, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Cass County with his family in 1829; he died in 1844. The mother of our subject, Martha Woodkirk, the second wife of John Watts, was a native of Kentucky and died at the age of sixty-seven. She was the mother of two children. The subject of this sketch and surviving child of that marriage received a very limited education - only such as the schools of his day could furnish. He was left an orphan at the age eleven years, and fought the battle of life alone from that time. He worked on the Wabash & Erie Canal three years, and several years in a saw-mill. In 1853 he went to California, where he remained, working in a saw-mill, nearly three years. He was married, in 1858, to Indiana McCombs, a native of Cass County, born in 1840, of Scotch-German descent. By her he is the father of these children: Martha J., born in 1859; Cassius M., born in 1862; Sarah N., born in 1864; Casabianca, born in 1866; Junius E., born in 1870; Aurora A., born in 1873, and David E., born in 1880. Mr. Watts owns 187 acres of good farm land, and is in easy circumstances. He is one of the oldest citizens in the county, being the second white child born in Noble Township. He is a man who is respected by his neighbors, and one whose influence is felt for good in his community. A Republican in his politics, but very fair in his views. He has traveled extensively in the States and Territories in his trip to Califonlia, crossing the Isthmus of Panama.

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

DANIEL M. WATTS is a native of Noble Township, born January 2, 1856. His father, William P. Watts, is a native of Indiana, born about 1818. His mother, Elizabeth (Daily) Watts, is a native of Tennessee, born about 1813. She died in 1877. They were the parents of nine children, two of whom are dead. The subject of this sketch is the eighth. He lived with his parents until he was twenty years old, when he moved on a farm of his own, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for five years. He then embarked in flour-milling at Royal Center, in which he continued three years, when his mill was burned. For the year immediately subsequent he was engaged in the retail liquor business. He then located at Lake Cicott, where he established himself in the mercantile business, where he has since continued. He enjoys a good, remunerative trade. He also keeps a boarding-house. His education is as good as could be obtained in the district schools. He was married, January 1, 1874, to Emma C. Schrock, a native of Ohio, born in 1855. To them have been born four children: Alice, born January 20, 1875; William H. H., born August 27, 1878; Earnest M., May 6, 1879, and Harry E., July 3, 1882. Mr. Watts is a young man of great energy, and will, in a few years, retrieve the loss he sustained in the burning of his mill. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a Republican in politics.

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

THE BERRY FAMILY. Peter Berry, the first settler of Miami Township, was a native of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, born about the year 1787. He was descended from German-French ancestry, his father coming from Germany in Colonial times and settling in Pennsylvania. He early learned the blacksmith's trade in which he acquired great proficency, making the manufacture of edged tools a specialty. He was married in his native State, to Miss Elizabeth Lutz, the daughter of a German physician and florist, and a lacly of much more than ordinary intelligence and refinement. Mr. Berry, some time between the years 1812 and 1818, immigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently moved to Butler County, that State, locating near the city of Middletown, where he resided until 1820. In that year he moved to Logansport, Ind., where for one year he worked at his trade, and, at the end of that time, made a settlement in the wilderness of what is now Miami township, making his first improvements near the present site of New Waverly. He afterward moved about two miles west of his original purchase, to the farm, still owned by his descendants, where his death occurred on the 8th of October, 1855. Elizabeth Berry was born in the year 1786, and departed this life April 6, 1871. The following are the names of the children born to Peter and Elizabeth Berry, viz.: Henry P.; Catherine, wife of David Miller; John H., Peter C., Samuel, and Elizabeth, wife of Crusen Moore. Of the above Peter C. and Mrs. Moore only are living. John H. Berry, the second son, and for many years a prominent citizen of Miami Township, was born in Pennsylvania, October 31, 1812. He accompanied his parents to Indiana and followed agricultural pursuits the greater part of his life, and was a man widely and favorably known throughout the county. On the 9 th of April, 1838, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Harriet Reed, a daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Cox) Reed, natives, respectively, of New York and Ohio. Abraham Reed was born near the city of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., October 12, 1799, and was the son of Brewster Reed who came from Scotland to the United States in an early day. Abraham Reed settled near Dayton, Ohio, many years ago, moving thence to Tippecanoe County, Ind., about the year 1826, and in 1832 made a settlement five miles east of Logansport, in Miami Township, Cass County, locating the place where his daughter, Mrs. Mary J. Bliler, now lives. His death occurred September 4, 1846. Nancy Reed was born June 4, 1800, and died in Miami Township 0ctober 8, 1835. Harriet Berry, second child of Abraham and Nancy Reed was born May 27, 1823, and departed this life on the 23d of January, 1872. John H. and Harriet Berry had a family of thirteen children, namely: Israel J., born June 4, 1839; Peter A., born January 23, 1842; Edwin R., born January 23, 1844, died January 30, 1863; James P., born January 19, 1846, died April 2, 1882; Maria, born October 20, 1847, died November, 1847; Graham N., born November 16, 1848; Wilson R., born April 22, 1851; Eliza, born October 11, 1853; Elizabeth, wife of William Obenchain, born June 6, 1856; John M., born March 31, 1858; Harvey H., born March 18, 1861, died September 27, 1873; Harriet, born March 12, 1863, died March 21, 1880; and Martha J., born December, 1865.

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

JOSEPH CASSBEER (deceased) was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1810, and is a son of Christian and Elizabeth Cassbeer, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Joseph was married in Ohio to Miss Clarinda Abdill, and in 1833 removed to Cass County, Ind., and settled in Miami Township, where, by his honorable conduct and neighborly ways, he acquired many warm and steadfast friends. He was a hard-working and economical citizen and a credit to the township. He died November 7, 1867, followed by his widow in 1876. They were the parents of eight children, four of whomare living: Nancy, Maria, Emma and Irad. Of these, Irad, the youngest child in the family, was born on the old homestead, in Miami Township, August 20, 1845. He worked on his father's farm and acquired his education from the common schools. He selected farming as his employment through life, and has pursued this occupation with success. He now owns 123 acrcs of land, all under a good state of cultivation. On December 30, 1880, he was wedded to Miss Mary Benson, a native of Cass County, born in 1852, and a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Benson. To their union four children have been born: Mary, Alexander, Clarinda and Josephine. Mr. Cassbeer is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in all public matters.

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

C. G. COX was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 19, 1827, son of Elijah and Barbara (Brannaman) Cox, the father a native of Tennessee, born in March, 1795, and the mother a native of Virginia, born in December, 1775. Elijah Cox, at the age of ten, removed with his parents, Richard and Fannie Cox, to Montgomery County, Ohio. Here the father was married in about 1818, and in 1831 removed to Miami County, Ind., and his occupation was that of a farmer. He died in 1854, followed by his widow in 1866. They were worthy members of the Christian Church, and the parents of eight children. Our subject, after securing the education obtainable in the common schools, comrnenced his career in life as a farmer. In 1852 he purchased and removed to his present farm in Miami Township, which consists of 210 acres of excellent land, which is under a good state of cultivation and with good improvements thereon. He was married, January 1, 1852, to Elizabeth Furguson, by whom he is the father of two children, Anzonetta and Charles, the latter having died at the age of twenty years. Mrs. Cox died in 1859, and, January 5, 1861, Mr. Cox was again married, choosing for his second wife Caroline Shortridge. Seven children were born to this union, these six now living: Effie E., Arnold W., Nellie A., Lemnel F., Sylvia A. and Carrie M. Mr. Cox has held positions of honor and trust, and is the present nominee of the Democratic party for joint representative of Cass and Miami Counties. He and wife are members of the Christian Church and highly esteemed citizens of Miami Township.

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

C. P. FORGY, one of the leading men of Waverly, Ind., is a native of Clark County, Ohio, and was born January 27, 1833. His father, John D. Forgy, was also a native of Clark County, Ohio, born February 12, 1811. He married, in his native State, February 26, 1834, Miss Catileriue Voorhis, and in June, 1836, removed to Logansport, Ind. He was among the first to engage in the mercantile business, in which he continued until about 1839. In the latter year he retumed to Ohio, and followed farming until his death, which occurred September 24, 1844; his widow surviving until March 4, 1885. John Forgy, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of South Carolina, and removed to Ohio in about 1800, and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1843. Our subject remained with his mother until sixteen years of age, acquiring in the meantime a good common school education. He then went to Princeton, N. J., where he learned the printer's trade, and in 1856 went to Indianapolis, Ind., where for a time he was engaged on the Sentinel. In the fall of 1856 he came Cass County and engaged in his present business of general merchandising and buying grain and produce. He is a live business man and is doing a large and profitable trade. His marriage with Miss Louisa M. Quick occurred in 1859. Mr. Forgy is a member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities and a Republican in politics.

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

DICKINSON J. FORGY, merchant, was born in Clark County, Ohio, November 13, 1841. He received his education from the common schools, and at an academy in New Carlisle, Ohio. When about sixteen years old he was apprenticed to the printer's trade on the Sentinel of Peru, Ind. For two years he was employed on the mechanical part of this periodical. He then, in cornpany with J. T. Conover, went to Harrisburg, Ill., where they founded and began the publication of the Harrisburg Chronicle, in which he continued until the breaking out of the civil war. In 1851 he enlisted as a private in Company B, Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; served through the engagements of New Madrid, Fort Pillow and others, receiving an honorable discharge, by reason of sickness, about a year after his enlistment. The fall of 1862 he came to New Waverly, where he became a partner of his brother, C. P. Forgy, in the mercantile business. Possessing all the requirements of a successful merchant, Mr. Forgy has made their business a success in every particular, their success being due to a courteous treatment and honorable dealings with all people, regardless of age and social position. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Emma J. Chidester, of Cass County, by whom he is the father of one son, Oly K. Mr. Forgy was electecl township trustee in 1882, and in 1884 re-elected, proving an honest and efficient official. He is a Republican, a meinber of the F. & A. M. and G. A. R.

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

W. C. GALLAHAN. Conspicuous among the representative citizens of Miami Township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Mr. Gallahan was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, on the 30th of June, 1830, and is the son of William and Jane (Cox) Gallahan, both parents natives of the same State. At the age of seven years he accompanied his parents to Miami County, Ind., where his father died about the year 1840. The father's death left him, in a great measure, to rely upon his own resources, and from that time unti1 his twenty-third year he was the main support of the family. The responsibility thus placed upon him qualified him for the active duties of later years, but the advantages of school education, so essential in the formation of the youthful character were enjoyed by him in a very limited degree. He grew to manhood amid the rugged duties of the farm, and early chose agriculture for his life work. He came to Cass County in 1849, and at the present time owns a fine farm of 175 acres of land, upon which are some of the most substantial improvements in the township. Mr. Gallahan is a model farmer, and is an honorable and upright citizen none stands higher in the community than he. He is an active member of the Christian Church, to which he has belonged for many years, and in politics supports the principles of the Democratic party. On the 25th of November, 1852 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Arnout, daughter of Alexander and Polly (McPherson) Arnout, of Pennsylvania. Alexander McPherson was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation. He removed to Cass County, Ind., in 1849, and resided here until his death, which occurred in the year 1865. Mrs. Gallahan was born in Clarke County, Ohio, on the 9th of August, 1832. She was a lady of intelligence and refinement, a consistent member of the Christian Church, and departed this life on the 8th of July, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Gallahan raised a family of six children whose names are as follows: May R., wife of Jacob Snyder, Mary E., John B., 8chuyler C. and Jesse G. Gallahan.

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

SEBASTIAN C. MOORE. Prominent among the successful business men and representative farmers of Cass County is the gentleman whose biographical sketch is herewith presented. Mr. Moore is a native of Franklin County, Va., and the eldest son of Peter and Elizabeth (Payne) Moore, the father born in New Jersey and the mother in Virginia. Mr. Moore's paternal ancestors were natives of Germany, his grandfather, Joseph Moore, emigrating from that country to the United States about the time of the war of independence, and settling in New Jersey. He subsequently moved to Virginia, and died in the latter State many years ago. Peter Moore removed with his parents to Virginia, where he resided until 1829. He then came to Cass County, Ind., settled a short distance east of Logansport, and died the following year. His widow died about the year 1836. She was the daughter of James Payne, whose ancestors came from England in colonial times and settled in Virginia. Peter and Elizabeth Moore raised a family of five children, whose names are as follows: Sebastian C., Sarah, Crusen (deceased), Augustavus and Henry (deceased). Sebastian Moore was five years of age when his parents moved to this county. His early life was spent amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times, and in the rugged school of experience he obtained that practical education which enabled him to so successfully overcome the many obstacles by which his youthful days were beset. He was early left an orphan, and at the age of twelve years began life for himself as a common laborer, making for a were pittance per month, but, actuated by that energy characteristic of the man, he succeeded in saving a small portion of his hard earned wages, thus laying the foundation for a fortune which but few in his sphere have been able to realize. He purchased his first land in Miami Township, and developed a good farm near Eel River, where he lived until a within a very recent period. He added to his original purchase from time to time, bought real estate invarious parts of the country, and is now the possessor of 800 acres of fine land, the greater part of which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has been more than orclinarily successful in all his undertakings, and the ample competence he has succeeded in accumulating, shows him to be a man of rare ability as a financier and manager. He has voted the Republican ticket since the organization of that party, but has never sought political honors at the hands of his fellow-citizens. In the year 1853 was solemnized his marriage with Miss Martha Hoover, daughter of John and Rachel Hoover, who were among the pioneers of Cass County. The children born to this marriage were four in number: Mary E., wife of Cornelius Kinsey; John H.; George, who was accidently killed by a revolver shot in 1883, and William R. Moore.

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

WILLIAM PEARSON, retired farmer, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 30, 1811, and is a son of William, Sr., and Martha (Martindale) Pearson. The father was a native of South Carolina, and came to Ohio in the year 1800. He was a potter and stone-mason by trade, and in 1820 removed to Wayne County, Ind., where he lived three years. He then returned to Montgomery County, Ohio, remaining unti1 1833, in which year he came to Cass County and lived until his death in 1857, Mrs. Pearson having preceded him in 1855. Our subject was reared upon a farm and attended the common schools. In 1830 he came to Cass County and settled in Miami Tomn,ship, which at that time was a wild and unsettled country. Although he began life a poor boy, by industry ancl economy he has acquired a good farm, comprising 117 acres. He is a Republican in politics, and held the office of trustee for six years with the best of satisfaction. In 1843 his marriage with Miss Mary Fentes, of Miami County, Ohio, was solemnized. She was born August 4, 1815, and died in 1849. Two living children by this marriage: Nancy and Naomi. One son, Joseph, enlisted in the Seventy-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died while serving his country near Nashville, Tenn., in 1862. In 1851 Mr. Pearson was united in marriage with Mrs. Hannah (Scott) Patton, by whom he is the father of one child - Sarah A. Mr. Pearson is a member of the Christian Church, having belonged to that denomination for over forty-one years, and is one of the township's well-known ancl useful citizens.

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

SAMUEL N. PENNEL, merchant, was born January 6, 1840, in Jefferson County, Ohio, the oldest son of Hugh and Rachel (Abdill) Pennel, the former a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born February 18, 1797, and the latter a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born October 16, 1808. They were married October 16, 1828. The father was for a time engaged in general merchandising in Little York, Jefferson Co., Ohio, and in 1843 removed to Lewisburg, Ind., whera he followed farming two years. He was then engaged in keeping hotel and also held the position of postmaster. In 1849 he removed to Mexico, Ind., where he conducted a hotel until 1853, in which year he removed to Peru, where he was engaged in the hotel business, also clerked. In 1858 he came to Waverly and engaged in the mercantile and hotel business. He died December 17, 1878, his widow dying July 12, 1881. Hugh Pennel, Sr., the paternal grandfather of Samuel N., was a native of Ireland. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Ohio in 1841. Connell Abdill, the rnaternal grandfather, was a native of Wales, born December 23, 1778, and died in Cass County, Ind., December 13, 1842. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife, Elizabeth (Bowman) Abdill, was born May 1, 1789, in the State of Pennsylvania, and died in the year of 1856 in Fountain County, Ind. Our subject came to Cass County with his parents, received his education at the common schools and clerked in his father's store. September 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until September 14, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. He then became his father's partner in general merchandising at averly, in which he continued until the death of the latter, since which time he has been the sole proprietor, owning a large stock and controlling a fine trade. He also holds the position of postmaster. He was united in marriage, September 14, 1875, to Martha A. Hancock, a native of Butler County, Ohio, who died July 7, 1877, after bearing one child, Riley H., born June 20, 1877. Mr. Pennel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the G. A. R. and the I. O. O. F.

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

JOHN W. RUDOLPH, farmer, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 27, 1835, being the seventh of nine children born to Peter and Mary (Woolan) Rudolph. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1801, and the latter a native of Virginia, also born in 1801. The father, when three years old, removed with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and followed farming until his death, which event occurred in 1831, his wife having departed this life in about the year 1841. Peter Rudolph, Sr., the paternal grandfather of John W., was a native of Pennsylvania, and was a cooper by trade, also followed farming. He participated in the war of 1812, and died in Fairfield County, Ohio. Benjamin Woolman, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia and one of the first settlers of Fairfield County, Ohio, where he followed farming until his death. John W. Rudolph was reared and educated in his native county, and in October, 1857, came to Cass County and engaged in farming and has ever since resided. On March 8, 1863, Miss Harriet Miller became his wife. Mrs. Rudolph is a native Cass County, born April 28, 1838, and a daughter of David and Catherine (Berry) Miller. The father was a native of New Jersey, born September 11, 1807, and the mother a native of Ohio, born October 16, 1810. To Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph four children have been born: Estelle M., Mary O., Catherine and James E. Mr. Rudolph has served Miami Township two terms as trustee, and was re-elected to that office in 1886, and has also served one term as assessor. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and is a Democrat in politics.

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

HENRY M. VOORHIS. The subject of this biographical sketch is a native of Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, and is descended from an old and highly honorable Dutch family, which figured prominently in Holland as long ago as the sixteenth century. One of the remote ancestors, Steven C. Van Voor Hees, as the name was originally spelled, immigrated to America in the year 1600, and purchased a tract of land on Long Island, N. Y. His descendants were among the early residents of New York, New Jersey and other Eastern States. Among the names in the direct line of descent from Steven Van Voor Hees are Albert Stevense Van Voorhis, Petrus Albert Van Voorhees, Daniel Van Voorhees and Cornelius Voorhis, the last named, the grandfather of subject. Cornelius Voorhis was an early settler of Licking County, Ky., and also figured in the early history of Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Warren County of the above State many years ago. His wife, Peggy Voorhis, died in Cass County, Ind., at quite an early day. Jacob Voorhis, the father of subject, was born in Kentucky August 18, 1789. He was married in Hamilton County, Ohio, March 25, 1813, to Miss Nancy Tucker, who was born August 24, 1792. Jacob Voorhis was a soldier in the war of 1812, and for a number of years worked at the carpenter's trade in Ohio and Indiana. He removed to Wapakoneta, Ohio, in 1833, thence to Piqua, and later came to Cass County, Ind., where his death occurred March 28, 1850. His wife survived hima number of years, dying November 4, 1877. Jacob and Nancy Voorhis were the parents of eleven children, the subject of this sketch being the second in number. Henry M. Voorhis was born January 1, 1816. He early learned the carpenter's trade, and at the age of nineteen left home, in company with his brother, to make a living at that vocation. He worked at various places in his native State, and in June, 1848, came to Cass County, Ind., and located upon the farm where he now lives, a short distance northeast of the village of Waverly. January 1, 1838, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Bennett, who was born in the State of Vermont April 4, 1821. Her parents were David S. and Pernetha (Hoolcomb) Bennett, natives, respectively of Vermont and New Jersey; the former born June 16, 1789, and the latter in the year 1791. They immigrated to Ohio in an early day, and later came to Indiana, where Mr. Bennett died March 6, 1869, and Mrs. Bennett May 9, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Voorhis are the parents of fourteen children, the following of whom are living: Mary F. (wife of Nathan Gallahan) Aurelius L., Manlius N., Percina R. (wife of E. S. Bruington) , Albinus H., Hartly V., Wilbur E. and Olive M. (wife of Mr. Kinsey). Mr. and Mrs. Voorhis have been active members of the Methodist Church since the year 1840, and are honored and respected by all who know them. Mr. Voorhis was originally a Whig in politics, and cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. On the dissolution of that party he identified himself with the Republican party, of which he has since been an earnest supporter. He is a commendable example of what may be accomplished by perseverance and prudent management, and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of Cass County.

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

CHARLES A. BRANDT, one of the pioneers and a substantial citizen and farmer of Noble Township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 14, 1825. He was the oldest son born to John and Hannah (Coulson) Brandt. His father immigrated to this State in 1837, consequently at this time he was but nine years old. At seventeen years of age he became an apprentice to E. B. Williams, of Lognasport, with whom he remained one year and learned the trade of a wagon-maker. He worked at his trade in Logansport and in Lafayette until in 1850. During this time he made his home at his father's, in Noble Township. In the spring of 1850 he started to Oregon, but after reaching St. Louis, on account of sickness, he returned home. In the following spring he made another start, and this time completed the entire trip, reaching Oregon in September, 1851. Shortly afterward he journeyed southward into California, where he engaged in mining; some months later he returned to Oregon. He then engaged in the packing business, or conveying provisions from Oregon to the mines of California. This received his attention until June, 1854, when he returned to this county, where he has ever since resided. In 1855 he located upon a farm in Section 20, Noble Township. In 1864 he removed to his present home, in Section 21, same township. In the spring of 1860 he made a trip to Pike's Peak, returning in the following September. In the fall of 1866 he went to Kansas, but returned a year later. These trips westward were more of a prospective nature than with a view of locating permanently. Rosana Adair, a native of Noble Township, this county, born August 5, 1834, became his wife, March 30, 1855. Mrs. Brandt was the daughter of Benjamin and Anna (McMillen) Adair, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have had two children: James M., born October 28, 1857, lived but one day, and Albert O., born June 21, 1859. Mr. Brandt formerly affiliated with the Whig party, but has been a Republican since 1856. He owns 1784 acres of good land, more than 80 acres of which are in the farm he lives upon. About 50 acres of this farm are under cultivation.

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

OLIVER P. BRANDT, one of the old settlers and substantial citizens of Cass County, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 27, 1832. He was the second son born to John and Hannah (Coulson) Brandt, both natives of Pennsylvania. When his parents immigrated to this State and located in Logansport, he was but four years old. After his father moved to a farm in Section 20, Noble Township, in 1847, he worked upon the farm until 1859. In this year he located upon a farm of his own, in the same section, which has ever since been his home. Farming and stock-raising has always been his chief occupation, though, for several years a part of his attention was over to milling. Eliza A. Gotshall, a native of Vigo County, this State, born September 27, 1839, became his wife February 24, 1839. She was the daughter of Peter and Ann (Woodling) Gotshall, both natives of Pennsylvania. She came with her parents to this county in 1844, where she has ever since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have had eight children: Nelson S., born January 16, 1860; William E., born June 18, l863, died September 27, 1863; Franklin P., born September 27, 1865; Carrie M., born November 22, 1868; Nettie A., born August 30, 1871; Charlie C., born June 18, 1873; Arthur B., born July 5, 1877, and an infant girl, a, twin with William E., who was still-born. Politically, Mr. Brandt is an ardent Republican. His first presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont, and he has been a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party ever since. In the spring of 1882 he was elected to the office of assessor, and was re-elected in the spring of 1886. He owns a farm of eighty acres, most of which is in a state of cultivation. He is an enterprising farmer and a good citizen.

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

MARTIN V. CARNEY, an old citizen of Noble Township, was born in Shamangunk, N. Y., October 24, 1811. He was the fifth son born to Stephen and Leah (Towillager) Carney, both natives of New York, the former of Irish and the latter of Dutch descent. Ten other children were born to the same parents, their names being Solornon, Sarah, Matthew, Mary, Moses, Thomas, Eliza, James, Robert and Nancy, all of whom are dead except Eliza and Nancy. His boyhood and youth were spent upon his father's farm, during which time he attended the common school about three months in the year. But the advantages were poor, consequently his education is quite limited. When he was six years old, his parents moved to Greene County, Penn., where they remained until he was nineteen when they immigrated to this State and located upon a farm in Shelby County. They landed here in October, 1830, and in the following August he (subject) returned to Green County, Penn. Here he remained until April, 1834, when he again came to Shelby County, this State, arriving May 11. One year from the following October, he returned to Greene County, Penn. In October, 1844, he removed to Oxford, Butler Co., Ohio. In the spring of 1846 he came again to this State and located upon a farm of forty acres, in Marion County. This was the first land he ever owned. Six years later he removed to another farm in the same county where he remained three years. While a resident of Marion County, he was engaged a good share of the time, in building public works, such as the building of aqueducts, railroad bridges, cattle guards, etc. In October, 1857, he came to this county and located upon a farm near Lake Cicott, in Jefferson Township. Three years later he bought the John Watts farm in the same township, to which he moved, and lived upon until the fall of 1865. In this year he moved to a farm in White County, remaining two years. In the spring of 1867 he took a trip to southwestern Missouri, with a view to locate, providing the country suited him. Six weeks later he returned, having concluded to remain in the Hoosier State. In September, 1867, he purchased his present home, whence he moved in the October following. In the fall of 1871 he exchanged the farm for one in White County, Ind., to which he moved in December of the same year. In the fall of 1875, the owners of these two farms again exchanged, bringing him in possession of the old home again, in Noble Township, where he has ever since resided. Sarah Cloviss, a native of Fayetts County, Penn., born June 6, 1811, became his wife June 10, 1832, she was the daughter of Matthias and Nancy (Baer) Cloviss, the former, of Dutch descent, born near Harrisburg, Penn., and the latter a native of Bedford County, Md., of Dutch descent. She had four brothers and six sisters, whose names were Catharine, Mary, Lydia, Ann, Jacob, Susan, Martin, Phebe, William, Samuel H. and Solomon, of whom Lydia and Martin are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Carney have had ten children, as follows: James R., born April 25, 1833; Nancy, born July 20, 1835, died November 23, 1835 ; Solomon, born October 22, 1840; Catharine, born May 4, 1842; William N., born February 12, 1844; Leah J., born January 4, 1846; Samuel J., born October 30, 1847; Mary A., born February 6, 1850; Harriet L., born November 20, 1851, and Phebe M., born August 12, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Carney have been faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church over forty years. Mr. Carney formerly affiliated with the Democratic party, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson, but since 1856 has firmly supported the principles of the Republican party. He can say, what few of his age can, that he has never been sued in his life, and has never been upon the witness-stand but once in his life. He and his wife are enjoying excellent health, though their fiftieth wedding anniversary was passed over four years ago, upon which occasion their relatives and friends came in, to the number of 100, and made them the recipients of many handsome and valuable presents, which, it is hoped, they will live many years to appreciate.

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

THOMAS P. CASTLE, one of the pioneers of this county, and at present a resident of Noble Township, was born in Warren County, Ohio, June 15, 1820. He was the fifth son born to George V. and Catharine (Horine) Castle, both natives of Maryland, the former of Irish descent and the latter of Dutch descent, their respective births occurring in about 1782 and 1789. His father served in the war of 1812, and died in Warren County, Ohio, at the zge of sixty-five. His mother died in Harrison Township, this county, at the advanced age of eighty-nine. He had six brothers and six sisters, whose names were John T., Priscilla, George B., Noah, Mahala, Isaac P., Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mary, James M., Huldah and Peter, of whom Priscilla, Rebecca, Mahala, Isaac P. and James M. are dead. In the fall of 1837 he came to Montgomery County, this State, with his brother-in-law. Here he remained two years, when he came to Harrison Township, this county. He lived here on a farm until the fall of 1880, when he purchased property in Logansport. After spending eighteen months in the city he removed to a farm in Section 2, Noble Township, where he has ever since resided. November 9, 1847, he was marriecl to Mary Tucker, a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind., born, of Dutch descent, September 15, 1827. She was the daughter of Mitchner and Barbara (Hunsinger) Tucker, both natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Castle have had six children, as follows: Peter, Albert, Barbara Jane, Priscilla, Melvin and Emma Olive, of whom Albert and Barbara Jane are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Castle are rnembers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Castle formerly was a Democrat, but since 1862 he has firmly supported the principles of the Republican party. He is an influential citizen and is highly respected where he is known.

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

WILLIAM COTNER, one of the pioneers of Cass County, was born in Darke County, Ohio, May 27, 1816. He was the oldest child in a family of thirteen children born to Eli and Nackey (Mullennix) Cotner, both natives of North Carolina. The former born, of German descent, to Daniel and Mary (Coble) Cotner, in January, 1795; immigrated with his parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, when ten years of age; removed to Darke County, Ohio, about 1815; immigrated to this State in 1827, and located upon a farm near Delphi, Carroll County, and finally came to this county in the fall of 1831, and located upon a farm in Section 18, Noble Township, where he spent the balance of his life, his death occurring June 17, 1857. The latter was born, of German and Welsh descent, to Jonathan and Mary (Summey ) Mullennix, about 179 8; came with her parents to Montgomery County, Ohio; afterward moved to Darke County, Ohio, where, in 1815, her marriage occurred with Eli Cotner; she came with her husband, first to Carroll County, and finally to this county, and died upon the old home place, in Noble Township, in August, 1853. He had ten brothers and two sisters, whose names were John, Henry, Peter, Cornelius, Eli, Daniel, Easton, Georgy, Mary, David, Sarah and Samuel, all of whom grew up to maturity and were married; six still suvive. Those dead are John, Cornelius, Eli, Daniel and George. He was fifteen years of age when his parents came to this county. In 1838 he purchased and moved to a farm in Section 6, Noble Township, which has ever since been his home. He has always been engaged in farming and the raising of stock. Kezia Ballou, a native of this State, born, of English descent, October 1, 1818, became his wife January 27, 1838. She was the daughter of Joseph and Susan (Pearson) Ballou. Mrs. Kezia Cotner died March 25, 1852. July 17, he married Hannah Veal, a native of Rush County, this State, born, of English descent, September 10, 1835. She was the daughter of Andrew and Dosha (Kindle) Veal, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter a native of Rush Connty, this State. Mrs. Hannah Cotner had five brothers and six sisters, their names being Mary, Sirneon, Samuel T., Levina, Sarah, Harrison, Cyntha, Maria, Dosha and Andrew (twins) and William; of whom Levina, Harrison, Maria and Andrew are dead. By his first wife Mr. Cotner had seven children: Susan, born August 7, 1839, died in infancy; Eli, born December 15, 1840, died November 24, 1863; Isabell, born January 2, 1842; Andrew, born March 25, 1844; Nackey, born November 20, 1847; Margaret, born January 7, 1849, died March 13, 1870; Rebecca, born March 25, 1852, died October 2, 1852. By his last wife he has had two children: Ernmet and Emma (twins), born April 17, 1866, the former of whom died September 22, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Cotner belong to the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Cotner is a Democrat, and he firmly supports the principles of his party. He owns 300 acres of good land, most of which is highly improved, with good fences and buildings. He has a comfortable home and is in easy circumstances. He is an enterprising and industrious farmer, an influential citizen, and enjoys the respect of the entire community in which he resides.

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

MRS. SARAH A. COTNER, whose maiden name was Sarah Sturgeon, was born in Miami County, Ohio, October 20, 1833. She was the second daughter born to William and Susana (Overlease) Sturgeon, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. She and three brothers and two sisters, whose names were Martha J., Abraham, George, John and Susana, of whom George is dead. In October, 1834, she came with her parents to this county, and located on a farm in JeffersonTownship. When she was thirteen years old her parents moved to a farm in Washington Township. April 19, 1855, she was married to Daniel Cotner, with whom she settled upon a farm in Section 7, Noble Township, where she has ever since resided. Her marriage with Mr. Cotner resulted in the birth of five children, as follows: William E., born April 5, 1856; Armilda A., born February 10, 1860; Lucy, born May 24, 1865; Eva, born September 14, 1875 (died when one year old), and an infant son, born September 10, 1873 (lived but three weeks). Mrs. Cotner is a member of the Christian Church. She lost her husband March 26, 1877, since which she has been a widow; she is comfortably located upon a good farm, seven miles northwest of Logansport.

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

ANDREW COTNER was born in the township in which he resides March 25, 1844. He was the second son born to William and Kezia (Ballou) Cotner, the former a native of Ohio. He has always resided in Noble Township, and been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He located where he now lives, in Section 5, Noble Township, in 1868. December 22, 1867, he was married to Susan Sturgeon, a native of Washington Township, this county, born March 8,1846. She was the daughter of William and Susan Sturgeon, both natives of Ohio. Politically Mr. Cotner is a stanch Democrat. He owns a farm of 155 acres of good land, most of which is in a state of cultivation. He is an industrious farmer and good citizen. In the spring of 1886 he was elected to the office of township trustee, overcoming an opposing majority of twenty-seven votes which indicates his standing in the township.

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