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

JOHN F. DODDS. The subject of this sketch is a native of Fayette County, Ky., born near Lexington, in that State, February 24, 1819, and in the fall of that year, with his parents, moved to and settled in Monroe County, Ind. He is the son of Samuel and Rachel (Rinehart) Dodds, natives, the former of Ireland, and the latter of Pennsylvania, of German extraction. John F. received his education in Bloomington, entering the State University at that place in 1836, and graduating, in that institution, in 1841. In the fall of that pear he came to Logansport and commenced the study of law in the office of Biddle & Stuart. He was admitted to the practice of his chosen profession in 1843. In 1848 he was elected judge of the probate court of Cass County, but in 1830 he resigned that position, and ran for county auditor on the Whig ticket that year. He was elected then, and became his own successor at the next, and afterward for the third term. In this last instance, finding himself ineligible, he resigned, and a successor being chosen in the person of Daniel W. Tomlinson, he served as deputy auditor under him for a period of two years. He was again elected auditor in 1870, and served another full term; subsequently he served as deputy auditor, under Robert R. Carson, a further term of four years, making in all twenty-two years' active duty in that office as principal and deputy, becoming as a consequence, one of the best posted officers of the county in that department. In the meantime, however, he was appointed revenue collector for the Ninth Collection District of Indiana by President Lincoln in 1862, but was removed in 1866 by Mr. Johnson, who succeeded to the presidency after Mr. Lincoln's death. He then became revenue assessor for Cass County, and continued in that office until 1870. He was married, May 16, 1844, to Miss Alice M. Hars, daughter of Robert Hars, who came to Cass County as an Indian trader in 1828, and consequently is one among the oldest of the female residents of this city. As the issue of this marriage, seven children were born to them: Ellen, Louisa, Charles (deceased), Ada, Carrie, John and May. Of the daughters, Louisa is married to Charles F. Ranch, of the firm of Walker & Ranch, of this city, and Ada, married to James F. Stutesman, of Peru, Ind. During the past few years Mr. Dodds has been engaged in the abstract and conveyancing business, with an excellent reputation for accuracy and efficiency. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity in the subordinate and higher degrees, is also a Knight Templar, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Dodds is an active member of the Broadway Methodist Church, and has been a member of the board of trustees for that church since 1852.

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

WILLIAM DOUGLASS. Prominent among the active business men of Cass County is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Mr. Douglass was born August 4, 1815, in Miami County, Ohio, and is the youngest son of David and Elizabeth (Flory) Douglass, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The paternal ancestors were natives of Scotland, but early came to America and settled in Pennsylvania in colonial times. His ancestors on the mother's side were Dutch, and were among the substantial residents of Kentucky in an early day. William Douglass spent the first sixteen years of his life in Ohio, and, at the end of that time, in 1832, came to Indiana with an older brother, Joseph Douglass, and, after a short time spent in Cass County, found employment with an Indian tribe near the present town of Warsaw. He farmed for the red-men, hunted with them, participated in all their games and sports, learned their language, which he has never forgotten, and remained with them the greater part of three years. Returning to Cass County in 1835, he worked at different vocations and for some time did teaming between Logansport and Michigan City, a business attended with many difficulties in that early day. He afterward engaged in farming, which he carried on until 1850, when he abandoned agricultural pursuits, and began boating on the Wabash & Erie Canal, mulling his own boat between the cities of Terre Haute and Toledo. He followed the canal about seven years, and during that time did a successful business, freighting goods and grain to and from all the cities and towns along the water-way. On severing his connection with the boating business he engaged as traveling agent for a Detroit fur house, taking Indiana as his territory, over which he traveled very extensively for a period of twenty-one years, during which time he purchased more furs than any other man in the State. In 1878 he quit the Detroit firm and engaged with a Chicago house, for which he bought until 1882. In 1876 he engaged in the agricultural implement business, which he has since continued, and in which he has been very successful. Mr. Douglass did a lucrative business as a fur trader, and by industry and careful management succeeded in accumulating a handsome property, which is now among the most valuable in the county. Mr. Douglass is a true type of the successful self-made men of Indiana. Beginning life's battle in a field of adversity, with the aid of little or no capital and a meager experience, wholly dependent upon personal effort, his good sense, sound judgment and discreet management have forced success out of what, to many others, would have been certain defeat, and, at the same time, secured to him a prominent position among the leading business men of Cass and surrounding counties. He has been three times married: the first time, March 16, 1837, to Miss Amanda Thomas, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of Henry Thomas. Five children were born to this marriage, the following of whom are living: James, Frank and Marion. Mrs. Douglass died in May, 1832. In the following year Mr. Douglass' second marriage was solemnized with Rosanna Trapp, of Pennsylvania, who died in 1882. Eight children were the results of this union – two living: Edward and Charles. Mr. Douglass married his present wife, Mrs. Sarah R. Neff, in February, 1883. He is now seventy-one years of age, and possesses, in a marked degree, all his faculties, both physical and mental. He is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, but not a partisan in the sense of seeking office. He identified himself with the Disciples Church a number of years ago, and is still a consistent member of that society. His wife is also a member of the same church, and one of the active workers in the Logansport congregation.

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

PETER DUNKEL. Conspicuous among the early residents and active business men of Logansport is Peter Dunkel, who was born in Union County, Penn., December 3, 1803. His parents, Jacob and Mary (Shumaker) Dunkel, were also natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Dunkel's early educational advantages were exceedingly limited, and he was thrown upon his own resources when quite young. It the age of seventeen he made a tour of the South, and spent some time in the States of Louisiana and Mississippi, working at his trade of paper-making, which he had previously learned in Pennsylvania. He came to Logansport in 1837, and engaged in the livery business, which he continued until about the year 1855. He then moved to a farm, followed agricultural pursuits until 1859. Then he returned to the city, and one year later went to Tennessee for the purpose of engaging in the dry fruit business, but was prevented from so doing on account of the war. Returning to Logansport he embarked in the grocery trade, which he carried on until 1876 doing a very extensive business during that period. He retired from active life in the latter year, and is now enjoying that quiet and repose which only those who have grappled with the world for over half a century know how to appreciate. Mr. Dunkel was married, in the fall of 1839, to Miss Amy Douglass, of Darke County, Ohio, to which marriage seven children have been born, three of whom - John, Emma and Lizzie - are living. Mr. Dunkel is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first vote, in Mississippi, for Andrew Jackson. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., being one of the oldest members of that fraternity in the city.

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

COL. JOHN B. DURET. Jean Baptiste Duret was born in the city of Detroit, Mich., January 22, 1796, the son of John Duret, who up to a few years before the birth of John B., was a citizen of Quebec, primarily from France. While yet a young man, having a thorough business education, he commenced his career as a book-keeper in a large trading house in that city, where he remained some time, becoming in the meantime familiar with the details of the trade. In the fall of 1820 he left Detroit, came down the Wabash River and established a trading house on the left bank of the river just above the mouth of Rock Creek, in what is now Carroll County. He states, in giving an account of his early business career, that in August, 1820, having been employed as clerk at the headquarters of an extensive fur company, he left Michilimackinac with goods, for the purpose of trading with the Indians on the Wabash. Transporting his goods from that island, by means of pirogues, along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, to the mouth of the St. Joseph's River, he ascended that stream to the trading house occupied by Alexander Coquillard, an Indian trader of considerable notoriety, at the present site of the city of South Bend, Ind., and thence by Indian pack-horses to Fort Wayne. At this point he remained a short time only, and in the fall of that year, he descended the Wabash and erected his trading house, as above stated. Just across the Wabash, and a little below, there was quite an extensive Pottawattomie village, which, with some others more remote, furnished him a very lucrative trade, the Indians supplying him with furs and peltries in exchange for such commodities as were most in demand by them. He was very popular among the natives, and won their confidence by his fair dealing and characteristic suavity of manner. Thus situated, he continued in business there during the three years succeeding. Leaving this point, he abandoned the Indian trade altogether and returned to Fort Wayne, where he remained until the spring of 1828, when, upon the removal of the Indian agency, he came to Logansport, at the instance of Gen. Tipton, then in charge of the agency at this place, and became the principal clerk in that establishment. Having located here, he was generally engaged in the discharge of duties pertaining to his position, attending treaties and payments in which Gen. Tipton was interested as agent, up to the time he was elected to the United States Senate. Meanwhile, during the earlier years of the county's history, when Indian treaties, and payments were of frequent occurrence, he was frequently called upon by the commissioners, Gen. Cass, Govs. Jennings and Ray, Gen. Tipton and others, on the part of the United States, to assume, for the time, his old position, for which he was so eminently qualified because of his long experience with the Indians and familiarity with their wants. Upon the organization of the county, April 13, 1829, at the election of officers preliminary to the setting up of a distinct and separate local government, he was almost unanimously elected clerk and recorder for the new county. He continued to hold the position of clerk, being re-elected from time to time as the terms expired, until the time of his death, December 5, 1855, a period of twenty-six years, seven months and twenty-three days, being elected to the last term he would have been eligible to the position, under the Constitution of 1852, in the October election just preceding his death. Col. Duret was married to Miss Elizabeth Bell, daughter of Maj. Daniel Bell, one of the earliest settlers in this county, and granddaughter of Capt. Spier Spencer, who was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe, on September 23, 1829. As the issue of this marriage he had seven children - two sons and five daughters. The sons were John B., Jr., who died a few years since, and James S. now a citizen of Peru, Ind.; the daughters were (after marriage), Mrs. James S. Chapin, Mrs. D. H. Chase, Mrs. H. T. Manlove, Mrs. H. C. Eversole and Mrs. J. W. F. Liston - Mrs. Chapin, Eversole and Chase being now dead. In the spring or summer of 1830, about the time of the birth of his first child, Mary Ann, in order to record the birth of his first born in the sacred volume, he purchased of a passing bookseller, a large family Bible, the first one brought to and purchased in Logansport. It is now in an excellent state of preservation and is esteemed of special value because it contains a complete register of the family births, marriages and deaths, and remains in the keeping of his widow, who is still alive and in the enjoyment of fair health and of devotion to the comfort of her children. In politics Col. Duret was n Democrat, in religion a Catholic, having been raised and educated in that faith. He was a bright Mason, one of the charter members of Tipton Lodge, No. 33, Logan Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2, in Logansport, and of the Commandery of Knights Templar at La Fayette. He was also a member of the I. O. O. F.

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

JOB E. ELDRIDGE, deceased. Prominent among the early residents of Logansport was Job B. Eldridge, who for over a half century was perhaps as well and favorably known as any man in Cass County. Mr. Eldridge was a native of New Jersey, born May 4, 1804, to Job and Deborah (Wood) Eldridge. At the age of ten he went to Philadelphia to learn the tailor's trade, and, after having become proficient in the same, followed the business in that city, until the year 1827. He then came West and located at Richmond, Ind., where he remained only a few months, moving in the fall of the same year to Logansport, which place he ever afterward made his home. On reaching this city he at once opened a tailor's shop, but soon engaged in the dry goods business, which he carried on in connection with his trade until about the year 1840. He was elected sheriff of Cass County in 1834, filling the office four years, and also associate judge from 1840 to 1844. He was again elected sheriff in 1839, and later held the office of trustee for Eel Township until his death, which occurred May 25, 1880. He served in the State Legislature from 1838 till 1842, and against his official record no word of suspicion was ever uttered. Mr. Eldridge was made a Mason at the age of twenty -one, joined the Odd Fellows fraternity about the same time, and at his death was probably the oldest member of the latter order then in the United States, having been an active member for a period of fifty-five years. He was a Republican in politics, and always took an active interest in the deliberations of his party in Cass County. July 14, 1835, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Jane Barr, of Franklin Comity, Ohio, by whom he is father of three children: Tacy (deceased), Mary and Lydia.

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

J. T. ELLIOT, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cambridge City, Ind., March 24, 1844, son of William and Eliza (Branson) Elliott. Mr. Elliott was educated in the schools of his native city, and at the early age of twelve became a salesman hi the mercantile house of his brother Dewitt C. Elliott, in whose employ he remained until attaining his majority, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business in the meantime. In 1865 he embarked in the dry goods business, in partnership with A. R. Shroyer, and subsequently purchased the grocery store of his brother at New Castle, Ind., at which place he continued in the mercantile business until 1870. In the latter year he went to Chicago, and accepted the position of book-keeper in a pork-packing house, and after remaining in that capacity one year, came to Logansport, and engaged with the wholesale grocery house of Elliott, Pogue & Shroyer, in which he subsequently purchased an interest, and with which he is still identified. In all his business transactions Mr. Elliott has shown himself to be a man of discreet judgment, scrupulous integrity and gentlemanly demeanor. He has been successful in all his business enterprises, and the wholesale house with which he is at present connected is one of the largest of the kind in the northern part of the State. Mr. Elliott was married, May 16, 1865, to Miss Caroline Shroyer, of New Castle, Ind., to which marriage the following children have been born: Harry S., Hettie and Thusie Elliott. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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

M. D. FANSLER, attorney at law, was born in Wyandotte County, Ohio, June 25, 1857, and is the son of Dr. David N. and Mary D. Fansler. He was educated in a printing office, practiced law in Logansport since 1879, and is now prosecuting attorney, elected in 1884. He was married on the 4th of May, 1881, to Miss Nannie Mulcahey, of Logansport.

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

DR. GRAHAM N. FITCH, the subject of this sketch, was born in LeRoy, Genesee Co., N. Y., on the 5th of December, 1810, and is said to have been the first white child born in that village. His father's name was Frederick, that of his mother, Mary (Capen) Fitch. Inheriting from his ancestors a well developed physical system and a rigorous intellect, h e was allowed all the educational privileges the locality and vicinity afforded, which, while they were not of the highest order, nevertheless were sufficient to lay the foundation of a career of usefulness. At an early date, having chosen the medical profession as the channel in which his life voyage was to be made, he commenced study with his father and Dr. Asa Freeman, subsequently completing his course with Dr. Townsend, of Genera, N. Y. Soon after his entrance upon the practice of his profession, he came west ward and selected Logansport as his future home. With such intention he settled here on the 4th of July, 1834, and has been a constant resident ever since. His professional career has been singularly successful, the reputation being awarded him as one of the most skillful surgeons and thorough practitioners in the West. That he was entitled to such credit, no one has attempted to controvert. Throughout the upper Wabash Valley his name and fame are household words. In 1844 he accepted a professorship in Rush Medical College, at Chicago, Ill., occupying the chair of theory and practice during the years 1844-47. At the end of the session in this year he resigned his position. While thus engaged, he maintained his popularity and enlarged his sphere of usefulness. Though not naturally a politician, Dr. Fitch, from force of circumstances, was drawn, perhaps not unwillingly, into the arena of politics, where his commanding talent and energy marked him as the people's choice. In 1836, and again in 1839, he was chosen to represent Cass County in the State Legislature. As a legislator in the State councils he proved himself equal to the responsibility intrusted to him. Subsequently, at the election in August, 1847, he was chosen to represent this district in the Lower House of Congress, holding the position until 1852. During his membership there he was active and efficient in the discharge of his duties, earning the reputation of a discreet legislator. His legislative capacity was further tested by an experience in the Senate of the United States, commencing in 1858 and ending with the session of 1860-61. The honorable distinction acquired in subordinate legislature positions was not dimmed by his senatorial experience. This ended his active political life, but he leaves a record of which posterity need not be ashamed. Although a Democrat in his political affiliation, he esteemed principles above mere partisanship, and was not slow to manifest disapprobation when his party seemed disposed to pursue a course of policy in antagonism with his better judgment. In the triangular contest for the presidency between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas and Mr. Breckinridge, he gave his undivided support to the last named gentleman, influenced hereto by a belief that his election would prevent the threatened civil war. Again, when his party rallied to the support of Mr. Greeley, he manifested his dissent by supporting Mr. O'Connor for the presidency. He opposed, alike, the ultra anti-slavery men of the North and the pro-slavery men of the South, averring that the former gave the pretext for dissatisfaction in the South, while the latter exaggerated the pretest to unreasonably increase the dissatisfaction. He thought both, though antipodes in profession, were seeking the same end - civil war and dissolution of the Union. He appears to have foreseen the war several years before its occurrence, and warned the Southern members of Congress of its consequences to their section, portraying those consequences, in one of his speeches in Congress, much as they consequently occurred. When the war came he raised a regiment (the Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteers), and at its head entered the Federal service. He was soon placed in command of a brigade, with which he participated in the siege and capture of Fort Thompson, at New Madrid. His command likewise composed part of Gen. Palmer's division, which, subsequent to the capture of Fort Thompson, blockaded the Mississippi River, at Ruddle's Point, to prevent reinforcements and supplies reaching Island No. 10 from below. Afterward he was detached, with his brigade, from Gen. Pope's command to co-operate with Corns. Foote and Davis in the siege of Fort Pillow, and conducted the siege so vigorously as to materially aid in the forced abandonment of the fort by the Confederate troops. The next day after its capture, he descended the river and captured Memphis, holding it some days, until the arrival of Gen. Slack, of the Forty-seventh Indiana. He then, with his own regiment, embarked for the White River, Arkansas, where he captured St. Charles and rendered other valuable service. Upon the completion of the campaign he returned home to enjoy the remainder of his days in peace. Since the close of the war he has continued to practice his profession, not interfering in political affairs, except to preserve the integrity of his inherent ideas of right, by opposing, with the vigor of his palmier days, whatever he conceives to be wrong, in civil and political affairs alike.

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

MOSES R. FRAZEE, one of the most successful merchants of Logansport, is a native of Miami County, Ohio, and the son of David and Mary (Price) Frazee, his parents born in Wales, and Ohio, respectively. He was born in August, 1834, received his educational training in the common schools of his native county, and at the age of fifteen became salesman in a dry goods house at Piqua, Ohio, in which capacity he continued about six years. At the end of that time he took charge of a dry goods business in Marion, Ind., for J. B. Whipple, of Piqua, and continued there until 1857, when he came to Logansport and established a business of his own, which soon became very prosperous. In 1858 he effected a copartnership with A. L. Williams, under the firm name of Frazee & Williams, which lasted until 1863. From 1861 till 1866 he did business alone, and in the latter year abandoned merchandising and engaged in the milling business at Minneapolis, Minn., where he remained until 1870. He returned to Logansport that year, and in 1873 went into the dry goods business in partnership with his brother, J. N. Frazee, under the firm name of Frazee & Bro., which continued until 1880, when he purchased his brother's interest, and since that time has been doing a very lucrative business by himself, his store being one of the most prosperous business houses in the city. In his business Mr. Frazee is prompt and methodical, not given to speculation, being satisfied with gradual but sure gains; in short, possesses those correct business principles which generally insure success. In politics he is a Republican, but has never sought nor held any official position. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a liberal patron of churches and other enterprises having for their view the public good. Mr. Frazee was married August, 1864, to Miss Mary C. Higgins, daughter of Capt. A. M. Higgins, a union which has been blessed with the birth of three children, namely: Stewart R., Helen and Jesse Frazee, the last two deceased.

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

WILLIAM GRACE was born in Rush County, Ind., September 18, 1841, and is the fourth son of C. and Juda, (Stafford) Grace, natives, respectively, of Indiana and Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish origin. The father came to Logansport in 1840, and was for a number of years identified with the business interests of the county and city. William Grace was five years of age when his parents moved to Logansport. He received a practical education in the city schools, and at the age of eighteen entered the employ of the Pan Handle Railroad Company as brakeman, and subsequently held the position of baggageman, continuing in the employ of the road until 1862. In July that year he entered the army, enlisting in the Fifty-fifth Regiment, with the one hundred day men, and at the expiration of this period of service returned to Logansport and accepted the position of salesman in the mercantile house of Merriam, Rice & Howe, where he remained for a period of about four years. In 1867 he engaged in the grocery business in partnership with Joseph Grusenmeyer, and one year later re-entered the service of the Pan Handle Railroad Company, accepting a position in the depot at Logansport, which he held until becoming a partner in the clothing business with Isaac Shideler. The house at the present time is known as that of Wm. Grace & Co., and is one of the largest clothing firms in the city. Mr. Grace was married, in 1803, to Miss Sarah Grusenmeyer, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Joseph Grusenmeyer. He is a member of the K. of P. and takes an active interest in political affairs, voting the Democratic ticket.

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

JOHN B. GROVER. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was born in Madison, Ind., April 7, 1822, and is the eldest and only child living of Gen. N. D. and Elizabeth (Brisben) Grover. N. D. Grover was born in Maryland, of Scotch parentage, and was one of the earliest settlers of Cass County, coming here as sub-Indian agent under Gen. Tipton in the year 1829. He was a saddler by trade, and carried on a shop in connection with the mercantile business for a number of years, during the early history of Logansport. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, representing Cass County in the Legislature during the session of 1841- 42, served as city clerk from 1850 to 1860, and took active interest in all enterprises having for their object the public good. He took a gallant part in the last war with Great Britain, and departed this life in Logansport June 17, 1875. His wife, Elizabeth Grover, was a native of Pennsylvania, born of English ancestors, and died October 29, 1830. John B. Grover was seven years of age when his parents moved to Cass County, and from that time until the present, he has been one of its honored and widely known citizens. His rudimentary education was received in the common schools, supplemented by a course in Wabash College, which institution he entered at the age of sixteen, remaining three years, during which time he made substantial progress in his various studies. In June, 1846, he enlisted in Company G of the first regiment raised for the Mexican war, with which he served for a period of thirteen months, the greater part of the time being spent in Mexico. He early learned the apothecary's profession, which he followed until 1860. Two years later he moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he afterward entered the army, enlisting in the One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Ohio Infantry, and serving with the same during the last years of the war. At the expiration of his tern of service Mr. Grover returned to Columbus, and accepted the position of book-keeper for the Baltimore & Ohio and Pan Handle Railroads, in which capacity he continued until his return to Logansport in 1872. In the latter year he engaged with the Pan Handle Company as clerk, the duties of which position he is still discharging. Mr. Grover has had a useful life, and in his dealings with his fellow-men has acquired a record for efficiency and integrity of which any one might feel proud. He is a Republican in politics, and as such has rendered valuable service to his party in Cass County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Orient Lodge, No. 272. On November 3, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Sharp, of Columbus, Ohio. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Grover are three in number: Jesse, Cassius and Julia.

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

ROBERT F. GROVES (deceased). The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was a native of Philadelphia, Penn., born in the year 1808. He received a classical education in his native city, and when quite young commenced the study of medicine under his brother, Michael Groves, a distinguished physician of Philadelphia, but never engaged in the practice, abandoning the profession for that of the law, in which he acquired great proficiency. He came to Logansport in 1834, was admitted to the Cass County bar shortly thereafter, and about the year 1836 was elected justice of the peace. In 1846 he was appointed postmaster of Logansport, to fill the unexpired term of Chauncey Carter, and discharged the duties of that office until 1848. Two years later he was elected county probate judge, serving. in that capacity until 1854, and in 18 56 was appointed by President Buchanan postmaster of Logansport, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until 1861. He served two terms as mayor of Logansport, and against his record as an official no tinge of suspicion ever rested. His death occurred in the year 1875. In 1828 he married Miss Rebecca Barnes, of Philadelphia, by whom he had eight children, four of whom are living, viz.: Rebecca C., Ellen N., Mary F. and George J. George J. Groves was born in Logansport, Ind., September 11, 1839. He was educated in the city high school, and in 1859 accepted a clerkship in the postoffice, under S. A. Hall, and continued in that capacity until the breaking out of the civil war. He entered the naval service, in 1861, as fourth master of the Mississippi Squadron, and from 1862 until the close of the war was commander of the “Fairplay,” a vessel carrying a crew of 180 men. He was mustered out of the service in 1866 as lieutenant commanding, after which he came to Logansport, where he has since resided. He was deputy county recorder from 1883 till 1885, and at the present time is engaged in the insurance and real estate business. Mr. Groves is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party, and as such has been an important factor in local politics.

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

WILLIAM HAGENBUCK. Prominent among the leading business men of Logansport is the gentleman whose biographical sketch is herewith presented. Mr. Hagenbuck is a native of LaPorte County, Ind., and son of William and Harriet (Hews) Hagenbuck, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Hagenbuck was born January 24, 1846, and grew to manhood in his native county, in the common schools of which he obtained a good English education. He early engaged in the lumber business, a branch of industry he carried on as a specialty until the year 1868. He entered the army in 1864, volunteering in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged the following year. He came to Cass County in 1885, and engaged in the saw-milling and lumber business at New Waverly, and three years later moved to Logansport and started a binding factory, out of which subsequently grew the present large manufacturing establishment of Hagenbuck, Parker & Co., one of the leading industries of the city. Mr. Hagenbuck is a careful business man, and to his skillful management is much of the success of the above enterprise due. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Mary Huffman, of New Waverly, Ind., a union blessed with the birth of three children: Harry L., Earl O. and Cora B.

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

SAMUEL ALONSON HALL, late of Logansport, Ind., born at Willoughby, Ohio, December 4, 1823. He was a descendant of Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His father, Samuel A. Hall, died just before the birth of his son Samuel. He was one of the early business men of Willoughby. At the age of thirteen Mr. Hall commenced to learn the printer's trade in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1839 he removed to Manhattan, Ohio, and was employed by M. H. Knapp. Three years later, under the same employer, he worked on the Kalida Venture. In 1843 he was employed by Messrs. Steadman & Knapp, in the publication of the North Western, at Defiance, Ohio. He purchased the printing material of the last named establishment, and started West to seek a suitable location. He was induced by some members of a Baptist association to visit Logansport, Ind. Becoming convinced that it was a desirable place, he began, in July, 1844, the publication of the Democratic Pharos. The young editor was harassed by many embarrassments, but a determined will enabled him to triumph over every obstacle. He lived to see the work he so inauspiciously began a quarter of a century ago, develop into one of the first printing establishments of the State. He was proprietor and editor of the Democratic Pharos until January 1, 1869. Mr. Hall, during the Southern Rebellion, was a firm friend of the Union cause. Though a Democrat of the Douglas type, so well did he manage political campaigns that he won the esteem of his political opponents. In the spring of 1843 he became a member of the Baptist Church, and from that time till the day of his death, April 10, 1870, was an earnest and consistent Christian, and in his last illness exemplified the full faith he had in a hope beyond the grave. In all the public and private charities of Logansport, Mr. Hall's name and individual efforts were always foremost. He was a man of large sympathy, and of the most Christian charity. In all the attributes of honorable manhood- honesty of purpose, uprightness of character and Christian simplicity- Mr. Hall stood prominent. In November, 1846, he married Miranda P. Nash, of Logansport. There are five children living.

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

WILLARD N. HALL, of the firm of Hall & O'Donald, printers and publishers, was born in Logansport, Ind., June 2, 1856, and is the son of Samuel A. and Miranda (Nash) Hall, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Maine. W. N. Hall was educated in the schools of Logansport, and at an early age entered his father's printing office to learn the printer's trade. He purchased stock in the Pharos in 1875 and 1877, and in 1878 established his present business general printing and publishing - which is one of the most successful enterprises of the city and one of the largest of the kind in northern Indiana. The firm of Hall & O'Donald was formed in 1884, and the business they do would be a credit to a much larger city than Logansport. Mr. Hall was married, in March, 1883, to Miss Lulu Robbins, of Rochester, Ind.

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

HENRY C. HAMMONTREE. Mr. Hammontree was born in Loudoun County, Va., May, 1832, son of William and Dorcas A. (Manly) Hammontree, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Maryland. The subject, when two years old, was taken by his parents to Montgomery County, Md., where he enjoyed such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools. At the age of seventeen he began working at the plane-maker's trade in Baltimore, which he continued five years, and at the end of that time engaged in the cabinet business, which he continued a number of years in Maryland and Indiana. He entered the army in August, 1862Y enlisting in the Eighty-eighth Indiana, with which he served until mustered out in May, 1865, participating in a number of battles in the meantime, among which were Perryville, Ky., Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Macklena Cove and others. He came to Logansport in June, 1866, and engaged in the cabinetmaker’s trade with W. T. S. Manly and continued the same at intervals until 1884. In April of the latter year he was elected on the Republican ticket trustee of Eel Township, the duties of which position he is discharging at the present time, having been re-elected in 1886. He was deputy sheriff under W. T. S. Manly from 1873 to 1877. Mr. Hammontree was married, in June, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Beckley, of Ohio. To this marriage seven children have been born, six living: Lula A., William W., George H., Robert E.; Frederick and Harry C. Mr. Hammontree is a member of the G. A. R., I. O. O. F., K. of L., and since his twenty-first year has voted with the Republican party.

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

WILLIAM W. HANEY, Logansport, is the son of Joseph and Mary Weaver Haney, and was born in Bucks County, Tenn., on the 25th of December, 1809. Mr. Haney's parents were not in affluent circumstances, and, as a consequence, were unable to provide him with other educational privileges than such as were attainable in the country school of that period; hence, it may be said with propriety, he was not an educated man, in the accepted meaning of the term, yet thoroughly skilled in the details of practical business, such as is acquired only by the experience of years and the active observations of well developed common sense. He began life on a farm, and received there his early parental training. Afterward, life in a hotel, then an under clerk in a store, gave variety to his early experience. At the age of seventeen years, without money, or estate, he left the paternal roof to become the architect of his own fortune. That he succeeded, the sequel fully discloses. About that time, the Delaware division of the Pennsylvania Canal was being located from Easton to Bristol, and, the opportunity presenting itself, he became connected with the engineering corps having that work in charge, and with them took his first lesson in experience, holding that position for about one year. He next engaged in running coal out on the river, for a short season, then becoming bartender and stage agent in R. Latimore's hotel, at Easton, Penn. This experience added one year more to his life discipline, after which he accepted the superintendency of a division of the canal, and having succeeded in that trust for a twelve-month, coal-boating next engrossed his attention during a like period, at the end of which time he was induced to resume the supervision of the Pennsylvania Canal. On this contract he continued two years, and then left to become a contractor for the construction of the Delaware & Raritan Canal feeder, on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. He immediately took charge of this work-originally let to Moore & Brown- and completed it in less than one year. He was then employed by the Delaware & Raritan Company to take charge of a portion of said feeder, and, continued in their employ about one year longer. Being satisfied with his experienced east of the Alleghanies, on the 17th of March, 1835, he turned his face westward, and taking the river route, by steamer, flat-boat and pirogue, landed at Peru, Ind., then all in the wilderness, on July 4 following. Shortly after his arrival in Peru he took charge of a number of men engaged in the construction of the Wabash & Erie Canal. In connection with that charge, he opened a stone quarry below Peru, for John Cooper, contractor for the Peru dam. The same fall he took a contract for the construction of a section of the canal at Lewisburg, and finished it the following year. Succeeding in this enterprise, he engaged in selling goods at Lewisburg with Alexander Wilson, also trading with the Indians. Three years later, he purchased Mr. Wilson's interest and continued business alone, trading largely in real estate and canal scrip, with other securities, at that point, until the summer of 1831. On July 15 of that year he moved to Logansport, where he embarked in general merchandising. In this business, however, he remained but a short time, and then sold out his entire stock. Since that time he has been chiefly engaged in real estate transactions, discounting moneyed obligations, etc. For several years he served as president of the Branch Bank of the State of Indiana, at Logansport. In all his business transactions, Mr. Haney has shown himself to be a man of uncommon sagacity and discreetness of judgment, of scrupulous integrity and gentlemanly demeanor. Mr. Haney was married, on December 13, 1836 to Miss Louisiana Fidler, who bore him two children: William E., born December 25, 1837 and Maria Emma, born December 31, 1845, the latter of whom died a few years since. In his social relations, also, Mr. Haney takes a high ran, making the most of life, for the enjoyments consequent upon a long life of diligent toil, to secure a compensation for his loved ones.

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

HENRY HEIDEN is n native of Hanover, Germany, and the son of Henry and Johanna (Wieseman) Heiden. He was born December 14, 1846, and when two years of age was brought to the United States, being taken direct to Ft. Wayne, Ind., where his parents resided a few months. From Ft. Wayne the family came to Logansport, where the father worked at the stone-mason's trade and butchering business until his death in 1856. He was a man of considerable intelligence, and previous to coming to the United States had served as a soldier in the German army. Henry Heiden began life for himself as clerk in the grocery and liquor store of Richard Ludders, with whom he remained from 1866 until 1868, and in the latter year engaged in the bakery and provision business for Joseph Seiter, with whom he continued about two years. At the end of that time he engaged as bartender for Adam Stulzer, with whom he remained for a period of eight years, purchasing the business at the end of that time, which he has since continued. Mr. Heiden was married, August 31, 1871, to Miss Louisa Hepp, a native of Germany, which union has been blessed with the birth of five children, viz.: Louisa, Anna, Henry, John and Elvira.

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

THOMAS B. HELM, Logansport. Change is constant and general ; generations arise and pass, unmarked, away; and it is a duty to posterity, as well as a present gratification, to place upon the printed page a true record of the parent's life. In the year 1781 William Helm emigrated from Virginia, and settled near Blue Lick, Kentucky. He was a native of Virginia, the line of ancestry extending over a period of years to Germany, through England and Ireland, and thence to Virginia. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Drummond, was a lineal descendant of the ancient Scottish house of that name. Their son, Samuel D. Helm, was the father of the gentleman for whom this biography is prepared. He married Miss Patience Wherrett, who was born near Hagerstown, Md. Her family genealogy reverts to the south of France, where the family was known by the name of Verette, since modified to its present orthography. Thomas E. Helm, with whom we are more directly interested in this sketch, was born on the 1st of February, 1822, in Fayette County, Ind. His parents moved to that county from Kentucky March 1, 1810, and were the first permanent white settlers of that county. They were farmers in good circumstances, and determined to place their son within reach of a good education and the advantages secured thereby. He was sent to school at a very early age, and, from the first clays of his school life, manifested great aptness in his studies and all eagerness to acquire knowledge, and as soon as his young mind was prepared to grapple with the difficulties of mathematics and the sciences he began the study of those branches, evincing especial interest in the science of language, in which he was rarely excelled by any one, and never by his school-mates. He possessed a very susceptible memory, of unusual strength and range, and mastered whatever he undertook with comparatively little effort. After completing a primary course in the common schools he entered upon an academic course, completing first, a thorough course in mathematics, after which he turned his attention to the study of languages; ancient and modern, in which he acquired remarkable proficiency. We may safely term him a fine linguist and conversant with several languages. He became an excellent scholar in the Latin and Greek languages, and in the latter has always been recognized as good authority on disputed points. On the 13th of September, l836, he came to Cass County, and for a period of more than fifty years has been one of her honored and respected citizens. In 1844 he began to impart to younger minds some of the knowledge acquired by himself through years of patient study, and from that time until the year 1853 he was more or less intimately connected with public educational interests. I n the winter and spring of 1846-47 he assisted in the survey of the public lands constituting the great Miami Reserve. For a number of years he was engaged in the departments of surveying and civil engineering, and there can be no better evidence of his excellence in this department than the reputation awarded him by the public. His eminent fitness for the position resulted in his election to the office of city civil engineer in the year 1856, and for a period of fourteen years he held this position at intervals, at the same time filling other offices equally responsible. Within this period he acted as school examiner for Cass County, and filled that position creditably from 1856 to 1868, with the exception of one year. On the 20th of September, 1849, he married Miss Mary E. House, who bore him two children: Harry C. and Samuel L. The latter died in infancy. On the 5th of September, 1854, death severed all earthly ties between himself and his faithful wife. He was a second time married, on the 2d of January, 1859 – Mrs. Catharine P. Davis becoming his bride. He became deputy clerk of the circuit and common pleas courts in 1853, and has been constantly engaged in the clerk's office since that time. He served as probate commissioner from 1871 to 1882. He is a deep student, and is well informed on all current topics. With the history of this county he has been especially interested, and for a member of years has been engaged in collecting data, which are embodied in the various departments of this work. He possesses one of the most valuable libraries in the city of Logansport, containing more than 3,000 volumes, of a classical, scientific and general nature. He was made a Mason in the year 1852, is a member of Tipton Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., became a member of Logan R. A. Chapter, No. 2, in 1853, and has been a member of Logansport Council, No. 11, R. & S. M., since the year 1863. He is an active working member of the order, and feels a lively interest in its welfare. He is one who never sought public distinction; is naturally modest and retiring, and the official positions in which he has acted at various times have been tendered him by his fellow-citizens in recognition of his many virtues and rare ability, and his official record is one of which he may justly be proud. Scrupulously honest and upright in all his dealings, he enjoys the friendship and goodwill of all with whom he has ever been associated.

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

GEORGE C. HORNE was born in Washington County, Penn., November 21, 1825, and is the second son of John and Hannah (Custer) Horne, both parents natives of the same county and State. John Horne came to Indiana in 1845, and settled in Clay Township. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1882, at the advanced age of eighty years. George C. Horne received the advantages of a common-school education, and at the age of seventeen began working at the carpenter's trade, in which he soon became very proficient, and at which he continued until 1879. He came to Logansport in 1847, soon acquired considerable reputation as a successful builder, and for a number of years worked extensively in the city and county. In 1879 he engaged with the Pan Handle Railroad Company, and since that time has been working in their shops at Logansport. At the breaking out of the Mexican war Mr. Horne entered the army, enlisting in Company C, Second Ohio Regiment, with which he served from June, 1846, until July, 1847. Company C was raised in Highland County, Ohio, and was commanded by Capt. William Irick. The regiment was commanded by Col. George W. Morgan, a general of distinction in the late war, and participated in a number of irregular engagements between the towns of Camargo and Monterey. He was a soldier in the late civil war also, enlisting, in 1861, in Company K, Forty-sixth Indiana Regiment, and serving with the same for a period of three years, during which time he participated in a number of battles, among which were Island No. 10, Vicksburg, and the various engagements of the Red River campaign. Mr. Horne was married April 18, 1853, to Miss Martha Thomas, a native of Clark County, Ohio, and daughter of Giles W. Thomas, one of the prominent citizens of Cass County. M. and Mrs. Horne have one child, Sallie Horne, born November, 1854. Mr. Horne stands high in Masonry, having taken a number of degrees, including that of Sir Knight. He belongs to the G. A. R., and in politics votes with the Republican party.

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

ROBERT HUMPHREYS, city clerk, was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Penn., August 8, 1857, son of John C. and Nancy C. (Ross) Humphreys, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. Humphreys was educated in the schools of his native city, and in early life learned the printer's trade. He came to Logansport in September, 1879, and engaged as salesman in the hardware house of I. N. Crawford, with whom he remained until 1882,when he resumed his trade and continued the same until 1885. In the latter yeas he was elected city clerk on the Republican ticket, a fact which attests the great popularity which he had gained in so short a period of residence. Mr. Humphreys has proved a very efficient officer. He was married in May, 1893, to Miss Anna Donaldson, of Logansport. To this marriage has been born one child, William R.

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

THOMAS J. IMMEL is a native of Union County, Ind., born at the town of Liberty January 24, 1831. His parents, John and Mary (Grove) Immel, were natives of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. Mr. Immel was raised to agricultural pursuits, remaining on the farm until about 1847, and received his early education in the common schools, supplemented by a course in a private school taught by William Wharton, attending the same during the year above mentioned. In 1848 he accepted the position of salesman in a dry goods house, and in 1S49 engaged in a fanning-mill factory at Brownsville, Ind., where he worked one year. From 1850 till 1851 he was engagad in the manufacture of shingles in Union County, and one year later accepted a clerkship in a dry goods store at Richmond, where he remained until 1853. In the latter year he went to Hagerstown, and in 1855 engaged in the patent-right business, continuing the same until 1856, and then became a clerk in a woolen goods store at Liberty, in which capacity he continued until embarking ill the hardware business at the same place in 1857. In 1862 he moved his stock to Brookville, in which town he did a successful business until disposing of his store in 1865. In the latter year he bought a hardware store in Connersville, and, after carrying on the same for a limited period, sold out and came to Logansport, where, in the fall of 1865, he again engaged in the hardware business, conducting the same with good success until 1876. He disposed of his store in that year, and has since been engaged in various enterprises, speculating in lands, general trading, etc. In connection with his real estate business, he is at the present time engaged in selling wagons, buggies, carriages, musical instruments, etc., his place of business being on Fifth Street, between North and Broadway. He was coal oil inspector from 1877 to 1881, aside from which he has not held nor sought official preferment. Mr. Immel is a man of great energy and industry, as is attested by the fact that his various business enterprises have been conducted with financia1 profit. He is also a man of decided opinion and great strength of character, fearless in the expression of what he believes to be right, and all active politician, voting in conformity with the principles of the Democratic party. Mr. Immel was married on the 6th of June, 1860, to Miss Helen M. Miller, of Connersville, Ind., to which marriage one child has been born, Helen M.

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

WILLIAM H. JACKS, deputy clerk Cass Circuit Court, was born in Rush County, Ind., January 2, 1831. His father was Isaac Jacks, a native of South Carolina, and his mother, whose maiden name was Deborah Wilson, was born in Bath County, Ky. Isaac Jacks early moved to Kentucky, and shortly after his marriage in that State immigrated to Indiana (1830), and settled in Rush County. He moved to Jasper County in 1840, and subsequently became a resident of White County, where his death occurred in March, 1866. Mrs. Jacks survived her husband about six years, dying in 1872. William H. is the eldest of ten children born to Isaac and Deborah Jacks. He was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until attaining his majority, attending the common schools in the meantime, and obtaining a good practical education. He began life for himself as clerk in a mercantile house in Rensselaer, Ind., and continued in that capacity until 1857, at which time he engaged in the grocery business at the town of Francisville, in partnership with Samuel Rishling, with whom he sold goods until 1860. In the latter place he was elected clerk of the Pulaski Circuit Court, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until 1869, having been re-elected, in 1864. At the expiration of his term of service he came to Logansport and accepted the position as deputy clerk of the Cass Circuit Court under Horace M. Bliss, and served three years; then served in the same capacity under N. S. LaRose until 1870. In that year he effected a copartnership in the practice of law with Hon. Rufus Magee, and the firm thus formed continued until January, 1880, doing an extensive business during that period. From 1880 until 1883 he was deputy county treasurer under Thomas H. Pierce, and from the latter year until the fall of 1884 he did a general real estate and insurance business in Cass and other counties. He was appointed deputy circuit clerk under Charles W. Fisk in 1884, the duties of which position he is discharging at the present time. Mr. Jacks is an accomplished business man and perfectly familiar with all the details of the office with which he has been so long identified. He joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rensselaer, Ind., November, 1834, and is now one of the most prominent members of the fraternity in the State. He was Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Indiana f rom November, 1881, to November, 1883, and for the years 1885-86 was representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F. While serving as Grand Representative he was largely instrumental in the revision of the uniform encampment degree, out of which grew the Patritarchs Militant. Mr. Jacks is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, belonging to Orient Lodge, No. 7. He has been a member of the Christian Church since about the year 1861 or 1862, and in politics supports the principles of the Democratic party. On October 22, 1857, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Anna M. Webb, daughter of Rufus and Malinda Webb, of Warren County, Ind. The children of this marriage were five in number, to wit: Minnie, Cora, Willie, May and Cortes L., all deceased.

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

ISRAEL JOHNSON, late of Logansport, Ind., was one of the early settlers of the great Wabash Valley. He was born in Washington County, Penn., March 6, 1803. About the year 1820 he went to Richmond, Id., and in 1829 removed to a permanent settlement at Logansport, where for thirty-seven years he was actively engaged in mercantile pursuits. He assisted largely in the organization and development of Cass County and its county seat, Logansport, building the first two-story house in the city. He was a member of the board of councilmen of Logansport, but with this exception he never, although urgently solicited to accept office, allowed his name to go before the public as a candidate. He was a Whig, and during the existence of that party labored earnestly for the promotion of its principles. He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his business and social relations was held in the highest esteem. He married, December 19, 1822, Mary Amelia Hamilton. Five of their children are still living: William H., of Logansport; Peter E., of Dayton, Ohio; George F., of New York City; Israel G., of San Francisco, Cal., and Jennie M., wife of Judge Maurice Winfield, of Logansport. Mr. Johnson's death occurred June 7, 1866, when he had reached the age of sixty-three.

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