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

NORRIS SELLERS. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is a native of Cass County, Ind., born in Clay Township February 22, 1838. He is the fifth son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Ward) Sellers, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and German descent, respectively. Joseph Sellers was born in the year 1793, and in an early day immigrated to Preble County, Ohio, where he lived unti1 he removed to Cass County, Ind., at a time when Logansport was a remote Indian trading post. The year after his arrival he moved into the wilds of what is now Clay Township, where he cleared a farm and where he lived until the year 1848. He began the practice of law in 1835; removed to Logansport in 1848, and died here in 1879, having reached the ripe old age of eighty-six years. Morris Sellers was raised on a farm; received but a limited education, attending school in all but four months; hence it may be said, with propriety, that he is not an educated man in the accepted meaning of the term, yet thoroughly skilled in the details of business, such as is only acquired by years of practical experience. At the age of eighteen he began working at the carpenter’s and joiner's trade under - Richard Richardson, and with the exception of three months in the army continued the vocation until 1868. He enlisted (1863) in the Fifty-fifth Indiana Infantry, but on account of physical disabilities, was discharged at the expiration of the time above mentioned. In 1869 he engaged as clerk in a grocery house at Kokomo, Ind., and in latter part of the same year opened a business house of his own at the same place, which he continued about three years, doing a successful business in the meantime. He returned to Logansport in 1878, and in partnership with his brother, Joseph Sellers, opened the present large grocery house, which they still carry on. Their place of business is on the corner of Twelfth and Market Streets, and the firm is one of the most successful in the city, having a reputation much more than local. Mr. Sellers was married, in 1864, to Miss Cynthia Sutherland, of Logansport, a union blessed with the birth of one child - May Sellers. Mr. Sellers is a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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

DAVID B. SHARP, boot and shoe merchant, and son of Samuel H. and Elizabeth (McNitt) Sharp, was born in Harrison Township, Cass Co., Ind., April 10, 1848. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were among the early settlers of Cass County, moving here in 1835, and settling in Harrison Township, where they still reside. David Sharp was raised to agricultural pursuits, received a practical education in the common schools, and began life for himself as a farmer, a business he followed until 1864. In December of that year he purchased of Henry Bruner the large boot and shoe store, of which he is at the present time proprietor. Since coming to Logansport Mr. Sharp has built up an extensive business, and he can be appropriately classed among the successful merchants of the city. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, with which he has been identified all his life, and votes with the Republican party. He was married, February 14, 1871, to Miss Margaret Medsker, of Wooster, Ohio.

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

ISAAC SHIDELER, a prominent business, man of Logansport, was born in Clinton Township, Cass County, on July 22, 1833. He is the youngest of a family of nine children born to George and Elizabeth (Neff) Shideler, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Virginia. George Shideler was born of German parentage, and was among the early comers to Cass County, settling in Clinton Township about the year 1832. He was a farmer by occupation, and departed this life on December 23, 1875. Isaac Shideler was raised to agricultural pursuits, and received his educational training in the schools of the county, which he attended at intervals until early manhood. He began life as a farmer, and in July, 1862, entered the army, enlisting in the Fifty-fifth Indiana Infantry, 100-days' men, with which he remained until the expiration of his period of service, when he returned to Cass County and engaged in the clothing business at Logansport in partnership with G. R. Thomas. The firm continued until l867, at which time Mr. Shideler purchased his partner’s interest, and continued the business very successfully until the year 1882, building up one of the largest mercantile houses in the county during that time. Mr. Shideler has been one of the most active and energetic business men of Logansport, and is now the possessor of a handsome competency. His has been the experience of all enterprising men, alternate success and reverse, the former predominating, and he is now classed among the substantial business men. He is not a politician, yet holds strong convictions as to true political duties and upon all those questions of morality which, more or less, enter into politics. He votes with the Republican party, but has never sought official honors at the hands of his fellow-citizens. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in religion exercises the right of private judgment, being bound by no church ties.

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

ALEXANDER R. SHROYER, wholesale grocer and prominent business man of Logansport, was born in the town of New Castle, Henry Co., Ind., on March 4, 1840. His parents, Henry and Esther (Hoover) Shroyer were natives respectively, of Pennsylvania and Wayne County, Ind., and of German-English extraction. Mr. Shroyer's educational training was received in the common schools of his native county, and at the age of seventeen he became salesman in a dry goods house at New Castle, in which capacity he continued until his twentieth year. He then entered the First National Bank of New Castle as book-keeper, and one year later came to Logansport and engaged in the grocery and jobbing trade in partnership with L. H. Hicks and D. C. Elliott. This firm continued until 1871, when Hicks retired, and A. L. Pogue became a partner, and the firm, known as Elliott, Pogue & Shroyer, lasted until 1879. In the latter year J. T. Elliott purchased an interest, Pogue retiring, and the house is at present known as that of Elliott, Shroyer & Co. This is one of the most successful wholesale houses in northern Indiana, and the business is constantly increasing. Mr. Shroyer takes the first rank in this city as an energetic businessman. He is watchful and systematic in all his transactions, and is noted for his financial ability and for his prompt and honorable dealing. He has accumulated a handsome competency by untiring industry and unswerving integrity. He is in strong sympathy with the Republican party, and is recognized as one of its standard bearers in Cass County. Mr. Shroyer was married, January 12, 1864, to Miss Helen E. Clift, of New Castle. Two children have been born to the marriage, viz.: Fannie and Lottie.

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

J. B. SKINNER, of the firm of Demoss & Skinner, hatters and gents' furnishers, is a native of Adams Township, Cass County, and son of Daniel P. and Rebecca (Ballou) Skinner. Mr. Skinner's paternal ancestors were natives of North Carolina; his grandfather, Thomas Skinner, emigrating from that State in an early day to Ohio, where he lived until the year 1837. In the latter year he came to Cass County, Ind., and settled in the wilds of what is now Adams Township, locating the farm now owned by a son, Richard Skinner. Thomas Skinner was a man widely and favorably known for his many excellent qualities, and died at his home in Adams Township in 1879. His wife, Amelia (Cox) Skinner, was born in Tennessee, and departed this life March 22, 1870. Daniel P. Skinner, second son of the above, was born in Ohio June 24, 1824. He accompanied his parents to Cass County in 1837, and from that date until the time of his death was an honored and highly respected citizen of the same. He was raised a farmer, and grew to manhood in Adams Township, where, with the exception of a short time spent in Miami County, he resided until 1863. In that year he purchased a beautiful farm in Clay Township, and lived upon the same until his death, which occurred January 22, 1882. He was twice married; the first time to Miss Rebecca Ballou, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Pearson) Ballou, of Ohio, who bore him the following children: Amanda (deceased wife of Stephen Melinger), Milton R., J. B., Marilla M. (wife of Samuel F. Demoss) and William S. Mrs. Skinner died in June, 1873, and his second marriage was solemnized with Miss Amanda Bell, who bore him one child, Emma. In all his transactions in life Mr. Skinner sustained the reputation of a thoroughly honorable and consciencious man, and against his integrity and honesty no word of suspicion was ever uttered. He was an active member of the Christian Church, and did much in a quiet way toward the moral and religious development of the communities in which he resided. J. B. Skinner was born April 28, 1853. He was educated in the common schools of the county, passed the first nineteen years of his life upon a farm and in 1872 began to learn the harness-maker's trade at Logansport. He worked at the same for only a limited period, and in the fall of the above year engaged with the Singer Sewing Machine Company at Peru, where he remained for a period of one year. In the spring of 1874 he accepted a clerkship in the postoffice at Logansport, the duties of which position he discharged until 1874. He then severed his connection with the postal service, and engaged in the mercantile business in the town of Tampico, Howard Co., Ind., in partnership with S. M. McCoy, whose interest he subsequently purchased. He continued at Tampico until the spring of 1882, at which time he came to Logansport, and, in partnership with S. F. Demoss, established his present business house on Pearl Street, which he has since operated. Messrs. Demoss & Skinner carry a large and complete stock of gents' furnishing goods, and are in the enjoyment of a large and constantly increasing trade. Mr. Skinner was married, April 19, 1877, to Miss Sallie McCoy, daughter of S. M. and Sarah (Robbins) McCoy. To this marriage have been born the fol1owing children: Huldah G., Crete, Bessie and Earl C.

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

ANTHONY F. SMITH is a native of Harrison County, Ind., born on the 13th of December, 1817. He is the fifth of the nine children of James and Nancy (Furtad) Smith, both natives of Kentucky, the father of English ancestry and the mother of French. His father left Harrison County about the year 1821 and moved to Crawford County, Ind., until 1828, when, in October of that year, he came to Cass County upon the solicitation of Gen. Tipton, at that time Indian agent, and through his instrumentality was appointed Indian blacksmith. After his removal to this place he was located on the south side of the Wabash River, nearly opposite the present dam. At the election held in April, 1829, for the choice of officers to carry the act of organization into effect, he was elected a member of the first board of commissioners of Cass County. He was a minister of the Baptist faith, and frequently conducted services for that people, at the time and after the organization of the First Baptist Church in Logansport. His death occurred in April, 1831, and that of his wife in March, 1833. The opportunities possessed by Anthony F. of attending school early in life were meager, but such as they were he made the most of the situation, and, with the practical advantages obtained by a deputyship in the county clerk's office with Col. Duret in 1832, he became an accurate and capable business man. He remained in the clerk's office here until in August, 1836, when he went to Fulton County, then just organized, and made that county his home during the succeeding twenty-nine years, his chief business being connected with the Rochester Mills. I n the meantime, however, at the session of 1845-46, he represented Fulton, Marshall and Stark Counties in the lower house of the State Legislature. Upon his return he was elected judge of the probate court of his county, and held that position until 1830, when he was elected county clerk and recorder, and held the office until 1856. In 186 5 he left Fulton County and moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where he engaged in the undertaking business, remaining until 1868, at which time he returned to Logansport, after an absence of thirty-one years. Subsequently he served one term as criminal judge in the city of Logansport, and afterward became deputy clerk under S. L. McFadin, acting as such deputy from the organization of the superior court of Cass County to its close; then becoming court clerk in the Cass Circuit Court in all of which positions he served the people faithfully. On the 5th of April, 1837, he was married to Miss Amanda M. Chamberlain, daughter of Alexander Chamberlain, the first permanent white settler in Cass County. The issue of this marriage was nine children, of whom two, James and George, are still living. His wife, the mother of these children, died on the 29th of January, 1868, in Minneapolis. He was again married, on the 15th of April, 1868, to Mrs. Mary Ann (Barron) Heth, daughter of Joseph Barron, who came to this county as a permanent settler in 1827. Mr. Smith is a member of the A. F. & A. M., having received the degrees conferred in the lodge, chapter and council of that honorable fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat. As a citizen he stands high in the estimation of all; honest, capable and faithful in the discharge of every duty.

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

WILLIAM H. SNIDER. Conspicuous among the successful business men of Logansport is William H. Snider, who was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 2, 1837. His parents, Frederick and Mary (Smith) Snider, were natives of Warren County, Ohio, but early moved to Indiana, settling in Wayne County about the year 1832. William H. Snider received in the common schools of his native county the rudiments of a practical education, supplemented by a course in an academy, where he made substantial progress in the higher branches of learning. In 1861 he volunteered his services to the General Government, enlisting in the Eleventh Ohio Infantry for the three months' service, and at the expiration of that time joined Company F, Ninety-fourth Ohio Regiment, with which he served three years, participating in a number of engagements during that time. He was first made lieutenant of his company, later was promoted to the captaincy, and in the last year of his service was commissioned major of his regiment, a position he held when mustered out. In 1866 he came to Logansport and engaged in the queensware trade with James F. Morris, and the firm thus established did a thriving business until the year 1871. In that year Mr. Snider purchased his partner's interests and has since continued the business alone, his house, at the present time, being one of the largest and most substantial of its kind in Indiana. He carries a very elegant and complete stock of queens ware, cutlery, etc., and in addition to his large retail business carries on a successful wholesale trade in Indiana and other States, his house being represented on the road by competent salesmen. Mr. Snider has met with a success such as few men attain in a much longer life. Not only has he been successful in the acquisition of wealth, but has manifested a commendable purpose in the use of it, which does not always accompany the talent for gaining it. Every movement of public enterprise or private benevolence finds in him a ready assistant. He is one of Logansport's representative men, and in business circles enjoys much more than a local reputation. He is an active worker in the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degree of Sir Knight, and belongs to the G. A. R. Mr. Snider was married, October 16, 1871, to Miss Mary Jeroloman, of Logansport, and daughter of Dr. George M. Jeroloman, deceased.

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

WILLIAM H. STANDLY was born in Bourbon County, Ky., April 6, 1821 and is a son of Moses and Jane (McNary) Standly, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Kentucky. Moses Standly left his native State when the subject was but one year old, immigrating to Indiana, and settling in Carroll County, about one mile and a half east of Delphi, being one of the earliest settlers in that section of the country. He as a man of more than ordinary intelligence, a fine scholar, and for a number of years worked at the carpenter's and millwright's trades. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and departed this life, in Texas, in the year 1860. William H. Standly was educated principally under his father's instruction, and grew to manhood amid the active duties of farm life. He came to Logansport in 1864 and engaged in the clothing business, which he carried on until 1869. In that year, with several others, he established the People's Bank, of which he subsequently became president, a position he retained until the suspension of the bank in 1877. Since 1877 he has been engaged in different vocations, living at Logansport. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its organization. Mr. Standly was married, October 14, 1849, to Miss Morilla Kistler, of Cass County.

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

JAMES STANLEY, sheriff of Cass County, was born in Fayette County, Ind., on the 5th of October, 1822. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Smith) Stanley, were natives of South Carolina, which State they left in an early day, immigrating to Indiana about the year 1813, and settling in Fayette County. James Stanley was reared a farmer, and the advantages of school education, so essential in the formation of the youthful character, were enjoyed by him in a very limited degree. He improved the opportunities he enjoyed, however, and thereby laid the foundation for an education which, aided by a long business experience, has developed into a fund of practical knowledge. January 2, 1845, he came to Cass County and settled in the Western reserve (now Jackson Township), where he purchased a tract of Government land and engaged in farming. He was appointed deputy sheriff', under Willard G. Nash, in 1861, and subsequently served in the same capacity under John Davis. He was elected sheriff in 1868, and, after discharging the duties of the position in a manner satisfactory to all concerned, resumed farming, which he carried on at intervals until 1884. In the latter year he was the Democratic nominee for sheriff, and, after a spirited contest against a very popular competitor, was elected by a handsome majority. He is the present incumbent of the office, and against his record no shade of suspicion has ever been uttered. Mr. Stanley enjoys great personal popularity, and is a gentleman of intelligence and of generous impulses. He is a represents the Democrat of the old school, and has been alive to all the interests of his party in Cass County. Mr. Stanley was married, in 1841, to Miss Mary Salyer, of Fayette County, who has borne him ten children, the following of whom are living: James B., Martha J. (wife of Charles Graffis), J. W., Belle, George W. and Laura M. The deceased members of the family were Andrew J., Margaret E., Mary and Caroline. Mr. Stanley has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since about the year 1853, and belongs to Galveston Lodge, No. 244.

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

CHARLES H. STARR is a native of Middletown, Butler Co., Ohio, and the son of Charles and Patience (Stockton) Starr, the father born in New York and the mother in New Jersey. The subject was born September 5, 1838, and enjoyed such educational advantages as the common schools afforded, attending the same for only a limited period. Having early manifested decided tastes for mechanical pursuits, he, at the age of sixteen, began learning the carpenter's trade, and, after becoming proficient with the same, followed it with success for a number of years. He came to Logansport in 1864, and in 1868 engaged with the Pan Handle Railroad Company as mechanic in the car-shops, in which capacity he has since continued, holding a very responsible position at the present, being general foreman in the car department. Mr. Starr is a skillful mechanic, and has the unbounded confidence of the wealthy corporation which he represents. He is and always has been a literal Republican in politics, and in August, 1886, was nominated by the Republican party joint representative for the counties of Cass and Miami. Mr. Starr was married, October 24, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Fisher, of Pulaski County, Ind. - a union blessed with the birth of one child: Minnie R., born April 12, 1878.

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

ELI STECKEL, merchant, is a native of Lehigh county, Penn., and the eldest son of Daniel and Sarah (Keck) Steckel, parents born in the same State. Mr. Steckel's ancestors came from Germany in colonial times, his great-grandfather purchasing land from William Penn shortly after the founding of the Philadelphia colony. His grandfather, John A. Steckel, was a native of Pennsylvania, in which State he died many years ago. Mr. Steckel was born April 24, 1822, and spent the first seventeen years of his life on the f arm. He received a limited education, attending school but three months, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for a period of nineteen years. In 1841 he went to Butler County, Ohio, where he carried on the blacksmithing business fourteen years, and at the end of that time purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed until 1865. In the latter year he came to Logansport, Ind., and engaged in the mercantile business, which he has since continued and with which he has been very successful. Mr. Steckel’s place of business, on the corner of Sixth and North Streets, is one of the best known mercantile houses in the city. By strict attention to business he has succeeded in accumulating a handsome competence, including city property and a beautiful farm of 120 acres in Bethlehem Township. He was married first, in 1847, to Miss Henrietta, Richter, of Alsace, Germany, by whom he had four children, only one of whom – Minnie, wife of Charles Green - is now living. The deceased members of the family were Laura, Sallie and Susan Steckel. Mrs. Steckel died in June, 1858, and the following November he was again married to Mary J. Hart, a native of Butler County, Ohio. To this marriage have been born three children: Belle (deceased), Henrietta and Lucy. Mr. Steckel is a public-spirited citizen, and takes an active interest in all measures for the public good. He has at different times served as a member of the city council, but has never been an aspirant for official position. He is a Republican in politics.

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

JOSEPH E. STERRETT, M. D. Dr. Sterrett is a native of Juniata County, Penn., and a son of Samuel and Isabella (Montgomery) Sterrett, both parents born in the same State. Dr. Sterrett was born November 7, 1842, and at the age of ten came with his parents to Carroll County, Ind., where he made his home from 1852 till 1860. His rudimentary education was acquired in the common schools, supplemented by a course in the Waveland Collegiate Institute, Montgomery County. He responded to the country's call for volunteers in 1861, enlisting in Company H, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged in July, 1865. He was with his regiment in many of the bloodiest battles of the war, including Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, the campaigns and battles around Atlanta, Sherman's celebrated march to the sea - in all of which he took all active part, having been twice wounded. On quitting the army he returned to Indiana, and in the fall of 1865 entered the Logansport Academy, where he pursued his literary studies for one year. At the end of that time he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Thorpe, of Logansport, and in 1876 entered the Chicago Medical College, from which he graduated in March, 1869. After completing his course the Doctor engaged in the practice of his profession at the town of Burrows, Carroll County, Ind., where he continued with encouraging success until his removal to Logansport in 1880. Since locating in the city Dr. Sterrett has worked into a good business and can be appropriately classed with the representative medical men of Cass County. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and belongs to the Presbyterian Church, having been identified with the same since 1866. He is a Republican in politics.

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

ANDREW J. SUTTON is a native of Fayette County, Ohio, born there in 1826, the son of Ferdinand and Mary (Shellabarger) Sutton, natives of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of Scotch-German ancestry. His early school experience embraced the studies appertaining to the educational course prescribed by the usages of those days in Fayette and Clark Counties, Ohio, to the latter of which he moved with his parents when quite young. At the age of nineteen he began to teach in the common schools of Miami, Cass and Fulton Counties, in the State of Indiana, having come to the State in 1844. Including the experience just referred to, he taught during twenty successive winters, his success in that field fairly evidenced by his frequent employment in the same locality. A portion of this experience was in Cass County before he became n resident here, in 1849, continuing, however, to exercise his talent in that way until 1866. In 1869, he settled here permanently, and for a time, from 1871 to 1880, was engaged in mercantile pursuits, in the meantime buying and selling real estate, a business in which he is still engaged. While a resident of Fulton County he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, serving in that capacity one full term of four years, acceptably. Since his residence in Cass County, in 1882, he was elected a member of the board of commissioners of this county on the Democratic ticket, and served one term of three years, surrendering the trust in 1885. Mr. Sutton was married in May, 1850, to Miss Barbara Horn, a native of Fayette County, Penn., by whom he is the father of five children - three sons and two daughters - of whom the three following are now alive: Charles E., engaged in teaching; John E., recently engaged as editor and publisher of The Bon-Ton, and Hannah S. Sutton. In his religious connection Mr. Sutton and his family are Methodists; in his political affiliation a Democrat.

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

FRANK SWIGART. Prominent among the successful lawyers of the Cass County bar is the gentleman whose brief biography is herewith presented. Capt. Swigart was born in Clark County, Ohio, April 20, 1840, and is the oldest living son of Samuel and Jane (McPherson) Swigart, parents natives of the same State. Samuel Swigart came to Cass County in 1842 and settled on a farm in Clay Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred November, 1882. He was widely and favorably known throughout the county, and for a number of years held the office of justice of the peace and trustee in Clay Township. Mrs. Swigart is still living, making her home at the present time with her daughter, Mrs. Carr, of Adamsboro. Capt. Swigart received the elements of an English education in the public schools of the county, and subsequently entered Kokomo Academy, where he pursued his studies until the breaking out of the war. He responded to his county's call in 1861, enlisting in Company B, Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry, with which he shared the vicissitudes of war until November 10, 1864; he was promoted captain of this company October 16, 1862, proving a brave and efficient officer on many bloody battle-fields of the Southwestern campaigns. He resigned his commission on account of a severe would received at the battle of Sabine Cross Road, western Louisiana, and on his return to Logansport began the study of law under the able instruction of Lewis Chamberlain, Esq. He was admitted to the bar September, 1865, and at once engaged in the active practice of his profession, which he has since successfully continued in the courts of Cass and adjoining counties. He has practiced with James M. Pratt, T. C. Annable and D. B. Anderson, but at the present time is not a member of any law firm. The legal career of Mr. Swigart presents a series of continued successes, and since his admission to the practice he has been an important factor in the Logansport bar, standing deservedly high in the profession. His record as a brave and gallant soldier is one of which any man might feel proud, and as a courteous gentleman he has the confidence and respect of the community around him. Mr. Swigart is an uncompromising supporter of the Republican party, and has been all his life. He takes an active interest in political affairs and has been the nominee of his party for several important official positions. October 3, 1865, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Margaret Kline, of Miami Township, a union blessed with the birth of the following children: Charles E., William N., Jesse E., John F. and Peter D. Swigart.

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

CYRUS TABER. Mr. Taber was born at Tiverton, Newport Co., R. I., on the 19th day of January, 1800. When only three years old, his father left Tiverton, and settled temporarily in western New York, subsequently removing thence to the State of Pennsylvania. Having remained under the paternal roof until he had nearly attained his twenty-fourth year, he felt that he should thence-forth enter upon life's duties on his own account, and accordingly came westward, settling at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Ind., then but recently organized. When he came to Fort Wayne he had with him about $100, and before he had any opportunity to secure employment, he was taken sick with the ague, with which he suffered for a whole year. Thus all his money was spent, and he was about $30 in debt. As soon as he was able, he struck out, and went to work, building fences and log cabins for the Indians. Reuben Covert was his companion. The latter drove the oxen and hauled the rails, while Mr. Taber did the cutting and splitting. At the end of one year, he had saved $100, and with it, purchased the first eighty acres of land ever owned by him. He was richer then, he said, then ever afterward. He was independent, and willing to work. Afterward he cleared his land, raised corn, and, with the proceeds, purchased an adjoining lot. In this manner, the first three years of his residence in Allen County were devoted to the development of his farming interests, by which experience, also, he demonstrated the fact that he had qualifications for a more profitable investment of his talents. This was not so much his own discovery as that of his friends. Allen Hamilton, who, seeing that Mr. Taber was well adapted to the branch of trade in which he was himself engaged, invited him to take a share in his business. Thenceforward, he devoted his time and energies to the enlargement of this business interest. In this way, the well-known firm of Hamilton & Taber was permanently established in the year 1827, and for many years was one of the leading business houses of northern Indiana. In the early history of Cass County, Mr. Taber is conspicuous, and every movement for the public good, found him as one of its promoters. He was one of those men that leave the impress of their character upon everything with which they are identified, and his was such that it always redonnded to his honor. After locating in this county, he was one of its leading citizens until his death.

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

EDWARD N. TALBOTT is n native of Putnam County, Ind., born in the town of Greencastle on the 4th of March, 1837. His paternal ancestors were English people, and on the maternal side he is descended from Irish stock. His parents were Hiram E. and America Talbott, natives, respectively of Virginia and Maryland. Hiram E. Talbott was a physician, and was widely and favorably known throughout Indiana, and held the office of auditor of state from the year 1854 to 1856. E. N. Talbott was educated at Asbury University, which institution he entered at the age of fifteen. On account of ill health he did not complete the entire course. He subsequently attended Berea College, in Ohio, for one year, at which time he left school to engage in mercantile business at Indianapolis, which he pursued for some time in partnership with Trumbull G. Palmer. In 1861, he purchased Mr. Palmer's interest in the business, and moved the stock to Des Moines City, Iowa, where he continued in business until the winter of 1864, at which time he abandoned the mercantile business to accept the position of trader for the Creek Nation of Indians, to which he was appointed by President Lincoln. He remained in the Indian Territory but a few months, when he was attacked with a severe hemorrhage and compelled by his condition of health to resign his position. In the spring of 1866 he came to Logansport, and, after a year of rest, purchased a large tract of land west of the city, and engaged in the manufacture and sale of lime, which he carried on extensively, in connection with agriculture, until 1879. In December, 1879, he was appointed postmaster at Logansport, and held the position until June, 1883, when he resigned the office, and resumed the real estate business in connectivity with farming, which he now carries on. Mr. Talbott has been an important factor in Cass County politics, and in 1878 was elected chairman of the Republican Central Committee. During the period of his service in that capacity, a full Republican ticket was elected over previous Democratic majorities, a fact which attests his ability as a politician. Mr. Talbott was married, December 13, 1859, to Miss Emma M. Dunn, daughter of Maj. James W. Dunn. Mrs. Talbott deceased in 1873, leaving five children, one son and four daughters. In 1875 Mr. Talbott was again married, to Miss Fannie M. Sammis, of Brooklyn, N. Y. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, as is also his wife, both belonging to the First Presbyterian Church, of Logansport.

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

ALLEN E. TAYLOR was born in the city of Baltimore, Md., September 19, 1817, and is the son of Edmund and Abiah (Allen) Taylor, natives, respectively, of Massachusetts and Connecticut. While quite young he went with his parents to Saratoga, County, N. Y., where, at a proper age, he was apprenticed to a merchant in Balston Spa, with whom he rernained five years. In 1836 he went to Yates County, N. Y., and accepted a position as salesman in a mercantile establishment at the town of Starkey. He continued in this capacity one year, and at the end of that time removed to Licking County, Ohio, where he was engaged as clerk until the fall of 1830. At that time he removed to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he again engaged in the mercantile business, clerking a part of the time in the city of Louisville, Ky. Two years later he removed to New Albany, Ind., and, with a change of location changed his business. Having a desire to see more of the world than could be seen within the narrow sphere of a clerk's life, he accepted a position as clerk on a steam-boat, plying the waters of the lower Mississippi and its tributaries. From this position he worked his way to the office of captain, and pursued the life of a river man until 1843. He then returned to New Albany, and opened a retail grocery store. April 13, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia J. Tuley, of Louisville, Ky. Soon after his marriage he removed to Covington, Ind., and again embarked in the retail grocery enterprise. After a residence of one year in that place, during which time he was very successful in business, he again changed his location and removed to Terre Haute, Ind. In the spring of 1856 he was elected treasurer of that city, and served one term in that capacity. He was in a business in Terre Haute from 1850 to 1860, and in the latter year removed to Fulton County, and opened a general merchandise store at Rochester, where he continued to do business until 1864. Closing out his establishment that year he came to Logansport and engaged in the livery and omnibus business, which he carried on for four years. In 1868 he again embarked in the mercantile enterprise, and for a period of six years was thus engaged. In the year 1874 he determined to try the part of host, and accordingly purchased a half-interest in the Murdock Hotel, of Logansport. Becoming dissatisfied with this mode of life he disposed of his interest to his partner, Mr. Jones, and spin assumed control of the omnibus line, which business he continued until December, 1885, when he sold out and opened a feed and sale stable, his present business. During his residence in Logansport his superior qualities have been repeatedly recognized by his fellow-citizens, by whom he was elected to the office of councilman from his ward, and later to the office of city treasurer, in which capacity he served two consecutive terms. Throughout his long and checkered life, during which he has passed through many vicissitudes, his energy and industry have been the ruling elements of his character, and these qualities have made themselves apparent to all with whom he has been associated, and now, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, he is still engaged in active life and enjoying the confidence and respect of all his friends and acquaintances.

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

JOSEPH L. TAYLOR, M. D. Dr. Taylor was born in the city of Toronto, Canada, August 7, 1839, and is the son of Joseph and Sallie (Laing) Taylor, natives, respectively, of Canada and New York State. He grew to manhood in Toronto, received a good literary education in the schools of the city, and at the age of twenty-five began the study of medicine, to which he applied himself diligently for a period of five years. He entered the Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, in 1871; graduated two years later, after which he came to Logansport, and practiced his profession with encouraging success until 1881. In the latter year he went to Colorado, where he remained until 1884, at which time he returned to Logansport and resumed the practice, having now a large and lucrative business in the city and adjacent country. The Doctor is a diligent student and all enthusiastic lover of his profession, with the intricate details of which he is very familiar. He is a man of broad views, well acquainted with general literature, and has given much attention to scientific subjects, upon many of which he is an authority. He was married, September 1, 1 875, to Miss Mattie Velsey, of New York, a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and culture.

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

DR. E. R. TAYLOR, dental surgeon, born in Toronto, Canada, April 6, 1852 is the youngest child of Joseph and Sarah (Laing) Taylor. Joseph Taylor was born in Canada, was a farmer and miller by occupation, and died September 14, 1883. Mrs. Taylor was a native of New York, and departed this life about the year 1862. E. R. Taylor grew to manhood in his native country, received his primary education in the schools of New Market, and subsequently took a two years' collegiate course at the city of Whitby. On quitting school he engaged in teaching for a limited period, and in March, 1876, came to Logansport, Ind., and began the study of dentistry under Dr. D. L. Overholser, with whom he remained about two years and three months. He began the practice of his profession in 1875, with Dr. L. C. Velsey, and one year later took his partner's interest, and has since been by himself. The Doctor's office, at 312 Market Street, is one of the most elegantly arranged dental parlors in the city, and his business, which is constantly increasing, returns him a handsome income. He is not a politician in the usual acceptation of the term, but votes with the Republican party. September 20, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara Fox, of New Waverly, Ind. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor have two children: Edith C. and Joseph E.

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

GEN. JOHN TIPTON. Those marked individualisms of character which strikingly distinguished the career of personages whose nobility is acknowledged by the world of mind, are the features that, now and heretofore, have commanded and fixed the attention of mankind; hence it is, that history only records the pencilings of genius, standing out in bold relief, on the tablets of memory. Eccentricities of talent and character, endowed with a sufficiency of motive power to vitalize those talents and characteristics, never fail to leave behind distinct traces- land-marks- such as will not fail to secure recognition and be acknowledged by all. A striking illustration in proof of this is afforded in the life of him whose name stands at the head of this sketch. John Tipton was born in Sevier County, East Tennessee, on the 14th of August, 1786. His father, Joshua Tipton, was a native of Maryland, and a man possessing great positiveness of character, with keen perceptions and uncommon executive power. These peculiarities induced his early removal from his native State, and settlement in a more western home, where he was a leader in the defense of the frontier against the hostile Indians. In open warfare, the Indians feared his superiority in courage and tact. The consequence was, that a band of Cherokees waylaid and murdered him on the 18th of April, 1793. Left thus early in life, in the midst of a frontier settlement, surrounded by the perils incident thereto, the son, inheriting the sagacity and self-reliance of his father, soon began to develop that energy of character which distinguished his afterlife. Though young in years at the time of his father's death, he early became the chief support of the family. In the fall of 1807, with his mother, two sisters and a half-brother, he removed to Indiana Territory, then just beginning to acquire notoriety. His place of settlement was near Brinley's Ferry, on the Ohio River. One of his first acts was to purchase a homestead for his mother, consisting of fifty acres, which he paid for out of his scanty earnings, acquired by chopping and splitting rails at 50 cents a hundred, in addition to the maintenance of the family, of whom he was now the responsible head. These early experiences laid the foundation of his future successes in life. As early as June, 1809, upon the formation of military company in the vicinity of his home- called the "Yellow Jackets," from the color of their uniforms- he enlisted and became an active member. This company was designed for active service, in case the exigency of the times demanded, and was placed under the command of Capt. Spier Spencer. The occasion soon presented itself, and the company was ordered to the frontier for the protection of the settlements. On the 10th of September, 1811, the company entered upon the campaign, which terminated in the battle of Tippecanoe. While on the march he was chosen ensign, and in that position he entered the battlefield. Early in the engagement all his superior officers were killed, and he was promoted to the captaincy of the company, by Gen. Harrison, when the conflict raged fiercest. Subsequently, he was promoted by regular gradation, under the military regulations of the State, to the rank of brigadier-general. At the first election under the State Constitution he was the choice of the people of Harrison County for sheriff, and continued in that position until near the close of his second term. Meantime he was elected to represent Harrison County in the State Legislature at the session of 1819-20. While a member of that body he was chosen as one of the committee to select the site for the location of the State capital. The result of this committee's action made Indianapolis the capital city of Indiana. The selection was made on the 7th day of June, 1820, and confirmed by legislative enactment, approved January 6, 1821. In August, 1821, he was re-elected to represent his county, having acquired extensive popularity as a discreet and active legislator. At the session following, he was chosen one of the commissioners, on the part of Indiana, to act with like commissioners on the part of Illinois, in locating the boundary line between the two States. The work was expeditiously and satisfactorily accomplished the succeeding summer, and ratified by the Legislatures of the two States at the session of 1822-23. He was appointed in March, 1823, by President Monroe, general agent for the Pottawattomie and Miami Indians, on the upper Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers, and immediately removed to Fort Wayne, the seat of the agency. His success in this field was no less marked than in the execution of other trusts before reposed in him. At his insistence, the agency was removed from Fort Wayne to Logansport, in the spring of 1828, where he continued to discharge the functions of his trust with fidelity and success. Anterior to his removal of the agency, under appointment of President J. Q. Adams, in the fall of 1826, he was chiefly instrumental in securing the important provisions of several treaties with those tribes over which he had jurisdiction, whereby valuable land interests were opened to the public. At the session of the Legislature in December, 1831, he was elected United States Senator from Indiana to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. James Noble. Again, at the session of 1832-33, he was elected for a full term of six years. While there, he was distinguished for his sound judgment and independent action upon all questions involving the interest of his State or the General Government. His views in reference to the re-charter of a United States Bank were strictly opposed to those of Gen. Jackson, favoring, in a most exhaustive speech on that question, the continuance of that institution as the best means of securing a standard currency of uniform value everywhere. He recognized no party in determining the line of duty, always acting from motives of public right, his unbiased judgment controlling the effort. As a civilian and citizen, he was alike successful in directing and executing, to the extent of his power, whatever purpose his conscience approved or his judgment dictated. Having determined to make Logansport his home, and moved his family here, he directed his energies toward securing all advantages incident to cultivated society and the development of natural resources. One of his first steps was to effect the organization of the Eel River Seminary Society; the erection of a suitable building for school purposes; the employment and support of teachers. This was accomplished in the fall and winter of 1828-29. For this purpose, also, he contributed largely of his means and influence. In after years his numerous business cares did not detract from his efforts to secure the permanent prosperity of the schools. Under his direction, the settlement was supplied with grist and saw-mills, simultaneously with the other enterprises inaugurated by him. In short, he was the instigator and motive power that gave form and imparted energy to every enterprise calculated to improve society, and induce progress toward the unfoldment and utilization of all the natural advantages with which Cass County has been so bountifully supplied. He was the proprietor, also, of four separate additions to the town of Logansport, and was interested with Mr. Carter in the plan and location of the original plat thereof. During the summer or fall of 1838, he was delegated with the discretionary powers necessary to the successful removal of the disaffected Indians, who, having disposed of their lands, were yet unwilling to remove peacefully to their home beyond the Mississippi. The decisive measures adopted by him permitted no delay. Difficulties, seemingly unsurmountable, were promptly overcome by his superior tact and courage, and the work accomplished with satisfactory dispatch. Mr. Tipton was twice married; the first time, about 1818, to Miss -- Shields, who died less than two years after their marriage. The second time was in April, 1825, to Matilda, daughter of Capt. Spier Spencer, who was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe. The second Mrs. Tipton died in the spring of 1839, about the close of her husband's senatorial career. The prestige of his name as a civilian and statesman, added to his fame as a military leader, did not completely fill his measure of honor; he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and occupied a distinguished position in the order. He received the first degree in Pisgah Lodge, No. 5, at Corydon, Ind., in 1817. He was soon after elected master, and, as such, represented that lodge at the first session of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, at which he was elected Senior Grand Warden, holding that position until 1820, when he became Grand Master. Having secured one term, he was re-elected Grand Master in 1828. In 1822 he received the chapter degrees at Louisville, Ky., at the hands of Companion Snow, of Ohio. He subsequently filled many important positions in the Grand Lodge, and was chiefly instrumental in the institution of Tipton Lodge, No. 33, in 1828, and Logan Chapter, No. 2, in 1837, in both of which he achieved the highest honors. On the morning of April 3, 1839, after a few hours of unconcious suffering, he died, in the meridian of life, and received the last suit honors of his Masonic brethren on Sunday, April 7, 1839.

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

DANIEL W. TOMLINSON was born in Muskingam County, Ohio, July 26, 1833, and is the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (McDowell) Tomlinson, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Thomas Tomlinson came to Cass County in 1846, and for a number of years thereafter carried on the grain and commission business in Logansport. He was in the employ of the Government during the war, and died in the year 1864. D. W. Tomlinson accompanied his parents to Logansport, and received a good practical education in the city schools. In 1853 he engaged in the dry goods business with James D. Spear, and carried on that branch of industry until 1858, at which time he became deputy county auditor under John F. Dodds. He was appointed to the office of auditor in 1860, to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Dodds, and in October, 1861, was regularly elected to the position, the duties of which he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until 1865. At the expiration of his term of office he embarked in the agricultural implement business with L. G. Patterson, and the firm thus found continued until November, 1884. Mr. Tomlinson has always taken an active interest in politics, and is one the Republican leaders in Cass County. He was chairman of the central committee in 1876, and in 1880 was member of the State Central Committee, representing the Tenth Congressional District. Mr. Tomlinson is a shrewd politician, and the success of his party in several hotly contested campaigns is largely due to his advice and skillful management. He is chairman of the County Central Committee at the present time, having been appointed to the position for his untiring efforts on behalf of the city's interest as member of the common council, to which he was elected in 1874, and in which he has shown his wisdom and administrative ability until the present time. He is a member of the city school board in 1872, and is now holding the office of secretary of the Cass County Agricultural Society, of which he has been one of the chief promoters. Mr. Tomlinson was married, November 18, 1860, to Miss Harriet Corault, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Douglass) Covault, of Logansport. The following are the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson: living, Joseph T., Thomas W., Harry, Frederick; deceased, Mary, Geneva, Anna, Dot, Pink and John.

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