Giles T. Abbey is one of the few surviving early citizens of Steuben County. He is now in his ninety-second year and his memory of events in this section of Northeast Indiana runs back fully eighty years. He was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, November 24, 1827, son of Alanson and Lucy (Daggett) Abbey. Alanson Abbey was born in Ontario County, New York, January 16, 1792, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. His father, Joshua Abbey, fought in the Revolutionary war. Lucy Daggett, daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Ontario County, New York, in 1793. In 1819 they moved to Sandusky County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1838 came to Steuben County, Indiana. Two years before Alanson Abbey had entered land in section 22 of Steuben Township, and he improved it with a log house and set out an orchard. Later he sold this and lived on the shores of Pleasant Lake. He was a carpenter by trade and built many of the early barns in his neighborhood. Alanson Abbey was a Whig and republican, and he and his wife were members of the Free Will Baptist Church, but later he joined the Christian Church. He died in Pleasant Lake in February, 1877, and his first wife died in 1840. His children were: Henrietta, Lucy, Jacob D., Nancy, Giles T., George J., and Minerva and Harvey, twins. The sons Jacob and George were both soldiers in the Civil war. Alanson Abbey was twice married.

Giles T. Abbey was eleven years old when brought to Steuben County. He first attended school at Clyde, Ohio, and his teacher was Lydia Chase, grandmother of Gen. James McPherson, one of the most gallant Union leaders in the Civil war. It was three years after the family settled in Steuben County before a school was established convenient to home. Giles T. Abbey then completed his education, and one of his teachers was George Everson, an uncle of Fred Emerson, the present postmaster of Angola. He also attended school kept by Dr. Aaron Parsell, and uncle of John B. Parsell. Mr. Abbey taught school for six terms when a young man. He first began farming by entering forty acres of Government land when nineteen years old. Later he bought 102 acres in Steuben Township, selling this after two years and buying 240 acres near Flint. There being no improvements, he rented the John Thompson farm and soon sold the land to Daniel Benninghoof. He left the farm and rented and operated for three years the Union Mills, and then bought eighty acres in Steuben Township adjoining forty acres he previously owned, and lived on it four years.

While on that farm his first wife died. Her maiden name was Martha A. Long. They were married in 1850. She was the mother of two children: Ella J., wife of Wellington H. Hollister, of Waterloo; and Carrie J., wife of John B. Parsell, of Angola. In 1867 Mr. Abbey married Martha Davis. There were two children of that marriage, Edith L, wife of Albert F. Theiss, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Earl G., of Kansas City, Missouri. In 1864, the year his first wife died, Mr. Abbey moved to Waterloo, Indiana, and was employed in the grist mill there three years. He was also the first agent for the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railroad. For twenty-seven years he served as cashier of the DeKalb Bank in Waterloo. He finally retired to a small farm adjoining that town and at present makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. John B. Parsell. Mr. Abbey has been affiliated with the Masonic Order about fifty-four years. His second wife died in 1884, and he then married Sophia McEntarffer, who died February 17, 1909.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Steven, William H. McEwen and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

James H. Abel

Son of George H. and Electa (Hadsell) Abel, the former deceased, the latter living, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, Feb. 9, 1829. At the time of his enlistment, however, Sept. 23, 1861, he was living in DeKalb County, Ind., engaged in farming at the age of 32; he joined Co. F, 44th Ind. V.I., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 4th A.C., as 3d Sergt., being promoted to Ord. in 1862; he was honorably discharged Sept. 3, 1862, at Indianapolis, Ind., and reenlisted Oct. 6, 1864, at Kendallville, Ind., in Co. C, 35th Ind. V.I. In April, 1862, during his first enlistment he was in field and Marine hospitals with typhoid fever sixty days, and was furloughed June, of that year at that place for thirty days. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Franklin, Nashville, and numerous minor engagements, receiving a final honorable discharge Oct. 23, 1865, at Indianapolis, Ind. His grandfather, Daniel Abel and his wife's father, were in the War of 1812; the former was a major in the same. Two brothers, Henry J. and Walter, served in the late war, the former in Co. F, 44th Ind. V.I.; the latter in Co. F, 129th Ind. V.I. Two brothers of his wife were also in the War of the rebellion, Bennett who was wounded at Stone River and died at Chattanooga in December, 1863, and Amherst. Comrade Able was married May 14, 1848, in Concord township, this county, to Abigail Robe, who was born in Portage county, Ohio, May 7, 1824, a daughter of Amherst and Abigail (Liswell) Robe, deceased. They have had three children, Mary E., Ida O. and Freeman H. Conrade Abel has been township assessor two terms, J. of P. and postmaster at St. Joe; he belongs to J.C. Carnes Post, 144, draws a pension, is an invalid and his address is St. Joe, Ind.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
President, Soldiers, Statesmen; H. H. Hardesty, Publisher, New York, Toledo, and Chicago, 1894.

Ross H. Abel is the present trustee of Newville Township in DeKalb County. He is a man eminently qualified for the duties of this responsible office, to which is entrusted the management and welfare of the local schools and many other matters of direct concern to every resident of the township. Mr. Abel has been one of the prominent educators in Stark County for many years, has lived in the southern part of DeKalb County all his life, and is also identified with its rural interests as a farmer.

This is one of the oldest families of old Concord Township. His grandfather, George H. Abel, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, February 21, 1808, the son of Damon and Sallie (Root) Abel. In 1828 he married Electa Hadsell, who was born in New York State. After his marriage he followed farming in Ohio until September, 1836, when he came to Indiana and entered 160 acres in Concord Township. He cleared up most of this land and lived an active and useful life there until his death on May 10, 1874, being survived by his widow a number of years. They had a family of ten children, and several of the sons made honorable records as soldiers in the Union army.

Walter M. Abel, a son of George H. Abel, was born in Concord Township, August 27, 1846, and served two years in the Civil war. Later he was one time commander of his Grand Army Post, was a loyal republican in politics, and spent his business energies largely as a farmer. He died September 15, 1917. Walter Abel married Anna E. Nelson, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, March 30, 1853, came to DeKalb County when a girl, and is still living. She is a member of the Wesley Chapel of the Methodist Church. Walter Abel and wife had two children. The older is Lulu M., wife of Philip Carper of Jackson Township.

Ross H. Abel was born in Concord Township, January 29, 1880, and lived at home attending district school at Spencerville and St. Joe, and afterward took normal and special courses in the Tri State College at Angola and at Valparaiso. Mr. Abel has been a teacher in DeKalb County for eighteen years. He and his mother live together, and for a number of years he has had the practical operation of the ninety-five acres in the home farm. Mr. Abel was elected trustee of Newville Township November 5, 1918. He has been quite active as a republican.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Wallace Abel. The present representative on the Board of County Commissioners of DeKalb County from the southeastern district is Wallace Abel, member of one of the oldest and best known families of that part of the county, and his own record as a farmer, business man and public-spirited citizen has given him every title to the confidence expressed in his incumbency of his present office.

Mr. Abel, who is also a trustee of Newville Township, where he resides, was born in Concord Township, November 4, 1851, a son of George and Ann (Milliman) Abel. His mother was a daughter of John and Mary (Warren) Milliman, both native of New York State. Mary Warren was related to General Warren, one of the first American officers to lose his life in the Revolutionary war. George Able was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, and his wife in New York State. Later both families came to Indiana and settled in DeKalb County in pioneer times. George Abel and wife after their marriage began farming in Concord Township, and he lived there until his death. His widow is still a resident of St. Joe, aged eighty-six years, and is a member of the Christian Church. George Abel died in 1862. He was the father of five children, and the three now living are Wallace, Charles , a carpenter in Michigan, and Fremont, whose home is at St. Joe.

Wallace Abel grew up on the farm in Concord Township, had a limited common school education, and was eleven years old when his father died. After that he helped on the farm and lived with his mother until he was twenty-one.

In 1876 he married Antoinetta Coburn. She was born in Newville Township, August 10, 1858, a daughter of William and Lovesta Coburn, and had the advantages of the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Abel have four children: Roy, born May 15, 1877, Bessie, born September 24, 1879, Blanche, born March 19, 1882, and Gladys born July 24, 1895. The son is a graduated of the St. Joe High School and is identified with farming on the home place. The daughters were all well educated. Gladys graduated, from the Butler High School and was formerly a teacher. The daughters are all married. Mrs. Abel is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Abel is treasurer of William Hacker Lodge No. 326, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Politically he has been active in the Democratic party for a number of years. He served four years as trustee of Newville Township and was elected to the Board of County, Commissioners and entered upon his duties January 1, 1915. In 1917 he was elected for a second term. He follows general farming and stock raising and has eighty-seven acres in Newville Township.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

David W. Aldrich. A citizen whose influence for good has been proved on numberless occasion, a prosperous and high grade farmer, David W. Aldrich has played a useful and valuable part in the citizenship of Richland Township of Steuben County. While he has lived in that county the greater part of his life, Mr. Aldrich represents the pioneer family of Aldrich in DeKalb County. The very first settler in Troy Township of that county was an Aldrich, and David W. Aldrich is descended from one of the family who came very shortly afterward.

The Aldrichs were sturdy New Englanders. Simeon Aldrich, grandfather of David W., was a native of Vermont and married in that state Emile McClure, also a native there. Following their marriage they penetrated the western wilderness as far as Medina County, Ohio, and a few years later, in 1836, joined the pioneer Aldrich settlement in Troy Township DeKalb County. Simeon Aldrich had the real spirit of the pioneer, and after many years of quiet routine in Indiana he joined the California Argonausts of 1849, making the trip overland and afterward going West again, taking in Idaho in his tour. Simeon Aldrich and wife had the following children: Emily, John Henry, Timothy, Simeon, Jr., Abigail, Lucy Ann, Lucinda and Jonas.

John Henry Aldrich was born in Medina County, Ohio, in 1834 and died in 1908. He married Olive Wright, a native of New York State, daughter of Alexander and Orpha (Cook) Wright. John Henry Aldrich was an infant when brought to DeKalb County. He began farming as a youth in Troy Township, and in 1868 traded his farm there for one in Richland Township of Steuben County, in section 30. He owned 327 acres in Richland Township and also had 120 acres in Otsego Township. In 1883 he removed to Butler and engaged in the buying and shipping of livestock for about ten years, after which he returned to his Richland Township farm, and the last two years of his life he lived in Hamilton. He was a member of the Methodist Church at Hamilton. His four children were: David W.; Simeon R., who married Louise Hicks and is now deceased; Charles E., who married Etta Dirrim; and Hiram H., who married Bonnie Shook.

David W. Aldrich, who was born in Troy Township of DeKalb County, November 27, 1859, was reared and educated in Steuben County in Otsego and Richland townships, and as a young man entered upon the business of farming at the place where he now resides. In 1883 he married Harriet Hanes, daughter of Charles and Mary Hanes. After a year, in 1884, Mr. Aldrich bought forty acres in Otsego Township, and that was his home for fifteen years. During that time he added thirty-five acres to his farm. In 1900 he returned to the old homestead in section 30 of Richland Township. This farm is located in the center of the old Jackman settlement, which was the first permanent settlement in Richland Township. Mr. Aldrich owns 174 ½ acres in sections 30 and 31, his home being in the former section. He built a commodious house, in which he and his family reside, and rebuilt the barn.

Not all his time has been given to farming. As a young man he taught seven terms of school, has served one term as township assessor, served four years as trustee of Richmond Township, and at the present time is a justice of the peace. He and four of his sons are affiliated with the Knights of Pythias.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are: Harry, a physician at Fairmont, Indiana, who married Cora Dally; Fred H., who married Mary Shaefer and has three children, named John Wayne, Robert and Harry; Mary, wife of Irvin Kiess and mother of twin daughters, Irene and Ilene; Simeon F., who married Margaret Rose and has a son Wayne Erwin; Dean D., who served in Battery B of the One Hundred and Thirty-Seventh Field Artillery during the World War; Olive L, a teacher in the home school in Richland Township; and Howard, a student in the Hamilton High School.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Simeon J. Aldrich, farmer and stock-raiser, Troy Township, section 7, was born in this township, Aug. 4, 1842, a son of Simeon Aldrich, one of the old pioneers, now deceased. He was reared on the farm, remaining at home till after the breaking out of the Rebellion, and then enlisted in company F, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served nearly four years. Two year of the time he was fife-major, and he has the fife used by him while in the service, which was presented to him by his comrades. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, and many others of less importance. Since his return from the war he has engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a fine farm of 170 acres where he has lived for the past eighteen years. He was married Feb. 24, 1867, to Sabrina, daughter of Samuel Learned, and to them have been born seven children---Samuel, Oren, Seth, Asa, Emily, Sarah and Leola. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are members of the United Brethren church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Solomon Alwood, whose interests as a farmer, public spirited citizen and leader in church and community affairs identify him prominently with Troy Township of DeKalb County, lives five miles southwest of Edon, Ohio. He was born in Troy Township, January 29, 1861, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Rosenburg) Alwood. His parents were both natives of Ohio, his father, born January 22, 1827, and his mother August 24, 1827. After their marriage they came to DeKalb County, and settled in Troy Township, where the father followed farming until he enlisted in Company G of the Thirteenth Indiana Infantry. He was a faithful soldier and died July 4, 1864, before being mustered out of the army. He was a Democrat in politics. His widow survived him many years, passing away July 5, 1902. He was the mother of seven children: John, of Butler, Indiana; Henry, of Battle Creek, Michigan; Leonard, of Angola; Samantha, of Edon, Ohio; Solomon; Warren, of Clare County, Michigan; and Ananias, deceased.

Solomon Alwood was four years old when his father died. He grew up at the old home, was educated in the district schools, and helped his mother run the farm until his marriage.

November 13, 1899, Della Van Wormer became his wife. She was born in Troy Township, December 16, 1867, a daughter of William and Sarah (Haswell) Van Wormer, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Her parents were married in Indiana and her father served in Company K of the One Hundredth, Indiana Infantry until the close of the Civil war. The Van Wormers were members of the United Brethren Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Alwood after their marriage lived on the home farm until he bought his present place in Troy Township. He owns a 118-acre farm, and has specialized to a considerable extent in the breeding of Duroc hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Alwood have four children: Clark W., born September 6, 1890, is a blacksmith in Steuben County; Claude L., born June 27, 1892, a farmer in Troy Township; and Leland and Lelah, twins, born August 7, 1902, both graduates of the common schools and now in the senior year of the Butler High School. The family are members of the United Brethren Church and Mr. Alwood is a church trustee and superintendent and teacher of the Sunday School. He was a candidate on the democratic ticket for the office of trustee of Troy Township in 1918.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Isaac N. Askew, was born in Richland (now Ashland) County, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1824, the son of Isaac T. and Mary (Harvout) Askew, his father a native of Maryland, and his mother of Ohio, and a grandson of Colonel Jonathan Harvout, of Revolutionary fame. He was reared in his native county on a farm, remaining there till 1847, when he came to Indiana and bought an unimproved tract in Allen County, residing there about six years. He then sold his land and moved to De Kalb County, buying a farm east of Spencerville, on the St. Joe River, which he improved. He subsequently sold this farm and bought one west of Spencerville, where he lived till April, 1874. He then sold out and moved to Keyser Township, buying the farm where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of finely-cultivated land, and is surrounded with all that makes life pleasant. For the past twenty years he has in connection with attending to his own farm assisted his neighbors during harvest, running a threshing-machine. Mr. Askew was married Nov. 27, 1853, to Rebecca H. Squiers, daughter of William A. and Susanna Squiers. They have had five children---W.T.M., born March 11, 1855; George W., born Sept. 16, 1858; Perry, born Dec. 16, 1860, died in infancy; Nettie, born Oct. 4, 1877 and Jennie born Aug. 29, 1871. Mrs. Askew is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, Mr. Askew affiliates with the Democratic party.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Robert S. Bailey

Enlisted Jan. 1, 1864, at Indianapolis, Ind., at the age of 22 years as a private in Co. H, 30th Ind. V.I., 3rd Brig., 3rd Div., 4th A.C., and October, 1864, he was transferred to Atlanta, Ga., to Co. C, 3rd Ind. V.I. In February, 1864, he was in hospital at Chattanooga six weeks and Marietta, Ga., in July, of same year for three weeks; he was detailed as guard to wagon train and teamster in October, 1864, at Altoona Pass for four months, he took part in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Marietta, Atlanta, Siege of Columbia, Franklin, Sherman on his march to the sea, Nashville, Peach Tree Creek, Kinston and Kenesaw Mt., receiving an honorable discharge Nov. 22,1865, at Indianapolis, Ind. A brother, Alexander Bailey, served in 152nd Ind. V.I. Comrade Bailey was born Dec. 9, 1841, in Noble County, Ind., and settled in DeKalb County, same state, in January, 1843, with his parents, where he received his early education; his father, Benjamin Bailey, is deceased, but his mother, Margaret (Scott), is yet living (1894). Comrade Bailey has application for pension now on file, he is engaged in farming with address at Spencerville, Ind.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen; H.H. Hardesty, Publisher; New York, Toledo, and Chicago, 1894.

William Baker

Was born Oct. 17, 1851, in Noble county, Ind., and settled in DeKalb county in 1877; he is the son of Alpheus and Mercy Baker. The mother is still living. He was united in marriage Sept. 3, 1863, in his native county, to Clara Coval, born March 18, 1847, in Steuben Co., Ind. Their children are Iverne, Harry, dec., and Arthur. The parents of Mrs. Baker are Lewis and Sarah (Webb) Coval. Both are still living, residing at Garrett, Ind. Mr. Baker was teaching school at the time of his enlistment at Kendallville, Ind., Nov. 10, 1861, as a private in Co. G, 30th I.V.I., serving under Col. Bars; he was once promoted to the rank of commissary sergeant. At the battle of Shiloh, on the second day of the fight, he was severely wounded in the shoulder and arm; he was sent home pending discharge, which was granted him at Charleston, W.Va., Aug. 13, 1865. His father served in the War of 1812. Four brother were in the late war, Tim, Neuman, Kale and Frank. Neuman died in the service in 1863. Mr. Baker was an optician, resided at Garrett, DeKalb Co., Ind.; he drew a pension. Feb. 3, 1893, he died at his brother's Frank Baker and was buried at Lisbon, one-half mile from his home.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen; H.H. Hardesty, Publisher; New York, Toledo, and Chicago, 1894.

William M. Ballentine. For a number of years William M. Ballentine has been rated as one of the independent and successful farmers of Butler Township, DeKalb County. Some of his good neighbors and friends remember a time when he was working as a farm hand or as a renter and know that his good fortune and present prosperity have been well merited and earned by an efficient career of hard labor and good management.

Mr. Ballentine, whose home is in section 17 of Butler Township, was born in DeKalb County, September 27, 1866, a son of James and Emeline (Monroe) Ballentine, both natives of Ohio. His father, who was born in Richland County, married after moving to DeKalb County, Indiana, and settled down on land east of Auburn, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a Union soldier for eighteen months and an honored member of the Grand Army. Politically he was a republican. There were three children: William M., Phoebe, wife of Jacob Kemery, of DeKalb County, and Samuel, who is employed in the elevator at St. Johns, Indiana.

William M. Ballentine grew up on a farm near St. Joe, attended the district schools and was fifteen years old when his father died. After that he, being the oldest child, had to assume most of the responsibilities of working the fields and to a large degree he filled his father’s place. His mother afterward married again, and when about twenty-one years of age he moved to Butler Township and worked out as a farm hand.

December 22, 1891, he married Elnora Smith. She was born in Butler township, March 1, 1870. After their marriage Mr. Ballentine was a ditch contractor about two and a half years and for three years worked on the section of the New York Central lines. He began his independent career as a farmer on land he owns today. At that time he was a renter, but he has since bought the farm, seventy-six acres. He is also a stockholder in the Garrett elevator. A democrat in politics, he has filled the office of supervisor.

Mr. and Mrs. Ballentine have four children: Arlo E., a graduate of the Garrett High School, attended North Manchester College, and is a foreman of car repairing of Garrett. Fred is a graduate of the common schools, lives on a farm in Keyser Township, and married Bernice P. Rugman. Raymond, the third son, is a graduated of the Garrett High School, also attended a business college at Fort Wayne, and married Velma Grove. Mabel Lucile is the fourth and youngest child. Mr. Ballentine has four grandchildren, Josephine L. and James H., children of his son Fred; and Omar and Virginia M., children of Arlo.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Charles Henry Bangs, of the Bangs homestead in Richland Township, DeKalb County, is a member of "The Edward Bangs Descendants,” one of the colonial families which traces its lineage back to 1297, at which time the early English records show the crossing of the family from France to England. They lived there until their descendant, Edward Bangs, came to America to establish the new branch in 1623. The early church records of England indicate the same family tendency as shown in its history in America, that of following the learned professions. “The Edward Bangs Descendants” numbers among its members such celebrities as John Kendrick Bangs, Governor Eugene Foss, Professor Francis S. Bangs of Columbia University; Congressmen Foss and Ireland, George D. Bangs, superintendent of the Pinkerton Detective Agency whose father, in the same capacity, planned and carried out the protection of Abraham Lincoln on the first momentous trip to Washington, together with many other notables in the professions. The American lineage in brief is as follows:

Edward Bangs, born in Chichester, England, 1591, died at Eastham, Massachusetts, 1678. He came to America in “Ye Goode Ship Anne” in July, 1623; settle at Plymouth and superintended the building of the first bank there; was made a freeman in 1633; settled at Eastham, Cape Cod, 1644; town treasurer, 1646-1665; selectman and deputy to Colony Court, 1652. Was married first to Lydia, daughter of Robert and Margaret Hickes, and second to Rebecca.

Jonathan, sea captain, second son of Edward, born 1640, married July 16, 1664, Mary Mayo. Seal of early ancestors used and still preserved. Captain Samuel, fourth child of Captain Jonathan, born at Harwick, Massachusetts, July 12, 1680, died June 11, 1750, married first January 13, 1703, Mary Hinckley, daughter Samuel H. She died January 7, 1741, at Harwick; married second Widow Mary Rider, April 1, 1742, leaving one son.

David Bangs, third child of Samuel, born March 29, 1709, at Harwick, married Eunice Stone, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Stone, son-in-law of Governor Thomas Hinckley. Moved to Wilmington, Windham County, Vermont, where he died in April, 1803, aged ninety-four years. His wife, born September 23, 1721, went to see her sixteen sons enlist in the Revolutionary war. At death she was aged one hundred and four years and nine months.

Azariah Bangs, sixth child of David B., was born April 8, 1740.

Nathaniel Bangs, son of Azariah, was born May 4, 1770, died at Bakersville, Vermont, January 14, 1867, carpenter, cabinetmaker, millwright. Children of his first marriage were: Amos Parker, born December 29, 1794, died September 21, 1856, and Azariah, born December 7, 1797, died March 7, 1875. Married second Judah Elwell, having two children. Sally Georgia Lyons, born September 26, 1809, died December 10, 1893; and Heman. The mother was drowned in the Erie canal at Lockport, New York while on her way to visit her son Heman. From 1842 to death, Nathaniel Bangs lived with his son Azariah.

Heman Bangs, youngest child of Nathaniel and Judah (Elwell) Bangs, born in Shaftsbury, Vermont, June 14, 1813, died May 31, 1902; went to live with Robert Madison, neighboring farmer at eleven years and at fifteen accompanied him to Genesee County, New York. Started out with $100, purchased farm in 1837 of Holland Company in Niagara County, New York, sold farm in 1839, spent winter in Kalamazoo, Michigan. On March 13, 1840, settled on the Bangs homestead in DeKalb County, Indiana. He was a carpenter, joiner and farmer and a man who was liked by everyone and became very prosperous. He was married November 22, 1842, to Catherine Elmira Chaffy, born March 7, 1821, died August 21, 1899, a daughter of Joshua and Polly (Bowers) Chaffy. The Chaffy family came to DeKalb County from New York in 1838, then moved to LaGrange County. Their children were: Eunice L. (Showers), Nathaniel, John H., Matilda (deceased), Winfield Scott, Caroline L. (Vian) and Charles H. Heman Bangs joined the Methodist Protestant Church in 1841, and later both he and his wife united with the United Brethren. Politically he was a whig and then a republican. In 1840 he helped build the first schoolhouse in the township, made the first coffin for the first death in the township, and made the first loom in the county in 1840.

Charles Henry Bangs, youngest child of Heman and Catherine E. Bangs, was born May 26, 1857, on the Bangs homestead in Richland Township, DeKalb County, Indiana. While a young man he became deeply interested and was a leader in the lyceums of that day and had a reputation as a debater. He was a musical director, also a teacher in the old singing schools of the tune-ford days. He pursued successfully the mercantile business for a number of years, when, due to the advancing age of his parents, and for the benefits of a rural environment for the home to be so soon established, he gave up the business of a merchant, for which he was well fitted, for the farm.

Mr. Bangs was married June 25, 1885, to Virginia (Jennie) H. Reynolds, who was born October 8, 1862, at Fairfield Center, a daughter of Jerome and Barbara (Eckert) Reynolds, who died eleven weeks apart in 1884. They had the following children: Owen Roscoe, Guy Reynolds, Clare W. H., Gladys May and Faye Edna. Owen Roscoe Bangs was born June 14, 1886, secured the degrees of B.S. and A.B. from the Tri-State College, has taught in all departments of the public schools, has been superintendent of schools for eight years and is now studying in the department of education, Columbia University. He was married November 19, 1911, to Bessie E. Fried, born February 12, 1886, died March 7, 1919. Their son, Rex D., was born January 9, 1913.

Guy Reynolds Bangs was born December 9, 1887, received degrees from Tri-State College in Accountancy, was for five years superintendent of schools, two years as accountant, and has been professor of education and registrar in Huntington College. He was married August 21, 1912, to Mabel G. Husselman, who was born January 22, 1893, and they have two children: Una Joyce, born January 23, 1914; and Kenneth Leon, born May 5, 1916.

Clare W. H. Bangs was born May 5, 1890, received the B. Pd. and A.B. degrees from Tri-State College; A. M. from Huntington College; student in King’s School of Oratory, Indiana University and Chicago University; completed course in civil engineering; superintendent of schools three years; professor of sociology and philosophy three years. President of Huntington College four years, resigning to enter law, member of general board of education for the United Brethren Church; general secretary of education of denomination; member of American Academy of Political and Social Science; Fellow Royal Society of Arts of London; member of Association of American Colleges, charter member of Edward Bangs Descendants; investigator of social problems, Chicago and St. Louis, and at various times a Chautauqua and commencement lecturer. He was admitted to the bar July 5, 1919. He was married July 18 1917, to Nellie A. Binning, born November 7, 1881, and their son, Charles Edward was born October 12, 1918.

Gladys May Bangs was born August 18, 1892, received Bachelor of Music degree from Tri-State College; student of voice and piano, Pittsburgh; student in King’s School of Oratory. Studied piano under Roy David Brown of Chicago; is a graduate of Huntington College Academy and department of Domestic Science. For two years Miss Bangs has been associate teacher of piano with professor Roy David Brown in the Huntington College Conservatory of Music. Faye Edna Bangs, the youngest daughter, was born September 13, 1897; is a graduate of the Tri-State College Academy, also of King’s School of Oratory; student in Huntington College; has taught in all departments of the public schools; was supervisor of music and art for four years in high schools; and has done commercial designing and platform work.

Mr. and Mrs. Bangs have interested themselves largely in civic betterment and movements for civic advancement. Feeling keenly the lack of educational facilities in their youth, they have worked for a better school system and have inspired and aided their children to secure the best education possible. They have always been active moral reform and religious work. Their convictions upon the foundation principles underlying character have been clear, definite and fearlessly followed. Mr. Bangs has been an active organizer in the republican party. For fourteen years he was an officer in the DeKalb County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, during thirteen years of which he was actuary, through which capacity he has formed a wide acquaintance through the county. Early he became interested in the study of soils and soil fertility, and for fourteen years has been the official district crop reporter for the United States Department of Agriculture, making surveys that include farm labor, costs, crop conditions, varieties of wheat, etc. For twelve years he has been a notary public of Indiana.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Benjamin R. Baughman

Is a resident of DeKalb county, Ind., where he settled in 1867, having been born in Holmes county, Ohio, July 27, 1842, and was living in the latter county, when at the age of 18, he quit the farm to serve his country as a private in Co. E, 16th O.V.I., 4th Brig., 13th A.C., enlisting at Millersburg, Holmes Co., O., and was mustered in at Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, in Oct., 1861; he was in three different hospitals at Cumberland one week, in 1862, at Black River in 1863, and at St. Louis for six weeks. At one time he was detailed with the Pioneer Corps to erect stockades for commissary stores. Battles: Mill Springs, Cumberland Gap, Tazwell, Chickesaw, Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River, Red River and numerous skirmishes and engagements in all 16; his honorable discharge was granted him in October, 1864, at Columbus, O. Our subject is the son of Daniel and Margaret (Reams) Baughman, the father having died in 1873, and the mother in 1892; he was married first to Margaret De Vore, and their children were Myrtie W., William F., Daniel I. and John A.; he was a second time married to Hannah Deetr. Again in Holmes county, Ohio, he married Hannah (Haney) Dietz, who was born March 14, 1836, in the same county as her husband; her parents were John and Elizabeth (Lower) Haney, both dying in 1889. Mrs. Baughman's grandfather, Frederick Haney, was in the Revolutionary War. Our conrade is a pensioner, a farmer, and his address is Ashley, DeKalb Co., Ind.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen; H. H. Hardesty, Publisher, New York, Toledo, and Chicago, 1894.

Isaiah Baughman

Was born Jan. 5, 1843, in Carroll county, Ohio, and settled in DeKalb county, Ind., he is the son of John and Nancy (Slentz) Baughman, now deceased; he was united in marriage Nov. 18, 1868, to Sophia Week. Their children are Willis, Laura, Anna, Cora, Dora, Ward, Margaret and Benjamin. The parents of Mrs. Baughman are John and Mary (Motter) Weeks, now deceased. Our subject was farming in DeKalb county, when at the age of 16, he enlisted at Camp Allen, Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 5, 1861, as a private in Co. H, 30th I.V. I.; he was afterward promoted to corporal, in his second enlistment. Jan. 2, 1863, at the battle of Stone River, he received a gunshot wound in the right leg. Remained on the field over night, when he was taken to the hospital at Nashville, where he remained only a few days, and was removed to Louisville, where he received his discharge, Jan. 20, 1863; he was discharged from his first enlistment at Cap Fry, Ky., Feb. 22, 1862, by reason of disability, and he did not re-enlist until August 29, 1862, when he entered the ranks of Co. A, 88th I.V.I., being discharged as stated above; he re-enlisted for a third time, in Co. A, 1st Ind., Heavy Artillery at Waterloo, Ind., March 20, 1864, and was discharged for this enlistment Jan. 10, 1866, at Baton Rogue, La. He had a brother, George W., who served in Co. H, 30th I.V.I. Mr. Baughman is a well-to-do farmer, draws a pension, has been member of Waterloo Post, No. 52, G.A.R. and his address is Waterloo, DeKalb Co., Ind.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen; H. H. Hardesty, Publisher, New York, Toledo, and Chicago, 1894.

William H. H. Beard

Is a son of Christian and Mary (Whetstone) Beard, both deceased, and was born in Stark county, O., Nov. 24, 1833, and settled in DeKalb county, Ind., in 1855; he was farming in Smithfield twp., this county, when he entered the army at the age of 28 in Co. H, 30th Ind. V.I., 2d Brig., as a private at Waterloo, Ind., Sept. 24,1861. March, 1862, he received a furlough for thirty days and returned to Shiloh, April 9, 1862; he was wounded December, 1862, at the battle of Stone River and was taken to hospitals at Nashville and Louisvillle, Ky., where he was treated till May,1863, for wounds; he participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Corinth and several minor engagements, receiving his honorable discharge May 8, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. He had four brothers in the late war, Hiram in 18th W.S. Regt., Solomon in Co. H, 30th Ind. V. I. Comrade Beard has been twice married: his first wife, Marian Holden, to whom he was married in the fall of 1863, at Smithfield, Ind., was born at the place of parents, John and Lucy (Smith) Holden, both now deceased. Their children, Rachel A. and Lucy are both deceased. Aug. 25, 1872, in Fairfield twp., he was again married to Catherine Shimp, born Aug. 2, 1850, daughter of Henry and Caroline (Briggle) Shimp, the former deceased, the latter still living, and they have had the following children, William D., Ernest R., Frank L., Arthur I. dec., John J., Clyde V., Earl B. dec., and Freddie G. Comrade Beard received his education in Stark county, Ohio, he had been J.V.C. and Asst. Q.M. of G.A.R. Post, is by occupation a plasterer and his address is Waterloo, Indiana.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen; H. H. Hardesty, Publisher, New York, Toledo, and Chicago, 1894.

Thomas Clark Benson. One of the beautiful homes of DeKalb County is Birdlawn Farm, situated in Richland Township, the property of Thomas Clark Benson. It is the old family homestead of the Hine family, and its name, together with that of the adjoining farm, Meadow Lark, which also is a part of the Hine family estate, serves to perpetuate the beautiful memory of a gifted woman, the late Mrs. Jane L. Hine, mother of Mrs. Benson, known in Indiana history as the “Bird Woman.”

Thomas Clark Benson was born in Warren County, Indiana. His parents, Jonathan and Eliza (Jones) Benson, died when he was very young, and he was reared in the Ankrum family in Vermilion County, Illinois. He had one brother and four sisters, namely: Asbury, Mary Jane, Elizabeth, Matilda and Lydia. The only survivor is Mrs. Matilda Nichols, whose name is at Weatherford, Oklahoma. Mr. Benson was afforded educational opportunities and for a number of years taught school very acceptably, then began study for the ministry, pursuing theological courses at Union Christian College, Merom, Indiana, and Oberlin Theological Seminary at Oberlin, Ohio. It was at Oberlin that he met Miss Nellie Cynthia Hine, to whom he was united in marriage on March 26, 1884, at Birdlawn, the present family house.

When Mrs. Benson’s grandfather, Sheldon Horatio Hine, first invested in this half section of Richland Township wild land he traded thirty milch cows for it, at the time living in the Western Reserve across the Indiana-Ohio state line, buying his property as an investment. When he sent his son, Horatio Sheldon Hine, to pay the taxes the young man, then nineteen years old, did not regard it as worth the money, but his father said, “Young man, some day you will be glad to have it.” Since 1863 Birdlawn has been a part of the estate now owned by Mr. Benson. When Horatio S. Hine pay the taxes he found conditions that would have justified almost any business man entering a protest. He found a swamp instead of a farm and the sink hole in it was so deep that for many years the New York Central Railroad passing through Waterloo, Sedan and Corunna, had to make a detour in order to avoid it. A road bed through the sink hole was finally made by hauling timber from three states, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, laying tier on tier on the ice, subsequent draining making it possible to make a solid permanent roadway. The above is interesting as local as well as family history.

While a brother of Horation Sheldon Hine, Lemon Hine, first came to this DeKalb County farmstead and remained long enough to build the house which still stands there, it was Horatio S. Hine who developed the farm, and it is his grandson, Martin Lee Benson, who at present maintains its standing in agricultural pre-eminence. Horatio S. Hine was twice married, his first union being with Cynthia Brooks, who was the mother of three sons: Sheldon H., Charles L. and Frank B. After her death Mr. Hine married her sister, Jane Brooks, who became the mother of three children, namely: Mrs. Nellie Cynthia Benson, Brooks L. and Lemon. The mother of Mrs. Benson was born April 2, 1831, and died February 11, 1916, the centennial year in Indiana history. With a natural love of nature, Mrs. Hine beautified the hill slope in front of the farmhouse by setting out wild flowers and it has been Mrs. Benson’s pleasant duty to protect and preserve them. It was not, however, until she had faithfully discharged her duties a wife and mother that Mrs. Hine began her special studies of bird life, and some of her finest essays were written after she had passed three score and ten. She was frequently invited to address audiences on bird lore, wrote voluminously on the subject for different publications and many of her manuscripts are preserved and consulted as being scientifically authentic. She was a member of the National Ornithological Society, and a booklet has been issued as a memorial.

For several years after their marriage Mr. Benson continued in the ministry, serving Christian churches in Kansas, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1896, coming to Birdlawn with Mrs. Benson to visit her parents and finding them in need of a daughter’s ministrations, he decided to remain, and this had been the Benson home ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have the following children: Paul Hine, Martin Lee, Rhoda Bernice, Kathryn Eunice and Frank Earl. As a student in Angola College Paul H. Benson specialized in literature and chemistry. As a soldier in the state military organization sent to the Mexican border, he soon became an interpreter of languages, and his knowledge of chemistry had been very useful to him in a business way at Saginaw, Michigan, since he returned from military service. Martin Lee Benson made a special study of agriculture and is the farmer at Birdlawn. Rhoda B. is the wife of J.H. Miser and they live on their fruit ranch in California. They have two sons, Harold and Glenn. Kathryn E. Benson, a graduate of the Auburn High School, had training in the Oklahoma College of Agriculture, and for several years taught school in Wyoming. Frank Earl Benson , who was one of the earliest enlisted men to go overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces in World war, served as orderly to Dr. Richard Derby, son-in-law of the late beloved Theodore Roosevelt, and at Chateau Thierry and other points was between the lines in the hardest of the fighting and ever exhibited the valor that has won laurels for the America soldier. This family in all its branches illustrates the sterling qualities, high ideals and solid worth that make the real American type.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Jefferson Betz is a honored figure in the community of Franklin Township, DeKalb County, is an old soldier of the Union, has been a resident of DeKalb County for half a century, and is now enjoying a well earned retirement from his responsibilities as a farmer.

Mr. Betz was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 21, 1838, a son of Henry and Catherine (Stull) Betz, the former a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Columbiana County, Ohio. After their marriage they spent all their lives in Columbiana County. Jefferson Betz grew up in his native state, had a common school education, and early in the Civil war enlisted in Company D of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Infantry. He saw a great deal of active service during the next fifteen months, and was then granted an honorable discharge on account of impaired hearing. After the war he went back to his native district in Ohio and in April, 1865, married Jennie Musser. She was born in Columbiana County.

Mr. Betz brought his family to Indiana in 1869 and has been a resident of DeKalb County, ever since. For many years he worked in the fields and handled his farm but is now living in comfort among his children. He is a republican in politics and active in the Grand Army Post at Hamilton.

He is the father of four children: Della, wife of George W. Kepler; Dora, wife of Oliver W. Fee; Elmer, who lives on the home farm in Franklin Township; and Emma, wife of Clyde Hinker.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

George Billman, one of the prominent citizens of Fairfield Township, is a native of Washington County, Pa., born Feb. 23, 1801, a son of David and Catharine Billman, native of Germany, who were sold by the ship company to pay their passage to America. Our subject was reared in his native county, and when eighteen years old began to work at the tanner’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked as a journeyman, dressing leather, for nine years, and then engaged in farming till Aug. 15, 1834, when he moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and cleared and improved a farm of ninety-four acres. In 1864 he sold his farm and moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the farm where he now lives. He has been successful in his pursuits and has a comfortable property for use in his declining years. He was married Dec. 25, 1827, to Mary Wansettler, and to them were born two children, both deceased. His wife died April 5, 1830, and he was again married June 21, 1833 to Catherine Dencer, a native of Washington County, Pa., daughter of George and Catherine Dencer, of German descent. They have had five children, two of whom are living---Mary Ann, wife of Henry Hecht, of Michigan, and Matilda, wife of Daniel Cartret, of this township. Politically Mr. Billman is a Democrat.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

David Bogear

Was born March 14, 1842, in Allen County, Ind., and settled in DeKalb county, May 17, 1880; he is the son of Mathias and Anna Bogear, the father dying in 1889, and the mother in 1844. He was married Nov. 20, 1871, at Spencerville, Ind., to Mary E. Boston, who was born Dec. 9, 1851, at Maysville, Ind. One child born to them survives, aged 21, Perry Eugene; his twin died Sept. 12, 1873, aged 12 hours. The parents of Mrs. Bogear are Thomas and Lovina Boston. They are still living at Maysville, Ind. Mr. Bogear was living at Antwerp, Ohio, when at the age of 18, he enlisted in August, 1861, as a private in Co. G, 14th O.V. I., 1st Brig., 2d Div., 14th A.C. In 1863 he was promoted to corporal, and in 1864, the 5th duty sergeant. Sept. 9., 1863, he received a gunshot wound in the right arm, this confined him to hospital No. 14, at Nashville, until Nov. 24th, when he was furloughed for thirty days, the time being extended eight days; he rejoined his command at Louisville, Ky., Dec. 15, 1863; he was discharged from his first enlistment Dec. 14, 1863, at Chattanooga Tenn., but re-enlisted the dame day at Louisville, in Co. G, 14th O.V. I. At Corinth, Miss., he was detailed as nurse and served in that capacity 21 days; he participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Siege of Atlanta, Mission Ridge, Jonesborough, Buzzard's Roost, Peach Tree Creek, with Sherman at the Sea, walking all the way, Raleigh, Lavergne and Mill Springs. A brother Simon, was a member of Co. E, 24th Iowa; he was killed in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863; his grandfathers George Bogear and John Metzer, both served in the War of 1812. His wife had four uncles in the war, John Boston, Wallace Robbins, Michael Snyder and George Brown. Mr. Bogear is a member of Chas. Case Post, No. 233, having held numerous offices in the same. His wife is was a charter member of the Women's Relief Corps, No. 52, holding the office of Chaplain, formerly president two years and conductor two years; he draws a pension, is a carpenter and his address in Garrett, DeKalb Co., Ind.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen; H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, New York, Toledo, and Chicago, 1894.

Bond Brothers, proprietors of the Butler bakery and restaurant.-John W. and Charles O. Bond are native of Perry County, Ohio, the former born May 23, 1858, and the latter Aug. 10, 1863. They were reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. In 1881 John went to Grundy County, Iowa, but in 1882 returned to his native county. Charles was for some time a cook on a Baltimore & Ohio dining car. In January, 1884, they came to Butler and bought the Butler bakery which they have enlarged, and have now a constantly increasing business. The make the famous cream bread and the finest coffee-rolls in the country, the latter by a new process invented by Charles Bond. Their father, David Bond, is also a native of Perry County, a son of Peter Bond, of Baltimore, Md. Peter Bond was born in 1800, the youngest of thirteen children, and in 1813 accompanied his parents to Ohio and subsequently made his home in Perry County.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

James A. Boots. There is no name that has stood for better things and has been longer identified with DeKalb County than that of Boots. The family was established here by the late John S. Boots, whose life was one of great purpose and energy and in many ways was directly associated with the progress and upbuilding of the community. The late John S. Boots was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 5, 1822, a son of James and Sarah (Stringer) Boots. His father died in 1855 and his mother in 1877. When he was two years old, the family removed to Richland County, Ohio, where John S. Boots grew to manhood and acquired a district school education. On April 12, 1849, he married Eliza Ambrose. She was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1823. A few days after his marriage John S. Boots started for the West to find a place to locate, entered land in section 35 of Jackson Township, and on June 20th again started from Ohio, this time with his wife to make permanent settlement. He had only $2 when he arrived in Indiana, bought 160 acres, cleared and improved, and worked steadily until he was rated as one of the prosperous men of the township. He developed a fine farm of 280 acres. He was a real leader in the township, and was a pioneer in the good roads movement. For many years he was road supervisor, and his district, No.5, was twice, rewarded prizes for the best roads in the county. He was also a school director and in every sense a public spirited citizen. John S. Boots died in 1909. His first wife passed away August 26, 1866, the mother of six children: Sarah J., Amanda S., James A., Ida, William R. and John T. In 1868 John S. Boots married Matilda Hall, Three children were born to their union: Pearl, Clyde and Myrtle, all living. John S. Boots was a member of the Masonic order and a republican in politics. The old homestead farm is now owned and occupied by three of his children: Amanda S., James A. and William Rufus.

James A. Boots, who was born on the farm where he now resides, constituting the northeast quarter of section 35, 3 ½ west of Spencerville, on March 19, 1856, has lived here all his life and has never married. He is a director in the Farmer’s and Merchants Bank at Spencerville and a republican in politics.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Raymond U. Bowser came to Spencerville from Allen County, Indiana, less than twenty years ago, and he and his wife had a cash assets not more than six dollars. He began farming, but his natural bent for salesmanship and business has been turned to advantage and he has built up an extensive business at Spencerville, dealing in livestock, and handles a large amount of goods used both in town and country, including fireproof safes, sheet metal for all purposes in buildings, pumps, plumbing supplies, windmills and gasoline engines.

Mr. Bowser was born in Perry Township of Allen County, Indiana, September 17, 1878, a son of Theo and Celia A. (Gloyd) Bowser. His father was also born in Perry Township, and is still living on a farm in that county. The mother is deceased. Both were active members of the United Brethren Church, and Theo Bowser has been a republican. There were three children: Raymond U.; Ivan, of Fort Wayne; and Homer, a farmer in Perry Township.

Raymond U. Bowser grew up on the homestead farm, attended public schools and at the age of eighteen entered the Bowser factory at Fort Wayne, where he thoroughly learned a trade as a mechanic and machinist. He spent about five years there, and in 1900 came to DeKalb County and located on a farm west of Spencerville. Beginning almost in poverty, he has made such good use of his time and opportunities that he owns today the most modern and best home in Spencerville and is also stockholder in the Farmer and Merchants Bank and is one of the busiest men in the community.

Mr. Bowser is a republican in politics and his wife is a Methodist. They have four children: Roy, who graduated from high school at the age of sixteen and is now assisting his father, Cleo, who has completed the work of the common schools, and Gale and Ada.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of Northeast Indiana; LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb Counties, Vol. II, under the editorial supervision of Ira Ford, Orville Stevens, William H. McEwen, and William H. McIntosh. The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Christian C. Browand was born in Erie County, Pa., June 30, 1838, the fifth child of David M. and Catherine (Shank) Browand, natives of Lancaster County, Pa., of Swiss descent. When our subject was five year old his parents settled in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he lived till fourteen years of age when they settled on a farm. In 1859 our subject went to Noble County, Ind., where he was employed as a clerk in a store till his enlistment, Oct. 20, 1862, in Company G, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry. His regiment was in the army of the Tennessee, and participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty Station, Dallas, New Hope, Hardy and Allentown; was with Sherman in his march to the sea, and at the close of the war he participated in the grand review at Washington. July 15, 1865, he was honorably discharged, after which he returned to Noble County and found employment in the store he left at the time of his enlistment where he worked two years. Jan. 7, 1867, he married Miss Samantha Crogsley, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Solomon and Susana (Gault) Crogsley, natives of Lehigh County, Pa., of German and Irish descent, who settled in this township in 1848. They have had four children, but one living---Alice. The deceased are Minnie J., Beatrice and Gracie E. Mr. Browand lost his health in the army, and for ten years he was unable to do any labor, but is now partially recovered. In 1878 he settled in De Kalb County. Mr. Browand and wife are members of the Disciples church. He is a member of F.&A.M. and I.O.O.F. fraternities. In politics he is Republican. He had five brothers in the late war, three in the Eighty-eighth, one in the One Hundredth, and one in the Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry. Two received wounds; all served three years.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Deb Murray