JUDGE ISAIAH CONNER, one of the most favorably known citizens of Fulton COunty, was born in Marion, Ind., Aug. 4, 1835. His parents were Nelson and Sarah (Boots) Conner. The father was born in South Carolina, March 14, 1811, and died near Marion, Ind., March 14, 1889. He was a son of Lewis and Margaret (McLaran) Conner. Lewis Conner was a native of South Carolina and of Irish lineage. His wife was born in Scotland. He was the father of six sons and three daughters. He was a pioneer settler of Grant County, Ind., in which county he settled in the year 1828. There he lived many years and died. His death occurred in 1869, when he was eighty-seven years of age. Sarah Boots conner, the mother of the subject of this mention, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, March 27, 1813. Shed died near Marion, Ind., March 20, 1890. She was a daughter of Martin Boots, a Pennsylavanian, of German parentage. Nelson Conner and Sarah Boots were the first white couple married in Grant County, Ind. Their marriage was solemnized April 15, 1831. They settled down in life in that county, where they ever afterward lived, till death called them away. He was a millwright by trade. To a great extent he followed his trade, but he always lived on a farm, and at the time of his death he was engaged in farming. I politics he was a staunch democrat. He and his devoted wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had seven children, of which six are now (1896) living. Of the seven children Isaiah is the second. In the main he was brought up on the farm. His early educational training was obtained in the "Quakers' school", an institution supported by subscription funds. After leaving this school, he took an academcical course at Marion, Ind. Upon leaving the academy he began the study of law at Marion, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar in Grant County, Ind. Two years later he located in Rochester, where he soon gained a large clientage, and won an enviable reputation as a lawyer. In November of 1884 he was elected judge of the circuit court, the judicial circuit being composed of the counties of Fulton and Marshall. He held the office one term, ix years, and gained equally as excellent a reputation as a judge as he had gained as a advocate before the bar. Since retiring from the office he has continued an active practice of the law. He has always been a democrat in politics, and as a citizen he has always manifested a deep interest in public affairs, taking appropriate rank with the leaders in all movements intended for public benefit. On Jan. 26, 1862, Mr. Conner wedded Miss Talitha Line, a most estimable lady, who shared with him his joys and sorrows for a period of thirty-three years, and then answered the summons of death on July 18, 1895.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

E.B. COOK, general merchant at Grass Creek, was born in Marion, Grant County, Ind., March 21, 1851; and is a son of George Robert Cook, who was born in Virginia, of Scotch ancestry. George Robert Cook was married to Susan Speelman, in Wabash County, this state, in which county his and her parents were early settlers. She was born in Virginia, and bore her husband two children, namely, the subject of this sketch and George R. The children were left orphans very early in life, and the subject of this biography was reared by a maternal uncle, Jacob Speelman, a farmer of Grant County. He was given a common school education, and at the age of sixteen went west and spent four years in Wyoming as a "cowboy". After returning to Indiana Mr. Cook accepted employmnet in Miami County, Ind., and there met and married (1873) Miss Isabelle Prior, daughter of John Prior, Esq. For ten years after his marriage Mr. Cook was employed by a lumber company of Logansport and resided in that city. In April, 1887, he located at Grass Creek, where he opened the first store of that place, which has since become a nice little village. Since the above date Mr. Cook has conducted a general store, with an increasing business, and in connection with this he has been also engaged in the lumber and cold storage business. He was postmaster for the village for the first six years after locating at the place and for sometime he has held the position of station agent for the Vandalia line at this point. Mr. Cook began life under adverse circumstances, being very poor, but by means of enterprise and indusry he has succeeded in becoming a prosperous and representative business man. He is a representative and progressive citizen; a democrat in politics, and enjoys the confidence of a wide acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have two children. Their elder, Myrtle M., is the wife of William N. Hendrickson, who is Mr. Cook's clerk. The younger child's name is George Robert.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

G.W. COOK, of Fulton, is the leading and oldest merchant in that village. He is an active and representative republican and has filled most efficiently and accpetably the office of township trustee for two terms, being first elected in 1886 and re-elected in 1888. His duties were such as are common to that office and were discharged zealously and in the public interest. Mr. Cook was born at Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 10, 1850. His father, George Cook, left the keystone state when our subject was an infant and located in Circleville, Ohio. He soon moved to Columbus and in 1855 came to Indiana and settled in Fulton. G.W. Cook was schooled in the village of Fulton and finished his education with one term at Battle Ground college. Farming was his business till he was twenty-two, at which age he put his small capital into a stock of general merchandise and became a fixture as a Fulton merchant. He has continued a successful and properous man of business for twenty-four years. He carries a large stock, sufficient to satisfy the demands of the community. Mr. Cook was married in this township to Amanda L., daughter of Riley Martin, a Cass County farmer, now deceased. The children resulting from this union are: Flora, Bertha, Henry, Rosa, Elmer, Ray, Lee and Lalah. Our subject;s father was born near Harrisburg, Pa. He died in Fulton about 1881, aged sevety-three. He married a Miss Albright, who is a resident of this county and is seventy-eight years old. Her children are: Catharine, wife of William Martin, of Fulton; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of Boyd Buchanan; Mary E., deceased; Hiram, deceased; Jesse, Emma, wife of Alex Hoover, near Macy, and G.W. The Cooks are Pennsylvania Germans, and settled in the keystone state very early in our history. They were thorough going and their histories would be only those of thrifty and successful toilers for bread.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

ISAAC H. COOK, one of the representative citizens of Aubbeenaubbee township, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1854. His parents were John and Rachel (Neff) Cook. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1826. He was twice married. He first married Rachel Neff, who bore him the following children and then passed away in death: David W., Mary, Sarah, George F., Emanuel, John, Isaac H., Maggie and Susan. When the subject of this sketch was a small boy he lost his mother in death. Subsequently his father married Sarah Neff, a sister of Rachel Neff. Unto this marriage one child ws born, viz., Catharine L. Soon after John Cook's first marriage he moved to Crawford County, Ohio. He was an honest, toiling and respected farmer, and lived to a respectful old age, and then married Laura N.A. Myers, whose parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Myers. The marriage occurred in Ohio and later he came to Indiana and settled on his present homestead in Aubbeenaubbee township where he has since grown prosperous as a farmer and gained rank among the leading citizens. He is a defined democrat, in politics, never swaying from the principles of the party. His wife, who is a most estimable lady, is a member of the Lutheran church, but Mr. Cook is a member of the M.E. Church.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

OLIVER E. COOK was born in Union township, Fulton County, on Feb. 2, 1850. He is a son of William and Electa Richardson) Cook. William Cook was born Feb. 15, 1815, in the city of Bristol, England. He immigrated to the United States when sixteen years of age, and located in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he was engaged at the painter's trade, until failing health caused him to abandon that pursuit. He was left an orphan at a tender age, and his early years were passed untier the guardianship of those who were utter strangers to him, and had not the interest of kinsman in his his welfare. Owing to this fact he grew up without educational advantages, and until after his marriage he was unable to write his name. But he possessed a mind naturally bright, and this, aided by the knowledge acquired from books in after years, qualified him to engage intelligently in the duties of an active life. Having abandoned the trade of painting, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he continued until the close of his life. On Nov. 7, 1884, he was united in marrige with Miss Electa Richardson, in Marion County, Ohio, returning at once to his farm in Muskingum County, where he resided with his wife until 1849. In that year they came to Indiana and took up their abode among the pioneers of Fulton County. Mr. Cook purchased 160 acres of unimproved land in Union township, and erected upon it a log cabin, in which his family had their home until the present residence succeeded it. He devoted himself manfully to his work until his farm was cleared, and in the years that followed he amassed, by honest and industrious toil, a comfortable fortune, giving to each of his children $550 as they reached maturity. He was quiet and unobtrusive in his manners and honorable and upright in all his dealings. He was respected and eteemed wherever he was known, and was recognized as one of the best citizens of the community in which he lived. He died on April 10, 1876, mourned by a large circle of friends and a loving family. His wife, who still survives, was born Aug. 14, 1823, in Muskingham County, Ohio, and is the daughter of Manning and Lucinda Richardson. At the age of four years she accompanied her parents to Marion County, Ohio, where she resided until her marriage with Mr. Cook. She is an estimable lady, and has been a devoted wife and mother, rearing a family whose members are all recognized among the best citizens of the community. She has survived the hardships of pioneer life, and lives to enjoy the era of properity that has followed them, while she holds a warm place in the hearts of all who know her. Her family consists of five sons and one daughter - Jehiel A., Oliver R., Emma F., Francis M., William H. The subject of this sketch began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years. After spending a brief period in Illinois, where he learned photography, Mr. Cook returned to Fulton County, and since then has been actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. Nov. 2, 1876, he married Margaret J., a daughter of Thomas and Agnes Wilson, father and mother of James H. Wilson, elsewhere mentioned in this work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook the following children have been born: Charles F., Hugh W., Nettie, Elmer, Mabel Agnes and Cecil Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are active members of the Methodist church, to which they have given material support.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

M.V. COPLEN, farmer and miller of Bloomingsburg, belongs to that class of representative American citizens who promote the public welfare while advancing individual prosperity. He was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, a son of James Coplen, who was born in the same state and was a blacksmith and farmer. He died in June, 1893, in his ninetieth year. The mother bore the maiden name of Betsey Horton, and by marriage had eleven children, of whom the following survive: Ceramus, a farmer of Nebraska; M.V., Gilbert, who served his native county as recorder, and is now in Nebraksa, and Orange, who is still living in Coschocton County. Mr. Coplen of this review became familiar with all the labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist in his childhood days, and began farming for himself on rented land in Coshocton County. After a year he came to Fulton County, Ind., locating four miles southeast of his present home. In connection with farming he also operated a saw mill. About a quarter of a century ago he removed to a famr west of the river, where he has since maintained his residence. He to-day owns three hundred and seventy acres of rich and arable land, which is yielding him a good return for the labor bestowed upon it. In 1893, he purchased a grist mil in Bloomingsburg, which he has since profitably operated in connection with his other business, and his well directed efforts and untiring labors have brought to him a handsome competence. In January, 1860, Mr. Coplen was married to Sarah Severns, daughter of William Severns, by whom he has two children - Wilson, who married Ellen Burkett; and Elmer, who married Frances Rodabaugh. Both reside in Fulton County. The parents are members of the Christian church, and are most highly esteemed people. Mr. Coplen is on eof te staunch adherents of democracy, is recognized as a leader of his party in the township, and by his fellow-citizens was elected to the office of county commissioner, where he discharged his duties in a most prompt and capable manner.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

JAMES COSTELLO, a farmer and ex-soldier, was born in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, Nov. 20, 1844. His father, Patrick Costello, was born in county Leitrim, Ireland, March 26, 1807, and died in Fulton County March 23, 1863. Patrick Costello came to America when about eighteen years of age. He first lived in Cleveland, and later was employed in a packing house in Cincinnati. Becoming a railroad and pike road contractor, he grew prosperous, but reverses came upon him, and in 1853 he came to Fulton County and located in Wayne township, where he farmed until his death. At Hamilton, Ohio, Patrick Costello married Ann Guckien, who was also born in county Leitrim, Ireland, May 2, 1809. She died in this county April 16, 1891. She bore her husband the following children: Ann, James, George, Thomas, deceased; Charles, Mary, John W. and Catherine. The parents were members of the Roman Catholic church. James Costello, who name heads this mention, was reared on the farm, and farming has been his life pursuit. Oct. 3, 1861, he enlisted in company C, Sixteenth United States infantry. He participated in the battles of Shiloh and Stone river, and was then transferred to company F of the same regiment. This company became a part of company C on account of being broken up in battle. Mr. Costello was in action at Hoover's Gap, then Chickamauga, Missison Ridge, advance on Atlanta and his last engagement was at Jonesborough. Nov. 3, 1864, he was discharged by reason of the expiration of his term of enlistment. His captain, Robert P. Barry, in the discharge, bore testimony to his services, saying that his character was good and that he acted as teamster for the greater part of his enlistment. In 1866 Mr. Costello married Anastatia Hoynes, born in Kilkenny County, Ireland. She bore him the following children: Annie, music teacher; Patrick, farmer and resident of Union township; George, teacher, graduated at Indiana State Normal; Mary, teacher; Martha, teacher; Paul, farmer and Charles. Mrs. Costello died July 1, 1881. The family belongs to the Roman Catholic church, and in politics Mr. Costello has voted with the democratic party. He owns a very fine farm of 220 acres, with he has greatly improved.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

JOHN W. COSTELLO, a young and thrifty farmer and stock raiser and dealer, of Wayne townhip, was born in Butler County, Ohio, June 6, 1852. He is a son of Patrick Costello, and a brother of James Costello, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the farm and given a common school education. At the age of seventeen years he began the battle of life for himself. He began farming on very limited means, but nevertheless he has grown prosperour, and now owns a fine farm of 400 acres. He has dealt in stock to a considerable extent, and in business adventures he has been very successful. He was married to Margaret Maroney Jan. 23, 1883. The marriage has been blessed by the birth of six children, as follows: Mary Ann, born Feb. 26, 1884; Catherin Ellen, born Aug. 4, 1885; George Martin, born April 13, 1887, and died Nov 9, 1887; Walter Edward, born Oct. 31, 1888; John William, born Oct. 28, 1890; Patrick Joseph, born March 12, 1893; and Clara Margarette, born Sept. 28, 1895. Mrs. Costello was born April 14, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Costello and their children are members of the Roman Catholic church and are among the leading families of the community in which they live. Mr. Costello is democratic and is a member of the order of the Knights of the Maccabees.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

HON. WILLIAM H. DAVIDSON -- This pioneer and honorable citizen of Fulton County, was born in Adams County, Ohio, July 13, 1815, and came to this county in June, 1836. A short time thereafter he began clearing a farm in the northern part of Rochester township. The fall and winter seasons of 836-37 and 1837-38 he attended a school in Tippecanoe county and in the spring of 1838 he taught school in Fulton County. In 1852 Mr. Davidson went to Calfornia, where he spent a few years and then returned to Fulton County. The life of Mr. Davidson has been distinctively that of a farmer and for many years he was one of the most extensive farmers of this part of Indiana and, at one time, owned more than 1,000 acres of land in Fulton County. In 1878 he built in Rochester the Academy of Music , which he still owns. In politics he has been a life-long democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836. In 1881 he was elected to the Indiana senate, from the district composed ofthe counties of Fulton and Marshall. He werved hi district faithfully through the two regular and one extra session of the legislature. He believes in an honest dollar, good everywhere, and a tariff for revenue only. He has been twice married; first in 1837, to Miss Elizabeth Robbins, and second in 1840 to Miss Nancy S. Chinn. To the latter union are these living children, viz.: Andrew J., Timander, Arizona, Franklin P., David T. and Robert L. Mr. Davidson has been a resident of this county for sixty years and is one of its most highly respected citizens.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

WILLIAM HENRY DENISTON -- Mr. Deniston is a native of Preble County, Ohio, born July 29, 1846. He is a son of Ethan A. and Mary Ann (Jerdon) Deniston. The former was born in Preble County, Ohio, in October, 1821, and now resides in Miami County, Ind. By occupation he has been a miller and for many years operated a mill at Mexico, Miami County, Ind. The mother of Mr. Deniston was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, and died in Miami County, Ind., in 1869. The family came to Indiana in 1848 and settled in Miami County, where the subject of this review attended the public schools and later took a business course at Purdy's college at Lafayette, Ind. He grew up in the milling business in his father's mill and became a practical miller. In 1869 he came to Rochester and engaged in the grocery business, which he continued for about one year and then began the agricultural implement business, which he continued for some three years and then until 1890 he was engaged in the hardware business. In the year last named he was, by a majority of 203, elected to serve four years as auditor of Fulton County. His term of service began March 4, 1891, and continued until March 4, 1895. As a public official he gave the people entire satisfaction and left the office with the trust imposed in him faithfully and courteously discharged. In the spring of 1895 he, as a member of the firm of Deniston & Caffyn, engaged in the grain business. In politics he is a democrat and has always supported the principles of that party. The marriage of Mr. Deniston took place in 1866 to Miss Maria Hoover, who was born in Cass County, Ind. Mrs. Deniston is a daughter of John and Rachel M. Hoover. The former was born in Ohio in 1808 and died in Cass County, Ind., in 1872, while the mother was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1811, and died in Cass County, Ind., in 1894. To this union is one son, Arthur Leroy. He is a member of Rochester lodge, No. 47, I.O.O.F., and Fredonia lodge, No. 122, K. of P., and he and wife are members of the M.E. church.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

ASA W. DEWEESE, who was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1826, is descended from sturdy ancestry, from rock-ribbed Wales, the family being foudned in Maryland. His grandfather, James Deweese, was born in Virginia, and emigrating to Pennsylvania, there married Elizabeth Whitlock. By trade he was a blacksmith. The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, in 1804, and, going down the Ohio river, settled in Fairfield County, that state. He married Amy Blue, daughter of Michael Blue, and she is now living in Peru, Ind., at the age of eighty- eight. Their children are: Asa W., Lucinda, widow of H. Bryan; Isabel, widow of William Bryan; Nancy, widow of Oliver Longstreet; Michael, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of A. Marrs; James L., of Peru, Ind.; Louisa, wife of B. Burton; Diodema, wife of Daniel Gordon; Clarinda, wife of Mat Jones; and Susanna, wife of George Rouch. Asa W. Deweese was reared and educated in Shelby County, Ohio, and in 1854, with an ax and rifle upon his shoulder strted for Fulton County, Ind. He secured a farm in the forest near the town of Fulton, where for two years he labored faithfully, preparing a home for his future bride. He was married May 29, 1856, to Emeline Russell whom he at once brought to the new farm, and who died two years later. Mr. Deweese was again married Jan. 1, 1863, his second union being with Mary A., daughter of Burriss H. Butler. Her father was born in Georgia, in 1806, was reared near Richmond, Ind., and came to Fulton County in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Deweese have two children - Emily B., wife of Charles Martin, of Marion, Indiana; and Charles B., who is living at the old homestead owned by his father. This is one of the finest farms of the county, made so by the earnest labors of Asa W. Deweese, who is recognized as one of the most progressive and energetic agriculturists of Fulton County. In his political views he is a democrat, and has not failed to vote at a democratic primary or election for forty-three years. He has twice served as county commissioner, receiving a largely increased majority at his second election, which was a high testimonial of his faithful performance of duty during his first term. He retired from office in 1895, as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

Note: Researcher Walter Gordon believes Asa's sister's name is really Diadema and that she married Samuel V. Gordon, not Daniel Gordon as stated in the bio.

WILLIAM DOWNS, farmer and lumber manufacturer, is a native of Jennings County, Ind. He was born Oct. 26, 1838, and is a son of George and Ann (Black) Downs. The father was born in Ohio, and died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1892, at about eighty-six years of age. The mother was born in Pennsylvania and died in this county in 1886. The Downs family came to Indiana is 1838 and settled in Jennings County, and during the late war the parents of William Downs came to Fulton County. Mr. Downs grew up on the farm and received his schooling in the primitive schools of Jennings County. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Indiana volunteer infantry. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Salt Creek Knob, Atlanta, and many other less important engagements. Not until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox court house was Mr. Downs mustered out of service. The war over, he came to Fulton County and since that time has resided upon the Michigan road, leading farmers and now owns 318 acres of well improved land, all located within three miles of Rochester. For some six months after coming to Fulton County he worked at the carpenter trade and then engaged in the saw-mill business. For thirty years he has been manufacturing lumber in this county. In 1896 he was appointed superintendent of the Michigan gravel road. He was united in marriage in 1866 to Miss Susan Brown, who was born in Jennigs County, Ind., Sept. 24, 1843. Her parents were early settlers of Jennings County, Ind., and both died there about twelve years ago. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Downs are these three sons and two daughters, viz.: John G., James, William K., Maude and Almeda. The republican party has always had the loyal support of Mr. Downs and he is a member of the McClung post, No. 95 G.A.R. and of the order of I.O.O.F. Mrs. Downs is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Downs is one of the progressive men of this county, and the success he has attained has come through his own well directed efforts.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

H.S. DRAKE, one of the defenders of our country and flag, was born in Steuben County, New York, in 1838; son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Cleveland) Drake, natives of Vermont. The father was born in 1804 and died in Michigan at nearly eighty-nine years of age, while the mother died in Erie County, Ohio, in 1843. Mr. Drake first attended the public schools and later spent some time at Obelin college. He continued on the farm until Aug. 6, 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Ohio volunteers infantry for three years, or during the war. At the battle of Chickamauga, September, 1863, Mr. Drake was seriously wounded, having been shot through the left forearm. Other important battles in which he participated may be mentioned: Kennesaw mountain, Mission Ridge and Lookout mountain. He was a true and brave soldier. The conflict over, he returned to Ohio, where he resided until 1873, when he came to Fulton County, Ind., and since then has been engaged in farming about two miles southeast of Rochester, where he now owns a well improved farm of 115 acres, besides which the family have some valuable property in the city of Rochester. The marriage of Mr. Drake occurred Dec. 25, 1866, to Miss Norris, a native of county Tipperary, Ireland, born in 1841. In 1846, in the company of her father, Patrick Norris, she came to the United States and settled in Erie County, Ohio. Her father died at Toledo, Ohio, at about sixty-five eyars of age. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Drake are these three living children, viz.: Benjamin, who spent two years at the university of Michigan, and is now living at Hammond, Ind.; Charles, an 1893 graduate of the university of Michigan and now a teacher of science in the high school at Alpena, Mich., and Fred, who is also a graduate of this noted western university, in the school of pharmacy department and is now engaged in the practice of his profession. Mrs. Drake was educated at Oberlin college, and for some time was engaged in teaching. She is a woman of strong force of character and believes in a continuous, progressive education. She is a member of the M.E. church. In politics Mr. Drake is an uncompromising republican, a member of the McClung post, No. 95 G.A.R., and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a man of pleasing personality and public spirit.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896

Deb Murray