"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

N. U. CARTER is the son of Elijah and Maria (Wilkinson) Carter, of English and Irish descent. Our subject was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., August 17, 1829, and spent his youth on the farm and attended the common schools. At the age of twenty-three, he was married to Mary F. Browning, daughter of Elza and Frances (Florence) Browning, of Bartholomew County. Mr. Carter came to Howard County in 1869 and purchased a firm of ninety-seven acres in Howard Township, and has since by industry and economy been able to add to this until now he has 147 acres of choice land with all necessary improvements. Upon this pleasant place he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have two children - William T. and Elza M. Mr. Carter adheres closely to Republican principles and has held the office of Supervisor of his district for eight successive years. Both he and wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among its most active workers.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

JOHN H. COOMLER, a prominent farmer, is the fifth in s family of thirteen children born to Jacob and Mary (Hoffman) Coomler, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. John H. Coomler was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 12, 1837, and was reared on the farm and received a common school education. He married Susan Thomas, daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Good) Thomas, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He enlisted August 16, 1862, in Company K, One Hundred and First Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Makahan; he served three years and participated in the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge; he was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was discharged June 24, 1865. Mr. Coomler came to Wabash County, Ind., in 1842, and there remained until the fall of 1880, when he came to Howard County and purchased 220 acres of land near Cassville, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Coomler have had ten children - Elmer E., Lizzie M., Cora L., Benjamin F., Mattie O., John Sherman, Ovid Cecil, Nettie A., Ettie L. and Charley C. (deceased). Mr. Coomler is at present Supervisor of his district in Howard Township; he held the position of Steward in the Grange organization during its existence, and his wife is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

HANS EK is the second of eleven children born to Peter and Emma (Pierson) Ek, natives of Sweden, and of Swedish descent. Hans was born November 2, 1831, and was reared in Sweden, and there received his education. He landed in New York City June 19, 1850, and thence went to Chicago, where he remained three years. He subsequently came to Kokomo, Ind., and here labored in a saw mill as head sawyer for about two years, and in April, 1861, enlisted in Company E, Thirteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in June 19. He was in the service three years and three months, and participated in battles at Rich Mountain, Greenbrier, Alleghany, Winchester, Cold Harbor, Fort Wagner, Foster's Plantation and Petersburg. He received no wounds, was stout and well, and was never off from duty while in the service. He was discharged June 19, 1864, at Indianapolis. Mr. Ek was married, November 21, 1859, to Sarah Custer, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Clark) Custer, natives of Indiana. This union has been blessed with seven children - Emma Henderson, Elizabeth, Rhoda, Lewis (deceased), Charles, Lienvel and Blanche (deceased). Mr. Ek owned and managed the saw mill at Cassville for fifteen years, and is now the owner of a steam threshing-machine. He is at present located upon a farm near Cassville, and he and wife are prominent members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

VESPASIAN GOYER is the eldest of nine children born to John and Margaret (Spangler) Goyer, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania. He was born November 5, 1820, in Franklin County, Penn., where he passed a few years of his childhood, when he removed with his parents to Muskingum County, Ohio. In 1847, he came to this county, taking a pre-emption claim, and is now living on the same ground. He afterward entered 160 acres before the land sale. He now has a good farm, with substantial buildings. He has added to the original until his farm contains 240 acres, which he has accumulated mostly through his own efforts, having received a little assistance from his father's estate. He received a common school education in his youth, and taught two terms of school of three months. After he had entered land, he was married, August 2, 1854, to Lucy Remington, a native of New York. She was the second of seven children born to Russel and Lydia (Barns) Remington, both natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Goyer have had eleven children - Lydia A., John R., Martha. Viola (deceased), Evaline, Luther, Ulyssus, Isabelle, Cyrus (deceased), Minnie and Edgar V. Mr. Goyer was in an early day a Whig, but of late years is a strong advocate of Republican principles. He is a liberal giver to all public interests, and he and wife have been identified with the Christian Church for over thirty years.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

HENRY G. HEMPER is the second of six children born to Henry P. and Caroline (Retburg) Hemper, both natives of Germany and of German descent. Henry G. was born September 6, 1825, in Germany. His father was in the battle of Waterloo under Wellington, and emigrated to this country in 1837. He landed in New Pork and settled in Connecticut, where he remained about eighteen months. In the fall of 1839, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, and in 1817 removed to Madison County. The following year, he came to this county, locating in Howard Township, and remained in this county until his death. The subject of this sketch made his home with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. He worked on the farm, and through his own efforts received a common school education. He came on a prospecting tour to this county in 1846, returned home, and in 1848 came again with his father. He returned to Ohio the same year and began business for himself, where he remained ten years. He then returned to Howard County and located in the forest in Howard Township on eighty acres which he had entered ten years before. He has added to this and now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He was married, March 4, 1853, to Elizabeth Kisner (deceased). She was a native of Ohio, and was the first of four children born to Henry and Casander Kisner, both natives of Maryland. Six children crowned this union - Mary C. Spraker, Joanna (deceased), Emma C., Casander, Fannie K. and Addie M. Mr. Hemper has taken a great pride in educating his children, and Fannie and Addie are among the best teachers of the county. He has always voted the Democratic ticket, and is one of the party's most active workers.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

CHARLES L. HUTSON is the eldest of a family of eight children born to William and Frankie (Lewis) Hutson, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish and English descent. His father came to Indiana in an early day and settled in Boone County, and subsequently located in Howard County He entered 160 acres of land in Howard Township, erected a log cabin, and cleared a home for himself and family. He endured all the privations of a pioneer life in the wilderness, and has since, by industry and economy, been able to add to his farm until he had 480 acres of the choice land of Howard Township. Mr. Hutson has since divided this land with his children, and is at present located upon a farm of 280 acres near Kokomo. In an early day, Mr. Hutson was Trustee of Howard Township for several terms. Charles L. was born February 5, 1843, and was reared upon the farm, where he received a common school education. At the age of twenty-two years, he was married to Miss Clarcy Ring, daughter of James and Melvinia (Reeder) Ring, natives of Indiana. This union has been crowned with four children - Effa (deceased), Elcy (deceased), William O. and James D. Mr. Hutson, since his marriage, has followed agricultural pursuits, and is at present located upon a farm of 129 acres near Kokomo, with all necessary improvements. Mr. Hutson is an active politician in the Democratic ranks, casting his first ballot for G. B. McClellen in 1864.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

WILLIAM LAMASTER, a prominent farmer and resident of Cassville, is the eldest of a family of eight children born to Isaac and Susan (Nabours) Lamasters, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, of French descent. William was born, January 12, 1827, and received a limited education in the common schools; he remained upon the farm with his father until October 10, 1852, when he was married to Charlotte Crone, daughter of Henry and Mary (Clines) Crone, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Mr. Lamaster, shortly after his marriage, moved upon a farm near Waupecon, and here remained until the spring of 1865, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres in Howard County, adjoining Cassville; to this he has added more land, and now has 240 acres of well-improved land, with all necessary improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Lamaster have had six children - Rosie Henderson, William H., Martha J. Woody, Sarah Lovinia, Charles Wesley and Mary Ettie, four of whom are living. Mr. Lamaster is an active worker in the Republican ranks, having cast his first ballot for Zachary Taylor in 1848. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lamaster are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

DAVID MARKLAND, an enterprising farmer of Howard Township, is the second of seven children born to William C. and Sarah (Atkinson) Markland, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New Jersey. Daniel was born April 10, 1836, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and came with his parents to this county in the fall of 1855; he made his home with his father until he was twenty-four years of age, working on the farm and attending the pioneer schools of that day. He subsequently attended a select school in Kokomo for three months, and thereby received a good common school education; he has taught six terms of school, of which four terms were taught in one district; he began teaching at the age of twenty-two, and was considered a success in his profession, but ill health compelled him to leave the school room and lead a farmer's life; he received a little money at his father's death, and now owns 188 acres of good land, with all modern improvements; he is an enterprising, energetic farmer; through economy has secured sufficient means to live comfortably the rest of his life; he was married to Margaret Goodwine October 17, 1860. She was the fifth of ten children born to Charles P. and Catherine (Miller) Goodwine, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Markland have six children - Catherine, William C., Benjamin F., Eliza, Charles P. and Edward C. Mr. Markland was elected Justice of the Peace in 1864, and held this position for sixteen successive years; he is a Republican in politics, having cast his first vote for President Lincoln, and he and wife have been members of the U. B. Church for several years.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

SAMUEL RICHEY was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, June 17, 1840, and is the son of John C. and Sarah A. (Prebble) Richey, of Irish, French and German-English descent. Samuel Richey was reared on the farm, and being of a patriotic disposition, enlisted in August, 1861, in Company D, Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a private, and was mustered in at Indianapolis under Gen. Woods; he served about eighteen months and engaged in battles at Shiloh and Stone River; he was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, losing his left arm, near the shoulder joint, and for his disability was discharged March 25, 1863. The following July he began organizing Cornpany H, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment of six months' men, and in September the company was mustered in. Mr. Richey was elected Captain, but as a choice accepted the position of Second Lieutenant. They were sent to Cumberland Gap, where Mr. Richey was placed in command to guard the gap. He had about 320 men under his command, and in less than three days had reduced this number to about three men, having given them passes with which to return home; he, then joined his regiment at Walker's Ford, and was made Mail Agent to Knoxville; he was there during the engagement at that place, after which he returned to his command, and subsequently returned home. He was married, July 5, 1865, to Meldah Soughers, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Miller) Soughers, natives of North Carolina. This union has been crowned with seven children - J. C. S., Rodney A., Emily C., Lorenzo F., Sarah L., Samuel A. and Joshua P., four of whom are yet living. Mr. Richey is at present located in Cassville, Howard Township. He became a member of the I. O. O. F. in Kokomo, in 1868, and is an active working politician in the Republican ranks; he has held the office of County Recorder eight years, and is at present holding the office of Notary Public, which he has held for eight years; he was the first man to establish an abstract office in Howard County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Richey are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among its most prominent members.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

WILLIAM S. SALE, son of James and Aurelia (Gray) Sale, natives of North Carolina, and of English descent, was born December 6, 1826, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age; he worked on the farm and received a limited education, and subsequently left North Carolina and located in Huntington County, Ind., where he farmed for seventeen years. In his youth he followed clearing for a livelihood, and in the fall of 1864 came to this county, locating in Howard Township, on a farm of eighty acres, where he still lives. He has accumulated what he possesses through his own labors, and has just completed a handsome brick residence at a cost of $2,500. Mr. Sale was first married in 1857, to Anna Crandal, a native of Ohio. They had five children - Emma, Laura, Freemen and two infants deceased. He was married, the second time, to Martha A. Rowlings Tharp, a native of Kentucky. Four children crowned this union - Owen A., Fay (deceased), Clyde and Maud. Mr. Sale has been an Odd Fellow since 1870; is a member of the Baptist Church, and is an active worker in the Republican party.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

JESSE C. STEWART, son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Corn) Stewart, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent, was born June 24, 1827. He was reared upon the farm, but owing to necessities of labor received but a limited education. By the early death of his father, he was left to his mother's care. March 28, 1854, he was married to Mary A. Luery, daughter of Solomon Luery and wife, natives of Virginia. They had one child - William L. Mrs. Stewart (now deceased), was a prominent member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Stewart was married, the second time, June 8, 1856, to Emma Start, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, of this county. Three children blessed this union - Elizabeth A. Smith, Caroline and Stephen A. Mr. Stewart enlisted in August, 1862, under Capt. Burns, in Company F, Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He participated in the following battles: Munfordsville, Ft. De Russey, Pleasant Hill, Bayou, Lamore, Marksville, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. While marching from Vicksburg to Meridian, he was mounded by the kick of a horse to such an extent as to cripple him for life. He was discharged July 22, 1865, and in May, 1869, married Susana Brown, daughter of Abijah and Sarah (Lewis) Brown, natives of Kentucky. This union has been blessed with two children - John W. and Elmer B. Mr. Stewart is one of the prominent farmers of Howard Township, and his wife is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

JACKSON TRIPPEER, merchant at Cassville, carrying a $2,000 stock of goods, and doing a first-class business, is the youngest of thirteen children born to John and Catharine (English) Trippeer, of French and Irish descent. His father came to Miami County, Ind., in 1844, and engaged in farming near Peru until his death in 1874. His mother was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jackson Trippeer was born August 4, 1814, and farmed with his father and brother until November 14, 1866, when he was married to Alice Ann Conn, born February 14, 1849: daughter of Joseph and Alice Ann (Pierce) Conn, natives of Ohio. Mr. Trippeer continued to farm after his marriage until April, 1878, when he engaged in the mercantile business, in Peru, Ind. There he remained thirteen months, when he sold his stock and removed to Rich Valley, Wabash County, where he continued in business about four years. He then removed his stock to Cassville, Howard County, where he is now located and doing a thriving business. Mr. and Mrs. Trippeer have had three children - William, born March 14, 1868; Ida (deceased), born November 25, 1870, and Lewis, born April 14, 1874. Mrs. Trippeer is a member of the United Brethren Church, and is one of its most prominent workers.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

ERASTUS WELSH is the son of Benjamin and Catherine (Beard) Welsh (both deceased), of Irish descent. His parents were married in Muskingum County, Ohio; removed to Iowa in 1856, and in 1868 located in this township, where his father died soon afterward. Erastus was born November 29, 1834, in Muskingum County, Ohio, and remained on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He worked during the summer months, and attended school in the winter. In 1856, he came to this county, locating in Howard Township, on eighty acres of land in the green woods, given him by his father-in-law. He is still living upon this farm, which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Welsh was married, June 19, 1856, to Miss Susan Goyer, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and is the daughter of John and Margaret (Spangler) Goyer. Mr. Welsh has always been a friend to orphan children. He took Alfred Pugh at the age of eight years and reared him to manhood, and now has Mildred McClure, a little girl, living with him. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is an active member of the Republican party. He is a liberal giver to all public improvements, and his wife has been a member of the United Brethren Church for over ten years.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Howard Township

ROBERT McCLELLAND, son of Samuel and Margaret (Cooper) McClelland, was born in Lawrence County, Ind., February 16, 1834, and is of Scotch-German descent. His father emigrated from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, and in 1827 located in Lawrence County, Ind.; his mother emigrated from Virginia to Indiana in 1819. The subject of this sketch, when but two years old, removed with his parents to Hendricks County and there remained until 1842. His father, desirous of finding a home, in the reserve, took a claim in Harrison Township, Howard County, and commenced the erection of a cabin. But cold weather set in before it was completed, and they moved into a cabin on the south part of the tract Robert now owns. This claim his father held and by hard work he and his sons cleared up the heavy forest. Robert McClelland received a somewhat limited education, and worked for his father until he was twenty-four years of age. He taught one term of school in the winter of 1858. He experienced a great loss in the death of his father in 1855, and in 1863 located on his portion, eighty acres, of the homestead. He still lives upon this, and has made it an excellent grain and stock farm. He was Assessor of Clay Township in 1867-68. He has for several years been an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and casts his ballot with the Democratic party. He was married, April 30, 1859, to Mary E. Smith, of Clay Township. They have had two children - Margaret A. and Edwin A. His wife died February 6, 1880; his mother still lives with him, a veritable monument of the pioneer days.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Clay Township

EDWIN P. MEYERS, Postmaster at Jewell, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, where he was born December 25, 1836. His parents, James and Mary (Powell) Meyers, were natives of Virginia; they came to Daviess County, Ind., in 1840, where our subject was reared until he was twelve years old. He then went to Franklin, Johnson County, where he attended college. Upon the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted and was in service over three years. During this entire period he served as Orderly upon the Staffs of Alexander McDowell, McCook, and subsequently with Gens. Kirk and Rosecrans. He was honorably discharged in 1864, and returned to Franklin, Ind., where, November 3, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Wiley, daughter of Spencer Wiley, of Franklin. His next venture was in the mercantile trade at Galveston, Cass County, which proved disastrous. In 1875, he came to Howard County, locating at Jewell, Clay Township, where he has since resided. He has been Postmaster of Jewell since his residence there, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace. He is a member of Galveston Lodge, No. 244, A., F. & A. M., and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Meyer was formerly a Republican, but is now a Greenbacker in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have two children Louis S. and Charles E.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Clay Township

M. S. REAVES is a native of Greene County, Ohio, where he was born February 2, 1825. His father, George Reaves, was a native of Virginia. The subject of this sketch remained in his native State until April, 1851, when he removed to Illinois; there he remained only a few months, and in November of the same year he came to Howard County, where he has resided up to the present writing. Mr. Reaves was one of the early school teachers of this county. He has been identified with all progressive measures and served as Trustee and Justice of the Peace in Clay Township eight years each. He is a member of the Old School Baptist Church, and is a Democrat in politics. He owns forty acres of good land located in Clay Township. Mr. Reaves was united in marriage February 5, 1846, to Harriet Blystone. They have one child living, Angeline, wife of John Jones, of Kokomo, and one, Louise, deceased.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Clay Township

HENRY W. SMITH, son of Fielding and Rhoda (Carpenter) Smith, was born in Madison County, Va., in 1817, and is of Franco-German descent. He was reared on a farm in Virginia and received a fair English education. His father died when he was twelve years old, and he and his brother continued to farm the old homestead. At the age of twenty, he removed to Kentucky and settled near Brownsboro, in Oldham County, and three years later located on a farm in Jefferson County, Ky., where he remained thirteen years. He was married October 1, 1840, to Permelia M. Gaw, of Jefferson County. They had ten children, eight of whom are living. In 1853, he purchased land in Clay Township and added to this till he had over 600 acres, but has since divided with his children and now has about 300 acres. On this he has erected a barn and brick residence, and has one of the best arranged grain and stock farms in the county. He has always belonged to the Democratic party, and has taken a great interest in the public improvements of his county and community.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Clay Township

WILLIAM W. SMITH, son of Henry W. and Permelia (Garr) Smith, was born in Jefferson County, Ky., August 10, 1841. He was reared on s farm, and attended school during the winter months, devoting himself studiously to his books. He attended the common schools until he was twenty years of age, when he attended the Kokomo Normal one term. In 1853, his father having purchased a large tract of land in Clay Township, Howard Co., Ind., he came with him to the newly opened reserve. Mr. Smith was married December 22, 1863, to Sarah E. Spraker, of Rush County. They have five children - Addison E., aged eighteen; Amelia, aged fifteen; Charles M., aged nine years; Omer J., aged seven, and an infant. In 1864, he purchased a tract of land, and in 1872 bought the land he now owns. His farm now consists of 240 acres of fine land, and lies a quarter of a mile west of Shiloh Church, in Clay Township. He is preparing to erect an elegant brick residence and commodious out-buildings. He belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, and is identified with the National party.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Clay Township

JOHN B. BUTCHER was born in Decatur County, Ind., near Greensburg, January 20, 1843, and is the son of William and Sadona (Hancock) Butcher. His father is a native of Virginia, and his mother of Kentucky. They came to this county in 1854, and settled in Ervin Township. At that time J. B. Butcher was eleven years old, and since has lived in this county, where he received a common school education. In the summer of 1861, he attended the graded school seven weeks at Kokomo, under Prof. Baldwin, at which time, when only eighteen years of age, September 21, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served three years, and was mustered out at Indianapolis September 24, 1864. He was in battle at New Madrid, Mo.; Riddle's Point, Mo.; Fort Pillow, Tenn.; Grand Prairie, Ark.; Grand Gulf, Miss.; Port Gibson, Miss.; Fourteen Creek, Miss.; Champion Hills, Miss.; siege of Vicksburg; Jackson, Miss.; and Grand Coteau, La. After the war, Mr. Butcher returned home and worked with his father three years. He was married October 27, 1867, to Sarah J. Thomas, a native of Cass County, Ind. They have three children - Orville O., Mary M. and Angie Monette. When he was married, he purchased the land where Hiram Pickett now lives, and the next fall purchased the farm where he now resides. He has a farm of 164 acres, about 110 under cultivation, and raises grain and stock. He is at present Trustee of the township, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Ervin Township

I. W. MARTIN, M. D., born March I, 1829, in Lebanon County, Penn., is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wetterhold) Martin. His father was born in Montgomery County, Penn., July 1, 1805; his mother is a native of Lebanon County, Penn.; born in 1809; died in 1848. His parents had eleven children - John Henry (deceased); Samuel A., a farmer near Arcadia, Ind.; Sarah, wife of A. P. Erbaugh, a farmer of Montgomery County, Ohio; Mary A., wife of Jerome Martin (deceased); William, a farmer in Kansas; Lydia, wife of Andrew Robinson, a farmer of Carroll County, Ind.; Charles, a plasterer ; Eliza, wife of Samuel Couffer, of Steelton, Penn.; Ruth, deceased wife of John W. Biesecker; Hiram (deceased); and the subject of this sketch. Mr. Martin's second marriage was on July 4, 1849, to Nancy Grundon, which union was blessed with three children. I. W. Martin was reared in Dauphin County, Penn., and there received a common school education. He also attended the academy at Danville. At the age of twelve, he drove a team on the Ohio Canal, after which he assisted his father in plastering, and learned hat and bonnet pressing in Philadelphia. In 1852, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Gideon Fahnstock, at Danville, Penn., and read with him three or four years. He was married May 24, 1849, to Sarah C. Light, a native of Lebanon County, Penn. They have had thirteen children - John Henry, Mary Louisa, Thomas W., Samuel L., Albert E., Amanda I., Amos A., Kate E., Milton M., Ella Jane, Israel A. (deceased), Sarah A. (deceased), and Howard E. (deceased). In the fall of 1849, Mr. Martin came to this county, and in 1860 moved his family here, locating in Ervin Township, where he now resides. In six months after moving here, he purchased four acres of ground, and built a log cabin. The day after moving into it, it burned, and they lost everything they had. He now has forty-nine acres, well improved, with good house and barn. Mr. Martin cast his first Presidential vote for Buchanan and his second for Lincoln. February 6, 1863, he was commissioned by Montgomery Blair as Postmaster at Ervin, which office he has held ever since. In 1875, he was commissioned Notary Public, which office he now holds. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has had a continuous practice of medicine in his township since his location there in 1860. Mr. Martin has a printing press, and the editors of Kokomo say he is the best self-made printer in Northern Indiana. He does all his own printing, besides job work of all kinds. He keeps a general store, and is the sole proprietor and manufacturer of Martin & Son's Blood Invigorater, and his Cough Elixir.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Ervin Township

WILLIAM MITCHELL was born in Parke County, Ind., December 9, 1840, and is one of eight children born to Perley and Phoebe (Lewis) Mitchell. The father was a native of New Hampshire, and the mother was a native of New York, and is living in Terre Haute on the homestead. William Mitchell was reared in Parke County, where he received the benefit of the common schools, after which he attended school at the Bloomingdale Academy. September 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Terre Haute, Ind. He was in battle at Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, and several skirmishes. He served three years, and was mustered out at Chicago September 5, 1864, when he returned to his father's, in Parke County, and engaged in farming. In October, 1867, he came to this county and purchased eighty acres of land in Ervin Township, partly under cultivation. He has since added 173 acres, and now raises grain and stock. Mr. Mitchell has served one term as Trustee of the township. He was married, November 5, 1868, to Miss Rhoda Tucker, a native of Ohio. His wife died in 1871, leaving one child, Nora. May 23, 1872, he married Hulda Morris, a native of Miami County, Ind. They have six children - Belle, Frank. John. Herman, Sumner and Reyburn.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Ervin Township

WILLIAM J. SIMPSON is the second in a family of six children born to William and Sarah (Turner) Simpson, natives of North Carolina and Pennsylvania, and of English and Irish descent. William J. was born in Fayette County, Ind., March 8, 1827, and was reared upon the farm, receiving a limited education. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade, and, shortly after his majority, was married to Miss Sarah Fiant, born June 7, 1833, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Bilman) Fiant, of Fayette County. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Simpson engaged in farming in Fayette County, where he remained three years. He then removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, thence he located in Darke County, and later removed to Preble County. In October, 1857, he came to this county, purchased eighty acres of land and resided in the first log cabin built in Ervin Township. Here he cleared out a home for himself and family. He enlisted, in December, 1863, in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, organized at Camp Stillwell, Kokomo, Ind., under Capt. Garrett. He participated in battle at Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Simpson, while in Camp Carrington, Indianapolis, was thrown from the barracks and had his leg broken and received a severe wound in his side. After he recovered from this, he was placed upon detail duty, and was discharged June 22, 1865. Upon his return home, he engaged in farming, and is now located upon a farm near Ridgeway. He is an active politician in the Republican party, but cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have been blessed with six children - Elizabeth H. A. (deceased), born April 18, 1851; Francis S., born January 21, 1857; Sarah E., born April 6, 1859; William H., born August 19, 1862; John M. (deceased), born October 1,1866; and Marion T., born February 10, 1869. Mr. Simpson is a prominent comrade in the G. A. R., and his wife is identified with the German Baptist Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Ervin Township