“Samuel Firestone Jr of Washington twp, Kosciusko County Indiana was born in Logan County, Ohio June 3, 1927. His opportunities for acquiring an education were quite limited and he grew to manhood depending on his keen perceptions to gain by observation and experience, that knowledge which it was not his privilege to acquire in the ordinary way and his education though not of a scholastic order is nevertheless practical and has enabled him to participate successfully in the duties of an active useful life. At the age of 10 years in 1837 he came to Kosciusko County, and although a child, proved himself of valuable service in the routine labor necessitated by the unsettled condition of the country, performing his part with the strength and alacrity beyond his years. The arduous labors incident to his position gave him little time for recreation and thus his life from childhood has been one of toil. In 1853 he was united with Miss Sarah Fashbaugh in Noble County, Indiana. Miss Fashbaugh was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio and moved to Kosciusko County with her parents in 1849.

Their wedded life has been blessed with 10 children, Malinda Jane, Austin H, Mary Clementine, Nelson L, Roselma F, Martha E, Orleann T, Albert D, Francis and Edith L. Mr Firestone is not identified with any religious denomination, but throughout his life, has proven himself a man if unreproachable morality. His political views are in accord with the principles of the Democratic party but he does not take an active part in political life and has never sought political office. He is one whose social relations are exceptionally high and all who know him are drawn to him by a tie of friendship. None speak of him but with the warmest words of honor and respect. He is the possessor of 332 acres of land nearly all of which is in cultivation and h is fin e farm exhibits many evidences of his skilfull management. His industrious life has been rewarded with success and he has gained a rich competence in worldly goods. He was made a Mason in Pierceton Lodge No 377 in 1869 and has ever since been an active worker in his lodge but owing to the remoteness of his home from the place of meeting and his preoccupation with other business matters he has never served the Lodge in any official position.”

Submitted by: Jim Hartline

Picture taken in downtown Warsaw.

Thomas Jefferson Wright (Oct. 4, 1833 near Milford, IN– Apr.11, 1907 near Atwood)
Married Rebecca J. Fuller on Dec.13, 1854 in Kosciusko Co., IN
Obituary mentions that he was the first white male born in Kosciusko Co.
Buried in Union cemetery.
Submitted by: Flora Warner

Deb Murray