SAMUEL PARHAM is a native of England, born June 25, 1816. In 1830, he accompanied two brothers and sisters to America; Samuel was the youngest of the five. They landed in New York in April, and purchased a farm in Jefferson County, N.Y., where they lived for several years; then the subject and a brother went to Ohio, where they spent three years, mostly in Portage County, engaged in clearing land. In November,
1836, Samuel came to De Kalb County, Ind., and entered 160 acres of land, which he afterward sold. April 7, 1841, Mr. Parham and Miss Nancy Selby were united in marriage in this township; her parents were natives of Delaware; her mother, Elizabeth Selby, died in Ohio, and her father, Charles W. Selby, at the home of his children in this township. Subject and wife settled on Pretty Prairie, where they rented a
farm five years, then bought 120 acres of their present farm, removing to same in 1847. Mr. Parham owns 400 acres of land with good buildings; was Township Assessor two years, and himself and wife belong to the Methodist Church. They have had eight children - George W., resides in Iowa; Julia, deceased; Jane, a resident of Michigan; W.J., of this township; Samuel M., of Michigan; James G., Charles A. and Ida.
Mr. Parhams's parents, James and Ann (Bristol) Parham, were English people; after emigrating to America, in 1836, resided twenty years in Jefferson County, N.Y., where they died. Mrs. Ann Parham was a member of the Methodist Church for sixty years.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
CHRISTIAN J. PLANK was born on the 13th of September, 1833. He was married in Adams County, Ind., to Miss Catharine Musser, January 3, 1856, the contracting parties both being natives of Wayne County, Ohio. Her parents, Abraham and Catharine Musser, came to America from Germany, where they were born, and died in Adams County, Ind. Mr. Plank came to this township in November, 1859; then moved to Michigan, where
he lived one year; then returned to Elkhart County, Ind., where he farmed and ran a threshing machine four years. His farm in Pretty Prairie, this township, consists of 155 acres of land. Mr. Plank, by his first wife, had nine children, viz., Amos F., Catharine A., Rebecca E., Susanna, Mary A., Daniel, Samuel, Lydia A. and Elizabeth, all living. He was married to his second wife, Fannie Morrell, in Noble County,
Ind., Febraury 2, 1873; they have one son - Harvey. Mrs. Plank is the daughter of David and Catharine Morrell, natives of Pennsylvania, and was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. Her mother is yet residing in Noble County, where Mr. Morrell's death occurred. Christian and Elizabeth Plank, parents of the subject and natives of Mifflin County, Penn., came to Indiana in 1872, and died in this township.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
GEORGE PRESTON was reared in Ohio, although born in Beaver County, Penn. His parents, James and Rachael Preston, were natives of New Jersey; they moved to Ohio at an early day, where they died. George Preston's birth occurred December 24, 1820, and at the age of eighteen learned wagon-making, and followed that industry about twelve years. January 18, 1849, his marriage to Miss Sarah Wheeler, the daughter of
Chauncey and Sarah Wheeler, was consummated. She was born in Connecticut, the native State of her parents, who died in this county. In Ohio, Mr. Preston owned six acres of land and an interest in a saw-mill. He came to this county in 1850, and bought eighty acres in Bloomfield Township, which he farmed about twelve years, rented two years, then located in this township. Besides his farm of 120 acres, he owns
eighty acres in Springfield Township. Mr. Preston deals in live stock, and the staple products of his farm are wheat and corn; he keeps from eight to ten horses, and has his farm well improved and in good repair. Mr. Preston lost his wife November 20, 1880, and was married December 17, 1881, to Miss Matilda Hungerford, in Coldwater, Mich. She was born in that State, and is the daughter of Matthew H. and Sarah
M. Hungerford, who were born in New York and died in Michigan. Mr. Preston has had a family of six children, two of them - George A. and Chauncey - have died; those living are Joseph A., of Colorado; A. Judson, Sarah E. and Willie M.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
GEORGE W. PRICE is the son of Jonathan and Margaret Price, natives of Pennsylvania; they both died in Coshocton County, Ohio, where George W. was born February 4, 1834. He was reared in his native State, and began blacksmithing there when sixteen years old, subsequently establishing himself in that business, at a town called Chili, in 1854. He was married October 1 of that year to Miss Elizabeth Long, and, after
residing twelve years in Ohio, came to this county, locating in Springfield Township on a farm of forty-five acres. This he sold after a short period, and went to Lima, where he was engaged seven months at this trade; then came to Lexington, where he owns two lots and has the only blacksmith-shop in the village. A farm of sixty-seven acres that adjoins the town is also owned and managed by Mr. Price. George and
Rebecca Long, the parents of Mrs. Price, were born in Pennsylvania and died in Ohio. Of the former State Mrs. Price is a native; she is a member of the Baptist Church, and has borne her husband seven children, viz.: Maria, Marietta, Susan, Lucy, William B., Sarah E. and Delia A. Mr. Price has served five years and six months as Trustee of his township.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
CASSIUS A. SHATTUCK is the sonof Levi and Polly Shattuck, and a native of Huntington, Vt. His father, a native of Massachusetts, died at Lexington, in this county, and his mother, a native of Connecticut, died in Vermont. In 1844, they located at Ontario in this county. Cassius Shattuck was reared on a farm in Vermont, and for twelve years followed shoemaking, and afterward learned masonry, which he has been engaged
in for about twenty years, and has built a number of fine brick residences in this township. He was married in this township, at Lexington, April 24, 1846, t Miss Jane Brown, a native of Canada. Her parents, William and Sarah Brown, came to this country from Ireland; they died in Steuben County, Ind. For some time after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck resided in Lexington, then sold their property there,
consisting of tow lots, and began farming on 132 acres of land in this township. They have had two children - Henry F., married and residing at Lexington, and George, deceased. Mr. Shattuck served two years as Township Assessor, and was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, but resigned after three months' service.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
JAMES SMITH, at the age of thirteen came to Indiana with his parents, who located in Lima Township, where they died. Eighty acres of land in Lima Township was the subject's first investment in real estate, and subsequently he purchased another eighty acres adjoining, from his brother. He was married April 4, 1849, to Miss Sarah Burnell, and they lived fourteen years in Lima Township, then came to their present home in
this township in 1863, where he owns a farm of 134 1/2 acres. Mr. Smith held the office of County Commissioner for a period of eighteen years, and served one year as Township Assessor. He is the son of David and Elizabeth Smith, of Virginia, who came from Ohio (where the subject was born, in Clark County, June 16, 1820) to Indiana in 1833. Mrs. Smith is English by birth; her mother, Eleanor Burnell, died in England;
her father came to Indiana in 1830, and died at Lexington, Greenfield Township. Mr. Smith and wife are parents of ten children - Jewison W., a resident of this township; David T., of Kansas; Frank M., of Lima Township; Burnell S., of this township; James C., a college student at Danville, and Tasso K., Clyde H., Nellie B., Maggie E. and Joseph, at home.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
JOSEPH STEAD was born in Yorkshire, England, December 21, 1830, and came to America in 1833 with his parents, William and Hannah Stead, natives also of England; they settled at White Pigeon, Mich., subsequently removing to this township, where they died. Joseph Stead worked at home for his parents until he was married, December 23, 1852, to Miss Lydia Alcott in this township, where they located on rented property. Six
years afterward, Mr. Stead bought and settled on 40 acres of his present farm, that he subsequently increased to 160 acres. Mrs. Stead is the daughter of Samuel and Nancy Alcott, and a native of Marion County, Ohio. Her parents came to Indiana in 1836, locating in Jackson Township, Steuben County; her father died in Springfield Township, this county, and her mother (who was seventy-five years old October 24, 1881) is
living at the home of the subject. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stead, viz., Annie E. and George M. (deceased); Caroline B., at home. Mr. Stead has one of the best farms on English Prairie; he preserves as an heirloom an ancient brass clock, that belonged to his grandfather, Stead; it is over 100 years old, about seven feet high and keeps perfect time.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
GEORGE M. STORM came to Indiana in 1836, with his parents George and Rothilda Storm, who settled in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., where they both died; the former was born in Massachusetts, and the latter in Connecticut. George M. spent his youth at Goshen and Lima, and learned harness-making, establishing a shop at the latter place in 1854. This employmnet he continued about eight years, then turned his attention to farming;
first purchasing 80 acres of land in this township, where he was located about six years, and since then has farmed on his present land - 117 acres - that is under good cultivation. Mr. Storm was married March 4, 1859, at Lima, to Miss Laura A. Webster. They have two children - Clarence W. and Allyn D. Mr. and Mrs. Storm are both natives of New York, his birth occurring October 31, 1831. Her parents, Edwin and Betsey
Webster, of Massachusetts and New York, respectively, came to Indiana in 1854, and died at the home of the subject; the latter comtemplates building a large barn the ensuing season.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
CHARLES STROUD is a native of Sturgis, Mich., and was born on the 3rd of November, 1849. He is the son of Thomas and Hannah Stroud, of England, who came to America and settled in Newark, N.J., from whence they proceeded to Sturgis, Mich., where Mr. Stroud, Sr., yet survives at the age of seventy-eight years; Mrs. Hannah Stroud died in this township. Charles Stroud received a limited education, and when twenty years old
began his independent career in life. In this township he was married November 24, 1872, and has since lived here. His wife, Selina Miller, is the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Miller, of Pennsylvania, early settlers of Indiana. Her mother died in this township, and her father is a resident of Sturgis, Mich. Mr. Stroud owns 115 acres of excellent land, and takes just pride in the fine blooded stock raised on his farm.
At this wsriting, he is feeding 200 head of sheep for the spring markets. Mr. and Mrs. Stroud have only one child, a daughter, Mary S.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
WILLIAM ATWATER is a native of Wayne County, N.Y., where his birth occurred the 18th of May, 1827. In the fall of 1856, he removed to Indiana, and for the first year was located at Lima, then purchased his present home of eighty acres in this township. When Mr. Atwater first came to this county he had only $5; he has worked diligently at clearing and improving his farm, and now is in comfortable circumstances. He was united
in marriage to Miss Martha Craven, in February, 1854. She was born in England in 1831, and came to America with her parents, Martha and James Craven, in 1835. The subject is the son of Luther and Mehitable (Sheldon) Atwater, natives of Connecticut and New Jersey, respectively, and of Welsh and German descent. They were parents of fifteen children, two of whom have settled in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Atwater belong to the
Methodist denomination, and have a family of five children - Adella (now Mrs. Jacob Leopold), Clara B., Edgar D., Addie and Viola.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
AMOS BORNTRAGER is a native of Somerset County, Penn., where he was born November 20, 1826. He is one of thirteen children in the family of John Borntrager. Three of the subject's elder brothers having emigrated to Indiana, his father sold the homestead farm in 1848, and removed to this township, where he died. Amos Borntrager, in 1849, November 17, was married to Miss Lydia Miller, a native of Pennsylvania; her parents, Israel
and Rosa A. Miller, were of German descent,and born in the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Borntrager, in 1861, purchased his farm of 320 acres, and has himself accomplished the task of clearing, improving and furnishing his land with buildings. It is one of the oldest and best farms in the township; was entered by Joseph Keysey during Van Buren's administration. Mr. Borntrager is a leading resident, and he and wife belong to the Omish
Church. They have had twelve children; ten are living - Rosa A., Gertie, Isaac, Barbara, John, Benjamin, Elias, David, Lydia and Abner.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
JOSEPH BORNTRAGER isone of a family of thirtee children, nine of whom are living in this county. Their parents, John and Barbara (Johns) Borntrager, were of German descent, and natives of Pennsylvania, in which State Joseph was born in Somerset County August 4, 1811. He was married, March 20, 1832, to Miss Barbara Yoder, the daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Miller) Yoder, native of Pennsylvania. They lived a number of years in
Somerset County, where Mr. Borntrager bought a farm for $1,400. January 3, 1841, he started for the West in company with two brothers - Christian and Daniel, who were the first Omish settlers in this section. Joseph went to Elkhart County, Ind., and located near Goshen, paying $500 for eighty acres of forest land. In 1852, he sold this, with another eighty he bought in 1843, for $3,300, and, in February, 1853, purchased 160 acres
in this township, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Borntrager have had eleven children, seven of whom are living - Christian E., John E., Eli E. (who was the first Omish child born in the county), Joseph, Daniel E., Reuben E., and Magdalene. One son - David - at the age of eleven, was thrown from a horse and killed. Subject and family are strict members of the Omish Church. He has served several terms as School Director
and Roadmaster, and has been chosen as administrator and guardian a number of times. He is living with his youngest son, Reuben E., who now owns and manages the homestead farm.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
JOHN BUTT is a native of Marion County, Ohio, where he was born February 7, 1826. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Mutchler) Butt, the former of Virginia, the latter of Pennsylvania, and both of German descent. They were early settlers of this county, coming here in July, 1836. The subject was a resident of Van Buren Township until after his marriage May 15, 1850, removing that year to this township, where he invested in seventy acres
of land. After disposing of this property, he bought 100 acres of his present farm, which now consists of twice that number. Mr. Buut is an experienced thresher, having followed a machine nearly every fall since he was fifteen years of age; also working at breaking and farming. He has rendered twelve years efficient service as Justice of the Peace, and also filled several minor offices. His wife, Mrs. Harriet L. Butt, is the daughter
of Alexander and Nancy Pointer, and of eight children that were born to them only three are living - Kansas E., Jane E. and Hattie L.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
HEZEKIAH DAVIS, the son of Amos and Susannah (Leib) Daivs, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 9, 1825. His parents were of Welsh and German descent and natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania. His father came to this township and entered land, in Section 19, in 1835. In 1854, Amos Davis purchased the Greenfield Mills, which he operated until his death, in 1867, at the age of seventy. While going to Bronson, Mich., he fell from a
load of wheat and struck his head on the wheel, causing his death. His widow is yet living with her daughter Mary, at Millersburg, Ind., at the age of eighty-five. Hezekiah Davis helped his father to clear the farm and his education was very limited. Near the year 1840, when out with his father, they found fourteen bee-trees in half a day. At the age of twenty-three, he had accumulated $400, with which he purchased 160 acres of his
present home. After keeping "bach" part of the time for three years, he was married, April 10, 1851, to Miss Sarah Reynolds, a native of St. Joseph County, Mich., born November 15, 1832. Her father, Samuel Reynolds, located on Elkhart Prairie in 1829, spending the latter part of his life at Union Mills, where he died at the age of sevety-one. Mr. Davis isoneof the old and influential men of the township. In 1852, he was elected County
Commissioner and served eight years; then, after an interval of six years, was again elected to that office, holding it four terms in succession and giving general satisfaction. He is a Republican, formerly a Whig, is orthodox inreligious belief, owns 1,400 acres of land and has $40,000 out at interest. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had seven children - Emma F., Sam G., Eugene, Warren H., Niles R. (deceased), Lenora G. and Hewlitt. Mr. Davis
has been a very industrious worker. He ran the first reaper, harvester, binder and feed-mill in the township, and during the early part of his life put in eighteen hours a day at work.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
ESAIAS HOCHSTETLER is the son of Peter and Magdalena Hochstetler and a native of Somerset County, Penn. When he was twenty-one, he began for himself, and for two years worked at various employments. In December, 1841, he married Mary Blough, the daughter of John and Sarah Blough. Her birth occurred December 20, 1822, and her husband's March 17, 1819. Both of their parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. The subject
rented property about three years,and in 1844 removed with his family to this township, coming overland, in company with three neighbors. He located on the farm where he now lives, and by unceasing toil has brought it up to the standard. It consists of 157 acres, for which he paid $100 down, going in debt for the rest. His first house was built of round logs, one story high, 16x18. This has been replaced by one of the more modern
structure. Mr. Hochstetler has the confidence of all. He has been appointed a number of times as guardian and administrator in settling estates. To the subject and wife have been born six children, five of whom are living, viz.: Sarah, Lydia, Daniel, Elizabeth and Mary.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
JOSEPH KAUFFMAN, Sr., was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in July, 1840. His parents - Stephen and Magdaline Kauffman - were natives of Pennsylvnia and descendants of the Germans. At the age of sixteen, Joseph Kauffman started for himself, and was variously employed until 1864, when he rented a farm in Elkhart County, Ind., settling on his farm in this township the following year. It then consisted of eighty acres of forest land; is now
cleared and cultivated,and increased by an addition of sixty acres. October 22, 1864, Mr. Kauffman's marriage to Miss Mary E. Cripe too place. Her birth occurred October 15, 1843, in Elkhart County, Ind. Her father was Benjamin C. Cripe, a native of Ohio and of German descent. They have five children - Harvy E., Anna E., Barbara Ellen, Mary J. and Amasa B. - and are members of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Kauffman went to Elkhart
County, Ind., in 1845, with his parents, who died there, his father in December, 1864, and his mother in March, 1855. Mr. Kauffman assisted in opening the roads in his section ad is an industrious farmer.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
ELI KLINGERSMITH is the eldest of six children in the family of Peter and Sarah (Gard) Klingersmith. He was born September 3,1818, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and at the age of twent-one began working for himself. He learned the carpenter's trade and followed the same five years. Before settling in this county, in 1864, on his present farm of eighty acres, he invested in some real estate in Wabash County, Ind., which he afterward sold;
his land in this township he has cleared and converted into valuable property. In 1849, Mr. Klingersmith and Miss Anna Knepp were united in marriage, and to them have been born four children, viz., Daniel, Henry, George and Mary. Mrs. Klingersmith was born February 1, 1829, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and, in 1830, removed with her parents, John and Mary (Price) Knepp, to Holmes County, Ohio. Mr. Klingersmith is a good farmer and citizen;
himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Kilngersmith's mother is yet living and resides with her children at the advanced age of eighty-one.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
PETER C. MISHLER, son of Peter and Susanna (Berkey) Mishler, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, October 7, 1827; his parents were descendants of the German, born in Pennsylvania, and had a family of seven children. Peter C., when twenty-one years old, began to work at the carpenter's trade, continuing the same about six years, after which he purchased a forest farm near Berlin, Ohio. In 1865, he emigrated to this township, settling on the farm
where he now lives; he owns 180 acres, is an enterprising and thrifty farm manager, and is serving his first term as Township Trustee. While in Ohio, he held the office of Township Assessor one term. January 14, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary Yoder, a native of Holmes County, Ohio. Seven children were born to them, but only three now survive - Edward, John and David. Mrs. Mishler's parents, Stephen and Susan (Kime) Yoder, were natives of
Pennsylvania. Her mother and Mr. Mishler's father both spent their last days at the home of the subject, in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Mishler belong to the Omish Church.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
JAMES C. MURRAY, the son of Edward and Jane (McKibben) Murray, is a native of Somerset County, Penn., born September 15, 1817. His parents were born in Ireland and emigrated to America in 1814. They resided in Pennsylvania, where they first located, until about the year 1820, when they moved to Ohio, traveling west to Elkhart County, Ind., in 1844, where their last days were passed. James Murray moved to Elkhart County in 1846, thence to this
township in 1861, locating on the farm he now owns of 130 acres. In 8142, he was married to Miss Mary A. Smith, who is a native of Somerset County, Penn., where she was born, July 13, 1823. Mr. Murray has by his own efforts acquired his home and property; he received but a limited education in youth, is a man of energy and enterprise and active in politics. The parents of Mrs. Murray were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Of
eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Murray five are living, viz., Silas C., David, John F., William E. and Emma.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township
JOHN R. NELSON is decended from Irish and English ancestors, and came to this county in 1838 with his mother and brother. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in June, 1824, and when about thirteen years old, his father, James W. Nelson, died, leaving the family dependent upon their own resources. After their arrival here, his mother, Margaret Nelson, entered a tract of unimproved land in Section 27, of this township, where they settled, cleared a
farm and established a home. Mr. Nelson remembers distinctly of crossing the Black Swamp in 1838, and of the abundance and variety of game that filled the forests at that time. He first bought a farm of forty acres in Clay Township, this county, and, in 1853, invested in his property of eighty acres, in this township. His wife's maiden name was Miss Mary Boliard; she was born in Crawford County, Ohio, April 3, 1836, and married to Mr. Nelson, in
1854, May 30. They have four children living, viz., John F., Rosetta, Montaville and Truben, and have buried two. Mrs. Nelson's parents were Daniel and Elizabeth Boliard; the latter was born in Ohio and the former in Pennsylvania. He came to this township in 1848, is seventy-five years old and lives in Middlebury. Mr. Nelson is much averse to secret societies and orders.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Newbury Township