WILLIAM HAYWARD is the youngest of thirteen children in the family of Isaac and Ann (Shepard) Hayward. His parents were natives of England, and emigrated to this country in 1833; resided in Pennsylvania about five years; then moved to Marion County, Ohio, where the subject was born June 30, 1838, and in 1848 came to this township to the farm now owned by William Hayward, our
subject, who was poorly educated, and when of age commenced with nothing, and in three years had saved $500. In partnership, with his brother, he purchased the homestead farm at a consideration of $5,000, then, in the following January, bought his brother's inerest, agreeing to maintain his father as long as he lived; his death occurred February 27, 1881; he willed $100 to each of
his grandchildren, and the remainder of his property divided equally between his children. Two years previous to his death, all settlements had been made. Subject's mother died May 4, 1860. William Hayward has been successful in nearly all of his undertakings, and is now one of Milford's best and influential farmers. Of the 640 acres of his land, 400 are in god farming condition,
and yield good crops annually. The wheat crop alone in 1879, was 2,600 bushels; clover seed crop, 175 bushels, and the proceeds of the farm that year were $4,000; for the years of 1880 and 1881 were $3,000 for each year. His property is free from incumbrance, and is valued at about $32,000. He was married April 26, 1859, to Louise H. Chaffee, and by her had nine children - Walter,
John B., Dora, Stella, two infants, Cora M., Olive and Ida. She died March 21, 1873, and he was again married November 27, 1873, to Mrs. Caroline Drecher, widow of George P. Drecher. They have four children - Mary, Willie C., Arthur F. and Frank E. Mr. Hayward is an active Republican, first voting for Lincoln, and has served several terms as School Director and Pathmaster.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
IRA S. HELMER, son of Peter and Esther Helmer, was born September 23, 1849. His parents were natives of New York, and in 1846 traded property there for the farm where their youngest son is now living with his mother, who is sixty-two years old. Peter Helmer experienced all the hardships of pioneer life, but lied to see his farm cleared and well improved. He died November 9, 1873,
aged seventy-two years seven months and nine days. By his third wife he had two children, Angelia, wife of John K. Spears, of Steuben County, and Ira S., who is a native of this county. He was united in marriage October 9, 1879, to Mary L. James, whose father, George W. James,was an early settler of this township. Mr. Helmer is a scrupulous farmer, and is now serving his first term
as Justice of the Peace. He is liveral in his views, votes the Democratic ticket, and has been an active worker in the Sabbath Schools. His father, Peter Helmer, was born June 27, 1801, and his mother, Esther Helmer, July 24, 1818.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
DAVID LOWER was born in Northumerland County, Penn., September 12, 1816, the son of Conrad and Hannah (Cramer) Lower, of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania, whose grandfathers served in the Revolutionary war. Conrad Lower served under Gen. Jackson in the war of 1812. He came to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1829, where he died in 1860. David Lower's first vote was cast for Gen.
Harrison, and he has since been a strong party man. Previous to his marriage, in 1843, September 28, to Annie M. Showalter, daughter of John Showalter, he spent about three years in the Southern States. In 1853, they settled in Paulding County, Ohio. They had six children - John, Isaac and Hannah, and three deceased - Ephraim, Conrad and William. After his wife's death, April 29, 1856,
Mr. Lower came to this township. His present wife was Mrs. Catharine Menely, daughter of Melchoir Fordney, of French descent. She was first married to Alexander Menely, December 3, 1835, by whom she had five children - two living. Mr. Lower owns 125 acres of land, well improved. In 1860, he erected a barn at the cost of about $2,000. He is promenient in the township and always assists
in beneficial enterprises. His annual income is about $1,000. Mr. and Mrs. Lower are both active members of the Church of God. John Lower, eldest son of the subject, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, October 11, 1844. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company D, in the fall of 1861. During the battle of Shiloh he was absent on sick
leave, but joined the regiment at the siege of Corinth, and was foremost in the fight at the battles of Stone River and Mission Ridge. He served as teamster three months during the autumn of the battle of Lookout Mountain; then returned to his company and followed them closely until he was discharged, in October, 1865, receiving two flesh wounds during his service. March 11, 1866, he was
married to Rebeca M. Martin. She was born Januar 4, 1843. They have three children; two are living - John d. and William I. John owns ninety-four acres of good land and has been a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 380.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
EMANUEL R. MARTIN is a native of Lancaster City, Penn., and son of George and Katharine (Croft) Martin, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His father was a shoemaker and died in 1825; his wife maintained the family, and, when they were about grown, came West to Stark County, Ohio, where she kept house for the subject until her death in February, 1848. He was born April 7, 1823,
and married in 1848, November 6, to Mary Smith, of Stark County, Ohio, and by her had three children - Belinda, John and George. After her death, Mr. Martin married Harriet Clayman, daughter of Henry and Henrietta Clayman, who came from Germany to Stark County in 1834, where they resided until theydied. They have five children - Alice, Cora, Hattie, William and Francis. The subject, when
sixteen years old, began working at $2.50 per month, turning the whell for a rope-maker six months, then worked at blacksmithing five months, after which he resumed rope-making. He saved all his earnings, and after setting type three years, accumulated enough to buy a small farm in Stark County, Ohio, which he sold in 1862, removing to this township where he has lived since. His farm of 110
acres is located on Section 28, and his property is valued at about $9,000. He is an active Democrat, and, before coming to Indiana, was quite prominent in political matters. During the war he paid $532 for exemption of the draft of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are both members of the church.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
DAVID W. MILLER is a native of Highland County, Ohio, where he was born January 4, 1831, his parents, Henry and Christina (Fisher) Miller, having settled there in 1815. Thence they moved, in 1837, to Johnson Township, this county, where they resided till 1855, when they removed to this township, where Mr. Miller died in 1861. David Miller in his youth helped to raise the flax with which to
make clothing, and this, together with the wool obtained from a few sheep, furnished the required material. When twenty-one years old, David Miller rented his father's farm, and after harvesting one crop and selling his cattle he went to Iowa, and entered land near Des Moines. He soon returned, and for four years drove a team for Northam & Barber, and traded his Iowa land for forty acres in
this township. This land, with forty acres more given him by his father, made his home until in 1862, when he sold out and went to Michigan and resided three years; came to Noble County and traded for his present property of 100 acres. Mr. Miller was chosen Justice of the Peace and re-elected to a second term; has served also as Pathmaster and School Director. He is a Democrat, and a charter
member of the Regulators. In the fall of 1861, he was married to Aceneth Day, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, December 31, 1841, and is the daughter of David R. and Orilla (Blackman) Day, who came to this township in 1843, and are now residents of Wolcottville. They have had seven children - Francis H., Mary R., Charles W., Nellie C., Ida E., Flora U., and John C., deceased.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
FRANCIS A. NEWMAN was born in Springfield Township, La Grange County, July 14, 1838. January 17, 1861, he married Eunice Kellogg, the daughter of Joseph and Adeline (Cory) Kellogg; she was born October 15, 1840, and, by her union with Mr. Newman, has one child - Ora P., whose birth occurred on the 6th of August, 1873. Mr. Newman is one in a family of fifteen, eight now living - Nicholas B., Rebecca,
George W., Rachel A., Francis A., Samuel H., Sarah A. and Harriet. Francis, having attained the age of twenty-one, made a venture with $100, with which he partially paid for 120 acres in Springfield Township in Section 33, and sold the same eight years subsequently, when he bought his farm in this township, 200 acres, for $11,000. Mr. Newman raises live stock, that affords another source of profit.
The proceeds of his farm for 1879, were $3,000; for 1880, $3,000, and for 1881, $2,000. Mr. Newman is a Republican; charter member of the Regulator Society at Brushy Prairie, and has served as County Commissioner. His parents were Nicholas B. and Mary (Pickeron) Newman. Mrs. Newman's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kellogg, came from their native State, New York, to Steuben County, in 1845, and
resided until the dates of their death, respectively, 1876 and 1880.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
GEORGE W. NEWMAN was born in Talbot County, Md., May 20, 1832, and is the son of N.B. and Mary (Pickeron) Newman, who came to this county in November, 1836, and located in Section 16, Greenfield Township, where they erected a pole shanty, and lived that winter; then, in the summer of 1837, built a good log house, lived in that until 1850; then built a frame house, in which his son now lives and where
he died December, 1877, aged seventy-five years nine months and nine days; his wife died June 10, 1840, aged thirty-three years. George W. started out empty-handed when he reached his majority, and spent about five years in various pursuits. He well remembers following an Indian trail trough the woods that led to a log schoolhouse, where he acquired a moderate education. He married, April 25, 1858,
Eliza Ann Lucas, of Noble County, daughter of George Lucas, an early settler. In the fall of 1858, Mr. Newman went to Steuben County, where he lived seven years; then returned and settled on his present farm. He has dealt in stock to some extent, buying and shipping large numbers of hogs and sheep from this and adjoining counties. In the fall of 1880, he bought 150 head of sheep, kept them four months,
them sold them at a net profit of $440. Mr. Newman is a member of the Freemason Lodge, No. 380. There are three children - John B., George E. and Nicholas C.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
I.B. NEWMAN, son of G.P. and Clarissa (Sturgis) Newman, was born in this township, January 4, 1841. His father was a native of Talbot County, Md., born March 3, 1806, and his mother May 19, 1818. They were parents of three children - Julia A. (deceased), I.B., and Mary J., who is now the wife of George W. Sturgis and lives in Topeka, Kan. The father of the subject being very much averse to slavery, at the
age of thirty left Maryland and came to this township in 1836, in company with three brothers, and entered land in Section 33, where he resided until his death, November 21, 1878. His wife is still living with her son, the subject. He made a start in life with half of an old threshing machine; and after running it about two seasons, he traded it for a span of horses. He then farmed for his father on shares,
and traded his team for the northeast quarter of Section 35, and came out $1,100 in debt. He is now a leading farmer, owns 200 acres of finely improved land, valued at about $15,000, and has put about $5,000 into buildings. His wind engine supplies four tanks and a hydrant with water. His education has been principally self-acquired. He married Katie J. Childs February 7, 1860. She was born February 15,
1839, and is the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Likes) Childs, who were of English descent and natives of Wayne County, Ohio. They have three children - Harmer M., Mary J. and Clemma.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
JOHN B. NICHOLS, son of Samuel and Rachael (Shepardson) Nichols, was born in Vermont, November 2, 1805. Samuel Nichols, after farming a few years in New York, went to Ohio, where he died in 1870. Mrs. Nichols then went to Wisconsin with her daughter, where she died within a year. The subject had three brothers and two sisters, and went from New York to Monroe County, Mich., in 1833, where he purchased sixty
acres of land for $150, subsequently selling it for $1,100. Through one of the wild-cat banks that was organized about that time he lost nearly all his property. In 1840, Mr. Nichols located permanently in this township, paying $4.50 per acre for his land, and sold pork at 1 1/2 cents per pound and wheat at 37 1/2 cents per bushel to pay for it. Mr. Nichols was married, October 7, 1838, to Adeline M. Bartlett,
a native of Oneida County, N.Y., who moved to Monroe County, Mich., with her parents, in 1831. They came to this township in 1841, and both died here, Mr. Bartlett in 1847 and Mrs. Bartlett in 1856. In 1853, Mr. Nichols adopted an infant child, Eugene Sprague. Mr. Nichols was one of the active Regulators and ever upholds the cause of the just. He owns 440 acres of land, is worth about $32,000 and pays $150
taxes, quite in contrast with, although as easily paid, as his $3 tax in 1840. In 1851, Mr. Nichols invested $200 in the old plank road, and subsequently $400 in the G.R. & I. road.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
L.C. NICHOLS was born June 4, 1811, in Chenango County, N.Y., a son of Samuel and Rachael (Shepardson) Nichols, natives of Vermont. They lived a few years in New York State and then moved to Ohio, where the senior Nichols died in 1870. Mrs. Nichols then moved to Wisconsin with her daughter, where she died the same year. L.C. Nichols began life for himself at the age of twenty by purchasing the old homestead
farm, in company with his brother-in-law. By reason of failing health, he sold out to his partner, and soon after commenced raising thoroughbred sheep on rented land. In about 1835, he rented a dairy farm, conducting that business for a time. This he found unprofitable. About this time, the United States, or "Nick Biddle's Bank", as it was called, was refused a recharter by the United States Government. It was
run by English capital and had become a power in the land. The country was flooded with paper currency, which so depreciated in value that it carried financial ruin to a large number of the people, our subject among the rest. Becoming disgusted with his failure and the East, he started, in 1842, for Wisconsin, but found his brother, John B., in Toledo, whom he joined and came to this township, where he has 120 acres
of land and owns property valued at $10,000. July 4, 1849, he married Rebecca Sage. She died, in 1858, in Wisconsin. Four children were born to them - William S., Henry R., Ulilla and Anna B., the latter deceased. Novmeber 29, 1862, Mr. Nichols married Mrs. Harriet Cook, daughter of Samuel Fowler, of New York. Mrs. Nichols and the daughter are members of the Baptist Church.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
J. PYATT owns 200 acres of well-improved land in Section 33, of this township. He is a native of Ohio, born in Seneca County, March 5, 1829, and first came to this county with his parents, Moses and Elizabeth (Parker) Pyatt, who were of French and Irish descent, in the fall of 1839, where they remained three years; then went to Kendall County, Ill., resided three years and returned. The mother died May 9, 1866; her
husband the 24th of the following June. Both were members of the Disciples' Church. The subject began working in the saw-mill at Milford at the age of twenty-one, receiving from $13 to $20 per month, and by the strictest economy he purchased a farm of eighty acres at $5 per acre, built a good frame house, and in the fall of 1855 was free from debt. January 1, 1856, he married Julia Swogger, daughter of Isaac and Susannah
Swogger, natives of Ohio, of German descent. They have three children - Ada, who married Eugene Nichols December 26, 1875; Amanda and Charles W. For a period of about twenty years, he was never more than twenty-five miles away from home; but October 30, 1876, he saw his neighbor, Mr. Acton, starting out, en route for the Centennial, and, without further ceremony, Mr. Pyatt concluded to accompany him, and did so,
returning in time to vote for Tilden and Hendricks. Mr. Pyatt's property is estimated at about $24,000.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
AMIZIAH REED was born in Wayne County, Penn., August 17, 1817. His parents were David H. and Lydia (Bartlett) Reed, natives of Maine, of English descent; they went to Pennsylvania, in 1817, thence to Richland County, Ohio, in 1836; and, in 1852, came to this township, where the subject had located about two years previously. He was married October 14, 1849, to Elizabeth Reed, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 8,
1825, and soon after located on his farm of 122 acres in this township, which now presents an improved and thrifty appearance. His wife's parents were Bartholomew and Sylva Reed, natives of Maine, and of English descent. Mr. Reed has run a threshing machine for about fifteen years, and threshed the first clover seed in the county, that was raised on his farm in 1851. When at home, he worked at the carpenter's trade with
his father, who was a carpenter and blacksmith, for about seven years, and his experiences have benefited him. He served satisfactorily as Township Treasurer, six years successively, and during the war, assisted in raising money to exempt the township draft. Their children are Albert, Amanda, Edward K., Christus C. (deceased) and George Dallas. The three oldest are married and living near home.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
JACOB ROSER, son of George and Susan (Pontious) Roser, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 22, 1832. The father, George Roser, who was engaged in farming in Stark and Summit Counties, Ohio, died in May, 1870; his wife in December, 1872. They had seven children. The subject, at the age of twenty-oe, came to Noble County, and commenced clearing a farm. He went back to Ohio, and in the following spring returned to make the
West his permanent home. He located in Milford Township in the fall of 1862, where he now lives, and owns 105 acres of well improved land. He was married to Amelia Jane Ritter, March 23, 1868. She was born October 6, 1836; her parents, Isaac and Margaret (Kiser) Ritter, were of German descent, and her father was a cabinet maker. Mr. and Mrs. Roser have three children - George A., Cora S. and Dallas G. Mr. Roser's first
vote was cast for James Buchanan.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
JACOB SIGLER is the owner of 120 acres in the southeast quarter of Section 7, this township. He is a son of Michael and Mary (Soles) Sigler, of German and English descent, and natives of Pennsylvania. Michael Sigler was born April 13, 1790, and was the seventh son, and served in the war of 1812 as a cavalryman. In October, 1820, he moved to Ashland County, Ohio, and lived there until his death, April, 1866. Jacob Sigler is
the eldest of sixteen children, nine of whom are now living, and when eighteen years old began working for himself, and at the age of twenty-one was able to purchase 80 acres of land in Wood County, Ohio. He was born February 19, 1813, at 8 o'clock A.M., and was married Thursday, February 20, 1834, to Miss Mary Clark, born March 7, 1808, in Indiana. Her parents, George and Mary Clark, came to America from Ireland. The subject,
about a year after his marriage, built a log house on his farm, where they lived more than eighteen years. Mr. Sigler, while in Ohio, served as Township Trustee, two years; Clerk, two years, and School Director, twelve years. He came to this township and purchased his present farm June 2, 1853. His property is valued at about $15,000. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace eight years, and School Director and Pathmaster
several terms. He has visited eight States in his travels, is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Order, No. 380, and with his wife a member of the Baptist Church. They have had seven children - Eliza A., born May 27, 1836; Mary J., June 26, 1838; and Margaret E., September 11, 1839, all deceased; David C., Born December 26, 1840; Jasper N., May 11, 1842; Michael W., March 23, 1844, and Sarah M., April 17, 1843, all married
and living in comfortable circumstances.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
H.J. VESEY is a native of Vermont, as were also his parents, William and Adeline (Copland) Vesey, his birt occurring October 19, 1834. They came West to Geauga County, Ohio, in 1834; his father, in 1835, bought land in Elkhart County, Ind., and returned to Ohio; his five children, in the spring of 1836, accompanied by their uncle, came and located on the land, but the father was detained in Ohio by the illness of his wife, that
resulted in her death. He then joined his family in Elkhart County, where he died in 1873. At the age of eighteen, H.J. Vesey paid $150 for his time until twenty-one, and, in 1853, began attending school at Ontario, working at any available employment during the remainder of the time. He has paid special attention to grafting, and for thirty-four years has worked at that during the spring season, traveling through Canada and
seventeen of the States. In 1858, Mr. Vesey traded land in Fillmore County, Minn., that he bought in 1851, for 120 acres ofhis farm in this township. He now owns 302 acres, which are improved with many fine buildings; property valued at $20,000. In connection with farming, he raises live-stock, having, in the fall of 1881, 510 sheep for the spring market. August 6, 1857, Mr. Vesey and Helen E. Smith were united in marriage.
She was born December 14, 1839, and is the daughter of Joseph H. and Margaret (Robinson) Smith, natives of New York, who went to Michigan at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Vesey have four children - Maggie A., now Mrs. Charles Sears; Lottie E., now Mrs. George McKibben; Lydia C. and Sylvester T. Mr. Vesey has been a member of the Masonic Order.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
DANIEL WERT was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 18, 1828. His father, Jacob Wert, was born in 1799 in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1804; thence to this State in 182, where he has since lived. He is now with Daniel, his second son, and is eighty-two years old. His first wife, the subject's mother, died June 5, 1868; her maiden name was Susanna Baum; she was born in Ohio in 1807; his second wife -
Elizabeth Walker, a native of Ohio - is now visiting in the West. Daniel Wert commenced working by the month when about twenty-one years old, and, after he had accumulated $325, came to Indiana in 1853, and located in De Kalb County. He returned to Ohio the following spring, and was married March 19, 1854,to Eliza Miller; they then returned to Indiana, where Mr. Wert for about two years ran a saw-mill; then some eight months
worked in a mill near Goshen in Elkhart County; then came to this township and settled on his fine farm of 340 acres, where he has remained, and has been operating the first saw-mill built in the township. He spent about twelve years dressing and fulling cloth. When only six years old, with his brother, aged eight, he took charge of a saw-mill, and of a carding-machine part of the time; he has property now, valued at about
$21,000. Mr. Wert is a Democrat, and a worthy and prosperous citizen. His wife was born in Green Town, Summit County, Ohio, July 16, 1835; her parents were Benjamin and Margaret A. (Diffenderfer) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Wert have had seven children - Mary (deceased), Lucinda, Isaac, Emma (deceased), Horace (deceased), Carrie and Dallas. Lucinda married Cyrus Wright.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Milford Township
JOHN H. APPLEMAN, son of Jacob and Jane (Harris) Appleman, was born in Washington County, Penn., August 10, 1815. Jacob Appleman was a tailor, and had a family of thirteen, eight boys and five girls. When John was still quite young, his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where his father died about 1851. About the year 1827, he moved to Richland County, Ohio, with his mother, and lived with his uncle, William Pool, until twenty-
one years old. September 20, 1836, he was married to Miss Mary A. Doe, who was born in Stillwater, N.Y., May 20, 1818. William and Anna (Hilton) Doe were her parents, the former a native of Bangor, Me., the latter of New York. By this marriage Mr. Appleman had six children, two of whom are living - Squire H. and John W. In 1849, October 11, Mrs. Appleman died, and January 7, 1851. Mr. A. married Miss Sarah J. Doe, a half-sister of
his former wife. She was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 30, 1828, and was the duaghter of William and Elizabeth (Amsbaugh) Doe. They have six children - William E., Albert G., Ira R., Charles M., Julia E. and Elma S. Mr. Appleman located in Springfield Township, this county, in 1840, paying all he had - 60 - on eighty acres of land, and, by persistent energy, succeeded in making a home for himself and family, and increased his
land to 700 acres. He removed to this township in April, 1875, and bought the farm where he lives at the present writing. Mr. Appleman was a prominent member of the Regulators in this county.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co., - Clay Township