CHARLES L. ATWATER was born in Luzerne County, Penn., April 11, 1843, son of Thomas S. and Hannah (Enoes) Atwater, natives of the Empire State. They were married in Pennsylvania, and removed to
this township in 1855. In their family were four sons - Myron, Charles L., John E. and Monroe. The father was a blacksmith, but in this State followed farming. He was a Democrat, a strong Union
man and a Christian. He amassed a comfortable fortune, and died in 1870, and his wife in 1875. Charles L. was reared on a farm and received a fair education. At majority he began farming for himself.
After three years he erected a saw-mill in Van Buren Township, and after two years moved it to Newbury Township, where he successfully operated it some four years longer. He then sold out, came to Lima
aand engaged in the furniture trade. He was burned out in 1878, and the same year erected two two-story brick business rooms in Lima, one of which he now occupies as a furniture sales room. He keeps a
good line of goods, and is steadily increasing his business. He owns 160 acres of land in Van Buren Township, and a nice residence in Lima. He was married to Miss Sarah boor, September 8, 1870; a native of
Illinois, and born July 4, 1850. Three children have been born to them - Artimus S., Gussie and Jennie M.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
HENRY H. BASSLER, son of John and Barbara (Hostettler) Bassler, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and descendants of Swiss ancestors. Henry H. was born in Lancaster County, Penn., August 18, 1824, but his parents
dying when he was a boy he resided with relatives until manhood, working at farming. He received but a common-school education, and November 11, 1845, was married to Elizabeth Rohrer, born in Washington County, Md.,
July 11, 1824. Soon after Mr. Bassler moved to Erie County, Penn., where he resided until the spring of 1860, and themremoved to La Grange County, locating in Greenfield, where he lived until 1868, and them moved
to Lima. Mr. Bassler has always followed farming, with the exception of seven years, when he was engaged in grain trade. He owns 108 acres of good land, besides valuable town property in Lima. He has, by his own
endeavors, worked his way from a poor boy to a substantial citizen. In politics he is a Republican, and has held various township positions. He and wife are the parents of three children - Jacob R., Aaron C. and Susan H.
Only the last named is now living. She is the wife of John Lazenby, and resides in Lima Township.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
PETER BEISEL, son of Peter and Mary (Carver) Beisel, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were raised and married. The father was a hatter, and soon after his marriage engaged in mercantile pursuits in Gettysburg, Penn.,
but at the end of a few years removed to Baltimore, where he met with business reverses, and in 1830 came to White Pigeon, Mich., and the succeeding year moved his family there, where they ever afterward made their home.
Mr. Beisel had accumulated considerable property at the time of his death, in 1839. He and wife had four sons and one daughter. The subject of this biography was born in Adams County, Penn., February 26, 1814. He lived
at home until about twenty-two years old. In 1837, he came to Lexington, in Greenfield Township, and engaged in mercantile business with A.K. Brower. In 1848, he sold out and then erected a grist-mill. In 1853, he sold this
and purchased, where he now lives, 420 acres of fine farming and grazing land. Mr. Beisel is a Republican, was formerly a Whig, servedin the Black Hawk war, and was the first Postmaster at Lexington. He was married, August
18, 1839, to Margaret Ellison, born in Ireland August 10, 1816. To them were born ten children - Mary S., Margaret A., Julia L., Rebecca, Andrew M., Thomas J., living; and Sarah J., Elizabeth F., Francis J. and George W.,
deceased. Mrs. Beisel died February 24, 1871.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
SAMUEL BURNELL is one of the oldest resident citizens in the county, born in Yorkshire, England, December 24, 1809. His parents, William and Hannah (Haller) Burnell, were natives of Yorkshire, and had a family of twelve children.
In 1829, our subject emigrated to the United States, and for about a year worked by the month for John Coats, a farmer near White Pigeon, Mich. In 1830, Thomas Burnell, a brother of Samuel, came to the United States, and soon
after the two brothers went to Greenfield Township, where Samuel pre-empted 160 acres of land on English Prairie. About this time, the parents emigrated to this country and located at White Pigeon, where in 1837, the father died,
aged seventy-three years, and his wife three years later, aged sixty-five. Samuel worked on a farm and at the carpenter's trade some years after coming to this county, investing his savings in land. He lived upon his farm in
Greenfield Township some twenty-five years, with the exception of the years 1836 and 1837, which he spent as contractor and builder in Milwaukee, Wis. In 1862, he rented his farm and moved to Lima. April 4, 1839, he married Miss
Mary A. Mason, born in New York State, November 29, 1817. They have three children - Ellen, John and Jennie. Mr. Burnell helped to organize and was a director of the Indiana State Bank, of Lima, and is a large stockholder in
the present Lima Bank. He is a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church, and a most worthy citizen.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
DANIEL W. COLE was born in Wayne County, N.Y., August 22, 1822, a son of Peter J. and Amy (Corwin) Cole, natives of the Empire State, where they were married, and in 1830 moved to near Detroit, Mich., which became their home. The father
was a farmer, and a hard-working, sober and well-respected citizen. Daniel W. is one of five children. When but a small boy his mother died, and at the age of nineteen he left home, and began life's battle on his own responsibility. In
1840, he came to Lima, purchased a threshing machine, and for twenty seasons followed threshing. After some time, by close economy, he was enabled to purchase a small piece of land. He has increased his acres, and now owns 400 well-improved
in Lima Township and 110 acres in St. Joseph County, Mich. He was married to Melonia Stevens, November 26, 1846, a native of Orleans County, N.Y., born March 2, 1826. They had five children - Byron J., Amelia E., Lydia, Celia and Cora. Mr. Cole
is a member of the Baptist Church, and a Republican. When he came to Lima hi wealth consisted in 25 cents, a good constitution, and a determination to be somebody. His present circumstances illustrate his success in life.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
REV. CHRISTOPHER CORY is one of the oldest settlers and best known citizens in the county. He was born January 13, 1800, at Westfield, N.J., and is one of eight children born to Benjamin and Susanna (Denman) Cory, also natives of New Jersey. The
father was for many yeaars an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. Christopher Cory was reared upon a farm, and up to twenty-one years of age, had received but a good common-school educatiion. He then entered an academy preparatory to the study of
theology. He was licensed to preach when twenty-six years of age, and one year later was ordained a minister of teh Presbyterian Church. Soon after, he was assigned a charge in a mining district of Pennsylvania, where he labored some time, and then
went to Orange County, N.Y. In 1832, he was sent by the Home Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church as an evangelist to labor among the Indians and early settlers of Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana. He began at Lima, Ind., and at the end
of the fourth year was able to report to the society the organization of eight churches. He continued to work until 1848, when from a throat difficulty he was compelled to quit active service. In 1827, he married Miss Mary H. Baker, born in Westfield,
N.J., May 2, 1801. To this union were born four children - William B., James R., Mary P. and Henry M. Mrs. Cory died April 13, 1877; she was a most worthy Christian lady. Mr. Cory lives with a son upon the old homestead, and has the respect of all who know him.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
JOHN CRAIG (deceased), one of the old pioneers of La Grange County, Ind., was born in Pennsylvania December 23, 1784, and was there reared to manhood. He married Miss Jane Derr, who was born in the same State in 1796, and to them were born the following children:
James, Esther, Joseph, Serena, John, Robert and Mary. In 1835, they left their native State and started West to obtain a new home. They stopped one year in Crawford County, Ohio; then came to La Grange County, and located on the farm now owned by Augusuts Hamilton in
Lima Township. The country at that time was an almost unbroken forest with wild animals in abundance. Mr. Craig was a poor man when he arrived here, but went to work with success. He had the confidence and respect of his friends and neighbors. He died December 1,
1875, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. His widow yet survives him and resides in Lima Township at the age of eighty-six years. The following are sketches of four of the sons:
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
JAMES CRAIG was born in Columbia County, Penn., April 1, 1820. He was reared on a farm and assisted his parents in their labors. He always lived with his parents, and in this way the father and sons worked together, but now the sons each own separate farms. James
owns 160 acres of good land. He is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and an enterprising citizen.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
JOSEPH CRAIG was born September 23, 1823, in Columbia County, Penn., and, in 1836, came with his parents to this county where he has since resided. He received a common-school education, and February 1, 1855, married Miss Louisa R. Stevens, born in Orleans County, N.Y.,
February 28, 1833. To this union were born two children - Edith L. and James E. The mother died May 1, 1881. She was a good wife, a kind and loving mother and a Christian. Her death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Joseph Craig is a Republican. He owns 100 acres
of well-improved land, and is a successful farmer of Lima Township.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
JOHN F.D. CRAIG was born in Columbia County, Penn., April 17, 1830, and was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the log schoolhouse. He was united in marriage with Miss Augusta L. Bishop January 20, 1857, who was born in Dutchess County, N.Y., March 29, 1832. To
them have been born four children, viz., Edward D., Gertrude A. and Edith M., living; and Frances E., deceased. Mr. Craig owns 236 acres of well-improved land. He raises good stock of all kinds, and is a practical and successful farmer in Lima Township. He is a Republican, and
he and wife are hospitable, public-spirited people.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
ROBERT CRAIG was born in Columbia County, Penn., and reared in Lima Township. He married Miss Jennette Keith December 12, 1865, who was born in Lima Township March 3, 1843, a daughter of Sidney and Sophia (Wilder) Keith, who were among the first settlers of the county. Robert
Craig followed farming, and was much respected. He died September 27, 1877. To him and wife were born two children, viz., Alton K. and Jennie J. Mrs. Craig resides upon the old homestead, and is a lady of social and moral worth. The Crig family stand well in the county, and
are appreciated for their unassuming ways, goodness of heart, and strict integrity.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
JOHN CRAIG. This gentleman was born in Columbia County, Penn., February 1, 1826. He is the son of Joseph and Sarah Craig; both natives of the Keystone State. John was reared upon a farm, receiving a common-schoold education, and December 26, 1865, was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah A. Johnston. She was born in the same county as her husband, June 5, 1829. To them have been born two children, viz.: Sarah E. and Joseph S. In 1857, came to this county, which he has since made his home. He began life as a poor boy and is a self-made man. He is a Democrat,
but liberal in his views. He owns 160 acres of good land and is a respected and useful citizen.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
WILLIAM CRAIG was born in Columbia County, Penn., November 5, 1827, a son of Joseph and Sarah Craig. His father was born in Northumberland County, Penn., in 1800, and his mother in Luzerne County, Penn., in 1797. They were reared and married in their native State, and to them were
born three sons and three daughters. Jospeh Craig was a farmer and an honorable man; he died in 1845, but his widow is yet living. William Craig received only a common-school education. On the death of his father he took charge of the home farm, and has since cared for his aged
mother, who lives with him as does also a sister. In 1854, he first came to Lima, Ind., but after two years returned, and in 1857 brought his mother here, where he purchased 240 acres of land. This property has since been divided among the heirs, our subject now owning 120 acres; this
he has nicely improved. Mr. Craig is a practical and successful farmer and stock-raiser. He has always been a Democrat and still works in the ranks of that party.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
GEORGE H. DAYTON, M.D., is one of the oldest and most sucessful practitioners of medicine in Northern Indiana; was born in Newark, N.J., January 15, 1824, the only child born to George C. and Phoebe W. (Little) Dayton, both natives of that State. This family of Daytons are descended from
one Ralph Dayton, who came from Bedforshire, England, in 1673, and located on Long Island. His descendants have been called upon to fill positions of honor and trust in different States and under the Federal Government, and the name is one of the most widely known in the country. George C.
Dayton held an Ensign's Commission in the State Militia of New Jersey, and was for many years engaged in the mercantile business in the city of New York. It was from the schools there that our subject graduated at the early age of fifteen years. He then entered the Literary Department of the
University of that city, where he remained some three years, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. Valentine Mott, and in 1845 graduated in medicine. In 1846, he came to Ontario, this county, and practiced until 1879, when he moved to Lima. September 2-, 1864, he married Miss Louisa
Thompson, born in Morris County, N.J., November 24, 1834. To them two children have been born, viz.: Goerge and Mary. Dr. Dayton is a Republican and a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He is a member of the different medical associations of Indiana and Michigan, and of the National
Medical Association. He is a close student of Pathology, as he finds it in nature, and has been a leader i the use of new and rational remedies.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
WILLIAM H. DEPUY was born in Sullivan County, N.Y., July 19, 1813; his parents were Moses M. and Elizabeth (Hedges) DePuy, natives of Long Island, N.Y., where they were married and shortly after moved to Sullivan County, and thence to Livingston County, N.Y., in 1813, and in 1836 they moved to
Marshall County, Mich. After a time they removed to Wisconsin, and then returned to Michigan, where they afterward died. Mr. DePuy was a tanner and currier, also a shoemaker. He and wife were parents of thirteen children. William H., at sixteen, served at the brick and stone-mason and
plaster's trade. In 1834, he came to Sturgis, Mich., and purchased a farm. He taught school in the village of Sturgis the winter of 1834-35. In 1844, he came to Lima. In 1851, he went overland to California, where he mined and worked at his trade until 1853, when he came back and engaged
in mercantile pursuits in Lima. Since 1861, Mr. DePuy has engaged in various callings. He is a Republican, and has been Postmaster of Lima seven years, and Justice of the Peace of Lima Township twelve years. Mr. DePuy was married September 3, 1845, to Harriet A. Ranson, born in Connecticut in
September, 1816, and died May 21, 1869. Their children were Harriet, Charles, Helen, Lyman, Harrison, James, Mary and Ellen. March 5, 1872, Mr. DePuy married his present wife, Mrs. Lydia Favourite, born in Elkhart County, Ind., March 15, 1842. Mr. DePuy is a Mason, and his son Charles served four
years in quelling the rebellion.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
NEWTON ENOE is a native of Hartford County, Conn., born September 11, 1799, one of four children to Oliver and Electa (Colton) Enoe, natvies respectively of Connecticut and Massachusetts. The mother dying when Newton was an infant he was raised by his grandmother unti old enough to work for himself.
He learned the tanners and currier's trade, and worked at that a number of years. In 1823, he married Electa Walker, a natie of Vermont, and in 1835 emigrated to Elkhart County, Ind., where his wife died soon afterward, leaving two sons - Newton G. and Orange W. In 1845, Mr. Enoe removed to La
Grange County. His present wife was Miss Elizabeth Blair, born in Ross County, Ohio, November 11, 1809, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Houlton) Blair, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Defiance County, Ohio, in 1824, and in 1828 removed to La Grange County, locating about a mile west of
the present site of Lima. They had four children - Franics A., A.H., Benjamin H. and Elizabeth, only the last named, Mrs. Enoe living. In 1832, Mr. Blair died of cholera. Newton Enoe was formerly a Whig, and became a Republican on the organization of that party. Mrs. Enoe is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and has bravely shared all adversities and labors with her husband in building the home with which they are blessed.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
TIMOTHY FIELD was born June 8, 1811, in Windham County, Vt., sone of Timothy and Welthy (Bishop) Field, natives of Madison, Conn. The father was a graduate of Yale College, and a Congregational minister. In about 1800, he went to Canandaigua, N.Y., and built the first church in that place. He remained
in this field of labor some seven years, when he moved to Windham County, Vt., where he ever after resided. He was twice married. By the first wife there were five children, and by the second, three. Our subject at fourteen years of age entered Canandaigua Academy, where he remained two years, and then
accepted a position as clerk in his brother's store. He remained in Ontario County, N.Y., engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1838, when he came to this county, purchased a tract of land which he cleared and nicely improved. Since 1872, he has been engaged in merchandising. He was married to Miss Hannah
Mosher in 1840. She was born in Romulus, N.Y., May 9, 1809, and died December 13, 1871. Mr. Field married Miss Ellen L. Foote October 31, 1874. She was born in Mount Morris, N.Y., March 3, 1849. They had two children, viz., Timothy B. and Gertrude E. Mr. Field was twice elected to the Legislature of the
State. Was Enrolling and Draft Commissioner for La Grange County during the late war, and has held the office of County Commissioner three years, besides other offices. He is the Postmaster at Ontario, and a member of the Congregational Church, and in politics a Republican.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
ABBOTT FLEMING was born in Sussex County, N.J., November 25, 1813. This family of Flemings are descended from one Malcom Fleming who died in County Tyrone, Ireland in 1736. He had three sons, Thomas, William and Andrew, who, in 1751, came to America and settled in Hunterson County, N.J. Thomas had three
children - Thomas, James and Margaret. William had one son - Andrew; and he, five children - William, Eleanor, Martha, Malcolm and Margaret. William, the eldest, is the father of our subject. He was a native of New Jersey, also his wife, Elizabeth Cook. The father passed almost his lifetime near Alexandria,
N.J., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was for many years a Trustee and Elder of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1833. To him and wife were born the following: Eleanor, Jacob C., Thomas, Andrew, William, Joanna, Tylee and Abbott. Our subject was brought up on a farm. When about
seventeen year of age, he began working at the stone-mason and plasterer's trades, and after his apprenticeship, engage in business for himself. In 1837, he came to this county and settle on the farm he now owns in Lima Township. May 6, 1837, he married Miss Margaret Semple, born near Glasgow, Scotland, November
16, 1815. To them was born a son - William. They also adopted a daughter - Eliza J., wife of David Leighton. William, their son, has been twice married. His first wife was Mary J. Howard, who was the mother of his only child - Oren A. His second wife was Mary A. Craig. Abbott Fleming is a stanch Republican,
and an Elder in the Lima Baptist Church.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
ASA E. GANIARD was born in Ontario County, N.Y., August 31, 1833, the son of Silas and Lucinda (Wilder) Ganiard, natives of Bristol, Ontario County, N.Y. They were married in their native State and removed to Hillsdale County, Mich., in early times, which became their permanent home. They had five children, whom they
reared in a creditable manner, giving them such advantages as their means afforded. Asa E. remained on the home farm until twenty-three years of age. He was married to Miss Jane Keith July 3, 1856. This lady was born in Lima Township April 9, 1838, the daughter of Sidney and Sophia (Wilder) Keith, native of New York
State and among the first settlers of La Grange County. Mr. Keith was well and favorably known, and among the first County Commissioners. By our subject's marriage to Miss Keith, there has been born to them four children, viz.: William B., James W., Asa E and Sidney K. In 1859, Mr. Ganiard came to this township and
engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1864, he went overland to the Pacific Slope, making his home in California and Oregon five years, during which time he was at work in quartz mills. Since his return he has followed farming. He owns 120 acres of well-improved land in Lima Township. He is a stanch Republican
and possesses good social qualities.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
WILLIAM HILL was born in Derbyshire, England, September 1, 1821, son of Thomas and Mary (Peat) Hill, natives of England. The father was a carpenter, and in 1831 emigrated, with his family, to Pennsylvania. In 1835, he moved to Michigan, and in about three years removed to Cook County, Ill., and then returned to Michigan,
near Sturgis, where he engaged in farming. William Hill, at twenty-one year of age, learned the molder's trade, and after working four years in Surgis came to Lima, then went to Coldwater. In 1848, he returned to Lima, and two years later purchased the Lima Foundry, which he operated, in connection with A.L. Taylor, until
the spring of 1861. Mr. Hill then sold his interest and engaged in the hardware and dry goods trade. After the winter of 1863, he dealt in real estate about two years, and then again engaged in hardware trade - during this time carrying on his farming. He continued the hardware trade alone and in partnership with Joseph
Bunnell until 1878, when he sold out and has since been farming and operating in real estate. Mr. Hill is in good circumstances. He owns 450 acres of land in La Grange County, 250 in Michigan, besides some in Kansas and valuable town property in Lima. He is a Republican. June 20, 1847, he married Miss Lucinda Sparks, born
in Genesee County, N.Y., June 29, 1830. To them have been born three children - Ellen, February 13, 1853; James W., January 13, 1857; and Mary I., August 5, 1858.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township
GEORGE and LEVI HORNING. George Horning was born in Cumberland County, Penn., July 24, 1811, and Levi in the same county, January 29, 1823, sons of George and Susanna (Myers) Horning, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., who were married in their native county, and soon after moved to Cumberland County, and in 1849 came to Lima
Township, where they afterward resided. They had a family of two sons and two daughters and were industrious and intelligent people. George and Levi, after their parent's death, took charge of the home place, which became theirs. The two brothers farmed in common, sharing equally. George has always remained single, and in early
life learned and worked at the blacksmith's trade. Levi was married to Miss Rachel Zeigler, July 4, 1856. She was born in Cumberland County, Penn., April 11, 1826. From this union there are six children, viz.: Manuel, Ezra, Cornelius, Mary, Frederick and Albert. Levi Horning departed this life January 18, 1874. He was a kind
husband and father, and was universally respected. George resides upon the old homestead with his brother's widow. The Hornings are among the most worthy people of the county.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Lima Township