DR. O.F. SNOOK, of Denver, is a native of Defiance County, Ohio, born August 4, 1849. He was the eldest son born to Peter and Sarepta (Brown) Snook, both natives of Ohio. When he was one year old he accompanied his mother to Whitley County, this State, and about 1858 they came to Miami County, his mother, in the meantime, having been married to Leonard M. Briggs. Their first location was at Peru, but a short time afterward they removed to Mexico. Here they remained until about 1862, when they returned to Whitley County, from whence our subject, early in the year 1864, went to Peru and began to learn the printer's trade. His first work was in the office of the Peru Republican, edited at the time by W. S. Benham. He remained until in January, 1865, when, at the early age of fifteen, he entered the service of the Union Army in Company D, 151st Indiana Volunteers, from which he received an honorable discharge in the September following. At the close of the war he went to North Manchester, Wabash County, whence his mother, with her husband, had in the mean time gone, and where the former had died March 5, 1865. Having a desire to finish his trade, he worked in different places until the latter part of 1867, when he found himself in New York City. In that place he did journeyman work upon various papers for about one year. After being thus employed in several other cities until about 1869, he, having concluded to enter the medical profession, then went to Philadelphia where he attended two courses of lectures in the Eclectic Medical College. His professional duties were begun in Fulton County. He afterwards successfully practiced his profession in Whitley, Kosciusko and Wabash Counties. In November, 1883, he again came to this county and located at Denver, where his attention has been divided between the practice of medicine and the editing and management of the Denver Sun, a newsy little paper, which he launched into existence nearly three years ago. November 16, 1873, he was married to Mary B. Corbet, by whom he has had four children: Marion C., Lou Effie E., Oscar R., and Ida E., all of whom are living. Mrs. Snook is a member of the M. E. Church. The Doctor is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and independent in politics.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Jefferson Township


OLIVER T. SNYDER, an enterprising young business man, of Denver, is a native of Union County, this State, and was born May 12, 1850. He was the only son born to John M. and Mary A. (Thomas) Snyder, natives of Union and Fayette Counties, this State, respectively. When our subject was about three years old he accompanied his parents to Wayne County, Indiana. There he spent his boyhood and youth working upon his father's farm. He received in the public schools a good common school education, after which he continued his studies in the Centerville High School about one year. At the age of nineteen he accepted a position of traveling salesman, and was thus employed two years. He then engaged in the lumber business, which received his attention six years. Before beginning the study of Pharmacy, he was engaged in selling books about two years. In 1879, he began the study of Pharmacy, with a view to fit himself for the drug business. This was mastered in due time, and early in 1883 he came to this county and opened up a drug store at Denver. He was united in marriage to Sarah E. Robbins, a native of this county, born September 22, 1858. She was the daughter of Hiram M. and Permelia (Gentry) Robbins, the former, a native of Wayne County this State, born September 17, 1826, and the latter also a native of Wayne County, born May 18, 1835. Mr. Snyder is the father of two children: Carrie and Ethel. Mrs. Snyder is a member of the M.E. Church. Politically, Mr. Snyder is a Democrat. He is a pushing, energetic young man, and a number one citizen. He has a neat little drug store, well stocked and is doing a good business.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Jefferson Township


MICHAEL N. TAYLOR, an old and highly respected citizen of Denver was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 7, 1814. He was the second son born to Samuel and Mary (Hancock) Taylor, who, when Michael was three years old, came to Indiana and located in Wayne County, being among the early settlers of that locality. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth working upon his father’s farm. When he reached his majority he began farming for himself. That was in Wayne County, this State. In about the year 1836, he removed to Wabash County and located upon a farm four miles west of North Manchester. He had entered one hundred and sixty acres of wood land upon which he built a cabin, and immediately set about clearing up a farm. To do this without assistance, necessarily devolved upon him a great deal of hard work. He chopped, grubbed, burned brush, rolled logs, plowed, and, in fact, did all kinds of hard work which with the development of a new country necessitates. The woods abounded with deer, wolves, wild turkeys, bear and Indians, and occasionally Michael find time to participate in the hunt. Upon one he discovered a large bruin attacking some hogs, and a well directed shot from his rifle has entitled him to a reputation which but few enjoyed - that of killing a bear. He remained upon that farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until 1842, when he returned to Wayne County. A year later he came to this county and located in Richland Township, where he resided until October, 1883. At that time he removed to Denver, where he has erected a beautiful little residence, which, at present is occupied by himself and grand-daughter, Miss Alma D. Norris. June 11, 1835, he was married to Nancy Brown, who died October 13, 1846. She was born in Wayne County, this State, December 16, 1813, and was the daughter of William Brown, who located in Wayne County in an early day. To that marriage five children were born: Samuel A., born July 4, 1836, died November 5, 1838; Sarah J., born November 15, 1837, deceased; Mary C. born April 30th, 1839; Lucy A., born February 6, 1843; Philena, born October 3, 1846, died October 23, 1846. May 10, 1847, Mr. Taylor was married to Araminta Woolpert, who died April 9, 1886. She was born in Wayne County, this State, November 15, 1827, and was the daughter of Peter and Phoebe (Veal) Woolpert, natives of New Jersey. Mr. Taylor has been a member of the M. E. Church over forty years. Politically he is a Republican. He began life poor, but through industry, perseverance and economy, he is permitted to spend his declining years in comfortable circumstances. He is an honest, upright man, and one of the county’s most highly respected citizens.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Jefferson Township


JOHN W. TURNIPSEED (dealer in agriculture and farming implements, and also stock dealer, Mexico, Indiana,) is a native of Stark County, Indiana, and was born April 13, 1851. His parents, George and Sarah (Veal) Turnipseed, were natives of Ohio and New Jersey, respectively. He was married in Cass County, Indiana, October 14, 1872, to Josephine, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Graft) Dillman. She was born in Cass County, Indiana, November 19, 1851. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Turnipseed, our subject, settled upon land in Jefferson Township, this county, where he engaged in farming until the fall of 1877, when he moved to Mexico, Indiana, where he engaged in the butchering business for about one year, after which he engaged in buying stock for Mr. S. E. Skinner, and about one year later he entered a partnership with Mr. Skinner in stock business, which they continued together until Skinner's death, in November, 1884. He then devoted his attention to stock business by himself, which he has carried on quite extensively since. In the fall of 1886 he took Mr. A. Crook in as a partner, and they are now doing business together. Mr. Turnipseed is an intelligent and enterprising man, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He owns 109 acres of land in Sections 19 and 30, Jefferson Township; also fine property at Mexico, Indiana. Mr. Turnipseed and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Jefferson Township


THOMAS WHITCRAFT (foreman of the Mexico Manufacturing Company), was born in Hocking County, Ohio, April 26, 1847. His parents John H. and Amy R. (Brown) Whitcraft were also both natives of Hocking County, Ohio, and were born as follows: The father in the year 1821 and the mother in the year 1824. They were married in Hocking County, Ohio, where the father died in the year 1856. The mother subsequently married Lewis Smyers, and moved with him to Wabash County, Indiana, in 1857, where she still resides. She is the mother of fourteen children, viz.: Thomas, Margaret, Jacob L., William C., Luther B., Elizabeth A., (by Mr. Whitcraft), and Mary, Elmira, George W., John W., Luther B., Amy R., Ida and an infant daughter which died young and not named (by Mr. Smyers). Thomas, our subject, moved with his parents to Wabash County, Indiana, in 1857, and in 1871 began the cabinet trade at South Wabash, Ind., which he completed and has engaged in the same principally since. He was married at South Wabash, Indiana, November 9, 1875, to Anna M. daughter of Mark and Esther (Jenkins) Jones. She was born in Wabash County, December 22, 1854. In 1877, Mr. Whitcraft, our subject, moved to Mexico, Indiana, and began work as an employee in the Mexico Manufacturing Factory, which he has since continued. In May, 1884, he was promoted to foreman of the factory, which capacity he now fills. He has had born to him four children, viz.: Vesta J., born October 21, 1876; Vernon H., born July 12, 1878; Lenora, born March 10, 1880, and Edwinna, born February 10, 1882. Mr. Whitcraft is a member of the Masonic Order, and he and wife are members of the M.E. Church. He is a wide awake and enterprising young man, and is much esteemed by all who know him.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Jefferson Township


JOHN N. WOOLLEY, one of the pioneers of this county and one among the early settlers of Richland Township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 18, 1820. He was the second son born Amos and Anna (Ellis) Woolley, both natives of New Jersey, of Welsh descent. When John was about six years old he accompanied his parents to Philadelphia, Penn. but six years later, or in 1832, they returned to Ohio, and this time located in Warren County. His father located in Palmyra (now Mason), where he worked at his trade, which was that of a wagonmaker. Very early in life, John learned the trade also, with his father, at which he has worked chiefly all his life. On the 11th day of April, 1844, he was married to Alice E. Warwick, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born of English and Scotch descent, April 28, 1826. She was the daughter of Jacob and Leah (Parker) Warwick, both natives of Pennsylvania. In 1847, Mr. and Mrs. Woolley came to this county and located in the woods of Richland Township. There our subject worked at his trade until about 1873, when he located in Denver. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley have had ten children. They are Emily E., born March 18, 1845, died October 1, 1860; Mary J., born December 12, 1846; Laura A., born October 29, 1847; Joseph C., born October 2, 1850, died January 15, 1851; Benjamin K., born July 31, 1855, died August 4, 1858; Alice E., born October 31, 1857; George L., born November 15, 1859; Anna E., born March 2, 1862; Alfred W., born December 8, 1864; and Amos E., born September 17, 1867. Mrs. Woolley is a member of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Woolley is a Republican. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years. He is an honest, upright man, and one of the county’s most highly respected citizen.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Jefferson Township


GIDEON ALSPACH, one of Perry Township's substantial farmers, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 25, 1830, the son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Alspach, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Gideon was reared on the farm in Ohio, remaining with his parents until the death of his mother, which occured when he was fifteen years of age. He had received a limited education; he then engaged as a farm hand, until he attained his majority, when in 1851, he made a prospecting tour to Indiana and Miami County; purchasing land on which he permanently located the following year. February 22, 1855, Catherine Kensler became his wife, and to their union five children have been born, viz.: Ambrose, who married Maggie Beard; Glendora, Abner, Albert and Laura. In his vocation of farming, Mr. Alspach has met with good success, owning 102 acres of well-improved land. He and wife are members of the Church of God. In politics he is a Democrat.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


RICHARD W. BUTT, a prominent citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was born November 20, 1837, being the oldest child in a family of seven children born to Rignal and Phoebe (Kinsey) Butt, who were nativesof Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. They emigrated to Indiana and Miami County October, 1845 made their first permanent settlement in Jefferson Township, where they lived for six years, then moved to Perry Township and lived there until their deaths. Our subject was reared on the farm remaining at home and assisting his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He received a common education, such as the facilities of his day afforded. January 26, 1860, his marriage with Margaret D. Cover was solemnized, and to their union eight children have been born, of whom these six are now living: Phoebe L., wife of Aaron Plank; Viola E., Nettie A., Marietta, Sarah M., Ira E. The two deceased are Martha J. and John W. Mrs. Butt was a daughter of William and Lucinda (Hiney) Cover, who were natives of Frederick County, Maryland, and came to Miami County in October, 1845. Mr. Butt always made farming his principal occupation, in connection with which he has worked at the carpenter and joiner trades, and he has been very successful. He now owns 80 acres of well improved land, which he has accumulated by his own industry and economy. March 28, 1865, he enlisted in the cause of his country in Company K, 155th Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, and served until August of the same year when he was discharged on account of the close of the war. He and wife are members of the M.E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, and has been honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


HENRY K. BUTT brother of the subject of the above sketch was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 14, 1839, the second of a family of seven. He always made his home with his parents until their death, acquiring a common education. September, 1861, he enlisted to aid his country in the suppression of the rebellion becoming a member of Company B 40th Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, where he served until December, 1864. He participated in the following important engagements: Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, the battles incident to Sherman’s March to Atlanta, and Franklin, Tennessee. Soon after his return from the army, February 26, 1865, Mary P. Fites became his wife. He has always made farming his vocation in which he has been successful. He is the proprietor of a fine little farm of sixty-two acres. He and wife belong to the M.E. Church. Politically he is a Republican.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


JOHN CRAIG is a native of Clark County, Ohio, where he was born May 7, 1822, being the eldest of a family of ten children born to Robert and Fannie(Rogers) Craig, who were both natives of Vermont, the former of Irish descent. Their marriage occurred in Ohio, to which their parents had removed in an early date. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native State and county, and remained at home with his parents until he attained the age of 22 years. He received a limited education in consequence of the poor facilities of those days. January 25, 1843, his marriage with Paulie Laybourn was solemnized, and to their union twelve children have been born, of which these four are now living: Benjamin F., who married Clara A. Russell; Jasper, whose wife was Phoebe R. Brausser; Thomas, whose present consort was Fannie Akright, and Ida V. Mr. Craig came to Indiana and Miami County in 1846, and located permanently on the land where he now lives. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 300 acres of well-improved land. In politics he is a staunch Republican, but has never sought political preferment.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


WILLIAM P. DRAKE, an enterprising citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, born May 28, 1829, the son of Jacob and Phebe (Stout) Drake. Thomas Drake, paternal grandfather of our subject, was also a native of New Jersey; he served three months in the Revolutionary War when but fifteen years old. He died in his native State, and is buried in Hopewell Cemetery along with John Hart, one of the signers of the declaration for which he fought. Subject’s maternal grandfather, Ira Stout, was born in New Jersey, and was colonel of a regiment which was sent to quell the "Whiskey Insurrection." Jacob Drake emigrated to Ohio in 1830, where William P. was reared to manhood, he remaining with and assisting his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-three years. His education was in keeping with the facilities afforded the children of his day. August 17, 1852, his marriage with Catharine Strock was solemnized. The year following they emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, of which they have since continued residents. Their union has been blessed with four children, these two now living: George W., who married Laura Bayles, and Eli T., who married Magdaline Butler, now deceased. Mr. Drake has been uniformly successful in his vocation of farming, owning 248 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge, No. 365, located at Roann. In politics he is a Democrat and has been honored with an election to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee, filling both positions to the entire satisfaction of the individuals whose suffrages elected him.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


JESSE ELLIOTT (farmer) is a native of North Carolina, where he was born December 4, 1817. His parents Jesse and Rachel (Jordan) Elliott of Scotch parentage, emigrated to Ohio about 1830, where they lived until the death of the father, when the mother went to live with her daughter in Iowa, remaining there until her death. Our subject was mostly reared in his native State, receiving a very limited education. In 1848 he emigrated to Grant County, living there until 1859, when he purchased and removed to the farm on which he now lives. August, 1844, he married Hannah B. Davis, by whom he is the father of these six living children: Henderson, who married Belle Bellew; Mary J., Sarah E. Asbury, Charles M. and Julia A., the latter now Mrs. William Kile. Mr. Elliott has alwasy followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with good success, owning a well improved farm of 103 acres. His son, Asbury, who makes his home with his parents, is also the proprietor of 40 acres. The family are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. E. belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he is a Republican.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


JAMES FITES, a native of Frederick County, Maryland, was born April 12, 1832, the son of Andrew M. and Anna M. (Whitmore) Fites, both of German descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1854 coming to Miami County, Indiana, one year later and continuing residents of Perry Township, this county, until their deaths. James remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty years, receiving a common education. August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 87th Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until December, 1863, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. March, 1865, he re-enlisted in Company K, of the 155th Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. January 1, 1867, his marriage with Isabella, daughter of John and Mary A. (Clendenning) Old was solemnized. Her parents were among the earliest settlers of Miami County, coming about 1837. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fites five children have been born, viz.: Eliza J., Richard, Albert, Elmer and Elva, the last two twins. Mr. Fites has been successful as an agriculturist and now owns 140 acres of land in a good condition. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is an ardent Republican.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


JOHN GROGG, one of the few of Perry Township's early settlers yet living, is a native of Starke County, Ohio, born May 12, 1823, the youngest of a family of ten children born to John and Esther (Snyder) Grogg, who were both natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent. The subject, of our sketch was reared in his native State, receiving a limited education in the primitive log school houses of his day. At the age of fifteen, in company with his brother and two brothers-in-law, he emigrated to Miami County locating in Perry Township, of which he has since remained a resident with the exception of three years, during which time he lived in Ashland County, Ohio. August 5, 1847, Miss Mary Mussleman became his wife. She is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born November 11, 1824, the daughter of Benjamin and Susanna (Walters) Mussleman, who were among the pioneer settlers of Miami County. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Grogg five children have been born, of which these three are now living: John H., who married Ida Paul; Sophia C., wife of Samuel King, and B. Frank, whose consort was Anna Morris. The deceased children were Jacob and an infant unnamed. In his life vocation of farming, Mr. Grogg has very successful. He is the proprietor of a well improved farm of 218 acres, which he accuumulated by his own industry and economy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he has been a life-long Democrat.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


ANANIAS HARMAN is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was born, March 1, 1847 being the second child and oldest son of Jacob and Sarah (Seitner) Harman, of German descent, both natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated from Ohio to Indiana and Miami County in 1847, settling in Perry Township, of which they ever afterwards continued residents. The former died about 1870. Our subject remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained his majority. He received a limited education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. His father was a carpenter by trade and Ananias followed in his footsteps, learning that trade, at which he worked about three years, when he engaged in farming, which he has since made his occupation. June 22, 1873, his marriage with Susanna Miles was solemnized, and to their union two children have been born, viz: Minnie S., born February 11, 1876, and Earl Andrew, born March 17, 1883. Mrs. Harman is a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Swank) Wiles. In his vocation of farming he has been very successful. He now owns a fine farm of 151 acres handsomely im proved. He and wife are members of the Church of God. In politics he is a Democrat.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


JACOB KESLING, a leading citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Warren County, Ohio, where he was born July 6, 1820, being the fifth in a familv of eleven children born to Peter and Laura (Griffis) Kesling; who were natives of Rockingham County, Virginia, and the Province of Wales, respectively. Their marriage occurred in Warren County, from whence they moved to Preble County, the same State, where they lived for a number of years. They emigrated to Indiana and Miami County about 1836, settling in Perry Township, of which they continued residents until their deaths. Our subject was reared on the farm, remaining at home with and assisting his parents until he attained the age of about twenty-one, when he commenced life's battle for himself. He had acquired a limited education in the primitive log school houses of his time. April 4, 1847, his marriage with Catharine Haacken was solemnized, and to their union this one child was born: Andrew J., born December 21, 1848, and died September 7, 1853. Mrs. Kesling was born August 5, 1822, the daughter of John H. and Catharine Haacken. Our subject has always made farming his occupation and he has been very successful. He now owns a fine farm of 264 acres, which is under a high state of cultivation. In politics he has always been a Democrat. Though he has frequently been importuned to run for some political position, he has persistently refused.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Perry Township


Deb Murray