GEORGE C. MILLER, of the mercantile firm of Shirk & Miller, was born in Cass County, Indiana, January 2, 1845, and is the eldest son of John L. and Mary (Long) Miller, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Delaware. John L. Miller was one of the pioneers of Cass County, and for some years carried on the mercantile business in Logansport, having been one of the first merchants of that city. He was a man widely and favorably known and departed this life about the year 1851. George C. Miller was raised in Cass and Miami Counties, received a practical education in the common schools, and began life for himself as salesman in the mercantile house of Kilgore & Shirk, in Peru. He continued in the capacity of clerk until 1873, at which time he become a partner, and subsequently, 1880, when Mr. Kilgore retired he purchased that gentleman’s interests, thus changing the style of the firm to that of Shirk & Miller, by which title it has since been known. To describe in detail the vast amount of business transacted by this house would far transcend the limits of this sketch, but suffice it to say, that in dry goods, hardware, agricultural implements, and, in fact, all kinds of general merchandise, it is one of the largest and most successful mercantile firms in Northern Indiana, affording employment throughout the entire year to about twenty clerks and salesman. Mr. Miller, as manager of the immense business, displays ability of a high order and a merchantthoroughly conversant with all the details of the trade, and, as a successful financier, he is, perhaps, without a peer in the city of Peru. He is withal a very popular citizen, and his success in addition to his thorough knowledge of the business, is largely due to his industry and fidelity and that courtesy which marks the well bred gentleman. He was married March, 1870, to Miss Ella Leebrick, of Wayne County, Indiana, who has borne him the following children, viz.: Harry L., Charles W., Elbert S. and George C. Miller.

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



WILLIAM B. MILLER, Auditor of Miami County, and son of George B. and Margaret (Columbia) Miller, was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, February 20, 1845. George B. Miller was born in Columbus, Ohio, about the year 1816, of German-Scotch ancestry, his parents being natives of Pennsylvania. He came to Indiana in 1836, settling in Fort Wayne, where he worked at the plasterer’s trade, and where he resided until his removal to the town of Wabash in 1846. From there, in the year 1852 he came to Peru where he still resides. Margaret Miller was born in the City of Fort Wayne, of French parentage, and died there on the 13th day of April, 1845. By a subsequent marriage with Mary Ross, sister of Judge N.O. Ross, of Peru, Mr. Miller has three children, all of whom are living at this time. William B. Miller was reared in Peru, moving to this city with his father when about seven years of age. He attended the city schools at intervals until his fifteenth year, at which early age he entered the army enlisting in June, 1861, in Company A, 20th Indiana Infantry, with which he shared the viscissitudes and fortunes of war in many of the bloodiest battles of the Eastern Campaigns, including among others the expedition from Fortress Monroe to Fort Hatteras. Seven days fight before Richmond and retreat to Harrison’s Landing. Bull Run, Gettysburg, Frederickburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburgh. His term of service expiring immediately after the engagement last named, he was honorably discharged at Indianapolis on the 18th of July, 1864. On leaving the army he returned to Peru, but the following October he again tendered his services to the country and joined Company K, 142d Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served till honorably discharged, August 5, 1865, spending the greater part of the time in Nashville, Tennessee. His military record thus completed, he returned home and after remainng with his friends in Peru until April, 1866, went to Kansas City, Mo., at which place he worked at the plasterer’s trade until 1872. He returned to Indiana that year and worked at his vocation in Logansport, until 1875, at which time he came back to Peru, where he has since resided. In 1883 he was elected a member of the City Council of Peru and in the fall of 1886, was nominated on the Republican ticket for Auditor of Miami County; an office to which he was elected after a spirited contest, overcoming a previous Democratic majority of 350 votes. Mr. Miller’s record both as soldier and civilian is one of which he feels justly proud and his triumphant electionover so much opposition attests his great personal popularity, with the people of the County. He is and has been since his twenty-first year an ardent supporter of the Republican party and at this time is an active member of the G.A.R. and K. of H. orders. He was married July 18, 1872, in Cass County, Indiana, to Miss Julia, daughter of George and Mary St. Clair, of the same county and state.

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



OSCAR L. MINOR, of the mercantile firm of Meinhardt & Minor, was born in Rush County, Indiana, February 8, 1856, son of Constantine and Mary (Gates) Minor; both parents natives of the same State. Mr. Minor, when quite young, was taken by his parents to Rochester, Indiana, in which city he passed the years of his youth and early manhood, acquiring in the meantime from the public schools a practical English education. He came to Peru in 1872 and engaged as salesman in the mercantile house of Kilgore & Shirk, where he remained until 1855, at which time, in partnership with Henry Meinhardt, he engaged in business for himself. The firm of Meinhardt & Minor, although but recently established, has already won a conspicuous place among the successful business houses of the city, and has a reputation more than local. Mr. Minor has passed the greater part of his life in the dry goods business, and is thoroughly well posted in all the details of the trade. He was married October 13, 1881, to Mrs. Susan (Culbertson) Bearss, of Peru.

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



JUDGE JOHN MITCHELL, Peru. The subject of our sketch is a native of Great Britain. He was born in the city of Bristol, England, September 24, 1829. His father was a native of Prussia, and his mother a native of England. In November, 1833, he emigrated, with his parents, to the United States, arriving at the city of Philadelphia. He lived in Delaware and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania, until ten years of age. He then removed with his parents to Wayne County, Indiana, where he remained four years. His parents then removed to Peru, Indiana, bringing their family with them, arriving on the second day of October, 1843. Mr. Mitchell attended the public school, where he received a good primary education. After completing his course of study in this department, he was sent to a seminary at Cambridge City, Indiana, where he continued his studies one year, under the supervision of Prof. Hoshour, now of the Northwestern Christian University. At the age of 14 he learned the tailor’s trade with his father, who was engaged in that occupation. This trade he followed in the city of Peru for a number of years, devoting his spare moments to the acquisition of legal knowledge, in which pursuit he made rapid progress, under the instruction of the late Alphonso A. Cole. In 1861, he was elected Justice of the Peace, when he abandoned the tailor’s trade, devoting his entire time to the study of law. In December, 1863, he was admitted to the bar of Miami County, and entered into partnership with Hon. H.J. Shirk, with whom he has since been associated, excepting a short interval in the winter of 1872. He was elected Justice of the Peace three terms, without opposition. He rose rapidly in his profession, taking rank with the older members of the bar. In October, 1872, less than nine years after he commenced practice, he was elected Common Pleas Judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial District of Indiana, composed of the Counties of Miami, Cass and Pulaski. To this office he was also elected without opposition. This was a high honor to confer upon him; and more particularly so, as he is the only member of the Miami County Bar who was elevated to that position. In this capacity he served his constituents, until the Legislature abolished the court, when he resumed the practice of law with his former partner, Mr. Shirk. At the close of his brief judicial career, Judge Mitchell retired from the high position awarded him by his fellow citizens, with an enviable reputation as a jurist, and a record of which he may justly be proud. The annals of the Twenty-fifth Judicial District Court present no brighter example of integrity and dignity. He is a logical and impressive speaker, and is known throughout the county as a conscientious adviser and successful practitioner. Though a self-made man, he is one of marked ability. His name will stand out prominently, in the years to come, as an example of what may be accomplished by application and perseverance in the difficult profession of the law. Judge Mitchell was married February 24, 1859, to Miss Caroline R. Foote, of Paynesville, Ohio, who bore him several children, the following of whom are living, namely: Emily M., Samuel C. and Mary F. Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell died on the 16th day of September, 1883.

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



EDDMORE S. MORRIS, a native of Chillicothe, Rush County, Ohio, was born August 5, 1829, and is the eldest son of Carvil and Elizabeth (Beale) Morris, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. Eddmore S. was reared on the farm until he reached the age of eighteen, when his youthful patriotism grew so strong that he entered the service of his county in the Mexican war in the Second Ohio regiment in 1847, and remained about one year, and he then returned to the farm, there continuing until reaching his majority, 1850, when he came to Peru, and in a short time thereafter was to be found in Logansport learning the trade of a stone-cutter, and after a time, when his earnings would permit, he would attend school, applying his surplus earnings to the payment of tuition until his education was so complete that he finally engaged in school teaching, at which he continued alternately with his trade until 1857, then returned to Peru and engaged exclusively at his business until 1862. He then purchased the Brownell farm which he managed for three years and then disposed of it and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he did not prove to be successful, losing his entire investment, $15,000. Although luck was not his companion, in 1869 he again re-opened his business, having secured the aid of some eastern capitalist, which again re-established him, and since which time he has been doing a thriving trade in the grocery and bakery business. The 19th of January, 1857, his marriage was solemnized, he taking as a life partner Miss Nancy Johnson Grant, a native of Butler County, Ohio, and to them seven children were born. Their names are Nellie B., Jennie F., Elmer S., Wilbur G., Schuyler M., Lizzie, Ica E. and Anna (deceased). In 1853 he was made a Mason and also an Odd Fellow. Politically he is a Republican. His son Elmer S., is an attorney at law, born in November, 1861, and commenced practicing in 1883. He is a graduate of the High Schools of Peru, as are also Wilbur S., Schuyler M., Jennie and Nellie.

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



JOSEPH D. OATES, a native of New Buffalo, Berrian County, Michigan; born June 30, 1851, and is the second son of Joseph D. and Hannah (Austin) Oates. His father was born in England and his mother in Indiana. In childhood the subject removed with his parents to Lake County, Indiana. At nine years of age he went to LaPorte to live with an aunt. In 1865 he began working on a farm in Porter County. Here he was accorded the privilege of attending school during the winter months. In 1868 he returned to LaPorte and began learning the cabinet maker’s trade. He came to Peru in 1871 and from that time until 1883 he was employed in the sewing machine factory of this city. Since 1883 he has been engaged in the insurance and real estate business. Mr. Oates died May 31, 1886. In politics our subject is a Republican. In 1882 he was elected Councilman from the second ward, and re-elected to the same office in 1884, and elected to the same office in 1886. He is an honorable citizen and a man greatly respected.

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



ANDREW J. PARKS. The subject of this biography is a native of Miami County, born in Richland Township on the 22nd of June, 1843. His parents, James and Jane (Watson) Parks, were born in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The father came to Miami County in his early manhood - about the year 1839 - and purchased land in Richland Township, upon which he lived until his death, in 1860. Andrew J. Parks was raised a farmer, received a practical education in the common schools, and followed agricultural pursuits in his native township until 1880. In that year he was elected Sheriff of Miami County, and in order to conveniently discharge his official duties, moved to Peru, where he has since resided. His official record having been one highly satisfactory to his party and the people at large throughout the county, he was re-elected in 1882 and served until 1884. At the expiration of his term of office, Mr. Parks opened out in his present business, viz.: dealing in harness, trunks and buggies, and has already met with well earned success in the enterprise. In 1865 he entered the service of his country as private in Company K, 134th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but the war closing soon after, he was in the army for a period of only four months. He is prominently identified with the I.O.O.F., K. of P. and Masonic fraternities, and also belongs to the G.A.R. His marriage in 1866 to Miss Sarah E. Monteith, daughter of Watson Monteith, of Richland Township, has been blessed with the birth of three children, viz.: Emma (deceased), Louie and Watson Parks. Politically, Mr. Parks is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party.

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



CHARLES A. PARSONS, Clerk of the Miami Circuit Court, was born in the city of Lockport, N.Y., July 11, 1839, and is the youngest son of Aaron and Emily (Stowe) Parsons, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The subject spent his youth on a farm, received in the common schools a practical education and at the age of fourteen accepted a position with the Great Western railroad company, in the employ of which he remained until he removed to Peru in 1859. I the latter year he received a position in the freight department of the I., P. & C. Railroad with headquarters in Indianapolis, and in 1861 became passenger conductor, in which capacity he continued until taking charge of the office at Kokomo one year later. He served as local agent at Kokomo until January, 1865, at which time he abandoned railroading and engaged with the American Express Company, Indianapolis, in which city he subsequently became agent for the Merchants Union Express company, remaining with the latter for a period of ten years. At the end of that time he returned to Peru and again engaged in railroading, accepting the position of roadmaster with the I., P. & C., and continuing in that capacity until 1872. In that year he became identified with the Howe Machine Company with which he remained until 1873, when he accepted the position of Deputy Clerk, Miami Circuit Court, under Jesse Zern, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until elected to the office in 1878. Mr. Parsons was elected on the Republican ticket by a majority vote of 404, a fact which attests his great personal popularity in a reliably Democratic county. He was re-elected by a decided majority in 1882 and is the present incumbent of the office. Mr.. Parsons life has been a very active one and against his official record no breath of suspicion has ever been uttered. He is a public spirited citizen, takes a live interest in all measures having for their (Next few words blurred, can't read) good and is an active member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 8th day of May, 1862, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Mary A. Ferris, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., a union blessed with the birth of four children of whom the following are now living, to wit: Anna H., Fred A. and Ella G.

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



JACOB PAULY, is a native of Baden, Germany, and was born January 18, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Mary Pauly, natives of Germany. He came to this country in 1851, and his parents followed ten years latter, he having been reared on a farm and received a good German education. On coming to this country he went to Cincinnati and worked at the shoemaker’s trade, at which he had served an apprenticeship of three years, and then came to Peru and worked at the tailor’s business for about nine years, having abandoned the shoe trade on account of his eyes. In 1869 he opened his present business in Peru, at which he has been quite successful and has succeeded in accumulating considerable property. He was married In May, 1848, to Miss Mary Weltman, a native of Germany, who are now the parents of seven children, all of whom are dead. He passed through all the chairs of a subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows, is a Republican and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont.

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



ADAM RADER came to Miami County in the fall of 1840, from Rockingham County, Virginia. His birth occurred on the 8th of March, 1822, being the eldest son of Henry and Sarah (Hoover) Rader, natives of the same county. The father came west at the same time and located on a farm in Peru Township, where he remained until death, April 9, 1872. In 1835 the subject of this sketch came to Clinton County. He was principally reared in Montgomery County, Ohio, where he received his education. He now owns eighty acres of land in Peru Township. He was married to Miss Harriet M. Wallace June 2, 1853, a native of Highland County, Virginia, to whom were born nine children: William, Henry, Edward, Lewis, Anna M., Sarah, Elsie, Martha and Pearley. Mr. Rader is an ardent Republican.

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



WILLIAM RASSNER, the subject of this biography, was born in Germany on the 23d of April, 1823, and is a son of Albert and Elizabeth Rassner. He remained in his native country until nine years of age, at which time, 1832, his parents emigrated to the United States, landing at the City of Baltimore in September of the above year. From there they removed to Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, and thence in 1835 to Dayton, Ohio, in which city the subject grew to manhood. His educational privileges were fair, the best his opportunities afforded, yet of that practical nature which enabled him at the age of fourteen to commence his business career as a druggist, at which profession he served about six years, acquiring great proficiency in the meantime. Severing his connection with his preceptor in 1846, he enlisted in the 1st Ohio Regiment for the Mexican war, and continued with the same for about one year, serving part of the time as a private soldier, and a part in the capacity of hospital steward. On leaving the army he returned to Dayton, and, in 1849, came to Peru, Indiana, where he opened a drug house and where he has since resided. He continued the drug business with encouraging success until 1873, at which time he retired from active life, and is now enjoying that quiet which only those who have battled with the world for over a half century know how to appreciate. Mr. Rassner has taken an active interest in the welfare of his adopted city, and all measures for the public good find in him an ardent and energetic supporter. He deserves mention for his efforts in the city’s interest as a member of the Common Council, to which he was elected several times, and in the deliberations of which he displayed wisdom and rare executive ability. He is at this time one of the trustees of the city water works. He was married August, 1848, to Miss Anna Raabe, of Germany, who bore him three children, viz.: Matilda, Catharine and Amelia R. Mrs. Rassner died early in 1857. The latter part of the same year was solemnized his second marriage with Magdalene Springer, of Peru, a union blessed with the birth of two children, Emma and Frances. His second wife died in 1864. He married his present wife, Mary A. Stepler, in 1864, to which marriage four children have been born, viz.: Lizzie, Louisa, Elvira R., and David H. Mr. Rassner votes in conformity with the principles of the Democratic party, and has been an active participant in local politics.

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



ALBERT M. ARNOLD, Principal of the Macy Schools, is a native of Butler Township, this County, and was born February 16 1856. He was the second son born to William M. and Mary B. (Mowbry) Arnold, both natives of Ohio. The former came with his parents to this County about 1846, and the latter located in Peru in 1837. When Albert was seven years old his parents removed to Fulton County, where he worked upon his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age. The father died in Fulton County in 1871, after which our subject, in company with his mother and other members of the family, returned to Butler Township. Here Albert worked upon a farm in summer, and attended the public schools at Santa Fe until the fall of 1877. At that time he took up the avocation of a teacher. In this capacity he has been actively engaged ever since. In the fall of 1884, he was elected to the Principalship of the Schools of Macy, which position he has held ever since. In the meantime he has improved his education by attending the Academy at Amboy in this County three terms and the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, one term October 1, 1884, he was married to Anna C. Miller, a native of Butler Township born April 17, 1865. She was the daughter of Abram and Anna Miller, both natives of Rockingham County, Va. Mr and Mrs. Arnold have born to them one child a son, born October 14, 1886. They are members of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr Arnold is a Republican. He is an earnest, faithful worker in the schoolroom. and ranks among the best teachers of the county.

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



MRS. SUSAN BAKER, of Allen Township, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1820. She was daughter of Henry and Eve (Layman). Messenger, both natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent. When Susan was nine years old her parents emigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, where she grew up to womanhood, and where on the 23d day of August, I846, she was married to Timothy Baker. He was a native of New Jersey, and was born December 13, 1810. He was the son of John and Charity (Cole) Baker, both natives of New Jersey. In 1851Mrs. Baker and her husband came to this county and located upon a farm in Perry Township. There her husband pursued the vocation of a farmer, until in April, 1881, at which time they they located where our subject now resides in Allen Township. There the death of her husband occurred April 4, 1884, since which time Mrs. Baker has been a widow. She is the mother of seven children, three of whom are living. Their names are Henry, Deborah, Sarah J., Maria, John and two daughters who died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Baker is a member of the M. E. Church. She has a comfortable home one-half mile east of Macy where she resides in a quiet, pleasant way.

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



DR. JOHN BARNES, of Macy, was born in Harrison County Va., August 29, 1815. He was the third son born to William and Elizabeth (Hull) Barnes, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively; the former of German and the latter of English descent. When our subject was eleven years old his parents came to Ohio and located in Richland County, where his youth was spent working upon his father's farm. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. Howard of Mansheld, Ohio. After three years of preparation he entered upon the practice of medicine with Dr. John Palmer, of Leesville, Ohio. In 1845 he came to this State and located near Somerset, Wabash County, where he continued to practice his profession. He came to this county and located at Santa Fe in 1847. In the spring of 1865 he removed to Gilead, this county, and in November, 1879, he located at Macy. September 25, 1844, he was married to Nancy Bebout, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born December 29, 1823. She was the daughter of Peter and Nancy (KeIly) Bebout, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of French and the latter of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents of seven children. Their names are Abram, Elizabeth, Sarah, Nathaniel, Martha A., Mary E. and Arthur W. Of these Sarah, Nathaniel and Mary E. are deceased-the first two in infancy and the last at the age of nineteen. Dr. and Mrs. Barnes are members of the M. E. church. In politics, Mr. Barnes is a Republican. He is now comfortably located in Macy, where he and his wife are spending their old days in a pleasant, happy way. He has been in the practice of medicine over forty years, and as such he has been very successful. His success is evidenced by the fact that while a resident of Wabash County he was in active practice three years without losing a single case. He has now resided in Miami County nearly forty years and is one of its most highly respected citizens.

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



JAMES D. BELT, Teacher in the Public Schools of Macy, was born in Allen Township, this county, April 30, 1860. He was the oldest son born to William and Ellen (Davis) Belt, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively, the former of English and the latter of Dutch descent. James spent his boyhood and youth working upon a farm. During this time he attended the district school, in which he received a good common education. At the age of twenty he took up the avocation of a teacher. He taught his first term of school at Macy during the winter of 1880-1, and has since taught six successive winters. In the fall of 1884 he was elected to teach the primary department of the Macy Schools which position he has held ever since. As such he has discharged his duties in a manner that reflects very creditably upon himself. December 23, 1883, he was united in marriage to Elmira Kamp, who died February 22, 1884. He was again married on the 22nd of April, 1886, to Mrs Amanda Seidner, whose maiden name was Amanda Fishley. Mr. Belt is a member of the Christian Church and a Prohibitionist in politics. He is an exemplary young man of irreproachable character, and as a teacher, he is an earnest and successful worker, and ranks among the best instructors in the county. In May, 1885, he was elected to the office of Clerk of the town of Macy, and is the present incumbent.

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



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