Jacob Working was born in Germany, and was three times married and was the father of seventeen children by his combined marriages. He came here in about 1831 and settled in Noble township on a rented farm, known in that time as the Miller Farm. He later moved to Missouri, and in Jackson county, Missouri, he was killed by the James outlaws. His home was in the vicinity of their haunts there, and having incurred their displeasure as a law abiding citizen and as a stanch Union man, they did not hesitate to shoot him down where he stood. Jacob Working was sixty years old at that time (1862). After that fatality the family were guarded by a government posse until they left the county. The guard accompanied them as far as St. Louis, the family comprising the mother and seven or eight children, and from St. Louis they went on to Peru, Indiana, settling in Peru township on a farm.

At that time William Working was a boy of about twelve years, but he did not consider himself too young to go to work and help support the fatherless family. He secured work as a farm help, and for almost twenty years he continued at the work of a farm hand. He then felt himself able to do something to further his own prosperity, and he accordingly bought eighty acres of land in Erie township, Miami county, Indiana, which he later sold and bought 149 acres in Noble township, Wabash county. Mr. Working has since that time added to his holdings until he has today several hundred acres of land in the township. He has prospered, despite his early hardships, and stands today among the foremost farming men of the community.

Mr. Working has been married five times. His first wife was Julia Kirkpatrick, deceased. They had a son, William, who died aged ten months. His second wife was Catherine Beck, deceased and their one daughter, Nellie, died at the age of seventeen years. His third wife was Barbara Ollinger, deceased. After her death he married Louise Rensel, deceased; and still later he married Lizzie Emmick. Mr. Working is now living on a farm of 140 acres on the Marion & La Fontaine Pike, 1 1/2 miles S. E. of Wabash.

Mr. Working is a Methodist, though his father was a member of the Lutheran church, and he is a democrat in his politics. He has served as supervisor of Peru township, Miami county in the period of his residence there, and in Noble township has shown a fine spirit in all matters of public import. Much of credit is due to Mr. Working as one who began life without material assets, dependent solely upon his native energy and wit to make his way through life. Lacking in early education, he has yet managed to acquire a fair equipment through reading and close and careful observation, so that he holds his own among his fellows at all times. Hard work has been his portion all his days, but he has never been one to complain of his lot, and the results of his labors are a credit to him, indeed. He owns 350 acres of land in three separate farms, all in Noble township.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

John Clemens was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, November 2, 1848, a son of Cornelius and Salome (Vance) Clemens. Both parents were of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction. It was in 1854 that the family moved from Ohio and settled in Wabash county, their first home being on rented land in Pleasant township, about five miles west of Liberty Mills. Cornelius Clemens was a man of industry, came to the county a comparatively poor man, and eventually was regarded as one of the prosperous citizens. After renting for a time he bought forty acres near Liberty Mills and lived there for a time, but about 1857 moved into the village, where his death occurred in 1878. His widow survived until 1897, and both now rest in the cemetery at Liberty Mills. Cornelius Clemens was originally a Democrat, then joined the Whig party, and finally became a Republican. In religion he was a Lutheran, while his wife was a member of the United Brethren church. His business was as a general farmer and stock raiser, and he brought many acres of Wabash county land under cultivation and in that way contributed to the permanent resources of the county. He was also interested in local affairs, and for several years held the office of town constable.

As he was but six years old when the family came to Wabash county, John Clemens has spent practically all his life in this section, and his schooling was acquired by attendance at one of the early district schools, near Liberty Mills. His early experience was varied by the work of the home farm and he learned many helpful lessons not taught in school or books, and has relied on industry, honesty, and intelligent management to push him ahead in the world. He was not yet thirteen years old when the Civil war broke out and a few years later he followed the promptings of patriotism and enlisted in Company F of the 153rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Colonel Carey and Lieutenant Colonel Ellis of Wabash. He served with his regiment until receiving his honorable discharge several months after the surrender of Lee, and it was at Louisville, Kentucky, in September, 1865, that his military service was completed. He returned home and assisted his father in working the farm until he was twenty-three years of age, and then married Miss Eliza Kissinger, daughter of George and Catherine Kissinger.

A young man without capital but with abundant confidence in his own resources, prepared to accept adversity as it came, he and his young wife began as workers for others, and for three years he was engaged in railroading. Since then he has been an independent farmer, and in 1883 moved into the town of Liberty Mills and for eight years was engaged in blacksmithing. Mrs. Clemens died in 1904, and their children were: Dora May, now Mrs. George Enyart; Levi Dexter; and Charles Calvin. Mr. Clemens is a republican in politics, and while a good citizen and ready to do anything that will improve his community, has never sought nor held any official responsibility.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

John Simonton, the progenitor of the family, was one of the real pioneers of Chester township. He was born January 18, 1813, in Preble county, Ohio, a son of John Simonton, Sr., who came to Wabash county with his family in 1835 from Ohio, journeying by teams from Ohio. They camped over night on the present site of North Manchester and finally settled on the old Simonton farm, October 1st of that year. The family first located one mile west and one-half mile north of the present homestead, to which they came in 1836. He belonged to that sturdy, self-reliant class to whose courage, determination and perseverance the county is indebted for its early development and subsequent growth, became a man of substance for his day, and gained and retained the respect and esteem of the people of his locality. He and his wife were the parents of three sons: Jake, who died at the age of eighty-four years; John, Jr.; and David, who passed away at the age of eighty-two years.

John Simonton, Jr:, was twenty-two years of age when he accompanied the family to Wabash county. He had received a public school education in Ohio and had been trained to agricultural pursuits, in which he was engaged in his youth. At the time of his father's death he received his share of the old quarter section of land, to which he subsequently added forty acres by entry, and then purchased forty acres, later eighty acres, still later ten acres, and finally twenty acres, although he subsequently disposed of the two smaller tracts by sale. At that time the nearest mills were located in Elkhart county, and three days were required in making the trip from Mr. Simonton's home community, but finally he and a Mr. Abbott induced an Indian guide to show them a short cut through the woods, and they cut a path through north, and this was converted into a road. Even at this early day he was interested in road building and throughout his career he continued to promote the building and maintenance of public highways. While general farming and stock raising operations occupied the greater part of his attention, he also engaged in various other pursuits, and in each of his ventures met with well-merited success because of his excellent ability, his unswerving integrity and the close personal attention that he gave to details. At a very early period he was engaged in a general mercantile business at Liberty Mills, in partnership with his brothers, and he was also for a number of years employed as a brick mason, being a skilled mechanic in that line. From the time that he erected the first residence and barn on his land he contributed to the upbuilding of his section. In politics a stanch republican, he took a great interest in the success of his party, served efficiently in the capacities of township assessor and supervisor, and at all times was thoroughly informed as to the vital issues of the day. When he died, June 3, 1895, his county lost one of its most active and energetic citizens. On September 13, 1835, Mr. Simonton was married to Miss Martha Calhoun, who was born December 22, 1817, daughter of Robert Calhoun, and she died March 21, 1885. They were the parents of eleven children, as follows: David, whose death occurred in 1913; Sarah Ann, who became the wife of Martin Huffman; Harriet, who married the late George Rittenhouse; Lavina, who became the wife of William Killer; Jacob H., who passed away in 1906; Mary Jane, deceased, who was the wife of John Cuppey; Mahala, deceased, who was the wife of Ben Nordyke; John C., who is a resident of Nebraska; Robert W., who is deceased; and Perry and Charley, who remain on the old home place.

Perry Simonton was born May 4, 1860, and Charley, September 6, 1862, both on the place they now occupy, a tract of eighty acres which they bought from the heirs. They are enterprising agriculturists who are making a success of their operations by the use of modern intelligent methods, and their property has been brought to a high state of cultivation. They have the best of improvements and buildings, and the present residence was erected after the old home had been destroyed by fire. Both have taken a great deal of interest in public affairs, being republicans of the stand-pat variety, and during recent campaigns have organized a fife and drum corps with which they have played all over the county in the interests of the Grand Old Party. They have a wide acquaintance throughout this section, are known as good and reliable citizens, and their friends are legion.
"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

Mr. Walter is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and was born December 30, 1853, a son of John and Mary (Smith) Walter. The family originated in Germany, where the father was born April 4, 1826. He was about eighteen years of age, a sturdy youth with a good common school education, when he came to the United States, the trip being made in a sailing vessel which consumed forty, five days in crossing the Atlantic. His first location was in Stark county, where he settled upon a farm on the Ohio frontier and devoted his attention to the tilling of the fields, and there he was married to Mary Smith, this union resulting in the birth of five children: Christian, Kate, John G., Fred and Henry. Of the foregoing Kate is now deceased. In 1851 the family came to Wabash county, Indiana, and settled in the timber country of Chester township. For a time the family lived on rented land, while Mr. Walter was accumulating enough capital to purchase property of his own. Finally he was able to buy thirty acres, a tract which was subsequently sold, and eighty acres were then purchased, followed by a purchase of forty acres more. Both parents passed away on the eighty-acre farm, the mother in 1882 and the father in 1894. They were earnest, industrious and God-fearing people; who struggled bravely to make a home for their children, an object in which they finally succeeded. They were compelled. to face the hardships of life in a new and unsettled region, where each acre of ground had to be cleared before it could be utilized for the growing of crops, but they had unbounded energy and ambition, and this, coupled with a serene faith in their adopted locality, enabled them to achieve success. To just such pioneers Wabash county owes its present prosperity, in fact its very existence. Mr. Walter was a democrat, but his public activities were confined to aiding enterprises for the advancement of his section. Both he and his wife were widely known, and for their many admirable qualities of mind and heart were respected and esteemed wherever known.

Christian Walter, son and worthy representative of these estimable people, was brought by them to Wabash county when he was one and one-half years old, and has made his home in this locality throughout life. The country schools afforded him his education when he could be spared from the duties of the home farm, and he continued to reside under the home roof until his marriage, in 1875, to Miss Anna Wethers, daughter of Jacob and Kingould (Haunstein) Wethers. Six children have been born to them: William H., who is engaged in farming; Jacob, who is deceased; Irvin, a successful farmer; Sam and Effie, who live at home with their parents; and Ida, who is the wife of Charles Burton. Prior to his marriage, Mr. Walter had purchased a farm of forty acres of land, and later he added forty acres more to this, this tract now constituting his property, one of the most highly cultivated in this region. He now has a fine, modern residence, substantial barn and well-built outbuildings, a good set of modern farming machinery and highly-improved equipment. His general farming operations have met with a full measure of success, and he also has devoted a good deal of attention to raising stock. The forethought, sound judgment and enterprise which form the elemental strength of Mr. Walter's character have brought to him the well-merited prosperity in material affairs, while his integrity and fidelity have won him high reputation in his community and a wide circle of friends. In politics he supports republican principles, but has never held public office. Since his fourteenth year he has been a member of the Lutheran church, of which Mrs. Walter is also a member, and both attend services at St. Peter's church at North Manchester. Mr. Walter does his duty at the polls and works all the year through, whenever opportunity is presented, for the advancement of the principles which he believes to be right.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

Both Edward and Elizabeth Christle were faithful members of the Roman Catholic church, and subscribed freely to the building of the church at Lagro. Mr. ChristIe was an exceptionally well read man, had a broad store of knowledge on questions of importance, and right up to the time of his death took a keen interest in matters of moment. A man who was a credit to his community, he contributed in various ways to its development, especially in the way of good roads, the advocacy of which he made his hobby, helping to build a number of the corduroy roads. His first home was a log cabin, built on the farm in 1867, but this was later replaced by a frame structure, and Mr. Christle lived to enjoy all the comforts made possible by his years of fruitful labor. When he passed away his community lost a man whose place was hard to fill.

Thomas Christle, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Kuskely) Christle, was born in Kings County, Ireland, June 5, 1847, and emigrated to the United States with his parents, the greater part of his long and useful career having been passed in Wabash county. His education was secured in the old log schoolhouses of his day, equipped with seats and desks composed of logs, and at the age of nineteen years began to learn the carpenter's trade with Samuel and Christ Speicher. This he followed for some twelve years, both as a contractor and in the bridge department of the Wabash Railway, and while in the latter capacity rose to the position of foreman. In 1878, however, he abandoned his trade and returned to the tilling of the soil, settling in the woods on his present property. Here he had at first a tract of sixty acres, covered with heavy timber, without improvements of any kind, but this was soon cleared by steady and well-directed labor, buildings were erected by Mr. Christle and the property was made one of the valuable ones of the township. Forty acres have been added to the original purchase, and Mr. Christle is now accounted one of his community's substantial men. He has been engaged in general farming and stock raising, and his ventures have proven successful, for he has never been afraid of hard labor and has ever had the courage to grasp opportunities as they have presented themselves.

On May 8, 1871, Mr. Christle was married to Miss Catherine Clifford, daughter of John Clifford, and to this union there have been born two children: John Edward, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Elizabeth Catherine, who is now deceased. Mrs. Christle died April 8, 1876, and on May 28, 1878, Mr. Christie was married (second) to Miss Mary Jane Maguire, daughter of James Maguire, of Lagro, and eight children were born to them, as follows: Annie, born January 1, 1880; Alice, born August 3, 1881; Thomas James, born May 1, 1883; Michael F., born August 10, 1885; Allen F., born September 20,1887; Ruth E., born April 28, 1894; Rose G., born February 11, 1897; and Leo P., born April 10, 1900. Mrs. Christle died November 5, 1913. She was a faithful member of the Holy Rosary Society, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Lagro. The family are all members of the Roman Catholic church at Lagro. As a boy Mr. Christle many times walked to church at Lagro for mass and instructions, the distance being seven miles, then mostly through the woods.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

The family is of Scotch-Irish extraction, coming to America from Scotland. His great-grandfather, Abraham Crow, born in 1747, and one of the founders of the family in America, was among the early settlers of eastern Pennsylvania. The family took an active part in the Revolution, one of the brothers losing his life in the Battle of Brandywine, and another tunneling his way to safety from a British prison. The descendants of the former settled near New Castle, Pennsylvania, on pension lands. Abraham Crow was married to Rachel Craven in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and moved from there across the Allegheny mountains in 1787 to Cross Roads, Washington county, Pennsylvania. In 1815 they moved to Columbiana county, Ohio. They had a family of ten children. He died there at the residence of his son in 1844, aged ninety-seven years. His fifth son, James Crow, was born and reared in western Pennsylvania, where he married Elizabeth Moreland, a member of a Quaker family of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They established their home in Columbiana county, Ohio, where they raised nine children. In 1835 they moved to Putnam county, Ohio, and became pioneer farmers of that county. Their third son, William Richardson, was born April 12, 1821, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and he later helped hew the home out of the wilderness of northwestern Ohio. In 1840 he married Bersheeba Brower of Putnam county, who was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, on February 14, 1819, and whose parents were Frederick Brower, son of Adam Brower, and Helen (Staley) Brower. Immediately after marriage they settled on eighty acres of land near Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio, given them by the father, James Crow, where they shared the hardships of pioneer days. Their land holdings were increased from time to time until they consisted of 860 acres, and to the cultivation of their land they devoted their energies until the death of the father, February 19, 1892. They spent their entire married life on the same farm and were widely known for their active lives, hospitality, and interest in the religious life of the community. The old homestead is now owned and occupied by Wm. G. Mullet, their eldest grandchild. The mother's death occurred October 31, 1893. They were the parents of eight children: Elizabeth H., who married Jacob Mullet and died in 1887 at the age of forty-five years, Ephraim, who died at Nashville, Tennessee, December 5, 1862, aged nineteen, at that time a soldier in the Union Army, and unmarried. James S., a bachelor, who owns and lives on what is known as the We-ca-co-nah farm, near La Fontaine, this county. William Albin, who married Lana Berryhill, and who lives a retired life in La Fontaine. Senath Ann, who died December 7, 1859, aged nine years. Iantha, wife of Andrew Steiner, died February 3, 1902, aged forty-six years. Emma, the wife of Chester Green, of Mount Cory, Ohio. Hamlin Sherman, the subject of this sketch, was the eighth child and born in Putnam county, Ohio, July 24, 1861, where he grew to manhood. On February 24, 1884, he was married to Louise Anna Wirth, who was born February 3, 1865, and who was the daughter of Samuel and Magdalena (Bauer) Wirth. Samuel Wirth was born in Goldberg, Prussia, Germany, January 30, 1823, and came to America in 1849, locating in Putnam county, Ohio. Her mother was born in Artmonhausen, Ober and Marbaugh, Kingdom of Wurttemburg, Germany, April 16, 1829, and came to America with her mother and brothers in 1850, spending fifty-two days on the voyage. The father died August 7, 1912, the mother preceding him, May 21, 1899.

After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Crow lived with the latter's parents one year, after which they lived on eighty acres of timbered land given by his father; this was partially made tillable and two years later an additional forty acres were bought. After his father's death in 1892, he sold the farm and bought ninety acres as the nucleus of his present farm in Waltz Township, of his brother, James. Additions have been made at various times until the present acreage is double the original purchase; the farm is well improved and is entirely bottom land adjoining the Mississinewa river. It is named Shap-e-ne-mah Farm, from the fact that the original owner, George Bundy, had this word for his Indian name. The present home (remodelled by Mr. Crow) was built by Shap-e-ne-mah.

To Mr. and Mrs. Crow six children have been born: Chester Hamlin, born in Ohio, January 31, 1885, married Blanche Hester, September 11, 1907, to whom have been born two children, Cedric and Modlyth. His farm adjoins Shap-e-ne-mah Farm. Amy Amanda, born in Ohio, February 12, 1886, married Le Roy Lewis, September 11, 1907, whose children are: Paul (deceased), May Louise and Mildred May; they live in Cotulla, Texas. Bessie Bersheeba, born in Ohio, July 9, 1887, married Homer Lewis, a brother of Le Roy Lewis, February 18, 1913; they reside in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Anna Magdelena, born in Ohio, June 16, 1889, died December 5, 1899. Almon William, born in Ohio, January 2, 1891, who lives with his parents. Alta Louise, born in Indiana, August 8, 1894, who lives with her parents.

Mr. Crow has devoted much time and energy in educating himself and family in music and as a skilled piano tuner he has made a recognized success among his friends throughout this section of northern Indiana. Mr. Crow often remarks in jest that the responsibility for his becoming a country fiddler antedates his birth, for his grandfather Brower was a musician in the war of 1812, his uncle, Jackson Brower, was a fifer in the Civil war, and his brother, W. A., was a musician in the same war, so it must have been in the blood. At the age of thirty-five he earnestly began the study of music, the violin being his favorite instrument; after studying with various teachers, he spent two years with Eugene Troendel, head of the violin department of the Fort Wayne Conservatory of Music. Amy, piano, was a pupil of Hamilton Nussbaum of the Marion Conservatory of Music and of Prof. Brown of the Metropolitan Conservatory of Music of Indianapolis. She has been a teacher of music during the past eight years. Chester, clarinet, was a pupil of John Pitt Stack of the Marion Conservatory. Almon, flute and saxophone, was a pupil of Antonio Lupo of the Marion Conservatory. Bessie, piano and violin, was a pupil both at Marion and at Indianapolis, spending two years as a teacher. Alta, piano and voice, was a pupil of Professors Bailhe and Lundchrist of the Marion Conservatory. With his children and a few others Mr. Crow organized and directed the Crow Orchestra, which has played at various places in Indiana and Ohio, playing eight years in one town at the annual high-school commencement.

Mr. Crow educated his children in Somerset and Wabash high schools. He is a life-long Republican in politics. In church affiliations, the family has been very active as members of the United Brethren church at Union Chapel. The growing of live-stock and grain has been the chief activity on Shap-e-ne-mah Farm and it is known as the of the large producers in its section. Mr. Crow's country home has been the scene of many happy assemblages, the fertile acres, natural beauties, and the broad lawn with its luxurious shade trees and flowers being a strong invitation in themselves.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

William Nelson Oswald was born in Darke county, Ohio, and the woman he chose for his life partner was born and reared at Connorsville, Indiana. The father came to Wabash county in 1861, settled on a farm a short distance from the place his son now occupies, and there devoted himself to farming and to carpenter work. Some two years after William Nelson Oswald came to Wabash county, his father, Solomon Oswald, came and took up his residence with his son. To William Oswald and his wife three children were born. Effie, the eldest, was born on October 8, 1866, and she married George Welsh, of Wabash. Pearl was born August 6, 1879, and is the wife of Thomas Willdoner. D. W. Oswald was the second born.

The Noble township farm home was the abiding place of Mr. Oswald until he married. He gained his schooling in Wabash county and in three years attendance at the South Wabash Academy, where his wife also finished her education. On March 21, 1894, Mr. Oswald married Mabel Coate, the daughter of F. W. and Miriam (Carter) Coate, and to them were born six children. Miriam, the eldest, was born on June 14, 1895. Vaughn was born on January 7, 1898. Ralph and Roland, twins, were born on July 15, 1900. Dorothy was born on November 7, 1902, and William Francis was born on February 26, 1912.

Though Mr. Oswald is a capable and prosperous farmer, he devotes the best part of his time to the windmill and pump business, in which he has been engaged for some years. He has taken an active part in the civic life of his community, and has shown his willingness to serve in any capacity his fellow citizens wish to place him. For the past six years he has served as township assessor, and a Democrat in his politics, he was elected on that ticket at a time when every other office in the town was filled by Republican candidates. Mr. Oswald is a member of the Christian church of Wabash, and in a fraternal way has membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows . It is also worthy of mention that he has been a vigilant member of the Horse Thief Detective Association, and has done good work in the interests of the organization.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

Born and reared in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, Martin Meyer chose the free and independent occupation of a farmer, and in course of time became the owner of two farms, containing in all one hundred and sixty acres. He met with good results in his operations, continuing a resident of his native state until his death, at the comparatively early age of fifty-eight years. He married Polly Wolfe, who was born, lived, and died in the Keystone state, her death occurring at the age of three score years. Thirteen children were born of their union, of whom four survive, namely: William, of Arcadia, Indiana; David, of Pennsylvania; Levi, of whom we write: and Michael W., of Pennsylvania.

Levi Meyer acquired a practical education in the district schools, and being one of a large family of children it became necessary for him to assist his parents in its support as early in life as possible, and as a youth began working out by the month. During the Civil war he re¬ceived one hundred and nine dollars a year for his work, good wages for those days. In 1865 he came to Indiana in search of a favorable location, and on November 10, of that year, settling in Lagro township, Wabash county, east of Urbana, on land that he rented from John Speicher. Three years later Mr. Meyer moved to Paw Paw township, west of Urbana, buying from Jacob Schultz eighty acres of land, for which he paid $1,800. Adding greatly to the improvements already inaugurated, Mr. Meyer there carried on general farming with much success for twenty-one years, when he traded farms with Levi Patterson, each man asking forty-five dollars an acre for his farm. Mr. Meyer subsequently purchased from Mrs. Carter, widow of William Carter, fourteen acres of land adjoining his farm on the north, and now has a fine property of one hundred and thirty-four acres. Since assuming its possession he has cleared sixty acres of the one hundred and twenty for which he traded, and has otherwise improved it. During the first year after buying, he erected a commodious veneer brick residence of nine rooms, and having moved the original house used it for a barn. Later that burned, and he put up a new barn, thirty-six feet by fifty-six feet, and entirely remodeled the old barn, and placed the land in good condition, his farm being now one of the best and most attractive in the vicinity. As a general farmer, Mr. Meyer made a specialty of raising horses and hogs, and for a number of years was interested in Galloway cattle, having been the first to introduce that breed into Wabash county. Eight years ago Mr. Meyer and his wife, who made their money by their own efforts, retired from active pursuits, leaving the management of the farm to their son, Clinton.

Mr. Meyer married, in 1863, in Pennsylvania, to Christina Shalley, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Shalley, both descendants of some of the earlier settlers of that state. Eleven children blessed their union, namely: Polly, died in infancy, in Pennsylvania; Clinton, who runs the home farm, married Anna Long, and they have seven children; Delilah, wife of D. G. Baker, has six children; Calvin married Minnie Showalter, and they are the parents of seven children; Delia, who married Charles Ciner, is deceased, and she left four children; Comley married Carrie Miller, and they have three children; Demima, wife of O. M. Chapman, has six children; Cyrus married Marta Studebaker, and they have four children; Dessie, wife of Bert Ivans, has eight children; and Demelia and Dimelia, twins, died in childhood. Mrs. Meyer died June 7, 1909, and since that time Mr. Meyer has lived alone, although he has near him many kind relatives and friends to cheer him in his loneliness, he having forty-six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, aside from his children. Politically Mr. Meyer is a stand-pat republican, and though never an aspirant for official honors, has served as supervisor for seven years, being elected against his wishes. Religiously he is a member of the Progressive Brethren church at Roann.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

Thomas J. Brower was born in Preble county, Ohio, December 20, 1841. His parents were George and Christiana (Swihart) Brower. In the year 1801, his grandfather, Abraham Brower, moved from Rockingham county, Virginia, into the territory of Ohio, which in the following year became a state. His life was spent there until his early death at the age of forty-one. George Brower was born in Montgomery county, in western Ohio, December 22, 1810. At the age of eleven years he began to feel the responsibility of the care of the family, after his father's death. The heritage of Abraham Brower to his widow and children was a small farm near West Alexandria, Ohio. The cultivation of this farm and the support of the family largely devolved upon the son George. The energy and ambition of George Brower was indicated by the fact that he became the owner of the Old Homestead, while yet a young man. Also while but a boy he earned his first money by clearing six acres from the green for which he received six dollars. With this money he purchased a coat and he regarded that as the most expensive garment he ever bought and to the end of his life regarded it as one of the most important transactions of his business career.

George Brower during the years 1836-37 was proprietor of the Eagle hotel at Eaton, Ohio. In 1866 he was elected to the office of county commissioner of Preble county and gave valuable service in that capacity. Christiana Swihard, his first wife, was born July 1, 1814, and was the daughter of Adam Swihart, a stanch whig and a very active politician in his day. To this union was born eight children: William H., Ananias, Thomas J., Benjamin F., Joseph S., Susan E., DeAlonzo and Mary E. Mrs. Brower died February 28, 1866. Subsequently George Brower married Mrs. Harriet Baker, the widow of Evan Baker.

Thomas J. Brower grew up and received his early education in the schools of Preble county. Country boys during the '40s and '50s in the middle west enjoyed advantages very limited as compared with those offered to country youth of the present time. A farmer boy acknowledged his first duty to the never ceasing responsibilities of the farm, and then went to school if there was time for it and a school to go to. His years were spent on the home place until twenty-one, and he then started to make his own way. At the age of twenty-two he married, and with two to provide for instead of one showed himself equal to that task. In Mary Siler, the girl of his choice, he always had a stanch and true companion. She was a daughter of David and Mary (Cotterman) Siler, long-time residents of Preble county, where they were married and where Mr. and Mrs. Brower also married. Mrs. Brower was one of the following children: Liza Ann, Samuel, John, Mary Henry Sarah David Lydia, Noah and Catherine, all of whom were born in Preble county. Their father died in that county May 27, 1885, at the age of seventy-seven, and their mother on August 25, 1890.

Thomas and Mary Brower began their wedded life on a rented farm in Preble county. It was a comparatively small place of seventy-two acres, and their industry and thrift subsequently enabled them to buy it and for many years it was their home. The most profitable line of business followed by Mr. Brower through many years was the buying up of old and mismanaged farms at a low figure, holding them until it was possible to rehabilitate the land and improvements and after making them productive sold out at a good profit. It was all occupation which he found an interesting and absorbing work, and many an old and seemingly worthless place responded gladly to his touch, and his work has thus been of positive benefit to many communities in which he has lived. In this pursuit Mr. Brower spent some years in Darke county, Ohio, also in Michigan and in Indiana, and in these different states bought and sold farms with considerable regularity and frequency. Some years ago, in partnership with a Mr. McVicker, Mr. Brower bought two sections of land in Texas, and though that transaction never aroused in him much enthusiasm he finally sold out to advantage.

While his work as a developer of old farms has constituted a very important achievement, Mr. Brower has some other distinctions among Wabash county farmers. It is said that he was the owner of the first Hereford cattle in the county, introducing this breed to his farm about 1885. His was the first herd of red Polled cattle in the county, and he brought in the first carload of Angora goats. In recent years the progressive farmers of Indiana have found a most profitable adjunct of general farming and stock raising to be the cultivation of alfalfa, the great western crop, and Mr. Brower was one of the first to employ a part of his land in this crop. In many other ways he has shown his progressive and experimental spirit and attitude towards farming and farm life in general.

When a young man in Ohio and during the course of the great Civil war Mr. Brower enlisted as a volunteer in the One Hundred Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, going out from Preble county and seeing four months of active service.

To the marriage of Thomas J. Brower and Mary Siler have been born five children: George Henry was born August 2, 1865; Leona Josephine was born June 14, 1868 and died March 28, 1881; Charles H. was born December 1, 1869, and married Lulu Low; Thomas Willard was born June 27, 1873 and died September 30, 1877; Lucretia Mabel was born June 15, 1880, and married Henry Reachert.

In politics always a stanch republican, Mr. Brower has never sought or held office, but his service to the various communities in which he has resided has not been without public spirit and great value. He has membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and his church is the Universalist. He and his family have long enjoyed the kindly regard and friendship of a large circle of the best people of Wabash and Miami counties and the sons and daughter are now filling useful places in those communities where the business of life has called them.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

Charles O. Signs was born August 7, 1870, a son of Peter and Delilah (Creager) Signs. His father, who was a native of Ohio, and came to Wabash county when a boy with his parents, was married in Kosciusko county, but subsequently engaged in farming in Wabash county, where he still lives. There are just two children in the family, and the other is Esta A. Signs, who married Cora Tyner.

Charles O. Signs received an education in the common schools, and largely through his own efforts gained a training much beyond the ordinary. He later graduated from the North Manchester high school and was a student of the Indiana State University. Mr. Signs became identified with teaching in Chester township, was connected with the schools there some four or five years, and later was in school work at Servia and North Manchester. From the school room he has turned his attention entirely to farming, and now resides on a highly improved and valuable place of one hundred and thirty-two acres in Pleasant township, which is owned by his father. His own labors have added a great deal to the further improvement and enhancement of the value of this property. With general farming he combines in prosperous proportions stock raising, and by the application of energy and good judgment has accumulated a gratifying share of the world's goods.

Mr. Signs married Cora Mowrer, whose family were early settlers in Wabash county. Mrs. Signs had ten brothers. Their own children are two sons: Frederick W. and Charles Frank. Both these children were born on the present fine farm. They are members of the Christian church, and Mr. Signs affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, is a republican, and his father has the same political faith.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914

Peter Hornaday, eldest son of this sturdy old pioneer couple, and a man who has maintained the high reputation established by his parents, was born on the old homestead place in the woods of Chester township, December 12, 1841, and has made this locality his residence through seventy-three years. The primitive log schools of Chester township furnished him with his educational training, and as a youth he elected to follow in his father 's footsteps as a tiller of the soil, a decision he has never had reason to regret. At the time of his father's death he became owner of the homestead, to which he has added until he now has 600 acres of land, this being one of the finest properties in this part of Wabash county. Since his father's demise he has built a new stock barn and made a number of minor improvements. Like his father, he is a democrat, but public life has never appealed to him, although he stanchly supports all beneficial movements. Although he has passed man's allotted "three score and ten," he is active and alert and continues to maintain his interest in matters of importance.

"History of Wabash County, Indiana"
Clarkson W. Weesner
Lewis Publishing Co.
Chicago and New York
published in 1914