JACOB MILLER.
The success which has been attained by Jacob Miller is due entirely to his own well directed efforts, through which he finds himself, while still in the prime of life, the owner of a well regulated and valuable farm of seventy-four acres, located in Chester township. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he has always followed this vocation, and at the same time has so creditably performed the duties of citizenship that he is known as one of his community's helpful and reliable men. Mr. Miller is a native of Wabash county, having been born on his father's farm in Pleasant township, March 4, 1869, and is a son of Abraham and Hannah (Butterbaugh) Miller.

Abraham Miller was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and there grew to manhood and was married. Believing that greater opportunities for achieving success were to be found in Wabash county, he came here in 1846, and his subsequent career was one which served as an excellent example of the results to be attained through industry and perseverance. When he first came to this heavily timbered region he was possessed of thirty-five dollars in money and his axe, but also had the desirable assets of ambition and determination, and with these set himself resolutely to work to hew himself a home from the wilderness. After several years he secured sufficient capital to purchase a farm five miles north of the home of his son, Jacob, near Rose Hill, and after clearing and improving that property removed to another tract about two miles west of North Manchester, which continued to be his home during the remainder of his life. In 1875, while building a scaffold, he received a severe injury to his ankle. He recovered from that injury, but in the fall of 1882 he contracted a disease of the hip-joint, and for thirty years thereafter was compelled to walk with a crutch. He did not allow his injury, however, to interfere with his work, and as the years passed he accumulated more and more land until at the time of his death, July 14, 1911, he had 600 acres. He was a consistent member of the Church of the Brethren, and for a long period served as a member of the board of trustees. The mother still survives and makes her home with her daughter, at North Manchester. Abraham and Hannah (Butterbaugh) Miller were the parents of eight children: Lydia, who married G. W. Butterbaugh; Henry E., who married Sarah Landis; two children who died in infancy; John W., who married Emma Cupp; Ella, who married John Cupp; Emma, who married J. C. Harter; and Jacob. All the children were born in Wabash county.

The public schools of Wabash county furnished Jacob Miller with his education, and in the meantime he assisted his father in improving the fields of the home farm. After his marriage, he settled on his present property, and here he has made improvements that have added considerably to its value. He is a firm believer in the efficacy of modern methods in agricultural work, and his seventy-four acres show the good results to be attained by scientific management and intelligent treatment of the soil. He is a general farmer, but in common with his fellow agriculturists of Wabash county he also gives a good deal of attention to stock raising, in which he has also been successful. A man of sterling integrity, honorable and upright in his dealings, he has won the confidence of those with whom he has come in contact in a business way, and has won a host of appreciative friends. During his early life Mr. Miller 's father was a democrat, but in later years transferred his allegiance to the prohibition party, the principles of which the son supports. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are active members of the Church of the Brethren and have been liberal in their support of its movements.

Mr. Miller was married to Miss Anna Weaver, daughter of Abraham and Amanda (Ivins) Weaver, who came to Wabash county from Stark county, Ohio, and were known as honorable and upright agricultural people. There were eight children in the Weaver family, namely: John, who married Susan Rhodes; David, who is single; Mary Etta, who married Jesse Waye; Henry, who married Maud Hindshaw; Charles, who married Julia Guinupp; Edward, who married Fern Stauffer; Edward's twin, who died in infancy; and Anna, the wife of Mr. Miller. Mrs. Miller's mother died when she was ten years of age, the father subsequently bringing the family to Wabash county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three children, all educated in Wabash county: Russell, born July 17, 1892; Mary, born January 7, 1894; and Georgia E., born November 19, 1897.

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



JAMES N. RONEY.
Representing the second generation of a well known Wabash county family, James N. Roney besides his success as a practical farmer in Pleasant township has a useful and influential part in public affairs, and his service as township assessor and township trustee is remembered to his credit in that locality.

James N. Roney was born June 26, 1869, on the farm which he now occupies. This place was settled by his father, Thomas Roney, about 1865. The parents were Thomas and Nancy Ann (Ogan) Roney, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of German parentage. Thomas Roney first settled in Wabash county about 1851, afterwards lived for several years in Kosciusko county, and they returned to Pleasant township and developed a good estate, where he lived until his death in 1893, while his wife passed away in 1901. Other facts of the family history, which connects this name with early days in Wabash county will be found in a sketch of Albert Roney elsewhere in this publication.

James N. Roney, the youngest son of his parents, grew up in Pleasant township, had his present farm as the scene of his first association and experiences, besides such education as was afforded by the local schools he attended the higher courses of instruction in Terre Haute and at Valparaiso. When his education was completed he returned home and became actively identified with farming on his father's place. Mr. Roney married Marguerite Tracey, daughter of Hugh Tracey. They are the parents of four children: Elizabeth, Esther, Eleanore and James II., all of whom were born on the present farm. While Mr. Roney is a member of no church, his wife is a Catholic. The Roney farm has a number of first class improvements, but the residence was placed there by his father and the barn is the result of his own building. By general farming he keeps his place in the community as a prosperous business man, and has surrounded himself with the comforts and a satisfying degree of prosperity.

A democrat in politics, Mr. Roney has for a number of years interested himself in local questions of good government, and after four years of efficient service as assessor in his township was elected to the important office of trustee in 1904. Mr. Roney affiliates with the Masonic Lodge at Manchester, and belongs to the Elks Lodge at Wabash.

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



D. W. McFARLAND.
Among those prosperous citizens of Pleasant township who have utilized both intelligence and industry in their careers and have much to show for their efforts, Daniel Willis McFarland has a noteworthy place. Practically every year since he reached his majority has seen some increase in his resources, and for a man who began life practically at the bottom he has come far on the way to success.

D. W. McFarland was born in Lucas, Richland county, Ohio, February 23, 1861. His parents were Nathan and Elizabeth (Smith) McFarland, and in their family were five children who reached maturity. Nathan McFarland came to Wabash county many years ago and followed the trade of plasterer by which he provided for his household and lived to enjoy the respect and esteem of a large community. His death occurred in Wabash county in 1877, when his son, D. W., was seventeen years old. The mother survived until December 29, 1902, and both are buried in this county. The father was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belonged to Manchester Lodge of the Masonic order.

D. W. McFarland grew up in Wabash county, and after finishing the course of the common schools engaged in farming a vocation which has called forth his best efforts and in which he has made his success. His first independent enterprise in that line was the purchase, together with his brother Howard S., of a small place about a mile from where he now lives. After a partnership of some time, Mr. McFarland married and then bought his present farm of 87 1/2 acres. This land was originally owned by Mrs. McFarland's father. It had no buildings, and few improvements when Mr. McFarland took possession, and in the years that have since elapsed by the co-operation of his wife, he has brought practically all of it under cultivation, is known for his ability in raising crops and getting something valuable to market every year, and has a good modern home and all the facilities that make country life enjoyable. Mr. McFarland also owns a farm of sixty acres of improved farm land, located on the line between Pleasant and Chester townships, one-half mile south of his present farm, owning in all about 147 1/2 acres. He erected his fine modern frame house of eight rooms and bath, with large cement floor porch, in the summer of 1910. He erected his large red "L" shape barn in the summer of 1913, a structure seventy-two feet long on one side, and fifty-six feet frontage. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising.

Mr. McFarland was married in 1900 to Minnie Jenks, daughter or Edwin S. Jenks. Their two children were both born on the present farm and are named Leila and Verda. Mr. McFarland is a member of the United Brethren church, had fraternal affiliations at one time with the Odd Fellows, and in politics is a republican.

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



THOMAS S. BERRY.
Several different tracts of land in Wabash county have been brought under cultivation and made valuable through the enterprise of Thomas S. Berry. That has been perhaps his best contribution to this community, though his sterling citizenship, his service in the office of county commissioner, should also not be forgotten. Mr. Berry represents one of the older families of Wabash county, and is a prosperous and influential citizen of Pleasant townŽship. Though his home has been in Wabash county for many years, Thomas S. Berry was born in Shelby county, Ohio, February 1, 1855. His parents were George W. and Theodosia (Scott) Berry, both of whom were natives of Ohio. There were seven sons and one daughter in the family, and four of them are now deceased. George W. Berry moved to Wabash county and located at Lagro, in which vicinity he was well known for many years. During his residence in Ohio he had practiced medicine, but devoted his time and attention to farming in Wabash county. He died some years after his wife.

Thomas S. Berry grew up in Wabash county, attended the common schools, was well trained by the discipline of farm work, and after reaching his majority took regular employment for a time under his father.

At the age of twenty-three Mr. Berry married Isabelle Wertenberger, daughter of David and Catherine Wertenberger. The Wertenbergers were among the early settlers of Wabash county, and her father as a pioneer cleared up a farm south of Laketon, and lived in the county until his death. Mrs. Berry has one brother living, while one is deceased. Mr. Berry and wife began on a very modest scale, and their first home was in a log house on a farm of eighty acres, only twelve acres of which had been cleared. His hard work soon made a productive farm, the log house was replaced with a two-story dwelling, with a substantial bank barn, and he also did a great deal of clearing and ditching. Before selling that first place Mr. Berry bought ninety-five acres, of which likewise only a part was improved land. His energy also added a great deal to the value and improvement of that place, and while he never lived on it he sold at a large advance over the price he paid for it. Since 1903 Mr. Berry has lived on his present place, and this consists of forty acres, and since he occupied it, a good house, a substantial barn, fencing and tillage are among the important results of his ownership.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry have one child, Delcie, who is the wife of Ulysses Jenks of Marion. Mr. Berry as a republican has taken much part in community affairs, and in 1906 was honored by his citizens with election to the office of county commissioner, and was reelected in 1910.

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



SAMUEL HEETER, for many years a resident of Wabash county, and a man who retained in full degree the respect and esteem of all who knew him, was a native of Ohio, where his birth occurred near Dayton, February 14, 1835, his parents being David and Elizabeth Heeter, who have been deceased for many years. At an early period in the history of Indiana. the family left their Ohio home and migrated to this state, purchasing about 100 acres of land near the town of North Manchester. Here they resided for some time, clearing and improving the property, and later Mr. Heeter retired from the active cares of business life and moved to North Manchester. In that city both he and his wife passed away, and they are now at rest in Pleasant View Cemetery.

The boyhood and youth of Samuel Heeter resembled those of other farmers' sons and of his day and locality. He secured his education in the pioneer district schools during the winter terms, which generally lasted about three months, and the rest of the year was devoted to assisting his father in the work of clearing and improving the homestead farm. Thus he grew to sturdy manhood, alert in mind and active in body, with a thorough knowledge of the business of farming, which he adopted as his own life work upon attaining his majority. He was married not long thereafter to Miss Lydia Coonley, and three children, John Wesley, Ezra and Lydia, were born to this union. After Mrs. Heeter's death, Mr. Heeter married, in 1875, Miss Tressie Hippensteel, daughter of William and Susan (Warren) Hippensteel, who were old settlers of Chester township, Wabash county. Mrs. Heeter's parents were among the pioneers of Wabash county, coming here from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, as early as 1847. They took up their residence on an eighty-acre farm in Chester township, and there passed the remaining years of their lives, the father passing away in 1885 and the mother five years later. They were laid to rest in the United Brethren Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Heeter four sons were born, namely: Percy, Roy, Carl and Howard, all of whom survive at this time.

Although a democrat in politics, and somewhat interested in local civic affairs of importance, Mr. Heeter never held office, preferring to devote his time and attention to the cultivation of his fields and the accumulation of a competence for his family. He was known as an excellent farmer and a good judge of stock, and his ventures along both lines were rewarded with a full measure of success. In 1898, feeling that he had earned a rest from his strenuous labors, he retired from active pursuits, and resided for a time on the old homestead in North Manchester, subsequently moving to a farm some two and one-half miles south of Servia. There he passed away March 10, 1901. Through out his life he was a consistent member of the Church of the Brethren, and for many years he attended services near Servia. He was a man of the strictest integrity, who held the confidence of his fellow-citizens, and in his death his community lost a valued citizen. Mrs. Heeter survives her husband, and is well and favorably known to her many acquaintances at Servia.

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



JOSEPH S. BARNETT, M. D.
During a period of seventy-seven years the late J. S. Barnett, M. D., was engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at North Manchester, Indiana, and in that time became known as one of the leaders of his calling in Wabash county. A man of high attainments and great force of character, he exerted an influence for good in various avenues of activity in the city of his adoption, and is remembered as a man who at all times stood for the highest ideals of his honored profession. Doctor Barnett was born January 14, 1827, at Greencastle, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of William and Mary Barnett.

Doctor Barnett was given good preliminary educational advantages in his youth, and early adopted the profession of educator, for some time teaching schools in his native state. After some preparation, he took up the study of medicine, and eventually, in 1849, became a student in the Sterling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated. On July 13, 1851, he was married to Miss Isabel Singer, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Singer, of Lewisburg, Ohio, and in the following year first came to North Manchester. After a short stay he went to Albion and then to Butler, but soon returned to North Manchester, and continued in active practice here until the time of his death. He became regarded as one of the ablest practitioners of his day in Wabash county, and his skill attracted to him a large and representative practice. His comprehensive reading on all medical subjects, his deep personal research and investigation and his practical experience in his profession made him a perfect master of the construction and functions of the various parts of the human body, of the changes induced in them by the onslaughts of disease, of the defects cast upon them as the legacy of progenitors, and of the vital capacity remaining in them through all the vicissitudes of human existence. To this he added an accurate knowledge of the methods best calculated to abate the ravages of disease and restore that most cherished human possession-health. He succeeded in his profession because he realized keenly that he belonged to an organization working for the welfare of humanity; he attained distinction therein because nature endowed him bountifully and he studiously, carefully and conscientiously improved the talents that were given him. He was a member of the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and his connection with these organizations kept him constantly in touch with the progress and improvement constantly being made in medical science. Doctor Barnett was somewhat interested in fraternal matters, and for many years was a member of the local lodge of the Masonic order. He was ever an earnest and zealous Christian, and died in the faith of the Lutheran church, March 14, 1902. Mrs. Barnett, who survives her husband and resides at North Manchester, has many friends in this city, and is a consistent member of the Lutheran church.

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



ALLEN E. CORY.
General farming and stock raising have claimed the attention of Allen E. Cory since he launched out for himself in agriculture, and he has won a place, among the prosperous and successful farming men of the township that has been his home all his life. He is the owner of a fine and fertile tract of one hundred and seventy-two acres, divided into two farms, one of one hundred and twenty acres, his homestead, and another of fifty-two acres, a part of his boyhood's home, two miles south. He carries on the business to which he was reared and which he is best fitted by nature and training to pursue. Mr. Cory was born in Noble township on the 2d of August, 1862, a son of George M. and Emeline (Doane) Cory.

George M. Cory came of Holland ancestry, his parents coming from the Dutch Republic in their early days and settled in Pennsylvania, but later moved to Preble county, Ohio. His wife was a daughter of Abel Doane, and she was born in North Carolina, of which state her people were natives for several generations. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George M. Cory, five sons and a daughter. Theodore, the eldest, married Martha Harris. Clinton is unmarried. Alexander married Anne Tate. William married Mary Propeck. Allen E., of this review, married Alice M. Brower. Ida M., the only daughter, is unwed and lives at home.

Mrs. Cory was a daughter of Louis Brower and Sarah (Miller) Brower, residents of Miami county, Indiana, for many years. No children came to Mr. and Mrs. Cory, but they have an adopted daughter, Josephine, eleven years of age at the time they adopted her. She had made her home with the Corys for two years prior to adoption, and in that time so endeared herself to them that they legally made her their child.

Allen E. Cory was reared on the farm in Noble township which his father bought when he came here from Fayette county, Indiana, in 1846. But he had only lived in Fayette county a short time, and he had gone thither from Preble county, Ohio. It was a more or less uncultivated place of one hundred and sixty acres which he selected in Noble township, and the sons, including Allen E., contributed in goodly measure of their young energies in subduing the primitive farm and bringing it to a state of cultivation where it was worthy the name of farm. The son Allen was five years old when the family moved out of the log cabin where he was born into the fine frame house that his father had built. In 1885 the father died at the old home place, and the mother passed away on the 11th of February, 1902. They were members for many years of the Christian church, and were among the best known and most highly esteemed people of Noble township.

Allen E. Cory stayed on the home place and assisted his rather with its work until he married, in 1886, and he then rented and later bought his present place of one hundred and twenty acres. A log cabin and other similar buildings adorned the place when he came into possession, and they remained in use until 1902, when they were replaced by the present comfortable buildings, which are representative of the progressive farming men of the community. Here he has carried on general farming and stock raising, and he has prospered in a pleasing manner in his chosen enterprise.

Mr. Cory is prominent in his township in business and other circles, and he takes an active part in the public life of the community. He is a republican, as was his father, and he has performed good work in the party ranks. Few men in the township have a greater following, and he is in every way worthy of the esteem in which his fellowmen hold him.

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



GEORGE W. STRICKLER.
The Strickler family, now represented in Chester county by George W. Strickler, was founded in Wabash county nearly eighty years ago, when Henry Strickler entered 160 acres in Chester township and settled down to build a home for his family. He was born March 21, 1804, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Allen) Strickler, and was of distinguished ancestry, his mother being a granddaughter of William Penn. About the year 1825 Henry Strickler married Elizabeth Bricker, also of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children: John, was born August 20, 1826; Henry, who was born November 21, 1828; Jonas, born November 12, 1830; William, born August 12, 1833; Conrad, born August 28, 1835; Mary, born December 21, 1837; George W., born February 1, 1840; Abraham, born January 18, 1843.; and Amos, born August 30, 1846. Of these, John, Henry, Jonas, Conrad, Abraham and Amos are now deceased. In the year 1831 Henry Strickler left his Pennsylvania home and journeyed overland to the then far west of Richland county, Ohio, and four years later came to Indiana; locating 160 acres of land from the Government in Chester township at a time when the Indians still made their homes here and the woods abounded with game. His family followed him during the next year, and all settled down to wrest a living from the wilderness and to found a home, ambitions which were realized after years of strenuous labor. Henry Strickler was a man of energy and ability, fully capable of coping with the difficulties which confronted him in the new country, and at the time of his death was one of the men of substance in his community, where he was honored and esteemed for his ability and integrity. He was a democrat in his political affiliations, and although never a seeker after public office was greatly interested in public affairs of importance. He passed away August 13, 1889, and Mrs. Strickler June 26, 1880, both in the faith of the Methodist church, of which Mr. Strickler had been an active supporter, having built the first church of that denomination in his community.

George W. Strickler, who lives on a tract of six acres and owns eighty more acres in the near vicinity in Chester township, has spent his entire life here and is one of the oldest living native born residents of the township. He was born February 1, 1840, in the house which his father had erected in the woods on first settling here, was given such educational advantages as were offered in the primitive district schools, and grew to manhood as a farmer, a vocation which he early adopted as his life's work. On November 5, 1871, Mr. Strickler founded a home of his own when he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wagner, daughter of John and Louisa (Aberdeen) Wagner, natives of Germany. Mrs. Strickler's parents were married in Pleasant township, and both passed away here. During the first three years of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Strickler lived at the home of her parents, and then located on the farm where they now reside, but after eighteen months went to Mr. Strickler's father's homestead and there remained engaged in operations for twelve years. They then returned to the present home for ten years, then spent twelve years on Mr. Wagner's farm, and in March, 1913, once more came to the Chester township farm, where they expect to spend the remaining years of their lives. They have a comfortable brick home, erected in 1874, while the barn was built two years later, and the other buildings are substantial and conveniently located. The equipment and appliances on the property are of modern manufacture, and Mr. Strickler uses the most approved methods in cultivating his land. He has devoted the greater part of his attention to general farming, but has not neglected stock raising, and has met with well-merited success in raising Poland-China and Chester-White hogs. His reputation as a man of integrity and sound business principles has never been questioned, and as a citizen he has fully discharged his obligations to his community.

Mrs. Strickler is a member of the Lutheran church, in the faith of which her father died May 5, 1871, and her mother February 17, 1912. She has one brother and six sisters, namely: Elizabeth; Anna Maria, who married Gideon Kennedy; and Sarah Ann, Martha, Mary, John and Wilhelmina, all of whom are deceased.

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



JOSEPH J. CART.
Whatever success has been attained in life by Joseph J. Cart, and it is not inconsiderable, is due entirely to his own well-directed efforts. In his youth he started out to make his own way in the world unaided, and by resolute purpose, indefatigable industry and sound judgment he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of independence. The monument to his labors is a fine farm of seventy-seven acres in Chester township, Wabash county, three miles southeast of North Manchester, which is all under a high state of cultivation, yielding to its owner a golden tribute in return for the care he bestows upon it. He calls his place the Fruit and Gravel Farm.

Mr. Cart is a native of Rush county, Indiana, where his birth occurred May 11, 1841, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Nichol) Cart, natives, respectively, of Germany and the state of Virginia, and both now deceased. His boyhood days were passed in attending the district schools during the winter months and in assisting his father in the work of the home farm during the remainder of the year. When he attained his majority he started out to make his own way in life, working as a farm hand for one year and also spending a like period in a sawmill in Elkhart county. Returning home about this time, he resided on the old homestead until his marriage, September 14, 1865, when he was united with Miss Sarah Alexander, a native of Rush county, and a daughter of Reuben and Salina (Caldwell) Alexander, who were born and reared in the green woods of Kentucky. For a period of three years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cart were engaged in farming in Elkhart county, and then removed to Christian county, Illinois, where they resided until 1897. In 1873 Mr. Cart embarked in the nursery business in which he successfully continued for a number of years in Christian county, Illinois, but in 1897 disposed of this business and came to Wabash county, Indiana, locating on December 1st of that year on his present property, which he purchased from Samuel Heeter. Mr. and Mrs. Cart have since made Chester township their home. The farm has been put under a high state of cultivation, and now yields excellent crops under Mr. Cart's good management and modern methods. He is known as a good business man and one who has ever been honorable in his dealing, thus winning the respect and confidence of his community.

Mr. and Mrs. Cart have been the parents of three children, namely: Reuben, who married Marian Burdell and is now living in South Carolina; Nettie M., who married Jacob J. Wolfe, superintendent of the Peabody factory; and J. Daniel, who married Emma Elliott, and keeps a grocery at Servia, where he makes his home. In his political views, Mr. Cart is of prohibition tendencies, taking this stand because of the generation of fast-growing young people about to take their places among the world's workers. He is keenly interested in public affairs as they affect his community, but has never sought nor cared for political preferment. For more than half a century Mr. Cart has been identified with the Church of the Brethren, which he joined in 1862, and at present is serving in the capacity of deacon in the church at Ogans Creek, located about three miles southeast of his home.

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



GEORGE LEFFEL, for many years a resident of Wabash county and now living in North Manchester, is of German extraction and Indiana nativity. He was born October 27, 1840, on a farm in the Southern part of Kosciusko county, a son of William and Juliana (Tridle) Leffel, who were among the pioneer settlers of that locality. His boyhood days were spent in helping his father on the home place and attending, whenever was possible, short terms at the district schools. When war was declared between the north and south Mr. Leffel, with many of his young friends, enlisted for the defense of his country in Company H, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers, and was mustered into the service on July 10, 1861, at Indianapolis. For a time their command under Col. William L. Brown, was stationed near Baltimore doing guard duty, and then was ordered to Fortress Monroe, then to Fort Hatteras and Fort Clark in North Carolina. Their first active service was seen on Chicamaconogo Island. Mr. Leffel served in various campaigns and engagements throughout that memorable struggle, until on December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, he was wounded and subsequently granted an honorable discharge by the war department.

Returning home at once, Mr. Leffel and several of his companions began to attend school at Warsaw, and later he was granted a diploma, and taught school one year. He then took up the study of engineering, but was obliged to give up the work because of his father's failing health, which necessitated his return to the farm in Kosciusko county. There he stayed until he was twenty-seven years old, when he married Miss Ximena Arnold, a daughter of Ralph and Louisa Arnold, and settled on eighty acres of unimproved land in the same county. From 1867 until 1872 Mr. Leffel remained there, then sold the place and in 1875 he acquired a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres in Pleasant township, Wabash county. This, too, he sold in 1902, and moved into North Manchester, where he erected his present home on Main street.

While engaged in farming activities, aside from general stock raising and farming, Mr. Leffel conducted a butter tub hoop factory for a time, and he also sold farm implements and erected hay carriers. In May, 1877, Mrs. Leffel passed away, leaving her husband and two children, Alvin and Jessie. In April, 1881, Mr. Leffel was married to Miss Eveline Oldfather, a daughter of Adam and Caroline (Burger) Oldfather. Mrs. Leffel's people were among the pioneers of Wabash county, settling in Pleasant township in 1842, whence they came from Montgomery county, Ohio. Both are now gone from this life, the father passing away in 1893 and the mother surviving until 1909. To this latter union were born the following children: Blanche, who married Chester Leedy, of the state of Washington; Ralph, who married Mabel Ashbaugh; Walter, married to Blanche Lautzenhiza; and Lena, the wife of Charles Snorf.

Mr. Leffel is now retired from the cares of business life and can look back over the years with the consciousness that he reached a state of independence and prosperity as a result of his own unaided efforts, and that the world has been in some measure benefited from his life. He has seen the county grow from a primitive state to one of cultivation, progressiveness and wealth, derived in part from the utilization of her natural resources, and in this metamorphosis he has in his own way played an important part. He is a member of John A. Logan Post No. 99, G. A. R., and with his wife has membership in the Christian Science church.

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



THOMAS HANLEY, for many years a resident of Chester township, and a man who bore the respect and esteem of all who knew him, was a native of Ireland, born in County Roscommon, about the year 1816. When attaining his majority he married Miss Bridget Condra, and in 1852 left the old country and came to America, with a view to making it their future home. He settled in Vermont and secured employment in a stone quarry, the owner of which from the beginning took a deep interest in the Irish emigrant. He suggested that Mr. Hanley remain with him indefinitely, and when sufficient money had been saved from his wages, Mr. Hanley sent back home for his wife and family. For five years he remained in Vermont, and then came west to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and there helped to build the first large building that was erected in the place. He bought a small piece of land in Hancock county about the time he arrived in the state, and in 1857 he sold it and came to Wabash county. Here he bought eighty acres in section 4, Chester township, and hired a man to cut a strip of the timber and build him a house. This property has always remained in the possession of the Hanley family.

When war was declared in 1861, Mr. Hanley enlisted in Company D, Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, and served throughout that memorable struggle, or until within six months of the surrender. He participated in many of the numerous battles and engagements that fell to the lot of the Army of the Potomac and when his term of service expired was honorably discharged by the war department, and then returned home.

Mr. Hanley was originally of Democrat politics, but after seeing the conditions that existed in the south, changed to Republicanism, and he remained loyal to the party throughout the remainder of his career.

He was the father of eight children: John, a Civil war veteran with his father; Martin, also a veteran of the war; Liza, married to Richard Adams; James; Margaret, who became the wife of Charles Hillegass; Maria, who died at the age of about eight years; Thomas C. and Mary, who became Mrs. Allen Heck.

Mr. Hanley died on December 23, 1891, and on June 23, 1892, his widow followed him. Both are at rest in Concord Cemetery.

Thomas C. Hanley, the son of Thomas, and Bridget (Condra) Hanley, was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on January 1, 1857, and was brought to Wabash county with his parents when he was only a year old. He grew to manhood on the old Hanley homestead, attending the district schools and helping his father with the duties of the home place. When he was twenty-one years old he started out in life for himself, and in November, 1877, he married, and soon thereafter he began farming on the old homestead. Another house was erected for him and his family, and there Thomas, Jr., and his wife lived until after the passing of the old couple. Mr. Hanley's wife was in maidenhood Miss Sarah Singer, and she was the third child born to Jacob and Lucinda (Jenks) Singer, her people being among the very earliest settlers of Wabash county. The father came here in 1838 and he helped to build the old Harter mill at North Manchester, and the old distillery at Wabash. He died in 1893, preceded by his wife in 1869, and they also are buried in Concord Cemetery.

In October, 1902, Mr. Hanley rented the old home place to a son and bought ten acres lying about a mile from town, where he and his wife took up their abode and have continued since to live. For some years Mr. Hanley has been in the wire fence business and at present is a partner of Isaiah Hoover in road construction work. They recently bid on and secured the contract for rebuilding the Jenks-Bowman road north of North Manchester to the county line, and they have done much building in their line since they joined forces in partnership.

Mr. and Mrs. Hanley became the parents of the following children: William, married to Mamie Schroll; Myrtle, married to Charles Christman; Harley, married Ethel Green; Virgil, married Hattie Rickert; and Ruby is at home, now attending high school. The family are members of the Christian church, and have an excellent social standing in their community.

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



O. D. WARNER.
One of Wabash county's families that did its full share in breaking down the wilderness in the early days and which has been represented by useful citizens through all the generations is that represented by O. D. Warner, whose home is in Pleasant township. Mr. Warner, though his home is on a farm and he is much interested in agricultural activities, has given practically his entire career to the postal service, in the railway department.

O. D. Warner was born in Wabash county, July 21, 1873, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Redeye) Warner. There were six children in the family, and one is now deceased. The founder of the Warner name in this county was grandfather Abraham Warner, who came to the county many years ago as an early settler, and established his home on land which adjoined the present place of O. D. Warner. The first buildings there were erected by grandfather Warner, who was a man of unusual enterprise and ability, and for a number of years was engaged in the saw mill business in this county. Both the grandfather and grandmother died in Pleasant township. Mr. Warner's parents were both reared and were married in this county.

O. D. Warner grew up in Pleasant township, attended the local schools, and finished in the schools of North Manchester. While still young he engaged in the mail service, and for twenty-one years has had a regular run as a railway mail clerk.

Mr. Warner married May Price, daughter of John and Louisa (Mote) Price. Mrs. Warner was one of eleven children, two of whom are deceased. Her grandfather was Adam Price, who married Polly Tackett. Mrs. Warner was born in Wabash county. Her father was a Union soldier, serving in the Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Mr. Warner and wife are the parents of seven children: Hilda, deceased; Ford, deceased; Dean; Hale, deceased; Lola; Helen; and Russell. All were born in Wabash county except Hale, who was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where the family resided for some time. Mrs. Warner is an active member of the Christian church, while the son Dean affiliates with the Dunkard denomination. Mr. Warner in his political belief supports the socialist cause, but his father and Mrs. Warner 's father were both democrats.

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



JOHN H. BIDLESTETTER.
As a farmer and citizen John H. Bidlestetter has for many years performed a useful part in the community of Noble township, where he is known as a man who prospers in the handling of crops and stock, is the father of a fine family, and takes an interest in religious, educational and civic affairs.

Mr. Bidlestetter owns and occupies a farm adjoining the one on which he was born, September 27, 1869. Reared in that locality, with a training acquired in the country schools, when still a young man he married and selecting the place which has since been his home engaged in independent farming. John H. Bidlestetter is one of the six children born to John H. and Elizabeth (Pine) Bidlestetter, who were natives of Ohio, of German descent, the father born January 18, 1835, and the mother, September 4, 1834. The senior Bidlestetter came to Wabash county from Ohio about 1850, and first settled as a renter just west of the town of Wabash. After two years there he moved to another place, a little later bought it, a small farm of forty acres with its only improvement a log cabin, and after he and his family had occupied that place for two years he took up his residence on the farm in Noble township which for many years has been called the Bidlestetter place. John H. Bidlestetter, senior, was a man of no small ambition and energy, and while his life began without means except his sturdy manhood and strength and courage he prospered so as to gain a place among the successful men of the township. At his death, on September 13, 1902, he was the owner of a well improved farm and was secure in the confidence and esteem of the best people of the community. His wife died on June 6, 1899, and both are buried in the Wallace cemetery. They were people of many excellent qualities of heart and mind, and all their lives were members of the Lutheran church and active in the church of their neighborhood. Besides John, Jr., their children were Jacob, Sarah, Elizabeth, Melinda and George.

In 1892 John H. Bidlestetter, Jr., married Miss Mary Lingg, who was born January 31, 1872, a daughter of Louis and Elizabeth Lingg of Logansport, Cass county. Born to their union are Elizabeth and Homer, both of whom are bright and promising children and are attending the Wabash county country school; also John, Jr., who died in infancy. Elizabeth L., was born March 17, 1894; Homer R., was born November 8, 1899; and John E., Jr., was born and died on October 1, 1910.

Five years after his marriage Mr. Bidlestetter bought the property adjoining the old home place, and has since been an independent farmer.

In the purchase he was associated with his brother George, whom he later bought out, and is now sole owner of the property. Mr. Bidlestetter adheres to the faith of his parents, and has membership in the Lutheran church, while his wife when a child was raised a Catholic. Politically he is a Democrat as was his father, and takes an active part in political movements of that party in his town and county. Well worthy of the regard and esteem of all citizens, he possesses many stanch friends, most of whom have known him throughout his career, and it is his best distinction to have lived and worked honorably and successfully in the same community where he was born and reared. He is the owner of 120 acres of the best land in Wabash county and also a stockholder of the Wabash Citizens Savings and Trust Co. His wife has property in Lamb county, Texas.

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



WILLIAM A. HOWELL.
The farming and stockraising interests of Wabash county are being well represented in Waltz township by W. A. Howell, who has spent his entire life in this community with the exception of three years in Rutherford county, Tennessee, from the fall of 1876 to the fall of 1879, and is thoroughly familiar with conditions and possibilities here. During the past twenty-two years he has resided on his present property, a tract of sixty-six acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation through intelligent application of modern methods, and through a life of straightforward and honorable dealing has firmly intrenched himself in the confidence of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Howell was born March 7, 1859, in Waltz township, and is a son of William L. and Clarrissa (Cutler) Howell, who were married September 27, 1849. The paternal grandfather, John Howell, was born December 10, 1783, and died January 10, 1859, at Wabash, Indiana, while his grandmother, Elizabeth Howell, was born June 4, 1788, and died August 30, 1852, at Wabash. Their children were: Catherine, born October 28, 1806, and died March 4, 1846; Joanna, born August 16, 1810 ; Joshua, born February 6, 1813, died at Cincinnati, Ohio; Marguerite, born July 18, 1815, died in October, 1845; Julianna, born January 5, 1818, died October 21, 1847, at Wabash, Indiana; Daniel P., born June 5, 1820, died in December, 1906, at Muncie, Indiana; Thomas, born February 9, 1823, died at Wind Fall, Indiana; William L., born August 31, 1825, died in August, 1863, in Wabash county; John Q., born July 12, 1827, died March 20, 1909, at Kewana, Indiana. Of these, Joshua married Elizabeth Parkinson, September 19, 1835; Julianna married Jeremiah P. Flinn, June 21, 1837; Daniel P. married Mary Ann Kennedy, in 1841; Thomas married Nancy Ann Jones, May 1, 1845; and John Q. married Rebecca Halsted, June 23, 1846.

The children born to William L. and Clarrissa (Cutler) Howell were as follows: Julia Anna, who died at the age of two years; John A., a railroad conductor, who was injured and died at Des Moines, Iowa, married (first) Ella Anderson, deceased, and (second) Marguerite A. Martin; James Thomas, who died at the age of sixteen years; William A.; Gilbert B., who married Florence Semans; and Daniel E., married Jennie Fisher, who is now deceased. The mother of these children was married again to Henry Bechtol and they had one child, Ida May, who married Addison Jones. Mrs. Bechtol is now a widow.

William A. Howell spent his boyhood much in the same manner as other lads of his day, dividing his time between attendance at the district school and work on the home farm. He chose agricultural pursuits as his life work when still a young man and to this occupation he has continued to give his attention. He has never had reason to regret his choice, for his efforts have been rewarded with success, and today he is known as one of his community's substantial men. Mr. Howell now owns the sixty-six acre farm formerly owned by Martha E. Rood and Thomas R. Rood, but which was entered from the Government by Henry Huddleston. He has succeeded in bringing it under a high state of cultivation, and since his arrival here, May 29, 1892, has added constantly to its conveniences, its improvements and its equipment. In addition to his farming, he has for several years done carpentry and contracting. Mr. Howell was for many years a democrat, but during the campaign of 1912 transferred his support to the new progressive party, the principles and candidates of which have since received his vote. He and his wife are members of the Brethren church although he was reared in the Baptist church, the faith of his parents.

Mr. Howell was married, February 15, 1883, to Miss Allena D. Kaufman, daughter of D. G. and Elvira (Jackson) Kaufman, and they have one child: Inez Marie, known as Marie, who was born March 3, 1888, she was married March 29, 1907, to Harry Knee, son of Clarence Knee, and has a daughter, Ruth Helena, who was born September 13, 1908.

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



CHARLES O. PETERS.
Since coming to Wabash county and settling in Waltz township in 1908, Charles A. Peters has accomplished a good bit in the way of improvements on his eighty acre farm on which he located at that time. Prior to his arrival here, he had been located in Ford county, Illinois, where he had been for the most part occupied in the sale of machinery. He was born in Illinois, and there reared and educated. His birth occurred on June 10, 1871, and he is a son of Adolph and Minnie (Sanders) Peters, both natives of Germany.

Adolph Peters came to this country and took up his residence in Green Garden, Will county, Illinois, where he passed the rest of his days, as did also his wife, who died there when she was about fifty years of age. Of their four children, John married Louise Barton; Julius W. married Mary Tucker; Mary became the wife of Charles F. Shubert, and Charles O.

In young manhood Charles O. Peters married Meta Lange, a daughter of John and Mary (Dedno) Lange, both native born Germans, and she was one of their nine children. The others were: Eliza, wife of William Eickhoof; Elvina, who married John W. Wold; Minne, the wife of John Egdohl; Emma, married to Henry Dannehl; Herman, who married Minnie Ebling; John, who married Lucie Shubert; Max, married to Minnie Godfrey.

To Mr. and Mrs. Peters were born three children: Lucie, born December 16, 1896, in Ford county, Illinois; Alvin W., born November 10, 1898, and Ida, born April 14, 1901, both in Ford county, Illinois.

Mr. Peters has devoted himself diligently to farming activities for the past five years, or since he first made his advent into the state from Illinois, and his success has been praiseworthy. He has done a comŽmendable amount of ditching and filling on his farm, waking early to the needs of his land and carrying out the work faithfully.

A republican all his life thus far, Mr. Peters has manifested a wholesome interest in the affairs of the party, and while a resident of Illinois he was for twelve consecutive years a member of the school board in his community, serving well and faithfully in that position. He is a member of no church, but with his family attends the church of the Brethren in the community. His fraternal affiliation are confined to membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is prominent with his brother members, as he is wherever he is known.

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



THOMAS J. THOMPSON.
Twenty-three years of service in the teaching profession in Wabash county is the altogether creditable experience of Thomas J. Thompson, who successfully combined his teaching activities with the farming industry and is reckoned among the prosperous agricultural men of the county today. Four years of his teaching experience were passed in the schools of Wabash, but the remainder of the time he devoted himself to work in the rural schools, and many of the solid and substantial citizens of the county today owe to Mr. Thompson the credit of having directed their early studies in their various communities.

Mr. Thompson was .born in Howard county, Indiana, on April 24, 1860, and is a son of Samuel R. and Caroline (Hale) Thompson. The father was a native of the Hoosier state, while the mother comes of an old Virginia family. Samuel Thompson and his wife married in Henry county, Indiana. They were the parents of six children, four of them yet living.

Thomas J. Thompson was reared in Howard and Grant counties and had his education there. He married early in life, his marriage taking place on March 7, 1883, when he was twenty-three years of age, and Lizzie Nesbit became his wife. She is a daughter of Syvis and Sophronia Nesbit, the mother a native of the Hoosier state and the father of Ohio. Mrs. Thompson had three brothers and a sister, one of the brothers being now deceased, as is also Mrs. Nesbit, the mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born three children: Paul J. married Ethel Sexten, and they have a daughter, Leah. Karl married Minnie Emerick, daughter of a well known and highly estimable family of this county, and they had two children, Siras and Russell. The husband and father met death in an accident. Opal H. is now attending school. All three were born in Grant county, while the father was there engaged in teaching school.

Mr. Thompson taught in Grant county for twenty-three years and in Wabash county four years. He has always confined his activities to the rural districts, and his success has been marked in this work. He attended the State Normal school after his marriage to prepare himself for the work, and he has continued with it through all these years. He has carried on farming activities in the summer months and attended to his school duties in the winter seasons, and in each line he has been successful. Today Mr. Thompson owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. When he took possession of this place in 1913 he found it void of fences or of adequate amount of suitable buildings, so that he has found himself a very busy man getting the place in its present fine shape in those respects since that time. He began life with practically nothing, but through the exercise of those sturdy virtues that are undeniably his, he has advanced to a state of independence that is most commendable.

Mr. Thompson is a member of the progressive party in his politics, and he is now serving as a member of the advisory board of Waltz township. He has never been very active in politics, beyond the demands of good citizenship, but he has fulfilled every civic duty and borne his full share in the responsibilities of communal life. He is fraternally identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Swasey.

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



OTHO WINGER, A. M.
Of Wabash county's educational institutions outside of the public schools, none has existed with greater benefit to the community and on a higher plane of scholastic and moral endeavor than Manchester College. Concerning this well known institution, appropriate place is given on other pages of this publication, and there follows a brief sketch of the college's president, who for a number of years has been identified with the institution and is a cultured and scholarly gentleman whose life work has been in the educational field.

A native of Indiana, born in Grant county, October 23, 1877, Otho Winger is a son of John Martin and Mary Ann (Smith) Winger, who were respectively of German and Scotch-Irish, and of English descent. The parents are given credit by their son for having afforded him the best possible educational advantages in his youth, though beyond the ordinary common school facilities he has relied chiefly on his own efforts for his advancement. His attendance at public schools continued until he was seventeen, and after that he taught country school for three years. He has been over the entire routine of educational work, from the management of a small country school, and the teaching of all subjects and grades, up to the specialized departments of college work. In 1898 he entered Manchester College as a student, and completed the academic and part of the college course, in 1902. Subsequently he continued his education in the University of Indiana, and in 1905 was graduated from the literary department and two years later was given the degree of Master of Arts by the University. In the meantime he had been more or less continuously in active work as a teacher, having been the superintendent of schools at Sweetser, and Hope, and for a time was teacher of history and philosophy in Manchester College. Since 1907 Mr. Winger has been closely identified with Manchester College as a member of its faculty, and in executive direction of its affairs. The present high standing of the school is due in no small degree to his efforts. During the season of 1910-11 he served as vice president and in the latter year was chosen president of the college. The General Conference of the Church of the Brethren chose him to serve as a member of the general educational board and he is also a member of the General Mission Board of the church.

On July 24, 1902, Mr. Winger was united in marriage with Miss Ida Miller. They are the parents of two sons, Robert and Paul.

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



GEORGE F. OGDEN.
One of the advisory editors of this "History of Wabash County" was born on a farm near Laketon, Indiana, on the 25th of November, 1864. After graduating from the high school of his native town, and pursuing collegiate courses at several institutions, he commenced his business career at Laketon in 1888.

Mr. Ogden served as postmaster at Laketon from June, 1897, to January 1, 1905, and as recorder of Wabash county during a period of four years from January 1, 1905. He was deputy auditor of the county for about three years during the last part of Porter Noftzger's term of office, and was principal doorkeeper of the state House of Representatives at the session of 1903. Upon the organization of the Laketon State Bank, in the fall of 1912, he was elected cashier of that institution, which position he still holds.

Mr. Ogden's wife was formerly Ona D. Strauss, to whom he was married in June, 1896.

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



THOMAS E. WHITESIDE.
One of the old and honored families of Wabash county whose members have been identified with the commercial and industrial interests of this section for many years is that bearing the name of Whiteside, a worthy representative of which is found in the person of Thomas E. Whiteside. This highly respected citizen, now in the seventy-first year of his age, who with firm step and unclouded mind still walks the streets and attends to his daily routine of affairs, has, during his lifetime in Wabash, witnessed almost its entire development and borne a full share in the startling course of its progress. Mr. Whiteside was born in Medina county, Ohio, March 23, 1843, and is one of the three children (all living) born to the marriage of William Whiteside and Lucy Buckingham, the former a native of Steubenville, Ohio, and the latter of Connecticut.

William Whiteside was a carpenter and cabinetmaker by trade, and his father was Thomas Whiteside, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who served in the army of the United States during the second war with Great Britain. William Whiteside worked at his trade in and around Seville, in Medina county, Ohio, and was there married. In 1844, in company with a brother-in-law, John Johnson, he came to Wabash county, Indiana, and here entered 160 acres of land from the Government in Waltz township. He continued, however, to reside in Ohio until 1848, and then moved here and erected a round log cabin with stick-and-mud chimney, and lived in this during the winter of 1848 and 1849, his family having moved here permanently in October of the former year. Mr. Whiteside was a hard-working man, sober, industrious and jovial, and by reason of his upright life was called upon to occupy local positions of trust. In the spring of 1849 he moved his family into Wabash, and here had a furniture store and cabinetmaker's shop, making by hand all of his goods. He became associated with Peter King in the manufacture of furniture in 1860, having converted the old King mill into a factory for this purpose. In this building they installed what was then the most modern equipment, and this was the first furniture factory in Northern Indiana. After about two years Mr. Whiteside continued the business with other partners, Mr. King having retired from the firm, but eventually, in the latter part of 1865, gave up furniture manufacturing. He then resumed the operation of a furniture store, but soon became interested in a furniture factory at Richmond, although he still resided at Wabash. The great panic of 1873 found Mr. Whiteside, like many other business men of his day, totally unprepared to face such a crisis and the company of which he was such a large owner failed. He suffered heavily, and was compelled to begin his business life all over again, which he attempted to do as a traveling salesman on the road. This he continued until he was unfortunate enough to lose his eyesight, when he was eighty-two years of age, when he was compelled to retire, and he did not long survive this misfortune, dying November 30, 1903, at the age of eighty-three years.

Thomas E. Whiteside was reared principally in Wabash, where he received his education in the public schools. He learned two trades, in reality, those of cabinetmaking and finishing, and was engaged in working at these until his enlistment, April 19, 1864, in Company P, 138th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, his military career being passed in Alabama and Tennessee in doing guard duty. He received his honorable discharge in October, 1864, and at once resumed the occupations of peace. In 1866 he embarked in the buying and selling of lumber, an occupation which he followed until the latter part of 1867. At that time, in company with others, he built a tannery at Wabash, but a short time thereafter disposed of his interest therein to become a clerk in the store of Busick Brothers. He continued thus employed until February, 1874, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits at La Fontaine, and in 1879 he sold out and came to Wabash, where he established himself in a general merchandise business. He retired in 1911, after thirty-one and one-half years of successful operations. The prosperity which attended the conduct of his business attested the sagacity, foresight and financial skill of Mr. Whiteside, whose watchful care and fidelity built up and perpetrated his fortune. He was a merchant bred behind the counter, and although he was always ready to adopt modern ideas which promised to be beneficial he ever maintained his old-fashioned ideas as to the value of the strictest integrity and unassailable honesty and of practicality in all things. Although he is living retired from active pursuits, he has a number of business and financial interests, and is at this time a stockholder and director in the Wabash County Loan and Trust Company. Mr. Whiteside was a republican until the campaign of 1912, at which time he gave his support to the new progressive party. In fraternal circles he is well known in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council of the Free and Accepted Masons.

Mr. Whiteside was married May 6, 1879, to Miss Hannah Lynn. While no children have been born to this union, they have an adopted child Essie M. Lynn, a niece, whom they have reared since she was eight months old. Mrs. Whiteside is a devout member of the Presbyterian church and has been well known in its work.

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



FRANK EVISTON.
One of the most consistent and gratifying privileges afforded in connection with the compilation of this history is that of giving specific mention of so appreciable a percentage of the substantial and honored farmers and stock-growers of Wabash county, for the county and its people may be given high tribute for the fine status of these basic industries and the general personnel of those who are maintaining the county's precedence as an agricultural center of most opulent resources. He whose name initiates this paragraph is one of the representative citizens and progressive farmers of Liberty township; his standing in the community in which he was born and reared sets at naught any possibility of applying the scriptural aphorism that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," for he has inviolable place in the confidence and high regard of all who know him, besides having the distinction of being a scion of sterling pioneer families of the Hoosier state.

Mr. Eviston was born in Liberty township, this county, on the 8th of August, 1868, and is a son of Samuel H. and Frances (Green) Eviston, the former of whom was born in Huntington county, this state, of Scotch and English lineage, and the latter of whom was born in Liberty township, Wabash county, where her parents settled in the pioneer days. Samuel H. Eviston was long numbered among the prominent farmers and influential and honored citizens of Liberty township, and he has now retired from active life, he and his wife having an attractive home in the city of Marion, Grant county. He is a stalwart Republican and he served one term as a member of the board of county commissioners of Huntington county while a resident of that county. At the time of the Civil war he manifested his patriotism by enlisting in the One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he proved a valiant and faithful soldier of the Union, his memories of this experience being perpetuated through his affiliation with the Grand Army of the Republic. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Christian church. Concerning their children the following brief record is given: Flora E. is the widow of Leslie Witter and resides in the city of Marion; Frank, of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; David E. is a prosperous farmer of Huntington county, his homestead place being in Huntington township; William R. is engaged in farming in Wayne township, that county; Ada is the wife of Homer Calvert, a merchant at Mount Etna, Huntington county; Clay is a farmer of Wayne township, that county; and Lulu is the wife of Dr. Joseph Bloomer, a representative physician and surgeon at Rockville, Parke county.

Frank Eviston was reared to the age of fourteen years on the farm which was his place of birth, in Liberty township, and he then accompanied his parents on their removal to Wayne township, Huntington county, where he continued his studies in the public schools and where he continued to be associated in the work and management of the home farm until he had attained to his legal majority, shortly prior to which event he had taken unto himself a wife and had duly girded himself to assume the connubial responsibilities that thus devolved upon him. After his marriage Mr. Eviston continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits in Huntington county until 1903, when he purchased his present well improved farm, in Liberty township, Wabash county, consisting of eighty acres. His thorough experience, progressive policies and close application have brought to him marked success, his farm being given over to diversified agriculture and the raising of excellent grades of live stock.

Like many others of the representative citizens of Wabash county, Mr. Eviston transferred his allegiance from the republican party to the newly organized progressive party at the time of the national campaign of 1912, and on the ticket of the latter he was made candidate for township trustee in the spring of 1914. He is affiliated with the Lincolnville Lodge, No. 640, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand, besides having represented the organization in the Indiana grand lodge.

On the 28th of December, 1889, Mr. Eviston wedded Miss Florence Weller, who was born and reared in Huntington county and who received excellent educational advantages, including those of the Indiana State Normal Schools at Huntington and Marion. For eight years prior to her marriage she was a successful and popular teacher in the schools of her native county. Mr. and Mrs. Eviston have six children: Esther, who was graduated in the Lincolnville high school, is now the wife of Wendell Brane and they reside in the State of Oklahoma; Hugh, who married Miss Hazel Matthews, is engaged in farming in Wabash county; Maude is a member of the class of 1915 in the Lincolnville high school; and Philip, Rosa and Eloise complete the gracious home circle.

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



Deb Murray