ANDERSON BURNS.
For something more than eighty years the influence of men of the Burns family has been felt to excellent purpose in the industrial and agricultural life of Wabash county, the year 1844 marking the advent of the family into the county. Anderson Burns was the first of the name to locate hereabout, and he, accompanied by his wife and two children and a brother Daniel; drove all the way by wagon from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Wabash county, Indiana. Here Anderson Burns bought land in the woods on the Waltz township line road in that community, located between what is now Noble and Waltz townships. Primitive conditions prevailed there, it is perhaps needless to say, and the place Mr. Burns purchased had but one mark of civilization, a small log cabin that some less hardy adventurer had reared, and then deserted, unable to endure the life of the wilderness and the desolation of untamed nature.

Into this small cabin the family settled, and here Mr. Burns set about his new business with a hearty good will. The land was burdened with a heavy growth of virgin timber, and only those who have lived through such a period of reconstruction as did these people, or those who have heard the story first hand, can have any adequate understanding of the task that was theirs in their efforts to hew out a home for themselves under the conditions existing. But that they were equal to the demands upon their strength, their courage and their energies, has been amply proven in the fact that Anderson Burns and his wife passed the greater part of the remaining years of their lives on this identical spot, and in the years they devoted to the place, they subdued the wilderness to an unbelievable extent, making a blooming garden of many acres of their possessions. Late in life they moved to South Wabash, where they passed away, Anderson Burns dying in July, 1893, aged eighty-five years, and Emeline, his wife, passing away in March, 1898, at the age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Burns was a member of the Wesleyan church and was ever a devout and faithful Christian woman. She was the mother of two children, Serena and Daniel, who was named for his uncle.

Daniel Burns was born on July 11, 1840, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and came to Wabash county with his father in 1844. All his remaining life has been passed within the borders of Wabash county. Owing to a physical weakness that had its origin in a crjppled condition, he attended school somewhat more than did the average farmer's boy of that day, and he later attended school at Somerset, as well. Mr. Burns has been a farmer practically all his life, having a natural aptitude for the work, and today, aside from his city property, he is the owner of about six hundred acres of fine farm land in the county that has so long been his home.

Mr. Burns is a Democrat, but is one who is thoroughly independent withal, regarding it his privilege to vote for the better man, though he be of the opposing faction. In the matter of putting men into public office to look after the interests of the people, he considers the man before the party, and the result is that his sturdy and fearless support is always with the side of right, regardless of party lines or prejudices.

Daniel Burns was first married when he was twenty-one to Miss Elizabeth R. Reeves, and to them were born two children: Elmer and Emeline. The latter is the wife of John P. King, and the son will be mentioned specifically in a later paragraph. Mrs. Burns died January 27, 1905, and Mr. Burns later married Miss Lovina Buck. In the Autumn of 1904 Mr. Burns moved to South Wabash from his farm home, and this was his place of residence until his death, May 29, 1914. He was buried in Mount Pleasant cemetery near Pioneer, Wabash county.

Elmer Burns was born on the old home place in Wabash county on March 31, 1865, and this county has always been his home. As a boy he aided in the work of the farm, and he finished his schooling in the public schools of Wabash and with a business course in Eastman College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and since that time has devoted himself mainly to general farming and stock-raising. His success has been praiseworthy, and though he moved to South Wabash in 1905 and here established his residence, he has continued to devote his attention to his business as before. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens Savings & Trust Company of Wabash, which was established the first of the year 1913, and he is now the president of the company.

On the 1st of October, 1889, Mr. Burns was married to Miss Myrtle Wait, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Wait.

Like sire and grandsire before him, Mr. Burns has taken a prominent place in his native community, and has yielded an excellent influence for good therein. He is a democrat and in 1913 was elected to the City Council as the representative of the Second Ward. His fraternal associations are with the Knights of Pythias.

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



ANDREW C. HUFF.
One of the native sons and prosperous farming and stock men of Wabash county is Andrew C. Huff, born in the township which is now his home on February 8, 1847. He has spent his entire life within the confines of the county, and has added to its citizenship in a worthy manner all his maturer days. As one who has done much toward the advancement of agricultural prosperity in the county, he is entitled to mention in this historical and biographical work, and as such, space is afforded for a brief mention of him and his career.

Andrew C. Huff is the son of Uriah and Levina (Spohr) Huff, who were natives of Morgan county, West Virginia, and who were united in marriage after they came to Wabash county to live. Andrew Huff, the paternal grandfather of the subject, died in his native state, West Virginia, and the son came to Indiana in company with his uncle, John Huff. Here Uriah Huff bought his first farm from a man of the name of David Bruner, who had entered it from the government some time before and had secured a patent thereto. This interchange of property was made in 1845, and the farm was one of eighty acres, covered with a forest growth. Mr. Huff first put up a small log cabin, for in those days the government did not demand stated improvements in the way of buildings before a deed could be issued for the land, and after the new owner had built him a cabin and stable, he commenced to clear up the land. He made good progress in that task, and later bought sixteen acres of cleared land, moving on it, and still later taking up his residence on a farm of 104 acres, all cleared, his place being just across from what is now the Big Four passenger station in Wabash. This farm was well improved, and here Mr. Huff spent his declining years. He was a member of the Methodist church and was a worthy citizen all his days. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, two of whom died young. They were named: Frances, who married Henry Thomas; Andrew C., who married Mary J. Dawson; T. W., commonly known as Webb, married Mary Good; Sylvester married Rose Scott; Charles Henry and Ellsworth, who died in childhood; Emma J., who married John W. Custer; and Sherman, who married Elizabeth Jackson. All were born in Wabash county. The father died on June 17, 1893, and the mother on January 11, 1902.

Andrew C. Huff was given his education, which was a limited one, in the Noble township schools, and he remained at home working with his father until he married. This event took place on February 19, 1871, when Mary J. Dawson became his wife. She was a daughter of Isaac and Rose Ann (Neely) Dawson, both natives of Morgan county, West Virginia, who came to Ohio and settled in early life. There Mrs. Huff was born in Hocking county, and she came to Wabash county with her family when she was about six years of age. Mr. Huff was twenty-four years of age when he married and soon after that he rented a farm of 107 acres adjoining the old homestead. He remained there a year, then rented a house and barn and farmed with his father on the old home on a partnership basis. From there he came to his present farm, which his father had purchased in 1877. Here Mr. Huff put up a log cabin, and it still stands there today. This was a new and uncultivated piece of land, covered with timber through its entire stretch of 160 acres, and Mr. Huff has in the passing years put it in fine shape and brought out of it a rich and productive piece of land. All the present buildings on the place were erected by Mr. Huff, and are a credit to the community.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Huff, three of whom died in infancy. Those yet living are Nellie M., born June 14, 1874, unmarried; Harry F., also unmarried, born April 7, 1876, and Della Ann, born November 14, 1877. She, too, is single. The mother died on October 9, 1902. She was a woman of many excellent qualities, and her loss was widely mourned in the community where she was known and esteemed.

Mr. Huff has done good work in the way of his citizenship in the county. In 1908 he was elected county commissioner and he has held the office without cessation up to the present time. He was elected on the republican ticket, which was the political faith of his father before him, and he has always done good work in the interests of the party in his county.

It should also be mentioned that Mr. Huff served as a member of Company K, One Hundred and First United States Infantry, during the Civil war and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He enlisted in the army in 1864, and was ten months in active service at the age of seventeen years.

Mr. Huff has always been a public spirited man and has taken a lively interest in the affairs of his community. In this he has not been unlike his father, who was one of the most active men in his township in affairs pertaining to the public well being. He was active in educational affairs and served several terms as supervisor of his township, doing excellent work for the township in those early days when all improvements were carried on by subscription, both of money and work.

Considering the family in its two generations, few in the community have done more than have the men of the name of Huff for the advancement of the county along all lines of development, and Andrew C. Huff gins promise of many years of similar worthy activity in the county and the neighborhood in which he lives.

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



SAM R. GILPIN.
As the woodman in clearing his land leaves here and there some stalwart oak or ash, which long years afterward stands alone in the midst of some green and fertile field, a solitary representative of the early years, so the relentless Reaper, in his grim harvest of men, has spared here and there a pioneer who forms a connecting link between the past and the present. Sam R. Gilpin is one of the very few surviving pioneers of the state of Indiana, his residence here running back for more than sixty years. It is a far cry from the Indiana of today, with its prosperous farms, its great commercial and industrial activities and its modern churches and schools, to the Indiana of the time of Mr. Gilpin's arrival, then a great expanse of forest and prairie and still the home of the Red man; yet, Mr. Gilpin's life has covered this long span of years and he still remembers well his Indian boy playmates, whose language he learned and in whose sports he took an active part. Today he is one of the highly respected residents of Lagro township, Wabash county, and the owner of sixty-one acres of fine land.

Mr. Gilpin is a native of Ohio, and was born April 5, 1837, a son of Samuel and Jane (Noble) Gilpin. His parents moved to Ohio from the South, the father being a farmer and also specializing in the raising of fine horses and cattle. He was likewise successfully engaged as a tobacco grower and frequently used 800 and 900-pound hogsheads to pack his product in, in connection therewith manufacturing cigars and pipe tobacco. In 1852 he moved with his family to Huntington county, Indiana, and later to Grant county, where he settled in the woods on "Indian land," his farm being located on the famous Indian battleground of Grant county, now a proposed park site. During the nineteen years he resided on that property he was successful in clearing and cultivating some ninety-five acres, and there his death occurred in 1863, at the age of sixty-five years, his first wife having died many years before. He was married a second time to Delilah Bunleswerth, who, after his death, married a second time and went to the West. To Samuel and Jane (Noble) Gilpin there were born six children, namely: Anna and Delilah, who are deceased; Sam R.; Margaret and William, who are deceased; and Jane.

Sam R. Gilpin was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied his parents to the wilderness of Huntington county, and here he grew up among pioneer surroundings. He early made friends with the Indians, who soon grew to admire him because of his skill and prowess in their sports and dances. He soon learned their language and accompanied them on their hunts, becoming so skilled with the bow and arrow that he was able to kill a squirrel with that weapon at some distance. As a lad he had helped his father with his tobacco packing, and later he secured a position with Gilbert & Murphy, of Marion, Indiana, as a packer. He also assisted his father in clearing the ninety-five acres, and often while plowing the old battlefield came across Indian relics. These included a number of horseshoes rotted with rust, an old Indian single-barreled pistol, a razor and a dagger, the latter found in a hollow beech. Some of these articles are now highly prized possessions of the Historical Society, at Marion.

On October 24,1861, Mr. Gilpin was married to Mary J. Connor, and they began their married life on the Indian land, where Mr. Gilpin had erected a small house. Three years later, however, they came to their present property, then located in the wilderness, the sixty-one acres costing $1,800, and being a part of one-half section which had been purchased by the father of Mrs. Gilpin and Robert Beatty, and being also located in the old Indian survey of Lagro township. At the time of their arrival they settled in a little primitive log house, but this has been long since replaced by a comfortable modern dwelling and the little home of former years is now used as a coal house. This land has all been cleared by Mr. Gilpin, and here he has continued to carryon agricultural pursuits with much success. He has also devoted a large part of his attention to the raising of stock, and has never been satisfied with anything but the very best. He has a mare which is today accounted one of the finest in Wabash county. Mr. Gilpin has always been known as an energetic, industrious and diligent workman, and today, although seventy-seven years of age, carries on his daily duties and manages his large affairs in an alert and well-directed way. His dealings have been straightforward and honorable and he has always possessed the confiŽdence of his associates in business and those who have come into contact with him in any way. Few men are better versed to the early history of the state, and none can relate in a more interesting or instructive manner experiences, anecdotes and incidents of the old Indian days. Mr. Gilpin is a democrat, but has never been an office-seeker. He and his wife have been the parents of three children: Martin N., who died in 1907, at the age of forty-three years; Lou O., who resides at home; and May G., who married James Pyle, and resides on a farm in Noble township.

Mrs. Gilpin is a descendant of one of the old and prominent families of Grant county. She is a daughter of Nelson and Sarah (Boots) Connor, and a granddaughter of Martin Boots, for whom Boots street, Marion, is named, and who, with Mr. Branson, donated the square upon which the Court House stands. It was one of his stipulations that a hitching rack should always be maintained, otherwise that the land should revert to his descendants. He had come to Indiana from Chillicothe, Ohio, when the mother of Mrs. Gilpin was sixteen years of age, in 1829, she riding behind him on his old saddle-horse. She was married in Grant county, in 1831, to Nelson Connor, who was born in 1811, and this was the first marriage of white people in the county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Connor first lived at Marion, but subsequently the father became the owner of a farm near the Soldiers' Home, and later built a waterpower gristmill one mile from the Court House, and is likewise the owner of a woolen mill. Eventually Mr. Connor moved to the Jacobs Mill property, now known far and wide as the Connor Mill, located across the river from Mr. Gilpin's home, and there both Mrs. Gilpin's parents passed away.

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



D. F. BREWER.
Various business enterprises have claimed the attention of D. F. Brewer in the years of his active career, but that which has received his sincerest approbation and in which he has been accorded the greatest measure of success is his farming enterprise. His farm of eighty acres in Noble township is one of the best to be there found, and he has demonstrated his ability as a practical farmer in no uncertain terms.

D. F. Brewer is a native son of Wabash county and of Noble township also, for he was born here on February 16, 1865, and is a son of Flavius and Mary E. (Kunse) Brewer. They were born in Fayette county, this state, and in Wabash county they married and settled to live in the early forties. They first took up their residence in the town of Wabash, and there resided for a number of years. It should be stated here, however, that Flavius Brewer is the son of Joel Brewer, who settled first on a Paw Paw township farm in Wabash county, and later lived in Lagro township, where he ended his days. The maternal grandfather of the subject was David Kunse, who also came to the state in an early day, and in Wabash he engaged in the manufacturing of brick, his being known and noted as the first brick yard to be established in the place. Flavius Brewer remained at home with his father, occupying himself with the work of the farm and such other duties as presented themselves, until the war broke out in 1861. It is characteristic of him that he was one of the first men to enlist in Wabash county for service, and he served throughout with but a brief respite, until the month of August, 1865. He came home on a furlough and during that time he married Mary E. Kunse, soon after returning to his regiment and continuing until the close. He saw much of hard service, and there are few who can relate more thrilling experiences than can Mr. Brewer as the result of his four years of life as an active soldier.

D. F. Brewer was more fortunate than many country youths in the matter of education, for he was privileged to attend the schools of Wabash city, in addition to his country training. When he had finished school he turned his attention to the home farm and remained as his father's assistant until he married in 1887, when Alice W. Curry, daughter of John and Louisa (Catlin) Curry, became his wife. She was born in Noble township, Wabash county, and here reared, and is among the best known women of the community. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brewer settled in Noble township, and then they moved, after a short time, to Wabash, where he was engaged for some twenty years in the real estate business. He enjoyed a fair measure of success in the business, but his early training had instilled into him a fondness for rural life that would not be denied, and so it came about that he moved to his present fine place of eighty acres in Noble township, where he was born and reared.

Since Mr. Brewer settled here he has done a large amount of improvement work on his place, adding much to the appearance of the property by additions to barns and dwelling, and the place is one of the most pleasing and attractive in the township.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer. Myrtle, the eldest, married Frank Goldsberry, and has one child, Alice Carrie Goldsberry. Glenn died at the tender age of three months, and Lawrence lived to be one year old. All three were born in Noble township.

Mrs. Brewer is a member of the Christian church and is active in the various departments of the work of the organization. Mr. Brewer has membership in a number of fraternal orders, among them being the Red Men, the Woodmen and the Ben Hurs. He is a republican in his political faith, and is active in the ranks of the party in the county. In all the years of his residence here he has demonstrated a citizenship that is a benefit to the community, as well as being highly creditable to himself, and he has a secure place among the substantial men of the township.

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



DANIEL W. COOPER.
The agricultural career of Daniel W. Cooper is one of which he may well be proud, and much credit should be given him for his achievements in this field of enterprise, despite the adversities he has met with from time to time.

Born about a half a mile from his present place, known as Brookside Farm, on December 7, 1861, Daniel W. Cooper is the son of John and Lucinda (Powell) Cooper, John being one of a family of three sons and four daughters.

John Cooper was a son of Wilson Cooper, and he was born in Wabash county. He and his brothers, Daniel and Hilary, served in the Civil war from the beginning to the end of hostilities, and the father of the subject died in 1870 from illness contracted under exposure during the service. It is also worthy of mention that the five brothers of Mrs. Cooper, mother of the subject, also served in the war, seeing much of active service during the time they were enlisted. The sisters of the Cooper brothers, mentioned above, were Ada, Alice, Martha and Addie. Alice became the wife of William Tower; Ada is unmarried; Martha married Alonzo Ortt, who is now deceased; and Addie married first a Mr. Kimball and later married Oliver Wibell.

Daniel W. Cooper had a very limited schooling in his native comŽmunity, for he was only eleven years of age when the death of his father, who had long suffered from illness contracted in the war, made it necessary for him to go out to do whatever work he might find in his efforts to help in the support of the family. He never, in all the years of his service, received more than $15.00 a month, and he worked for some years from peep of day to dark on the wage of $8.00 a month.

When Mr. Cooper was twenty-one years of age he married. After several years he had saved $150.00, and with that he made a payment on forty acres of land, going in debt for the greater part of it. The first three years of his married life, however, were spent on the old Bent farm, and the next four years on the Jays place. He then bought his first farm. It had a small frame dwelling on it, and the land had never been broken. It was inclined to be wet, and it required ditching, so that a ditching assessment on the place soon after he bought it called for $600.00. It was well drained, however, and extending across the place are two ten inch tile drains, so that the place is in excellent condition in that respect. For five years Mr. and Mrs. Cooper lived in the old weather-boarded house, and then he built the present comfortable dwelling, where he has since resided.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper. Clinton married Grace Miller; Hazel married Charles Wiley; Howard is unmarried; and a fourth child born to them died in infancy, unnamed. The two sons are living in California, and the daughter is a resident of Wabash county.

Mr. Cooper has suffered a number of losses, among which was that of the burning of a new barn, which stood him a loss of $1,000. He did not let that misfortune discourage him, however, but went ahead and put up a new and better barn than he had before. Concerning the Bent farm, it should be said, was entered from the Government in about 1850, but was never patented until Mr. Cooper was made administrator of the Bent estate, and he, fifty years after the land had been taken up, secured a deed from the Government. Mr. Cooper owns today 245 acres of land, and all of it he has won through hard work and careful management. He set out in life with the determination to succeed, and despite the hindrances and bits of ill luck that came his way from time to time, he has managed to overcome them all, and is today among the best established men of the community. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Maccabees in his fraternal relations, and politically he has always been a republican.

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



ROBERT E. WEESNER.
Since the pioneer times in Wabash county the name Weesner has signified strong men and noble women, and in earliest times, as at the present, is widely and favorably known in nearly all sections of the county. Among the various representatives of the family the late Robert E. Weesner, of Noble township, was prominently known. A native son of Wabash county, where he had lived all his life and where since early youth he had been closely identified with agricultural activities, he lived worthily among his fellow-men and at all times enjoyed their esteem and confidence.

Robert E. Weesner was born on a farm in Waltz township or this county, September 5, 1849, the second of the five children of Johiel and Nancy (Starbuck) Weesner. He was of German lineage, as his great great-grandfather, Michael Weesner, was born in Germany, April 3, 1740, and emigrated to America when thirteen years of age. His great-grandfather and his grandfather were named Micajah, the latter being a native of North Carolina, from whence he, with his family, migrated to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1819. Of this family of ten children Johiel Weesner, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Wayne county, and came with three of his brothers to Wabash county in 1843, the four entering adjoining Government land in the Indian reservation of Waltz township and thus gaining control of a large acreage. In order to reach this land it was necessary to cut a road through the dense timber for a distance of five miles, and in this strenuous task he was aided by his three brothers, Nathan, Joseph and Elihu, who had accompanied him as homeseekers to this county. The three brothers, being married, built small cabins to provide shelter for their families until the exigencies of planting and harvesting would allow them to erect better homes. On their completion the brothers sent for their families and entered upon the business of clearing the land for more extensive cultivation.

The personal possessions of Johiel Weesner consisted of four dollars and a quarter in money and a few articles of wearing apparel which he carried in a bandanna handkerchief. He lived with his brother Joseph for three years, during which time the brother taught him the blacksmith's trade. During this interval he also busied himself preparing a cabin for his young bride, for whom he returned to Wayne county in 1846. Following this his time was divided between his shop and the pioneer work of farming and clearing. It became necessary to build a barn to house the products of the farm. Timbers were hewn from the forest for the erection of a barn forty by sixty feet in dimensions. The neighbors were called in to assist in the "barn raising." They came in such numbers that their feeding became a problem in the kitchen. A large ham was boiled, eighteen chickens dressed, fifty pies baked and other food supplied in like proportion. Not so much as a whole pie was left after the appetites of the hungry pioneers had been satisfied.

Amidst these surroundings Robert E. Weesner was born, and as he grew to manhood he aided his father in clearing the farm and making it more productive. Eventually a substantial frame dwelling replaced the log cabin, but later it was destroyed by fire and a large brick house was built on the site. Johiel Weesner retired from the farm and resided in Wabash at the time of his death, in 1907. The old homestead remains in the possession of his wife, and the patent to it is held as a matter of historical interest by the family.

The maternal forefather of Robert E. Weesner was a first settler of Nantucket, Rhode Island. The first tea party of the island was held at the plantation home of this ancestor, Nathaniel Starbuck. The tea for it was brought from China by his son, Nathaniel, Jr. In celebration of his home-coming the relatives and neighbors were invited to "sit the old year out and the new year in," December 31, 1735. A splendid dinner was prepared, but Content, the good wife, was much perplexed as to how to cook and serve the tea. She hung the bright five-gallon bell metal kettle on the crane, and, putting a two-quart bowlful of the tea, with plenty of water into it, swung it over the fire, where it boiled for a long time. She became solicitous lest she had not put in enough tea and put in another bowlful. When the tea had boiled down to about a gallon, it was poured into a silver tankard to be served. After the blessing had been asked she said to her son, "I have made a dish of tea for you, but am fearful it is not rightly made, and would like to have your opinion." Whereupon, he and the captain who had voyaged with him looked and sniffed at the tea and the son made answer, "As my loved mother desires my opinion, I must needs tell her that a spoonful of this beverage, which she hath with such hospitable intent prepared for us, would go nigh to killing anyone at this table," and the captain said laughingly that Mrs. Starbuck could keep the decoction to dye the woolens. The captain then instructed them as to how to draw the tea and entertained them with many sea-faring stories.

Robert E. Weesner, in addition to schooling in Wabash county, had the advantage of two years at Spiceland Academy, at which place he became acquainted with Louisa Wood, a daughter of Simeon and Margaret (Ratcliffe) Wood, and to whom he was married October 3, 1873. To this marriage were born three children: Bertha Margaret, who married Luther D. Hutchins; Arthur Morton, who married Henriette Arnold, of Bluffton, Indiana, and lives in Nashville, Tennessee; and Carl W., who married Mabel Aschbacher, of Richmond, Indiana, and lives in Youngstown, Ohio.

After his marriage Robert E. Weesner and his wife located on a farm in Waltz township, about two miles distant from his father's home. This was an improved farm and continued to be his home until 1896, when he erected a residence in Wabash and afterward resided there. After an illness of a few weeks Robert E. Weesner was called to his reward on July 14, 1914. His ancestors for generations past were members of the Society of Friends, and he was an adherent to their quiet, unassuming mode of life. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

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



CHARLES W. THOMPSON.
During more than a quarter of a century Liberty township has profited by the energy and good judgment of Charles W. Thompson, who is the owner and operator of Bass Wood Stock Farm, a tract of one hundred and ten acres lying two and one half miles north and two miles east of La Fontaine. He is known as one of the leading stock breeders of this part of the county, devoting the major part of his attention to the big type of Poland-China hogs, also engages to some extent in general farming, and conducts his affairs along practical and modern lines. Mr. Thompson has been a life-long resident of this locality, having been born in Liberty township February 23, 1869, a son of John P. and Martha J. (Ferguson) Thompson.

John P. Thompson was born in Rush county, Indiana, and in 1842, when eleven years of age, was brought to Huntington county by his parents, Ebenezer and Nancy E. (Pollock) Thompson, there growing to manhood and engaging in agricultural pursuits. During the Civil war he enlisted as a private in Company F, One Hundred and First Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was subsequently promoted orderly and later second lieutenant, and as such received his honorable discharge at the end of the war, after a service of three years. His military career was marked by participation in numerous hard-fought engagements, in which he showed himself a brave and faithful soldier. Mr. Thompson was first married to Miss Virginia Plank, and they had one child, W. F. Thompson, now a resident of Marion, Indiana. In 1868 he was married to Martha J. Ferguson, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, and they had a family of six children, of whom five are now living: Charles W., of this review; Mary E., who is the wife of Robert Carter, of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; Colonel Robert S., a well known auctioneer residing in Liberty township; Rev. Isaac Ferguson, a minister of the Christian church; and Grace A., the wife of William Hubbard, of Liberty township.

Charles W. Thompson secured his early education in the schools of Liberty township, later becoming a student in the State Normal School, and completed a short course in Purdue University. After leaving the latter institution he was for four terms a teacher in the country schools. On December 10, 1902, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet J. Hubbard, a daughter of Samuel and Harriet J. (Myers) Hubbard, and to this union there have been born four children, as follows: Walter H., born November 22, 1903; Ruth F., April 3, 1906; John, March 21, 1909; and Edith M., March 18, 1911. Mr. Thompson has been a devoted member of the Christian church since 1885, and has served as deacon therein for some years. His political support is given to the republican party.

After his marriage Mr. Thompson settled down to agricultural pursuits on the home farm, and about the year 1889 began to breed the big type of Poland-China hogs, his business in this direction having assumed large proportions. At the head of his herd of one hundred and twenty is Giant Wonder, a two-year-old weighing (if fat) 1,000 pounds, register No. 85083. Mr. Thompson holds annual sales, and at the last, held November 7, 1913, his hogs averaged $57.80 in spring pigs. He is one of the open minded and well posted men of his township, an advocate of education and progress, and a strong supporter of honest business and clean social life.

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



DANIEL E. SPEICHER.
One of the oldest and largest families of Wabash county is that bearing the name of Speicher, whose representatives have long been prominent in public and civic life, in the professions, in agriculture and in business affairs. A worthy representative of the name is found in the person of Daniel E. Speicher, directing head of the Cyclone Seeder Company, manufacturers of the Cyclone Seeder, an invention which has become known to agriculturists all over the United States and in various other countries. Mr. Speicher was born on his father's farm in Lagro township, Wabash county, Indiana, September 22, 1867, and is a son of Samuel S. and Mary (Kepler) Speicher, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana.

The Speicher family originated in Switzerland, from whence two brothers emigrated to the United States, married and reared families in Ohio. Mrs. Speicher's people originally came from Holland. Samuel S. Speicher was a small child when brought by his parents to Indiana, and here at the age of fourteen years he began his career as a carpenter, an occupation which he followed for some thirty years. He subsequently turned his attention to farming and became the owner of a valuable farm, which he conducted in a modern manner and with successful results. He had always been of an inventive turn of mind, and had made numerous labor-saving devices for his own work on the farm, but it was not until 1870 that he conceived the idea for a seeder, which proved such a great boon that he finally placed it upon the market. He first fitted up a little shop on his farm where he was able to produce about 150 seeders a year, and continued to so operate for about ten years, when, a heavy demand having come for the product, he moved his business to North Manchester, and there turned out about from 2,000 to 5,000 seeders annually. After being in North Manchester about ten years, he moved his plant to Urbana, where he took over the old Urbana Planing Mill, and this was used for a part of the factory until 1913, when this department was destroyed by fire. New quarters were immediately found, and the product of the factory now averages from 30,000 to 40,000 seeders per year. Mr. Speicher continued to be at the head of this business until his death, which occurred in 1895, and through his industry, energy and good management built it up to large proportions. He was a man of the strictest integrity and fidelity in business matters, and on numerous occasions proved his good citizenship. Mrs. Speicher, who survives her husband, has been the mother of three children: Daniel E., of this review; Matilda, who is now the wife of Charles Grist; and Paul J.

Daniel E. Speicher received his education in the public schools and was brought up as a farmer, but in 1890 came to Urbana to join his father in the business established here. At the time of the elder man's death he became the directing head of the enterprise and his diligence, executive ability and modern ideas have resulted in a largely increased business. The principal product of the Cyclone Seeder Company is the Cyclone Seed Sower, considered one of the best on the market. Among its chief features are found a slant feed board, which keeps the hopper properly filled; an automatic feed adjustment, which stops or starts the flow instantly; oscillating feed agitator, a positive force feed which cannot clog; a patent distributing wheel, full regulation size, without soldered joints, which always scatters the seed instantly; triple, adjustable gears, and a large hopper, which, while easy to handle, is of unequaled capacity. Other articles manufactured by the company are the Chicago (Bow) Seed Sower, the Little Wonder Seed Sower, the Double Fan Seed Sower and the Sectional Tube "Horn" Seed Sower, while smaller articles are the Cyclone Jr. Seed Sower and the Champ Jr. Seed Sower. All of these goods have an extensive sale throughout the country, and for the foreign trade an office has been established at No. 149 Queen Victoria street, London, England.

Mr. Speicher was married April 21, 1892, to Miss Alice Stark, who was born at Naperville, Illinois, daughter of the late William Stark, and to this union there have been born four children: Naomi, Miriam, Harold and Virginia. Mr. Speicher is a member and trustee of the Evangelical Association church. In political matters he is a stanch prohibitionist.

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



CHARLES R. DELAUTER.
Among the younger generation of agriculturists of Wabash county who are achieving success in their operations through the application of modern methods to the practical experience gained by their forefathers after many years of labor, is found Charles R. Delauter, of Pleasant township, who is proving himself a worthy representative of one of his community's substantial families. Mr. Delauter has been a lifelong resident of this part of the county, has grown to manhood amid its rural surroundings, and is now taking his place among the men who are striving to maintain its high agricultural standards. He was born on his father's homestead farm in Pleasant township, April 8, 1886, and is a son of Frank and Sarah J. (Bussard) Delauter.

Frank Delauter was born in Frederick county, Maryland, a son of David and Emma (Lowery) Delauter, and had five sisters and seven brothers: Catherine, Mahlon, David, Sarah, Susan, John, Julia, Charlotte, Louise, Aaron, Charles and George. Of these five are now deceased, George dying when quite young. Frank Delauter grew up in his native state, and was a young man when he came to Wabash county, Indiana, locating at North Manchester, where he was married to Sarah J. Bussard, daughter of Jacob Bussard, who was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Two children were born to them: Charles R., and Arthur who is single. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Delauter moved to the farm which is now occupied by Mr. Penrod, in Pleasant township, but after several years located on their present property, the old Bussard homestead, and here they have developed an excellent farm. This tract, equipped with a fine set of buildings and the most modern improvements of every description, is situated on the farm adjoining that of his son, Charles R., who lives across the road. Mr. Delauter has boon a resident of Wabash county for thirty-four years, and during this time has taken a keen interest in its growth and development. He has been active in public matters, is a stanch supporter of the democratic party, and in 1912 and 1913 served efficiently in the capacity of road supervisor. He is a man of the strictest integrity and is widely known and highly esteemed throughout this section.

Charles R. Delauter was given his educational advantages in the public schools of Pleasant township, and grew up on the homestead place, adopting the vocation of agriculturist when he entered upon a career of his own. He was married in Chester township, Wabash county, December 31, 1908, to Miss Lina Neher, daughter of Joseph W. and Hanna (Crip) Neher, who were married in Pleasant township, Wabash county, having come to this part of the state as children, at an early day. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Delauter, namely: Irene Catherine, born December 16, 1909; and Herbert Leo, born January 23, 1914, both in Pleasant township. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Delauter located on a rented farm, and later went to the property located on the side of the road opposite to the old Bussard homestead. This is a tract of forty acres, upon which the present residence and all other buildings had been already placed, although Mr. Delauter has made numerous improvements. He is now operating one hundred and twenty acres, which he devotes to general farming and the raising of stock. He has shown himself, in his operations, a capable man of business, thoroughly versed in agricultural work and a good judge of cattle. Furthermore, his transactions have always been carried on in such a manner, as to gain him the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. Like his father, he is a democrat in his political views, but has found no time to give to the affairs of public life, his agricultural duties having demanded all of his attention. Mr. and Mrs. Delauter are consistent members of the Church of the Brethren, and both have many friends in its congregation, as well as in social circles throughout the township.

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



JOSEPH H. ELLIOTT.
Among Wabash county citizens whose lives have been entirely spent within the county boundaries special mention should be made of Joseph H. Elliott, whose individual career has been one of successful accomplishment as a farmer, and whose father was one of the splendid pioneers who helped develop the county from its wilderness condition.

Joseph H. Elliott was born in Noble township, where he still lives, on February 22, 1863. His father, Jacob Elliott, was a native of Delaware county, New York, and his mother, Rebecca (Heston) Elliott, was born in Maryland. A point of family history which should not be omitted is the fact that grandfather Alvah Elliott at one time owned the site on which the city of Buffalo now stands. Jacob Elliott, who was a settler in Wabash county in 1841, had a great variety of experience, both before and after coming to this county. When a small boy he was bound out, in accordance with a common custom of the day but it is not known whether he completed the period of service for which he was indentured. He was still quite young, when, in company with two other boys, he started to walk from Buffalo to Detroit. The fact that he was the only one of the trio to carry out the resolution is a sufficient commentary on the pluck and persistence which was characteristic of him through all his life. Arriving in Michigan, for some time he drove a stage coach over the old national road between Detroit and Chicago. Arriving in Wabash county in 1841, he at once entered some government land, and put up a cabin in what he considered the most convenient spot. It soon proved that his location was an inconvenience to the Indians who still lived in that vicinity and while these sons of the forest were in the main peaceable, they showed considerable hostility to Jacob Elliott until he had removed an obstruction of felled trees from a trail which had long been their accustomed route in traveling from one place to another. His willingness to accommodate the Indians to the extent of clearing the obstruction enabled Mr. Elliott to live in peace, and he worked out his pioneer lot in such a way as to demonstrate his true pioneer qualities. Besides clearing the greater part of his land he also put up a number of good buildings, and his later years were spent in the generous provision which his earlier trials had deserved. In 1847 he married Rebecca Heston, and while he died on his farm March 19, 1899, his widow survived until March 15, 1911. To their union were born five children. Emma, the first, died in infancy; Ella, is unmarried; Susan and Letitia both died when in their twentieth year of life; and Joseph H. is the only son.

Joseph H. Elliott was educated in Noble township in the locality where he was born and reared. He also spent two and a half years at the Methodist Episcopal College in Fort Wayne, graduating in 1886. On October 12, 1887, occurred his marriage with Sarah Miller, daughter of Samuel C. and Susan (Beswick) Miller, the former a native of Fayette county, Indiana, and the latter of Logansport. Mrs. Elliott was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, in the town of New Carlisle. She was one of four children, the others being Georgia, Edwin and Laura. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have been born two children: Joseph Loren, born April 4, 1890; and Lois L., born March 21, 1897. Both were born in Wabash county.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Elliott moved to a farm adjoining his father's old homestead, and in 1900 came to their present farm. His farm is now conceded to be one of the most modern and highly improved places in the township, and it comprises three hundred and twenty-seven acres of fine land. His dwelling is new and of modern conveniences.

Mr. Elliott is a Methodist and a republican, as was also his father before him. The work that his pioneer father did so well is being continued, though in a different time and under new conditions, by the son. While he has found his labors come easier than those performed by his father, he has brought to them a spirit no less progressive and enterprising, and his success has been in proportion to the rewards of this twentieth century era.

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



GARL MORROW.
A general elevator business has claimed the attention of Garl Morrow for some years past, though he has divided his interests in some measure between that enterprise and farming activities, which he never quite gave up. He is well known as a stock dealer hereabouts, and as a successful farmer and elevator man, so that his business interests are three fold, and bring him a prominence that not every farmer owns.

Garl Morrow was born in Liberty township, near La Fontaine, on February 11, 1872, and he is a son of C. H. and Joan (Howard) Morrow. The father was born in Rush county, Indiana, in 1849, and in 1850 he came to Wabash county with his father, Charles Greer Morrow, who settled west of Wabash in what was known as Frog Pond. C. H. Morrow was one of the eleven children of his parents, all of whom reached years of maturity. His father lived all the remaining years of his life on the Wabash county farm that became his home in 1850, and he made of the place a most creditable and productive spot. The buildings that he erected there when he first came into ownership were later replaced by new and more modern constructions by his son, Conrad H. Morrow, the first ones being destroyed. Conrad H. Morrow was educated in Liberty township, under the tutelage of Captain Williams for the most part, he being a well known educator of that time and place. Later the young man took up farming, and he continued in that work for a good many years, though always on a rented farm. In more recent years he has been engaged as a member of the La Fontaine police force. He married Joan Howard, as has already been stated, and the children born to them were named as follows: Garl, of this review; John H., who married Mary E. Sparks; Howard died in infancy; Irene married Charles Stevens, and lives at Fairmount, in Grant county; Daisy married Herman Snyder and lives at Marion; Vesta became the wife of Hubert Piety, of Wabash; Ida died at the age of seventeen years.

Garl Morrow was given his early education in the schools of La Fontaine, and he afterward was engaged in teaching. For some years he was thus occupied, and he experienced a very pleasing success in that line of work. He was twenty years of age when he married Lola D. Pefley, the daughter of Joseph Pefley, and she was seventeen years old at the time, it may be stated. The young couple had little in the way of earthly possessions, but they were possessed of youth and health and they were happy. The husband farmed and taught school, and was township assessor for some time. They continued in that way for about twelve years, and he finally gave up teaching and entered the office of the county treasurer as deputy, serving in that position for eight years. Though he gave up his pedagogic activities, he still continued to farm, and it was in 1896 when he became the owner of his first farm. It was a place of eighty acres in Liberty township, and since that time he has added considerable farm land to his possessions. In 1911 he sold his last farm and with the proceeds bought the elevator business which he now controls. In addition to this enterprise, which is one of the best and most lucrative in the community, he also interests himself largely in the buying and selling of stock. His business interests, it will thus be seen, are diversified in their nature, and he is one of the busiest and at the same time one of the most successful men in the township as a result of his numerous lines of enterprise.

To Mr., and Mrs. Morrow the following children have been born: Avery P., Mabel, William McKinley, Mildred, Delight and John Maxwell. The third named, William McKinley Morrow, was killed in the elevator when he was a lad of eleven. All were born in Wabash county, and, have had their education in the schools of the community, or are still busy with their studies. The family have membership in the Christian church at Wabash, and Mr. Morrow is a republican in his politics. In April, 1914, he was nominated as candidate for treasurer of Wabash county on the republican ticket. Though he is not a politician by any means, he has a healthy interest in party affairs, and is prominent among the men of the town and county, where he has long been known.

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



ALBERT ROONEY.
One of the attractive and valuable farms of Pleasant township is the Albert Rooney place. Its proprietor acquired his land a number of years ago when most of it was a landscape of trees and stumps. To his work he brought both experience and ability, and his farm has been shaped out by his own labors and plans and represents both a comfortable home and a gratifying success.

The Rooney family has been identified with Wabash county from the early days, but Albert Rooney was born in Kosciusko county of this state on February 14, 1864. His parents were Thomas and Nancy Ann (Ogan) Rooney. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother was of German parentage. The maternal grandfather was Peter Ogan, and Ogan Creek and Ogan church in this county derived their name from that family. Thomas Rooney came to Wabash county in 1841, and at North Manchester was for some sixteen years employed in a hotel, where Miss Ogan also worked, and they met and were married as a result of the acquaintance begun in that way. In the early days Thomas Rooney had the regular duty of carrying mail over the Plank road on horseback. After his marriage at North Manchester he rented the land which is now in the farm of Albert Rooney, but subsequently moved to Kosciusko county, where he also was a renter for some time. During his residence in Kosciusko county besides Alfred two daughters were born, Mary and Lizzie, both now deceased. In 1865 Thomas Rooney returned to Wabash county, and bought the farm that his son James now occupies. His first purchase here was fifty acres, improved with a small frame house, and his industry subsequently cleared up most of the land and built substantial dwelling, barns and other structures. Both Thomas Rooney and his wife died on that, place, the father in 1893 and the mother in 1901. After their return to Wabash county two other children were born, Sadie, who is unmarried, and James, the son above mentioned.

Albert Rooney has been a resident of Wabash county for the past fifty years, and his education was acquired largely at Laketon. The family were in very moderate circumstances, and as all hands were required on the farm, he never attended school after he was twelve years of age, but has employed his native intelligence to advance him in the world of affairs and has suffered little disadvantage in competition with his fellowmen. At the age of twenty-five Mr. Rooney married Ella Hida, a daughter of Anderson and Catherine (Enyart) Hida. Most of the Albert Rooney farm was the old homestead of the Hida family, and Mrs. Rooney was born in Chester township of Wabash county. Previous to his marriage Mr. Rooney spent five years working on the railroad, and when ready to settle down in life bought the seventy-seven acres comprising his present home place. Besides that he now owns another tract of twenty-five acres nearby. When this land came into his possession only thirty-seven acres was in cultivation and he has since gradually extended the tillable area and has cleared up all but six acres. An old log house and log barn were the chief improvements when he and his wife began making a home there, and these have long since given way to more substantial buildings and the general improvements which add value to the land are too numerous to mention.

Mr. Rooney and wife have four children: Cora, Paul, Iva and Marian. The children are all at home, and all have received the best influences of home training and have been educated as well as the means of their parents could afford. The oldest child was born on the first place they lived on after their marriage, but the others were born at the present Rooney home. While Mr. Rooney's father was a member of the Catholic church, he has identified himself with the Church of God. His father was a democrat and the son adheres to the same party, but believes in voting for the best man. For four years, James Rooney, his brother, was honored with the office of trustee of Pleasant township.

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



HENRY A. SWEET.
The great fundamental industry of agriculture must ever constitute the basis of our national prosperity, and in this twentieth century the life of the farmer is one that is to be envied for its manifold advantages, its independence and its opportunities. Fortunate are they who, in peace and prosperity, are thus enabled to live "far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife," and Wabash county has its full quota of progressive and affluent agriculturists, with attractive homes and with privileges and accessories that were unknown to farm life even a generation ago. In Liberty township a popular citizen and representative farmer is Henry A. Sweet, and he is well entitled to recognition in this history.

Mr. Sweet claims the fine old Bluegrass state as the place of his nativity, and there his paternal and maternal ancestors settled in an early day. He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the 30th of October, 1861, and is a son of Marlin and Margaret (Boys) Sweet, both of whom passed their entire lives in Kentucky, the father having been a prosperous agriculturist in Fleming county, where both he and his wife died. Henry A. Sweet was but one year old at the time of his father's death and three years later his mother likewise passed to the life eternal. The orphaned child was taken into the home of his maternal grandparents by whom he was reared to adult age, in his native county, where he continued to attend the public schools until he had attained to the age of seventeen years. In 1880, at the age of nineteen years, Mr. Sweet came to Indiana and became a resident of Liberty township, Wabash county. His financial resources were to be designated only by their absence, and he did not possess even a good suit of clothes. Dependent upon his own exertions in making his way in the world, he bravely faced the conditions that obtained, and he began work as a farm hand, with compensation fixed at fifteen dollars a month. He continued to be in the employ of others until the time of his marriage, and in the meanwhile he had exercised the utmost economy, as evidenced by the fact that from his wages he had saved the sum of $800.00. At the time of his assumption of connubial responsibilities Mr. Sweet was employed as motorman on the street-car lines in the city of Marion, the judicial center of Grant county, and about one year after his marriage he returned to Wabash county, where he purchased forty-seven acres of land, in Liberty township, and initiated his independent career as an agriculturist and stock-grower. He has since added forty acres to his farm, and thus has a place of eighty-seven acres, upon which he has made excellent improvements and which he has brought under a fine state of productiveness, the attractive homestead being situated seven and one half miles southeast of Wabash. His farm is well stocked, and he has an automobile for the pleasure of his family. Success is the natural prerogative of such valiant personalities as Mr. Sweet, and he has achieved independence and definite prosperity through his own ability and well ordered endeavors, the while he has guided his course in such a way as to merit and receive the implicit confidence and respect of his fellow men, none of whom can justly fail to accord to him praise for what he has accomplished as a member of the world's noble army of productive workers.

In politics Mr. Sweet gave unswerving allegiance to the republican party until the national campaign of 1912, when he enlisted under the leadership of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and allied himself with the newly organized progressive party, the principles and policies of which are in accord with his judgment. Both he and his wife are zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of the official board of the church of this denomination at La Fontaine. The attractive family home is pervaded by hospitality and good cheer and is a favored rendezvous for the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Sweet and their popular daughter.

On the 22d of August, 1894, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sweet to Miss Lulu McNeil, who was born in the little village of America, Wabash county, on the 15th of December, 1872, and who is a daughter of Daniel and Laura (Thompson) McNeil, her father having been reared in Wabash county. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet have one daughter, Ruby L., who was born on the 7th of February, 1897, and who is a member of the class of 1915 in the high school at La Fontaine. She is a talented musician.

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



BENJAMIN BANISTER.
Among the progressive business men and representative citizens of La Fontaine and vicinity is Benjamin Banister, who is associated with his brothers in the management of a prosperous grain business at the village of Treaty. He is a native son of Wabash county, has found in this locality the opportunities for definite and worthy achievement along normal lines of enterprise, and for a number of years has been engaged in the buying and shipping of grain.

Benjamin Banister was born on a farm in Liberty township, Wabash county, August 18,1869, a son of John T. and Anna (Poston) Banister. His parents were both natives of Rush county, Indiana, and representatives of pioneer families. His father was for many years one of the substantial farmers of Wabash county, and is now retired from active labors after earnest and productive application, he and his wife having a pleasant home in the village of La Fontaine. Of their eight children four are living: Joseph, Benjamin and Harry, all associated in the grain business at Treaty, and Elizabeth, the wife of Albert S. Crawford of La Fontaine. The earliest memories of Benjamin Banister are associated with the old homestead on which he was reared and in the work of which he early began to lend his aid. He attended school during the winter months and devoted the intermediate seasons to the work of the home farm until he attained the age of seventeen. Mr. Banister has been dependent upon his own resources in winning for himself a position of independence and prosperity, and his early experiences gave him an appreciation of the dignity and value of honest toil and endeavor. His independent career began as a farmer on rented land, and he showed his original enterprise by purchasing a hay baler and operated it on different farms for several seasons. This experience was followed by his beginning as a buyer and shipper of grain, and his energies and abilities have found ample outlet in this work and have placed him among the substantial business leaders of this county. Mr. Banister realizes fully the duties of both private and civic life, and his course has been guided by the strictest principles of integrity and honor, so that he well merits the high esteem in which he is held. A broadminded citizen, entirely without ostentation, he pursues his duties in a manner to make him useful, but at the same time he has never shown a desire for political prominence, although an active member of the republican party and with a record in local offices that he has accepted as a matter of duty. Mr. Banister served four years as assessor of Liberty township, and is a member of the village council of La Fontaine. At primary elections in 1914 he was nominated by the republicans for the office of county auditor. Mr. Banister owns a well improved farm of 160 acres in the southwest quarter of Section 20, Liberty township. He and his family are earnest members of the Christian church.

In November, 1890, Mr. Banister married Miss Neva Lane, who was born in Miami county, Indiana. At the age of five years she accompanied her parents to Wabash county, and was reared and educated in this county. Of the four children horn to their union three are living: Catherine, who graduated from the La Fontaine high school, has been a successful teacher, and is now in the class of 1915 at the Indiana State Normal School at Muncie; Madge, who is a graduate of the La Fontaine high school and is the wife of Lawrence Blood, of Wabash; and Mary A., a student in the high school at La Fontaine.

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



Deb Murray