"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

SOLOMON SAYLER was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 26, 1825, one of seven children born to John and Elizabeth (Ray) Sayler, natives of Maryland and Virginia, and born August 23, 1779, and March 24, 1795, respectively. In 1807, John Sayler moved to Preble County, and as a millwright, assisted in the erection of some of its earliest mills. He served under Gen. Wayne in the war of 1812, at Fort Wayne and in Northwestern Ohio. He was married in Preble County, bought 160 acres of land, and led a farmer's life till his decease in January, 1856. Solomon Sayler, our subject, was fairly educated in his youth, and among his early teachers, about 1832, was Albert Sherman, father of Gen. W. T. Sherman. November 50, 1845, Mr. Sayler married Ann C. Brandenbury, who was born in Maryland February 20, 1827, and was a daughter of John and Ann M. (Berry) Brandenbury, natives of the same State, and born respectively March 19, 1799, and December 29, 1808. For a short time Mr. Sayler farmed on shares, but in 1857 bought a farm of eighty acres in Preble County, which he worked till 1860, when he moved to this township and bought 160 acres. Here Mrs. Sayler died March 7, 1832, leaving six children - Joseph, Ira, Parthenia (now Mrs. G. W. Adams), John, Aaron and Martha. She was a member of the Christian Church, to which Mr. Sayler also belongs, and she was an affectionate wife and loving mother.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

ISAAC SCHRADER was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 14, 1840, one of sixteen children born to Martin and Fannie (Kaatz) Schrader, natives respectively of Germany and Pennsylvania. Martin Schrader was a carpenter, and came to Columbia City in 1845, where he worked at his trade about three years, and then bought a farm in Columbia Township, and resided there till his death, September, 1863. Isaac Schrader, our subject, worked on his father's farm till twenty-two years old, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company F, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in all its engagements except the battle at Jackson, Miss., which occurred while he was in convalescent camp at Memphis. He was mustered out at Indianapolis, in July, 1865, and September 21, the same year, married Mary A. Compton, who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, March 1, 1841, the daughter of James and Orpha (Mossman) Compton, natives of that State. Mr. Schrader owns a well-improved farm of 232 acres in this township, where he has resided ever since his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Schrader are members of the Church of God, and of Spring Run Grange, No. 1892. In politics, he is a Republican.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

WILLIAM SHAW was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, September 7, 1825, the eldest of ten children born to Gilbert and Matilda (McCain) Shaw, the former born in Ireland, December 12, 1794, and the latter in New Jersey September 17, 1801. Gilbert Shaw came to this country in 1819, and settled in Muskingum County, then a wilderness. Here he married December 23, 1824. In 1845, he and family came to this county, and bought 160 acres of land in this township, and died here July 30, 1872, and his wife died August 5, the same year. They were Presbyterians, and Mr. Shaw had been an Elder in the church for many years, and was, besides, an Orangeman. William Shaw, our subject, received the ordinary education, and at the age of twenty-one, his father deeded him half the homestead farm, and after the death of his parents he received the other half. He still lives on the farm, and owns 185 acres highly-improved land. September 13, 1855, he married Adaline McClure, born in Shelby County, Ohio, August 9, 1829, and daughter of John and Paley McClure. She died December 29, 1858, leaving her husband two children - Mary E. (now Mrs. J. S. Wheeler) and John N. January 31, 1861, Mr. Shaw married Mary S. Mayo, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, November 15, 1837, the daughter of John R. and Nancy J. (Smith) Mayo, both natives of Virginia. Three children were born to this marriage, two of whom are living - Charles R. and Matilda J. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Shaw is a Democrat.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

JAMES H. SHAW was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 16, 1829, and is one of ten children born to Gilbert and Matilda (McCain) Shaw. Gilbert settled in Muskingum County in 1819, then an unbroken wilderness. Here he married December 23, 1824, and emigrated with his wife and nine children to this county in 1845, settled on 160 acres of unimproved land, built a cabin and cleared his farm. He was a member of the order of Orangemen, and he and wife members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was also for many years, an Elder. He died on his farm July 30, 1872, and his wife followed him the fifteenth of the succeeding August. James H. Shaw worked on the old farm till he was twenty-one, and then for about two years worked out at $10 per month. October 14, 1852, he married Prudence P. Jolley, daughter of Absalom and Phebe Jolley, and a native of Mansfield, Ohio. They have had three children - Phebe C., Nancy M. (now Mrs. H. Briggs) and Mary J. After his marriage, Mr. Shaw settled on 120 acres unimproved land, deeded to him by his father, in this township. To this he has added till he now owns 260 acres of wel1-improved land. Mrs. Shaw was a Presbyterian, and died August 14, 1859. Mr. Shaw again married, taking to wife, December 23, 1861. Catharine A. Jerome, born in Greene County, N. Y., May 7, 1842, and daughter of William and Alida (Hallenbeck) Jerome, natives of the same State. Mr. Shaw is the father of five children - Ida J., Stephen D., Myrta E., Fred H. and May A. Mr. Shaw is a Democrat, and was Assessor and Real Estate Appraiser of the township five or six years, and is now serving as County Commissioner.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

ISAAC SHEAFER was born in Cumberland County, Penn., November 17, 1831, and is one of nine children born to Samuel and Susan (Keigley) Sheafer, natives of the same county, where they were married, and where he died in 1850, a member of the Lutheran Church. Isaac Sheafer, our subject, received a fair common-school education, and at the age of seventeen commenced learning the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1851, he came to Fort Wayne, and for six years worked at his trade with his brother, William G. March 16, 1853, he married Rosanna Wilcox, born in Fort Wayne June 17, 1835, the daughter of Garner and Theodosia (Filley) Wilcox, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sheafer are the parents of nine living children, viz.: Charles H., George T., John W., William J., Sarah E., Altha L., Mary and Martha (twins) and Burgh. In 1857, Mr. Sheafer came to Columbia City, followed his trade till 1860, moved to what is now Etna Township, then moved to Troy Township in 1862, thence to Jefferson Township, and finally, in 1865, to this township. In 1867, he bought his present farm. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is also a member of Columbia City Lodge, No. 189, A., F. & A. M. In politics, he is a Republican, and in 1850 was elected Treasurer of Columbia City.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

WILLIAM SMITH was born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 4, 1837, one of eight children born to Henry and Catharine (Leppla) Smith, respectively born in Germany January 1, 1801, and September, 1815. About 1839 or 1840, Henry Smith emigrated to the United States, and settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he worked for James Patterson seven years, for $100 per year. After two years' residence here, he sent to Germany for his wife and family. Mr. Smith subsequently bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Tuscarawas County, and cleared a farm which, in 1852, he sold for $1,200. He then moved to the Reservoir Farm near Massillon, owned by Martial D. Wellman, for whom he worked two years, receiving for the services of himself and our subject, his son, $300 per year. The fall of 1854, he moved to Smith Township, this county, and bought eighty acres of wild land of Louis Bose, for whom he cleared adjoining lands in part payment. Here he has ever since resided, and is hale and hearty in his eighty-second year. William Smith received about eight months' schooling, but has now a fair education, being self-taught. He worked on his father's farm till twenty-one, and then for two and a half years worked out by the month. June 4, 1861, he married Mary E. Van Houten, born in Smith Township, September 17, 1839, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Ashley) Van Houten, natives of Ashland County, Ohio. To this union there were no children. The lady died at her home in Coesse June 4, 1871, and is buried near her parents in the cemetery close by that town. October 14, 18i2, Mr. Smith married Catharine Wolfangle, born in Richland County, Ohio, in ,November, 1851, daughter of Frederick and Catharine H. Wolfangle, from Germany. By this union our subject has two living children, Nettie and Martha. After his first marriage, he rented a farm for two years; in 1863, he moved to Coesse, and worked eighteen months in a saw-mill; then got out wood for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, under contract for three years; then worked for Olds & Son, of Fort Wayne, buying spokes, for two years; then engaged in shipping hoop-poles to Chicago on his own account for about three years: in 1872, engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of Smith & Colten; in the spring of 1876, engaged in the same trade under the firm name of Smith & Mossman. This firm now receive the lumber from ten mills, and shipped during the last year 3,000,000 feet. Mr. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal, and Mrs. Smith of the German Lutheran Church. In politics, he is a Republican.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

ROBERT SPEAR, JR., was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 11, 1815, the youngest of five children born to Robert and Margaret (McClure) Spear, born in South Carolina about 1786, and October 24, 1787, respectively, and there married. About 1806, they moved to Miami County, Ohio, then quite a wilderness, and bought a farm, on which he died in December, 18 1841. Mrs. Spear is still living, and resides with her son Jesse in Smith Township, this county. Our subject lived with his mother till sixteen, when he went to learn blacksmithing, serving three years, and then working as a journeyman three years longer. He was married in Shelby County, Ohio, May 25, 1837, to Sarah Akin, born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 6, 1817, one of eight children of James and Ann (Fox) Akin, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Immediately after marriage, Mr. Spear started a shop in Fort Wayne, under the firm name of Cook & Spear; in 1839, sold out to his partner, and started another shop on his own account; in May, 1850, traded for the farm of 160 acres in this township where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Spear are the parents of nine children - James A. was a member of Company B, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the war; enlisted as a private and was mustered out as captain of his company; died at home in Columbia City, leaving a wife and one child, January 21, 1866; John R., a member of the Fifth Indiana Battery, died in hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 16, 1862; George W., died at his home in this township, March 19, 1870, in his twenty-sixth year; Charles H., who died at his father's home October 17, 1864, in his seventeenth year; Martha A., now Mrs. Samuel Briggs; Oliver H.; Mary J., afterward Mrs. H. W. Miller, died at her home in Thorn Creek Township in November, 1876, leaving two children; and two others who died in infancy. Mr. Spear is a Republican, and for many years was a Trustee of the township, and for eight years Justice of the Peace.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

OLIVER H. SPEAR was born in Union Township, Whitley County, Ind., September 25, 1852, and is one of nine children born to Robert and Sarah (Akin) Spear, natives of Ohio. Robert Spear came to Fort Wayne, Allen County, in a very early day, and remained there about fifteen years; then he moved to this township and bought 160 acres unimproved land, built a house, and cleared up a farm, and here he has ever since resided. He was Justice of the Peace for the township for eight years, and also Trustee of the same for eight years. Oliver H. Spear, the subject of this sketch, received the ordinary common-school education in his youth, and worked on his father's farm till he was twenty-three years of age. September 30, 1875, he married Ida I. Barney, a native of New York, where she was born July 9, 1853, the daughter of Everett W. and Mary (Fulton) Barney, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Spear have two children - Laura A. and Sarah A. After his marriage, Mr. Spear farmed his father's place on shares for two years, and in 1877 bought the farm of eighty acres in this township, where he now lives. In politics, he is a Republican, and is one of the rising young farmers of his township.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

ANDREW TAYLOR was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, March 10, 1823, one of eleven children born to Ebenezer and Margaret (Foster) Taylor, natives of Allegheny County, Penn., and Guernsey County, Ohio, respectively. Ebenezer came to Ohio at a very early day, married in Guernsey County, and afterward moved to his farm in Coshocton, and there died, May 14, 1842, his wife following August 17, both members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Taylor was born in 1779, and served in the war of 1812. Andrew Taylor, our subject, worked with his father till twenty years of age, then farmed by the month for two years. November 10, 1844, he married Susan Day, born in Coshocton County, August 28, 1825, and daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Ault) Day, natives of New Jersey and Ohio. To this union were born eight children, viz.: Mary E. (now Mrs. McConnell), Ebenezer, Lucy J. (now Mrs. Watson), Frances (now Mrs. Keiser), Burtney, Edward E., Oliver P. and Ellen O. In 1845, he moved to Green County, Wis., then returned within a few months to Coshocton. In 1854, he moved to Pulaski County, Ind., where he owned 160 acres, but disliked the country, and, without unloading his goods, came on to this township, bought eighty acres, and settled down. He has increased his farm to 200 acres, all now under an advanced state of cultivation. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

GEORGE W. TAYLOR, JR., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 19,1848; one of eight children of George W. and Esther Taylor, natives of Maryland and Kentucky. George W. Taylor, Sr. was married at Cleveland, and owned and ran two boats on the Ohio Canal, for about twenty years; afterward moved to Fairfield County, and ran a farm and hotel for about twelve years, and again kept hotel in Columbus for six years. In 1859, he brought his family to this township, and bought a farm of 200 acres, on which our subject now resides. He removed in 1876 to Richland Township, and still lives there. Mrs. Esther Taylor died in Richland March 26, 1879. George W. Taylor, our subject, received a common-school education, and worked for his father until of age. October 23, 1869, he married Grace A. Depoy, a native of Franklin, Ohio, and born in 1844, of William and Adeline (Franklin) Depoy, natives of Virginia. They had one child - William W. Mrs. Taylor died at her home in Coesse, October 23, 1873, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Taylor again married, July 1, 1876, selecting for his bride Martha J. Lewis, of Marshall County, Ind. She is the daughter of William and Martha (White) Lewis, natives of Maryland. To their union have been born three children, viz., Bertha M., Marietta and George T. Mr. Taylor is a Republican, and for two years has been Constable of Union Township.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

LUKE TOUSLEY was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., August 14, 1831, one of twelve children, born to David and Ann N. (Noyes) Tousley, natives of Vermont and New York. David Tousley was a member of the New York Militia in 1812. In 1835, he moved to Knox County, Ohio, and the following spring to Section 12, on the New York & Erie Canal. He worked at various points on the canal about two and one-half years, and in Hamilton and Butler Counties, Ohio, until June, 1843, when he came to this township, bought 120 acres of unimproved land, and subsequently added 160 more. In the spring of 1855 he made a trip to Missouri, and died, supposedly of cholera, on board a steamboat on the Missouri River. Luke Tousley, our subject, worked on the homestead farm until two years after his father's death, and then married, January 1, 1857, Susanna L. Wiles, who was born in Hardin County, Ohio, December 5, 1839, of David and Margaret A. (Sines) Wiles, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Tousley are the parents of two children Clara A. (now Mrs. M. G. Walker), and Susanna V. A. He owns 205 acres of good land, 160 being part of the old homestead. In 1880, he started a general mercantile business in Coesse, which he is still following with success. Mr. and Mrs. Tousley are members of the Christian Church, and in politics Mr. Tousley is a Republican.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

WILLIAM WALKER was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 3, 1832, and is the only surviving child of six born to George and Ruth (Park) Walker, both natives of Ireland. George Walker came to the United States in 1816, and was married in Pennsylvania. Subsequently he came to Richland County, Ohio, where he bought a tract of unimproved land, which he cleared up and occupied, also purchasing land in Huron County. In the fall of 1838, he removed with his family to this township, where he purchased and cleared 160 acres of land, the same on which our subject now lives - afterward entering 180 acres and purchasing 160 acres more, making a total of 500. For many years he was one of the Township Trustees under the old constitution, and also Trustee under the constitution of 1852. His wife died September 11, 1854, in the Presbyterian faith. In October, 1855, Mr. Walker married Mrs. Cornelia (Cleavland-Bonestel) Travis, a native of New York. She also died at her home in this township, and for a third time Mr. Walker took to himself a wife, in January, 1867 - Elizabeth Hoy, a native of England. In May, 1867, Mr. Walker died, a member of the Presbyterian Church. William Walker, our subject, has lived on the old homestead ever since coming to the State, and now owns 259 acres. He was married, April 15, 1858, to Dorothy J. McGinley, who was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., July 11, 1838, the daughter of Michael and Rosanna (Edgar) McGinley. To them have been born eight, children- Matthew E., Anna M., John M., Effie M., Alice M., Alfred M., William T. and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Presbyterian Church and of Spring Run Grange, No. 1892, and in politics he is a Republican.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

NOAH R. WENGER, M. D., was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., March 25, 1852, one of seven children born to Joseph and Leah (Hartzler) Wenger, the former a native of Switzerland, born December 11, 1817, and the latter of Pennsylvania, born March 26, 1823. Joseph Wenger came to Elkhart County in 1851, remained about two years, and then removed to Clearspring Township, LaGrange County, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which he has increased to 122 acres, and where he now resides. N. R. Wenger, our subject, remained on this farm till he was twenty years of age, when he went to Ligonier and studied dentistry for two years under Dr. Gantz, and then commenced to read medicine with Dr. J. W. Jennings, of Millersburg, Elkhart County. In 1814, he attended lectures at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. In the spring of 1875, he commenced practice at Donovan, Ind., and in the fall of the same year came to Coesse, this county, where he has since been continuously engaged at his profession. The winter of 1880, he attended another course of lectures at, and graduated from, the college named above. In 1879, he started a drug store at Coesse, which he has conducted in connection with his practice. He was married, March 28, 1878, to Augusta E. Emrick, born in Allen County, Ind., November 21, 1858. She is the daughter of Charles G. and Augustina (Peaters) Emrick, natives of Germany. They have one living daughter, Maud E. The Doctor is a selfmade man, is a Republican, and was that party's nominee for Coroner in 1880.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

ELIAS WINTER was born in Lebanon County, Penn., October 24, 1815, one of five children born to John and Mary (Zegley) Winter, both natives of above county. Elias Winter's grandfathers, paternal and maternal, were soldiers in the war of the Revolution. John Winter moved with his family to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1831, where he bought 160 acres of land, and where he died in 1862, his wife following in 1864. Our subject received the ordinary education of his day, and worked on his father's farm till he reached the age of twenty-two years, and then worked on his own account at job work till 1841, when he came to this township and bought 200 acres of unimproved land, on which he at present resides. He then returned to Ohio, and October 23, 1845, married Maria Wallmer, who was born in Lebanon County, Penn., May 22, 1825, the daughter of George and Catherine (Miller-Shuey) Wallmer, also natives of Lebanon County. To this union were born twelve children, of whom there are now living the following: John, George, Amanda A. (now Mrs. Samuel Rouch), Catherine (now Mrs. N. Miles), Benjamin and Simon. In 1854, he returned to his land in this township, going back to Ohio in 1859, to care for his father and mother, and returning permanently in 1865. Mrs. Winter died here - September 27, 1866, and January 30, 1868. Mr. Winter married Mrs. Ann (Bonewitz) Johnson, born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 3, 1827, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Franks) Bonewitz. Mr. Winter is a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife of the M. E. Church. He now owns 400 acres of well-improved land, and is a leading farmer in the township.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

ADAM YAGEL was born in Germany in September, 1809, and was one of five children born to David and Elizabeth (Creshebaum) Yagel. Our subject when fourteen began an apprenticeship of five years as carpenter, and worked in Germany at his trade till 1836, when he emigrated to this country, and for the first two years after his arrival worked at farming on shares in New York and New Jersey; then moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and worked at his trade till 1844; then moved with his wife and family to Thorn Creek Township and settled on 120 acres of unimproved land. In 1865, he sold this farm and bought one in Jefferson Township, and again sold in 1869 and bought 180 acres in this township, on which he now lives. Mr. Yagel was married in Germany in the spring of 1836 to Eve M. Catmyre, and to this union have been born seven children: Adam, Catharine (now Mrs. R. Walker), Elizabeth (afterward Mrs. F. Rice, and died in 1869, leaving one child), Lydia A. (now Mrs. G. Johnson), Henry, Maria (now Mrs. W. A. Allen), and John, who died in his eighteenth year. Mrs. Eve Yagel died in this township November 5, 1880, Mr. Yagel has followed his trade in connection with farming, and his work may be seen on some of the best buildings in Columbia City and other part of the county. In politics. he is a Democrat.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

MICHAEL YOHE was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 5, 1835, and is the eldest of eleven children born to Barnet and Mary (Engle) Yohe, born respectively in Washington County, Penn., April 13, 1813, and Stark County, Ohio, in 1816. When but fourteen years of age, Barnet Yohe came to Stark with his parents and settled on land his father had entered in 1801. Here he was married and here he died in July, 1865. He has been Township Assessor and Deputy Treasurer, and was a member of the M. E. Church. Michael Yohe, our subject, worked on his father's farm and in his coal mine till twenty-one years of age, and then worked out by the month. He was married October 20, 1856, to Harriet Deckard born in Stark County, October 14, 1834, and daughter of David and Catherine (Brown) Deckard, from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Yohe are the parents of four children, viz., William, Mary C., Byron and Orpha. The first winter after marrying, Mr. Yohe worked in his father's coal mine; the spring of 1857, moved to Canton and worked for the manufacturing firm of Ball, Aultman & Co. till the fall of 1859; then moved to this township and settled on eighty acres unimproved land, which had been deeded to him by his father. He has since added to the farm and now owns 160 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics a Republican.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Union Township

JACOB A. BAKER is the son of Peter and Catharine Baker, of Germany, where Peter was born in 1801, and his wife in 1811, and where they were married in 1828. In 1849, they emigrated into Whitley County and settled on Section 35, Washington Township, remaining there ti11 he died March 22, 1866, and she November 26, 1869, leaving a family of six children - Peter, Catharine, Jacob A., Elizabeth, Margaret and Mary A. Our subject was born in the old country October 8, 1836, and accompanied his parents to this county, and at their death bought the homestead. July 20, 1871, he married Catharine Gelzleichter born in Germany June 19, 1846, of John and Elizabeth Gelzleichter, who were born in 1811 and 1817, respectively, and who came to Whitley in 1853, where he died in 1867, she moving to Huntington, Ind., where she still lives. On his marriage, Jacob A. Baker took his bride home to the old farm, on which they stil1 reside. In 1874, he was elected County Treasurer, and during his term of four years took up his residence at Columbia City, and then returned to his farm, which consists of 120 acres. He also served five years as Township Assessor. He and wife are members of the German Catholic Church, and have had three children - Mary C., Josephine M. and Theresa M. (deceased).

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

PETER BAKER, son of Peter and Rebecca Baker, was born in Germany October 20, 1832. At the age of sixteen, he came with his parents to this county, and with them remained till about twenty-nine years of age. During this period he bought for himself a farm of forty acres, and July 17, 1862, was married to Catharine Ritinger, who was born in Germany July 17, 1839. He and wife settled on the farm, and there remained till the spring of 1878, when he sold out and purchased his present farm of eighty acres on Section 24, this township, upon which he has since resided. He is an enterprising farmer and progressive in his views. He and family belong to the Catholic Church. Their children are twelve in number, viz., Peter, Catharine, Fred W., F. Joseph, Philip, Clara, Michael and Jacob (twins, and both dead), Lizzie, Caroline, Catharine and Allie J.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

R. B. BOLLINGER is the fourth child of Daniel and Elizabeth Bollinger, and was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 1, 1840. His father was born in Lancaster, Penn., April, 1810, and his mother in Stark County, Ohio, April, 1813, and in the latter place they were married in 1832, and have had eight children. Our subject, R. B., was married there October 2, 1864, to Sophia Mohler, a native of the county, and was born August 4, 1843, the next eldest in a family of seven children. The pair remained in their county three years after their marriage, then removed to Summit County, resided there a year, then returned to Stark, and finally, in 1876, moved to this township, and settled on 160 acres in Section 19. He has proved himself a valuable addition to the community, and his wife has the esteem of all her neighbors. They both belong to the German Baptist Church, and are the parents of six children, viz.: Clara O., Emma, Orilla, Isaac, Phebe E. and Nora.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

AURIEL F. CHAVEY is the son of Jacques and Catherine Chavey, natives of France, born respectively September 3, 1820, and October 2, 1836. They were married in Buffalo, N. Y., October 18, 1851. The husband worked as a carpenter in that city till 1854, when he moved to Whitley County, on his father-in-law's farm, where he remained two years, and then bought his present farm of 180 acres in Washington Township. His children number ten - Auriel F., Emilie C., Peter, Frederick, Mary E., Jacques, Louise F., George A., Blanche A. and Charlie X. Our subject, the eldest, was born at Buffalo December 17, 1852, and came here with his parents. He was married January 3, 1875, to Malinda Sherer, born in Whitley April 7, 1857, and youngest child of John and Maria Sherer, natives of Germany. Mr. Chavey now holds the office of Justice of the Peace, is a member of the U. B. Church, and is the father of two children, viz.: Edith, born October, 24, 1875, and Lizzie, born October 2, 1878. Mr. Chavey has a firm hold upon the respect of his neighbors.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

PETER CREAGER is the son of Peter and Elizabeth Creager, natives of Maryland, the father's birth occurring in 1777, and the mother's in 1789. They moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1812. They then took up their residence in Whitley County, Ind., in 1836. Their death occurred in Cleveland Township, where they first settled. Mr. Creager died March 16, 1849, and his wife April 5, 1870. In their family were twelve children. Peter, the subject, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 26, 1829, came with his parents to this county, and has since made it his abiding place. January 1, 1854, he married Melissa J. Williamson, a native of Ohio, born May 22, 1835. He remained on the home farm until about 1855, when he bought and removed to his farm of 160 acres in this township. Mrs. Melissa Creager died December 25, 1865, and August 30, 1866, the subject was married to his second wife, Margaret Chamberlin, born in Wayne County July 31, 1842, by whom he has two children - Margaret M. and Arthur C. His first wife bore him three children-Victoria E. (now deceased), Lida A and Joseph L. Mr. and Mrs. Creager belong to the Church of the United Brethren, and he has given efficient service in the office of Township Trustee.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

WILLIAM CUPP, son of Casper and Barbara Cupp, was born in Germany October 8, 1827. In 1851, he emigrated to Pennsylvania; thence he went to Mahoning County, Ohio, and thence to Stark County, where he was married January 17, 1853, to Mary Gross, born in Mahoning County August 15, 1834, and daughter of Henry and Mary Gross. Some time after marriage, he moved from Stark to Crawford County; then, in 1863, came to this township, and settled on eighty acres in Section 2, where he has since made his home. He has a family of ten children, born and named in the following order: Louisa, Katie, Mary, John, Emma, William, Lewis, Lydia, Mattie and Paulina. His wife departed this life on the 19th of August, 1879, since when our subject has not seen fit to remarry. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is looked upon with respect by his neighbors.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

LEWIS DEEMS was born in Richland County, Ohio, in February, 1827, one of seven children of Jacob and Mary (Overdear) Deems, natives of Washington County, Penn., with whom he remained till he reached the age of twenty-two years. In 1850, he made a trip to California, and was engaged in mining for two years, and on his return formed a partnership with Jacob Overdear, and bought 300 acres of land in Steuben County, Ind., erected a sawmill, carding works, and a grist-mill, and ran them till 1856, when the partnership was dissolved, and he removed to this township, where he bought forty acres of partly improved land, on which he now resides, and which he has increased to ninety acres. He is a member of the Disciples' Church, is a Republican in politics, and filled the office of Trustee of Monroe Township, Steuben County, for four years. In December, 1852, he was married in Richland County, Ohio, to Elizabeth Ihrig, of Wayne County, Ohio, and to their union were born three children, two of whom are yet living, viz., Ann and Warren J.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

JOHN DECKER was born in Centre County, Penn., March 14, 1825; the son of Benjamin and Rachel Decker, natives of the same county, and born, respectively, in 1794 and 1797, and there married in 1816. In 1828, the family moved to Stark County, Ohio, where the mother died in April, 1878, and where the father is still living. Their children numbered ten, as follows: Catharine, Jacob, Rachel, Sarah H., John, David, Elizabeth, Mary A., Christina and Henry. Our subject remained at home till about 1848, when he came to this township, and three years after bought the farm where he now lives, on Section 32. On the 8th of June, 1851, he married Ellen V. Crouse, born in Westmoreland County, Penn., January 10, 1833, and daughter of Barney and Christina Crouse, natives of Pennsylvania, and born, respectively in 1801 and 1798. This couple came to Allen County, this State, in 1845, where the mother died in April, 1862, and the father just fourteen days later. They had a family of ten children, viz., Samuel, Eli, Isaac, Catharine N., Lucy A. (all deceased); Ellen N., Henson, Jessa, David and George (the last also dead). After marriage, our subject moved on his farm of 160 acres, where he still resides. He and wife are respected members of society, and belong to the M. E. Church. Their children numbered eight, and were named as follows: Henry, Mary C., Louisa, Benjamin F. (deceased), Isabel, Amanda M. (who died when a few days old) and Nora J.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

HENRY EMERY was born in Fayette County, Penn., August 19, 1809, the son of John and Elizabeth Emery, the former born July 30, 1775, and the latter January 24, 1772, both in the State of New Jersey. They were married in Bedford County, Penn., November 16, 1798, and some time after moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where Mrs. Emery died in June, 1845. Mr. Emery remarried and moved to Huntington County, this State, where he departed this life June 14, 1860, his family consisting of eight children, viz.: Jacob, Peter, Sarah, George (all dead), John, Henry, Isaac (dead) and Elizabeth. Our subject came with his parents to Ohio, in which State he was married, October 22, 1835, to Catharine Bechley, born in Schuylkill County, Penn., February 25,1812. Our subject removed from Ohio, in 1844, to this township, and settled on Section 29, on the farm he now occupies, and which consists of 180 acres of well-cultivated land. By his marriage with Miss Bechley he became the father of three children - Sabina, Mary and Thomas. He and wife are members of the Disciples' Church, and are well respected in the community in which they live.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

D. C. FISHER was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 29, 1839, the son of William C. and Charlotte Fisher, both born in 1806, and natives of England and Canada respectively. They were married in Canada in 1829, and moved to Wayne County about 1836; remained there about ten years and then removed to Stark County; in 1861, they came to Miami County, this State, where the father died in May, 1868, and where the mother now lives on the homestead farm, the mother of nine children. In January, 1862, in Miami County, our subject enlisted ion Company F, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front. He came home on a furlough and married Phebe E. Thompson, July 19, 1862, and then returned and served in his regiment till the close of the war. On his return, he moved to Whitley County, near Columbia City; remained there seven years, and then came to this township and settled in Section 9, on a rented farm, and soon after bought the sixty acre farm where he now resides, and moved on in 1877. His wife died here May 24, 1879, and June 20, 1880, he married Mrs. Lucy A. Crins. His farm is in fine condition and he has a very comfortable home, with a prosperous future before him.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

ENOS GOBLE was born in Perry County, Ohio, February 4, 1833; his father, Peter R. Goble, was born in New Jersey , June 8, 1785, and his mother, Mary, was born in Virginia May, 1797. The parents were married in Perry County, Ohio, and remained there till 1853, when they came to this county, where the mother died in December, 1865, and the father in November, 1877. Of the family of nine children born to them, Enos, the subject of this sketch, was next the youngest. July 31, 1853, he married Rachel Westall, who was born in Ohio September 8, 1834, and came to Whitley County and settled on the farm where he now lives. It comprises 160 acres, and is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Goble have had born to them thirteen children: Alonzo B., Mary C. (deceased), Sarah L. (deceased), Alice O. (deceased), George W., James J., Samuel W., Enoch E. (deceased), Enos E. (twin-brother of Enoch), Amelia A. (deceased), Charles W., Augusta E., and Susan I. Mr. Goble has held the office of Township Trustee for thirteen years, and has filled the position to the entire satisfaction of its citizens; he also served as Assessor for two years.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township

JOHN GROSS is the son of Henry and Mary Gross, born in Germany in 1803 and 1805 respectively, and married in Columbiana County, Ohio, November, 1832. About 1839, they moved to Stark County, and a short time after to Crawford County, where the father died in 1861. In 1865, the mother moved with her family to Section No.1, Washington Township, this county, where she is spending her declining days with the subject of our sketch. She had seven children: Mary (deceased), Catharine, Lewis, Anna (deceased), John, Louisa (deceased) and Jacob. Our subject was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 1, 1844, came to this county with his mother, and bought the homestead of 100 acres in Washington Township. January 14, 1869, he married Margaret Bennett, who was born March 12, 1851, and by her has had six children - John H., Frederick, Lewis, Esther R., William H. and Mary A. Mr. Gross is one of the rising young men of the township, and has already held the office of Township Assessor for three years.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Washington Township