LEWIS GROSS, son of Henry and Mary Gross, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 13, 1842, and at seven years of age was taken by his parents to Stark County, thence to Crawford County. In 1861, he came to this county and engaged for a number of years at carpentering. He then visited Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, and in 1867 returned to Whitley and resumed his trade. In 1868, he erected a saw-mill in this township, on Section 11, and was married at Columbia City, October 4, 1869, to Mary A. Redman, daughter of Henry J. and Catharine Redman, and born in Stark County, Ohio, June 18, 1852. He then took up his residence with his mother near his mill, ran the latter four years, sold it, bought another two miles west, ran it five years, sold out, bought another in Jefferson Township, remained there until 1882, then moved it to this township, and is doing an extensive business. He owns, besides, forty-four acres of land, and has a family of five children, viz., Lavina J., Jacob S., Catharine M., Dora L. and Mary E. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Forest Lodge. No. 546, and has filled the office of Justice of the Peace, as well as other positions of official trust.

"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


A. C. and THOMAS E. HALL are manufacturers of drain tile on Section 24, Washington Township. They are the sons of Dr. John F. and Prudence Hall, the former of whom was born in Fayette County, Ind., November 29, 1827, and the latter in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 14, 1824, and were married in Rush County, Ind., October 9, 1851, where the husband died March 23, 1866. In November, the same year, Mrs. Hall remained with her family to the farm of seventy-eight and one-fourth acres in the township named above. Her family consisted of six children - A. C., born September 5, 1852; Thomas E., born February 23, 18.55; John D., born April 10, 1857, and died September 9, 1861; M. J., born November 22, 1859; S. A., born November 2, 1862, and died March 5, 1863; Ida G., born October 27, 1864 . Our subjects manage the farm, and also do an extensive business in their tile factory . A. C. was married July 3, 1881, to Isabella F. Freeman, born in Kosciusko County, Ind., March 24, 1858, daughter of Robert and Nancy Freeman. Her father was born in February, 1822, her mother December 23, 1832. They were married in 1849, and still reside in Kosciusko County, Ind. Thomas E. Hall is not yet married. The brothers established their tile factory in 1873, and have done and are doing much toward the drainage of the countrv.

"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 HALTERMAN is the son of George and Elizabeth Halterman, natives of Virginia, both born in Highland County, he July 11, 1788, and she March 28, 1799, and there married. In 1817, they moved to Champaign County, Ohio, where she died in April, 1838, and he in July, 1867. They had a family of eight children - Eleanor, Samuel, Isaac, Sarah, Jane, Margaret and Lewis (twins), and Elizabeth. Lewis, our subject, was born in Champaign County March 18, 1833, and when about twenty-eight years of age came to St. Joseph County, Ind., where he was married, October 19, 1856, to Ellen E. Valentine, whom he took back to Champaign and there remained till 1861, when he sold out, moved to this county, and settled in Section 15, Washington Township, on the farm of 115 acres where he now lives. May 12, 1879, his wife obtained a divorce, and December 30, 1880, he married Elizabeth Heller, who was born in Franklin County, Penn., April 15, 1841. Mr. Halterman is a member of the I. O. O. F., in the third degree, and belongs to the lodge at Forest; he is also a member of the U. B. Church. He had five children by his first wife. viz.: Mary J., Margaret A., Clara A., Emma I. and Winna V.

"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


JEFFERSON HANELINE was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 11, 18H. His father, Thomas Haneline, was born in Pennsylvania in 1813, and his mother Sarah Haneline, in Stark County, Ohio, in 1814. They were married in Stark, and in 1843 moved to Huntington County, this State, where the father died in 1872. The mother then moved with her family to Whitley County and bought a farm on Section 30, this township, where she now lives. Jefferson, our subject, was the eldest of her nine children, and he remained at home until October, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served out his time of enlistment. On his return home to Huntington County, he married, April 14, 1864, Elizabeth J. Creager, who was born in this county April 22, 1842. He then went to farming on land he had previously bought in this county, but in 1865 sold it and bought eighty acres in this township, where he still resides. His children number nine, as follows: Almeda A., Mary S., Clara M., Mana A., Elmer W., Jennie A., Orphia F. (deceased), Hattie G. and Leroy H., and the family are well esteemed.

"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


JACKSON HANELINE, son of Thomas and Sarah Haneline, was born in Huntington County, Ind., August 28, 1852, and was there reared. In 1875, he came to Whitley County, where he has remained ever since. He was married in this township, February 3, 1878, to Sarah Montavon, who was a native of New York State, born July 30, 1853, the daughter of Jacob and Margaret Montavon. Shortly after marriage he bought the farm of seventy acres where he now lives, on Section No. 15, in this township; moved on it April 8, 1878, and ever since has resided there. There was born to him a daughter December 12, 1880, christened Ethel. Mr. Haneline is looked upon as a rising young man.

"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 A. HAUPMEYER was born in Whitley County, Ind., October' 29: 1854, and is the son of Henry and Caroline Haupmeyer, natives of Germany, and born in 1801 and 1814 respectively. The parents were married in Germany, and emigrated to the United States about the year 1846; they settled in Whitley County, and here the father died March 26, 1871; the mother is still living on the homestead farm and has had a family of six children, of which William, the subject of our sketch, was the youngest. He remained at home till about twenty-three years of age. July 4, 1878, he was married to Caroline Sievers, who was born in Whitley County November 23, 1855. He then removed to this township and settled on Section No. 29, where he had previously purchased sixty-two acres, and on which he has since resided. He is the father of one boy, Roy, who was born in 1879. Mr. Haupmeyer has a pleasant home, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which, as well as in the community in general they stand well.

"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


JONATHAN HIVELY was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 18, 1829, and his parents, Daniel and Catharine Hively were respectively born in Rockingham County, Va., October 15, 1798, and Montgomery County, same State, October 28, 1804. They were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in 1837 moved to this county and settled in Thorn Creek Township, where they still live. They had a family of thirteen children. Jonathan, our subject, came to this county with his parents, and was married in Thorn Creek Township in July, 1851, to Esther Florn. They moved upon a farm he had previously bought in the same township, and Mrs. Hively there died in October, 1858. Mr. H. remarried July 7, 18.59, selecting as his bride Sarah Salts, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, January 16, 1841. He remained in Thorn Creek Township till 1872, when he sold out and bought his farm of 105 acres in this township, where he now resides, on Section 13. He had three children by his first wife, viz.: Sarah A., Amanda J. and Samuel E.; by his second he has had seven - Albert, Loami, Lemuel J. (deceased), Fleming A., John O. and two infant daughters who died unnamed, ten in all. Mr. Hively is a highly respected citizen, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

"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


PHILIP L. HOLLER was born in this county November 26, 1857, and is' the son of Philip and Annie Holler, natives of Ohio, in which State they were married. In 1852, they moved to and settled on a farm in Section 18, this township, and they still reside there. Their family numbered six children, viz.: John A. (deceased), Lewis II., Joseph W., Annie E., Philip L. and Eliza C. Our subject, at the age of twenty-one, bought a half-interest in a threshing machine, which he operated one year, then sold it and bought a half-interest in a saw-mill, and is now engaged in a brisk trade. He also purchased a house and lot near the mill, and August 1, 1880, married Nora B. Traster, who was born in Huntington County, Ind., April 27, 1861; to this union has been born one girl, Fairy B. Our subject is an. energetic young business man, and has before him every prospect of a prosperous career.

"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 HUFFMAN is the son of Henry and Margaret Huffman; who were born in Pennsylvania April 8, 1813, and June 9, 1810, respectively, and were there married in 1834. In 1839, they emigrated to Stark County, Ohio, and remained there till 1848, when they came to this township, and settled on Section 19, where the father died in 1850. They had a family of four children, viz.: John (deceased), Elizabeth, Henry and Fanny. Henry, our subject, was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 10, 1840, and came here with his parents. He bought the old homestead, and his mother resides there with him. May 12, 1867, he married Mary Emery, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 5, 1840, the daughter of Henry and Catharine Emery, and the eldest of a family of three children. After his marriage, he moved on the old farm, which consists of 238 acres, and has on it a fine brick dwelling house and substantial outbuildings. His family of children are Ida M., Maggie C., Thomas H., Alma and Lizzie. Mr. Huffman is a progressive young man, and is highly esteemed 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


DAVID JACKSON, one of a family of fifteen children, is a native of Knox County, Ohio, and was born June 14, 1827. His parents were David and Prudence Jackson, both natives of New Jersey, the former born September 30, 1786, and the latter February 4, 1792. David Jackson, our subject, came to this county in 1845, having resided up to that time in Knox County, Ohio. He was married, November 28, 1848, to Rebecca S. Stiltz ; and, having previously purchased forest land in this township, Section 25, they located thereon, and have remained up to the present time, now owning a well-improved farm of 120 acres. Mrs. Jackson is the daughter of William and Rebecca Stiltz, and was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 20, 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are parents of four children - Nora, Sherman H. (deceased), Hollin P. and Della. They are prominent members of the United Brethren Church, having united with that denomination in 1853, and Mr. Jackson has officiated a number of years as class leader, steward and 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


GOTTLIEB KNELLER is the son of Leonard and Charlotte Kneller, natives of Germany, and born, respectively, in 1804 and 1799, and married in 1826. The father died in 1831, and the same year the mother married William Glies, who died in 1843, she following in 1855. There were two children by the first marriage - Gottlieb and George. Gottlieb was born in Germany, September 18, 1827, and in 1849 emigrated to Columbiana County, Ohio, where, March 18, 1851, he married Catharine Ledner, who was born in Germany February 3, 1829. In 1852, the newly married couple moved to Noble County, this State; remained there till 1864, then came to Columbia Township, this county; remained two years, then purchased and took up their residence on a farm of 127 acres on Section 1, Washington Township. They have had ten children – Fred, John, Catharine, George, Daniel, Joseph, Anandia, Henry, Jennie and Sarah (the last two deceased). Mr. Kneller is a respected and prosperous citizen, is a member of the I. O. O. F., in the fifth degree, and also belongs to the M. E. Church.

"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


GOTTLIEB KUNBERGER was born in Germany February 14, 1849, and in 1869 emigrated to this country, and settled in Whitley County, where he has since remained. His father was born in Germany in 1812, and his mother in 1810. They were there married in 1840, and the father died there in 1874. Their children were three in number, viz., John, Jacob F. and Gottlieb. In 1876, the mother and her son, Jacob F., left the old country, and came to America to join her youngest child, our subject, with whom she still lives. Gottlieb Kunberger, on the 9th of March, 1876, married Elizabeth Lahr, who was born in Huntington County, Ind., February 12, 1850. He then moved on the farm he still occupies, which he had previously bought, on Section 11, this township. It consists of eighty acres, is well cultivated, and improved with comfortable buildings. To his marriage have been born three boys, namely, John F., Henry E. and Charlie A. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and a desirable member of the community.

"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


ABRAHAM LESLEY was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, November 17,1819, the son of Abraham and Jane Lesley, who were both born in Pennsylvania in 1795 and 1797, respectively, and married in Ohio. In 1834, they moved to Cass County, Ind., and five years later removed to and settled in this township, where they died, the mother in July, 1849, and the father in 1857. Mr. Lesley, the elder, cut the logs for the first house erected in this township. His family consisted of ten children. In 1846, our subject was married to Susan Kernes. He at once moved to a farm he had bought, on Section 11, this township, where his wife died in 1848. March 14, 1849, Mr. Lesley married Mrs. Margaret Oliver, who was born November 30, 1829, and he then moved on the farm he now occupies in Section 4, which comprises 220 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Lesley is a highly respected citizen, and has had a family of eleven children, as follows: John and Gordon (by his first wife), Mary J., Lucinda C. (deceased), Jacob P. (deceased). Barbara V., David I., Sarah E., Amanda (deceased), Ida A. and Jay D.

"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


F. M. McDONALD is the son of Samuel and Charlotte Mc Donald, who were born in Pennsylvania in 1800 and 1803 respectively. They were married at Canton, Stark County, Ohio, in 1825, where they continued to reside till 1840, when they moved to Lawrenceville, McDonough County, Ill., where he died in October of the same year. Mrs. McDonald then removed to Stark County, Ohio, and in 1843, moved to Lee County, Iowa, where she met her father and remained with him till 1847; then returned to Ohio, remained there about three years, went again to Iowa, where she staid till the fall of 1852, thence back to Ohio, and finally, a year later, moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., where she spent her declining days with her daughter, dying in May, 1876. She was the mother of nine children - John T. M. (deceased), D. S., Samuel (deceased), F. M., G. B. (killed in the army, 1862), Charlotte (deceased), Pauline and Sophia. F. M., our subject, was born in Canton, Stark County, Ohio, April 6, 1834; he moved with the family to Lawrenceville, and also accompanied his mother to Pittsburgh, where he remained till 1854; then came to South Whitley and worked at blacksmithing. He married there, November 22, 1855, Fanny Butler, born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 9, 1835, the daughter of William and Nancy Butler, who were respectively born in Georgia, 1799, and North Carolina, 1805; and who died in 1879 and 1873. Fanny (Butler) McDonald was the eldest of six children born to this pair. After his marriage, Mr. McDonald worked at his trade in South Whitley till October 15, 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, and served as Second Lieutenant until December, 1861, when he was discharged, returned home, and shortly after bought a farm in Section 11, Washington Township, but sold it after a brief occupancy and bought the farm where he now resides, on Section 14, consisting of 160 acres. He has a family of eight children, viz.: Emma L., born at South Whitley, December 4, 1857, died December 6, 1857; Arthur A., born November 17, 1858, died March 4, 1878; Lycurgus H., born January 21, 1861, died October 20, 1862; Charlotte B., born September 3, 1863: Fanny L., born February 12, 1866, died July 12, 1867; Francis R., born July 7, 1868; Olga G., born November 30, 1871; Bertha L., born March 9, 1875. Mr. McDonald is an active Democrat and held the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years. He is a member of Forest Lodge, No. 546, I. O. O. F., and has been through the Grand Lodge, and he enjoys the esteem of all who know 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


THOMAS MERRIMAN was born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 14, 1820. His parents were Elijah and Mary Merriman, and were born in Pennsylvania, June 23, 1788, and August 21, 1792, respectively, and were married in that State. In 1816, they moved to Ohio, where the father died April 22, 1834, and the mother March 8, 1870. They were the parents of eleven children. October 14, 1852, our subject, Thomas Merriman, was married in Wayne County, Ohio, to Martha Moore, born in Beaver County, Penn., August 18, 1835. She was the daughter of Andrew and Mary Moore, and the younger of two children. Our subject left Wayne County about the year 1852, and came to this township, bought an eighty-acre farm in Section 26, located thereon, and has lived there ever since. He had a family of six children - Mary A., Huldah, Eliza, James W., Thomas J. and Martha A. Of these, there are only two, Huldah and Martha A., living. Mr. Merriman has been quite successful in life, and is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.

"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


JOSEPH METZLER was born in Holmes County, Ohio, July 19, 1820. His parents, Adam and Elizabeth Metzler, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in that State. They were respectively born in 1772 and 1776. About 1816, they emigrated to Muskingum County, Ohio, remained there two years, and then removed to Holmes County, same State, where the mother died in 1844. The father then came to this county and here died in 1863. They had a family of eight children, viz.: Jacob (deceased), Paul, (an infant son who died), Rebecca, Eva (deceased), Joseph, Benjamin and Adam. Joseph, our subject, was married in Holmes County, Ohio, in April, 1844, to Maria King, and in 1853 came to this township, and settled on Section 26. He owns 160 acres of finely cultivated land, on which there are all the modern improvements. Mrs. Metzler died in 1864, leaving a family of ten children, as follows: Rebecca, William, John A., Mary M., Leah A., Manda C., Sarah E., Solomon F., Emma E. C. and Sabina E. Mr. Metzler is a member of the Lutheran Church, a Third Degree Mason, and is a very much respected gentleman.

"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


JOSEPH MULLENDORE is a native of Preble County, Ohio, where he was born in 1834. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Stump) Mullendore, who were natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania, were farmers by occupation and early settlers of Ohio, where they resided until their deaths. Our subject was the tenth of a family of twelve children. He was reared upon a farm and remained with his parents in Ohio until 1854, when he carne to Indiana and engaged in a saw-mill in Kosciusko County, where he was employed until 1858. His father having some unimproved land located in Washington Township, Whitley County, he settled upon his share of the property and began clearing and improving. Here he has since lived. His industrious habits and practical management have secured for him a fine property, and he now possesses nearly five hundred acres of valuable land. Mr. Mullendore has al ways advanced, as far as he was able, all measures of progress, and ranks as one of the leading and valued citizens. He was united in marriage, in 1863, with Miss Elizabeth Baker, who is a native of Whitley County and daughter of Jones and Maria (Haines) Baker, who are old residents. Mr. and Mrs. Mullendore have eight children - Amanda, Noah, Dora, Annie M., Emma J., Irvin, Franklin and Harvey.

"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 REEG was born in Germany January 5, 1819, being next to eldest of seven children born to Belthasar and Elizabeth Reeg, also natives of Germany and born there in 1801 and 1802 respectively, and where they still reside and where they were married in 1824. Peter, the subject of this sketch, landed in New York City June 18,1852, and went thence to Lancaster County, Penn., where he was married, November 2, 1854, to Barbara Bruckart, born in that State September 26, 1837. In 1861, he rented a farm in Section 21, Washington Township, this county, and resided there till l872, when he bought eighty acres in Section 25, where he now lives. He is father of nine children - Sarah, George H. B., Jacob B., Amos B., Franklin B., Abraham B., Lizzie B. (deceased), Daisy M. B. and Peter B. He holds the office of Township Assessor and he and wife are members of the U. B. Church and are well respected in the community.

"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


FREDERICK RICHARD was the third child born to George and Catharine Richard, and first saw the light March, 1840, in France, where his parents were also born, both the year 1812. In 1847 they emigrated to Erie County, N. Y., and there bought a farm, where the mother died April 4, 1852. In 1853, the father brought his family to this township, and here he has lived ever since. His family consisted then of himself and seven children, viz.: Catharine, George, Frederick, Lewis, Eugene, Emile and Peter, all still living. In August, 1864, he married Catharine Chavey. Our subject, Frederick Richard, was married on the 24th of June, 1866, to Catharine Kauffman, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 6, 1838. After marriage, our subject moved to a farm he owned on Section 30, this township, remained there till 1874, then bought and moved upon the farm where he now lives. It contains 100 acres of fine land, with brick dwelling and other fine buildings. Mr. Richard is a popular man in his township, and has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and they have a family of four children, as follows: Hattie Yr., George C., Minnie L. and Charles W.

"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 RICHARD, son of George and Catharine Richard, was born in France March 24, 1846, and came to America with his parents, with whom he lived until he bought his farm on Section 15 in this township, in 1871, on which he at once began work, and during the same fall he and Mr. Bechtol bought a saw-mill, which had been erected on the premises by Truman & Smith, and began milling, Mr. Richard acting as foreman. They did a good business, and about three years later Mr. Bechtol sold his interest to Mr. Joseph Owser, who took charge of the mill, and Mr. Richard turned his attention to the improvement of his farm. April 23, 1874, he married Huldah Stallsmith, native of this county, and born March 20, 1853. Mr. Owser failing to make his payments due on the mill, Mr. Richard became sole proprietor in 1877, and ran it until recently, when he disposed of it, and again turned his attention to his 223 acres of land, with the intention of making agriculture his life pursuit. He is the father of one son - George E., born March 21, 1875, is a member of the Baptist Church, and is recognized as one of the trustworthy men of 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
Washington Township


ALBERT SCHUMACHER was born June 14, 1860, and was the son of Rueben and Emily Schumacher, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county about the year 1858. In 1863, the father died, and, two weeks later, was followed by the mother, leaving two children, our subject and a sister. In a short time the sister died, leaving our subject without a relative in the world. The court appointed Mr. William Souder as his guardian, and shortly after he died, and then Mr. Isaac Schrader was appointed guardian, with whom our subject took up his residence. His father had owned eighty acres of land, which was sold, the debts paid, and the balance invested in the land where our subject now lives, on Section 14, this township. He remained with Mr. Schrader till he reached his majority, and then engaged in school-teaching. August 27, 1881, he married Martha Grace, who was born in this county January 22, 1863, and shortly after moved on his farm of eighty acres, and turned his attention to agriculture, at which he is prospering.

"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


BENJAMIN F. SHULL was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 31, 1841, and was the son of David and Elizabeth Shull, natives of Franklin County, Penn., born respectively in April, 1805, and March, 1808, and married in the same county in 1835. They had a family of six children, viz.: Amanda M., Jacob J., Rebecca (deceased), Benjamin F., Hiram and William (deceased). Shortly after marriage, the parents emigrated to Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, where the father was engaged at cabinet-making for some time, and then purchased 100 acres of land about six miles south of the town, upon which he moved, and there died April 5, 1872. The mother soon sold out and took up her residence with a son in Wayne County, where she died in February, 1880. Our subject remained at the home of his parent till he was twenty-one years of age, and then went to work for his brother Jacob J., with whom he remained four years. September 20, 1864, he married Lucy E. Householder, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, September 21, 1845. About a year later, he bought a farm on Section 28, this township, and here came to reside. His 160 acres are excellently cultivated, and contain very fine buildings. In addition, Mr. Shull owns 160 acres of land in Kansas, and has an interest in the old homestead in Ohio, which is now being worked as a coal mine, our subject's percentage in the coal taken out amounting to 8500 per annum. Mr. S. is highly respected by his fellow-townsmen, and he and wife are members of the U. B. Church.

"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


LEVI SICKAFOOSE was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 29, 1832. His parents were John and Margaret Sickafoose, who were born and married in Pennsylvania, and who moved to Stark County, Ohio., in an early day, and thence to Whitley County in 1836, where they died in January, 1877, and October, 1880, respectively. Their children numbered twelve, as follows: Jacob (deceased), Mary, Philip, Susan (deceased), John, Elizabeth (deceased), Eva, Levi, Henry, Samuel, George, and Michael. Our subject came with his parents to this county, and was married, April 3, 1860, to Mary Wolf, who was born in Ashland County, Ohio, July 31, 1836, and the daughter of Samuel and Mary Wolf. Her father was born in Virginia in 1801, and her mother in Pennsylvania in 1800; they were married in Ohio, and in 1839 came to Huntington County, Ind., where the mother died, in 1850; the father still lives and resides in Cass County, Ind. They had nine children, of whom Mary was next to the youngest. After marriage, our subject moved to his farm, which he had previously purchased, on Section 16, this township; remained there about four years, then went to his father's place and remained about two years, and then returned to his own farm of 203 acres, and has resided on it ever since. His children numbered six, viz.: Emma I., Ida E. (deceased), Laura M., Elizabeth J., Lucinda M. and Charles H. Our subject and wife are members of the U. B. Church, and the family stand high in the community. The father of Mr. Sickafoose was the first Appraiser in Jefferson, and on making his first appraisement found only three families 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
Washington Township


FRANCIS M. SMITH was born in Whitley County, Ind., January 3, 1849, the son of Elias and Nancy Smith, born respectively in 1825 and 1827, in Wayne County, Ohio, where they were married, January 24, 1847. In 1848, they removed to this township and settled on Section 27, and there the father died, November 20, 1878. The mother still lives on the farm with her children. Our subject, Francis M., the eldest of eight in the family, remained at home till about twenty-four years of age, when he went forth to seek his own fortune. February 12, 1874, he married Mrs. Martha J. Wagner, who was born in Ohio, December 1, 1850, and was the daughter of Philip and Martha Wince. Shortly after his marriage he bought a farm on Section 28, this township, and occupied it until 1882, when he sold it and bought an 80-acre farm on Section 23, in the same township, on which he now resides. He is a rising young man, and quite popular in the community. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have a family of four children, namely: William W. Wagner (Mrs. Smith's son by her first husband), Cora, Flora, and Emma.

"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


FRANKLIN SMITH was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 25, 1840, and is the son of John and Margaret Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, and born respectively in 1809 and 1819, and married in Ohio, whence, in 1847 they moved to Huntington County, Ind., and there remained four years. They then removed to this township, and settled on Section 21, where they still reside. They have had a family of fourteen children, and Franklin, our subject, is next to the eldest. He came to this township with his parents, and was married September 30, 1869, to Annie M. Stoner, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 20, 1848, the daughter of Joel and Lydia Stoner. After marriage, he followed the carpenter's trade, and has continued it till the present. In 1872, he moved upon his present farm of thirty-five acres, and has reared a family of four children, viz.: Cora B., Lilly M., Winfield O. and Nellie M. He and wife are members of the U. B. Church, and stand high in the estimation of the community.

"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 A. SNYDER, was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 18, 1836, the son of Adam and Elizabeth Snyder, who were natives of Germany, born May, 1801 and 1795 respectively, and married in that country, where they remained till 1826, when they emigrated to Stark County, which they made their home till 1848, when they moved to Huntington County, this State, remaining about six months, and then coming to this county, where the father died April 10, 1860, and the mother August 22, 1864, having had a family of eight children. Our subject accompanied his parents to this county, and March 4, 1860, married Elizabeth Cox, who was born in Portage County, Ohio, September 14, 1839. He then bought his farm of 160 acres on Section 4, this township, moved on it, and has resided there ever since. To his marriage have been born eight children, viz.: William A., Maria E., Mary J., John E., Sarah A., George W., Charles F. and Elmer E. Mr. Snyder is a member of the Lutheran Church, and he and his family have the respect and friendship of al1 their 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


WILLIAM STONER was born in Ohio January 21, 1838. His father, Joel Stoner, was born in Maryland January 28, 1816, and his mother, Lydia Stoner, in Ohio in 1818, and in the last named State they were married. In 1851, they moved to Wells County, Ind., thence to Huntington County, and then, in 1864, to this township, and settled on Section No. 10, where the father died November 20, 1880, and where she still lives. Their family consisted of twelve children, as fol1ows: William, Daniel (deceased), Noah (deceased), Sarah, Eliza, Susan (deceased), Maria, Mary J., Jacob, Martha, Matilda C. (deceased), and John W. Our subject, William Stoner, was married in Huntington County, August 16, 1863, to Sarah S. Armstrong, who was born in New York May 18, 1839. He rented a farm in Huntington, on which he remained about two years, then moved to Section 28, this township, and shortly after bought eighty acres in Section 16, to which he moved, and on which he still resides. He has a family of five children, viz.: Ira A., Mary E., Charlie R., Amiel L. and Sarah O.

"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 H. SWAN, a native of Maryland, was born near Washington, D. C., August 12, 1805. His parents, Henry and Lamenta Swan, were also natives of Maryland, the former born in 1767, and the latter in 1771. After their marriage they resided in Maryland some time, then moved to the District of Columbia, thence to Westmoreland County, Penn., emigrating in 1815 to Wayne County, Ohio, where the rest of their lives were passed. William H., was one of eleven children, and remained with his parents until the time of their demise. His mother died May 3, 1851, and his father October 15, 1855. On December 30, 1835, he was married to Marietta Merriman. She was born July 7, 1817, in Wayne County, Ohio, where Mr. Swan purchased his father's old farm, and continued to remain, until his coming to this county in the spring of 1865. He is yet living on Section 25, of this township, where he first settled, and owns 191 acres of land. His wife died September 25, 1865; they had born to them eleven children - Eleanor, Eliza, James (deceased), Mary (deceased) Emily, Elisha, Wil1iam H. (deceased), Pretsman, Isabella, Nancy and Harriet (deceased.) Mr. Swan is a well-known and respected citizen; he has retired from active work, and his farm is under the careful management and supervision of his sons, Elisha and Pretsman.

"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


S. P. WAGNER is the son of George and Catherine Wagner, who were born 1801 and 1799, respectively, in Pennsylvania, and were there married. In the fall of 1832, they moved to Perry County, Ohio, and remained there till they died, he July 23, 1850, and she in 1851. They were parents of nine children, viz.: John, S. P., Mary, George, Susan, Martin, Jacob, Jane and Matilda. Our subject was born in Lancaster County, Penn., September 13, 1825, and was married in Ohio, October 29, 1846, to Mary A. Chamberlin, born in Pennsylvania March 18, 1827. In 1854, Mr. and Mrs. Wagner moved to Whitley County, and settled on Section 27, Washington Township. Mrs. W. died August 15, 1868, and September 19, 1868, he married Mrs. Angeline Holt, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 22, 1835. Mr. Wagner owns 160 acres of land, and is the father of thirteen children - John W. (deceased), George W., Isaac V., Jacob J., Martin S. (deceased), Minerva E., Homer C., Albert L. and Margaret I. (deceased), by his first wife; Edwin R. (deceased), Jonathan H., Clyde L., Eldon M. (deceased), by his present wife. Mr. Wagner is a consistent member of the U. B. Church.

"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


JAMES I. YOUNG was born in Summit County, Ohio, August 28, 1844. His parents were Samuel and Sarah Young, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Whitley County at an early day, and settled on Section No. 23, in this township, where the father died. The mother then purchased property in Forest, Ind., upon which she moved and has ever since resided. They had a family of eleven children, of whom James 1., our subject, was the third, and came with his parents to this township. He was married, March 16, 1876, to Amanda J. Hively, who was born in Whitley County October 8, 1859, and shortly afterward moved on one of their farms in this township, on Section 13, on which he remained till the fall of 1880, when he moved on the old homestead, where they now live, and the family own 243 acres of land, undivided, of which our subject has charge. He has two children-Estrella M. and Noah W., and stands high among 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


Deb Murray