"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
LEVI BELCH was born in Bedford County, Penn., in 1824, and was the son of John and Margaret Belch, natives of Pennsylvania, but of German descent. The father died when our subject was but a small boy, and in 1838 the mother moved with her only son to Oswego, Kosciusko County, Ind., and in 1841 to the farm in this township, which they have since made their home. The land was in its primitive state when they first entered upon it, but by unceasing toil it has been redeemed and made a pleasant home. The mother for years spun the flax and wool for their clothing. Indians were their neighbors, and wild deer, turkeys, etc., were very plentiful. Our subject was married in 1849, to Rebecca Firestone, native of Ohio, and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Firestone, natives of Maryland, and of German and Irish descent. By this marriage there were nine children, eight living, three sons and five daughters. The subject's mother is now living with him, at the age of eighty-one years, and enjoying favorable health. Mr. Belch and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is an active home politician.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
JAMES BLAIN was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1823, and is the son of Alexander M. and Mary (Logan) Blain, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. They removed, in 1841, to that part of Noble County, Ind., now incorporated in Etna Township, this county. Our subject remained with his parents until he was of age, and the December following married Jane Scott, daughter of John and Elizabeth Scott, natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee, and of Irish and Scotch descent. The Scotts located in what is now Etna Township, in 1836. For the first few years of his married life, our subject farmed on rented land; then in the fall of 1847, he moved into a log cabin on the farm in this township, which he has since made his home. He had at his start in life but $50 in cash, but having secured a good education, he taught school nine successive winters, after corning to this State, and with his earnings therefrom, and with industry and economy on his farm, has secured a. comfortable home, consisting of 160 acres of well-tilled land, furnished with all the necessary buildings of frame. He is located on the banks of New Lake, which supplies him with an abundance of fish. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1814, and has served faithfully the past eight years. He is the father of twelve children, eight of whom are still living, and he and wife have been members of the Baptist Church for over thirty 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
Troy Township
GEORGE W. CUMMINS (deceased), was born in New York State in 1807; at the age of ten accompanied his parents to Delaware County, where he was employed in using the ax a great portion of his time; assisted in clearing up three farms in Ohio, and in July, 1853, located with his family on Section 22, this township, which was then a wilderness. By hard work and economy he wrought out a model farm of 160 acres, and during his later years dealt largely in live stock. In April, 1834, he married Catherine Faulkner, daughter of Joshua and Esther Faulkner, and to their union were born ten children, of whom eight are yet living. His eldest son, George, enlisted in 1862, in Company B, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but died after being out but a short time. Seth W. (brother of George), also enlisted at the same time in the same company, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. Our subject was Republican in politics, and was a warm supporter of all home enterprises. After experiencing all the privations incident to pioneer life, his last days were passed in retirement, peace and plenty, and the year 1876 closed his useful career. His widow, at the age of sixty-eight, resides with her youngest son, Orin L., who was but two years of age when he reached this township. Since then he has grown to manhood, and taken a prominent part in public affairs. At the age of twenty-six, he was elected Township Trustee, and then re-elected, receiving the largest majority ever polled in the township. In his adjustment of accounts, at the close of his second term, he turned over to the Treasurer upward of $200 interest money, minus the amount expended for the erection of tombstones over the graves of the poor, who died during his administration. In the spring of 1880, he married Loretta Brown, daughter of Henry Brown. In 1882, he was elected Road Superintendent. Within the past few years, he has dealt in real estate, and of the 1,400 acres of land he has owned and sold in the vicinity of his home, not one has ever had a mortgage foreclosed upon it.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
JACOB R. ELDER was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 14, 1827, and was the son of G. W. and Sarah Elder, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent. In 1838, the family came in ox teams to Section 17, this township, attempted the erection of a log house, 18x22 feet, but for want of help failed, and were forced to put up a smaller cabin. On the arrival of other settlers, however, they were enabled to complete the first structure. They reclaimed from the forest 160 acres of land, and succeeded in building up a comfortable home, reared a family of eight children, and there took their departure from this world in 1859 and 1864, aged fifty-seven and seventy years respectively. The subject was the eldest of the family, and remained with his father until his majority, and then began working out by the month on his own account, and pursued this course for eight years. He then purchased forty acres in this township, and soon after was married to Leah Coyle, daughter of William and Elizabeth Coyle, natives of Pennsylvania. There were born to this union three children-one son and two daughters. After
clearing a part of his farm he sold it, made a few changes, and finally settled on his present farm of eighty acres, which by enterprise and industry he has transformed into a pleasant home. Mr. Elder is a follower of the Democratic standard, and has cheerfully assisted in every laudable undertaking 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
Troy Township
ABRAHAM ELDER was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1834, and was the son of George W. and Sarah Elder, respectively of German and Irish extraction. The parents came to this township in the fall of 1838, and were among the first settlers, and redeemed from the forest the farm now owned by C. F. Marchand, which they made their home till their death. Abraham Elder was married November 19, 1855, to Mary Harpster, daughter of Henry Harpster, who located in the forest here in 1849, and carved from it a farm. After his marriage, our subject worked his father-in-law's farm till 1874, when he moved upon the farm where he now lives, which was entered by Joel Rhine. He greatly improved the place and erected new and substantial buildings, and now has a comfortable homestead of 140 acres. He had born to him three children, only one of whom is now living - Delbert S. Mr. Elder has served as Justice of the Peace three years, under appointment from the County Commissioners, and he is an active Democrat. He is a Freemason and Granger, and an enterprising citizen, being foremost in assisting worthy undertakings. His father, George W. Elder, was one of the twelve men who served on the first jury impaneled in this county.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
JAMES C. ELLIOTT, deceased, was born in Greenbrier County, Va., December 17, 1806, one of seven children of Archibald and Phebe (Jameson) Elliott, of Scotch parentage. Our subject removed with his parents to Franklin County, Ohio, in 1819, and a few yean later to Delaware County. He was a farmer and also a shoemaker. April 15, 1830, he married Candace Strong, who was born August 27, 1809, and died January 24, 1850. The fall of 1850, he came to this township, bought forty acres of land on Section 14, returned home and married, April 14, 1851, Lydia S. Cunningham, who was born April 10, 1821, and in the summer of 1852 moved to his place in this township, which he had increased to 120 acres, where he passed his days till his death, February 11, 1879, followed by his widow January 26, 1881, both members of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of five children, viz.: Candace M., born February 24, 1852; Charles, born August 21, 1853; Phebe E., born February 15, 1855; Samuel C., born November 30, 1858, and died May 25, 1866; Emma J., born September 20, 18G0. All the children living are residents of Columbia City, and received their education in Whitley County. The eldest, Candace M., married John R. Douglas October 21, 1873. This gentleman died September 7, 1881. They were the parents of one son, Ralph C., who died in infancy. Charles married Miss Ermina Trumbull February 5, 1880. He moved, the succeeding March, to Audubon County, Iowa, where his wife died February 2, 1881, leaving one daughter, Florence E., who died when eight months old. In March, 1881, he returned to Whitley County, and since then has resided in Columbia City, engaged in undertaking and marble dealing in partnership with J. L. Ferguson. Phebe and Emma are both single.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
R. J. ELLIOTT was born in Greenbrier County, Va., in 1818, and when but a child was taken by his parents to Franklin County, Ohio, where he passed his life till twenty-six years of age. The third week after his marriage, in 1844, he and wife came to this township, and entered upon the possession of a farm of eighty acres he had purchased on a previous visit, and which was then in a state of nature, but has since been nicely cleared, and to which 120 have since been added. His wife, to whom he was married September 3, 1844, was Catharine Jones, daughter of Washington and Sarah Jones, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German descent. By this union there were born three sons and three daughters. The subject is the son of Archibald and Phebe Elliott, natives of Virginia, and of Scotch and Irish descent.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
THOMAS A. ELLIOTT was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1820, the son of Archibald and Phebe Elliott, who were natives of Virginia, and who removed to Ohio in 1819, where they spent the greater portion of their lives. Our subject began working on his own account by hiring out to farmers in various parts, till, in 1842, he came to this township, bought forty acres of land, deadened a few acres, returned to Ohio, and December 15, of the same year, married Sarah Watters, daughter of John and Sarah Watters, natives of Maryland and of Irish descent. He again hired out for awhile at $12 per month, then came to his land in this township, the possessor of 12 1/2 cents cash and a few cattle and sheep. He put up a cabin, and moved in when it was without a door or stove, and but part of a fireplace, and his wife and child had to go to bed while the chimney was being completed. The family had many difficulties to contend with, but their property now comprises a farm of 130 acres of well-improved land, acquired through hard work and close economy and shrewd trading. Our subject was the father of eight children, five of whom are yet living. He has served in the Republican ranks, and has held the office of Township Trustee and several minor offices. He and wife joined the Presbyterian Church in 1843, and have been faithful followers of that faith ever since.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
S. J. W. ELLIOTT was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August, 1823, the youngest of the eight children born to Archibald and Phebe Elliott. March 5, 1848, he married Nancy Finley born in Delaware County, Ohio, and daughter of William and Margaret Finley, natives of Virginia, and of Irish descent. There were born from this union seven children, of whom six are living. In 1855, our subject disposed of his home farm in Ohio and removed with his family to this township, and located on a farm of 160 acres, which he has since increased to 370 acres, besides presenting to several of his children a comfortable home. Our subject was formerly a Whig, but on the formation of the Republican party he joined its standard, and has since followed it closely. He is a strong anti-secret society man, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian 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
Troy Township
G. H. GRANT was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1834, and is the son of James and Eliza (Beard) Grant, natives of New York and Maryland. When a child he was taken by his parents to Geauga County, Ohio, and thence, in 1839, brought to this township, where at intervals he went to the first school in Troy, taught by Miss Clarissa Blanchard, in a round-log house with a fireplace that burned wood from four to eight feet in length. He remained with his father on the forest farm till twenty-two years old, and then, with $100, went to Iowa and farmed two years, then entered land in Kansas, but returned to this township in 1859, and went into the lumber business, running one of the first saw-mills built in Troy, and successfully conducting it till 1877, when he went to farming on a piece of land containing eighty acres, which he hall purchased in 1865-66, and which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and furnished with good buildings. In 1856, he married Minerva Barnes, daughter of Fielding Barnes, a native of Kentucky. By this union he has had six children, three of whom are yet living. Although never an aspirant for office he has been selected by his townsmen to fill various trusts, and has served as Assessor two terms and Trustee one term. He is an Odd Fellow and quite prominent as a citizen.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
CHANCY GOODRICH was born in this township October 7, 1839, the son of Price and Julia A. (Black) Goodrich, and was reared on the home farm till fifteen, when he began working with his father at brick-laying, and has continued at the trade ever since, erecting some of the best and largest buildings in this and adjoining counties, and superintending the construction of all the principal buildings in Columbia City, besides a number of dwellings for one hundred miles around, and by industry and thrift has provided himself with a comfortable home. In his early life, he was renowned as a hunter and fisherman, and the abundance of game at that time afforded him sport of the first order. In 1861, he married Rhoda Noble, daughter of Z. T. Noble, who was among the early settlers of this township. To their union have been born two sons and one daughter. Mr. Goodrich for twenty years taught singing-school during the winter, and at intervals during the summer. In polities, he is a Democrat, and takes much interest in local and other elections, and has always been foremost in aiding home industries and enterprises.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
G. W. HALDERBAUM was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February 18, 1842, the son of Adam and Anna Halderbaum, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The father moved to Wabash County, Ind., in 1849, and thence to Richland Township, this county, some years later, with his family, where our subject passed the remainder of his boyhood days. When but nineteen years old, August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865, having participated in fourteen hard fought battles, among them Chaplin Hill, Stone River, Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga, and accompanied Sherman to the sea and thence to Richmond. After his return, he engaged for two years in selling nursery stock through this and Marshall Counties, then engaged in farming, and for the past seven years has been dealing in general agricultural implements and machinery at Larwill. He was married May 9, 1867, to Mary Shoemaker, daughter of Solomon and Mixinda Shoemaker, natives of Ohio, and to this union have been born two sons and one daughter. Through his industry and enterprise he has placed his family in comfortable circumstances and continues to do a thriving trade. He is quite an active politician in the Republican ranks.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
ANDREW KENNER was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 25, 1834, and was the son of John G. and Christina M. Kenner, natives of the same country. In 1853, they emigrated to Hancock County, Ohio, started farming, and two years thereafter the father died, leaving a wife by a second marriage and five children, Andrew being the eldest of two, now living, by the first marriage. After the death of his father, our subject worked a few years by the month, and then, in 1858, took passage for California, via New York and the ocean, landing in San Francisco and going 500 miles into the interior, stopping at Yreka, and farming for nearly four years. Thence he went to Idaho, where he followed mining and packing a few years. He then started across the continent, in July, 1864, and brought up at Columbia City, this township, where he purchased, with his earnings, the farm of 160 acres where he now lives. He was married, in October, 1865, to his brother John's widow, Mrs. Mary Kenner, daughter of Price Goodrich. This lady died in 1874, and our subject then married Jane Smith, native of Ohio, and daughter of John W. Smith, who came to this township about 1841. Mr. K. is the father of eight children; is active in home politics and is a member of the I. O. O. F. His time is devoted to farming and the rearing of stock.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
CHARLES F. MARCHAND was born in Switzerland, December 23, 1833, and when but two years old was brought to this country by his parents, who located in Holmes County, Ohio. At the age of twenty-one he rented a farm in Wayne County, his parents going with him, and remained there four years; thence they went to Van Buren County, Iowa; then to Appanoose County, same State, where he engaged in lumbering and ran a saw-mil1 for four years. Starting with nothing, he, nevertheless, realized $1,000, which he invested in real estate in Wayne County, Ohio, to which place he returned, and then, in 1860, came to this township, locating in 1864 on a part of the farm he now occupies. Here he has been lumbering, farming and dealing in live-stock. He has accumulated property consisting of 500 acres in this township and 260 in La Grange County, besides Lima Village property. He was married in 1855 to Lodema Truman, daughter of Benjamin and Betsey Truman, natives of New York, and they have had four sons born to them. Mr. Marchand was the son of Frederick and Sophia Marchand, natives of Switzerland, but of French descent. The father was a soldier under Bonaparte when he crossed the Alps. The latter part of his life he passed with our subject, and was survived by his wife, who is aged seventy-eight years, and is also living with Charles F. Mr. M. is a Mason, an active participant in the public affairs of his township and a leader in home enterprises.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
BERRY MARRS (deceased), was born in Shelby County, Ohio, March 2, 1832, and was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Marrs, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. In 1854, he married Sarah Russell, of Shelby County, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Delilah Russell, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English extraction. To this union there were born two sons - Dennis R. and Samuel A. Berry Marrs came to this township in 1856, and started his home upon land purchased by his father in 1837, and succeeded in turning it into a cheerful home. He began in a log cabin, and in its stead there now stands a substantial brick dwelling. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged June 3, 1865. He participated in the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded in the forearm, when he was sent to the hospital, and afterward detailed to the care of the sick and wounded. On his return, he resumed farming, which he continued until his decease in March, 1879. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., and he and wife attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first industry practiced by his father, Mr. Samuel Marrs, was the cutting of cane for pipe-stems, which he sold to the Indians; and a few years later sold eggs at 3 cents per dozen. He came to this township in 1837 and purchased 713 acres of wild land, and is now still living here, enjoying good health at the advanced age of eighty-four, having been born in 1798.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
JONATHAN SATTISON was born in Lebanon County, Penn., in 1815, and was one of six children born to Adam and Elizabeth Sattison, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. When nine years of age, his parents moved to Northumberland County, and then, three years later, moved to Niagara County, N. Y., where they cleared a farm, and there passed the remainder of their days. At the age of twenty-one, our subject began work on his own account, and in the fall of 1838 started West with $120 in search of a home. At this time he entered eighty acres of his present farm, and went back and forth on foot between it and his home in the fall of each year, making a little improvement each trip, till 1812. July, 1813, he was married to Mary Hofstater, daughter of George Hofstater, and a native of New York, and by this union had four children, two of whom are living - George H. and Scott. Mrs. Sattison died October 8, 1873, and Mr. Sattison was married to a widow, Mrs. Polly Beard, in March, 1875. She was the daughter of Michael Ensley, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Beard came to the township in 1813, settled on and cleared a farm, and reared seven children, five of whom are still living. Mr. Sattison has shown much enterprise and industry since his advent into the township; his farm is all that could be desired, and he is active in advancing all home industries. Mrs. Sattison is a member of the Christian 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
Troy Township
D. M. SELLERS was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1811, the eldest of six children born to William and Sarah Sellers, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He was married in November, 1837, to Miss Mary A. Prosser, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of John and Sarah Prosser, of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent. Our subject became the father of nine children by this union, of whom seven are living. In 1845, Mr. Sellers sold his property in his native county, and moved with his family to this township, locating on the wild 105-acre farm where he yet resides, having redeemed it and subjected it to a course of thorough cultivation. During the early days of Troy Township, Mr. Sellers served as Trustee a number of terms. He had two sons in the recent war, William H., out over three years, and John W.; and he is always foremost in the advancement of the interests of his township on all occasions.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
JOHN SNODGRASS, a retired farmer, was born in Clark County, Ohio, October 22, 1807, and there lived till nearly twenty-eight years of age. His father having died in 1826, he was compelled to take charge of home affairs, which he did till 1833, when he was married, March 7, to Ann Cowan, daughter of Thomas and Jane Cowan, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland, respectively. In 1834, he started West, stopping awhile in Elkhart and in Kosciusko Counties, and in 1837 moved on his farm in this township, and has been living there now more than forty-five years. His farm of 164 acres is now in a fine condition. At the first election, in 1840, Mr. Snodgrass was chosen Town Trustee, and during his term in office assisted to layout the first public road in the township; to this office he has been since elected a number of times. He has always been active in the Democratic ranks, and has served as County Commissioner to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Snodgrass was the father of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. Three of the sons served as soldiers in the late war. Thomas is now sleeping at Little Rock, Ark., and John died at Indianapolis, Ind.; Joseph served during the latter part of the war, and is now a farmer in this township. Our subject was the son of John and Jane Snodgrass, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish descent. They had a family of nine children, our subject being the only one living. He well remembers the soldiers of 1812, one of his brothers being among them. In the fall of 1881, Mr. Snodgrass was awarded, at the Old Settlers' Meeting in Troy Township, a gold-headed cane, in recognition of the fact of his being the oldest settler of Troy.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
HENRY SNYDER, Jr., was born in Richland County, Ohio, in February, 1836, and there worked on this father's farm and went to school till nineteen years old, when he came to Kosciusko County, this State, with his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Snyder. In 1856, he returned to his native place, and in 1857 married Mary Sowers, daughter of James and Catharine Sowers, natives of Huron County, Ohio. To this union were born three children, of whom only one son is now living. Mr. Snyder remained in Ohio, farming, till June, 1865, when he came to this township, locating on the farm where he now lives, which, through hard work, he has turned into a desirable home. Mrs. Snyder died in August, 1874, and in September, 1876, our subject married his present wife, Lizzie Coplan, who has borne him one son. In 1863, our subject became a Free Mason; he served as Township Trustee six years in Ohio, has always been an active member of the Democratic party, and was First Lieutenant in the home militia.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
MATTHEW TAYLOR was born in Erie County, Penn., in 1815, the son of Edward and Anne Taylor. During the same year, the parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where our subject resided (with the exception of one year, 1834, passed in Kosciusko County) until 1845. In December, 1836, he married Sarah Harpster, who bore him five children, all of whom are well settled in life. Mr. Taylor worked at job work until he came to this township, in 1845. He here, for the first four years, lived on his brother-in-law's place, and during this time erected a hewn-log house, with puncheon floor and ceiling, having passed the first winter in a cabin without a window. Mr. T. was often compelled, in those days, to walk to Columbia City, a distance of nine miles, and do a day's work in order to obtain groceries for his family's use. On his arrival here, he had but $18.75 in cash, and had a family of five to care for, and was compelled to procure food from the forest, in the shape of deer, wild turkeys, and other game. By perseverance and economy he has redeemed from the forest a fine farm of 160 acres, and has secured a competency through milling, lumbering, etc., and is now living retired upon the fruits of his early industry.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
WILLIAM THOMPSON was born in Red Lion Hundred, Delaware, October 16, 1827, and was the eldest of seven children born to George E. and Elizabeth Thompson, natives of New Jersey and Delaware, and of Scotch and English descent respectively. About 1836, they removed to Randolph County, Ind., and cleared up a farm out of the native forest. Our subject, having acquired a very fair education, taught school a number of terms, and also worked by the month from his majority until 1852, in which year, August 19, he married Harriet P. Ward, and the September following the couple took up their home in this township, clearing away the trees, erecting a small log cabin, and moving into it before it was furnished with door, window or fireplace. They now own 160 acres of cultivated land and village property in Ridgeville, worth over $2,000. Our subject was drafted in the army in 1864, and served during the remainder of the war, and was one of the first to enter Fort Fisher at the point of the bayonet. He is a stanch Republican, and has served one term as Justice of the Peace. He is one of the oldest Free Masons in the
county, and is a charter member of three lodges. He is a Steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which society his wife is also a member. Mrs. Thompson is the daughter of Job and Amy (Gray) Ward, who were among the first settlers of Randolph County, and by her union with Mr. Thompson two sons and one daughter have been born, all of whom are receiving a good education.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
AMBROSE M. TRUMBULL was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 26, 1820, and was the son of Moses and Amelia A. (Munson) Trumbull, natives, respectively, of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Subject removed with his parents, at the age of sixteen, to near Cold Springs, Noble County, this State. He assisted in clearing up his father's farm, and worked thereon till of age, when he hired out on his own account. March 10, 1842, he married Rebecca Hively, daughter of John and Mary Hively, of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Shortly after, he removed to the farm where he now lives, in this township, redeemed it from the wilderness, and now has a fine home farm of 180 acres, supplied with substantial buildings, and also owns a small tract in Iowa. In early days, our subject's nearest base of supplies was Michigan City; their mill was twenty-five miles away; lumber was a great want, and puncheon floors were used, and slabs, hewn from logs, served as planks for the first coffins. At the age of forty, our subject, being worn with hard work, found recreation in buying and shipping stock, and in the capacity of dealer has traveled through sixteen States, and has met with abundant success. He avoids politics, but has frequently been chosen as guardian and maker of wills, and always acquitted himself in a satisfactory manner. He is parent of seven children, four of whom are now living. Two of the elder sons, Preston and Dwight, enlisted in August, 1861, at the ages of nineteen and seventeen, while at college at Fort Wayne. Dwight was taken prisoner at Chickamauga, and died a year later, at Andersonville. Preston died about nine months after going into the war. He was attacked with measles, which settled on his lungs, and he lies buried at Stone River.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Troy Township
STEPHEN S. AUSTIN, M. D., son of Perigo and Sarah (Gray) Austin, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1821. His parents were natives respectively of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and of Welch and French extraction. At the age of sixteen, Stephen Austin began teaching, and followed that vocation seven years, attending, during intervals of that period, the Onondaga Academy, school at East Troy, N. Y., and at Amsterdam. He also, in 1841 took a course of six months at Caughnawaga, and old Indian fort on the Mohawk River. In 1843, he went to La Porte, Ind., and there attended medical college, acting as private tutor for a large class two seasons, and read medicine under Daniel Meeker and T. Higday. After receiving his diploma at the Indiana Medical College, in February, 1849, he removed to Noble County and located at Wolf Lake, associating himself with Dr. Elias Jones, one of the ablest practitioners of that county, the partnership lasting two years. In the month of August, same year, Dr. Austin located in Etna Township, this county, where he has built up an extensive and remunerative practice, having his headquarters at Hecla. He owns several improved farms, and is an enterprising citizen. Dr. Austin was first married in 1847 to Mary J. Ranking, a teacher of mathematics, Latin and French, in the La Porte schools, and a graduate of the Oneida Seminary. She died in 1848, and he married Mrs. Lovina J. Martin, his present wife, in 1852. She is the daughter of Capt. Abner Seelye, and widow of Stephen Martin. They have had six children, three of whom are living - Perry G., Mary J. and Nellie G.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
JOHN BLAINE was born in Cumberland County, Penn., 1792, and was married in 1816, to Elizabeth Blaine, born in Northumberland County, Penn., in 1791, and to their union six children were born, four of whom are now living. They removed to this county in 1836, and located on land which he at that time entered, and which they still occupy, thus becoming one of the first settlers in the township. They lived the first winter in a pole shanty, with only three sides enclosed and covered with bark, and experienced all the hardships of frontier life. They have succeeded, however, in establishing a pleasant home, and are now retired from active labor to enjoy the reward of their early toil through a married life of sixty-six 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
Etna Township
BENJAMIN BOYER was born in Berks County, Penn., in 1814. His father, Jacob Boyer, was a native of the same State, and of German extraction. His parents were poor people, and having no other available opportunities than the subscription school, Benjamin's education was necessarily limited. At the age of thirteen, he was put out to work, his father receiving his wages until he was twenty-one, when he began learning the wagon maker's trade, following the same eighteen months. In December, 1837, Mr. Boyer married Annie Ramer, of Berks County, Penn., daughter of Jacob Ramer, who was born in Pennsylvania, and descended from the Germans. In the fall of 1838, they removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, rented land and farmed eleven years. They then emigrated to this township, settling on a farm of eighty acres, where they now live. By the united efforts of Mr. Boyer and his wife in clearing the land, it is now well improved, and furnishes them a good comfortable home. They endured many privations, and first kept house with no other than homemade furniture. They have had eight children; but half that number have been spared them.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
THOMAS HARTUP was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1812, and removed to Wayne County, Ind., with his parents, James and Mary Hartup, in 1814. His father was a native of Delaware and his mother of Kentucky. In 1833, Mr. Hartup was united in marriage with Lydia A. Hollett, formerly of Kentucky, and daughter of John Hollett. They had five children born to them - Eliza, Narcissa, Lewis (who was a soldier in the late war, and was buried at Nashville), James A. (who also met his death while serving his country), and John H. In the fall of 1846, Mr. Hartup came with his family to this township, and purchased the farm on which he now lives. It was then in its primitive state, but now ranks among the model farms. Its present improved condition is due the persevering efforts of Mr. Hartup, who had but fifty cents when he carne here, but worked at clearing his farm, of 160 acres, and by steady work has earned a competence for himself and family. Mr. and Mrs. Hartup belong to the Baptist Church, and are good citizens.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
FRANKLIN HUNT was born February 22, 1828, in Wayne County, Ind., where he resided until twenty-two years old. At that time he traveled West across the plains, going overland from St. Jo, Mo. After an absence of two years, he returned to his home, and in the fall of 1851 came to this township, and began clearing the land where he now lives, which was the first farm cleared in that section. In 1853, he married Martha J. Long, of Ross County, Ohio, daughter of Thomas Long, who moved to this township in 1849. Mr. Hunt owns a fine improved farm of 275 acres, part of which was entered by his father in 1835 or 1836. He has served one term as Township Trustee, is an enterprising citizen, and was formerly a Whig, but now a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt belong to the Lutheran Church and are parents of twelve children, all of whom are living. Mr. Hunt's parents, Smith and Elizabeth Hunt, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky respectively, settled in Wayne County in 1806, and there spent the rest of their days. Smith Hunt received a Colonel's commission in the home militia under Gen. Harrison.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
WASHINGTON JONES, is the son of Levi M. and Mary (Thomas) Jones, both of whom were natives of Virginia and of Welch descent. They were among the first settlers of Wayne County, Ind., locating there in March, 1815, and for some time were engaged in running a hotel at Centreville, then the county seat. In October, 1823, Levi Jones died, leaving his wife with ten children, the eldest being only fourteen. She moved to the country, rented a farm, and by the hardest work and through many privations, she reared the family and lived to see them grown to maturity. For ten years she clothed herself and family with flax from the field and wool from the sheep. The subject was born in Wayne County, Ind., December 8, 1816, and when nineteen started for himself by purchasing 160 acres of land in Madison County, Ind., and until this was paid for he lost only two working days. He began teaching school in 1838, and followed that six winters. January 23, 1845, he was married to Catharine Hunt, and in 1848 moved to Noble County, locating soon after on the farm of 320 acres where be now lives. Mr. Jones is a Republican, an anti-secret society and temperance man. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have had five children, three of whom are living and have been assisted by their father in securing comfortable homes. The grandparents of Mr. Jones were in the Revolutionary war, and his grandfather, Thomas, served under Washington. The subject, upon leaving home, said to his brother, "'Tis hard to be driven from one's native country, but poverty is driving me, and if I do not secure a comfortable home in the future 'twill be because I have died in the attempt."
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
ELI R. JONES is a native of Wayne County, Ind., born March 17, 1818, and the son of Levi M. and Mary Jones, who had a family of eleven children. One brother and two sisters of the subject are yet living. Eli R., when of age, began brick-making, and followed it summer seasons and worked in the woods during the winters, until he emigrated to this township in the fall of 1849; settling, three days after his arrival, in a log cabin on the farm where he has since lived. Through industry, Mr. Jones has amassed a comfortable fortune and 160 acres of land. He is a man of honor, and, once given, his promise is never violated. To this rare characteristic he attributes his success in life. October 29, 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Crow, of Wayne County, Ind.; her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Crow, were born in the State of North Carolina and descended from the English. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born ten children, eight of whom are living - Helen, Mary J., Annie, Edna, Sarah, Alice, Josephus and Charles. Subject and wife belong to the Baptist Church, and he is a firm 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
Etna Township
JAMES W. LONG is a native of Northumberland County, Penn., where he was born July 14, 1803, son of John and Margaret Long, parents of twelve children, the subject being next to the oldest of six that are yet living. He moved with his parents to Hoss County, Ohio, in 1816, and in 1836, with his family, went to Kosciusko County, near Leesburg, Ind., where he lived on rented land until he came to this township in the fall of 1837; built a log cabin and located on his farm, which was entered in 1836. The past nine years he has resided at Pierceton, Ind. Mr. Long recalls many incidents connected with pioneer life in the then wilderness of this county. On one occasion, when he went to Michigan City with wheat for the market, he was absent seventeen days; his family were often frightened by the wolves and other wild animals that frequented the forests. For his wheat, Mr. Long would receive from 45 cents to 81 per bushel, and for pork $1.25 per hundred, taking merchandise in part payment. He used often to defray his taxes with the money he procured by selling wolf skins. He cleared a farm of 140 acres, often working after night to accomplish the slow and laborious task. Soon after the township was organized, he was elected Trustee, and has held the office of County Commissioner two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Long have been church members since 1828. They are parents of eight children, five of whom are living, and situated in comfortable homes. Mrs. Long is the daughter of James and Jane Blain, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
THOMAS P. LONG, son of John and Margaret Long, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., in 1800. His parents were natives of Ireland emigrating to America and settling in Pennsylvania about the year 1790. In 1816, with their family, they moved to Ross County, Ohio. Thomas Long was reared a farmer, and when twenty-one he rented some land and farmed for himself until he came to this township and located, in 1849, on land entered by his brother, James, in 1840. It was situated in Section 33, and was then in Washington Township, Noble County. The farm is now cleared, and well improved, but to accomplish this, Mr. Long endured many privations and toiled unceasingly. In early days, his wheat was marketed at Fort Wayne. In 1830, Mr. Long and Miss Elizabeth Chichester, of Ross County, Ohio, were united in matrimony, and three children have been born to them. They united with the Presbyterian Church, prior to the year 1830, and have since been faithful members. Mr. Long has always ranked as an enterprising citizen in 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
Etna Township
JOHN A. MILLER is a native of Virginia, where he was born in 1816, and when about nine years old removed to Preble County, Ohio, where he lived until 1834, with the exception of a year or two passed in Darke County. When sixteen, he started out for himself, and, in 1834, went to South Bend, Ind., where he worked at sundry jobs and assisted in clearing the land where that city now stands. He crossed this county when there were few or no settlements within its boundaries. After a sojourn of three years in this State, Mr. Miller returned to Darke County, Ohio, and shortly afterward was married to Jane Hartup, daughter of James Hartup, of Wayne County, Ind. After farming several years on rented property, in 1846, Mr. Miller purchased eighty acres of his present farm for $200, and located thereon in 1849 with his family, and has lived there since, with the exception of four years spent in Pierceton, Ind. With no pecuniary assistance, he started out in life, and has acquired his property by his own efforts. He owns 108 acres of land, and has had a family of twelve children, four of whom are living - James, Levi, Becca and Susan. Mr. Miller cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. Both of his sons were soldiers in the late war. Levi served three years, and James enlisted in 1864, remaining until the war closed. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the U. B. Church. During the early times, their log cabin was used for holding church services.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
WILLIAM H. PALMER, son of Samuel and Sarah Palmer, natives of New Hampshire and of English descent, was born in Franklin County, Vt. At the age of seven, he emigrated with his parents to Franklin County, Ohio, thence to Union County, same State, coming to this county in 1844, and settling on Section 4, Troy Township, where, for the third time, they began clearing a farm, and where they found a permanent home. Samuel Palmer died in 1855 and his wife in 1872. William H. began, when of age, to farm for himself, and after his father's death bought the old homestead, but sold it in March, 1878, and purchased his present farm of 107 acres. While a resident of Troy Township, Mr. Miller served as Trustee two terms, and has been twice elected Assessor in this township; also has served as Real Estate Appraiser. He is a Republican and a Master Mason. January 14, 1850, he was married to Elizabeth R. Campbell, and they are parents of one son and four daughters. Mr. Palmer is one of the most enterprising men of his township. His parents, when they came here, moved into a log house, 16x18, furnished with homemade furniture. Mrs. Palmer's parents, James S. and Jane Campbell, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Tennessee, entered land and settled in this township in 1836, and there passed the remainder of their lives.
"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Etna Township
JOSEPH WELKER, the youngest of a family of sixteen children, five of whom are living, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1821. His parents, William and Catharine Welker, were natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively. Joseph Welker came to this township in 1844, settling on his present farm. When he came, he had $25 in money, and a deed for eighty acres of land. After cutting three miles of road, he reached his farm, and built a log cabin, and for a number of years experienced the vicissitudes of pioneer life. He hauled his wheat to Fort Wayne, it then being the nearest market-place, and received 25 cents per bushel. Mr. Welker was married in January, 1844, to Miss L. Huffer, whose parents were Isaac and Julia A. Huffer, the former a native of England and the latter of Pennsylvania, and of English and German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Welker have a family of seven children - I. W., who is a minister of the U. B. Church; Julia A.; Matilda N.; J. W., a physician; L. W., a lawyer; Susie and Carrie. Mr. Welker is one of the prominent and influential men of this township; he has served nine years as Constable and seven years in the office of 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
Etna Township