SAMUEL MOSES, farmer, resides on section 23, Root Township, where he owns 100 acres of land. He came to Adams County with wife and four children, settling south of Alpha Methodist Episcopal Church, on the Seventeen-mile Creek, where he lived four years, then sold and bought forty acres on section 23, where he lived until March, 1869. The following summer he built his present frame house. The farm was partially improved; a log house had been built and about forty acres cleared. There was also an old log stable and shed. Mr. Moses was born in the township of Shade, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1825, and was seven years old when his parents removed to Carroll County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1853 he left that county and came to this county. He was married November 20, 1845, to Miss Eliza Hunter, who was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1824, and when she was quite young her parents removed to Carroll County, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood and married. Her parents were James Hunter and Jane Cochran. The father was born in Ireland, where he was reared and married, then came to America and settled in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where he lived until his removal to Carroll County, Ohio. There were ten children in the family, and all lived to maturity and were married. Five of the children are living and five deceased. Thomas died in 1864 after his return from the army, and was between sixty and seventy years old. James and Sarah are deceased. Mary is living in Decatur and is eighty-three years old. John lives in Carroll County, Ohio. Nancy died in 1885, aged seventy-seven years. Jane died in 1868 at an advanced age. William lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and George, in Ashland County, Ohio. Eliza, wife of Mr. Moses, is the youngest of the family. Mr. Moses' parents were John and Rebecca (Stoller) Moses. The father was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in October, 1800, and died May 10, 1873, in Carroll County, Ohio. He was reared in Somerset County, and was married there in 1824. In 1832 he removed to Carroll County, Ohio. The mother was born in 1799, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where she was reared and married. She died in the fall of 1868. Both parents were members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and lived in the hope of a blessed immortality. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living - Samuel; Mary A., who died in 1853, in Carroll County, Ohio; Jacob, who lives on the old homestead in Carroll County; Catherine, who died in infancy; William W., United States Express agent at Decatur, this county; Rebecca E., who was drowned in her father's cellar when quite young; John S., who died of consumption when a young man; Martha Jane, who died in 1845; H. S., a hardware merchant and secretary and treasurer of the Canton Car Company, at Canton, Ohio, and Margaret A., who lives in Hamilton County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Moses have had seven children, five of whom are living - Rebecca J., born August 20, 1846, is the wife of A. E. Ferry and lives in Portland, Indiana; Sarah died in infancy; John S., born January 27, 1851, is living at home; James C., a twin brother of the preceding; Clarissa, born May 8, 1853, died the following August; Clarinda, a twin sister of the preceding, is the wife of M. B. Knouse, and lives in Allen County, this State; Samuel E., born April 22, 1856, lives in Union Township. John S. was married September 23, 1875, to Miss Catherine L. Argo, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, December 3, 1847. Mr. Moses' grandfather, Jacob Moses, was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, and died in Somerset County, same State. His grandmother Moses also died in Somerset County. Their ancestry came from Switzerland. His maternal grandfather, Samuel Stotlar, also died in Somerset County, at the age of ninety-two years. Grandfather Stotlar's mother and a younger brother were taken prisoners at Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, by the Indians, and lived among them seven years, when they were exchanged. The brother was seven years old when taken and died one year after they were exchanged, and the great-grandmother died in 1826.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


WILLIAM E. REDING, farmer, section 17, Blue Creek Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Guernsey County, October 26, 1850, a son of Charles and Martha Reding, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. When he was but three years old his father died and his mother afterward married again, and moved to Adams County, Indiana, in 1857. He remained with his mother until sixteen years of age, when he began to depend upon his own exertions for a maintenance, and was employed as a farm hand for several years. In 1878 he purchased and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns eighty acres of good land, and is meeting with success in his chosen vocation. He is energetic and industrious, and is one of the representative young farmers of Blue Creek Township. He has held the office of school director and road supervisor, serving with satisfaction to his fellow-townsmen. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Reding was married to Mary E. Davis, a native of Ohio, daughter of William and Nancy Davis. They have had three children - Francis A., Ola B. and Dora B. The latter two are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Reding are members of the Baptist church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


JOHN CHRIST STEINER, farmer residing on section 13, Wabash Township, Adams County, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born March 12, 1845. His parents, Jacob and Rosa (Steiner) Steiner, were also native of Germany, living in that country till their death. Of their five children only two are living - John C. and an older son, Jacob, who still lives in Germany. John C., our subject, remained at home till attaining the age of twenty years, receiving a common-school education in his native country. He came to America in 1865, landing at New York, August 12. After staying a short time at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he went to Grant County, Wisconsin, where he worked as a farm laborer, remaining there until 1868. In November of that year he went to Delaware, Delaware County, Ohio, where he was variously employed, his last employment in that city being in a foundry. November 5, 1868, he was married to Miss Paulina Schrumm, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, June 15, 1842, a daughter of Gottleib and Rosa (Bauer) Schrumm, who lived in their native country, Germany, till their death. They were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Steiner came to America in 1866, and lived in Delaware County, Ohio, until after her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner are the parents of two children - Polly, born April 6, 1870 and Albert, born June 20, 1875. In January, 1882, Mr. Steiner came with his family to Adams County, Indiana and bought the farm in Wabash Township where he has since made his home, which contains eighty acres of choice land, twenty-five acres being under fine cultivation. When Mr. Steiner landed in America he had no money, and borrowed money to come West. By persevering industry, strict economy and good management he has acquired his present home, and surrounded his family with all the necessary comforts of life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Steiner are members of the Lutheran church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


JACOB P. CRIST, farmer, Washington Township, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, January 3, 1831, son of Samuel and Sarah Crist, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1845 he came to this county with his parents, who settled on section 19, Washington Township, which was then a wilderness. The father died in August, 1847, and the mother in August, 1886. Of their children six survive - Jacob P., Samuel L., Elias, Jonathan, George and Elizabeth. After the death of the father the care and support of the family devolved mainly upon our subject. He attended the early district schools, which gave him only a rudimentary education. He was married January 15, 1857, to Nancy A. Parish, born May 26, 1837, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and when fourteen years of age came with her parents to this county, where she was reared to maturity. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crist three survive - Addie M., Emma J. and Tefrona L. Mrs. Crist's parents were John and Margaret Parish, and they were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven survive - Joshua, Nancy A., Mary J., Joseph, Abner, James and Margaret. Mr. Crist owns 138 acres of good land, and is meeting with fair success. Himself and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he has served as steward in that church. Politically he is a Democrat.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


JAMES QUINCY NEPTUNE, D.D.S., Decatur, Indiana, was born in St. Mary's Township, this county, August 9, 1859, a son of James L. and Isabel (Flagg) Neptune, his father a native of Ohio, of German and Scotch ancestry, and his mother of Maryland, of English descent. Both were brought in childhood by their parents to Adams County, and were here reared. James L. Neptune has lived in Adams County fifty years with the exception of two years spent in California during the gold excitement. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving three years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Willshire, Ohio. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a good education in the common schools. January 1, 1884, he began the study of dentistry with Dr. C. C. Scott, at Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, and in the winter of 1884-‘85 attended the Ohio College of Dental Surgery at Cincinnati, and again in 1885-‘86, graduating as D. D. S., in March, 1886. In June, 1886, he located at Decatur, and has since been in the practice of his profession at that place. He was married December 7, 1886, to Miss Clara Counterman, daughter of A. M. and Anna E. (Bollenbaugher) Counterman, of Willshire, Ohio. She is a native of Mercer County, Ohio, and for seven years prior to her marriage was a prominent teacher in the public schools. Her parents are natives of Ohio, her father of German and Irish and her mother of German descent.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


A. B. BAUGHMAN, an active and enterprising business man of Blue Creek Township, engage in mercantile pursuits at Salem, is a native of Richland County, Ohio, born in Lexington, March 26, 1855. He is a son of William and Elizabeth Baughman, who were also born in the State of Ohio, and of German descent. The father has been a successful teacher for many years. Our subject was brought by his parents to Adams County, Indiana, in 1867, and after residing a short time in Decatur, the family removed to Salem, whre A. B. was reared to manhood. When a young man he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed several years. He was married in Adams County, in 1881, to Miss Rachel Porter, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, arch 29, 1853, a daughter of William and Margaret Porter. They are the parents of two children, named Lanta V. and Leroy G. In 1884 Mr. Baughman established his present mercantile business at Salem, and carrying a stock consisting of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes and notions valued at about $15,000. By his genial and accommodating manners, and strict attention to business, he has succeeded in building up a good trade, and has gained the respect of his many customers. In politics Mr. Baughman affiliates with the Democratic party.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


ELIAS CRIST, a farmer of Washington Township, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, June 22, 1836, a son of Samuel and Sarah Crist, natives of Pennsylvania, who were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living - Jacob P., Samuel L., Elias, Jonathan, George and Elizabeth. In the fall of 1845 he came to this county with his parents, who located for a short time in Kirkland Township, then removed to Washington Township, where the parents passed the remainder of their days. Elias assisted largely in the support of the family after the death of his father. He was reared to manhood in this county, and has been a lifelong farmer. His education is necessarily limited, as his advantages were poor. He had all the experience of pioneer life. He was married October 27, 1859, to Elizabeth Dunaphin, born June 25, 1840, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and daughter of David and Elizabeth Dunaphin, early settlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Crist have had six children - Samuel D., Sarah C., John F., Hattie M., Charles W. and Elmer L; the latter is deceased. Mr. Crist is a Democrat in politics, and has served as assessor and constable of Washington Township. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity at Decatur.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


THOMAS P. HOLLINGSWORTH, farmer, residing on section 13, Wabash Township, where he has forty acres of choice land, was born in Randolph County, Indiana, March 11, 1840, a son of Pierce and Martha (Massey) Hollingsworth, natives of South Carolina and North Carolina respectively. They were married in North Carolina and subsequently went to South Carolina. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the father being a minister of that denomination for nearly fifty years, or until his death. The family were of English descent. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Hollingsworth was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving from its beginning until its close. Her father, William H. Massey, and the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier during the war of 1812. He afterward accumulated a large property in Texas, where he was extensively engage in stock-raising. His death occurred about 1840. Pierce Hollingsworth, the father of our subject, immigrated with his family to Randolph County, Indiana, in 1819, and entered 160 acres of land south of Winchester, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters. Thomas P. Hollingsworth, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Randolph County, receiving his education in the common schools. He was united in marriage September 26, 1861, to Miss Sarah Odell, who died May 10, 1877, leaving six children - William, Ella, Maggie, Frank, Oran and Charles. For his second wife Mr. Hollingsworth married Miss Margaret Mann, a native of Randolph County, Indiana, born August 18, 1851, and to this union have been born six children - Wilson, James, Della, Harlan, Netta and Alice. Mrs. Hollingsworth is a member of the Disciple church. Mr. Hollingsworth was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting at the first call for 75,000 volunteers, and was assigned to Company E, Eighth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battle of Rich Mountain, West Virginia, and at the expiration of his term of service he returned after his discharge to his home in Randolph County. In 1862 he re-enlisted in Company E, Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the Western Department, Thirteenth Army Corps, under General Grant the greater part of the time. He took part in the battle at Richmond, Kentucky, where he was taken prisoner. He was paroled and returned to Camp Wayne, Indiana, where he remained until exchanged about two months later. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg, and the battle of Arkansas Post, besides other battles and skirmishes, participating in eleven hard-fought battles. At Thompson's Hill, Mississippi, he sustained injuries, dislocating his hip, and now draws a pension. While in the service he was promoted from Sergeant to Second Lieutenant of his company. After receiving his discharge he returned to Randolph County and engaged in farming. In February, 1874, he came to Adams County, and after buying two farms which he afterward sold, he bought his present farm, to which he removed in February, 1886, and has since been engaged in general farming. Mr. Hollingsworth is a member of John P. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R., and of the Odd Fellows order.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


HENRY CHRISMAN, farmer, section 25, Wabash Township, Adams County, was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, July 28, 1849, son of Adam and Catherine (Hottle) Chrisman. The father was a native of Germany, where he grew to manhood, and before coming to America was twice married, both of his wives dying in their native country. By his first marriage he had two children, and to his second marriage was born one child. On arriving in America the father settled in Virginia, where he was married to Catherine Hottle, who was a native of Virginia. They immigrated to Ohio, about 1853, and lived in Licking, Franklin and Delaware counties. In the fall of 1861 they came with their family to Adams County, Indiana, and after living in Wabash Township for a time, they removed to Jay County, where the father died a short time afterward, at the age of sixty-one years, his death taking place in 1865. The mother then returned to Wabash Township, Adams County, and purchased the farm on which the subject of this sketch now resides, where she lived till her death in 1874, at the age of fifty-three years. She was a member of the Disciple church. The father, in his religious views, was a Lutheran. By his third marriage he had a family of ten children. Henry Chrisman, whose name head this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits, his father being a farmer, and in his youth received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. He has always followed farming and now has fine farm in Wabash Township containing eighty acres of land, forty acres being under a high state of cultivation. He was united in marriage March 4, 1880, to Miss Anna Dickerson, who was born in Vinton County, Ohio, September 8, 1855, a daughter of George R. and Lucinda (Winters) Dickerson, who were born in the State of Ohio, but are now residents of Wabash Township, Adams County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman are the parents of three children - Catherine L., Minnie and Lulu. Mrs. Chrisman is a member of the Disciple church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


STEPHEN HOFFMAN, an old settler of Adams County, engaged in farming on section 26, Kirkland Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northampton, now Lehigh, County, February 14, 1810, his parents, Peter and Julia (Hoffman) Hoffman, being born in the same State, and of German descent. The father died in his native State in October, 1837, aged sixty-six years. The mother afterward removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, where she died in January, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. They had a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters. Both parents were members of the German Reformed church. The father followed the avocation of farmer through life. The grandfather of our subject, William Hoffman, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1752, and when four years of age was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania. He was married to Elizabeth Gerber, a native of Switzerland, and to them were born five sons and six daughters. The grandparents died in the State of Pennsylvania, the grandfather in 1824, and the grandmother in 1840. The former was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. They were members of the German Reformed church. Stephen Hoffman, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to the avocation of a farmer. In 1834 he went to Seneca County, Ohio, where he purchased eighty acres of land and engaged in farming for himself. September 16, 1838, he was married to Mary Daubens Peck, who was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1820, and to them were born eleven children - Reuben, William, Solomon, Paul, Lydia, Jacob, James, Leah, Noah, Lewis and Jonas. Mr. Hoffman subsequently sold his land in Seneca County and returned to Pennsylvania, and purchased his father's farm, on which he resided until 1866. In April of that year he came to Adams County, Indiana, and settled on land on section 26, Kirkland Township, entered by James Russell, on which he has since made his home, becoming a prominent man in his township. Mrs. Hoffman died June 7, 1865. She was a member of the German Reformed church, of which Mr. Hoffman is still a member. In politics Mr. Hoffman is a Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


WILLIAM R. SMITH, of the firm of Smith & Rice, Decatur, Indiana, is a native of Adams County, born in Washington Township, September 25, 1855, a son of Franklin B. and Catherine (Rawley) Smith, his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Ohio. In his youth F. B. Smith came to Adams County. From 1857 until 1868 he lived in Wabash Township, and then moved to Root Township, where he died in 1872, aged forty years. His widow afterward married J. Rugg, and still lives in Root Township. W. R. Smith was reared a farmer, and when twenty years of age started in life for himself. He followed agricultural pursuits until December, 1886, when he rented his farm and moved to Decatur, and in company with Joseph M. Rice opened a meat market, which they still operate, having built up a good trade, their aim at all times being to please customers. Mr. Smith was married October 28, 1875, to Nancy J. Rice, daughter of W. P. and Frances (Robbet) Rice. They have had four children; but three are living - Francis Pendleton, Harvey Martin and Richard Earl. A daughter, Ethel Pearl, died August 30, 1877, aged over one year. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


EDGAR S. MOSES, farmer, section 33, Union Township, was born in Root Township, Adams County, April 22, 1856, son of Samuel and Eliza (Hunter) Moses. He was reared in his native township, attended the common schools, and completed his education at Wabash College, attending there two years. Since leaving school he has worked on the farm during the summer season and taught school during the winter, and by so doing is now in possession of a very handsome farm, well stocked. His special pride is in raising fine horses. (See sketch of Samuel Moses.) He was married April 8, 1880, to Miss Maggie Dailey, who was born in St. Mary's Township, Adams County, July 22, 1858. She was reared at her birth-place, and completed her education at the Northern Indiana Normal School, situated at Valparaiso. She followed teaching both before and after marriage. Her parents were James and Mary (Johnson) Dailey. Her father was born in Maryland, and when six years old went with his parents to Athens County, Ohio, where he was reared, and came to Adams County, Indiana, a year or two before marriage, which occurred October 14, 1841. Mrs. Dailey was formerly Miss Mary Johnson. She was born in Hardin County, Ohio, September 22, 1822, and April 26, 1837, removed to Van Wert County, Ohio, where she lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Dailey came to St. Mary's Township immediately after their marriage, where Mr. Dailey had entered eighty acres of land from the Government. Their outfit for housekeeping consisted of one bed, an ax, a mattock and one skillet. They also had a cook-stove, which was a great rarity for a pioneer. Thus they commenced life in this primitive way, but before the husband died they were the possessors of 600 acres of land, and had erected good buildings. The father died in 1864, leaving a wife and twelve children. The mother died December 6, 1885, upon the old farm where she and her husband had commenced their married life together. She was a member of the Baptist church, having united with that church when forty years of age. At the time of her death there were ten of their children living. Since that time one more has joined her in the "beautiful beyond." Their children were - Nimrod, who died two months after, aged forty-three years; Mary, wife of B. Jones; Davis, Joseph, Rebecca, who died after reaching young womanhood; Amy, wife of John Cowan; Emily, wife of James C. Moses; Maggie, wife of our subject; Samanthan, living at home; Almina, who died soon after her father; James T. and E. W., twins. Mr. and Mrs. Moses have one child - Eliza Gertrude, born June 6, 1882. The grandfather of Mrs. Moses, James Dailey was born in Cork, Ireland, and died in Athens County, Ohio. Her grandmother, Mary (Majors) Dailey, was probably born in Maryland, and died in Athens County, Ohio, at the age of ninety-two years. Their children were - Nimrod, Eliza, Julia, Matilda, Mary, Robert, Esais, James and William. Her maternal grandfather, Joseph Johnson, was born in Virginia May 23, 1776, and died in Van Wert County, Ohio. Her grandmother, Mary (Davis) Johnson, was born January 3, 1783, also died in Van Wert County. They were married April 13 1806. Their children were - Benjamin, Anne (Johnson) Wager, Rebecca (Johnson) Foster, Able, Davis, Amy (Johnson) Baxter, died in Colorado; Catherine, who died in young womanhood; Mary (Johnson) Dailey, Joseph and Benjamin.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


SAMUEL SMITH, farmer and cattle dealer, residing on section 3, Wabash Township, is a native of Greene County, Pennsylvania, born September 17, 1843, a son of Morgan Smith. When four years of age he was brought by his parents to Adams County, where he grew to manhood on his father's farm, assisting his father with the work of the farm until his death. He received a fair common-school education, and subsequently taught school for two terms. He is now engaged in general farming, and for the past several years has been buying and shipping stock. His farm consists of 150 acres ,and its entire surroundings prove the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. Mr. Smith was first married March 17, 1864, to Mary A. Abnet, who was born in Ohio, July 22, 1846, and came with her parents to Adams County, Indiana, before her marriage. Of the four children born to this union tow are living, named Laura and Ida. Mrs. Smith died February 14, 1871, and August 7, 1873, Mr. Smith married Mary L. McClain, born in Licking County, Ohio, July 18, 1851. She died March 5, 1875, leaving one child - Lillian S. Mr. Smith was again married, January 18, 1877, to Caroline L. McClain, who was also born in Licking County, Ohio, December 6, 1854, and to them were born four children, three of whom are living - Clement N., Carl McClain and Floyd S. Mrs. Smith died February 18, 1887. In politics Mrs. Smith affiliates with the Democratic party. He takes an active interest in the public affairs of his township, and has served four years as justice of the peace.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


Deb Murray